Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “true hero” following the dramatic cockpit attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073. Machchhar was stabbed during a confrontation with his co-pilot but resisted, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to intervene, according to the report. His actions were credited with helping prevent a major mid-air disaster. The aircraft, carrying more than 170 people, was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk. Netanyahu’s praise came after the incident in which the Indian pilot faced the cockpit attack but helped create an opportunity for others aboard the aircraft to intervene and assist during the emergency.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” Iran played a part in the suspicious incident at RAF Fairford, a UK airbase operated by the US military and used during the ongoing war in Iran. The incident triggered a major bomb scare and led to five British nationals being arrested on terror charges. Burnham said the investigation remained ongoing, complex and serious, with British officials working closely with US counterparts. Iran has denied involvement. Three white vans were discovered near the airbase on Sunday, leading to the arrests of five London-based British men in their mid-20s. They were released on bail Monday, a decision criticised by US President Donald Trump, who said he would not have released them.

Unanswered question surrounding Flydubai flight FZ1073 is how a knife allegedly used by the co-pilot entered the cockpit. Boeing 737 MAX 8 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people aboard when pilot allegedly stabbed the other, causing injuries. Cabin crew, passengers and off-duty pilots forced open the cockpit door, restrained the attacker and helped stabilise the aircraft before it diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials described the episode as an attempted terror attack, while Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the suspect intended to crash the aircraft. Flydubai and authorities confirmed the emergency but have not explained weapon’s origin or screening path. Investigators are examining security breaches.

US President Donald Trump refused to rule out renewed strikes on Iran before November’s midterm elections, saying such action was possible. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was fully prepared for renewed hostilities but remained open to diplomatic talks. Trump later said developments involving Iran would emerge “very soon” and described the US campaign as a “total military victory,” claiming Iran had been “virtually destroyed” and that Washington had “almost total control” of the Strait of Hormuz. He cited US and Iranian losses without providing further details. Meanwhile, Britain’s prime minister said there were “strong indications” Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident, while Israeli artillery struck Al-Khiam in southern Lebanon.

An Indian-origin captain of flydubai flight FZ1073 reportedly fought off his co-pilot during an apparent attempted hijacking on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, preventing the plane from crashing and potentially saving more than 180 people. According to Israel’s YNet News and Channel 12, the captain was stabbed during the confrontation but fought back as the co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft. The flight was ultimately landed by off-duty pilots travelling among the passengers. Initial reports identified the captain as an Indian individual and said most passengers were Israelis. Israeli officials reportedly described the incident as an attempted “Second 9/11” terror attack. The article does not provide further details about the co-pilot or motive.

India captain Shubman Gill made history on Wednesday by scoring an ODI double century in just 117 balls against the West Indies in Guwahati. He became the fastest batter to reach 200 in the format, breaking Ishan Kishan’s record of 126 balls against Bangladesh in 2022. The West Indies posted 405/7, powered by centuries from John Campbell (101), Shai Hope (104) and Amir Jangoo (114). India won by eight wickets, reaching 406/2 in 43.3 overs. Kuldeep Yadav took two wickets to cross 200 ODI wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja also claimed two. (PC: NDTV)

The RSS has called for a nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying identifying citizens is necessary to address what it describes as “population imbalance” and protect India’s unity, integrity and security. RSS publicity in-charge Sunil Ambekar said the NRC should identify people “wrongly included” in electoral rolls and help ensure citizenship for eligible people covered by the Citizenship Amendment Act. He linked demographic change to national security and cultural identity, and criticised successive governments for lacking a population policy. The RSS has long supported a nationwide NRC, but the issue had receded after protests over the CAA and proposed NRC. There is currently no government notification announcing a nationwide NRC.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump reviewed cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and key areas in a call on Wednesday. Modi called the discussion “productive,” saying both leaders agreed to maintain close engagement to advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The call came amid heightened trade friction following enactment of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which authorises tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries buying Russian oil and gas, including India and China. Modi and Trump discussed regional developments, peace and security. India has flagged concerns over the sanctions legislation, while remaining a buyer of Russian oil.

Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot who was injured during a mid-air altercation on a Flydubai flight, has over a decade of experience flying commercial aircraft. Machchhar was the captain of flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. According to reports, Machchhar was attacked by his Omani co-pilot during the flight. Both pilots were taken to hospital after landing. Machchhar joined Flydubai in June 2022 after spending around 11 years working with Indian airline SpiceJet.

India face a busy day at the Asian Games on October 1, with two matches against Pakistan taking centre stage. The Indian men’s volleyball team will meet Pakistan in the quarterfinal, while the hockey team will face them in the semifinal. India’s men’s cricket team will take on Sri Lanka in a semifinal, with a place in the final at stake. Indian athletes will also compete in medal events across wrestling, shooting, archery, squash, rugby, cycling and sport climbing. Anish will contest the 25m rapid-fire pistol final, while India’s squash teams will aim to progress further. (PC: India Today)