Israel’s Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has described the incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 as a terror attack, alleging that the co-pilot wanted to crash the plane and kill Israeli passengers. The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when it diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk airport. A passenger, Miryam Shira Ohayon, said the co-pilot tried to kill the pilot and carry out a suicide attack. The aircraft reportedly transmitted emergency signals while flying over Jordanian airspace. Israeli officials initially said it was not a hijacking, but later assessed the incident as an attempted terror attack. (PC: X)

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30 after an incident involving the pilots. Flight FZ1073 issued the emergency code 7700 before later switching to 7500, indicating unlawful interference. The aircraft reportedly plunged from around 34,000 feet to about 16,600 feet within two minutes, triggering a security response, including Israeli fighter jets being scrambled. Video footage reportedly showed one pilot injured and covered in blood. Initial reports raised fears of a hijacking, but later reports said a hijacking attempt had been ruled out. Authorities are investigating the incident. 

The Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has clarified that its protest scheduled for October 2 will take place only at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park. The organisation issued the clarification amid reports and discussions surrounding the planned demonstration. CJP said there was no other location scheduled for the protest, seeking to clear confusion over the event’s venue. The October 2 programme is expected to focus on the organisation’s stated concerns and demands. The clarification comes as authorities and the public prepare for the event, with attention on arrangements and the possibility of crowd movement around Shivaji Park. 

Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain reached the women’s 75kg final at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after defeating Kazakhstan’s Natalya Bogdanova 3-2 in a closely contested semifinal. The victory made Lovlina the first Indian woman boxer to reach two Asian Games finals. She overcame the reigning 70kg world champion in a split decision after a strong comeback during the bout. Lovlina, who won silver at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, is now assured of at least another silver medal and will fight for gold on October 2. A victory would give her her first Asian Games gold medal. (PC: Reuters)

Indian wrestler Sunil Kumar secured India’s first wrestling medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, winning bronze in the men’s Greco-Roman 87kg category. The Haryana wrestler defeated the Philippines’ Callum Johnston Roberts 9-0 by technical superiority in the bronze-medal bout. Sunil had earlier advanced to the semifinals after defeating Tajikistan’s Muhammad Sultonzoda by technical superiority, but lost to Japan’s Taizo Yoshida in the last-four stage. The medal continues Sunil’s strong Asian Games record after he also won bronze at Hangzhou 2023, opening India’s wrestling medal account in Nagoya. (PC: ANI)

A flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Israel made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent altercation reportedly broke out between the two pilots. Passengers described hearing screams and seeing blood in the cockpit, while some reported that one pilot had been stabbed. The Boeing 737 MAX carrying about 180 passengers also descended sharply from around 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet within a minute before making an erratic turn. The aircraft transmitted emergency codes, including one associated with possible hijacking, prompting Israel to scramble fighter jets. The plane landed safely, and authorities are investigating the incident and its circumstances. 

The Delhi High Court on September 30, 2026, refused bail to former JNU scholar Umar Khalid and activist Sharjeel Imam in the case concerning the alleged larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. A Division Bench of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Dinesh Bhatt passed the order. This was the third time the High Court had rejected their bail pleas. The court noted that the Supreme Court had earlier denied them relief while allowing fresh bail applications subject to conditions concerning protected witnesses or the passage of one year. Khalid and Imam are facing charges under the UAPA in the case. (PC: The Hindu)

India enjoyed a successful day at the Asian Games on September 30, winning 4 gold medals across archery and shooting. The men’s compound archery team of Sahil Rajesh Jadhav, Thirumuru Ganesh Maniratnam and Kushal Dalal defeated China 239-238 to claim gold. India also won gold in the women’s compound team, mixed team and mixed trap shooting events. Wrestler Sunil Kumar secured bronze in the men’s 87kg Greco-Roman category after defeating the Philippines’ Callum Johnston Roberts 9-0. He became the first Indian to win two Greco-Roman wrestling medals at the Asian Games. India’s women’s hockey team faced South Korea in the semifinal. (PC: India Today)

Patrick Branco Ruivo, head of the company operating the Eiffel Tower, will step down at the end of 2026 following a controversy over the exclusion of female staff during a Hindu group's visit. An independent investigation found operational failures linked to the September 5 visit by a BAPS delegation. Female employees were reportedly moved from their workstations and told to avoid contact with the visitors. The incident led to staff protests and a one-day closure of the landmark on September 7. BAPS said it had not requested the removal of women. The Eiffel Tower operator has also announced gender-equality measures and training. (PC: X)

The INDIA bloc on Wednesday announced a week-long nationwide ‘Save Democracy’ campaign from October 2 to 8 over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said protests would be held at district headquarters, while Opposition MPs would march to the Election Commission on October 6. The bloc also plans to meet President Droupadi Murmu in October to raise its concerns. Mamata Banerjee demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the poll body of electoral irregularities. Rahul Gandhi said Opposition parties would jointly defend the Constitution and continue their campaign against alleged vote theft. (PC: X)