Former Mumbai neighbour Dr Janit Shah has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his character and courage after an alleged mid-air attack aboard a flydubai flight. Speaking to ANI, Shah described Machchhar as a “talented, soft-spoken, and good man” who lived next door to him for 10–15 years before moving to Dubai. Machchhar was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot while flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the attacker. Shah expressed hope for the captain’s speedy recovery. (PC: HT)

The UK government believes Iran may have played a role in an incident near RAF Fairford that led to the arrest of five men, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said. Speaking to the BBC, Burnham cited “strong indications” but provided no further details, stressing that the investigation remains ongoing. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the allegation, accusing the UK leader of pursuing the wrong lead. The five British nationals, aged between 23 and 25, were released on bail under strict conditions. Police said searches of suspicious vans found petrol but no explosive devices. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage after a co-pilot allegedly tried to sabotage a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv and stabbed him. Modi also spoke to Machchhar’s wife and parents, assuring them of all possible assistance from Indian missions. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar resisted the attacker and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower him. Two relief pilots then diverted the aircraft to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar’s bravery. (PC: NDTV)

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee’s personal relationship with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi remains intact despite political differences between their parties, a Hindustan Times report said on October 1. At an INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi, Mamata presented Sonia with a special stole and shared the stage with her at a press conference. Mamata criticised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and called for action over alleged electoral irregularities in West Bengal. She also praised Rahul Gandhi’s campaign against alleged vote theft. Rahul stressed the need for opposition unity, while Sonia supported proposals for ground-level action and outreach. (PC: HT)

India face a busy day at the Asian Games 2026 on October 1, with two high-profile clashes against Pakistan in volleyball and hockey. The Indian men’s volleyball team meet Pakistan in the quarterfinal, while the men’s hockey team face their rivals in the semifinal. India’s men’s cricket team will take on Sri Lanka in the semifinal, with a place in the final at stake. Both Indian squash teams will also compete in the semifinals. Several athletes will chase medals in shooting, archery, wrestling, cycling, judo and sport climbing, making it a crucial day for India’s medal campaign.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was “too early to say” whether Iran was involved in the flydubai incident, in which the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu said he did not know the exact background of the accused co-pilot but said he “obviously hated Israelis,” describing the alleged motive as “fanaticism and hatred of an incalculable level.” Netanyahu said the attacking pilot was being investigated in Saudi Arabia and could be taken to the United Arab Emirates, where he comes from or where he flew from. He added that Israel would follow the investigation and possibly participate in it.

India won its first silver medal of the day in sailing, with Manu Francis and Prince Kurisinkal Noble finishing second in the men’s skiff event. The Indian duo secured the silver medal with a total points tally of 29, finishing behind China. The result marked India’s second medal of the day and added another podium finish to the country’s campaign. China took the gold medal in the event, while India settled for silver after the competition. The achievement came in the men’s skiff category, where Francis and Noble represented India. Their second-place finish gave India another medal on the day and continued the country’s medal-winning performance in sailing at the ongoing competition. (PC: X)

Israeli dentist Dr Shota Mosaev, the only doctor aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, described treating Indian Captain Smit Machchhar after he was repeatedly stabbed by his co-pilot. Mosaev said Machchhar had deep wounds to his head and hands, significant blood loss and eventually lost consciousness as his blood pressure fell. The dentist rushed to the cockpit after hearing screams and treated the captain while passengers restrained the attacker using a headphone cord and later plastic zip ties. The Boeing 737 aircraft had sharply descended nearly 14,000 feet before passengers and crew intervened. It later diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar underwent surgery and was reported stable. The attack’s exact motive remains under investigation. (PC: X)

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said rejoining the European Union is among the options his government could examine while reshaping Britain’s long-term relationship with Europe. Speaking to the BBC, Burnham said the current Brexit arrangement had caused more damage than benefit and that he wanted to assess what was realistically achievable to repair ties with the bloc. His comments followed a Labour conference pledge to explore closer EU relations ahead of a postponed summit later this year. Burnham has also indicated he would not rule out seeking an election mandate to rejoin the EU, marking a shift from his earlier position. Conservative critics accused him of reopening Brexit divisions. French and Spanish leaders welcomed his comments. (PC: Times Now)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayun helped prevent an attack resembling the 9/11 attacks after a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a cockpit incident. The aircraft made an emergency landing at Tabuk airport in northern Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, according to Reuters and Israeli officials. Initial assessments cited by Reuters said the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the Omani captain before cabin crew and passengers entered the cockpit and subdued him. The injured captain was identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar. Netanyahu said Hayun helped save the situation after the aircraft began plunging, describing his actions as preventing another 9/11. The supplied report says Netanyahu met Hayun, who told him the plane was “on the nose” downwards.