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Student protests outside schools have shaken France in recent days, with teenagers blockading entrances and security forces at times responding with tear gas. The interior ministry says more than 5,000 people have been arrested since Monday (Sep 28). The education minister said about 735 establishments were affected on Friday. A major new day of protest is planned for Tuesday (Sep 29) news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;The government says the grievances may be legitimate but violence is not, and accuses the hard left of stoking the movement. Critics say some police used heavy-handed force against protesters who are legally still children.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-400-french-schools-to-stay-closed-as-student-protests-turn-violent-1790937872275">Nearly 400 French schools to stay closed as student protests turn violent</a>&nbsp;The protests involve lycees, which teach 15-to-18-year-olds. Students cite teacher absences, classroom conditions, overloaded timetables and days that can run from 8 am to 6 pm. Speaking to news agency AFP, sociologist Valerie Becquet said pupils, particularly those from low-income areas, feel they receive an inferior education. She noted glaring inequalities between schools. Elite institutions remain dominated by white, affluent students with university-educated parents.&nbsp;The movement began on September 17 at Saint-Exupery high school in Creteil, a Paris suburb, in support of striking teachers who cited a lack of staff and resources. It spread nationwide over the past week. Saint-Exupery has since returned to normal after authorities agreed to send extra staff, including a deputy principal and a nurse. Pupil Abderrahmane said grades were slipping and that not rallying would have augured badly for the future.&nbsp;Dramatic footage, notably on TikTok, is fuelling the protests. Students film burning bins and tear gas, and channels edit together the most dramatic moments. Becquet said social media lets students offer a narrative different from traditional media.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/gravitas/france-accuses-radical-left-as-protests-grow-2-000-students-detained-1790970063795">France accuses 'radical left' as protests grow, 2,000 students detained | Gravitas</a>&nbsp;With presidential elections just over half a year away, the government accuses the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) of being behind the movement. LFI's Manuel Bompard rejects this, saying the government is descending into conspiracy theories. LFI candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, polling above 40 per cent among 18-25-year-old voters, has backed the protests while urging non-violent methods.&nbsp;Protesters have blockaded schools, burned bins and thrown projectiles at police. Police have dispersed some using tear gas, rubber bullets and sometimes batons. After clashes in Tours on Wednesday, a young man lost the use of his right eye, the city's prosecutor said. Viral videos show alleged brutality, including an officer placing an arm around a girl's neck during her arrest. An officer in Belfort was chased, beaten and kicked by a group of youths.&nbsp;

French high school students are blockading schools nationwide over severe teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and budget cuts. Here is what is fuelling the unrest. 

Student protests outside schools have shaken France in recent days, with teenagers blockading entrances and security forces at times responding with tear gas. The interior ministry says more than 5,000 people have been arrested since Monday (Sep 28). The education minister said about 735 establishments were affected on Friday. A major new day of protest is planned for Tuesday (Sep 29) news agency AFP reported. The government says the grievances may be legitimate but violence is not, and accuses the hard left of stoking the movement. Critics say some police used heavy-handed force against protesters who are legally still children. Also read: Nearly 400 French schools to stay closed as student protests turn violent The protests involve lycees, which teach 15-to-18-year-olds. Students cite teacher absences, classroom conditions, overloaded timetables and days that can run from 8 am to 6 pm. Speaking to news agency AFP, sociologist Valerie Becquet said pupils, particularly those from low-income areas, feel they receive an inferior education. She noted glaring inequalities between schools. Elite institutions remain dominated by white, affluent students with university-educated parents. The movement began on September 17 at Saint-Exupery high school in Creteil, a Paris suburb, in support of striking teachers who cited a lack of staff and resources. It spread nationwide over the past week. Saint-Exupery has since returned to normal after authorities agreed to send extra staff, including a deputy principal and a nurse. Pupil Abderrahmane said grades were slipping and that not rallying would have augured badly for the future. Dramatic footage, notably on TikTok, is fuelling the protests. Students film burning bins and tear gas, and channels edit together the most dramatic moments. Becquet said social media lets students offer a narrative different from traditional media. Also read: France accuses 'radical left' as protests grow, 2,000 students detained | Gravitas With presidential elections just over half a year away, the government accuses the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) of being behind the movement. LFI's Manuel Bompard rejects this, saying the government is descending into conspiracy theories. LFI candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, polling above 40 per cent among 18-25-year-old voters, has backed the protests while urging non-violent methods. Protesters have blockaded schools, burned bins and thrown projectiles at police. Police have dispersed some using tear gas, rubber bullets and sometimes batons. After clashes in Tours on Wednesday, a young man lost the use of his right eye, the city's prosecutor said. Viral videos show alleged brutality, including an officer placing an arm around a girl's neck during her arrest. An officer in Belfort was chased, beaten and kicked by a group of youths.

French high school students are blockading schools nationwide over severe teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and budget cuts.Here is what is fuelling the unrest.

Explained: Why students across France are protesting and blockading schools

As countdown for US midterms election begins, a major area of focus is the economy. Millions of Americans continue to grapple with inflation, with people blaming Iran war expenditure as the main reason. However, macroeconomic indicators show solid growth and robust consumer spending. For voters, the economy is increasingly being measured not through GDP figures or stock market gains, but through grocery receipts, petrol bills, rent notices and monthly utility payments. While second-quarter GDP grew at a strong 2.2 per cent annualised rate, consumer sentiment remains strained by the lingering weight of inflation. This disconnect between headline economic data and everyday financial pressures has turned the midterms into an affordability battle.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-democrats-house-senate-coin-flip-1791041722379">Democrats favoured to win House as US Senate race remains a coin flip</a><h2>When bills tells a different story</h2>While official data shows year-on-year food inflation at around 2.7 per cent, actual food prices tell a different story. In fact, some reports state that prices are much more than it was in the inflationary cycle of the early 2020s. While people are adjusting their day to day needs, situation looks stable – only on paper.&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar story is seen at the petrol pumps. Iran war has led to increase in petrol price. Energy costs are higher than before, with gasoline prices rising sharply. For workers who depend on their cars, higher prices at the pump function much like an additional household tax. Filling up a pickup truck can now cost $80 or more, while higher fuel prices also feed into transportation, freight, delivery and agricultural costs. That means an increase at the petrol station can eventually show up elsewhere — from the price of groceries to the cost of getting goods across the country. The increase in the cost of gasoline is also resulting into an increase in electricity and heating bills.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-elections-how-anti-india-anti-south-asia-hate-issue-has-entered-the-us-campaign-debate-1790947370651">US midterm elections: How anti-India, anti-South Asia hate issue has entered the campaign</a>&nbsp;Housing remains another major area that tests the affordability. Shelter costs continue to contribute significantly to inflation, while high borrowing costs and limited housing supply have made it harder for many Americans to move or purchase homes. So despite Trump's ‘America first’ policies, that in philosophy proposes to benefit the Americans economically and financially, Americans are actually spending more compared to their income, in terms of ratio.&nbsp;Higher-income Americans with significant investments have benefited from a strong stock market and the boom in artificial intelligence-related investment. Lower- and middle-income households, however, are more exposed to the cost of essentials. Stable employment may provide income security, but it does not necessarily offset the cumulative increase in the cost of living. That divide is increasingly shaping how Americans interpret economic data — and how they may approach the ballot box on November 3.&nbsp;Thus, in the upcoming midterms, voters are focussed on if the party ruling America would make their lifestyle ‘affordable’ because they have increasingly realising that strong economic numbers and conservative policies cannot solely mean an ease for their pockets. Interestingly, the Trump administration might be aware of this voter sentiment because Trump did announce a 5000 dollar freebie to tap into voter's desperation for actual money in their pocket. &nbsp;

As the US midterms approach, affordability is emerging as a key voter concern despite 2.2% GDP growth. Rising grocery, gasoline, housing and utility costs are squeezing households, while Trump’s $5,000 dividend proposal seeks to address growing demands for more money in Americans’ pockets

As countdown for US midterms election begins, a major area of focus is the economy. Millions of Americans continue to grapple with inflation, with people blaming Iran war expenditure as the main reason. However, macroeconomic indicators show solid growth and robust consumer spending. For voters, the economy is increasingly being measured not through GDP figures or stock market gains, but through grocery receipts, petrol bills, rent notices and monthly utility payments. While second-quarter GDP grew at a strong 2.2 per cent annualised rate, consumer sentiment remains strained by the lingering weight of inflation. This disconnect between headline economic data and everyday financial pressures has turned the midterms into an affordability battle. Also Read: Democrats favoured to win House as US Senate race remains a coin flip When bills tells a different story While official data shows year-on-year food inflation at around 2.7 per cent, actual food prices tell a different story. In fact, some reports state that prices are much more than it was in the inflationary cycle of the early 2020s. While people are adjusting their day to day needs, situation looks stable – only on paper. Similar story is seen at the petrol pumps. Iran war has led to increase in petrol price. Energy costs are higher than before, with gasoline prices rising sharply. For workers who depend on their cars, higher prices at the pump function much like an additional household tax. Filling up a pickup truck can now cost $80 or more, while higher fuel prices also feed into transportation, freight, delivery and agricultural costs. That means an increase at the petrol station can eventually show up elsewhere — from the price of groceries to the cost of getting goods across the country. The increase in the cost of gasoline is also resulting into an increase in electricity and heating bills. Also Read: US midterm elections: How anti-India, anti-South Asia hate issue has entered the campaign Housing remains another major area that tests the affordability. Shelter costs continue to contribute significantly to inflation, while high borrowing costs and limited housing supply have made it harder for many Americans to move or purchase homes. So despite Trump's ‘America first’ policies, that in philosophy proposes to benefit the Americans economically and financially, Americans are actually spending more compared to their income, in terms of ratio. Higher-income Americans with significant investments have benefited from a strong stock market and the boom in artificial intelligence-related investment. Lower- and middle-income households, however, are more exposed to the cost of essentials. Stable employment may provide income security, but it does not necessarily offset the cumulative increase in the cost of living. That divide is increasingly shaping how Americans interpret economic data — and how they may approach the ballot box on November 3. Thus, in the upcoming midterms, voters are focussed on if the party ruling America would make their lifestyle ‘affordable’ because they have increasingly realising that strong economic numbers and conservative policies cannot solely mean an ease for their pockets. Interestingly, the Trump administration might be aware of this voter sentiment because Trump did announce a 5000 dollar freebie to tap into voter's desperation for actual money in their pocket.

As the US midterms approach, affordability is emerging as a key voter concern despite 2.2% GDP growth. Rising grocery, gasoline, housing and utility costs are squeezing households, while Trump’s $5,000 dividend proposal seeks to address growing demands for more money in Americans’ pockets

US midterms 2026 and the affordability election: How grocery, petrol, gas and rent costs are hitting Americans

As UAE begins investigations into the flydubai cockpit attack incident that is also being termed as an hijack attempt, we try to know who are the mystery pilots who stepped in to stabilize the flyDubai flight that would have met a disastrous fate.&nbsp;Three days after the flyDubai flight was saved from meeting an unfortunate destiny, nothing much is known about the uniformed crew members who rushed to the cockpit to steady the Israel-bound plane carrying 182 people. They are yet to be identified and have only been referred to by flyDubai as on-duty crew members traveling on the plane. It is still not clear why the airlines has chosen to refrain from revealing their identities.&nbsp;One of the passengers in an interview to the Associated Press said “This is one of the miracles."“That not in every flight they bring two extra pilots. In this case, they brought them because they should have brought the plane back from Tel Aviv to Dubai, and this is the only reason they were there.” said the passenger further.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-attack-israel-s-security-system-under-scrutiny-as-ministry-admits-no-pilot-background-checks-1791101354602">Flydubai attack: Israel’s security system under scrutiny as ministry admits no pilot background checks</a>&nbsp;The two men responded after hearing scream of passengers, who said the co-pilot was attacking the captain over and over, and blood was all over the place. The captain despite being severely wounded had managed to unlock the cockpit door.&nbsp;“He was actually kind of jumping above the guys that were handling the terrorist, and he reached out to the pilot area and started to take over,” said the passenger (Daniel Schlichter)to AP. “And then the other guy, the other pilot, joined in and they closed the door because they didn’t want anybody else to be there.”&nbsp;Schlichter, talking about one of the two men said, “He acted really like a hero, taking over the plane and reacted like he understood exactly what is going on, and I think we owe him our lives not less than the other heroes that went on the flight."&nbsp;Once the two entered the cockpit and closed the door, Schlichter wasn’t sure who did what inside. It took “quite a lot of minutes,” maybe 10 or more, to stabilize the plane after a descent so extreme that part of its rudder was torn away, reported AP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

They are yet to be identified and have only been referred to by flyDubai as on-duty crew members traveling on the plane. It is still not clear why the airlines has chosen to refrain from revealing their identities.

