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. 

Flydubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel while an international investigation examines a cockpit attack aboard Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after one pilot allegedly stabbed the other, triggering a rapid descent of around 14,000 feet. Passengers and crew helped regain control, while the injured Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, was taken for medical treatment and reported stable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine who was behind the incident or whether it was terrorism. UAE authorities are investigating the motive and circumstances. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump said Iran would eventually “give up” amid continuing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, while claiming the United States had moved more oil through the strategic waterway in recent days than ever before. Trump made the remarks at the White House as Washington and Tehran remained engaged in indirect negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and the strait’s security. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that regional infrastructure could face risks if Iran’s security was threatened. Meanwhile, US officials indicated that sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds could be considered if Tehran makes concrete nuclear progress. (PC: Reuters)

Russia has warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempts to isolate or cut off Kaliningrad, the heavily militarised Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania. In a diplomatic note seen by Reuters, Moscow accused NATO of pursuing a dangerous course that could trigger direct conflict and warned of possible strikes against alliance decision-making centres. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte rejected the threats, saying the alliance is defensive and that there is no imminent Russian threat to NATO territory. The warning comes amid increasing military activity, heightened tensions and accusations of hybrid warfare in the Baltic region. (PC: Reuters)

A dramatic hit-and-run incident in Assam’s Doboka area triggered a nearly 40-km chase after a Scorpio allegedly hit a child at Akashiganga on September 30. The vehicle reportedly sped towards Nagaon despite attempts by local residents to stop it. During the pursuit, the SUV collided with other vehicles, damaged a police barricade and reportedly continued driving even after one wheel was torn off. It also allegedly caused damage at the Doboka toll gate. Police from the Nonoi Police Outpost eventually intercepted the badly damaged vehicle and detained two men. The child’s condition was not immediately known. 

Indian flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured during a cockpit confrontation on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, has been airlifted from Saudi Arabia to Dubai for further medical treatment. The flight was diverted to Tabuk after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, with all passengers accounted for. Machchhar had been receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia and was reported stable. Investigations into the incident and its motive remain ongoing. 

India enjoyed a highly successful Day 12 at the 2026 Asian Games, adding multiple medals across disciplines. The compound archery teams led the charge, with Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep winning gold in the women’s team event, followed by another gold in the mixed team competition. India’s women’s hockey team also defeated South Korea 2-0 to reach the final, keeping its gold-medal hopes alive. Wrestler Sunil Kumar secured a bronze, while Indian boxers and athletes continued their campaigns in various events. The results strengthened India’s medal tally and maintained momentum across several sports. (PC: The Hindu)

Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said fighter jets were immediately scrambled after a Dubai-Tel Aviv Flydubai flight transmitted emergency signals during an alleged cockpit attack. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely. Azar praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for opening the cockpit door despite being attacked, enabling passengers and crew to subdue the alleged attacker and regain control. Three Israeli passengers also helped restrain the attacker. Machchhar was stabilised and remained under Saudi medical care. Authorities are investigating the incident, while the motive behind the alleged attack remains unclear. (PC: PTI)

India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in a dramatic men’s hockey semifinal at the 2026 Asian Games on Thursday, securing a place in the gold-medal match. Captain Harmanpreet Singh gave India an early advantage with two penalty-corner goals, while Sukhjeet Singh added another to make it 3-0. Pakistan fought back strongly in the second half, scoring three goals to level the match at 3-3. With just 45 seconds remaining, Abhishek scored the decisive field goal to seal India’s victory. India will face the winner of South Korea and Malaysia in Saturday’s final. (PC: X)

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight, was airlifted from Saudi Arabia to Dubai on Thursday for medical treatment. Machchhar was injured during an alleged attempt to crash flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, on Wednesday. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. A second pair of pilots then landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 174 passengers survived. Machchhar is reported to be stable. Gujarat has announced the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award to honour his bravery. (PC: The Indian Express)