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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has described India's proposal for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the "most comprehensive" among the peace initiatives being considered by Kyiv, as New Delhi has formally stepped up efforts to help resolve the four-and-a-half-year-long conflict between Moscow and Kyiv.&nbsp;According to RBC Ukraine, Sybiha said during a press briefing that Ukraine is evaluating four international proposals from India, Türkiye, Egypt and the United States.&nbsp;"We have four proposals. The most comprehensive is India's proposal. For the first time, India has signalled its willingness to play a role," Sybiha stated.&nbsp;The Ukrainian foreign minister said New Delhi's proposal marks a new step in India's involvement in efforts aimed at ending the conflict.<h3>Kyiv considers four peace initiatives</h3>The other three proposals focus on specific areas linked to the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;Türkiye and Egypt have jointly proposed a grain and agricultural truce in the Black Sea. Egypt relies on Ukraine for nearly one-third of its grain supply, according to RBC Ukraine.&nbsp;The United States has put forward a proposal for an energy truce, an issue that was previously discussed during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;Sybiha said Kyiv remains open to both an energy truce and a Black Sea agricultural truce. Ukraine is also considering an unconditional ceasefire along the line of contact.&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><h3>Putin backs Modi's peace efforts</h3>India's proposal has also drawn attention in Moscow, with Russian President Vladimir Putin praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to help end the Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;Putin said Modi has continued to raise the issue of ending the war despite the close ties between India and Russia.&nbsp;"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good and even friendly relations, personal good relations, constantly raises the question and asks the question about putting an end to the conflict in Ukraine," Putin said, addressing the crowd.&nbsp;Putin added that Modi has been pushing for solutions acceptable to both sides.&nbsp;"He has an avid interest and very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions. In that sense, naturally, the Prime Minister takes a neutral position but with an interest in the end of the conflict. I think it's my duty to say that directly. And we are thankful to the Prime Minister for his ideas," Putin said.&nbsp;India's diplomatic efforts were also discussed at the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday evening, according to ANI.&nbsp;The committee reviewed New Delhi's engagements with Moscow and Kyiv and discussed efforts to help end the hostilities.

Ukraine has called India's proposal the "most comprehensive" among the peace initiatives under consideration as New Delhi steps up diplomatic efforts to help end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has described India's proposal for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the "most comprehensive" among the peace initiatives being considered by Kyiv, as New Delhi has formally stepped up efforts to help resolve the four-and-a-half-year-long conflict between Moscow and Kyiv. According to RBC Ukraine, Sybiha said during a press briefing that Ukraine is evaluating four international proposals from India, Türkiye, Egypt and the United States. "We have four proposals. The most comprehensive is India's proposal. For the first time, India has signalled its willingness to play a role," Sybiha stated. The Ukrainian foreign minister said New Delhi's proposal marks a new step in India's involvement in efforts aimed at ending the conflict. Kyiv considers four peace initiatives The other three proposals focus on specific areas linked to the ongoing conflict. Türkiye and Egypt have jointly proposed a grain and agricultural truce in the Black Sea. Egypt relies on Ukraine for nearly one-third of its grain supply, according to RBC Ukraine. The United States has put forward a proposal for an energy truce, an issue that was previously discussed during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump. Sybiha said Kyiv remains open to both an energy truce and a Black Sea agricultural truce. Ukraine is also considering an unconditional ceasefire along the line of contact. Also Read: India summons Pakistan Chargé d’Affaires over Ferozepur border incident Putin backs Modi's peace efforts India's proposal has also drawn attention in Moscow, with Russian President Vladimir Putin praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to help end the Ukraine conflict. Putin said Modi has continued to raise the issue of ending the war despite the close ties between India and Russia. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good and even friendly relations, personal good relations, constantly raises the question and asks the question about putting an end to the conflict in Ukraine," Putin said, addressing the crowd. Putin added that Modi has been pushing for solutions acceptable to both sides. "He has an avid interest and very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions. In that sense, naturally, the Prime Minister takes a neutral position but with an interest in the end of the conflict. I think it's my duty to say that directly. And we are thankful to the Prime Minister for his ideas," Putin said. India's diplomatic efforts were also discussed at the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday evening, according to ANI. The committee reviewed New Delhi's engagements with Moscow and Kyiv and discussed efforts to help end the hostilities.

Ukraine has called India's proposal the "most comprehensive" among the peace initiatives under consideration as New Delhi steps up diplomatic efforts to help end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine calls India's peace proposal 'most comprehensive' as India formally enters mediation

Almost a month away from the US midterms, Democrats are being favoured to win the House while the Senate is close to a coin flip. 470 total federal congressional seats are on the ballot for November 3, 2026. Forecasts mostly favour Democrats as favourites in the generic congressional ballot. &nbsp;Among them are 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats. While analysts still posit that some developments in the US-Iran war can flip the polling, for example, if high gas prices and inflation persist, Republicans can lose both chambers; if it eases, Republicans could do better and become Senate favourites.<h2>Polls for the House of Representatives</h2>Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the US House of Representatives with 218 seats and Democrats at 214 seats. According to the latest poll up to last week, almost all major aggregators put Democrats ahead in the House; Decision Desk gives them a 75% chance, and Nate Silver gives them an 86% chance of winning the House. Decision Desk projects 234 seats for Democrats and 201 for Republicans; Pollwave projects 223 for Democrats and 212 for Republicans; G Elliot Morris projects 34 additional seats to Democrats' tally, while Charlie Cook gives 20. In fact, Charlie Cook refers to the House as a done deal for Democrats. Major pollsters, like PBS, also gave Democrats 12 points lead, Reuters/ Ipsos gives Democrats 7 points lead, and YouGov gives Democrats 8 point lead.&nbsp;Losing control of the House means Democrats can block new laws and heavily disrupt federal funding, or possess the constitutional power to impeach Trump. Platforms like Kalshi project a 66% chance that President Trump faces a third impeachment before 2028.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strikes-kyiv-northern-bridge-dnipro-traffic-disrupted-1791027391673">Russia strikes Kyiv’s Northern Bridge in 3rd consecutive attack in October</a><h2>Polls for the US Senate</h2>Out of 35 Senate seats, Republicans hold 22, including the Ohio and Florida specials, and Democrats hold 13. Other 65 seats aren't up this year, and Democrats hold 34 of them. To reach the magic number 51, Democrats need to win 17 of the 35 races. So they need to hold the 13 they already have and flip 4 Republican ones.&nbsp;As per the Cook Political Report's ratings from late September and Decision Desk HQ's win probabilities, 13 are safe Republicans: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wyoming; 2 are likely Republicans: Nebraska, South Carolina; and Kansas is leaning Republican but could go either way.9 seats like Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Virginia are safe Democrats, while Georgia and Minnesota are also likely to go Blue if there are no major upsets. North Carolina is expected to flip from Red to Blue, according to Cook, Decision Desk HQ. While 7 others are coin flip can go either way, among them Michigan and New Hampshire are Democratic-held, and the other 5- Ohio, Maine, Texas, Alaska, Iowa are Republican held.Losing control of the Senate means Trump forfeits his authority over executive appointments, judicial confirmations, and trial procedures. While Republicans are likely to block a complete two-third majority required to remove Trump, he will lose most leadership control domestically. He will still be able to pass executive orders and maintain foreign policy and control of the military.&nbsp;

With a month to go before the US midterms, Democrats are favoured to win the House while the Senate remains closely contested amid economic uncertainty.

Almost a month away from the US midterms, Democrats are being favoured to win the House while the Senate is close to a coin flip. 470 total federal congressional seats are on the ballot for November 3, 2026. Forecasts mostly favour Democrats as favourites in the generic congressional ballot. Among them are 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats. While analysts still posit that some developments in the US-Iran war can flip the polling, for example, if high gas prices and inflation persist, Republicans can lose both chambers; if it eases, Republicans could do better and become Senate favourites. Polls for the House of Representatives Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the US House of Representatives with 218 seats and Democrats at 214 seats. According to the latest poll up to last week, almost all major aggregators put Democrats ahead in the House; Decision Desk gives them a 75% chance, and Nate Silver gives them an 86% chance of winning the House. Decision Desk projects 234 seats for Democrats and 201 for Republicans; Pollwave projects 223 for Democrats and 212 for Republicans; G Elliot Morris projects 34 additional seats to Democrats' tally, while Charlie Cook gives 20. In fact, Charlie Cook refers to the House as a done deal for Democrats. Major pollsters, like PBS, also gave Democrats 12 points lead, Reuters/ Ipsos gives Democrats 7 points lead, and YouGov gives Democrats 8 point lead. Losing control of the House means Democrats can block new laws and heavily disrupt federal funding, or possess the constitutional power to impeach Trump. Platforms like Kalshi project a 66% chance that President Trump faces a third impeachment before 2028. Also Read: Russia strikes Kyiv’s Northern Bridge in 3rd consecutive attack in October Polls for the US Senate Out of 35 Senate seats, Republicans hold 22, including the Ohio and Florida specials, and Democrats hold 13. Other 65 seats aren't up this year, and Democrats hold 34 of them. To reach the magic number 51, Democrats need to win 17 of the 35 races. So they need to hold the 13 they already have and flip 4 Republican ones. As per the Cook Political Report's ratings from late September and Decision Desk HQ's win probabilities, 13 are safe Republicans: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wyoming; 2 are likely Republicans: Nebraska, South Carolina; and Kansas is leaning Republican but could go either way. 9 seats like Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Virginia are safe Democrats, while Georgia and Minnesota are also likely to go Blue if there are no major upsets. North Carolina is expected to flip from Red to Blue, according to Cook, Decision Desk HQ. While 7 others are coin flip can go either way, among them Michigan and New Hampshire are Democratic-held, and the other 5- Ohio, Maine, Texas, Alaska, Iowa are Republican held. Losing control of the Senate means Trump forfeits his authority over executive appointments, judicial confirmations, and trial procedures. While Republicans are likely to block a complete two-third majority required to remove Trump, he will lose most leadership control domestically. He will still be able to pass executive orders and maintain foreign policy and control of the military.

With a month to go before the US midterms, Democrats are favoured to win the House while the Senate remains closely contested amid economic uncertainty.

Democrats favoured to win House as US Senate race remains a coin flip

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to speak shortly with Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who helped save Flydubai flight FZ1073 after he was stabbed by his co-pilot.&nbsp;Captain Machchhar opened the cockpit door during the incident, an action credited with helping to save the flight. He has already spoken by video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised his courage, presence of mind and composure. The Indian PM said the entire country was praying for him.&nbsp;Captain Machchhar became quite emotional during the call. He said it was a very special moment for him to speak with the prime minister, and told the Indian PM that he was his biggest idol.&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? UAE probe reveals...</a>&nbsp;PM Modi said the country could proudly say that Indians were not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others. The Indian pilot, who is currently recovering in a UAE hospital, told the prime minister that whenever he is in difficulty, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa, and that he had been reciting it during the incident as well.&nbsp;Top UAE leader met the pilot today. Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, visited Captain Smit Machchhar in hospital and praised his courage after a mid-air cockpit attack. The Crown Prince said Captain Machchhar had shown the “highest degrees of courage, responsibility and care for human life,” and that the UAE was proud he was part of its team.

Netanyahu is expected to speak with Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who helped save Flydubai flight FZ1073 after being stabbed by his co-pilot and was praised by PM Modi and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan for his courage.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to speak shortly with Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who helped save Flydubai flight FZ1073 after he was stabbed by his co-pilot. Captain Machchhar opened the cockpit door during the incident, an action credited with helping to save the flight. He has already spoken by video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised his courage, presence of mind and composure. The Indian PM said the entire country was praying for him. Captain Machchhar became quite emotional during the call. He said it was a very special moment for him to speak with the prime minister, and told the Indian PM that he was his biggest idol. Also Read: Was Flydubai Omani co-pilot planning a 9/11-like ‘terrorist act’ in Israel? UAE probe reveals... PM Modi said the country could proudly say that Indians were not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others. The Indian pilot, who is currently recovering in a UAE hospital, told the prime minister that whenever he is in difficulty, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa, and that he had been reciting it during the incident as well. Top UAE leader met the pilot today. Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, visited Captain Smit Machchhar in hospital and praised his courage after a mid-air cockpit attack. The Crown Prince said Captain Machchhar had shown the “highest degrees of courage, responsibility and care for human life,” and that the UAE was proud he was part of its team.

Netanyahu is expected to speak with Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who helped save Flydubai flight FZ1073 after being stabbed by his co-pilot and was praised by PM Modi and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan for his courage.