As UAE begins investigations into the flydubai cockpit attack incident that is also being termed as an hijack attempt, we try to know who are the mystery pilots who stepped in to stabilize the flyDubai flight that would have met a disastrous fate. Three days after the flyDubai flight was saved from meeting an unfortunate destiny, nothing much is known about the uniformed crew members who rushed to the cockpit to steady the Israel-bound plane carrying 182 people. They are yet to be identified and have only been referred to by flyDubai as on-duty crew members traveling on the plane. It is still not clear why the airlines has chosen to refrain from revealing their identities. One of the passengers in an interview to the Associated Press said “This is one of the miracles." “That not in every flight they bring two extra pilots. In this case, they brought them because they should have brought the plane back from Tel Aviv to Dubai, and this is the only reason they were there.” said the passenger further. ALSO READ: Flydubai attack: Israel’s security system under scrutiny as ministry admits no pilot background checks The two men responded after hearing scream of passengers, who said the co-pilot was attacking the captain over and over, and blood was all over the place. The captain despite being severely wounded had managed to unlock the cockpit door. “He was actually kind of jumping above the guys that were handling the terrorist, and he reached out to the pilot area and started to take over,” said the passenger (Daniel Schlichter)to AP. “And then the other guy, the other pilot, joined in and they closed the door because they didn’t want anybody else to be there.” Schlichter, talking about one of the two men said, “He acted really like a hero, taking over the plane and reacted like he understood exactly what is going on, and I think we owe him our lives not less than the other heroes that went on the flight." Once the two entered the cockpit and closed the door, Schlichter wasn’t sure who did what inside. It took “quite a lot of minutes,” maybe 10 or more, to stabilize the plane after a descent so extreme that part of its rudder was torn away, reported AP.

They are yet to be identified and have only been referred to by flyDubai as on-duty crew members traveling on the plane. It is still not clear why the airlines has chosen to refrain from revealing their identities.

What we know about the mystery men who stepped in to save the flyDubai plane from crashing?

Amid reports of security lapse over the flydubai incident, Israel's Transportation Ministry has said that it does not conduct background checks on pilots flying into the country and cannot guarantee that those flights are "100 percent" safe. However, reports indicate that in mid-2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unequivocally placed responsibility for the security of foreign airlines flying to Israel with the Transportation Ministry and its Security Division. However, reports said that officials argued that they lacked the necessary tools, authority and budget. According to a report aired Sunday morning by Army Radio, the Shin Bet relinquished responsibility for securing foreign flights in 2021, while the Transportation Ministry failed to assume that responsibility in practice. The State Comptroller reportedly pointed to the issue in a classified May 2024 report that remains under gag order.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-flydubai-omani-co-pilot-planning-a-9-11-like-terrorist-act-in-israel-uae-probe-reveals-1791038126847">Was Flydubai Omani co-pilot planning a 9/11-like ‘terrorist act’ in Israel?</a>&nbsp;“We are not an intelligence body that checks the intelligence background of foreigners,” a representative of the division said in a statement, according to Israel daily Ynet. “We have no forces abroad. We have no staff that checks every person there.” It added that background checks are left to the airlines. “Nothing is 100% when it comes to security,” it said. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omani-pilots-barred-from-israel-flydubai-attack-raises-security-alarm-puts-spotlight-on-aviation-rule-1791090829353">Omani pilots barred from Israel? Flydubai attack raises security alarm, puts spotlight on aviation rule</a><h2>What happened?</h2>Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot, who was later identified by multiple media outlets as Hamam al-Hammami. As the aircraft plunged, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. As the cockpit door opened, passengers and crew entered the cockpit and overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.

Israel’s Transportation Ministry says it does not conduct background checks on foreign pilots and cannot guarantee flights are fully safe. The admission comes after an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai flight

Amid reports of security lapse over the flydubai incident, Israel's Transportation Ministry has said that it does not conduct background checks on pilots flying into the country and cannot guarantee that those flights are "100 percent" safe. However, reports indicate that in mid-2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unequivocally placed responsibility for the security of foreign airlines flying to Israel with the Transportation Ministry and its Security Division. However, reports said that officials argued that they lacked the necessary tools, authority and budget. According to a report aired Sunday morning by Army Radio, the Shin Bet relinquished responsibility for securing foreign flights in 2021, while the Transportation Ministry failed to assume that responsibility in practice. The State Comptroller reportedly pointed to the issue in a classified May 2024 report that remains under gag order. Also Read: Was Flydubai Omani co-pilot planning a 9/11-like ‘terrorist act’ in Israel? “We are not an intelligence body that checks the intelligence background of foreigners,” a representative of the division said in a statement, according to Israel daily Ynet. “We have no forces abroad. We have no staff that checks every person there.” It added that background checks are left to the airlines. “Nothing is 100% when it comes to security,” it said. Also Read: Omani pilots barred from Israel? Flydubai attack raises security alarm, puts spotlight on aviation rule What happened? Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot, who was later identified by multiple media outlets as Hamam al-Hammami. As the aircraft plunged, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. As the cockpit door opened, passengers and crew entered the cockpit and overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.

Israel’s Transportation Ministry says it does not conduct background checks on foreign pilots and cannot guarantee flights are fully safe. The admission comes after an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai flight

Flydubai attack: Israel’s security system under scrutiny as ministry admits no pilot background checks

Giant billboards across Tehran, some mocking US President Donald Trump and others showing American drones crushed under an Iranian soldier's boot, are documenting Iran's war with the United States and Israel. A team produces anti-US billboards for prominent sites, including the city's Valiasr Square, where large crowds pass daily. The studio, Khaneh-ye Tarrahan (Designers' House), made a towering image of Trump with sewn lips and a mouth muzzled by the Strait of Hormuz, captioned "At the breaking point", news agency AFP reported. The government sponsors the billboards and uses them to spread its messages.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-xi-meet-trump-rates-xi-meeting-12-out-of-10-calls-talks-great-1790673598500/embed">https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-xi-meet-trump-rates-xi-meeting-12-out-of-10-calls-talks-great-1790673598500/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Studio manager Mostafa Kafaei, 32, said told AFP that the team mobilises when news breaks, with ideas generated and designers briefed. The studio works under one of Iran's largest state-run media conglomerates and has a dedicated media-monitoring team. Urgent posters are turned around in a few days by teams of up to about eight people, he said. Most work is done in Photoshop, and the team is "highly proficient in AI", using engines such as ChatGPT and Nano Banana.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-redirects-177m-human-rights-fund-conservative-causes-1791058126118">Trump administration redirects over $175mn human rights fund to far-right causes abroad</a>&nbsp;Other billboards include one from a different studio showing Trump trapped in a magician's box holding a Coca-Cola and a hamburger, with the words "Blink, you're gone!" It references a July incident in Turkey in which Trump was moved from Air Force One to another aircraft on a catering truck because of a security threat. Another shows a soldier stepping on a US underwater drone, referring to a recent "Hormuz catch" by the Revolutionary Guards, with the line "Business is good". A further image shows a mythical warrior in raging seas as US warships burn. A fourth, echoing Nirvana's "Nevermind" cover, shows Trump grasping at a dollar bill underwater.&nbsp;Iran has blockaded commercial shipping through Hormuz since the war began in late February with US-Israeli strikes, while the US military maintains a counterblockade of Iranian ports.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-export-ban-threat-g7-countries-agree-to-release-100-million-barrels-of-diesel-crude-1791001095777">Trump export ban threat: G7 countries agree to release 100 million barrels of diesel, crude</a>&nbsp;Kafaei said there was initial hesitation over putting such a large image of Trump's face on the Valiasr mural, which appeared in May, but the team judged it would be exceptionally powerful. Asked why Trump appears so often, he called him a media personality and said the studio responds in kind to his actions. He likened it to a battlefield with an adversary "constantly firing at us".&nbsp;Billboards also glorify Iran, former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the war, and allies such as slain Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Kafaei said they help people who "may not be politically minded" grasp the context.&nbsp;Retiree Mahmoudreza Rezaei, 53, recalled a "Satan's wedding gift" billboard, which he took to be aimed at Trump after an alleged US attack last month that killed several people at a wedding in the south. Pharmacy worker Sahar Jahedi, 24, said the magician's box billboard in Jomhouri Square captivated her, and that such displays keep people informed who are struggling to survive.

Tehran’s streets are lined with large propaganda billboards mocking US President Donald Trump and depicting Iranian military dominance amidst ongoing regional conflict and Hormuz tensions. 

Giant billboards across Tehran, some mocking US President Donald Trump and others showing American drones crushed under an Iranian soldier's boot, are documenting Iran's war with the United States and Israel. A team produces anti-US billboards for prominent sites, including the city's Valiasr Square, where large crowds pass daily. The studio, Khaneh-ye Tarrahan (Designers' House), made a towering image of Trump with sewn lips and a mouth muzzled by the Strait of Hormuz, captioned "At the breaking point", news agency AFP reported. The government sponsors the billboards and uses them to spread its messages. https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/trump-xi-meet-trump-rates-xi-meeting-12-out-of-10-calls-talks-great-1790673598500/embed Studio manager Mostafa Kafaei, 32, said told AFP that the team mobilises when news breaks, with ideas generated and designers briefed. The studio works under one of Iran's largest state-run media conglomerates and has a dedicated media-monitoring team. Urgent posters are turned around in a few days by teams of up to about eight people, he said. Most work is done in Photoshop, and the team is "highly proficient in AI", using engines such as ChatGPT and Nano Banana. Also read: Trump administration redirects over $175mn human rights fund to far-right causes abroad Other billboards include one from a different studio showing Trump trapped in a magician's box holding a Coca-Cola and a hamburger, with the words "Blink, you're gone!" It references a July incident in Turkey in which Trump was moved from Air Force One to another aircraft on a catering truck because of a security threat. Another shows a soldier stepping on a US underwater drone, referring to a recent "Hormuz catch" by the Revolutionary Guards, with the line "Business is good". A further image shows a mythical warrior in raging seas as US warships burn. A fourth, echoing Nirvana's "Nevermind" cover, shows Trump grasping at a dollar bill underwater. Iran has blockaded commercial shipping through Hormuz since the war began in late February with US-Israeli strikes, while the US military maintains a counterblockade of Iranian ports. Also read: Trump export ban threat: G7 countries agree to release 100 million barrels of diesel, crude Kafaei said there was initial hesitation over putting such a large image of Trump's face on the Valiasr mural, which appeared in May, but the team judged it would be exceptionally powerful. Asked why Trump appears so often, he called him a media personality and said the studio responds in kind to his actions. He likened it to a battlefield with an adversary "constantly firing at us". Billboards also glorify Iran, former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the war, and allies such as slain Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Kafaei said they help people who "may not be politically minded" grasp the context. Retiree Mahmoudreza Rezaei, 53, recalled a "Satan's wedding gift" billboard, which he took to be aimed at Trump after an alleged US attack last month that killed several people at a wedding in the south. Pharmacy worker Sahar Jahedi, 24, said the magician's box billboard in Jomhouri Square captivated her, and that such displays keep people informed who are struggling to survive.

Tehran’s streets are lined with large propaganda billboards mocking US President Donald Trump and depicting Iranian military dominance amidst ongoing regional conflict and Hormuz tensions.

Giant billboards in Iran mock Donald Trump and boast military victory

Philippine authorities have arrested 244 foreign workers, most of them Chinese, in what the immigration bureau described as the largest operation this year against illegal online gaming operators. Military personnel and other law enforcement agencies raided two addresses in the southern region of Mindanao on Friday (Oct 2), according to a bureau statement released late Saturday (Oct 3) published by news agency AFP. At the first site, officers arrested 110 Chinese nationals, two Cambodians and one resident of Hong Kong. At the second site, officers arrested 131 foreigners. The bureau said they were "mostly Chinese" and also included citizens of Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-red-carpet-for-xi-sparks-questions-about-us-diplomacy-1790484621486/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-red-carpet-for-xi-sparks-questions-about-us-diplomacy-1790484621486/embed</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bureau said investigators seized "large quantities" of computer equipment, mobile phones, laptops and SIM cards. The government is investigating possible human trafficking-related offences involving a number of those detained. The rest will be deported.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/china-s-military-gamble-the-information-revolution-in-the-pla-china-s-military-future-a-new-strategy-of-speed-over-hardware-1790927467497">China's military gamble: The information revolution in the PLA &amp; China’s military future - a new strategy of speed over hardware</a>&nbsp;Immigration chief Joel Viado said in the statement that the bureau will keep enforcing immigration laws against foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their stay. He said the aim is to ensure the Philippines is not used as a base for illegal activities. The bureau called Friday's (Oct 2) raids the largest POGO bust of 2026.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-us-and-china-set-up-an-ai-red-telephone-but-skipped-the-rulebook-1790523313514">The US and China set up an AI 'red telephone', but skipped the rulebook</a>&nbsp;Manila banned Philippine online gaming operators, known locally as POGOs, in 2024. The government cited allegations that organised crime groups used them as cover for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings and murder. The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

Philippine authorities have detained 244 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, in Mindanao during the country's largest POGO bust of 2026 targeting illegal online gaming operations. 

