The United States has lost or suffered damage to at least 81 military aircraft and drones since the Iran war began, according to a new Congressional Research Service report. The losses are estimated at nearly $3.3 billion. The affected equipment includes 12 F-15E Strike Eagle fighters, 1 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter, 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones and 2 A-10 attack aircraft. Three F-15Es were shot down in friendly fire over Kuwait, while another was lost over Iran. Eight more F-15Es were damaged in Iranian strikes on a Jordan air base. The report said some damaged aircraft may return to service. (PC: NDTV)

The US military has lost or damaged at least 81 aircraft, drones and helicopters worth up to $3.3 billion during the Iran war, according to a Congressional Research Service report. Losses include 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, one F-35A Lightning II, two A-10 attack jets, seven KC-135 tankers, one E-3 Sentry, two MC-130J aircraft, one HH-60W helicopter, and several drones and helicopters. At least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones were lost, reducing the fleet to 135, below the Air Force’s intended 189 deployable aircraft. Three F-15Es were destroyed in friendly fire over Kuwait, while another was shot down over Iran. An E-3 Sentry worth $270 million was also lost, highlighting significant American military equipment losses.

Dr Shota Musaev, a Georgian dentist living in Israel, has recalled the tense 45 minutes he spent treating Indian Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar after the pilot was seriously injured during a cockpit attack on September 30. Musaev rushed to help after hearing screams and found Machchhar bleeding heavily from deep wounds to his head and hands. Using T-shirts and ice, he applied pressure to control the bleeding while repeatedly telling the captain, “Please don’t sleep, we need you.” When Machchhar’s pulse weakened, Musaev raised his legs and urged the crew to land quickly. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia.

US President Donald Trump has blamed mass migration and Islam for France’s nationwide school protests, rejecting the view that the unrest is primarily about education. More than 250,000 people demonstrated across France on Tuesday, with students, teachers and parents demanding better funding, improved school facilities and more staff. Protests began in September and have included school blockades, class boycotts and occasional clashes with police. Trump claimed the demonstrations reflected uncontrolled migration and an alleged attempt by Islam to take over France, but provided no evidence linking the school movement to religious demands. French officials have focused on education, policing and public spending concerns. (PC: Reuters)

More than 250,000 students, teachers and parents demonstrated across France on October 6, demanding better funding and improved conditions in high schools. Protesters are calling for more teachers, smaller classes, repairs to deteriorating school buildings and shorter school days. Hundreds of schools were blockaded or closed, disrupting classes nationwide. While many demonstrations remained peaceful, clashes erupted in Paris and other cities, with police using tear gas and batons. Nearly 500 people were arrested and 43 police officers injured, according to authorities. The protests have also raised concerns over alleged excessive police force and placed growing pressure on Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s government. (PC: AFP)

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned a series of Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting sites across the Kingdom. The Houthis claimed they struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, Abha Airport and military facilities in southern Saudi Arabia. The group said the attacks were retaliation for Saudi strikes in Yemen. Saudi authorities condemned what they described as continued attacks against civilian and economic infrastructure and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s right to defend its territory and citizens. Riyadh also accused the Houthis of undermining efforts toward a political settlement in Yemen and called for stronger international action against the group. 

A Ukrainian drone attack set fire to the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio off Russia’s Black Sea coast near Sochi on October 6. Russia’s Transport Ministry said the vessel was struck by “naval drones,” causing crude oil to burn and producing thick black smoke. The tanker carried 23 crew members, all Indian nationals, who were rescued safely; reports initially differed on whether any crew member was injured. Firefighters faced difficulties controlling the intense blaze, while authorities restricted access to nearby beaches. The incident highlights growing risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid escalating Russia-Ukraine attacks. 

Police used tear gas in Paris and Marseille and water cannon in Rennes on Tuesday as school protests in France grew into a nationwide movement. The government said over 250,000 people marched and 891 high schools were disrupted; student unions claimed 450,000 and 1,800 blockades. Students are demanding more school funding, citing overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and crumbling buildings. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 215 students, 85 staff and 715 police officers have been injured since the protests began. Police have stopped or arrested 6,547 people since September 28, and the CGT union has called for more protests on Thursday. (PC: BBC)

Israeli singer Ben Raivitz has performed the Hanuman Chalisa and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Flydubai pilot praised for his actions during a recent cockpit emergency. A 38-second video of the tribute, published on October 6, has drawn attention on social media, with many viewers pointing to its message of solidarity across cultures. People from across India and abroad continue to send wishes and prayers for the pilot's recovery. The report did not give details about the emergency or about Captain Machchhar's current condition. (PC: X)

Bangladesh Prime Minister’s information adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said reconciliation with the disbanded Awami League is “not a bad idea,” but the party must acknowledge responsibility for its actions and engage with its top leadership before talks can begin. He said mediators should reach out to the Awami League and establish basic grounds for reconciliation through discussions with its leadership. However, Zahed said conditions remain absent because the party has shown no “remorse” for the violent crackdown during the 2024 mass protests that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government. Hasina fled to India, while an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge. The current BNP government had previously dismissed the Awami League as politically irrelevant, with leaders ruling out its return to politics. (PC: AFP)