Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar suffered a life-threatening skull fracture after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him with an emergency axe aboard a FlyDubai flight on September 30. Neurosurgeons examining photographs of his injuries said damage to a major vein near the fracture could have caused severe bleeding during surgery. One doctor warned that similar injuries can carry more than a 40% risk of death or disability, though this was not an estimate of Machchhar’s personal risk. Despite heavy bleeding, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the attacker and prevent a possible disaster. (PC: India Today)

Nallamala Akshitha, a 25-year-old woman from Telangana, died of a suspected cardiac arrest in Albany, New York, on Friday. She had recently completed her Master of Science (MS) degree and secured a job, according to reports. Akshitha had moved to the United States around 4 years ago for higher studies. She was reportedly walking outside her residence after dinner when she suddenly collapsed. Her brother, Akshay, later found her unconscious and rushed her to a nearby hospital with help from neighbours. Doctors declared her dead on arrival. Her family in Khammam district is arranging to bring her remains to India. (PC: India Today)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described ASEAN centrality as a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and called for stronger Indo-Pacific defence cooperation to address emerging security challenges. Speaking at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, Singh stressed mutual trust, regional peace, security and prosperity. He said the forum should tackle emerging disruptions and advance defence cooperation. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto C Teodoro Jr. highlighted two documents reaffirming ASEAN unity, including a declaration marking ADMM’s 20th anniversary. He also called for cooperation on food and energy security, adherence to international law, and protection for migrant workers and seafarers affected by conflicts.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Wednesday that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have died amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern over the deteriorating regional security situation and said Indian missions remained in close contact with citizens and community members. He separately confirmed that three Indians had died in incidents in Saudi Arabia linked to broader regional tensions. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah announced additional flight options from Dammam and Riyadh to several Indian cities, particularly to assist stranded travellers and Umrah pilgrims. Officials urged passengers to verify bookings directly with airlines before travelling to airports.

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)