Netanyahu expected to speak to stabbed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar

Tennessee’s top prison official, Frank Strada, will step down later this month following the failed execution of death row inmate Christa Pike, Governor Bill Lee announced on Saturday (Oct 3). Strada, who has led the Tennessee Department of Correction since January 2023, said leaving his post was “in the best interest of Tennesseans” as an independent review examines what went wrong during Wednesday’s execution.“I believe this review is entirely appropriate and necessary, and I look forward to doing everything I can to help determine exactly what occurred,” Strada said.<h2>Questions over lethal injection</h2>Pike survived after Tennessee administered two doses of pentobarbital, the drug used under the state’s lethal injection protocol. She was subsequently taken to a hospital, where her attorneys said she remained unconscious and on a ventilator.Her lawyers said medical staff were working to save her life and clear the drug from her system.Pike’s legal team has alleged that problems with the intravenous lines may have prevented the pentobarbital from entering her bloodstream properly.“Apparently at no point did any member of the execution team realise that the IV lines were not correctly placed or that the veins had blown and that the pentobarbital was, in whole or in part, entering Ms. Pike’s body,” her attorneys wrote in a court filing.Strada, however, said he believed the department had “carried out its responsibilities in accordance with the established protocol.”<h2>Pike’s death sentence</h2>Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 torture and killing of her classmate, Colleen Slemmer. She was 18 at the time of the crime and later became one of the youngest women placed on Tennessee’s death row.Strada previously served as deputy director of the Arizona Department of Corrections before taking charge in Tennessee. In late 2024, he announced changes to Tennessee’s lethal injection process, including the use of pentobarbital as the sole execution drug.The failed execution has prompted renewed scrutiny of the state’s capital punishment procedures, with an independent review now expected to determine how the execution went wrong.

Tennessee prison chief Frank Strada is resigning after Christa Pike’s failed execution. Pike remains unconscious on a ventilator as doctors work to save her life and clear the drugs.

Tennessee’s top prison official, Frank Strada, will step down later this month following the failed execution of death row inmate Christa Pike, Governor Bill Lee announced on Saturday (Oct 3). Strada, who has led the Tennessee Department of Correction since January 2023, said leaving his post was “in the best interest of Tennesseans” as an independent review examines what went wrong during Wednesday’s execution. “I believe this review is entirely appropriate and necessary, and I look forward to doing everything I can to help determine exactly what occurred,” Strada said. Questions over lethal injection Pike survived after Tennessee administered two doses of pentobarbital, the drug used under the state’s lethal injection protocol. She was subsequently taken to a hospital, where her attorneys said she remained unconscious and on a ventilator. Her lawyers said medical staff were working to save her life and clear the drug from her system. Pike’s legal team has alleged that problems with the intravenous lines may have prevented the pentobarbital from entering her bloodstream properly. “Apparently at no point did any member of the execution team realise that the IV lines were not correctly placed or that the veins had blown and that the pentobarbital was, in whole or in part, entering Ms. Pike’s body,” her attorneys wrote in a court filing. Strada, however, said he believed the department had “carried out its responsibilities in accordance with the established protocol.” Pike’s death sentence Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 torture and killing of her classmate, Colleen Slemmer. She was 18 at the time of the crime and later became one of the youngest women placed on Tennessee’s death row. Strada previously served as deputy director of the Arizona Department of Corrections before taking charge in Tennessee. In late 2024, he announced changes to Tennessee’s lethal injection process, including the use of pentobarbital as the sole execution drug. The failed execution has prompted renewed scrutiny of the state’s capital punishment procedures, with an independent review now expected to determine how the execution went wrong.

Tennessee prison chief Frank Strada is resigning after Christa Pike’s failed execution. Pike remains unconscious on a ventilator as doctors work to save her life and clear the drugs.

Tennessee prisons chief to resign after failed execution of Christa Pike

India had “hardly any choice” when it decided to allow former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina to enter the country after she left Bangladesh, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi said on Friday (October 3). Hasina arrived in India in August 2024 after weeks of deadly protests against her government triggered a major political upheaval in Bangladesh. She left the country as the unrest intensified, ending her long tenure as prime minister, and has remained in India since then.Speaking during a panel discussion in Dhaka, Trivedi said New Delhi had to respond to the situation as it unfolded, pointing out that Hasina was still Bangladesh’s prime minister when she arrived.“At that point in time, Hasina was still the prime minister of Bangladesh. We had hardly any choice on that. It was our duty as a neighbour to accept the reality of life, because situations are such where at times you are not prepared for it,” he said.<h2>‘What was our choice?’</h2>Trivedi said India itself had not been prepared for Hasina’s arrival. Recalling the developments, he said he had been watching television as reports emerged about the former prime minister’s departure.“I was watching on television, and the scroll was coming that she's going somewhere else in some other country,” he said.He also clarified that Hasina was not transported to India by the country’s armed forces.“Going back to history, Hasina was not brought to India by the Indian Air Force or Indian Army,” he said.Describing the circumstances surrounding Hasina’s departure as “tragic”, Trivedi said refusing her entry could have created an even more uncertain situation.“What was our choice? If you would have said that no, we are not going to accept, we don't give landing permission. Things would have been I don't know what,” he said.<h2>India examining Bangladesh’s extradition request</h2>The issue has since become a major point of contention between Dhaka and New Delhi. Bangladesh has repeatedly asked India to extradite Hasina, who continues to stay in the country.Trivedi said the request is being handled through India’s established legal mechanism.“Again and again, the government of India has replied to this that there is a process, and the process is legal, and it is well structured. So, as far as that is concerned, the process is on,” he said.He added that courts are involved in the matter, meaning “nobody can give you a timeframe” for when a decision will be reached.Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also raised Hasina’s extradition during his August meeting with Trivedi in Dhaka. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has said the request is being examined in accordance with established procedures.

Indian envoy Dinesh Trivedi said New Delhi had “hardly any choice” but to accept Sheikh Hasina after she left Bangladesh in August 2024 amid political turmoil.

India had “hardly any choice” when it decided to allow former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina to enter the country after she left Bangladesh, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi said on Friday (October 3). Hasina arrived in India in August 2024 after weeks of deadly protests against her government triggered a major political upheaval in Bangladesh. She left the country as the unrest intensified, ending her long tenure as prime minister, and has remained in India since then. Speaking during a panel discussion in Dhaka, Trivedi said New Delhi had to respond to the situation as it unfolded, pointing out that Hasina was still Bangladesh’s prime minister when she arrived. “At that point in time, Hasina was still the prime minister of Bangladesh. We had hardly any choice on that. It was our duty as a neighbour to accept the reality of life, because situations are such where at times you are not prepared for it,” he said. ‘What was our choice?’ Trivedi said India itself had not been prepared for Hasina’s arrival. Recalling the developments, he said he had been watching television as reports emerged about the former prime minister’s departure. “I was watching on television, and the scroll was coming that she's going somewhere else in some other country,” he said. He also clarified that Hasina was not transported to India by the country’s armed forces. “Going back to history, Hasina was not brought to India by the Indian Air Force or Indian Army,” he said. Describing the circumstances surrounding Hasina’s departure as “tragic”, Trivedi said refusing her entry could have created an even more uncertain situation. “What was our choice? If you would have said that no, we are not going to accept, we don't give landing permission. Things would have been I don't know what,” he said. India examining Bangladesh’s extradition request The issue has since become a major point of contention between Dhaka and New Delhi. Bangladesh has repeatedly asked India to extradite Hasina, who continues to stay in the country. Trivedi said the request is being handled through India’s established legal mechanism. “Again and again, the government of India has replied to this that there is a process, and the process is legal, and it is well structured. So, as far as that is concerned, the process is on,” he said. He added that courts are involved in the matter, meaning “nobody can give you a timeframe” for when a decision will be reached. Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also raised Hasina’s extradition during his August meeting with Trivedi in Dhaka. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has said the request is being examined in accordance with established procedures.

Indian envoy Dinesh Trivedi said New Delhi had “hardly any choice” but to accept Sheikh Hasina after she left Bangladesh in August 2024 amid political turmoil.

Why did India accept Sheikh Hasina? Indian envoy Dinesh Trivedi says New Delhi ‘had hardly any choice’

Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal AP Singh said on Saturday (October 03) that India has the capabilities needed to counter the threat from fifth-generation fighter aircraft being developed by China. However, Singh stressed the need to speed up the induction of India's own next-generation combat aircraft to deal with emerging challenges.&nbsp;Addressing the IAF's annual press conference in New Delhi, Singh also responded to reports that Pakistan could acquire Chinese fifth-generation fighter aircraft in the near future.&nbsp;“Reports suggest that Pakistan may acquire them in the near future. There are even reports that their pilots are already undergoing training in China. Undoubtedly, this is a cause for concern. However, is it a no-go situation? I wouldn't agree with that. We possess the necessary capabilities; after all, it is not just about a single platform, but rather how that platform is integrated into the entire system,” Singh said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-diplomats-foreigners-to-leave-kyiv-amid-massive-strike-threat-1791035660810">Russia warns diplomats, foreigners to leave Kyiv amid ‘massive’ strike threat</a><h3>IAF highlights importance of system integration</h3>Singh said the effectiveness of a fighter aircraft depends not only on the platform itself but also on how it is integrated into the wider military system.&nbsp;He pointed to Pakistan's previous possession of advanced platforms and said they had not delivered significant results against India during Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;“Pakistan has possessed other platforms in the past, yet they haven't been able to achieve anything significant with them during Operation Sindoor. Similarly, if we effectively integrate the platforms we are purchasing and inducting, we should be able to counter this threat—at least for the time being, until they fully integrate these new aircraft into their own systems,” he noted.<h3>IAF chief calls for faster AMCA induction</h3>Singh said India needs to prioritise the early induction of fifth-generation stealth fighters to maintain long-term air dominance.&nbsp;He also called for the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to be pushed forward and warned that alternative decisions may be needed if there are delays.&nbsp;“We must prioritise the early induction of an aircraft of this generation. We need to push the AMCA programme forward; if there are delays, we must make alternative decisions,” the Air Chief Marshal added.

IAF Chief AP Singh said India has the necessary capability to counter the Chinese fifth-generation aircraft threat while stressing the need to prioritise and accelerate the AMCA programme.

Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal AP Singh said on Saturday (October 03) that India has the capabilities needed to counter the threat from fifth-generation fighter aircraft being developed by China. However, Singh stressed the need to speed up the induction of India's own next-generation combat aircraft to deal with emerging challenges. Addressing the IAF's annual press conference in New Delhi, Singh also responded to reports that Pakistan could acquire Chinese fifth-generation fighter aircraft in the near future. “Reports suggest that Pakistan may acquire them in the near future. There are even reports that their pilots are already undergoing training in China. Undoubtedly, this is a cause for concern. However, is it a no-go situation? I wouldn't agree with that. We possess the necessary capabilities; after all, it is not just about a single platform, but rather how that platform is integrated into the entire system,” Singh said. Also Read: Russia warns diplomats, foreigners to leave Kyiv amid ‘massive’ strike threat IAF highlights importance of system integration Singh said the effectiveness of a fighter aircraft depends not only on the platform itself but also on how it is integrated into the wider military system. He pointed to Pakistan's previous possession of advanced platforms and said they had not delivered significant results against India during Operation Sindoor. “Pakistan has possessed other platforms in the past, yet they haven't been able to achieve anything significant with them during Operation Sindoor. Similarly, if we effectively integrate the platforms we are purchasing and inducting, we should be able to counter this threat—at least for the time being, until they fully integrate these new aircraft into their own systems,” he noted. IAF chief calls for faster AMCA induction Singh said India needs to prioritise the early induction of fifth-generation stealth fighters to maintain long-term air dominance. He also called for the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to be pushed forward and warned that alternative decisions may be needed if there are delays. “We must prioritise the early induction of an aircraft of this generation. We need to push the AMCA programme forward; if there are delays, we must make alternative decisions,” the Air Chief Marshal added.

IAF Chief AP Singh said India has the necessary capability to counter the Chinese fifth-generation aircraft threat while stressing the need to prioritise and accelerate the AMCA programme.