Philippine authorities have arrested 244 foreign workers, most of them Chinese, in what the immigration bureau described as the largest operation this year against illegal online gaming operators. Military personnel and other law enforcement agencies raided two addresses in the southern region of Mindanao on Friday (Oct 2), according to a bureau statement released late Saturday (Oct 3) published by news agency AFP. At the first site, officers arrested 110 Chinese nationals, two Cambodians and one resident of Hong Kong. At the second site, officers arrested 131 foreigners. The bureau said they were "mostly Chinese" and also included citizens of Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-red-carpet-for-xi-sparks-questions-about-us-diplomacy-1790484621486/embed The bureau said investigators seized "large quantities" of computer equipment, mobile phones, laptops and SIM cards. The government is investigating possible human trafficking-related offences involving a number of those detained. The rest will be deported. Also read: China's military gamble: The information revolution in the PLA & China’s military future - a new strategy of speed over hardware Immigration chief Joel Viado said in the statement that the bureau will keep enforcing immigration laws against foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their stay. He said the aim is to ensure the Philippines is not used as a base for illegal activities. The bureau called Friday's (Oct 2) raids the largest POGO bust of 2026. Also read: The US and China set up an AI 'red telephone', but skipped the rulebook Manila banned Philippine online gaming operators, known locally as POGOs, in 2024. The government cited allegations that organised crime groups used them as cover for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, kidnappings and murder. The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

Philippine authorities have detained 244 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, in Mindanao during the country's largest POGO bust of 2026 targeting illegal online gaming operations.

Philippines detains 244 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, in crackdown on Illegal online gaming

A major security lapse has surfaced in Israel after the Flydubai incident as it was revealed that the co-pilot, who attacked was of Omani nationality. According to the Powers for Collection and Analysis of Passenger Data of those Entering or Exiting Israel Law, 5783-2023 that was passed in 2023 stated that airlines will share complete flight crew details to Israeli security agencies. The data is then intended to be distributed to security agencies like the Shin Bet, the Mossad, and the Israel Police. Security officials confirmed that Israel did receive the complete crew manifest for Flydubai Flight FZ1073 before it took off from Dubai.&nbsp;&nbsp;Though the law does not mention a ban explicitly, Israel prohibits pilots from nations that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel from flying into its airspace. This long-standing security policy applies to Oman and several other countries because Israel classifies them as “unfriendly states.” Following the 2020 Abraham Accords, this rule was formalised to prevent flight crews from non-normalised, non-signatory nations from flying sensitive commercial routes into Israel.&nbsp;Some pilots who only hold sole citizenship from the following major categories of countries face the exact same restriction but those holding dual citizenship may be allowed. Countries that are generally banned are from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Oman, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. Other countries from Asia namely Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei are also banned. North Korea and Cuba are also banned.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-flydubai-omani-co-pilot-planning-a-9-11-like-terrorist-act-in-israel-uae-probe-reveals-1791038126847">Was Flydubai Omani co-pilot planning a 9/11-like ‘terrorist act’ in Israel?</a><h2>What happened?</h2>Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot, who was later identified by multiple media outlets as Hamam al-Hammami. As the aircraft plunged, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. As the cockpit door opened, passengers and crew entered the cockpit and overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-co-pilot-s-alleged-photo-goes-viral-oman-air-had-reportedly-flagged-him-over-extremist-views-big-revelations-smit-machchhar-1791010820693">Flydubai co-pilot’s alleged photo goes viral</a>&nbsp;The co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami's identity has not been confirmed by Oman. Intelligence and law enforcement agencies—including the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police, ASIO and a deleted LinkedIn profile reveal that he was granted an Australian student visa in 2014 and studied engineering at a university in Victoria between 2015 and 2017. His student visa was later officially cancelled in 2019 after he left the country and ceased enrollment. Records also shows that he enrolled in a three-year remote, distance-learning course at Buckinghamshire New University in the UK. He graduated in 2023 with a degree in aviation management. The university clarified that his enrollment was strictly for academic management studies and did not involve any practical pilot training at their institution. Investigations are underway in UAE, Israel and Australia.

The Flydubai cockpit attack has raised questions over Israel’s aviation security after an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar on a Tel Aviv-bound flight. Israeli authorities reportedly did not had the crew manifest before takeoff

A major security lapse has surfaced in Israel after the Flydubai incident as it was revealed that the co-pilot, who attacked was of Omani nationality. According to the Powers for Collection and Analysis of Passenger Data of those Entering or Exiting Israel Law, 5783-2023 that was passed in 2023 stated that airlines will share complete flight crew details to Israeli security agencies. The data is then intended to be distributed to security agencies like the Shin Bet, the Mossad, and the Israel Police. Security officials confirmed that Israel did receive the complete crew manifest for Flydubai Flight FZ1073 before it took off from Dubai. Though the law does not mention a ban explicitly, Israel prohibits pilots from nations that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel from flying into its airspace. This long-standing security policy applies to Oman and several other countries because Israel classifies them as “unfriendly states.” Following the 2020 Abraham Accords, this rule was formalised to prevent flight crews from non-normalised, non-signatory nations from flying sensitive commercial routes into Israel. Some pilots who only hold sole citizenship from the following major categories of countries face the exact same restriction but those holding dual citizenship may be allowed. Countries that are generally banned are from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Oman, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. Other countries from Asia namely Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei are also banned. North Korea and Cuba are also banned. Also Read: Was Flydubai Omani co-pilot planning a 9/11-like ‘terrorist act’ in Israel? What happened? Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot, who was later identified by multiple media outlets as Hamam al-Hammami. As the aircraft plunged, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. As the cockpit door opened, passengers and crew entered the cockpit and overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia. Also Read: Flydubai co-pilot’s alleged photo goes viral The co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami's identity has not been confirmed by Oman. Intelligence and law enforcement agencies—including the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police, ASIO and a deleted LinkedIn profile reveal that he was granted an Australian student visa in 2014 and studied engineering at a university in Victoria between 2015 and 2017. His student visa was later officially cancelled in 2019 after he left the country and ceased enrollment. Records also shows that he enrolled in a three-year remote, distance-learning course at Buckinghamshire New University in the UK. He graduated in 2023 with a degree in aviation management. The university clarified that his enrollment was strictly for academic management studies and did not involve any practical pilot training at their institution. Investigations are underway in UAE, Israel and Australia.

The Flydubai cockpit attack has raised questions over Israel’s aviation security after an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar on a Tel Aviv-bound flight. Israeli authorities reportedly did not had the crew manifest before takeoff

Omani pilots barred from Israel? Flydubai attack raises security alarm, puts spotlight on aviation rule

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday (Oct 4) confirmed launch of a missile that allegedly uses artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust its trajectory. He said that he oversaw the launch with his daughter Kim Ju Ae, state media reported. The AI technology means the missile is "capable of changing its flight orbit at a low altitude", Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong said, adding this meant there was "no way to avoid" the attack. The photos by KCNA showed a missile soaring into the sky in a burst of orange flame. Another photo showed Kim smiling, flanked by his daughter Ju Ae and wife Ri Sol Ju, who is seen clapping her hands in celebration.Here's how a six-year-old girl's request to use the lavatory put her and her mother in a position to raise the alarm during an attack in the cockpit of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on Wednesday (Sep 30). Nina Manes asked her mother, Tali, to take her to the toilet just as a co-pilot began stabbing the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar. Tali Manes heard shouting from the cockpit and called for help, which sent cabin crew rushing to the scene.In other news, millions of Brazilians are voting on Sunday in an election dominated by two rivals: incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro who Lula defeated four years ago. While there are twelve candidates on the presidential ballot, the real contest is between Lula and Bolsonaro. If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote, the top 2 will advance to a runoff on Oct. 25. Approximately 158.7 to 160 million registered voters are casting ballots, not only to elect the next President, but also Vice President, all members of the Chamber of Deputies, a portion of the Federal Senate, and state governors. According to a first-round public opinion poll, Lula da Silva is leading at 46 per cent and Flávio Bolsonaro at 45 per cent.Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Yemeni government forces are battling the Houthi rebels to regain control of Yemen’s Kahboub Mountains overlooking Bab al-Mandeb Strait, Al Jazeera reported. The fighting comes as Yemen's presidential council leader announced the start of major military operations to reclaim areas recently captured by the Houthis.“Today, I announce the start of military operations to retake the remaining territory of the republic and extend the authority of the state and its institutions across the entire national territory,” The head of Saudi-backed Yemen's presidential council, Rashad al-Alimi, said.

Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebel battle for the control of Kahboub Mountains

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced military aid for Ukraine worth around €1 billion ($1.13 billion) and an energy support package during a visit to Kyiv on Sunday (October 4), as the Ukrainian capital came under renewed attack from Russian drones. Merz, who was accompanied by his economy minister, Katherina Reiche and several company executives, said his visit showed that "we will not be intimidated. We will not be intimidated by a drone attack either, which took place at the same time as our visit.”

Germany's Merz unveils new military and energy aid for Ukraine during Kyiv visit

Houthi forces have reportedly seized the home of Yemeni Parliament Speaker Sultan al-Barakani south of Taiz following clashes with forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, according to Yemeni sources. The reported seizure occurred amid renewed fighting in areas around Taiz, where government forces and Houthi fighters have remained separated by shifting front lines since Yemen’s civil war intensified.

Houthis reportedly seize home of Yemen parliament speaker amid Taiz clashes

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's supporters are set to begin a days-long march towards Islamabad on Sunday, October 4, to demand his release as talks between the government and opposition failed to reach any concrete resolution. Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) representatives said that the primary goal is securing the freedom of Imran Khan. The march will start from Gandi Chawk, Lakki Marwat district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where PTI is in power. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the plan in a social media post on the platform X.

Imran Khan supporters begin march to Islamabad, demand his release

US President Donald Trump has named Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton as the new White House AI czar. He will be leading the White House task force, also known as “Super Intelligence Force,” or SI — created to check the response to artificial intelligence amid growing concerns about the risks of this rapidly evolving technology, reported the Wall Street Journal, citing an unnamed White House official. The task force will have 120 days to research and report on AI’s risks and opportunities, and offer recommendations on the Federal Government's role and responsibilities regarding the new technology.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-jay-clayton-white-house-ai-czar-super-intelligence-force-1791118597057">Read More</a>

Trump names intelligence chief Jay Clayton as new White House AI czar

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a telephonic conversation with Capt. Smit Machchhar, the flydubai aircraft pilot, on Saturday (October 3). During the conversation, Capt. Smit Machchhar recounted the incident, describing that before the attack, the co-pilot wanted to pray and, out of respect, he turned away. He added that after a while, he felt a blow to the back of his head, and then the blows kept coming.<a href="http://wionews.com/world/you-saved-spirit-of-world-netanyahu-praises-flydubai-aircraft-pilot-in-call-1791119110584">Read More</a>

'You saved spirit of world': Netanyahu praises Flydubai aircraft pilot in call

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India on Sunday ordered immediate recall of a batch of Everest pre-packed cumin powder after a regulatory sample was found to contain pesticide residues above prescribed limits and declared “unsafe.” &nbsp;

FSSAI recalls Everest cumin power over ‘unsafe’ pesticide levels, suspends Creative Bakers' licence

The US Coast Guard, searching for a medical plane that vanished on its way from Bermuda to Boston, has found a debris field off the Nantucket coast. The debris field has been confirmed to be connected to the missing aircraft.

Bermuda-Boston medical plane debris found, troubling final exchange revealed

A 31-year-old Indian Navy sailor was reportedly arrested on October 3 for allegedly transmitting classified maritime intelligence to a Pakistani operative. The espionage case involved a social media-based “honey trap", news agency PTI reported, citing official sources.

31-year-old Indian Navy sailor 'honey-trapped'

Capt Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was attacked by his co-pilot during the latter's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai aircraft, described the incident in detail to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. Recalling the attack inside the cockpit, Machchhar said he felt a “big blow to the back of the head” and that “the blows kept coming”.Notably, UAE investigators have said that the co-pilot planned the "terrorist act" and attacked Machchhar with an axe. Airlines are generally required to keep crash axes in cockpits, which can be used in emergencies to break a window for escape or open a panel to reach a fire.

Capt Smit Machchhar's detailed account of flydubai ‘crash attempt’

Iran ⁠will upgrade its long-range missiles with US forces now positioned as ‌much as 1,000km (620 miles) away from the Iranian coast, army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia says. “During this war, we concluded that ⁠we absolutely must increase ⁠the range ⁠of our missiles, and we have now ‌moved in that direction,” he told Fars news agency.

