Daily Briefing
Thursday, October 15
25 stories · about 4 min read · Updated Oct 15, 10:35 AM CT
Top stories
- 1Ukraine resumes attacks on Russian oil refineries as relations with Trump sour
Ukrainian drones attacked a refinery in Russia's Ryazan region after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that a brief truce was over amid deepening tensions.
- 2Roof collapse at Pakistan school kills 31
The roof of a school in northwestern Pakistan collapsed, killing at least 31 people including dozens of students and a teacher, and injuring many more.
Why it matters: Major regional disaster with heavy casualties.
- 3Trump may decide on 100% tariffs on India over Russian oil soon: Sergio Gor
Sergio Gor stated that Trump may soon decide on imposing 100 percent tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil.
- 4Trump weighs ‘mother of all bombs’ strike on Iran’s nuclear and energy sites: What is it?
The proposed targets include energy infrastructure and nuclear sites such as Pickaxe Mountain, where the US and Israel believe Iran has stored components of its nuclear programme.
- 5Man charged in alleged plot targeting Hindu place of worship in Illinois
A 19-year-old man in Illinois has been charged following an investigation into an alleged mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu place of worship.
United States
- Appeals court questions Trump's National Guard deployment in D.C.
A three-judge appeals court panel interrogated whether thousands of National Guard troops deployed by the president could continue patrolling Washington indefinitely.
- Migrant children without lawyers face fast-tracked deportations alone
A contract dispute has forced many unaccompanied minor migrants arriving at the southern border to face immigration judges without legal representation.
- AP report: Rep. Ilhan Omar's phone seized and relatives subpoenaed in criminal probe
Federal authorities seized Representative Ilhan Omar's phone and subpoenaed relatives as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
- Three men accused by Nancy Mace in House speech are charged with sex crimes
The former fiancé of Representative Nancy Mace and two business associates were charged with sex crimes and voyeurism related to a 2018 incident.
- Democratic Senators Move to Block U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal
The move will force a vote on the agreement after the midterm elections, though it faces steep odds in the Republican-controlled Congress even amid bipartisan concern about the deal.
- US lawmakers unveil bill to hold Wall Street’s ‘Epstein-connected’ bosses to account
Move comes as Senator Elizabeth Warren condemns Barclays response to questions over ex-boss’s ties to sex offender US lawmakers have unveiled a new bill to hold Wall Street’s “Epstein-connected” bosses to account for helping finance the late sex offender’s crimes. It came as…
India
- Supreme Court raps Rahul Gandhi over protest march against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
The Supreme Court criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a hearing regarding protests and alleged irregularities in voter rolls.
- Actor Imran Khan to challenge 'Leave India' order in Bombay High Court
Actor and OCI cardholder Imran Khan is challenging a Mumbai Police directive ordering him to leave India following protests.
- Hindu converts to Islam can't claim Muslim backward quota, rules Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that a person's pre-conversion social status does not automatically entitle them to affirmative action quotas after converting.
- US secretary of state Marco Rubio to visit India next week
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected in Mumbai for discussions covering energy cooperation, regional issues, and commercial investment.
- First tranche of India-US trade deal finalised, legal drafting under process, says Piyush Goyal
Piyush Goyal also said FTA between India and the European Union will be inked in December and would come into force from February or March next year.
- Amit Shah vows to clear every trace of Naxalism after decades of tribal suffering
Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the ongoing efforts and importance of eradicating Naxalism to restore growth in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region.
World
- China and North Korea open new border bridge amid deepening ties
The New Yalu River Bridge connecting Dandong and Sinuiju was opened to enhance regional trade and collaboration.
- Strait of Hormuz unsafe for ships as Iranian attacks surge
Maritime risk firms and reports warn that commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz face indiscriminate attacks and missile strikes.
- Houthi strikes on Saudi capital intensify after airport attack
Houthi rebels launched new attacks on Riyadh and targeted a palace in Yemen as fighting and missile exchanges escalated.
- Brazil's Congress approves shorter working week in win for Lula
Lula's supporters hope the measure will boost his popularity ahead of a presidential run-off in 10 days.
Business & Tech
- Tech stocks plunge as doubts over A.I. spending and inflation intensify
Global stock markets and chip makers experienced a sharp sell-off as investors rotated into defensive assets amid rising inflation and tech sector concerns.
- Government approves Fairfax subsidiary as strategic buyer for IDBI Bank stake
The government approved a Fairfax subsidiary as the strategic buyer for the proposed sale of a 60.72 percent stake in IDBI Bank.
- IIT Kanpur launches $1-billion fundraising campaign with ₹4,155 crore secured
IIT Kanpur launched its Greater Than Us campaign seeking $1 billion by March 2029 to fund research facilities and student support.
- Stellantis to invest ₹4,000 cr, plan 12 India launches, triple market share by 2030
Automaker Stellantis announced a major investment plan for India alongside multiple new vehicle launches and export targets.