Passengers on a Flydubai flight refused to release the Omani co-pilot after he allegedly attacked Indian pilot Smit Machchhar during a mid-air incident. Passengers restrained the co-pilot and said they would hand him only to police. A video showed him with his hands tied behind his back as passengers repeatedly said “just police” and “only police”. Some passengers later alleged that cabin crew members asked them to release the suspect, but they refused. The aircraft, flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. UAE authorities are investigating the incident as an alleged terrorist attack. (PC: X)

Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff has said the university “must do better” after a student alleged she was drugged and sexually assaulted by 7 men at a fraternity house in 2024. The student, identified as Jane Doe, said the incident happened at the Chi Phi fraternity on October 19, 2024, involving alcohol and ketamine. She reported the incident to Cornell police 2 weeks later, but no charges were filed. She has since sued the university, alleging it failed to protect her. New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James to lead a review of the case and investigation. (PC: BBC)

Israel’s Transportation Ministry has acknowledged that it does not conduct background checks on foreign pilots flying into the country, amid scrutiny following the Flydubai cockpit attack. Officials said identifying foreign crew members and assessing security threats falls under other security agencies, while the ministry has no personnel abroad to check individual pilots. The admission has raised questions after an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Reports indicate dozens of Omani pilots may have previously flown to Israel despite restrictions. Israel is now facing questions over how existing security measures were enforced. (PC: X)

Two unidentified Flydubai pilots played a crucial role in saving an Israel-bound flight after its co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit. The pilots, who were travelling as additional crew members, entered the cockpit after passengers subdued the attacker and helped stabilise the aircraft following a severe descent. A passenger said some travellers initially feared the pilots might hijack the plane because they did not communicate immediately. After regaining control, the pilots issued a mayday call and diverted the aircraft to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Flydubai has not publicly identified the two pilots. (PC: India Today)

Australian security agencies are investigating the links of the Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain and attempting to seize control of an Israel-bound flight. The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, involving the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and ASIO, is examining his time in Australia. The Omani national reportedly received a student visa in 2014, studied in Australia from 2015, and left in 2017; his visa was cancelled in 2019 after he was no longer enrolled. The investigation follows an incident involving 182 people, during which the aircraft rapidly descended before passengers and crew intervened. UAE authorities are leading the wider investigation. (PC: AFP)

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.