Iran to increase missile range as US forces retreat from the Gulf

News sources reported the suspension of air operations at Taif International Airport in Saudi Arabia. No further details have been released yet on the reason for the suspension.

Flights suspended at Saudi Arabia's Taif International Airport

A US Marine stationed on at Japan's Okinawa has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a Japanese woman.

US Marine arrested in Japan on suspicion of murder-

Outdoor businesses and public events shutter as torrential rains lash the Catalonian city of Barcelona, with authorities reporting two dead and one person missing in the region.&nbsp;

Barcelona on high alert as torrential rains bring flooding risk-

A fire swept through a campsite in the northern Italian town of Peschiera del Garda on Sunday, damaging bungalows, vehicles and nearby vegetation, emergency services said.

Fire damages campsite near Italy's Lake Garda

Russian forces attacked Ukraine’s northeastern city of Sumy with guided aerial bombs, injuring at least seven people, including a child, State Emergency Service of Ukraine said on Sunday.

At least seven people injured in Russian attack on Sumy

&nbsp;"If our enemies again choose the path of military confrontation, our response will be stronger than before, and we will defend ourselves with even more force," said Araghchi.“There is no military solution, nor is there a solution based on new sanctions,” he added.

Iran FM tells US there is no military solution to their conflict

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi stated Saturday that former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina's arrival in New Delhi two years ago was “unexpected”, emphasising that the Indian military played no role in flight arrangements. Speaking at the Bay of Bengal Conversation in Dhaka, an event organised by a local think tank Centre for Governance Studies, Trivedi addressed queries regarding her legal status and ongoing extradition discourses. &nbsp;Addressing demands concerning her legal status and extradition, Trivedi stated, "Hasinaji was not brought to India by the Indian Air Force or the Indian Army." He further noted, "It so happened because of the tragic circumstances in Bangladesh during that time. We hope and pray that should never happen, where innocent people get killed, doesn’t matter in which part of the world." The High Commissioner noted that Indian authorities were caught unawares by the sudden development.&nbsp;

Sheikh Hasina’s arrival in India was “unexpected”, Indian military had no role, says Indian envoy in Dhaka

Several revelations have come to the fore about the flydubai co-pilot, who allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound flight and attacked a colleague in the cockpit. One among them is that he did a distance-learning course in aviation management from a university in UK and did not take any pilot training there. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-co-pilot-had-no-formal-training-uk-university-says-he-did-aviation-management-1791091380856">READ MORE</a>

Flydubai co-pilot had no formal training? UK university says he did aviation management

The flydubai co-pilot who allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound flight and attacked a colleague in the cockpit spent about two years in Australia as a student. The revelation has led to Australian Federal Police (AFP) to launch an investigation. The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO are involved in the probe, said an AFP spokesperson. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-co-pilot-was-in-australia-for-2-years-on-student-visa-investigation-launched-1791087660732">READ MORE</a>

Flydubai co-pilot was in Australia for 2 years on student visa, investigation launched

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday (Oct 4) confirmed launch of a missile that allegedly uses artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust its trajectory. He said that he oversaw the launch with his daughter Kim Ju Ae, state media reported. The AI technology means the missile is "capable of changing its flight orbit at a low altitude", Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong said, adding this meant there was "no way to avoid" the attack. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-way-to-avoid-attack-kim-jong-un-confirms-north-korea-s-ai-powered-missile-launch-1791083434398">READ MORE</a>

'No way to avoid attack': Kim Jong Un confirms North Korea's AI-powered missile launch

Millions of Brazilians are voting on Sunday in an election dominated by two rivals: incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro who Lula defeated four years ago. While there are twelve candidates on the presidential ballot, the real contest is between Lula and Bolsonaro. If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote, the top 2 will advance to a runoff on Oct. 25.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-votes-in-lula-vs-flavio-bolsonaro-election-showdown-will-it-go-to-a-runoff-1791085057867"> READ MORE</a>

Brazil votes in Lula vs Bolsonaro election showdown: Will it go to a runoff?

The US Coast Guard on Sunday (local time) has found debris of Ontario air ambulance jet that went missing while flying from Bermuda to Boston, with the six people on board. While the US Coast Guard have located the debris, the six people onboard are still unaccounted for. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told the Coast Guard on Saturday night (local time) that it had lost contact with a Gulfstream G100 with the tail number C-GRJP. The US Coast Guard launched an air and surface search after it was reported about the incident. The Coast Guard confirmed that the plane carried four Canadian nationals and two Bermudian nationals. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coast-guard-finds-debris-from-missing-air-ambulance-six-onboard-still-not-found-1791089337265">READ MORE</a>

US Coast Guard finds debris from missing air ambulance, six onboard still not found

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray are leading a joint protest march in Mumbai on Sunday (Oct 4). The protest is against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, with the parties alleging irregularities in the electoral process and demanding his resignation. Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray announced this protest march – “Garjana Morcha” and this follows the mass "Jail Bharo" demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Shivaji Park on October 2, 2026. The October 2 protest at Shivaji Park was held despite police denying permission for the gathering. The Thackeray cousins had announced the October 4 march last month, with the protest focused on the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. R<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scrap-sir-uddhav-raj-thackeray-lead-mumbai-protest-against-cec-gyanesh-kumar-1791096499826">EAD MORE</a>

'Scrap SIR...': Uddhav, Raj Thackeray lead Mumbai protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

US President Donald Trump’s top national security aides held an unpublicised meeting at Camp David on Friday, conferring for several hours to discuss next steps in the war with Iran alongside the Saudi-backed campaign targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen, Axios reported, citing three US officials.&nbsp; The administration made no public announcements regarding the gathering, which transpired as negotiations with Tehran remained deadlocked. Trump Administration is weighing whether to re-engage in major combat operations against the Iran.&nbsp; Vice President JD Vance presided over the discussions. He was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US War Secretary Peter Hegseth, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen Dan Caine and other senior officials.

Trump team discusses Iran war, Yemen situation in Camp David huddle: Report 

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, alongside the Seattle regional chapter of the American Jewish Committee, has commended Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his exemplary actions in preventing an attempted hijacking aboard a Flydubai service operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Expressing his admiration via social media, Landau praised Captain Machchhar and the passengers on Flydubai flight FZ1073 for averting a major security disaster. “I’d like to express my utmost respect and, frankly, awe to Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, and to Yaniv Huyan and the other mostly Israeli passengers on that flight for preventing what would have been one of the world’s most horrific terrorist incidents,” Landau stated.&nbsp;

"Inspiring to read about raw acts of courage": US, Jewish group hail Captain Smit Machchhar’s courage

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that Ukraine will intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries as a countermeasure against Moscow's newly adopted policy of airstrikes intended to coerce residents into abandoning Kyiv and other urban centres, while maintaining that civilian objects will not be targeted. &nbsp;In an interview with Reuters, Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian intelligence services obtained documentation indicating that Russian leader Vladimir Putin instituted a "new doctrine" focused on extensive military attacks across a much broader range of civilian targets ahead of the winter season. "We saw documents, and we know that they allow them to attack infrastructure, logistics, and especially to attack in the cities, in the villages, everywhere, roads, schools, hospitals," Zelenskyy told Reuters in the interview. "To pressure people to leave the capital, leave different cities: this is the goal of the operation."

Russia’s "new doctrine" targets civilian sites in Ukraine, says Zelensky

Two critically endangered Sumatran rhinos have fallen pregnant at an Indonesian sanctuary, boosting hopes for the survival of one of the world's rarest and most threatened mammals, the government said on Sunday.News agency AFP reports, Ratu, a female Sumatran rhino at the Way Kambas National Park on Sumatra island,&nbsp;has been pregnant with her fourth calf for 238 days &nbsp;-- nearly half the gestation period.Ratu means "queen" in Indonesian.Ratu's daughter, Delilah, is more than 250 days into a pregnancy with her second calf, and both should give birth in May next year.

Sumatra rhino pregnancies nurse hope for endangered species' future

A 20-year-old US Marine stationed on Japan's southern island of Okinawa was arrested on suspicion of the murder of a Japanese woman, police said on Sunday (Oct 4).The suspect "killed the 39-year-old woman at a hotel in Naha and stole her wallet on Saturday," a local police spokesman told news agency AFP.US Ambassador George Glass posted on social media that he had spoken with Japan's foreign ministry and Okinawa's governor to offer "our sincere condolences and pledging full cooperation as the investigation continues".

US Marine arrested in Japan on suspicion of murder

A major security lapse has surfaced in Israel after the Flydubai incident as it was revealed that the co-pilot, who attacked was of Omani nationality. According to the Powers for Collection and Analysis of Passenger Data of those Entering or Exiting Israel Law, 5783-2023 that was passed in 2023 stated that airlines will share complete flight crew details to Israeli security agencies. The data is then intended to be distributed to security agencies like the Shin Bet, the Mossad, and the Israel Police. Security officials confirmed that Israel did receive the complete crew manifest for Flydubai Flight FZ1073 before it took off from Dubai.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omani-pilots-barred-from-israel-flydubai-attack-raises-security-alarm-puts-spotlight-on-aviation-rule-1791090829353">Read more</a>

The prison chief in the southern US state of Tennessee has resigned, the governor said Saturday, after an unprecedented botched execution left a convicted murderer on a ventilator in critical condition.Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada will leave his post this month, Governor Bill Lee said in a statement.Christa Pike, 50, on Wednesday survived two lethal injections of pentobarbital, a drug that suppresses nervous system activity.Media witnesses listened to her snoring&nbsp;for about an hour after being administered the deadly doses, and said she was alive as they were ushered out of the execution chamber viewing area at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville.

US prison chief who oversaw botched execution resigns

Protests by teenagers outside their schools have shaken France in recent days, with students blockading entrances to their institutions and security forces on occasion responding with tear gas news agency AFP reported.The government has said that while the grievances may be legitimate, violence is not and has accused the hard-left of whipping up the movement.Critics have meanwhile accused some police of heavy-handed force against protesters, who are legally still children.

What is fuelling French school protests?

A six-year-old girl's request to use the lavatory put her and her mother in a position to raise the alarm during an attack in the cockpit of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on Wednesday (Sep 30). Nina Manes asked her mother, Tali, to take her to the toilet just as a co-pilot began stabbing the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar. Tali Manes heard shouting from the cockpit and called for help, which sent cabin crew rushing to the scene.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-a-6-year-old-nina-manes-bathroom-request-helped-avert-disaster-on-flydubai-flight-to-tel-aviv-1791026268249">Read more</a>

How a 6-year-old's bathroom request helped avert disaster on flydubai flight to Tel Aviv

Trump administration is pushing more than $175 million of the State Department’s flagship human rights fund toward conservative and far-right initiatives abroad just before funding expired on September 30. Approximately $176.9 million out of $205 million appropriated for the HRDF was moved into 43 specific awards.&nbsp;Among the awards were a huge $40m grant for an anti-communism fund support led by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC). Another was for a group advancing white Afrikaner rights in South Africa, a $1 million campaign against Brazil’s Supreme Court. The Trump administration has clashed with the Lula government and has imposed sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.<a href=" https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-redirects-177m-human-rights-fund-conservative-causes-1791058126118">Read more</a>

Trump administration redirects over $175mn human rights fund to far-right causes abroad

North Korea unveils an AI-guided missile, millions of Brazilians cast ballots in a tight Lula vs. Bolsonaro presidential election, and a child’s lavatory request aids in thwarting a flydubai cockpit attack. Stay tuned for news from across the globe.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday (Oct 4) confirmed launch of a missile that allegedly uses artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust its trajectory. He said that he oversaw the launch with his daughter Kim Ju Ae, state media reported. The AI technology means the missile is "capable of changing its flight orbit at a low altitude", Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong said, adding this meant there was "no way to avoid" the attack. The photos by KCNA showed a missile soaring into the sky in a burst of orange flame. Another photo showed Kim smiling, flanked by his daughter Ju Ae and wife Ri Sol Ju, who is seen clapping her hands in celebration. Here's how a six-year-old girl's request to use the lavatory put her and her mother in a position to raise the alarm during an attack in the cockpit of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on Wednesday (Sep 30). Nina Manes asked her mother, Tali, to take her to the toilet just as a co-pilot began stabbing the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar. Tali Manes heard shouting from the cockpit and called for help, which sent cabin crew rushing to the scene. In other news, millions of Brazilians are voting on Sunday in an election dominated by two rivals: incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro who Lula defeated four years ago. While there are twelve candidates on the presidential ballot, the real contest is between Lula and Bolsonaro. If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote, the top 2 will advance to a runoff on Oct. 25. Approximately 158.7 to 160 million registered voters are casting ballots, not only to elect the next President, but also Vice President, all members of the Chamber of Deputies, a portion of the Federal Senate, and state governors. According to a first-round public opinion poll, Lula da Silva is leading at 46 per cent and Flávio Bolsonaro at 45 per cent. Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

North Korea unveils an AI-guided missile, millions of Brazilians cast ballots in a tight Lula vs. Bolsonaro presidential election, and a child’s lavatory request aids in thwarting a flydubai cockpit attack. Stay tuned for news from across the globe.