‘We have necessary capability’: IAF chief on Chinese 5th gen aircraft threat, calls for prioritising AMCA

United Arab Emirates investigators probing the Flydubai incident earlier this week revealed that the co-pilot who attacked Indian Captain Smit Mahchhar and attempted to crash the aircraft has been identified as an Omani national and was planning a “terrorist act”. They added that he used the emergency axe in the cockpit to attack the captain. The investigators did not reveal his motives. Multiple media reports have identified the co-pilot as an Omani national, Hamam al-Hammami. They added that he had extremist views and had been barred from flying by an Omani airline. Reports have also highlighted that he posted radical views and terrorist material on social media. Now, the question remains: Was Hamam al-Hammami planning to crash flight FZ1073 in Israel in a 9/11-like attack?<h2>What Omani co-pilot told investigators</h2>Al-Hammami was transferred to the United Arab Emirates from Saudi Arabia, where the plane made an emergency landing conducted by two off-duty pilots, on Thursday (Oct 1). According to an ABC News report, citing sources familiar with the investigation, the 29-year-old Omani suspect is said to be “cooperating” with the authorities investigating the incident. He told investigators that he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel.<h2>What we know about Hamam al-Hammami</h2>Al-Hammami was born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother and spent several years in the UAE, CNN reported. Multiple reports indicated that he was suspended from flying by Oman Air after authorities found extremist material in his possession. He was a co-pilot trainee at the airline and was removed from the flight-training programme in 2024. He subsequently worked in an administrative role. According to reports, the Omani suspect also spent time in Syria, where he was allegedly exposed to extremist ideologies.<h2>Al-Hammami’s social media activity raises questions</h2>Al-Hammami’s social media accounts showed that he often posted extremist views. Two posts appeared on al-Hammami’s LinkedIn profile about nine hours after the incident, though it remains unclear who uploaded them or whether they were scheduled. One post featured cockpit videos from Boeing 737 Max aircraft, including footage geolocated by CNN to Dubai International Airport. The clips showed El Al and Arkia aircraft and included flight number OMA624, linked to a Dubai-Muscat route. The footage ended with images of former al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and 2009 suicide bomber Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi. A second post featured an AI-generated image depicting the three holy sites in Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, accompanied by a poem about rejecting humiliation, not fearing death and defending dignity.His deleted social media accounts showed that he often posted extremist views. His posts discussed religion, marriage and gender. One 2022 post allegedly was about his mother struggling to find him a prospective wife who would accept his reported conditions that she wear a niqab and stop working after marriage. Other posts criticised mixed-gender workplaces, claiming they had a corrupting influence on women.Al-Hammami reportedly studied aviation management at Buckinghamshire New University in England. The university confirmed to the publication that a man with the same name completed a three-year distance-learning course and graduated in 2023.

UAE investigators say Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami planned a terrorist act and told authorities he intended to crash Flydubai flight FZ1073 in Israel after attacking Captain Smit Machchhar.

United Arab Emirates investigators probing the Flydubai incident earlier this week revealed that the co-pilot who attacked Indian Captain Smit Mahchhar and attempted to crash the aircraft has been identified as an Omani national and was planning a “terrorist act”. They added that he used the emergency axe in the cockpit to attack the captain. The investigators did not reveal his motives. Multiple media reports have identified the co-pilot as an Omani national, Hamam al-Hammami. They added that he had extremist views and had been barred from flying by an Omani airline. Reports have also highlighted that he posted radical views and terrorist material on social media. Now, the question remains: Was Hamam al-Hammami planning to crash flight FZ1073 in Israel in a 9/11-like attack? What Omani co-pilot told investigators Al-Hammami was transferred to the United Arab Emirates from Saudi Arabia, where the plane made an emergency landing conducted by two off-duty pilots, on Thursday (Oct 1). According to an ABC News report, citing sources familiar with the investigation, the 29-year-old Omani suspect is said to be “cooperating” with the authorities investigating the incident. He told investigators that he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel. What we know about Hamam al-Hammami Al-Hammami was born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother and spent several years in the UAE, CNN reported. Multiple reports indicated that he was suspended from flying by Oman Air after authorities found extremist material in his possession. He was a co-pilot trainee at the airline and was removed from the flight-training programme in 2024. He subsequently worked in an administrative role. According to reports, the Omani suspect also spent time in Syria, where he was allegedly exposed to extremist ideologies. Al-Hammami’s social media activity raises questions Al-Hammami’s social media accounts showed that he often posted extremist views. Two posts appeared on al-Hammami’s LinkedIn profile about nine hours after the incident, though it remains unclear who uploaded them or whether they were scheduled. One post featured cockpit videos from Boeing 737 Max aircraft, including footage geolocated by CNN to Dubai International Airport. The clips showed El Al and Arkia aircraft and included flight number OMA624, linked to a Dubai-Muscat route. The footage ended with images of former al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and 2009 suicide bomber Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi. A second post featured an AI-generated image depicting the three holy sites in Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, accompanied by a poem about rejecting humiliation, not fearing death and defending dignity. His deleted social media accounts showed that he often posted extremist views. His posts discussed religion, marriage and gender. One 2022 post allegedly was about his mother struggling to find him a prospective wife who would accept his reported conditions that she wear a niqab and stop working after marriage. Other posts criticised mixed-gender workplaces, claiming they had a corrupting influence on women. Al-Hammami reportedly studied aviation management at Buckinghamshire New University in England. The university confirmed to the publication that a man with the same name completed a three-year distance-learning course and graduated in 2023.

UAE investigators say Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami planned a terrorist act and told authorities he intended to crash Flydubai flight FZ1073 in Israel after attacking Captain Smit Machchhar.

Was Flydubai Omani co-pilot planning a 9/11-like ‘terrorist act’ in Israel? UAE probe reveals...

US President Donald Trump has dismissed reports of a probable restriction on US diesel shipments following commitments from European nations to expand fuel availability within the market. Speaking to journalists before departing for Marine One, Trump said that he had personally appealed to European allies to increase diesel provisions.&nbsp;“Europe has a lot of diesel, and they're, they're gonna be making a major world contribution, and so are we,” Trump said. “And we’re not gonna be, uh, doing the export ban. We’re gonna be doing what we’re supposed to do,” he added.The G7 nations in cordination with the European partners have agreed to release European partners, has agreed to a massive emergency release of 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil.“We're gonna have a lot of oil very shortly, as soon as Iran ends, which won't be long,” Trump said. “Not gonna be long, and you're gonna have oil go down to the price it was before, maybe even lower than I got it at the beginning."Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-talks-lukoil-assets-todd-boehly-trump-investors-1791021292256">Trump-linked investors eye $20-22 bn Lukoil assets in latest US-Russia talks to end Ukraine war</a>When questioned whether a plan to ban diesel exports was completely averted, Trump said that his administration was never going to do it.“It was never really ever on the table, but what Europe did was a great thing,” said Trump. He said that Europe uses diesel disproportionately more than most. He also claimed that he had a great relationship with Europe.&nbsp;These announcements appear to conclude a week of frantic transnational lobbying as crack spread reached its historic highs and fuel prices surged due to the ongoing US-Iran war, the shipping crisis, the Ukraine-Russia war, and persistent attacks on oil refineries. Trump, over the past week, reportedly said that he was considering suspending exports of the fuel, which would be the first restriction on US energy exports, after the Obama administration lifted a decades-old ban on oil exports in 2015.&nbsp;

Donald Trump ruled out a US diesel export ban after European allies pledged to boost fuel availability amid soaring prices and supply disruptions.

US President Donald Trump has dismissed reports of a probable restriction on US diesel shipments following commitments from European nations to expand fuel availability within the market. Speaking to journalists before departing for Marine One, Trump said that he had personally appealed to European allies to increase diesel provisions. “Europe has a lot of diesel, and they're, they're gonna be making a major world contribution, and so are we,” Trump said. “And we’re not gonna be, uh, doing the export ban. We’re gonna be doing what we’re supposed to do,” he added. The G7 nations in cordination with the European partners have agreed to release European partners, has agreed to a massive emergency release of 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil. “We're gonna have a lot of oil very shortly, as soon as Iran ends, which won't be long,” Trump said. “Not gonna be long, and you're gonna have oil go down to the price it was before, maybe even lower than I got it at the beginning." Also read: Trump-linked investors eye $20-22 bn Lukoil assets in latest US-Russia talks to end Ukraine war When questioned whether a plan to ban diesel exports was completely averted, Trump said that his administration was never going to do it. “It was never really ever on the table, but what Europe did was a great thing,” said Trump. He said that Europe uses diesel disproportionately more than most. He also claimed that he had a great relationship with Europe. These announcements appear to conclude a week of frantic transnational lobbying as crack spread reached its historic highs and fuel prices surged due to the ongoing US-Iran war, the shipping crisis, the Ukraine-Russia war, and persistent attacks on oil refineries. Trump, over the past week, reportedly said that he was considering suspending exports of the fuel, which would be the first restriction on US energy exports, after the Obama administration lifted a decades-old ban on oil exports in 2015.

Donald Trump ruled out a US diesel export ban after European allies pledged to boost fuel availability amid soaring prices and supply disruptions.

Trump rules out US diesel export ban as Europe pledges emergency fuel supply

Russia has issued a fresh warning to diplomats and foreign nationals in Kyiv, urging them to leave the Ukrainian capital and warning of further “massive” strikes. The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that it had previously urged foreign nationals and diplomats in Kyiv to leave the city and avoid travelling to Ukraine.&nbsp;“We note with concern that not everyone has heeded these warnings, and that individuals are knowingly exposing themselves to mortal danger,” the ministry said.&nbsp;“The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to deliver massive retaliatory strikes,” it warned.&nbsp;The ministry also said that “responsibility for any potential negative consequences rests entirely with those who ignore this warning.”<h3>Kyiv faces intensified strikes</h3>The warning comes as Russia has intensified its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, including strikes targeting key infrastructure in Kyiv. Recent attacks have disrupted traffic across major bridges in the Ukrainian capital.&nbsp;Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Friday that the city should now be on a war footing, as Russian strikes were “tearing Kyiv apart” and hitting bridges and energy infrastructure.&nbsp;Long lines of stationary cars and buses were reported on major roads as commuters searched for alternative routes. Some people were forced to continue their journeys on foot.&nbsp;Air raid sirens warning of incoming threats have been sounding almost round the clock, prompting Kyiv's estimated three million residents to seek shelter.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-dies-after-jumping-from-43rd-floor-of-noida-s-supernova-complex-1791030121206">Man dies after jumping from 43rd floor of Noida’s Supernova complex</a><h3>Zelensky accuses Putin of attacking civilian areas</h3>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ripping up the rulebook of armed conflict by sanctioning massive attacks on civilian areas. The Kremlin has rejected the accusation.&nbsp;The war began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has since become Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump's efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine have so far failed to end the conflict. Meanwhile, the United States has invited Putin to attend the 21st G20 Summit, scheduled for December 14 and 15, 2026.&nbsp;Russia has yet to confirm whether Putin will attend the summit, which could provide a venue for discussions on finding a path towards ending the four-and-a-half-year war.

Russia has urged diplomats and foreign nationals to leave Kyiv, warning of further “massive” strikes as Moscow intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s capital and key infrastructure.

Russia has issued a fresh warning to diplomats and foreign nationals in Kyiv, urging them to leave the Ukrainian capital and warning of further “massive” strikes. The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that it had previously urged foreign nationals and diplomats in Kyiv to leave the city and avoid travelling to Ukraine. “We note with concern that not everyone has heeded these warnings, and that individuals are knowingly exposing themselves to mortal danger,” the ministry said. “The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to deliver massive retaliatory strikes,” it warned. The ministry also said that “responsibility for any potential negative consequences rests entirely with those who ignore this warning.” Kyiv faces intensified strikes The warning comes as Russia has intensified its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, including strikes targeting key infrastructure in Kyiv. Recent attacks have disrupted traffic across major bridges in the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Friday that the city should now be on a war footing, as Russian strikes were “tearing Kyiv apart” and hitting bridges and energy infrastructure. Long lines of stationary cars and buses were reported on major roads as commuters searched for alternative routes. Some people were forced to continue their journeys on foot. Air raid sirens warning of incoming threats have been sounding almost round the clock, prompting Kyiv's estimated three million residents to seek shelter. Also Read: Man dies after jumping from 43rd floor of Noida’s Supernova complex Zelensky accuses Putin of attacking civilian areas Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ripping up the rulebook of armed conflict by sanctioning massive attacks on civilian areas. The Kremlin has rejected the accusation. The war began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has since become Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II. US President Donald Trump's efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine have so far failed to end the conflict. Meanwhile, the United States has invited Putin to attend the 21st G20 Summit, scheduled for December 14 and 15, 2026. Russia has yet to confirm whether Putin will attend the summit, which could provide a venue for discussions on finding a path towards ending the four-and-a-half-year war.

Russia has urged diplomats and foreign nationals to leave Kyiv, warning of further “massive” strikes as Moscow intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s capital and key infrastructure.

