Evening news wrap
- PM Modi told NDA MPs the India–US trade deal is a “big decision” benefiting the country.
- Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of being “compromised” and signing the US trade deal under pressure.
- Russia launched a massive winter assault on Ukraine, firing over 70 missiles and 450 drones at energy infrastructure.
- Eight opposition MPs were suspended from the Lok Sabha after papers were torn and thrown at the Chair.
- Pakistan said its forces are “physically handicapped” by Balochistan’s vast terrain.
Here are the top 5 news of the day:
PM Modi calls India–US trade deal a “big decision” for national benefit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the BJP-led NDA parliamentary party that the newly announced India–US trade deal is a “big decision” that will benefit all sectors of the country. Union minister Kiren Rijiju said PM Modi credited NDA’s electoral success to “people-friendly policies”. The agreement will cut reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18%. Read full story
Rahul Gandhi says PM Modi ‘compromised’ over India–US trade deal
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being “compromised” and yielding to “immense pressure” while signing the India–US trade deal. Speaking outside Parliament, the Congress leader claimed the agreement, stalled for months, was suddenly finalised under pressure linked to US cases involving Adani and unreleased Epstein files. Read full story
Russia launches massive missile, drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid
Russia renewed large-scale attacks on Ukraine, firing over 70 missiles and around 450 drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The strikes targeted energy infrastructure across Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, Odesa and other regions, leaving more than 1,000 buildings without heating amid freezing temperatures. Read full story
Opposition MPs suspended after papers thrown at presiding Lok Sabha chair
Eight opposition MPs were suspended for the remainder of the Budget session after uproar in the Lok Sabha, during proceedings chaired by TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti. Tenneti said some members addressed the Chair as “yaar” and later charged towards him, tearing and throwing papers. Read full story
Pakistan defence minister flags Balochistan challenge amid surge in militant violence
Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif said security forces are “physically handicapped” by the vast size of Balochistan as authorities reported killing 177 insurgents in sweeping counter-terror operations. Speaking in Parliament, Asif said coordinated militant attacks across the province killed 33 civilians and 17 security personnel. Read full story