Rahul Gandhi in the news as India debates women's quota, parliament’s standoff, and Congress leadership chatter. Indian politician, INC leader.
On February 6-7, 2026, the US and India announced a trade framework reducing US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, contingent on India halting Russian oil imports. India agreed to lower tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products and commit to $500 billion in US purchases over five years. The deal faces domestic opposition in India, especially from farmers and unions concerned about agricultural exposure.
The Iranian navy logistics ship IRIS Dena sank outside Sri Lanka’s coast after an attack, with 32 rescued and over 100 missing. The cause remains unclear amid regional tensions and recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran. Sri Lanka is managing the rescue and vessel control under neutrality.
On March 4, 2026, a US submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka's southern coast, killing 87 sailors and rescuing 32. The warship had just completed naval exercises hosted by India. Sri Lanka is hosting survivors and the crew of a second Iranian vessel, IRIS Booshehr, amid ongoing US-Israeli military operations against Iran that have disrupted global markets and regional stability.
India's parliament has rejected a bill that would increase female representation and expand the size of the lower house from 543 to about 850 seats. The bill was linked to a contentious delimitation process based on the 2011 census, sparking protests and accusations of political manipulation. The bill required a two-thirds majority and was defeated with 298 votes in favor and 230 against.