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)

Two-time FIFA World Cup champions Uruguay arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday, September 30, ahead of their international friendly against India on October 6. Five-time world champions Brazil are expected to arrive in the city on Thursday, October 1, for their match against India on October 3. Both teams will play at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, also known as Salt Lake Stadium. Uruguay will hold a five-day training camp in Kolkata before facing India. However, captain Federico Valverde will miss the tour due to an ankle injury. The matches are part of India's international friendly schedule. (PC: HT)

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was stabbed during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the incident. Machchhar and his co-pilot were taken to hospital. Machchhar, from Mumbai, is a captain with Flydubai and joined the airline in 2022. He earlier worked with SpiceJet for 11 years. Sources said he underwent surgery and is now stable. All passengers and crew were reported safe. The reason for the incident is still under investigation. Israeli officials called it a suspected terror attack, but authorities have not confirmed the motive.

The INDIA bloc has announced a series of protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. District-level “Save Democracy” marches will be held from October 2 to 8. Opposition MPs will march to the Election Commission on October 6. INDIA bloc leaders also plan to seek a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October. The alliance will hold five major rallies, including a large rally in Delhi on November 1. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the protests will raise concerns about voter lists and the Election Commission. The Election Commission has not endorsed the opposition's allegations.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there are strong signs that Iran may have been involved in a suspicious incident at RAF Fairford. The British airbase is operated by the US military and has been used during the Iran war. Five British men were arrested on terrorism charges after three vans were found near the base. Police later said no explosives were found in the vans. However, they found gasoline. The men were released on bail. US President Donald Trump criticised their release. Iran has denied any role in the incident. The investigation is still ongoing.

An Indian captain reportedly helped prevent a suspected terror attack aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv after the co-pilot allegedly attacked him with a knife. According to Israeli media reports, the co-pilot, reportedly an Omani national, attempted to take control of the aircraft or crash it. The injured captain fought back, while passengers rushed to the cockpit to restrain the attacker. Off-duty pilots travelling on the flight eventually took control of the aircraft. The plane landed in Saudi Arabia, and both pilots were taken to a hospital in Tabuk. Israeli authorities are investigating the incident and the co-pilot's background. (PC: India Today)

India’s women’s hockey team defeated South Korea 2-0 to reach the final of the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya on Wednesday. Ishika Chaudhary opened the scoring in the 44th minute, while captain Salima Tete doubled India’s lead in the 48th minute. The victory brings India within one win of ending a 44-year wait for the Asian Games women’s hockey gold. India last won the title at the 1982 New Delhi Games. The Indian team will face defending champions China in Friday’s final as it looks to secure its second gold medal in the event’s history. (PC: NDTV)