What are the 10 biggest news stories from today?

Here are 10 of the biggest news stories making headlines around October 17–18, 2026:

1. France rocked by massive nationwide protests over cost of living
Hundreds of thousands took to the streets across France over the weekend. Tens of thousands of protesters, mostly young people, rallied at the heart of the French capital in the latest act of a movement that has been building for more than a month. Cars were set on fire and shops were looted in Paris as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent protesters who joined nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs and in support of high school students' grievances. Protesters responded to calls on social media to revive the "yellow vest" movement, which emerged in 2018 against social injustice. Violence also broke out beyond Paris, as unrest hit Lyon, Marseille and other cities.

2. Oil supertanker explodes after hitting mine in Strait of Hormuz
A super tanker caught fire after striking a sea mine in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said, with a tanker carrying more than two million barrels of oil striking a mine while "attempting to pass through an unauthorised route," causing a "massive explosion" and a "fierce fire." The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial gas and oil transit chokepoint that has been at the heart of tensions between Washington and Tehran since the Iran war broke out in late February, with Iran effectively cutting off the passage, which usually carries around 25% of the world's seaborne oil trade, following US and Israeli strikes on the country.

3. Russian missile strikes spark huge fires at Ukrainian factories
Russian strikes ignited massive fires at businesses in Odesa and Zaporizhzhia as President Zelensky met European leaders for talks.

4. Trump signs executive order waiving new Russia sanctions
President Trump moved to waive newly imposed sanctions on Russia, a notable shift reported as part of ongoing diplomatic maneuvering, while also addressing trade relief measures that reportedly spared India from a looming 100% tariff threat.

5. Pope Leo XIV released from hospital after lung operation
The Pope left the hospital following surgery, a development that drew significant global attention given his health status.

6. North Korea tests new AI-powered torpedo system
North Korea announced it tested new AI-powered torpedo system, adding to regional security concerns.

7. India's Supreme Court rules internet access a fundamental right for children
India's Supreme Court said children have a fundamental right to access and use the internet, a landmark ruling with broad implications for child welfare and digital policy.

8. India and United States announce 10-year defense framework
India and the United States announced a ten-year defence framework, alongside India's Defence Ministry signing contracts worth ₹4,106 crore for GSAT-7C satellite and Varunastra torpedoes.

9. Uzbekistan signs major energy deals, plans new nuclear plants
Uzbekistan signed $4.7bn energy deals and plans two more nuclear plants, signaling a significant expansion of its energy sector.

10. IMF and World Bank annual meetings continue amid global economic talks
Top financial officials, including IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva and US Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh, met during the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Thailand, with discussions centering on global economic stability amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Note: These stories reflect the latest available reporting, with most dated October 17–18, 2026. News is developing rapidly, especially around the France protests and the Strait of Hormuz incident, so details may continue to evolve.