Latest News India and World LIVE Updates: North Korea tests AI missile, flydubai attack, and more

Several revelations have come to the fore about the flydubai co-pilot, who allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound flight and attacked a colleague in the cockpit. One among them is that he did a distance-learning course in aviation management from a university in UK and did not take any pilot training there.&nbsp;According to a report in The Guardian, "A British university, Buckinghamshire New University, said a student named Hamam al-Hammami had previously completed a distance-learning course in aviation management at the institution but he did not undertake any pilot training at the university.”&nbsp;A flydubai spokesperson on Saturday refused to comment on his association with the university and said the incident is under investigation and they are not in a position to say anything right now.&nbsp;Notably, the co-pilot had been barred from flying by Oman over concerns he had adopted extremist views, a report in the Wall Street Journal said. He was then moved to an administrative job at Oman Air, before being hired by the UAE-based budget airline flydubai, said the report further.&nbsp;<h2>The flydubai plane hero, Smit Machchhar</h2> Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was flying a Boeing 737 to Israel on Wednesday (Oct 1) when his co-pilot attacked him. Despite multiple stab wounds, he opened the cockpit door and let in passengers, who subdued the co-pilot. This likely saved the 174 people on board. The flight, FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk.&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he wants Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at a national ceremony marking Israel's Independence Day next May, an honour he said is usually reserved for Israeli citizens. “All the citizens of Israel will embrace you,” he said.

Notably, the co-pilot had been barred from flying by Oman over concerns he had adopted extremist views. He was then moved to an administrative job at Oman Air, before being hired by flydubai.

Several revelations have come to the fore about the flydubai co-pilot, who allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound flight and attacked a colleague in the cockpit. One among them is that he did a distance-learning course in aviation management from a university in UK and did not take any pilot training there. According to a report in The Guardian, "A British university, Buckinghamshire New University, said a student named Hamam al-Hammami had previously completed a distance-learning course in aviation management at the institution but he did not undertake any pilot training at the university.” A flydubai spokesperson on Saturday refused to comment on his association with the university and said the incident is under investigation and they are not in a position to say anything right now. Notably, the co-pilot had been barred from flying by Oman over concerns he had adopted extremist views, a report in the Wall Street Journal said. He was then moved to an administrative job at Oman Air, before being hired by the UAE-based budget airline flydubai, said the report further. The flydubai plane hero, Smit Machchhar Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was flying a Boeing 737 to Israel on Wednesday (Oct 1) when his co-pilot attacked him. Despite multiple stab wounds, he opened the cockpit door and let in passengers, who subdued the co-pilot. This likely saved the 174 people on board. The flight, FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he wants Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at a national ceremony marking Israel's Independence Day next May, an honour he said is usually reserved for Israeli citizens. “All the citizens of Israel will embrace you,” he said.

Notably, the co-pilot had been barred from flying by Oman over concerns he had adopted extremist views. He was then moved to an administrative job at Oman Air, before being hired by flydubai.

The US Coast Guard on Sunday (local time) has found debris of Ontario air ambulance jet that went missing while flying from Bermuda to Boston, with the six people on board. While the US Coast Guard have located the debris, the six people onboard are still unaccounted for. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told the Coast Guard on Saturday night (local time) that it had lost contact with a Gulfstream G100 with the tail number C-GRJP. The US Coast Guard launched an air and surface search after it was reported about the incident. The Coast Guard confirmed that the plane carried four Canadian nationals and two Bermudian nationals. &nbsp;<blockquote>"Coast Guard search crews located a debris field that has been confirmed to be associated with the missing aircraft," it said. “Crews are continuing to search for the six people who were aboard the aircraft,” it added in the statement.</blockquote>&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/four-vanished-over-the-bahamas-bermuda-triangle-mystery-turns-tragic-1789060810368">Four vanished over the Bahamas: Bermuda Triangle mystery turns tragic</a>&nbsp;According to initial information an aircraft, a Gulfstream G100 which was Ontario-based medical transport aircraft was carrying a patient and a family member escort along with four crew members. The aircraft was registered under Canada-based Latitude Air Ambulance, which works with global insurance companies, governments and other organisations to provide medical evacuation and repatriation services. The company flagged that it went missing around 1:30 am (1530 GMT). Company spokesman Clarence Togeretz confirmed that the jet was on an active Medevac operation, transferring a patient to an area hospital.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aircraft-with-four-aboard-disappeared-over-bermuda-triangle-they-have-been-found-dead-1789032878048">Aircraft with four aboard disappeared over Bermuda Triangle. They have been found dead</a>&nbsp;However, the aircraft is not official Ontario air ambulance. Joshua McNamara, a spokesperson for Ornge, which provides air ambulance services for Ontario's provincial health-care system, said the flight was not an air ambulance transport for Ontario.&nbsp;<h2>Emergency contact before getting lost</h2> Meanwhile, Nantucket Memorial Airport spokesperson Preston Harimon said in a statement that the airport, which is located in Massachusetts, was informed the aircraft had reportedly declared an emergency before it lost contact. “Details regarding the circumstances of the incident remain unconfirmed,” Harimon said. “Nantucket Memorial Airport will not speculate on the cause of the event.” The rescue operations are still underway to locate the passengers.&nbsp;<h2>Timeline of the incident</h2>Based on flight data and official statements, on Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET, Jet C-GRJP departed John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, according to Flightradar24, and landed at Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport at 9:28 p.m. ET. The flight departed Bermuda at 11:41 p.m. ET for Logan International Airport in Boston, with an estimated arrival time of 1:30 a.m. ET on Saturday. At approximately 1 a.m. ET, the jet descended from 24,000 feet to 11,000 feet before stabilising again, according to FlightAware. At 1:20 a.m. ET, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a search and rescue alert for the jet. Around 1:30 a.m. ET, Latitude was tracking the flight and lost contact before reaching out to the U.S. Coast Guard. At 6:15 a.m. ET, the Coast Guard said on social media that it was searching for the Gulfstream G100 jet off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.&nbsp;

The US Coast Guard has found debris linked to a Gulfstream G100 that went missing while flying from Bermuda to Boston, but the six people onboard remain unaccounted for. The Ontario-based Medevac aircraft was carrying a patient, an escort and four crew members.

The US Coast Guard on Sunday (local time) has found debris of Ontario air ambulance jet that went missing while flying from Bermuda to Boston, with the six people on board. While the US Coast Guard have located the debris, the six people onboard are still unaccounted for. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told the Coast Guard on Saturday night (local time) that it had lost contact with a Gulfstream G100 with the tail number C-GRJP. The US Coast Guard launched an air and surface search after it was reported about the incident. The Coast Guard confirmed that the plane carried four Canadian nationals and two Bermudian nationals. "Coast Guard search crews located a debris field that has been confirmed to be associated with the missing aircraft," it said. “Crews are continuing to search for the six people who were aboard the aircraft,” it added in the statement. Also Read: Four vanished over the Bahamas: Bermuda Triangle mystery turns tragic According to initial information an aircraft, a Gulfstream G100 which was Ontario-based medical transport aircraft was carrying a patient and a family member escort along with four crew members. The aircraft was registered under Canada-based Latitude Air Ambulance, which works with global insurance companies, governments and other organisations to provide medical evacuation and repatriation services. The company flagged that it went missing around 1:30 am (1530 GMT). Company spokesman Clarence Togeretz confirmed that the jet was on an active Medevac operation, transferring a patient to an area hospital. Also Read: Aircraft with four aboard disappeared over Bermuda Triangle. They have been found dead However, the aircraft is not official Ontario air ambulance. Joshua McNamara, a spokesperson for Ornge, which provides air ambulance services for Ontario's provincial health-care system, said the flight was not an air ambulance transport for Ontario. Emergency contact before getting lost Meanwhile, Nantucket Memorial Airport spokesperson Preston Harimon said in a statement that the airport, which is located in Massachusetts, was informed the aircraft had reportedly declared an emergency before it lost contact. “Details regarding the circumstances of the incident remain unconfirmed,” Harimon said. “Nantucket Memorial Airport will not speculate on the cause of the event.” The rescue operations are still underway to locate the passengers. Timeline of the incident Based on flight data and official statements, on Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET, Jet C-GRJP departed John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, according to Flightradar24, and landed at Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport at 9:28 p.m. ET. The flight departed Bermuda at 11:41 p.m. ET for Logan International Airport in Boston, with an estimated arrival time of 1:30 a.m. ET on Saturday. At approximately 1 a.m. ET, the jet descended from 24,000 feet to 11,000 feet before stabilising again, according to FlightAware. At 1:20 a.m. ET, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a search and rescue alert for the jet. Around 1:30 a.m. ET, Latitude was tracking the flight and lost contact before reaching out to the U.S. Coast Guard. At 6:15 a.m. ET, the Coast Guard said on social media that it was searching for the Gulfstream G100 jet off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

The US Coast Guard has found debris linked to a Gulfstream G100 that went missing while flying from Bermuda to Boston, but the six people onboard remain unaccounted for. The Ontario-based Medevac aircraft was carrying a patient, an escort and four crew members.

A violent confrontation erupted on Saturday evening at a protest junction in Kabri in Israel’s Western Galilee. According to reports, a female driver in a vehicle from Ma’alot allegedly shouted insults and accusations at protesters before attempting to drive toward demonstrators standing at a crosswalk. Two passengers from the vehicle violently snatched an Israeli flag and used the flagpole in an attempt to attack other protesters. This incident took place amid dozens of widespread anti-government protests and road blockades occurring across northern and central Israel, which also included memorial ceremonies for victims of the October 7 attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-flydubai-omani-co-pilot-planning-a-9-11-like-terrorist-act-in-israel-uae-probe-reveals-1791038126847">Was Flydubai Omani co-pilot planning a 9/11-like ‘terrorist act’ in Israel?</a>&nbsp;Earlier, on Friday night, one man was critically wounded, 19 wounded when a brawl between Druse and Muslims in the northern village of Abu Sinan spun out of control. However, reports indicate that both the confrontation were not connected. Ibrahim, a spokesman for local council head Nuhad Mishlav, said that the brawl had nothing to do with tension between Druse and Muslims and that relations between the communities are sound.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netanyahu-warns-very-heavy-price-if-any-power-behind-flydubai-incident-1790962555443">Netanyahu warns 'very heavy price' if any power behind Flydubai incident</a><h2>The Friday brawl</h2>

Tension between Druse and Muslims is believed to have been sparked by recent violence between Arabs and the police and army, including the killing of a Kafr Kana man by police a week ago. The Druse are heavily represented in the state security services and law enforcement, in particular the Border Police, and videos and online posts about Druse policing the recent riots in Jerusalem have circulated widely. Police referred to the incident as “a grave occurrence in which many civilians who live together as neighbors were harmed” and called on Druse and Muslim residents of the town to act responsibly and work to prevent further fighting. Classes will be canceled in Abu Sinan schools Sunday on the recommendation of district police.&nbsp;

Tensions between Druze and Muslim residents in Israel’s Abu Sinan have risen amid recent violence involving Arabs, police and the army. The unrest follows the killing of a Kafr Kana man by police. Schools in Abu Sinan will remain closed Sunday on the recommendation of district police.

A violent confrontation erupted on Saturday evening at a protest junction in Kabri in Israel’s Western Galilee. According to reports, a female driver in a vehicle from Ma’alot allegedly shouted insults and accusations at protesters before attempting to drive toward demonstrators standing at a crosswalk. Two passengers from the vehicle violently snatched an Israeli flag and used the flagpole in an attempt to attack other protesters. This incident took place amid dozens of widespread anti-government protests and road blockades occurring across northern and central Israel, which also included memorial ceremonies for victims of the October 7 attacks. Also Read: Was Flydubai Omani co-pilot planning a 9/11-like ‘terrorist act’ in Israel? Earlier, on Friday night, one man was critically wounded, 19 wounded when a brawl between Druse and Muslims in the northern village of Abu Sinan spun out of control. However, reports indicate that both the confrontation were not connected. Ibrahim, a spokesman for local council head Nuhad Mishlav, said that the brawl had nothing to do with tension between Druse and Muslims and that relations between the communities are sound. Also Read: Netanyahu warns 'very heavy price' if any power behind Flydubai incident The Friday brawl

Tensions between Druze and Muslim residents in Israel’s Abu Sinan have risen amid recent violence involving Arabs, police and the army. The unrest follows the killing of a Kafr Kana man by police. Schools in Abu Sinan will remain closed Sunday on the recommendation of district police.

