Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi met farmer leaders in Parliament to discuss the India-US trade deal. He said the agreement harms farmers and called Prime Minister Narendra Modi “surrender” Modi.   Farmer groups raised concerns over soyabean, cotton, fruits and corn. They said foreign imports could hurt local farmers.   Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal rejected the claims. He called the meeting “stage-managed” and accused Congress of spreading a fake narrative.   The BJP and Congress continue to clash over the impact of the trade deal on agriculture.

1 person died and 4 were injured after part of an under-construction metro pillar collapsed in Mulund, Mumbai, on Saturday. The incident happened around 12:15 pm on LBS Road near the Johnson and Johnson factory.   The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority said a parapet segment fell from a height and hit a passing auto-rickshaw.   The injured were taken to a nearby hospital. Their condition is being monitored.   Officials and disaster teams reached the spot. Authorities are securing the area and investigating the cause of the collapse.

The Cabinet, led by Narendra Modi, has approved three railway projects worth ₹18,509 crore. The projects will add third and fourth lines on key routes in Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka.   The plan will expand the Indian Railways network by about 389 km. It will improve train speed and reduce congestion. Around 3,902 villages will benefit.   The new lines will help move coal, steel, cement and food grains faster. The government said the projects will cut oil use and reduce carbon emissions. Work will follow the PM Gati Shakti plan. (PC: PTI)

India’s aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has fined Air India Rs 1 crore for flying an Airbus A320 eight times without a valid airworthiness permit.   The aircraft operated flights on November 24 and 25 to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. It did not have the mandatory Airworthiness Review Certificate.   The DGCA said the lapse “eroded public confidence” and affected safety compliance. The fine must be paid within 30 days. The order also held the airline’s accountable manager and the pilots responsible for not following standard procedures.

The acting mayor of Hebron, Asma al-Sharabati, said Palestinians are “not protected” after Israel expanded its control in the occupied West Bank.   Israel’s security cabinet approved new rules that increase its authority over planning and services in Palestinian-run areas. The changes also affect the Cave of the Patriarchs, a major religious site.   Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich said the move strengthens Israel’s roots in the land.   Palestinian leaders say the decision weakens past peace agreements. The UK government said it “strongly condemns” the decision and expects it to be reversed. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, has been missing in California since February 9. He is a master’s student at University of California, Berkeley. He was last seen near the campus.   His backpack with his passport and laptop was later found near Tilden Regional Park. Police have launched a citywide search. Teams are checking Lake Anza and nearby hills.   The Indian Consulate in San Francisco said it is in touch with the family and authorities. Community volunteers are also helping in the search efforts.

A bomb threat was reported on an IndiGo flight at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Saturday. Flight 6E3074 was set to fly from Kolkata to Shillong at 9:15 AM. During boarding, crew found a note in the aircraft toilet claiming a bomb was inside.   Passengers were immediately deboarded. The aircraft was moved to an isolation bay. Security agencies began checks.   An IndiGo spokesperson said authorities were informed as per rules. The airline said safety is its top priority. Further details are awaited as investigations continue. (PC: ANI)

US President Donald Trump said America will send a second aircraft carrier to West Asia. He warned Iran that more force will be used if nuclear talks fail. “If we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it,” Trump said.   The US is moving the USS Gerald R. Ford to join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region.   Trump said the move will strengthen America’s position in talks. Tensions remain high in the Middle East. Recent sea incidents have raised concerns. Gulf nations have warned that any military action could spark a wider conflict. (PC: AP)

The FBI said Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was a “target of transnational repression” after Indian national Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty in a murder-for-hire case. Gupta admitted in a New York court that he paid $15,000 to a man he believed was a hitman to kill Pannun in 2023. The FBI said, “He thought he could kill someone without consequence.” US officials said the plot was stopped by law enforcement. Gupta was extradited from the Czech Republic. He may face up to 24 years in prison. The Indian government has denied any role in the case.

Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan, former spinner Harbhajan Singh advised India to play carefully against Pakistan’s spinner Usman Tariq. He said India is a strong team but must handle Tariq safely.   Tariq has taken 11 wickets in four T20 matches. His bowling action has also sparked debate.   Former wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia said India looks confident and fearless. He added that Pakistan will feel pressure.   Mongia also expects a strong performance from all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has a good record against Pakistan. (PC: AFP)