Russia warns diplomats, foreigners to leave Kyiv amid ‘massive’ strike threat

Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has praised flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, saying, "What he did was exceptionally brave. He showed great physical and mental resolve. It is a lesson for us." In an earlier version of the remarks, Singh also said every Indian is proud of him.&nbsp;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;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-speaks-to-flydubai-pilot-smit-machchhar-applauds-his-courage-after-brutal-cockpit-attack-omani-co-pilot-terrorist-jihai-1790922727540">PM Modi speaks to Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, applauds his courage after brutal cockpit attack | Watch video</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Delhi | On Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh says, &quot;What he has done is exceptionally brave. He showed great physical and mental resolve. It is a lesson for us.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JumBKR9tQM">pic.twitter.com/JumBKR9tQM</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2106286760905048484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He added, "Every Indian is proud of him. What he did was exceptionally brave. He showed great physical and mental resolve. It is a lesson for us."&nbsp;Another crew member, Shota Musayev, worked to control the captain's bleeding with blankets, oxygen and available equipment until the aircraft landed. Machchhar underwent surgery after the emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and was then airlifted to a hospital in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-cm-announces-visisht-gujarat-garima-award-for-indian-flydubai-pilot-smit-machchhar-1790850949392/amp">Gujarat CM announces ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’ for Indian pilot Smit Machchhar</a>&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> | Delhi | On Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh says, &quot;Every Indian is proud of him. What he did was exceptionally brave. He showed great physical and mental resolve. It is a lesson for us.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/EYbqq8do8n">pic.twitter.com/EYbqq8do8n</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2106301361847681119?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;On Friday (Oct 2), Machchhar described the ordeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video call from his hospital bed. Modi said his actions helped save hundreds of lives and averted a great tragedy. Machchhar said his faith gave him the courage to seize what he believed was a last chance to save himself and the others on board. He added that he has been a captain for 11 years and knows what is happening in a flight even with his eyes closed.&nbsp;The 38-year-old is married with two children and has flown for flydubai for about four years. Before that he spent 11 years at SpiceJet, where he was a senior commander and line training captain. His uncle, Kishorbhai Machchhar, called his composure "a miracle" and said the family still cannot believe how he stayed calm and focused. The praise has come from beyond India. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saluted the pilot's extraordinary bravery.

Indian Air Force Chief AP Singh hailed flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar as "exceptionally brave" for his physical and mental resolve after thwarting a mid-air attack by his co-pilot. 

Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has praised flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, saying, "What he did was exceptionally brave. He showed great physical and mental resolve. It is a lesson for us." In an earlier version of the remarks, Singh also said every Indian is proud of him. 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. Also read: PM Modi speaks to Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, applauds his courage after brutal cockpit attack | Watch video

Indian Air Force Chief AP Singh hailed flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar as "exceptionally brave" for his physical and mental resolve after thwarting a mid-air attack by his co-pilot.

IAF chief AP Singh praises flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar as ‘exceptionally brave’ after cockpit attack

Dubai Crown Prince and UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum on Saturday (Oct 3) met with Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, the captain of the Flydubai flight who foiled a hijacking attempt by his co-pilot and saved the lives of 180 people on board. Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot, who tried to hijack the aircraft with the intention of crashing it. However, he resisted the attack and bravely fought back. Despite being severely injured, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to rush in and overpower the attacker.In a post on X, Hamdan bin Mohammed shared images from his visit to the Indian captain, who is receiving treatment in a hospital.“During a visit to Captain Smit Machchhar… the flydubai pilot who embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life. From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise,” Hamdan bin Mohammed wrote on X.“We are proud that he is part of our team… part of the story of our nation… and part of what the UAE stands for… a nation of compassion… a nation of peace… and a nation of life,” he added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">During a visit to Captain Smit Machchhar… the flydubai pilot who embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life. From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise. We are proud that he is part of our… <a href="https://t.co/QgpQxdcK5C">pic.twitter.com/QgpQxdcK5C</a>&mdash; Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) <a href="https://x.com/HamdanMohammed/status/2106338248398446970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Smit Machchhar health update</h2>Sharing an update on the brave pilot’s health, Indian Embassy in UAE said that Machchhar remains under “excellent medical care and is recovering well”. The Embassy added, “We are in touch with his family &amp; local authorities, extending support for a speedy recovery. Our thanks to UAE gov. for their care. We join well-wishers in praying for his good health.”

<h2>What happened on Flydubai flight?</h2>A major hijacking attempt was foiled on a Flydubai flight, carrying 174 passengers, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday (Sep 30). The situation onboard turned chaotic when the Omani co-pilot attempted to murder Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and hijack the flight with the intention of crashing it. Machchhar bravely fought with his co-pilot and managed to open the cockpit door despite battling severe wounds and blood loss.Once the cockpit door was open, passengers rushed in and overpowered the co-pilot, restraining him. A dentist on the flight tended to Machchhar’s injuries and stabilised him. Two off-duty pilots, who were among the passengers, took control of the flight and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.During the altercation, the plane suddenly plunged several feet, from nearly 34,000 feet to less than 17,000 feet. The plane also sent distress signal 7700, a general international emergency signal. It also briefly sent the code 7500, which signals hijacking and unlawful interference, before it went back to the original distress code.From there, the Israeli passengers were sent on another flight, also operated by Flydubai, to their intended destination in Tel Aviv. No other crew members or passengers were injured in the incident. Machchhar underwent surgery in Saudi Arabia after landing. He was airlifted to the UAE on Thursday (Oct 1).&nbsp;

Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum visited injured Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, praising his courage after he foiled a co-pilot’s hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight.

Dubai Crown Prince and UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum on Saturday (Oct 3) met with Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, the captain of the Flydubai flight who foiled a hijacking attempt by his co-pilot and saved the lives of 180 people on board. Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot, who tried to hijack the aircraft with the intention of crashing it. However, he resisted the attack and bravely fought back. Despite being severely injured, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to rush in and overpower the attacker. In a post on X, Hamdan bin Mohammed shared images from his visit to the Indian captain, who is receiving treatment in a hospital. “During a visit to Captain Smit Machchhar… the flydubai pilot who embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life. From us, and from the leadership of the nation, he has our full appreciation and praise,” Hamdan bin Mohammed wrote on X. “We are proud that he is part of our team… part of the story of our nation… and part of what the UAE stands for… a nation of compassion… a nation of peace… and a nation of life,” he added.

Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum visited injured Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, praising his courage after he foiled a co-pilot’s hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight.

‘Embodied the highest degrees of courage’: Dubai Crown Prince meets Flydubai hero Smit Machchhar

Russian strike targeted a Northern bridge in Kyiv over the Dnipro River, said Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The strike damaged the road surface and overhead trolleybus power wires. No casualties were reported, though two injuries were reported. Emergency services ⁠were deployed to the scene, and traffic across the east-to-west bank was suspended. The strike comes a day after Russia hit a different bridge linking two sides of Kyiv for the second successive day, officials said on Friday."Northern Bridge has been hit," Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram on Saturday. "Traffic across the bridge from the left bank to the right bank is currently blocked." Videos posted on social media show large explosions.Over a third of Kyiv's population resides on the eastern side of the river while businesses and government offices operate on the western side, creating severe traffic bottlenecks and transit paralysis across the capital.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-flight-1073-what-happened-israel-terror-attack-1790876427952">Flydubai Flight 1073: How an in-flight brawl became a ‘jihadist terror’ attack</a>Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the latest attack on Saturday, claiming that the bridge was used to “facilitate troop movement and the logistics of military cargo deliveries” for Ukraine's armed forces. &nbsp;"We note with concern that not everyone has heeded these warnings, and that individuals are knowingly exposing themselves to mortal danger," the ministry said."The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to deliver massive retaliatory strikes," it warned.It also stated that "responsibility for any potential negative consequences rests entirely with those who ignore this warning".On Friday, authorities shut the Southern Bridge following consecutive days of heavy drone strikes targeting Pivdennyi Bridge, forcing its complete closure and restricting movement across other critical Dnipro spans. Russia has targeted Kyiv's major Dnipro River bridges at least five times across three consecutive days in October.&nbsp;The aerial war between Russia and Ukraine has been intensified; Kyiv is entering its most difficult period since the early days of the invasion. Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least eight civilians and injured 83 others over the past day, regional authorities reported on October 3. With the 2026 winter fast approaching, the memories of intense attacks in 2025 hover around Kyiv. Life in the capital was coldest in 15 years in 2025, with 12 to 14 hours of daily blackouts without light.&nbsp;

Russia struck Kyiv’s Northern Bridge over the Dnipro, damaging the road and trolleybus wires as repeated attacks disrupt movement across the capital.

Russian strike targeted a Northern bridge in Kyiv over the Dnipro River, said Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The strike damaged the road surface and overhead trolleybus power wires. No casualties were reported, though two injuries were reported. Emergency services ⁠were deployed to the scene, and traffic across the east-to-west bank was suspended. The strike comes a day after Russia hit a different bridge linking two sides of Kyiv for the second successive day, officials said on Friday. "Northern Bridge has been hit," Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram on Saturday. "Traffic across the bridge from the left bank to the right bank is currently blocked." Videos posted on social media show large explosions. Over a third of Kyiv's population resides on the eastern side of the river while businesses and government offices operate on the western side, creating severe traffic bottlenecks and transit paralysis across the capital. Also Read: Flydubai Flight 1073: How an in-flight brawl became a ‘jihadist terror’ attack Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the latest attack on Saturday, claiming that the bridge was used to “facilitate troop movement and the logistics of military cargo deliveries” for Ukraine's armed forces. "We note with concern that not everyone has heeded these warnings, and that individuals are knowingly exposing themselves to mortal danger," the ministry said. "The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to deliver massive retaliatory strikes," it warned. It also stated that "responsibility for any potential negative consequences rests entirely with those who ignore this warning". On Friday, authorities shut the Southern Bridge following consecutive days of heavy drone strikes targeting Pivdennyi Bridge, forcing its complete closure and restricting movement across other critical Dnipro spans. Russia has targeted Kyiv's major Dnipro River bridges at least five times across three consecutive days in October. The aerial war between Russia and Ukraine has been intensified; Kyiv is entering its most difficult period since the early days of the invasion. Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least eight civilians and injured 83 others over the past day, regional authorities reported on October 3. With the 2026 winter fast approaching, the memories of intense attacks in 2025 hover around Kyiv. Life in the capital was coldest in 15 years in 2025, with 12 to 14 hours of daily blackouts without light.

Russia struck Kyiv’s Northern Bridge over the Dnipro, damaging the road and trolleybus wires as repeated attacks disrupt movement across the capital.

Russia strikes Kyiv’s Northern Bridge in 3rd consecutive attack in October

Botswana's government has authorised the killing of 23 elephants for its Independence Day celebrations this week, drawing criticism from conservationists and a former president. Hunting licences were issued in districts across the country, each receiving a share of the overall quota. Authorities said on Friday (Oct 2) that the animals would provide meat for needy rural communities. The government also approved the killing of dozens of antelope under the same initiative, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of Botswana's independence from Britain on Wednesday.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/heartwarming-rescue-two-fishermen-rescue-elephant-calf-being-swept-away-in-teesta-river-reunite-it-with-mother-1790058865745">Heartwarming rescue: Two fishermen rescue Elephant calf being swept away in Teesta river, reunite it with mother | WATCH</a>&nbsp;African savanna elephants are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Botswana, however, has an estimated 130,000 elephants, more than any other country. The government lifted a ban on elephant hunting in 2019, largely because of their growing numbers. In recent years it has issued annual quotas of between 200 and more than 400 elephants, depending on the year.&nbsp;Officials have previously defended the quotas as necessary to manage elephant numbers and limit conflict between people and elephants. Dimakatso Ntshebe, deputy director at the department of wildlife and national parks, defended this week's hunt, saying wildlife conservation "must deliver meaningful benefits" to communities living alongside wildlife.Critics were unconvinced. Botswana's Elephant Protection Society called the decision reckless and warned it could make herds more hostile to nearby residents. "When one elephant is shot, the rest become defensive," the group told news agency Associated Press.&nbsp;Ian Khama, who was president from 2008 to 2018 and now serves as a regional chief, said he disagreed with the move. He said it created an "expectation" that elephants would be killed for future national events.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elephants-exact-revenge-for-rhinos-trample-poacher-to-death-at-kruger-national-park-1789476850539">Elephants hide behind trees, stage surprise attack on poachers targeting rhinos in South Africa</a>&nbsp;Elephants can be destructive and dangerous, and several African countries face herds damaging crops and infrastructure and killing or injuring people. Neighbouring South Africa also issues annual elephant hunting quotas. Botswana, a popular destination for wildlife tourists, compensates local people for human-wildlife conflict, with hundreds of cases recorded each year.&nbsp;The country's elephant numbers drew international attention in 2024. Then-president Mokgweetsi Masisi responded to criticism of trophy hunting from the UK and Germany by offering to send tens of thousands of elephants to those countries. The German newspaper Bild quoted him as saying it was "very easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion", and that managing elephants was "no joke".

Botswana sparks outrage among conservationists after approving the slaughter of 23 elephants to provide meat for its 60th Independence Day celebrations. 

