1. China has warned the U.S. that it will pay a "heavy price" for its attempts to show support to Taiwan’s independence, as a delegation of ex-American defence officials landed in Taipei, amid apprehensions that Beijing may attempt action against the self-ruled island, similar to Russia’s military assault in Ukraine.
2. India's GDP growth has slowed down to 5.4% during the 3rd quarter of 21-22 compared to 8.4% in the previous quarter. It is now estimated that India's GDP will grow by 8.9% in 21-22, instead of predicted 9.2%.
3. Russia has carried out nuclear submarine drills at Barents Sea, days after President Vladimir Putin ordered his country's nuclear forces to be put on high alert amid invasion of Ukraine.
4. The discussions on the sale of 30 Predator armed drones by the US to India, the first to a non-NATO ally, at an estimated cost of USD 3 billion are at an advanced stage.
5. A total of 148 aircrafts of the IAF will demonstrate their capabilities at Ex. Vayu - Shakti, that will take place at Pokhran ranges in Jaisalmer, on Mar 7. The Rafale aircraft will participate in this exercise for the first time & PM Modi will be the chief guest.
6. Indian Navy's Kilo & Kalavari class submarines are set to get Next-Generation Lithium-ion batteries very soon. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter than lead-acid batteries & also generate less heat due to which underwater endurance of the submarines will be three-time more than the existing 48-72 hrs.
7. Kavach, the indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, will soon be deployed across the entire rail network beginning with 2000km in the 22-23 fiscal & will be rolled out in 4000 to 5000 km every subsequent year.
8. According to JPMorgan & Chase's economists, the Russian economy is set for a deep recession following sanctions by Western countries. They expect Russia's GDP to contract 7% this year, as compared to a 5.3% contraction in the 1998 debt crisis.
9. All rounder Ravindra Jadeja has broken the record for registering the highest Test score by an Indian batting at number seven in the ongoing Ind-Sri series. He scored 175* runs breaking the previous record of 163 runs set by Kapil Dev in 1986.