Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the India-US trade framework. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump announced a 10% global tariff following a Supreme Court setback. In a post on X, Gandhi wrote, “The PM is compromised. His betrayal now stands exposed. He can’t renegotiate. He will surrender again.” Gandhi has repeatedly questioned the interim trade deal. During the Budget session, he accused the government of “full surrender” to the US. He also raised concerns over tariffs, data sharing and energy imports. The Centre has not responded to his latest remarks. (PC: The Indian Express)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin addressed the state Assembly, expressing strong confidence that his Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) will return to power in the upcoming Assembly elections expected within two months. Stalin said he aims to launch development initiatives with renewed vigour and promised a “Dravidian Model 2.0” government that would surpass past achievements once re-elected. He thanked the people for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to governance with greater speed and dedication. The confidence follows political developments including Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) joining the DMK-led alliance ahead of the polls. (PC: NDTV)

A second round of indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran began in Geneva on Tuesday, with Oman acting as mediator. The discussions focus on Iran’s nuclear programme and possible relief from US economic sanctions. President Donald Trump said he believes Iran wants a deal and warned of consequences if talks fail. “I hope they’re going to be more reasonable,” he told reporters. Iran’s foreign ministry said the US position has become “more realistic”. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he wants a fair agreement but added that “submission before threats” is not acceptable. The talks come as both sides increase military presence in the region. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court of India on Monday refused to hear pleas seeking action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a viral video that allegedly shows him firing a rifle at images of people from a community. The bench asked petitioners to approach the Gauhati High Court instead. Judges said, “Why haven't you gone to the Gauhati High Court? Don’t undermine its authority.” The court called it a “disturbing trend” that such matters come directly to it before elections. It also asked the Gauhati High Court chief justice to speed up the case. The BJP earlier deleted the video post after criticism. (PC: HT)

Congress leader Pawan Khera challenged PM Modi to visit violence-hit Manipur while he's in neighboring Assam, even booking a Guwahati-Imphal flight ticket for him. Khera urged Modi not to abandon Manipur, which has been experiencing unrest since 2023, with fresh violence erupting recently. On February 6, protests against new Deputy Chief Ministers turned violent in Churachandpur. On February 10, armed men set fire to abandoned houses in Ukhrul district following alleged assault of a Tangkhul Naga community member, prompting internet suspension for five days. At least 21 houses were burned, and hundreds of villagers from Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities fled their homes seeking shelter in safer locations.

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.

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran dismissed actor‑turned‑politician Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) after Vijay claimed TVK would win a majority in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and form the next government. Nagendran called Vijay “completely inexperienced” and said he should engage more with grassroots politics, predicting TVK would fail to win any seats. TVK previously cited an internal survey showing it close behind the ruling DMK in vote share, while Vijay insisted his party would not join alliances with either the INDIA bloc or the BJP‑led NDA. (PC: India Today)

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Tarique Rahman is leading in early vote counting in his Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency and is viewed as the main contender for prime minister. Partial results from 27 of 150 centres show Rahman with 38,428 votes. His closest rival, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Abidur Rahman, has 17,428 votes, according to local reports. Reuters said that by late evening, BNP was ahead in 50 seats and Jamaat in 18. Bangladesh’s parliament has 300 seats, and 151 are needed for a majority. Voting ended earlier in the day in the first national election since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from office. (PC: HT)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised Rahul Gandhi over his “Bharat Mata sold” remark in Lok Sabha. She said Prime Minister Narendra Modi always acts in India’s interest. She accused the previous Congress government of “selling farmers” and surrendering before the WTO.   Sitharaman rejected Gandhi’s claims on data and artificial intelligence. She said India is promoting data centres so data stays in the country. She added that the India AI Mission has been given ₹1,000 crore for 2026-27.   Gandhi had alleged that the trade deal with the US weakens India’s control over data and harms national interest.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the government over the India-US trade deal during the Budget debate in Lok Sabha. He called the deal a “sell-out” and a “surrender.” Gandhi said India should negotiate with the US as an equal. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of weakening India’s sovereignty.   He raised concerns over tariffs, digital trade rules and data control. Gandhi said farmers and textile workers would suffer. He also claimed energy security was at risk. The BJP rejected his charges. The speech marked a fresh attempt by Congress to set a new political narrative.