Botswana's government has authorised the killing of 23 elephants for its Independence Day celebrations this week, drawing criticism from conservationists and a former president. Hunting licences were issued in districts across the country, each receiving a share of the overall quota. Authorities said on Friday (Oct 2) that the animals would provide meat for needy rural communities. The government also approved the killing of dozens of antelope under the same initiative, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of Botswana's independence from Britain on Wednesday. Also read: Heartwarming rescue: Two fishermen rescue Elephant calf being swept away in Teesta river, reunite it with mother | WATCH African savanna elephants are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Botswana, however, has an estimated 130,000 elephants, more than any other country. The government lifted a ban on elephant hunting in 2019, largely because of their growing numbers. In recent years it has issued annual quotas of between 200 and more than 400 elephants, depending on the year. Officials have previously defended the quotas as necessary to manage elephant numbers and limit conflict between people and elephants. Dimakatso Ntshebe, deputy director at the department of wildlife and national parks, defended this week's hunt, saying wildlife conservation "must deliver meaningful benefits" to communities living alongside wildlife. Critics were unconvinced. Botswana's Elephant Protection Society called the decision reckless and warned it could make herds more hostile to nearby residents. "When one elephant is shot, the rest become defensive," the group told news agency Associated Press. Ian Khama, who was president from 2008 to 2018 and now serves as a regional chief, said he disagreed with the move. He said it created an "expectation" that elephants would be killed for future national events. Also read: Elephants hide behind trees, stage surprise attack on poachers targeting rhinos in South Africa Elephants can be destructive and dangerous, and several African countries face herds damaging crops and infrastructure and killing or injuring people. Neighbouring South Africa also issues annual elephant hunting quotas. Botswana, a popular destination for wildlife tourists, compensates local people for human-wildlife conflict, with hundreds of cases recorded each year. The country's elephant numbers drew international attention in 2024. Then-president Mokgweetsi Masisi responded to criticism of trophy hunting from the UK and Germany by offering to send tens of thousands of elephants to those countries. The German newspaper Bild quoted him as saying it was "very easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion", and that managing elephants was "no joke".

Botswana sparks outrage among conservationists after approving the slaughter of 23 elephants to provide meat for its 60th Independence Day celebrations.

Botswana faces backlash after authorising killing of 23 elephants for independence celebrations

US-Russia talks on ending the war in Ukraine will involve a multibillion-dollar oil deal for international assets such as oil fields, refineries and gas stations around the world owned by one of Russia's biggest energy companies, Lukoil, reported the US-based newspaper New York Times.&nbsp;The deal is contingent on the approval of the US and Russian governments. The deal was raised by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a September 5 meeting at the Kremlin with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He framed the asset sale as a way to show that Russian and US businesses could resume working together. According to the NYT, this deal is the latest attempt by US President Donald Trump to end the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;<h2>Who else is in the deal?</h2>The leading group seeking Lukoil's assets includes American investors and Trump donor Todd Boehly, two Gulf groups related to Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and the US government.&nbsp;Todd Boehly, a billionaire co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, donated $1 million to Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. and Trump’s inauguration. He also fronted the consortium that bought Chelsea Football Club from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. The $5.2 billion takeover was officially completed in May 2022.Qatar-based Al-Khayyat Brothers, Moutaz and Ramez Al-Khayyat, are also part of the deal. They have attended Trump's inauguration in 2025. They, along with Kushner and Ivanka Trump, are also financing the multibillion-dollar luxury resort project in Albania, which has stirred up the Flamingo revolution.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-flight-1073-what-happened-israel-terror-attack-1790876427952">Flydubai Flight 1073: How an in-flight brawl became a ‘jihadist terror’ attack</a>Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi royal, controls investment funds backing the deal. They also have a stake in World Liberty Financial, the crypto entity co-founded by Witkoff and linked to the Trump family, which generated $799 million for Trump last year, according to the report.Sheikh Tahnoon also helps oversee Lunate, an Abu Dhabi fund that is among the largest stakeholders in Kushner’s private equity firm. Witkoff’s spokeswoman said he has “no conflict of interest and no financial stake in this matter.” It is unclear whether Kushner and Witkoff are likely to benefit from the deal, reported Times.The US International Development Finance Corporation, or DFC, is also seeking a stake with Kushner and Witkoff helping negotiate financial terms to ensure “a substantial upfront payment and profits interest for the United States.”<h2>What are Lukoil's assets?</h2>According to Lukoil's international assets are valued at $20-22 billion, including major energy infrastructure across roughly 30 countries across continents, spanning upstream oil and gas fields, vital European refineries, and hundreds of retail gas stations in Europe and the United States. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, US and Western sanctions have heavily restricted Lukoil's ability to operate or profit from these overseas holdings; the assets have effectively been traded at distressed or "fire sale" rates. Now the parties in the proposed deal believe that, following the government approval and subsequent removal of sanctions, the values are likely to skyrocket.

A group including Trump donor Todd Boehly, Gulf investors and the US government is seeking Lukoil's overseas oil and gas assets in a multibillion-dollar deal.

US-Russia talks on ending the war in Ukraine will involve a multibillion-dollar oil deal for international assets such as oil fields, refineries and gas stations around the world owned by one of Russia's biggest energy companies, Lukoil, reported the US-based newspaper New York Times. The deal is contingent on the approval of the US and Russian governments. The deal was raised by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a September 5 meeting at the Kremlin with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He framed the asset sale as a way to show that Russian and US businesses could resume working together. According to the NYT, this deal is the latest attempt by US President Donald Trump to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Who else is in the deal? The leading group seeking Lukoil's assets includes American investors and Trump donor Todd Boehly, two Gulf groups related to Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and the US government. Todd Boehly, a billionaire co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, donated $1 million to Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. and Trump’s inauguration. He also fronted the consortium that bought Chelsea Football Club from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. The $5.2 billion takeover was officially completed in May 2022. Qatar-based Al-Khayyat Brothers, Moutaz and Ramez Al-Khayyat, are also part of the deal. They have attended Trump's inauguration in 2025. They, along with Kushner and Ivanka Trump, are also financing the multibillion-dollar luxury resort project in Albania, which has stirred up the Flamingo revolution. Also Read: Flydubai Flight 1073: How an in-flight brawl became a ‘jihadist terror’ attack Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi royal, controls investment funds backing the deal. They also have a stake in World Liberty Financial, the crypto entity co-founded by Witkoff and linked to the Trump family, which generated $799 million for Trump last year, according to the report. Sheikh Tahnoon also helps oversee Lunate, an Abu Dhabi fund that is among the largest stakeholders in Kushner’s private equity firm. Witkoff’s spokeswoman said he has “no conflict of interest and no financial stake in this matter.” It is unclear whether Kushner and Witkoff are likely to benefit from the deal, reported Times. The US International Development Finance Corporation, or DFC, is also seeking a stake with Kushner and Witkoff helping negotiate financial terms to ensure “a substantial upfront payment and profits interest for the United States.” What are Lukoil's assets? According to Lukoil's international assets are valued at $20-22 billion, including major energy infrastructure across roughly 30 countries across continents, spanning upstream oil and gas fields, vital European refineries, and hundreds of retail gas stations in Europe and the United States. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, US and Western sanctions have heavily restricted Lukoil's ability to operate or profit from these overseas holdings; the assets have effectively been traded at distressed or "fire sale" rates. Now the parties in the proposed deal believe that, following the government approval and subsequent removal of sanctions, the values are likely to skyrocket.

A group including Trump donor Todd Boehly, Gulf investors and the US government is seeking Lukoil's overseas oil and gas assets in a multibillion-dollar deal.

Trump-linked investors eye $20-22bn Lukoil assets in latest US-Russia talks to end Ukraine war

With less than a month to go before the 2026 US midterm elections, the cost of groceries, fuel and other everyday essentials is emerging as a central issue for voters and a test for US President Donald Trump. According to a newAP-NORC poll, about 65 per cent of US adults surveyed said Trump's policies were responsible for today's high cost of living, while 67 per cent of Republicans said factors outside Trump's control were more responsible. Just 17 per cent approved of Trump's handling of the cost of living, while his approval on the economy stood at 26 per cent, a new low in the poll.The poll, conducted September 24-28 among 2,140 adults, comes as Trump steps up his campaign appearances ahead of the November 3 elections, when voters will decide control of Congress.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100-victory-claims-200-days-of-war-is-trump-s-iran-gamble-turning-into-a-midterm-nightmare-us-midterms-2026-1790843647554">100 victory claims, 200+ days of war: Is Trump's Iran gamble turning into a midterm nightmare?</a><h2>Trump's economic message faces voter test: 7 in 10 say performance 'worse than expected'</h2>Notably, affordability was a major theme of Trump's 2024 campaign, when he repeatedly blamed the Joe Biden administration for inflation and promised to bring prices down.Since then, Trump has continued to argue that he inherited high prices from former President Joe Biden. In August, he said grocery and other prices were already “tremendously out of control” when he returned to the White House."Affordability ... I inherited that from the Biden administration. We had very high prices; we had eggs that were selling at four times what they are now, we had all sorts of products that were just tremendously out of control," Trump said in the Oval Office on Aug. 31.But voters surveyed by AP-NORC are increasingly dissatisfied with the results. About seven in 10 said Trump's handling of the cost of living had been worse than expected. More than half also said the national economy, the country overall and their local economy were worse than when Trump took office in 2025.Trump's economic approval has fallen 14 percentage points since March 2025, according to AP-NORC. Latest Trump approval ratings: RealClearPolitics Poll Average: 38.8% approve, 59.6% disapprove New York Times: 37% approve, 61% disapprove Silver Bulletin: 37.7% approve, 59.9% disapproveAlso read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-tennessee-for-murderer-christa-pike-s-failed-lethal-injection-execution-should-be-easy-to-do-1790906336229">Trump slams Tennessee for murderer Christa Pike’s failed lethal injection execution: ‘Should be easy to do’</a><h2>$5,000 'Trump dividend' enters campaign</h2>Trump has sought to counter the affordability concerns with a series of proposals. At the Republican Party's first midterm convention in Dallas last month, he proposed a $5,000 payment to every US adult if Republicans retain control of Congress. Trump later said the country could afford the payments, but the proposal would require congressional approval and could cost more than $1 trillion.He has also promoted lower drug prices and a separate $500 payment for nearly 1 million Americans who, his administration says, were overcharged through Affordable Care Act coverage. Reuters reported that those payments are being distributed in 30 states, including several politically competitive states.<h2>Trump puts himself at centre of midterm campaign</h2>Trump has increasingly presented the midterms as a choice between his administration and Democrats, urging supporters to vote Republican even though his name is not on the ballot.He is also embarking on an aggressive campaign schedule, with appearances planned across competitive House and Senate contests. AP reported on Friday that Trump was campaigning in Alabama before travelling to Ohio, while his party faces growing pressure over economic dissatisfaction.The result is an election in which congressional candidates are campaigning on local issues, but Trump's record, economic policies and handling of inflation are increasingly getting difficult to separate from the national Republican message. &nbsp;

US voters head into the midterms with grocery, fuel and housing costs high on their minds. A new AP-NORC poll shows 65% blame Trump's policies for today's cost-of-living pressures, putting his economic record at the centre of the 2026 campaign.

With less than a month to go before the 2026 US midterm elections, the cost of groceries, fuel and other everyday essentials is emerging as a central issue for voters and a test for US President Donald Trump. According to a newAP-NORC poll, about 65 per cent of US adults surveyed said Trump's policies were responsible for today's high cost of living, while 67 per cent of Republicans said factors outside Trump's control were more responsible. Just 17 per cent approved of Trump's handling of the cost of living, while his approval on the economy stood at 26 per cent, a new low in the poll. The poll, conducted September 24-28 among 2,140 adults, comes as Trump steps up his campaign appearances ahead of the November 3 elections, when voters will decide control of Congress. Also read | 100 victory claims, 200+ days of war: Is Trump's Iran gamble turning into a midterm nightmare? Trump's economic message faces voter test: 7 in 10 say performance 'worse than expected' Notably, affordability was a major theme of Trump's 2024 campaign, when he repeatedly blamed the Joe Biden administration for inflation and promised to bring prices down. Since then, Trump has continued to argue that he inherited high prices from former President Joe Biden. In August, he said grocery and other prices were already “tremendously out of control” when he returned to the White House. "Affordability ... I inherited that from the Biden administration. We had very high prices; we had eggs that were selling at four times what they are now, we had all sorts of products that were just tremendously out of control," Trump said in the Oval Office on Aug. 31. But voters surveyed by AP-NORC are increasingly dissatisfied with the results. About seven in 10 said Trump's handling of the cost of living had been worse than expected. More than half also said the national economy, the country overall and their local economy were worse than when Trump took office in 2025. Trump's economic approval has fallen 14 percentage points since March 2025, according to AP-NORC. Latest Trump approval ratings: RealClearPolitics Poll Average: 38.8% approve, 59.6% disapprove New York Times: 37% approve, 61% disapprove Silver Bulletin: 37.7% approve, 59.9% disapprove Also read | Trump slams Tennessee for murderer Christa Pike’s failed lethal injection execution: ‘Should be easy to do’ $5,000 'Trump dividend' enters campaign Trump has sought to counter the affordability concerns with a series of proposals. At the Republican Party's first midterm convention in Dallas last month, he proposed a $5,000 payment to every US adult if Republicans retain control of Congress. Trump later said the country could afford the payments, but the proposal would require congressional approval and could cost more than $1 trillion. He has also promoted lower drug prices and a separate $500 payment for nearly 1 million Americans who, his administration says, were overcharged through Affordable Care Act coverage. Reuters reported that those payments are being distributed in 30 states, including several politically competitive states. Trump puts himself at centre of midterm campaign Trump has increasingly presented the midterms as a choice between his administration and Democrats, urging supporters to vote Republican even though his name is not on the ballot. He is also embarking on an aggressive campaign schedule, with appearances planned across competitive House and Senate contests. AP reported on Friday that Trump was campaigning in Alabama before travelling to Ohio, while his party faces growing pressure over economic dissatisfaction. The result is an election in which congressional candidates are campaigning on local issues, but Trump's record, economic policies and handling of inflation are increasingly getting difficult to separate from the national Republican message.

