A car drove into a crowd of Newcastle Knights rugby fans in Wallsend, Newcastle, north of Sydney, on Saturday morning, injuring 10 people, including several children. The supporters had gathered along Newcastle Link Road to farewell the team before its NRL grand final against the Canberra Raiders in Sydney on Sunday. A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man were critically injured, while eight others were reported stable in hospital. Police arrested the 18-year-old driver and launched an investigation. Initial police inquiries indicated the incident was not believed to be terrorism-related. Emergency crews, including ambulances and helicopters, responded. (PC: HT)

Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya, citing sources, has identified the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 as Hamam al-Hammami. The September 30 flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain, causing the aircraft to make two sharp descents over Saudi Arabia. Machchhar, despite being injured, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and two off-duty pilots to restrain the co-pilot and help control the aircraft. The plane eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Investigators are examining the suspect’s background, alleged radicalisation and the incident’s motive. 

Global oil prices remained close to $100 a barrel after the G7 agreed to release up to 100 million barrels of crude oil and fuel from emergency reserves over four months. The coordinated move, to be managed through the International Energy Agency (IEA), aims to ease fuel shortages and stabilize energy markets. A substantial portion of diesel is expected to be released within the first 20 days as diesel prices remain elevated. Brent crude settled at about $102.25 per barrel, while U.S. WTI ended at $91.11. Supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions continue to influence prices. 

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a fresh protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on October 10 if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke made the announcement following the group’s October 2 protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, where demonstrators demanded Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Dipke said protesters from across India would march to Delhi and hold a peaceful demonstration. The announcement comes amid wider protests and political debate over electoral-roll revisions and concerns about electoral transparency. (PC: AP)

Indian archer Kumkum Mohod, 17, made history at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, winning gold in the women’s individual recurve event. She defeated South Korea’s Oh Yejin in a dramatic shoot-off after their final was tied 5-5. Oh scored 8 with her decisive arrow, while Kumkum delivered a perfect 10 to secure the title. The victory made her the first Indian woman to win an individual recurve medal at the Asian Games, and she went on to claim gold. Kumkum had already won women’s team gold and mixed-team silver at the Games. (PC: X)

India won 10 medals, including 6 gold, on Day 13 of the Asian Games 2026 on Friday, taking its overall tally to 76. The Indian women’s hockey team defeated China 1-0 in the final to win gold, ending a 44-year wait for the Asian Games title. In boxing, Lovlina Borgohain defeated China’s Bao Ziyi 5-0 in the women’s 75kg final, while Parveen Hooda won gold in the 65kg category. Ankush Panghal also claimed gold in the men’s 80kg event. Wrestler Sujeet Kalkal won gold, while India secured medals in archery, sailing and sepaktakraw. (PC: NDTV)

Thousands of protesters gathered at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on Friday, October 2, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the demonstration featured colourful placards with slogans such as “Gyanu Must Go”, “Democracy Saaf” and the Bollywood-inspired “Vote Churaya Mera, Kisne O Sanam?”. Protesters raised concerns over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and called for greater transparency. Actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, singer Vishal Dadlani and activist Tushar Gandhi attended the gathering. Student groups and political outfits also joined the protest, while police maintained heavy security around Shivaji Park. (PC: India Today)

Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to face Pakistan in his first senior-level India-Pakistan clash at the 2026 Asian Games. The 15-year-old has impressed with his aggressive batting against leading international bowlers in the IPL and for India’s junior teams. However, the high-pressure contest will present a different challenge, with the rivalry carrying expectations beyond individual performances. Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli also produced memorable performances against Pakistan during their careers. Sooryavanshi recently scored 38 off 21 balls against Sri Lanka in the Asian Games quarter-final. A strong performance against Pakistan could help build his confidence and experience at the international level. (PC: HT)

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), warned of larger protests across India while addressing a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai. Dipke said the number of people joining the movement would be so large that police barricades would not be enough. The protest at Shivaji Park focused on alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. CJP has demanded Kumar’s resignation, claiming the exercise threatens voters’ rights. Actor Shabana Azmi also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of protecting voting rights. Similar protests were reported in Delhi. (PC: Economic Times)

Bichu Devi Kharibam, the Indian women’s hockey team’s goalkeeper from Manipur, said her hard work had paid off after India won gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan on Friday. India defeated defending champions China 1-0 in the final, ending a 44-year wait for the title and securing direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Forward Lalremsiami scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute, while Bichu played a key role in India’s defence. The 25-year-old goalkeeper previously helped India win silver at the 2018 Youth Olympics. She dedicated the Asian Games triumph to her family, teammates and the country. (PC: X)