The United Arab Emirates has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and his flydubai crew for protecting passengers during a mid-air attack on September 30. The first images of Machchhar’s injuries show stitches across his head following an assault by his co-pilot with a crash axe aboard flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to restrain the attacker. The aircraft later landed safely in Saudi Arabia. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded the crew the First Class Order of Zayed II. (PC: HT)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised concerns over a $686 million US-aided sustainment and modernisation package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet during talks with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Cebu, Philippines, on Wednesday. Cleared by the US Congress in December 2025, the package aims to extend the jets’ operational life until 2040. It includes avionics upgrades, cryptographic systems, Link-16 secure communications, precision navigation, training, logistical support and new 500-pound bombs. India reportedly warned that advanced US technology could reach third parties amid Pakistan’s close military cooperation with China. The development follows renewed US-Pakistan military ties and previous American approval of advanced air-to-air missiles for Islamabad’s F-16s. (PC: X)

India has indicated openness to direct flights between India and Taiwan after Pakistan barred Taiwanese airlines from its airspace under its “One China” policy. On Wednesday, October 28, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “My sense is, if there are direct flights, they will fly,” when asked about the possibility of such services. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that Islamabad permits only Chinese airlines to use its airspace, according to Bloomberg. The restriction has forced Taiwanese carriers to take longer routes to Europe, with several flights reportedly flying over Russia to avoid Pakistani airspace. (PC: HT)

India has reported that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have died since the West Asia conflict began in February 2026. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on October 28 that the government remains in close contact with Indian communities across the region to support their safety and well-being. Several Indian crew members have been killed, injured or reported missing in attacks involving commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. The government is coordinating with shipping companies and diplomatic missions, while maintaining emergency control rooms and issuing safety advisories to protect Indian seafarers operating in high-risk waters.

The United Arab Emirates has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and flydubai crew members for their bravery during a cockpit emergency on September 30. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on those involved. During the incident, the seriously injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and help avert a potential tragedy. Their response helped protect passengers and secure the aircraft during the emergency. The honour recognises the crew’s courage and efforts to manage the situation. The report did not provide further details about the incident or the recipients.

Democratic candidate Dr Amish Shah is seeking to become the first Indian American to represent Arizona in the US Congress, contesting the state’s closely watched 1st Congressional District ahead of the November 3 general election. He faces Republican Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker backed by President Donald Trump. Shah became the first Indian American elected to Arizona’s state legislature in 2018 and served from 2019 to 2024. An emergency and sports medicine physician, he says he has knocked on more than 28,000 doors while campaigning. His campaign highlights bipartisan work on healthcare and education. The seat became open after Republican incumbent David Schweikert entered Arizona’s gubernatorial race. (PC: AP)

India has invited Pakistan’s Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, to the inaugural Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi from November 20 to 22, 2026, diplomatic sources said. New Delhi has invited all 10 SCO member states to participate in the event. The invitation marks the first such invitation to a senior Pakistani minister since Operation Sindoor, launched by India in May 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack. The move comes amid strained bilateral relations between the neighbouring countries. The forum will bring representatives of SCO members together for discussions focused on civilisational dialogue, although further details about the agenda were not provided. (PC: X)

Arunachal Pradesh Congress president Bosiram Siram has alleged that Chinese troops advanced 40–50 km into Indian territory in Upper Subansiri district. Following a visit to border areas, he claimed Chinese military activities had restricted local residents’ access to traditional grazing, hunting and foraging grounds. Siram urged the Centre and Defence Ministry to conduct an impartial investigation and strengthen border infrastructure. However, Chief Minister Pema Khandu rejected the allegation, saying he did not believe an incursion was occurring. The claims remain unverified, and the Indian Army previously dismissed a separate related allegation as baseless. (PC: X)

The United Arab Emirates has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members with the First Class Order of Zayed II for their bravery during a cockpit attack on September 30. Machchhar was seriously injured when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him aboard a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Two off-duty pilots subsequently helped secure the aircraft’s safe landing in Saudi Arabia. UAE leaders praised the crew’s courage and professionalism in protecting passengers. (PC: X)

New York Times journalist Lydia Polgreen has faced criticism from Indian commentators over her October 26 opinion column, “In India, I Saw Things That Should Scare Trump.” The piece argued that protests in India should concern US President Donald Trump, suggesting young, educated Indians were increasingly willing to challenge the BJP-led central government. Critics questioned whether Polgreen’s week-long visit to New Delhi and conversations at two protest sites could support broad conclusions about the political mood of a country of 1.4 billion people. They argued that demonstrations may reflect genuine grievances without necessarily signalling a wider political shift, while limited turnout alone cannot rule out public discontent. (P C: Anand Singh, Social Media)