Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot seriously injured during a cockpit attack on a flydubai flight, has described the terrifying incident to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Machchhar said the flight was normal when his co-pilot began praying. Minutes later, he was struck repeatedly from behind and initially thought the aircraft had suffered catastrophic damage. He soon realised he was being attacked and that the plane was rapidly descending. Despite blurred vision and severe injuries, Machchhar made a final effort to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew then intervened, preventing a potential disaster.

A massive blaze broke out at a Saudi Aramco facility south of Riyadh on October 3, with flames and thick smoke visible above the site. Fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles rushed to the facility as firefighters worked to contain the fire. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed it had targeted the Aramco facility with ballistic missiles and drones, saying the attack was retaliation for Saudi strikes on Sanaa and other parts of Yemen. However, Saudi authorities and Aramco had not immediately confirmed that the fire resulted from an attack. The incident comes amid rapidly escalating Saudi-Houthi hostilities.

India summoned Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires and lodged a strong protest over alleged continued cross-border infiltration from Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs said on October 3. New Delhi also rejected Pakistan’s allegations over an October 2 incident in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector, calling them “baseless and motivated.” According to India, 3 individuals entered Indian territory and continued moving towards the border fence despite repeated warnings from the BSF to return. The MEA said the incident reflected a recurring pattern of cross-border movement involving armed narcotics networks. India urged Pakistan to investigate infiltration and drug-smuggling activities and ensure effective control along its side of the International Border. (PC: The Indian Express)

India has proposed a ceasefire plan to help end the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said Kyiv has received four proposals from India, Turkey, Egypt and the United States. Sybiha called India’s proposal the “most comprehensive” among them. He said Ukraine is open to different ceasefire options. However, Kyiv wants any truce to cover both energy facilities and the Black Sea. Turkey and Egypt have proposed a grain and agriculture truce. The US has suggested an energy ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to promote peace and dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.

A massive fire broke out at M&M Waste Oil Service in Greer, South Carolina, in the United States, on Saturday. Thick smoke rose from the facility as flames spread across a fenced area. Firefighters from several departments rushed to the site. The fire was first reported as a commercial vehicle fire. Images later showed flames around barrels and other materials at the facility. A section of Wade Hampton Boulevard was closed as crews worked to control the blaze. Drivers were asked to slow down and stay clear of the area. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause, damage or any injuries.

A medical transfer jet carrying six people went missing while flying from Bermuda to Boston early Saturday. The Gulfstream G100 took off from L F Wade International Airport at 12:41 am ET. It was due to land in Boston at 1:25 am. Flight data showed the aircraft dropped from 23,500 feet to 11,000 feet in about three minutes. Its last radar signal was recorded at 1:23 am. The US Coast Guard launched an air and sea search near Nantucket. HC-144 and MH-60 aircraft, boats and a cutter joined the operation. Officials said the cause of the disappearance remains under investigation.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised Delhi Police over its action against protesters at Jantar Mantar. The party called the police action “shameful” and said dissent cannot be stopped through force. Dipke told the police to “stop acting like henchmen of Amit Shah.” He also announced a larger protest in Delhi on October 10. Students, activists and Opposition leaders have been protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanding his resignation. Delhi Police has registered at least three FIRs over Friday’s protests. Police said protesters violated prohibitory orders imposed across New Delhi district.  

The Indian Air Force needs to induct 36–40 fighter aircraft every year to prevent its fighter squadron strength from falling below 30 and move towards the sanctioned strength of 42, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said.   Speaking ahead of Air Force Day, Singh said the IAF could induct 30–35 jets annually if planned programmes progress. HAL is targeting up to 24 Tejas Mk1A deliveries each year, while the proposed 114-aircraft MRFA programme could add around 12 jets annually. An additional Su-30 procurement could further raise the numbers. The IAF also plans to strengthen its BVR capability through Astra missiles and longer-range foreign systems. (PC: The Indian Express)

A six-year-old girl’s request to use the lavatory helped raise the alarm during the September 30 attack aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. As the girl and her mother approached the cockpit, they reportedly heard shouting and alerted nearby passengers. Indian Captain Smit Machchhar had been attacked and stabbed by the co-pilot and was struggling to open the cockpit door. After Machchhar managed to open it, passengers entered the cockpit and helped overpower the attacker. The aircraft had rapidly descended during the incident before reserve pilots took control and diverted it to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All passengers and crew survived. 

G7 nations have agreed to coordinate with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to release 100 million barrels of diesel, crude oil and other emergency reserves, aiming to stabilise global energy markets. The release will begin immediately and continue for four months, according to a joint statement issued on October 2. A substantial portion of the diesel reserves will be released within the first 20 days by G7 members and partner countries. The decision comes amid tight global fuel supplies and sharply higher diesel prices. The G7 has also reaffirmed commitments against energy export restrictions among its members. (PC: Reuters)