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)

The UAE has described an incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist attack” after Omani co-pilot Hamam Alhammami allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit with a crash axe. The Dubai–Tel Aviv flight was carrying 174 people when the confrontation occurred on September 30. The aircraft reportedly experienced a rapid descent before the captain and other crew members managed to regain control. The injured captain opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the co-pilot. Two relief pilots subsequently assisted in controlling the aircraft. The flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Authorities are investigating the motive and circumstances. (PC: NDTV)

Flydubai co-pilot Hamam Alhamami, accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, had reportedly been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about extremist views. Reports say Alhamami was training with Oman Air in 2024 when authorities allegedly found extremist material and removed him from flying duties, although he continued in an administrative role. He later joined Flydubai and operated the route involved in the September 30 incident. The aircraft suffered a rapid descent before the crew regained control and diverted to Saudi Arabia. Investigations are examining the incident, his background and security-vetting procedures. 

A car drove into a crowd of Newcastle Knights rugby fans in Wallsend, Newcastle, north of Sydney, on Saturday morning, injuring 10 people, including several children. The supporters had gathered along Newcastle Link Road to farewell the team before its NRL grand final against the Canberra Raiders in Sydney on Sunday. A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man were critically injured, while eight others were reported stable in hospital. Police arrested the 18-year-old driver and launched an investigation. Initial police inquiries indicated the incident was not believed to be terrorism-related. Emergency crews, including ambulances and helicopters, responded. (PC: HT)

Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya, citing sources, has identified the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 as Hamam al-Hammami. The September 30 flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain, causing the aircraft to make two sharp descents over Saudi Arabia. Machchhar, despite being injured, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and two off-duty pilots to restrain the co-pilot and help control the aircraft. The plane eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Investigators are examining the suspect’s background, alleged radicalisation and the incident’s motive.