Daily Briefing
Saturday, October 17
25 stories · about 4 min read · Updated Oct 17, 9:13 AM CT
Top stories
- 1Donald Trump waives sanctions on Russian oil purchases easing pressure on India
President Donald Trump waived sanctions and tariffs on major Russian oil buyers to lower prices, providing temporary relief for India as crude trades above 100 dollars.
Why it matters: It lowers energy import costs and inflation pressures for India amid bilateral trade talks.
- 2More US universities to face J-1 visa probes
More US universities could come under investigation for potential J-1 visa fraud, US Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito said. He also said that subpoenas had been served and investigations were already underway.“Nine universities under investigation for…
- 3Four killed in shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Oregon
Police identified 16-year-old Griffin J. John II as the shooter who killed three children and a teacher in Bend, Oregon, before an armed parent fatally shot him.
Why it matters: A deadly school shooting intensifies nationwide concerns over campus safety and gun violence.
- 4Supreme Court rules internet access is a fundamental right for children
The Supreme Court ruled that children have a fundamental right to access and use the internet, rejecting a blanket ban and affirming safety and freedom can coexist.
Why it matters: Establishes a major constitutional precedent protecting digital access and child rights in India.
- 5Tanker ablaze in Strait of Hormuz amid record high maritime attacks
An Iranian supertanker carrying over two million barrels of crude oil caught fire after striking a naval mine amid a record wave of vessel attacks in the strait.
Why it matters: Threatens crucial Middle East shipping corridors and risks further spikes in global energy costs.
United States
- White House press secretary Katie Zacharia departs after five days
Katie Zacharia became the shortest-serving White House press secretary after leaving her role five days into the job following criticism over her performance and qualifications.
- Wildfires in Orange County trigger evacuations amid strong California winds
Fast-moving wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds burned coastal homes in Orange County, prompting authorities to order thousands of residents to evacuate.
- CDC deploys disease detective to counter Pennsylvania measles outbreak
The CDC is sending a disease detective to Pennsylvania after six measles-related deaths occurred in a county that lacks its own local health department.
- Donald Trump denies involvement in Ukraine Starshield restrictions
President Donald Trump denied that he or Elon Musk were behind restrictions on SpaceX's military-grade Starshield service in Ukraine that impeded military operations.
- Defense Secretary Hegseth targeted by Democrats over war and prices
Democratic campaign advertisements have singled out Defense Secretary Hegseth for his political commentary and defense of an unpopular war amid voter concern over high prices.
- Judge dismisses child sex abuse charges against actor Timothy Busfield
A judge threw out child sex abuse charges against actor Timothy Busfield after determining that the prosecutor failed to act fairly and impartially.
India
- FSSAI proposes ban on added sugars in infant nutrition products
The FSSAI issued a draft amendment proposing a ban on added sucrose and fructose in nutrition products for infants up to six months old.
- Abhijeet Dipke released on peace bond following New Delhi protests
Delhi Police released CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke after he signed a court-ordered peace bond following his detention ahead of a planned march in Connaught Place.
- Veteran BJP leader LK Advani hospitalised in Delhi with chest infection
Ninety-eight-year-old BJP leader LK Advani was admitted to Apollo hospital in Delhi on Friday with a chest infection and is in stable condition.
- CMRL payoffs case: ED summons Pinarayi Vijayan to appear for questioning on Oct 23
Former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been summoned to the ED’s zonal unit office in Kochi on October 23
- Air India extends Saudi Arabia flight suspension amid Houthi strikes
Air India and Air India Express extended the suspension of flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam until October 24 due to security concerns from regional Houthi strikes.
- Veteran Tamil music composer Deva passes away in Chennai
Veteran Tamil music composer Deva passed away on October 17 in Chennai due to sudden health issues, prompting condolences and state honours from Chief Minister Vijay.
World
- Pope Leo discharged from hospital after lung cancer surgery
Pope Leo was discharged from the hospital four days after undergoing surgery to remove a portion of his right lung and receiving a lung cancer diagnosis.
- Protesters clash with police across France over rising living costs
Thousands of demonstrators clashed with police in Paris and other French cities as students and unions protested against high prices, inequality, and living costs.
- School roof collapse in northwest Pakistan leaves 33 dead
A roof collapse at a school in northwest Pakistan killed 32 children and a teacher, leading regional authorities to launch safety inspections.
- Three men sentenced to 158 years for murdering surfers in Mexico
A court in Mexico sentenced three men to 158 years in prison each for murdering Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and American Carter Rhoad.
Business & Tech
- HDFC Bank second quarter profit rises as deputy MD steps down
India's HDFC Bank posted a 4.7 percent increase in second-quarter profit as deputy managing director Bharucha announced plans to step down.
- Funding costs and power shortages raise risks for AI infrastructure expansion
Reports from Jefferies and Morgan Stanley warn that rising borrowing costs and constraints on electricity and data-centre capacity pose increasing risks to global artificial intelligence expansion.
- FIR filed against Reliance, Blinkit, and Zomato staff over expired food
Authorities filed an FIR against employees of Reliance, Blinkit, and Zomato after seizing expired food valued at 48 lakh rupees from delivery facilities in Delhi.
- Websites move to block autonomous AI agents from scraping content
Major websites are blocking autonomous artificial intelligence agents built by companies including OpenAI, Meta, and Google that browse online platforms on behalf of users.