British counter-terrorism police arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London as part of an investigation into a security incident near RAF Fairford, a military air base in western England used by the US for operations against Iran. A second British man, aged 26, was also questioned under caution, while detectives searched two properties. The arrest follows the detention of five British men in their 20s near the Gloucestershire base on Sunday over suspected terrorism and explosives-related offences. They were later released without charge on police bail. Investigators are examining whether a foreign state was involved, while British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the incident could have an Iranian link. The investigation remains ongoing. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said he would decide “very soon” whether to “blow up” Iran or pursue a deal, as Tehran confirmed receiving Washington’s formal response to an Iranian proposal to end the seven-month war. Trump said the choice was between attacking Iran and making a deal, while Iran’s proposal offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week and resume nuclear negotiations. Tehran sought an end to the US naval blockade, sanctions relief on Iranian oil sales, release of frozen assets and a ceasefire across all fronts. Trump had rejected the proposal publicly, saying Iran was “losing so badly.” Qatar and Pakistan have continued mediation efforts, but Washington and Tehran have yet to reach an agreement.

The US administration has urged Germany and France to release emergency diesel reserves amid concerns over tight global fuel supplies and elevated prices. According to a Reuters report cited by Times Now, Washington warned the two countries could face a potential ban on US diesel exports if they do not increase fuel availability. The move comes as the Trump administration explores measures to lower domestic fuel prices ahead of November’s midterm elections. Washington is seeking additional refined-product supplies as disruptions to traditional sources have tightened diesel availability. The issue was expected to be discussed by European governments on Thursday. The European Commission, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain were holding a call on whether emergency diesel stocks should be released. (PC: X)

A Flydubai pilot described the co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar as a “religious extremist,” alleging that he displayed extreme religious behaviour, prayed excessively and refused to shake hands with women. The co-pilot reportedly joined Flydubai eight months ago and was an Omani national. Israel has called the incident a terror attack, while the UAE and Flydubai have so far avoided that characterization. The UAE said it would investigate whether terrorism motivated the attack, while Flydubai cancelled flights to Israel pending its investigation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot underwent “Islamist radical indoctrination” and that possible links to Iran could be determined within days. The co-pilot remains under arrest, with his motive unknown. (PC: X)

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha denied requesting the removal or sidelining of female employees during its September 5 visit to the Eiffel Tower. An investigation by the General Inspectorate of the City of Paris found “a collective dysfunction” and, according to Le Parisien, no explicit request from the Hindu religious delegation to exclude women from the entire procession. Investigators found no written document or email from BAPS requesting women staff be removed. The report said decisions were made “between consenting adults,” while a Parisian elected official said the instruction was distorted through word of mouth. The incident triggered a staff walkout, public outrage and Eiffel Tower closure. SETE chief Patrick Branco Ruivo will step down following the controversy. (PC: X)

Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal said Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is “in good health and recovering well” after suffering serious injuries when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Machchhar was initially treated at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before being shifted to the UAE. The flight, carrying 174 people, made an emergency landing in Tabuk after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and sent the aircraft plunging nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. The Indian Embassy said Mittal visited Machchhar and his family and remains coordinated with authorities over his medical care. The passengers later reached Israel safely after the attack was foiled.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot accused of attacking Indian captain Smit Machchhar on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight shouted “kill me, kill me” after being subdued. The detail emerged in Netanyahu’s interview with Fox News, a day after the mid-air attack. The incident placed 180 passengers, mostly Israelis, at risk and triggered a probe into a possible hijacking or terrorist incident. Netanyahu claimed the co-pilot had undergone radical indoctrination and was “suicidal,” appearing intent on bringing down the aircraft. The report said investigators were also examining a possible Iran link. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar during the incident, which involved an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. (PC: Reuters) 

The Supreme Court on October 1 sought responses from the Union government and West Bengal government on TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s petition alleging that authorities and politically affiliated groups were obstructing her work as an elected representative. Moitra claimed that since the BJP came to power in West Bengal in May 2026, she has faced difficulties accessing her Krishnanagar constituency, inspecting MPLAD projects, organising public meetings and obtaining police assistance. She also alleged attacks and multiple FIRs against her. A bench led by Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to file counter-affidavits. (PC: PTI)

Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv faced a severe emergency after the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit. Despite suffering serious stab wounds, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. Plumber Yaniv Hayun helped overpower the attacker and briefly assisted in stabilising the aircraft, while passengers Assaf Rajuan and Zvika Manes helped restrain the suspect. Dentist Shota Musaev treated Machchhar’s bleeding injuries. Two off-duty pilots travelling as passengers later took control and helped land the Boeing 737 safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. (PC: X)

A picnic turned tragic in Maharashtra’s Raigad district on Thursday after eight students from a private coaching academy in Pune drowned while swimming at Diveagar beach. The group of 48, including 25 boys, 17 girls and six teachers from Winners Academy in Alandi, had travelled to Diveagar for a trip. According to authorities, the students entered the sea but were unable to judge the water’s current and depth accurately before being swept away. Local residents, police and a water-sports team launched an immediate rescue operation. All eight bodies were recovered and taken to a nearby health centre. Police have registered a case and an investigation is underway.