Violent confrontation at Kabri protest junction as Druze-Muslim tensions flare in Israel

A six-year-old girl's request to use the lavatory put her and her mother in a position to raise the alarm during an attack in the cockpit of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on Wednesday (Sep 30). Nina Manes asked her mother, Tali, to take her to the toilet just as a co-pilot began stabbing the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar. Tali Manes heard shouting from the cockpit and called for help, which sent cabin crew rushing to the scene.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netanyahu-warns-very-heavy-price-if-any-power-behind-flydubai-incident-1790962555443/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/netanyahu-warns-very-heavy-price-if-any-power-behind-flydubai-incident-1790962555443/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;"There was blood all over the cockpit and very, very sharp fighting moves," she told Israel's Channel 12. She said she shouted that the pilot was being stabbed, but at first people did not grasp what she meant. Her husband, Zvika Manes, said the cries of his daughters as the aircraft nose-dived pushed him to run into the cockpit. He recalled them saying they did not want to die.&nbsp;Passengers described the plane dropping thousands of feet as a group of them overpowered the co-pilot and tried to help the captain. One passenger, blood running down his face, posted a plea on social media during the struggle, saying the attackers had been subdued and the plane was approaching landing.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capt-smit-machchhar-chanted-hanuman-chalisa-during-flydubai-attack-was-fighting-for-my-life-1790942075313">Indian Capt Smit Machchhar ‘chanted Hanuman Chalisa’ during Flydubai attack: ‘Was fighting for my life’</a>&nbsp;Yasmin Abu Kasis, whose daughter Miriam was on board, told news agency The Associated Press that her daughter heard screaming and saw a man with a weapon force the pilot to the floor. She said the aircraft began to lose control and passengers screamed. Machchhar, bloodied and on the floor, managed to press the release that opened the cockpit door so others could get in.&nbsp;A passenger identified as Meital said her husband rushed to the front after hearing someone shout "stabbing," and joined other Israelis in subduing the attacker. She said there was a great deal of blood and that she was too distressed to speak easily.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whoever-sent-him-netanyahu-issues-chilling-warning-after-flydubai-hijack-attempt-1790950479649">‘Whoever sent him...’: Netanyahu issues chilling warning after Flydubai hijack attempt</a>&nbsp;Israeli President Isaac Herzog has said he will recommend Yaniv Hayoun, Tzvika Manes and Asaf Rajuan for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. Four people in total are reportedly being recommended. Among them are a plumber who held the attacker in a chokehold and a dentist who gave first aid to the pilot.&nbsp;Authorities are investigating. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed the pilot underwent jihadist indoctrination.

A six-year-old child's urgent request to use the bathroom helped avert a mid-air disaster on a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv after a co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit.

A six-year-old girl's request to use the lavatory put her and her mother in a position to raise the alarm during an attack in the cockpit of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on Wednesday (Sep 30). Nina Manes asked her mother, Tali, to take her to the toilet just as a co-pilot began stabbing the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar. Tali Manes heard shouting from the cockpit and called for help, which sent cabin crew rushing to the scene. https://www.wionews.com/videos/netanyahu-warns-very-heavy-price-if-any-power-behind-flydubai-incident-1790962555443/embed "There was blood all over the cockpit and very, very sharp fighting moves," she told Israel's Channel 12. She said she shouted that the pilot was being stabbed, but at first people did not grasp what she meant. Her husband, Zvika Manes, said the cries of his daughters as the aircraft nose-dived pushed him to run into the cockpit. He recalled them saying they did not want to die. Passengers described the plane dropping thousands of feet as a group of them overpowered the co-pilot and tried to help the captain. One passenger, blood running down his face, posted a plea on social media during the struggle, saying the attackers had been subdued and the plane was approaching landing. Also read: Indian Capt Smit Machchhar ‘chanted Hanuman Chalisa’ during Flydubai attack: ‘Was fighting for my life’ Yasmin Abu Kasis, whose daughter Miriam was on board, told news agency The Associated Press that her daughter heard screaming and saw a man with a weapon force the pilot to the floor. She said the aircraft began to lose control and passengers screamed. Machchhar, bloodied and on the floor, managed to press the release that opened the cockpit door so others could get in. A passenger identified as Meital said her husband rushed to the front after hearing someone shout "stabbing," and joined other Israelis in subduing the attacker. She said there was a great deal of blood and that she was too distressed to speak easily. Also read: ‘Whoever sent him...’: Netanyahu issues chilling warning after Flydubai hijack attempt Israeli President Isaac Herzog has said he will recommend Yaniv Hayoun, Tzvika Manes and Asaf Rajuan for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. Four people in total are reportedly being recommended. Among them are a plumber who held the attacker in a chokehold and a dentist who gave first aid to the pilot. Authorities are investigating. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed the pilot underwent jihadist indoctrination.

A six-year-old child's urgent request to use the bathroom helped avert a mid-air disaster on a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv after a co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit.

How a 6-year-old's washroom request helped avert disaster on flydubai flight to Tel Aviv

The flydubai co-pilot who allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound flight and attacked a colleague in the cockpit spent about two years in Australia as a student. The revelation has led to Australian Federal Police (AFP) to launch an investigation. The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO are involved in the probe, said an AFP spokesperson.&nbsp;“The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (VIC JCTT), comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO, can confirm it is investigating the man’s links to Australia,” an AFP spokesperson said adding, “An update will be provided at an appropriate time.”&nbsp;Several &nbsp;media outlets have named the co-pilot as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-way-to-avoid-attack-kim-jong-un-confirms-north-korea-s-ai-powered-missile-launch-1791083434398">'No way to avoid attack': Kim Jong Un confirms North Korea's AI-powered missile launch</a>&nbsp;According to a Guardian report that cites sources, the man was granted an Australian student visa in 2014, before arriving in the country to commence a university course the following year.He left Australia in 2017, and his visa was cancelled in 2019 after authorities confirmed he was no longer enrolled in the course, the source said.&nbsp;<h2>The hero pilot who saved several lives</h2>&nbsp;Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was flying a Boeing 737 to Israel on Wednesday (Oct 1) when his co-pilot attacked him. Despite multiple stab wounds, he opened the cockpit door and let in passengers, who subdued the co-pilot. This likely saved the 174 people on board. The flight, FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk.&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he wants Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at a national ceremony marking Israel's Independence Day next May, an honour he said is usually reserved for Israeli citizens. “All the citizens of Israel will embrace you,” he said.&nbsp;

The flydubai co-pilot  was granted an Australian student visa in 2014, before arriving in the country to commence a university course the following year.

The flydubai co-pilot who allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound flight and attacked a colleague in the cockpit spent about two years in Australia as a student. The revelation has led to Australian Federal Police (AFP) to launch an investigation. The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO are involved in the probe, said an AFP spokesperson. “The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (VIC JCTT), comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO, can confirm it is investigating the man’s links to Australia,” an AFP spokesperson said adding, “An update will be provided at an appropriate time.” Several media outlets have named the co-pilot as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national. ALSO READ: 'No way to avoid attack': Kim Jong Un confirms North Korea's AI-powered missile launch According to a Guardian report that cites sources, the man was granted an Australian student visa in 2014, before arriving in the country to commence a university course the following year. He left Australia in 2017, and his visa was cancelled in 2019 after authorities confirmed he was no longer enrolled in the course, the source said. The hero pilot who saved several lives Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was flying a Boeing 737 to Israel on Wednesday (Oct 1) when his co-pilot attacked him. Despite multiple stab wounds, he opened the cockpit door and let in passengers, who subdued the co-pilot. This likely saved the 174 people on board. The flight, FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he wants Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at a national ceremony marking Israel's Independence Day next May, an honour he said is usually reserved for Israeli citizens. “All the citizens of Israel will embrace you,” he said.

The flydubai co-pilot &nbsp;was granted an Australian student visa in 2014, before arriving in the country to commence a university course the following year.

Millions of Brazilians are voting on Sunday in an election dominated by two rivals: incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro who Lula defeated four years ago. While there are twelve candidates on the presidential ballot, the real contest is between Lula and Bolsonaro. If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote, the top 2 will advance to a runoff on Oct. 25. Approximately 158.7 to 160 million registered voters are casting ballots, not only to elect the next President, but also Vice President, all members of the Chamber of Deputies, a portion of the Federal Senate, and state governors. According to a first-round public opinion poll, Lula da Silva is leading at 46 per cent and Flávio Bolsonaro at 45 per cent.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/flavio-bolsonaro-faces-corruption-probe-brazil-s-election-race-rocked-weeks-before-vote-1789191338883">Flavio Bolsonaro faces corruption probe: Brazil's election race rocked weeks before vote</a><h2>Election campaigns</h2>Both Lula and Bolsanaro are at neck-and-neck and poll results will be hours after polls wrap up. Brazil holds general elections every four years, and voting is mandatory. Those who fail to cast a ballot without justification face a small fine. While Jair Bolsanaro was barred from running as he serves a 27-year-long sentence for a coup attempt, his eldest son has vowed to take forward his father's ultra-conservative agenda. He has campaigned around security policies and pledged to fight the country's criminal groups by building El Salvador-style megaprisons.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-final-tv-face-off-cancelled-as-lula-bolsonaro-withdraw-1791012937420">Brazil: Final TV face-off cancelled as Lula, Bolsonaro withdraw</a>&nbsp;Lula, on the other hand, is banking on his populist pitches, and a sudden crackdown on online betting. He has craved an image of his own worldwide as he protested US President Donald Trump. He even warned the US not to meddle in Brazil's elections. Bolsonaro's victory would add Brazil to a list of Latin American countries -- including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru -- that have elected Trump-friendly governments in recent years. Lula has made defending Brazilian sovereignty a major campaign issue. In the days before the election, his team launched a Portuguese version of the Bad Bunny song, "Lo que le paso a Hawaii," which invokes the US colonization of Hawaii as a cautionary tale.

Brazilian voters are casting ballots in a closely fought presidential election between incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Lula leads narrowly in polls, but if no candidate crosses 50%, the top two will face a runoff on October 25.

Millions of Brazilians are voting on Sunday in an election dominated by two rivals: incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro who Lula defeated four years ago. While there are twelve candidates on the presidential ballot, the real contest is between Lula and Bolsonaro. If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote, the top 2 will advance to a runoff on Oct. 25. Approximately 158.7 to 160 million registered voters are casting ballots, not only to elect the next President, but also Vice President, all members of the Chamber of Deputies, a portion of the Federal Senate, and state governors. According to a first-round public opinion poll, Lula da Silva is leading at 46 per cent and Flávio Bolsonaro at 45 per cent. Also Read: Flavio Bolsonaro faces corruption probe: Brazil's election race rocked weeks before vote Election campaigns Both Lula and Bolsanaro are at neck-and-neck and poll results will be hours after polls wrap up. Brazil holds general elections every four years, and voting is mandatory. Those who fail to cast a ballot without justification face a small fine. While Jair Bolsanaro was barred from running as he serves a 27-year-long sentence for a coup attempt, his eldest son has vowed to take forward his father's ultra-conservative agenda. He has campaigned around security policies and pledged to fight the country's criminal groups by building El Salvador-style megaprisons. Also Read: Brazil: Final TV face-off cancelled as Lula, Bolsonaro withdraw Lula, on the other hand, is banking on his populist pitches, and a sudden crackdown on online betting. He has craved an image of his own worldwide as he protested US President Donald Trump. He even warned the US not to meddle in Brazil's elections. Bolsonaro's victory would add Brazil to a list of Latin American countries -- including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru -- that have elected Trump-friendly governments in recent years. Lula has made defending Brazilian sovereignty a major campaign issue. In the days before the election, his team launched a Portuguese version of the Bad Bunny song, "Lo que le paso a Hawaii," which invokes the US colonization of Hawaii as a cautionary tale.