US voters head into the midterms with grocery, fuel and housing costs high on their minds. A new AP-NORC poll shows 65% blame Trump's policies for today's cost-of-living pressures, putting his economic record at the centre of the 2026 campaign.

US Midterms 2026: How grocery bills, cost of living are turning the Nov 3 election into a test of Trump

A Hindu temple in Ohio was targeted on Friday, with perpetrators hurling bricks at the structure and causing significant damage to the building, said The Hindu American Foundation, an American non-profit organisation.&nbsp;Taking to X, the Hindu American Foundation wrote, "Hindu temple attacked in Ohio today | At 1:30 PM today, the Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir in Richmond Heights, Ohio was attacked by perpetrator(s) who threw bricks at the temple, causing significant damage.&nbsp;The incident comes amid rising hate crimes against Indians and South Asians living in America.&nbsp;“Surveillance video is available and being reviewed by authorities. The @FBI @CivilRights are being alerted. HAF is in touch with temple leaders and offering all assistance,” the organisation added.&nbsp;Continuing its statement, the foundation noted, "This possible hate crime comes at a time of unprecedented hate &amp; vitriol directed at the Hindu American community, and we ask that law enforcement make apprehending the perpetrator(s) a top priority."&nbsp;The post also stated, "We also call on our nation’s elected leaders &amp; government agencies to publicly &amp; unequivocally condemn hateful rhetoric against Indian and Hindu American communities."&nbsp;&nbsp;Elaborating on the incident, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) noted that the Hindu temple located in Ohio’s Greater Cleveland area suffered the attack involving bricks that shattered windows while priests and devotees remained present inside.&nbsp;(With inputs from ANI) &nbsp;

The temple suffered attack involving bricks that shattered windows while priests and devotees remained present inside.

A Hindu temple in Ohio was targeted on Friday, with perpetrators hurling bricks at the structure and causing significant damage to the building, said The Hindu American Foundation, an American non-profit organisation. Taking to X, the Hindu American Foundation wrote, "Hindu temple attacked in Ohio today | At 1:30 PM today, the Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir in Richmond Heights, Ohio was attacked by perpetrator(s) who threw bricks at the temple, causing significant damage. The incident comes amid rising hate crimes against Indians and South Asians living in America. “Surveillance video is available and being reviewed by authorities. The @FBI @CivilRights are being alerted. HAF is in touch with temple leaders and offering all assistance,” the organisation added. Continuing its statement, the foundation noted, "This possible hate crime comes at a time of unprecedented hate & vitriol directed at the Hindu American community, and we ask that law enforcement make apprehending the perpetrator(s) a top priority." The post also stated, "We also call on our nation’s elected leaders & government agencies to publicly & unequivocally condemn hateful rhetoric against Indian and Hindu American communities." Elaborating on the incident, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) noted that the Hindu temple located in Ohio’s Greater Cleveland area suffered the attack involving bricks that shattered windows while priests and devotees remained present inside. (With inputs from ANI)

The temple suffered attack involving bricks that shattered windows while priests and devotees remained present inside.

Hindu temple in Ohio attacked with bricks during prayers

US President Donald Trump reportedly attended a secret meeting on Iran and Yemen at Camp David on Friday. The meeting chaired by US Vice President JD Vance was attended by top administration national security aides, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.&nbsp;The report by Axios cites three US officials, who said "things were decided, or at least deeply discussed." However, the White House refused any comment in this regard to the media house.The meeting comes amid reports that &nbsp;both the US military and Saudi Arabia are preparing to step up military activity in the region.&nbsp;According to Washington Post, US military is considering increasing its naval presence in the Middle East in the coming weeks by deploying three aircraft carriers and accompanying warships for improved operational flexibility.&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; Oman Air had reportedly flagged him over extremist views - BIG revelations</a>&nbsp;The report also said that an additional 20,000 troops, on top of the roughly 50,000 already deployed in the region is also on the cards. That's not all, up to 150 fighter jets and additional destroyers to defend against missile attacks is under consideration.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is considering a significant military offensive against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen to weaken their hold &nbsp; on key coastal areas and secure Red Sea shipping routes, reported Reuters.&nbsp;The planned operation aims to push out the group from coastal area where they made gains last month, particularly the Bab al-Mandab Strait according to people familiar with the plans, reported Axios.&nbsp;The operation, which is to be launched soon will be led on the ground by Yemeni forces overseen by Riyadh and supported by Saudi airstrikes, said people familiar with the matter.

US military is considering increasing its naval presence in the Middle East in the coming weeks by deploying three aircraft carriers and warships.

US President Donald Trump reportedly attended a secret meeting on Iran and Yemen at Camp David on Friday. The meeting chaired by US Vice President JD Vance was attended by top administration national security aides, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. The report by Axios cites three US officials, who said "things were decided, or at least deeply discussed." However, the White House refused any comment in this regard to the media house. The meeting comes amid reports that both the US military and Saudi Arabia are preparing to step up military activity in the region. According to Washington Post, US military is considering increasing its naval presence in the Middle East in the coming weeks by deploying three aircraft carriers and accompanying warships for improved operational flexibility. ALSO READ: Flydubai co-pilot’s alleged photo goes viral; Oman Air had reportedly flagged him over extremist views - BIG revelations The report also said that an additional 20,000 troops, on top of the roughly 50,000 already deployed in the region is also on the cards. That's not all, up to 150 fighter jets and additional destroyers to defend against missile attacks is under consideration. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is considering a significant military offensive against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen to weaken their hold on key coastal areas and secure Red Sea shipping routes, reported Reuters. The planned operation aims to push out the group from coastal area where they made gains last month, particularly the Bab al-Mandab Strait according to people familiar with the plans, reported Axios. The operation, which is to be launched soon will be led on the ground by Yemeni forces overseen by Riyadh and supported by Saudi airstrikes, said people familiar with the matter.

US military is considering increasing its naval presence in the Middle East in the coming weeks by deploying three aircraft carriers and warships.

Trump, Vance, top US officials meet secretly at Camp David on Iran, Yemen: Report

The Omani pilot suspected of attacking a fellow pilot aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight had previously been removed from a role at Oman’s national carrier over concerns about his alleged extremist views, according to a CNN report citing two anonymous sources. The pilot has been identified as 28-year-old Omani citizen Hamam al-Hammami by the sources, an Israeli official and Saudi state media.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-hamam-al-hammami-omani-co-pilot-in-flydubai-cockpit-attack-was-already-flagged-over-security-concerns-smit-machchhar-1790992543064">Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns</a><h2>Who is Al Hammami? Latest revelations about the shadowy figure below</h2>Al-Hammami, as per the CNN report, was born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother and spent several years in the UAE.A LinkedIn profile under al-Hammami’s name showed that he worked at Oman Air for seven years before leaving in February 2025. He subsequently joined Royal Air Maroc in June 2025 and left in January 2026. The profile has since been deleted.A regional diplomat told CNN that al-Hammami had been removed from flight training at Oman Air because of concerns over his alleged radical views and was assigned another role at the airline. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the suspect was believed to have undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination”.A picture, allegedly of the co-pilot behind the horrific attack, is going viral on social media. WION has blurred the face while awaiting authorities to formally confirm the identity.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261003/image-1791012633497.png"></figure><h2>How was he cleared for the Flydubai flight?</h2>An Israeli official told the publication that al-Hammami had worked for Flydubai for about eight months. Notably, Flydubai has said it could not comment while the incident was under investigation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hero-indian-pilot-captain-smit-machchhar-gives-health-update-after-surviving-flydubai-cockpit-attack-1790923888096">‘Hero’ Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar gives health update after surviving Flydubai cockpit attack | Watch video</a><h2>Deleted social media posts raise serious questions</h2>Two posts appeared on al-Hammami’s LinkedIn profile around nine hours after the incident, although it was unclear who uploaded them or whether they had been scheduled beforehand, reports CNN. One post contained cockpit videos filmed aboard Boeing 737 Max aircraft. One clip, geolocated by CNN to Dubai International Airport, showed an El Al aircraft.The footage included the flight number OMA624 and the date October 11, 2023. That flight number corresponds to a route between Dubai and Muscat and coincides with the period al-Hammami reportedly worked for Oman Air.Other clips showed aircraft belonging to El Al and Israeli carrier Arkia. The video ended with photographs of former al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi, who carried out a 2009 suicide bombing that killed nine people, including seven US CIA personnel and contractors.A second post contained an AI-generated image depicting the three holy sites in Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, accompanied by a poem about rejecting humiliation, not fearing death and defending dignity.<h2>Deleted posts reportedly showed extreme views</h2>According to the report, a now-deleted Twitter account bearing al-Hammami’s name also had posts discussing religion, marriage and gender. One 2022 post allegedly was about his mother struggling to find him a prospective wife who would accept his reported conditions that she wear a niqab and stop working after marriage.Other posts criticised mixed-gender workplaces, claiming they had a corrupting influence on women. CNN said nearly 3,000 deleted posts from 2021 and 2022 were analysed using an AI-powered semantic search model.Al-Hammami reportedly studied aviation management at Buckinghamshire New University in England. The university confirmed to the publication that a man with the same name completed a three-year distance-learning course and graduated in 2023.

An alleged picture of Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami is circulating online as fresh reports shed light on his past. He was reportedly removed from a flying role at Oman Air over concerns about extremist views. But how did he later end up flying for Flydubai?

The Omani pilot suspected of attacking a fellow pilot aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight had previously been removed from a role at Oman’s national carrier over concerns about his alleged extremist views, according to a CNN report citing two anonymous sources. The pilot has been identified as 28-year-old Omani citizen Hamam al-Hammami by the sources, an Israeli official and Saudi state media. Also read | Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns Who is Al Hammami? Latest revelations about the shadowy figure below Al-Hammami, as per the CNN report, was born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother and spent several years in the UAE. A LinkedIn profile under al-Hammami’s name showed that he worked at Oman Air for seven years before leaving in February 2025. He subsequently joined Royal Air Maroc in June 2025 and left in January 2026. The profile has since been deleted. A regional diplomat told CNN that al-Hammami had been removed from flight training at Oman Air because of concerns over his alleged radical views and was assigned another role at the airline. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the suspect was believed to have undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination”. A picture, allegedly of the co-pilot behind the horrific attack, is going viral on social media. WION has blurred the face while awaiting authorities to formally confirm the identity. How was he cleared for the Flydubai flight? An Israeli official told the publication that al-Hammami had worked for Flydubai for about eight months. Notably, Flydubai has said it could not comment while the incident was under investigation. Also read | ‘Hero’ Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar gives health update after surviving Flydubai cockpit attack | Watch video Deleted social media posts raise serious questions Two posts appeared on al-Hammami’s LinkedIn profile around nine hours after the incident, although it was unclear who uploaded them or whether they had been scheduled beforehand, reports CNN. One post contained cockpit videos filmed aboard Boeing 737 Max aircraft. One clip, geolocated by CNN to Dubai International Airport, showed an El Al aircraft. The footage included the flight number OMA624 and the date October 11, 2023. That flight number corresponds to a route between Dubai and Muscat and coincides with the period al-Hammami reportedly worked for Oman Air. Other clips showed aircraft belonging to El Al and Israeli carrier Arkia. The video ended with photographs of former al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi, who carried out a 2009 suicide bombing that killed nine people, including seven US CIA personnel and contractors. A second post contained an AI-generated image depicting the three holy sites in Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, accompanied by a poem about rejecting humiliation, not fearing death and defending dignity. Deleted posts reportedly showed extreme views According to the report, a now-deleted Twitter account bearing al-Hammami’s name also had posts discussing religion, marriage and gender. One 2022 post allegedly was about his mother struggling to find him a prospective wife who would accept his reported conditions that she wear a niqab and stop working after marriage. Other posts criticised mixed-gender workplaces, claiming they had a corrupting influence on women. CNN said nearly 3,000 deleted posts from 2021 and 2022 were analysed using an AI-powered semantic search model. Al-Hammami reportedly studied aviation management at Buckinghamshire New University in England. The university confirmed to the publication that a man with the same name completed a three-year distance-learning course and graduated in 2023.

