Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar has recalled the frightening moments of an assault that left him fearing for his life. In an interview with Sky News Arabia, he said he was hit hard on the head and drifted in and out of consciousness.   He described scenes of panic and passengers screaming after the cockpit door opened. Machchhar also praised his colleague for taking control of the aircraft during the emergency. He said the pilot’s quick action helped save the day. The captain added that he would remember his colleague’s bravery for the rest of his life.  

French President Emmanuel Macron has said there is “no place for violence” after protests over falling education standards and the rising cost of living turned violent across France.   Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said around 550,000 people joined the protests, including 110,000 in Paris. About 400 people were arrested, and 60 police officers were injured. Two officers were taken to hospital unconscious.   Protesters damaged public buildings in several cities. A tourism office in Lyon was set on fire, while town halls in Lille, Marseille and Limoges faced damage or arson. Shops were also looted in several cities.  

US President Donald Trump has waived several sanctions against Russia, drawing criticism from US lawmakers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The sanctions were approved by Congress and signed into law in September. Trump said suspending some measures was in the US national interest.   Zelensky called the decision unfortunate and said the sanctions could have put pressure on Russia to end the war. He also reported Russian attacks on 15 Ukrainian energy facilities, causing power cuts. At least nine people were killed and around 60 injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine over 24 hours, Ukrainian authorities said.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said military access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet had not been fully restored after restrictions disrupted drone operations and air-defence capabilities. The speed limits reportedly affected terminals moving above 100 mph, hampering Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian drones. Zelenskyy described the development as a “dangerous and unpleasant surprise” amid strained relations with US President Donald Trump. Reports suggested the restriction order originated within the White House, though responsibility remains disputed. During talks in Brussels, Zelenskyy also requested €70 billion in additional European Union funding for Ukraine’s defence in 2027. (PC: Reuters)

Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev has praised US President Donald Trump’s decision to waive certain new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia, calling it a “truly historic moment.” On October 16, Trump signed an executive order suspending measures under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, citing US national interests. The legislation aimed to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine and potentially penalise countries purchasing Russian energy. Dmitriev argued that the measures could have harmed the US economy and global markets. The decision has raised concerns among Ukraine’s European allies. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has urged Saudi Arabia to accept Israel’s offer of assistance against Yemen’s Houthi rebels amid escalating regional hostilities. Speaking to reporters at the White House on October 16, Trump described Israel’s support as “very helpful” and expressed confidence that Riyadh would welcome the assistance. He also suggested that Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, which promote normalisation between Israel and Arab countries, could be more achievable than ever. However, Saudi Arabia has maintained that normalising relations with Israel requires a clear pathway towards Palestinian statehood. The developments could significantly influence Middle Eastern security and diplomacy. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has waived key sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia and countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, just one day before the measures were due to take effect on October 18, 2026. The decision offers temporary relief to India and China, major importers of Russian energy, from potential US tariffs of up to 100% on their exports. Trump justified the waiver by citing American national interests amid concerns over rising energy prices. The measures were part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. However, Washington retains the authority to reinstate the tariffs. (PC: India Today)

A controversy over a beef-cooking event near a Hindu temple at Jagannath University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, escalated into a dispute over religious sensitivities and campus regulations. On October 12, Hindu students objected to a beef khichuri gathering held near the campus temple. Allegations also emerged that temple bricks were used to construct a temporary cooking stove; organisers later removed them and apologised for the misunderstanding. The university initially restricted animal slaughter on campus but subsequently clarified its position. On October 16, students held a beef feast in protest, with university officials monitoring the event. The administration urged mutual respect and communal harmony. 

US President Donald Trump urged newly appointed White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia to reconsider her position on October 16, 2026, following intense scrutiny of her professional credentials and debut press briefing. Trump said the media had treated her unfairly and suggested the demanding role might not suit her. The controversy intensified after Zacharia acknowledged that she had graduated from Pepperdine University’s law school but had not passed the bar examination required to practise law in California. A White House official subsequently confirmed she was leaving the position after just five days, making her tenure exceptionally brief. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has waived several sanctions, restrictions and tariffs targeting Russia and countries purchasing Russian oil and gas under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The decision, announced on October 16, came just before the measures were due to take effect on October 18. The law authorised tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian energy, including India and China. Trump justified the waiver by citing US national interests. However, his administration retains the authority to reinstate these measures. The move has drawn criticism from lawmakers concerned about Russia’s war in Ukraine. (PC: Reuters)