Brazilian voters are casting ballots in a closely fought presidential election between incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Lula leads narrowly in polls, but if no candidate crosses 50%, the top two will face a runoff on October 25.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday (Oct 4) confirmed launch of a missile that allegedly uses artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust its trajectory. He said that he oversaw the launch with his daughter Kim Ju Ae, state media reported. The AI technology means the missile is "capable of changing its flight orbit at a low altitude", Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong said, adding this meant there was "no way to avoid" the attack. The photos by KCNA showed a missile soaring into the sky in a burst of orange flame. Another photo showed Kim smiling, flanked by his daughter Ju Ae and wife Ri Sol Ju, who is seen clapping her hands in celebration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-missiles-toward-sea-but-us-says-no-immediate-threat-1789172294113">North Korea fires missiles after US, South Korea and Japan military drills but America says 'does not pose immediate threat'</a>&nbsp;"Through today's launching drill, the strategic missile soldiers have fully demonstrated their professional qualifications and counterattack posture," Kim said after overseeing the launch, according to an English-language dispatch by the official Korean Central News Agency. "We must continue our responsible efforts nonstop to constantly and repeatedly make the enemy recognize the reliability and fatality of our strategic offensive means," he added. The launch was conducted to help train soldiers operating the "hypersonic strategic weapon system", according to KCNA.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-into-sea-japan-and-south-korea-confirm-launch-1789887007367">North Korea fires ballistic missiles into sea, Japan and South Korea confirm launch</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, &nbsp;South Korea's military said that the missile was launched from an area around the eastern coastal city of Wonsan and flew more than 700 kilometres (435 miles). It came days after Seoul's military demanded an apology from Pyongyang for a blast that wounded three South Korean soldiers in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which it blamed on the North. Pyongyang has denied responsibility for last month's explosion and called South Korea "despicable" on Friday, undercutting overtures by Seoul's civilian leadership seeking a return to dialogue.&nbsp;Last month, US Pacific Command said that it was aware of the launches by the North, but based on its current assessment, it declared that they ‘did not pose an immediate threat’ to US personnel, territory or allies. Earlier, US President Donald Trump hinted at meeting Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a missile launch with his daughter Ju Ae, as state media claimed AI technology allows the weapon to alter its flight path at low altitude. The missile flew over 700 km from Wonsan during a drill for a hypersonic strategic weapon system.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday (Oct 4) confirmed launch of a missile that allegedly uses artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust its trajectory. He said that he oversaw the launch with his daughter Kim Ju Ae, state media reported. The AI technology means the missile is "capable of changing its flight orbit at a low altitude", Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong said, adding this meant there was "no way to avoid" the attack. The photos by KCNA showed a missile soaring into the sky in a burst of orange flame. Another photo showed Kim smiling, flanked by his daughter Ju Ae and wife Ri Sol Ju, who is seen clapping her hands in celebration. Also Read: North Korea fires missiles after US, South Korea and Japan military drills but America says 'does not pose immediate threat' "Through today's launching drill, the strategic missile soldiers have fully demonstrated their professional qualifications and counterattack posture," Kim said after overseeing the launch, according to an English-language dispatch by the official Korean Central News Agency. "We must continue our responsible efforts nonstop to constantly and repeatedly make the enemy recognize the reliability and fatality of our strategic offensive means," he added. The launch was conducted to help train soldiers operating the "hypersonic strategic weapon system", according to KCNA. Also Read: North Korea fires ballistic missiles into sea, Japan and South Korea confirm launch Meanwhile, South Korea's military said that the missile was launched from an area around the eastern coastal city of Wonsan and flew more than 700 kilometres (435 miles). It came days after Seoul's military demanded an apology from Pyongyang for a blast that wounded three South Korean soldiers in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which it blamed on the North. Pyongyang has denied responsibility for last month's explosion and called South Korea "despicable" on Friday, undercutting overtures by Seoul's civilian leadership seeking a return to dialogue. Last month, US Pacific Command said that it was aware of the launches by the North, but based on its current assessment, it declared that they ‘did not pose an immediate threat’ to US personnel, territory or allies. Earlier, US President Donald Trump hinted at meeting Kim Jong Un.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a missile launch with his daughter Ju Ae, as state media claimed AI technology allows the weapon to alter its flight path at low altitude. The missile flew over 700 km from Wonsan during a drill for a hypersonic strategic weapon system.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the Fly Dubai Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a "hero of India, Israel and the world" after the pilot recounted how he was repeatedly struck in the cockpit and still managed to open the door so passengers could regain control of the aircraft.&nbsp;On 30 September, flight FZ1073 was en-route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot attacked the captain and tried to seize control of the aircraft. Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to intervene. The jet was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with about 174 people on board. Netanyahu said he wanted Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at a national ceremony marking Israel's Independence Day next May, an honour he said is usually reserved for Israeli citizens.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | &quot;I want to have Captain Smit and Prime Minister Modi that are great friends; I really would like them to bear a celebratory flame. It&#39;s the highest honor that we give on our Independence Day. It&#39;s usually reserved for Israeli citizens, but I think here in this case, all… <a href="https://t.co/QHJ57yloZ6">pic.twitter.com/QHJ57yloZ6</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2106464411598967214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-are-a-hero-for-israel-india-and-the-entire-world-netanyahu-tells-indian-pilot-who-saved-flydubai-flight-1791050840592">'You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world': Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;In a conversation released by the Israeli leader’s office, Captain Smit told Netanyahu that the flight had begun normally. The co-pilot said he wanted to pray, something the captain said was not unusual among local crew. Out of respect, Captain Smit looked forward rather than towards the rear of the cockpit. After four or five minutes, he said, he felt a heavy "blow to the back of his head".&nbsp;His first thought was that the "aircraft had suffered catastrophic damage". Further blows followed, and he realised the attacker was the co-pilot in the cockpit. He tried to stop him, but the initial strikes left his vision almost completely blurred. He then felt the aircraft drop sharply. His recollection, he said, remained fragmentary.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-co-pilot-s-alleged-photo-goes-viral-oman-air-had-reportedly-flagged-him-over-extremist-views-big-revelations-smit-machchhar-1791010820693">Flydubai co-pilot’s alleged photo goes viral</a>&nbsp;Captain Smit told the prime minister he managed to open the cockpit door once, only for it to be shut again. He remembered lying on the floor, hearing the rush of air and passengers screaming. “I had that one last fight left in me,” he said. “If I don’t do it, I’m gonna die.” He pushed himself to the door, opened it, and found people waiting outside who took control. “The rest is what you know, sir,” he said.&nbsp;Mr Netanyahu asked how he had released the door. The captain explained that from inside it opens with a twist of a knob; from outside it can be opened only with a code, which colleagues had tried to enter while the attacker prevented it. Reaching the knob and giving it a short twist was what mattered. “There is no pin,” he said.&nbsp;The prime minister called the account remarkable and said he was amazed by the captain’s courage and “coolness of judgment under impossible conditions.” He added that the response was being “justly hailed around the world” and had preserved “the spirit of the world.”&nbsp;Israel PM Netanyahu said he wanted to invite Captain Smit and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a celebratory flame at Israel’s next Independence Day, an honour he said is normally reserved for Israeli citizens. “All the citizens of Israel will embrace you,” he said.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar as a “hero of India, Israel and the world”. Netanyahu wants him to light an Israel Independence Day flame.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the Fly Dubai Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a "hero of India, Israel and the world" after the pilot recounted how he was repeatedly struck in the cockpit and still managed to open the door so passengers could regain control of the aircraft. On 30 September, flight FZ1073 was en-route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot attacked the captain and tried to seize control of the aircraft. Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to intervene. The jet was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with about 174 people on board. Netanyahu said he wanted Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at a national ceremony marking Israel's Independence Day next May, an honour he said is usually reserved for Israeli citizens.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar as a “hero of India, Israel and the world”. Netanyahu wants him to light an Israel Independence Day flame.

Netanyahu wants to honour Indian captain Smit Machchhar and PM Modi on Israel's Independence Day

Trump administration is pushing more than $175 million of the State Department’s flagship human rights fund toward conservative and far-right initiatives abroad just before funding expired on September 30. Approximately $176.9 million out of $205 million appropriated for the HRDF was moved into 43 specific awards.&nbsp;Among the awards were a huge $40m grant for an anti-communism fund support led by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC). Another was for a group advancing white Afrikaner rights in South Africa, a $1 million campaign against Brazil’s Supreme Court. The Trump administration has clashed with the Lula government and has imposed sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.A third is focused on Nigeria, where the administration has alleged “mass slaughter” of Christians. Millions earmarked to build a “western civilizational norms” in Europe, fund right-wing media consortiums, and document what the administration terms "democratic backsliding" tied to mass migration and supranational regulations. The new slate includes opposition to regulation, Brexit, immigration, anti-communism, Christian protection and opposition to “gender ideology”. It names possible recipients in Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and the Balkans with “anti-communist” and “natural rights” approaches.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-diesel-crisis-supply-crack-spreads-record-high-1791049895459">Diesel crisis deepens as global supplies shrink, crack spreads hit record highs</a>“The President promised to combat the destructive woke agenda that has done so much damage to our country and to the world,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said. “We will never apologise for defending Western civilisation, opposing censorship, ending the era of mass migration, and taking action against government-sponsored race-based discrimination in South Africa.”The funding allocation marks a major shift in US foreign policy, moving away from traditional human rights and democracy support in repressive or authoritarian nations to fund ideological allies and causes in established democracies. It is consistent with the US National Security Strategy, where it had mentioned prioritising the protection of Western civilisation in Europe, which the US think is facing a “civilisational erasure”.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Trump administration has allocated more than $175 million from a US human rights fund to 43 awards covering anti-communism, migration, courts and Western civilisational causes.

Trump administration is pushing more than $175 million of the State Department’s flagship human rights fund toward conservative and far-right initiatives abroad just before funding expired on September 30. Approximately $176.9 million out of $205 million appropriated for the HRDF was moved into 43 specific awards. Among the awards were a huge $40m grant for an anti-communism fund support led by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC). Another was for a group advancing white Afrikaner rights in South Africa, a $1 million campaign against Brazil’s Supreme Court. The Trump administration has clashed with the Lula government and has imposed sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. A third is focused on Nigeria, where the administration has alleged “mass slaughter” of Christians. Millions earmarked to build a “western civilizational norms” in Europe, fund right-wing media consortiums, and document what the administration terms "democratic backsliding" tied to mass migration and supranational regulations. The new slate includes opposition to regulation, Brexit, immigration, anti-communism, Christian protection and opposition to “gender ideology”. It names possible recipients in Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and the Balkans with “anti-communist” and “natural rights” approaches. Also Read: Diesel crisis deepens as global supplies shrink, crack spreads hit record highs “The President promised to combat the destructive woke agenda that has done so much damage to our country and to the world,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said. “We will never apologise for defending Western civilisation, opposing censorship, ending the era of mass migration, and taking action against government-sponsored race-based discrimination in South Africa.” The funding allocation marks a major shift in US foreign policy, moving away from traditional human rights and democracy support in repressive or authoritarian nations to fund ideological allies and causes in established democracies. It is consistent with the US National Security Strategy, where it had mentioned prioritising the protection of Western civilisation in Europe, which the US think is facing a “civilisational erasure”.

The Trump administration has allocated more than $175 million from a US human rights fund to 43 awards covering anti-communism, migration, courts and Western civilisational causes.

An Ontario air ambulance jet carrying six people, including four Canadians, has been reported missing off the coast of Nantucket while travelling from Bermuda to Boston.&nbsp;The aircraft, a Gulfstream G100 operated by Ontario-based medical transport company Latitude Air Ambulance, was carrying a patient and a family member escort along with four crew members.&nbsp;The aircraft operated by Canada-based Latitude Air Ambulance went missing around 1:30 am (1530 GMT), company spokesman Clarence Togeretz told AFP.&nbsp;"It was carrying two pilots, two medical staff, one patient and a family member," Togeretz was quoted as saying to AFP, adding that he had no other information about the rescue effort.&nbsp;The US Coast Guard launched an air and surface search after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported losing contact with the aircraft early Saturday.&nbsp;Latitude Air Ambulance Director of Flight Operations Clarence Togeretz confirmed to NewsNation that the jet was on an active Medevac operation, transferring a patient to an area hospital.&nbsp;According to FlightAware, the late-night flight from Bermuda to Boston was expected to take nearly two hours.&nbsp;The aircraft had departed from Bermuda's L F Wade International Airport and was headed to Boston Logan International Airport when contact was lost.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-are-a-hero-for-israel-india-and-the-entire-world-netanyahu-tells-indian-pilot-who-saved-flydubai-flight-1791050840592">'You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world': Netanyahu tells Indian pilot who saved Flydubai flight | Video</a><h3>Bermuda government in touch with families</h3>Bermuda's government said it is in contact with the families of those on board as well as overseas authorities involved in coordinating the search.&nbsp;Bermuda Premier David Burt described the circumstances as "deeply worrying".&nbsp;"We are praying that all six people will be found safe, and we thank the search and rescue crews for their continuing efforts," he said in a statement.

An Ontario air ambulance jet carrying six people, including four Canadians, went missing off the coast of Nantucket while flying from Bermuda to Boston, prompting a US Coast Guard search.