An alleged picture of Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami is circulating online as fresh reports shed light on his past. He was reportedly removed from a flying role at Oman Air over concerns about extremist views. But how did he later end up flying for Flydubai?

Flydubai co-pilot’s alleged photo goes viral; Oman Air had reportedly flagged him over extremist views - BIG revelations

Two oil tankers were struck by unidentified projectiles in and around the Strait of Hormuz on Friday (Oct 2), a British maritime agency said. The incidents add to the threats facing shipping in the waterway. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the first vessel suffered a small fire and a blackout on board. The fire was later extinguished. No casualties or environmental impact were reported. The tanker was leaving the strait and resumed its journey. UKMTO did not say where the ship had come from or where it was headed.&nbsp;Hours later, a second crude oil tanker reported being hit by an "unknown projectile" east of Oman. All crew members were safe, and there was no environmental damage, according to the agency. It said authorities were investigating both incidents.&nbsp;The Strait of Hormuz remains at the heart of the West Asia war. Before the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February, about a fifth of the world's oil and LNG passed through the passage.&nbsp;Tehran has since been blocking commercial shipping, firing on vessels it accuses of unauthorised crossings. Washington has responded with a counterblockade of Iranian ports, aimed at stopping Tehran from exporting its oil. &nbsp;

Two oil tankers were hit by unidentified projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz, according to UKMTO, escalating security concerns in the vital West Asia shipping route.

Two oil tankers were struck by unidentified projectiles in and around the Strait of Hormuz on Friday (Oct 2), a British maritime agency said. The incidents add to the threats facing shipping in the waterway. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the first vessel suffered a small fire and a blackout on board. The fire was later extinguished. No casualties or environmental impact were reported. The tanker was leaving the strait and resumed its journey. UKMTO did not say where the ship had come from or where it was headed. Hours later, a second crude oil tanker reported being hit by an "unknown projectile" east of Oman. All crew members were safe, and there was no environmental damage, according to the agency. It said authorities were investigating both incidents. The Strait of Hormuz remains at the heart of the West Asia war. Before the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February, about a fifth of the world's oil and LNG passed through the passage. Tehran has since been blocking commercial shipping, firing on vessels it accuses of unauthorised crossings. Washington has responded with a counterblockade of Iranian ports, aimed at stopping Tehran from exporting its oil.

Two oil tankers were hit by unidentified projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz, according to UKMTO, escalating security concerns in the vital West Asia shipping route.

Two oil tankers hit by projectiles in Strait of Hormuz, UK maritime agency reports

The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has been identified as Hamam Al-Hammami, according to Al Arabiya, citing sources. The identification comes as investigators in the United Arab Emirates examine the circumstances surrounding the September 30 incident, in which the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft.A British maritime security agency reported Friday that two oil tankers were hit by "unidentified projectiles" near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the latest threat to vessel safety in the vital shipping lane.The United States is deploying a third aircraft carrier and an additional 9,000 to 10,000 troops in the West Asia as tensions remain between the US and Iran. This comes as the American military is ramping up its military presence in the region as US President Donald Trump weighs the possibility of renewed strikes on Iran after the midterm elections in November. Reportedly, USS Theodore Roosevelt and its strike group “quietly” left San Diego on Sunday (Sep 27) and are expected to reach the region by mid-November.The price of Brent crude oil has emerged as a crucial economic metric ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections. The “war premium” linked to the US-Iran conflict is directly affecting fuel prices in America, putting rising costs at petrol pumps at the centre of the political debate Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Two Iranian athletes have been acquitted of the charges against them by South Korea’s Supreme Court after 16 months of legal proceedings and have left Seoul for Tehran, according to Iran’s embassy in South Korea. In a statement, the embassy said it had closely followed the case and the two athletes’ situation from its earliest days and had seen them off at the airport as they returned to Iran.“Two Iranian athletes who endured a difficult time over the past 16 months have been cleared of all charges by a not guilty verdict from the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea and returned to their home country, Iran, today (October 3). The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of Korea has provided necessary support since the early stages of the incident and personally saw off the two athletes at the airport today,” said the Iranian embassy in Seoul

South Korean Supreme Court acquits two Iranian athletes after 16-month legal case

Dubai Crown Prince and UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum on Saturday (Oct 3) met with Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, the captain of the Flydubai flight who foiled a hijacking attempt by his co-pilot and saved the lives of 180 people on board. Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot, who tried to hijack the aircraft with the intention of crashing it. However, he resisted the attack and bravely fought back. Despite being severely injured, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to rush in and overpower the attacker.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/embodied-the-highest-degrees-of-courage-dubai-crown-prince-meets-flydubai-hero-smit-machchhar-1791030680678">Read more.</a>

Dubai Crown Prince and UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum on Saturday (Oct 3) met with Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, the captain of the Flydubai flight who foiled a hijacking attempt by his co-pilot and saved the lives of 180 people on board. Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot, who tried to hijack the aircraft with the intention of crashing it. However, he resisted the attack and bravely fought back. Despite being severely injured, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to rush in and overpower the attacker.

India's air force chief has warned that falling fighter squadron numbers and delays in new aircraft programmes will leave the service exposed, and said the force needs the equivalent of almost two squadrons a year simply to stop the decline. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, speaking at his annual press conference in Delhi, said squadron numbers were already falling after the retirement of the MiG-21 fleet last year. “Everyone understands at this point that our numbers are coming down,” he said. “This time, this delay has become somewhat more, because it is going to hurt us, no doubt.”<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/squadron-numbers-falling-and-delays-will-hurt-us-iaf-chief-warns-1791029092793">Read more.</a>

Squadron numbers falling and delays ‘will hurt us’, IAF chief warns

A Hindu temple in Ohio was targeted on Friday, with perpetrators hurling bricks at the structure and causing significant damage to the building, said The Hindu American Foundation, an American non-profit organisation.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-temple-in-ohio-attacked-with-bricks-during-prayers-1791022215633">Read more.</a>

Twelve people were taken to hospital with injuries on Saturday (October 2) after a bar collapsed in La Rioja in northern Spain, Spanish Guardia Civil said. The bar in San Vicente de la Sonsierra collapsed at about 5:25 a.m. (0325 GMT), when there were around 50 people inside.

12 hurt after bar collapses in Spain

Tens of thousands of students and educators protested across France on Friday (October 2), raising demands over degraded learning conditions, overcrowded classrooms, and a shortage of teachers, as frustrations erupted into widespread demonstrations in over 1,200 high schools.

High school students in Paris' deprived suburbs spark national protest movement

Five people, including four women and a mother and her daughter, were killed in Israeli strikes overnight Friday into Saturday, according to Shifa hospital, where the casualties were taken.

Five people killed in overnight Israeli strikes on Gaza City

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh in his annual press conference in New Delhi on Saturday (Sept 3) raised concerns over Pakistan collaborating with China to build 5th generation fighter jets. However, he said that Pakistan has failed to pose any threat &nbsp;'due to lack of integration'.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-chief-vouches-for-fifth-generation-fighter-planes-amid-china-pak-collaboration-1791016983516">READ MORE</a>

IAF chief vouches for fifth-generation fighter planes amid China-Pak collaboration

Delhi Police have registered at least three FIRs in connection with Friday's (Oct 02) protests by student groups, political parties and civil society activists who attempted to gather at Jantar Mantar and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Two FIRs were registered at Parliament Street police station and one at Connaught Place police station, police said, as reported by PTI.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-register-3-firs-over-jantar-mantar-protests-demanding-cec-gyanesh-kumar-s-resignation-1791013486008">Here's all you need to know</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261003/image-1791013669856.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Delhi Police register 3 FIRs over Jantar Mantar protests demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation"></figure>

Delhi Police register 3 FIRs over Jantar Mantar protests demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra has flagged risks to global financial stability from high asset valuations, rising leverage and a potential slowdown in artificial intelligence investment.Speaking at the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave, Malhotra said Indian government bond yields had risen “only partially” in response to higher global energy prices and bond yields. He attributed this to fiscal consolidation, credible monetary policy and easing structural inflation pressures.He warned that emerging markets with high levels of sovereign debt held by non-residents could face capital outflows as carry trades unwind.Malhotra also pointed to stretched valuations in the AI sector. He said a slowdown in AI spending or earnings could trigger sharp repricing across the AI value chain, while high leverage could amplify market corrections and financial volatility.He also cautioned that growing leverage among hedge funds, option sellers, ETFs and other non-bank financial intermediaries could increase the risk of spillovers if financial conditions tighten.

RBI Governor flags global bond, AI valuation and leverage risks

Iran has executed Siavash Jamshidi after convicting him of several offences, including firing a military-grade weapon at police during anti-government protests earlier this year, according to the country's judiciary.Jamshidi was sentenced to death on charges including *moharebeh*, or “waging war against God”, as well as conspiracy and collusion against national security. Iran's judiciary also said he was convicted of offences including fraud, threats, theft, possession of an illegal military-grade weapon, kidnapping-related complicity and intentional bodily harm.The protests began in December 2025 over grievances including the cost of living and peaked in January. Iranian authorities have reported more than 3,000 deaths, while foreign-based NGOs have accused Iranian security forces of firing on protesters.Iran has increased executions linked to the unrest. Rights groups Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty said Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025. &nbsp;

Iran executes man convicted over anti-government protests

India scored 211-6 in 20 overs against Pakistan after choosing to bat in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket gold-medal match in Nagoya on Saturday.Abhishek Sharma provided a rapid start, smashing a 20-ball half-century before finishing with 61. India reached 100 in just 55 balls before Pakistan's bowlers regained some control and dismissed Ishan Kishan for 20 and captain Shreyas Iyer for 21.Tilak Varma and Shiv Dube then launched a late assault, adding 62 runs for the sixth wicket in five overs.India's total is the highest of the tournament so far, surpassing their 169-7 against Sri Lanka in the semi-final. Pakistan will now chase 212 for the gold medal.

India post 211-6 against Pakistan in Asian Games cricket final

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Saturday that India has secured the deportation of alleged narco-trafficking kingpin Navpreet Singh from Türkiye in connection with drug trafficking and other criminal cases.Shah said Singh had obtained Turkish citizenship using the alleged fake identity of Navab Virk and continued to smuggle heroin and methamphetamine to India from Afghanistan. He said Indian agencies tracked him down and secured his deportation.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-secures-deportation-of-narco-trafficking-kingpin-navpreet-singh-from-t-rkiye-big-breaking-amit-shah-1791003130238">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261003/image-1791004785754.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="India secures deportation of ‘narco kingpin’ from Turkiye: What we know about Navpreet Singh"></figure>

Amit Shah says alleged narco kingpin deported from Türkiye to India

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has urged people to share their stories of “injustice” through a digital platform called 'Satyagraha', aimed at bringing information about protests across the country onto a single platform.Gandhi said protesters can submit details about their causes, locate similar movements through an interactive map and seek support. He said the initiative draws on Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha.“People across the country are fighting for their rights and often fighting alone,” Gandhi said, adding that the platform was intended to bring different voices together.In a video accompanying his post, Gandhi said protests over issues including inflation, farmers' concerns, students and women's safety could be registered on the website. He said people could enter their name, group and details of their protest and seek support from his office.

LOP Rahul Gandhi launches 'Satyagraha' platform to map protests across India

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has vowed to work with the state legislature to close a legal loophole that can make it harder to prosecute rape cases involving people who voluntarily became intoxicated.Her comments came amid renewed scrutiny of an alleged 2024 gang rape at Cornell University. The woman has filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged with ketamine and sexually assaulted by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity. The criminal investigation was reopened this week, with Attorney General Letitia James appointed as special prosecutor.Hochul said voluntary intoxication should not prevent prosecution of sexual assault allegations. Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten said his office did not pursue charges in 2024 because the complainant's testimony did not establish a lack of consent.Cornell shut down the fraternity and temporarily suspended the students allegedly involved, several of whom were later expelled. James said she would review the evidence and pursue prosecutions if warranted. &nbsp;

New York governor vows to close rape law loophole after Cornell allegations

The UAE's attorney general said the co-pilot of a flydubai flight to Israel had planned a "terrorist act"&nbsp;and used the cockpit's emergency axe to attack the captain, the official UAE news agency WAM reported Saturday.The news agency quoted Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi as saying that according to the initial findings of an investigation, "the co-pilot had attempted to carry out a terrorist act" and had "attacked the captain in the cockpit with the emergency axe and tried to take control of the aircraft".