An Ontario air ambulance jet carrying six people, including four Canadians, has been reported missing off the coast of Nantucket while travelling from Bermuda to Boston. The aircraft, a Gulfstream G100 operated by Ontario-based medical transport company Latitude Air Ambulance, was carrying a patient and a family member escort along with four crew members. The aircraft operated by Canada-based Latitude Air Ambulance went missing around 1:30 am (1530 GMT), company spokesman Clarence Togeretz told AFP. "It was carrying two pilots, two medical staff, one patient and a family member," Togeretz was quoted as saying to AFP, adding that he had no other information about the rescue effort. The US Coast Guard launched an air and surface search after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported losing contact with the aircraft early Saturday. Latitude Air Ambulance Director of Flight Operations Clarence Togeretz confirmed to NewsNation that the jet was on an active Medevac operation, transferring a patient to an area hospital. According to FlightAware, the late-night flight from Bermuda to Boston was expected to take nearly two hours. The aircraft had departed from Bermuda's L F Wade International Airport and was headed to Boston Logan International Airport when contact was lost. Also Read: 'You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world': Netanyahu tells Indian pilot who saved Flydubai flight | Video Bermuda government in touch with families Bermuda's government said it is in contact with the families of those on board as well as overseas authorities involved in coordinating the search. Bermuda Premier David Burt described the circumstances as "deeply worrying". "We are praying that all six people will be found safe, and we thank the search and rescue crews for their continuing efforts," he said in a statement.

An Ontario air ambulance jet carrying six people, including four Canadians, went missing off the coast of Nantucket while flying from Bermuda to Boston, prompting a US Coast Guard search.

Ontario air ambulance with 6 onboard goes missing off US coast, search underway

US President Donald Trump over the weekend announced that the US was not considering a Diesel export ban, after floating the idea last week. Importers reacted to a possible US diesel export ban because the global diesel market has almost no spare supply. The threat alone was enough to shake the world's fuel buyers.&nbsp;The Iran war and attacks on Gulf refineries cut Middle East output; China reduced its diesel exports. Then came the Houthis, who captured the Red Sea coast, skyrocketing prices. Refineries in Asia and India are actually taking the long way around the Cape of Good Hope to deliver refined products to Europe, or to bring West African crudes back to Asia. Similarly, Ukrainian drones have hit most of Russia's major refineries, and Russia has restricted fuel exports. So it's not just crude oil that is being taken out of the market; it's also these huge refineries that are being rendered useless.Europe's reliance on US diesel increased in 2026 as Gulf exports from Saudi Arabia and the UAE declined. US diesel exports reached a weekly record near 2 million barrels per day this summer. Top buyers include Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Morocco, France and the United Kingdom. Many of these countries have little refining capacity of their own.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-democrats-house-senate-coin-flip-1791041722379">Democrats favoured to win House as US Senate race remains a coin flip</a><h2>How does it affect diesel prices?</h2>Crude oil isn't the only thing that's driving the world's fuel crisis. The gap between what crude costs and what diesel sells for is, and it has hit levels never seen before. The crack spread rose from about $20 a barrel to over $100 in late September. The overall Trading Economics Crack Spread Index hit its absolute record high of $75 per barrel on September 24, 2026. Additionally, the specific ultra-low sulfur diesel futures crack hit its absolute peak of $118 a barrel right in the middle of the month on September 16, 2026In 2025, the price of oil was about $65 a barrel, and the crack spread was about $20 a barrel, when added diesel was at $85 per barrel. In late September, Brent Crude was more than $100 a barrel, and the crack spread- the price of refining that barrel of oil was $118. It means diesel prices, which were $85 a barrel, rose to $218 a barrel, roughly three times. On October 2, it was somewhere around $187.53 a barrel for WTI Crude.If diesel is three times as expensive, then transportation is three times as expensive. About 10% of the cost of food comes from the transportation to get it to the store. Similarly, agricultural equipment, big and heavy, runs on diesel. Jet fuel is another refined product which is also facing the same situation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rules-out-us-diesel-export-ban-europe-fuel-supply-1791032335488">Trump rules out US diesel export ban as Europe pledges emergency fuel supply</a><h2>China is on a buying spree</h2>China magically cut back its imports by five and a half million barrels a day in mid-2026. But since September, China has started paying $135 a barrel for oil, and it's on a buying spree. As of October 4, 2026, Shanghai Crude is sitting at 892.00 Yuan per barrel. It's now cutting just two and a half million barrels a day from its normal imports. It has effectively suspended and heavily restricted refined oil product exports, including diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel, for the month of October. China implemented a similar ban on refined fuel exports earlier this year in March, then it allowed refiners to resume normal export quotas in July and August. China and the US are the two largest oil-refining nations on Earth, each processing roughly 17 to 18.5 million barrels of crude oil per day.Global diesel supply fell by about 3 million barrels out of 30 million barrels a day; roughly 10% is absent since September. Now, if the US bans its exports, then the world will not only face a fuel crisis, but will also be on the threshold of a food crisis.The G7 will deploy 100 million barrels of reserves over the next four months. G7 leaders also agreed to “refrain from export restrictions on energy and energy products between G7 countries” and called on producers to avoid measures that could exacerbate market tensions, according to their joint statement. According to the US Treasury, crude oil exports from the Persian Gulf are at or near prewar levels, although volumes remain volatile. Meanwhile, the US has sent a third aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf, raising the potential for escalation in the months-long conflict.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Global diesel supplies are tightening as refinery disruptions and export curbs push crack spreads to record levels, raising fears of higher fuel and food costs.

US President Donald Trump over the weekend announced that the US was not considering a Diesel export ban, after floating the idea last week. Importers reacted to a possible US diesel export ban because the global diesel market has almost no spare supply. The threat alone was enough to shake the world's fuel buyers. The Iran war and attacks on Gulf refineries cut Middle East output; China reduced its diesel exports. Then came the Houthis, who captured the Red Sea coast, skyrocketing prices. Refineries in Asia and India are actually taking the long way around the Cape of Good Hope to deliver refined products to Europe, or to bring West African crudes back to Asia. Similarly, Ukrainian drones have hit most of Russia's major refineries, and Russia has restricted fuel exports. So it's not just crude oil that is being taken out of the market; it's also these huge refineries that are being rendered useless. Europe's reliance on US diesel increased in 2026 as Gulf exports from Saudi Arabia and the UAE declined. US diesel exports reached a weekly record near 2 million barrels per day this summer. Top buyers include Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Morocco, France and the United Kingdom. Many of these countries have little refining capacity of their own. Also Read: Democrats favoured to win House as US Senate race remains a coin flip How does it affect diesel prices? Crude oil isn't the only thing that's driving the world's fuel crisis. The gap between what crude costs and what diesel sells for is, and it has hit levels never seen before. The crack spread rose from about $20 a barrel to over $100 in late September. The overall Trading Economics Crack Spread Index hit its absolute record high of $75 per barrel on September 24, 2026. Additionally, the specific ultra-low sulfur diesel futures crack hit its absolute peak of $118 a barrel right in the middle of the month on September 16, 2026 In 2025, the price of oil was about $65 a barrel, and the crack spread was about $20 a barrel, when added diesel was at $85 per barrel. In late September, Brent Crude was more than $100 a barrel, and the crack spread- the price of refining that barrel of oil was $118. It means diesel prices, which were $85 a barrel, rose to $218 a barrel, roughly three times. On October 2, it was somewhere around $187.53 a barrel for WTI Crude. If diesel is three times as expensive, then transportation is three times as expensive. About 10% of the cost of food comes from the transportation to get it to the store. Similarly, agricultural equipment, big and heavy, runs on diesel. Jet fuel is another refined product which is also facing the same situation. Also Read: Trump rules out US diesel export ban as Europe pledges emergency fuel supply China is on a buying spree China magically cut back its imports by five and a half million barrels a day in mid-2026. But since September, China has started paying $135 a barrel for oil, and it's on a buying spree. As of October 4, 2026, Shanghai Crude is sitting at 892.00 Yuan per barrel. It's now cutting just two and a half million barrels a day from its normal imports. It has effectively suspended and heavily restricted refined oil product exports, including diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel, for the month of October. China implemented a similar ban on refined fuel exports earlier this year in March, then it allowed refiners to resume normal export quotas in July and August. China and the US are the two largest oil-refining nations on Earth, each processing roughly 17 to 18.5 million barrels of crude oil per day. Global diesel supply fell by about 3 million barrels out of 30 million barrels a day; roughly 10% is absent since September. Now, if the US bans its exports, then the world will not only face a fuel crisis, but will also be on the threshold of a food crisis. The G7 will deploy 100 million barrels of reserves over the next four months. G7 leaders also agreed to “refrain from export restrictions on energy and energy products between G7 countries” and called on producers to avoid measures that could exacerbate market tensions, according to their joint statement. According to the US Treasury, crude oil exports from the Persian Gulf are at or near prewar levels, although volumes remain volatile. Meanwhile, the US has sent a third aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf, raising the potential for escalation in the months-long conflict.

Global diesel supplies are tightening as refinery disruptions and export curbs push crack spreads to record levels, raising fears of higher fuel and food costs.

Diesel crisis deepens as global supplies shrink, crack spreads hit record highs

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during the Flydubai flight incident. Netanyahu said he wanted Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at a national ceremony marking Israel's Independence Day next May, an honour he said is usually reserved for Israeli citizens.&nbsp;During his conversation with Machchhar, the Israeli prime minister also asked him how the attack unfolded and heard a detailed account of what happened inside the cockpit.&nbsp;"You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world. I invite you to light a torch on Israeli Independence Day," Netanyahu said in a video released by Israel PMO of his telephone conversation with the hospitalised captain.<h3>Machchhar recounts cockpit ordeal</h3>Asked how the attack unfolded, Machchhar said the co-pilot had asked to take time to pray, as devout Muslims do five times a day.&nbsp;"A lot of locals, they do pray, which is not out of the ordinary. While he was praying, out of respect, I was just looking at the front and not at the back," Machchhar said.&nbsp;"Suddenly, after I think I would say about four to five minutes, there was a big blow to the back of my head. My first thought was that the aircraft had suffered catastrophic damage and that something was wrong.&nbsp;"But then after that the blows kept coming one after the other. That's when I realised that it's not the aircraft, it's the other guy who was in the cockpit with me."&nbsp;While his memory was not entirely clear due to his injuries, Machchhar said he managed to pull open the cockpit door, "but I think he shut it back closed."&nbsp;"I had that one last fight left in me," Machchhar explained, saying he knew he faced certain death if he did not act.&nbsp;"That's when I pushed against everything. I gave everything that I had and just went for the door and opened the door, and thankfully people were waiting."&nbsp;UAE investigators said the co-pilot planned the "terrorist act" by attacking Machchhar with an axe.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-summons-pakistan-charg-d-affaires-over-ferozepur-border-incident-1791047172127">India summons Pakistan Chargé d’Affaires over Ferozepur border incident</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a conversation with the Indian pilot from the Dubai flight, Captain Smith Maachar &quot;You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world. I invite you to light a torch on Israeli Independence Day&quot; (Source: Prime… <a href="https://t.co/iIFGDz3x5E">pic.twitter.com/iIFGDz3x5E</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2106447095469404415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Modi, UAE leadership praise pilot</h3>Machchhar had earlier spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call. Modi praised his courage, presence of mind, and composure, and told him the entire country was praying for him.&nbsp;Modi said India could proudly say that its people were not those who take lives, but those willing to risk their lives to save others.&nbsp;Machchhar also told Modi that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa whenever he is in difficulty and had been reciting it during the incident.&nbsp;The pilot is currently recovering in a UAE hospital. Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, also visited him on Saturday and praised his courage following the mid-air cockpit attack.

Netanyahu invited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and PM Modi to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony after praising Machchhar as a hero for his courage during the Flydubai cockpit attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during the Flydubai flight incident. Netanyahu said he wanted Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame at a national ceremony marking Israel's Independence Day next May, an honour he said is usually reserved for Israeli citizens. During his conversation with Machchhar, the Israeli prime minister also asked him how the attack unfolded and heard a detailed account of what happened inside the cockpit. "You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world. I invite you to light a torch on Israeli Independence Day," Netanyahu said in a video released by Israel PMO of his telephone conversation with the hospitalised captain. Machchhar recounts cockpit ordeal Asked how the attack unfolded, Machchhar said the co-pilot had asked to take time to pray, as devout Muslims do five times a day. "A lot of locals, they do pray, which is not out of the ordinary. While he was praying, out of respect, I was just looking at the front and not at the back," Machchhar said. "Suddenly, after I think I would say about four to five minutes, there was a big blow to the back of my head. My first thought was that the aircraft had suffered catastrophic damage and that something was wrong. "But then after that the blows kept coming one after the other. That's when I realised that it's not the aircraft, it's the other guy who was in the cockpit with me." While his memory was not entirely clear due to his injuries, Machchhar said he managed to pull open the cockpit door, "but I think he shut it back closed." "I had that one last fight left in me," Machchhar explained, saying he knew he faced certain death if he did not act. "That's when I pushed against everything. I gave everything that I had and just went for the door and opened the door, and thankfully people were waiting." UAE investigators said the co-pilot planned the "terrorist act" by attacking Machchhar with an axe. Also Read: India summons Pakistan Chargé d’Affaires over Ferozepur border incident

Netanyahu invited Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and PM Modi to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony after praising Machchhar as a hero for his courage during the Flydubai cockpit attack.

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