UAE investigators say flydubai co-pilot was planning 'terrorist act'

The Omani pilot suspected of attacking a fellow pilot aboard a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight had previously been removed from a role at Oman’s national carrier over concerns about his alleged extremist views, according to a CNN report citing two anonymous sources. The pilot has been identified as 28-year-old Omani citizen Hamam al-Hammami by the sources, an Israeli official and Saudi state media.<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">Read more</a>

US President Donald Trump reportedly attended a secret meeting on Iran and Yemen at Camp David on Friday. The meeting chaired by US Vice President JD Vance was attended by top administration national security aides, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.&nbsp;The report by Axios cites three US officials, who said "things were decided, or at least deeply discussed." However, the White House refused any comment in this regard to the media house. The meeting comes amid reports that both the US military and Saudi Arabia are preparing to step up military activity in the region.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vance-and-top-us-officials-meet-secretly-at-camp-david-on-iran-yemen-report-1791012196380">Read more</a>

Two oil tankers have been struck by "unidentified projectiles" in the Strait of Hormuz region, a British maritime agency said Friday, in the latest threat to shipping in the waterway.The Hormuz passage, through which a fifth of the world's oil and LNG passed before the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February and sparked the Middle East war, remains at the heart of the conflict.Tehran has been blocking the passage of commercial ships, firing on vessels it accuses of unauthorised crossings.Washington responded with a counterblockade of Iranian ports in an effort to prevent Tehran from exporting its oil.

Oil tankers attacked in Hormuz strait: UK maritime agency

In a bid to ease supply pressures that have caused crude oil prices to soar, G7 countries have agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from emergency ​reserves . The group, including the US, said the move would include a "substantial release" of diesel in the coming days. They also said to refrain from energy export restrictions.The decision came after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose US ban on diesel exports if the the European Union did not draw down ‌emergency diesel inventories. A ban by US could have sharply reduced supplies to Europe, which has become increasingly reliant on US diesel.The G7 in a statement released after the decision said member countries had now agreed to "refrain from export restrictions on energy and energy products" on one another.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-export-ban-threat-g7-countries-agree-to-release-100-million-barrels-of-diesel-crude-1791001095777">Read more</a>

Trump export ban threat: G7 countries agree to release 100 million barrels of diesel, crude

Omani co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami identified in the Flydubai cockpit attack. Meanwhile, the US deploys a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East as Iran tensions and rising oil prices impact the 2026 midterm elections.

The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has been identified as Hamam Al-Hammami, according to Al Arabiya, citing sources. The identification comes as investigators in the United Arab Emirates examine the circumstances surrounding the September 30 incident, in which the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. A British maritime security agency reported Friday that two oil tankers were hit by "unidentified projectiles" near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the latest threat to vessel safety in the vital shipping lane. The United States is deploying a third aircraft carrier and an additional 9,000 to 10,000 troops in the West Asia as tensions remain between the US and Iran. This comes as the American military is ramping up its military presence in the region as US President Donald Trump weighs the possibility of renewed strikes on Iran after the midterm elections in November. Reportedly, USS Theodore Roosevelt and its strike group “quietly” left San Diego on Sunday (Sep 27) and are expected to reach the region by mid-November. The price of Brent crude oil has emerged as a crucial economic metric ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections. The “war premium” linked to the US-Iran conflict is directly affecting fuel prices in America, putting rising costs at petrol pumps at the centre of the political debate Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Omani co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami identified in the Flydubai cockpit attack. Meanwhile, the US deploys a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East as Iran tensions and rising oil prices impact the 2026 midterm elections.

Latest News India and World LIVE Updates: Dubai Crown Prince meets Flydubai hero Smit Machchhar; Hindu temple in Ohio attacked during prayers

In a bid to ease supply pressures that have caused crude oil prices to soar, &nbsp;G7 countries have agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from emergency ​reserves . The group, including the US, said the move would include a "substantial release" of diesel in the coming days. They also said to refrain from energy export restrictions.&nbsp;The decision came after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose US ban on diesel exports if the &nbsp;the European Union did not draw down ‌emergency diesel inventories. A ban by US could have sharply reduced supplies to Europe, which has become increasingly reliant on US diesel.&nbsp;The G7 in a statement released after the decision said member countries had now agreed to "refrain from export restrictions on energy and energy products" on one another.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-hamam-al-hammami-omani-co-pilot-in-flydubai-cockpit-attack-was-already-flagged-over-security-concerns-smit-machchhar-1790992543064">Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns</a>&nbsp;Trump is looking to ease cost of fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections.&nbsp;While speaking to reporters at the White House he said the plan to impose a diesel export ban was never really the plan, &nbsp;even though in the past two weeks he said several times that US was considering a ban, and that ​he backed the idea.&nbsp;"Europe has a lot of diesel, and they're going to be making a major world contribution, and so are we. And ⁠we're not going to be doing the export ban. We're going to be doing what we're supposed to do," Trump said to reporters before departing for Alabama.&nbsp;The Iran war had in March led to biggest emergency stock release of 400 million ​barrels of oil, coordinated by the International Energy Agency.

 A ban on diesel exports  by US could have sharply reduced supplies to Europe, which has become increasingly reliant on US diesel.

In a bid to ease supply pressures that have caused crude oil prices to soar, G7 countries have agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from emergency reserves . The group, including the US, said the move would include a "substantial release" of diesel in the coming days. They also said to refrain from energy export restrictions. The decision came after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose US ban on diesel exports if the the European Union did not draw down ‌emergency diesel inventories. A ban by US could have sharply reduced supplies to Europe, which has become increasingly reliant on US diesel. The G7 in a statement released after the decision said member countries had now agreed to "refrain from export restrictions on energy and energy products" on one another. ALSO READ: Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns Trump is looking to ease cost of fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections. While speaking to reporters at the White House he said the plan to impose a diesel export ban was never really the plan, even though in the past two weeks he said several times that US was considering a ban, and that he backed the idea. "Europe has a lot of diesel, and they're going to be making a major world contribution, and so are we. And ⁠we're not going to be doing the export ban. We're going to be doing what we're supposed to do," Trump said to reporters before departing for Alabama. The Iran war had in March led to biggest emergency stock release of 400 million barrels of oil, coordinated by the International Energy Agency.

&nbsp;A ban on diesel exports &nbsp;by US could have sharply reduced supplies to Europe, which has become increasingly reliant on US diesel.

A 28-year-old man already charged with the murder of former UK lawmaker Ann Widdecombe has now been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including actions allegedly targeting hard-right leader Nigel Farage, British police said on Friday (Oct 02). The man identified as Joshua Kerry faces one count of preparing acts of terrorism over alleged activities between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026, police said. The fresh charge has prompted renewed questions about the security of politicians. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood offered her “deepest sympathy” to Farage and his family following the announcement. “Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all,” Mahmood wrote on X. “This case raises serious questions about the security of those in public life,” she added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-hamam-al-hammami-omani-co-pilot-in-flydubai-cockpit-attack-was-already-flagged-over-security-concerns-smit-machchhar-1790992543064">Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns</a><h2>Police cite complex investigation</h2>Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said police had been conducting an intensive investigation involving detectives, analysts and forensic experts. The work had involved “multiple lines of enquiry”, Evans said, resulting in what she described as a “very serious charge”.Kerry is due to appear at a London magistrates’ court on October 7, according to the police statement. He was first arrested on July 11, two days after Widdecombe was killed.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/murderer-christa-pike-unconscious-on-ventilator-after-botched-execution-lawyers-tell-court-punishment-greater-than-any-other-person-1790994126174">Murderer Christa Pike unconscious, on ventilator after botched execution, lawyers tell court: 'Punishment greater than any other person'</a><h2>Kerry charged with murder of former MP</h2>Kerry was charged in July with the murder of Widdecombe, 78, a veteran Conservative MP who later joined Reform UK and served as a spokesperson for the party. Widdecombe was found dead at her home.Prosecutor Kashif Malik told a court that Kerry had allegedly struck her on the head 21 times with a hammer. Malik said Widdecombe had been eating lunch when the suspect entered her home and attacked her. He had allegedly driven from Rotherham in northern England, around 300 miles (500 kilometres) away. Her gardener found her body face down on the kitchen floor. A provisional cause of death was given as a “blunt force injury to the head”, Malik told the court.Widdecombe represented a constituency as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010. Known for her Christian faith and outspoken views, she later became a familiar face on reality television and interview panels. Her death was the third killing of a UK politician in an attack this decade. Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered in 2016 by a neo-Nazi sympathiser, while Conservative lawmaker David Amess was killed in 2021 by a follower of the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

A man accused of murdering former UK lawmaker Ann Widdecombe has been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Joshua Kerry, 28, is due in court on October 7.

A 28-year-old man already charged with the murder of former UK lawmaker Ann Widdecombe has now been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including actions allegedly targeting hard-right leader Nigel Farage, British police said on Friday (Oct 02). The man identified as Joshua Kerry faces one count of preparing acts of terrorism over alleged activities between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026, police said. The fresh charge has prompted renewed questions about the security of politicians. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood offered her “deepest sympathy” to Farage and his family following the announcement. “Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all,” Mahmood wrote on X. “This case raises serious questions about the security of those in public life,” she added. Also read | Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns Police cite complex investigation Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said police had been conducting an intensive investigation involving detectives, analysts and forensic experts. The work had involved “multiple lines of enquiry”, Evans said, resulting in what she described as a “very serious charge”. Kerry is due to appear at a London magistrates’ court on October 7, according to the police statement. He was first arrested on July 11, two days after Widdecombe was killed. Also read | Murderer Christa Pike unconscious, on ventilator after botched execution, lawyers tell court: 'Punishment greater than any other person' Kerry charged with murder of former MP Kerry was charged in July with the murder of Widdecombe, 78, a veteran Conservative MP who later joined Reform UK and served as a spokesperson for the party. Widdecombe was found dead at her home. Prosecutor Kashif Malik told a court that Kerry had allegedly struck her on the head 21 times with a hammer. Malik said Widdecombe had been eating lunch when the suspect entered her home and attacked her. He had allegedly driven from Rotherham in northern England, around 300 miles (500 kilometres) away. Her gardener found her body face down on the kitchen floor. A provisional cause of death was given as a “blunt force injury to the head”, Malik told the court. Widdecombe represented a constituency as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010. Known for her Christian faith and outspoken views, she later became a familiar face on reality television and interview panels. Her death was the third killing of a UK politician in an attack this decade. Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered in 2016 by a neo-Nazi sympathiser, while Conservative lawmaker David Amess was killed in 2021 by a follower of the Islamic State group.

A man accused of murdering former UK lawmaker Ann Widdecombe has been charged with preparing acts of terrorism, including against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Joshua Kerry, 28, is due in court on October 7.

UK man charged with preparing terrorism acts, including alleged plot against Nigel Farage

At least nine people, including children, have been injured after a car crashed into a crowd gathered in Newcastle, Australia, to farewell the Knights team bus ahead of the NRL grand final on Saturday (Oct 3). Two people were critically injured, according to reports.New South Wales police said emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road, at the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend, at about 9.30 am on Saturday after a vehicle struck multiple people. The driver was arrested at the scene. “Several people have been injured and are currently receiving treatment at the scene,” police said.<h2>Driver allegedly lost control while revving car</h2>Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris told the ABC that the driver was a Knights supporter who appeared to have lost control of the vehicle while revving its engine shortly before the team arrived. “It appears that he’s lost control of the car, and he’s gone into the crowd,” Morris said, adding that about nine people had been injured, including children. He said the incident was under investigation and that the driver was in police custody.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/murderer-christa-pike-unconscious-on-ventilator-after-botched-execution-lawyers-tell-court-punishment-greater-than-any-other-person-1790994126174">Murderer Christa Pike unconscious, on ventilator after botched execution, lawyers tell court: 'Punishment greater than any other person'</a><h2>Video emerges of moments before crash</h2>Footage shared on social media appeared to show the car being driven quickly around the roundabout shortly before the crash. Other images showed the vehicle on a footpath afterwards. Witness Dylan Prior told ABC News that the car had been “revving a bit” before it struck the crowd. “I saw some young kids go flying, and people running to help the victims,” he said. “Everyone was yelling and hysterical, yelling at the driver. They were screaming for help.”<h2>Knights change procession route</h2>Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions following the crash, forcing organisers to divert the Knights’ grand final procession. The club said in an Instagram story that it had changed the route and apologised to fans who may have missed the chance to farewell the team. “Public safety is our priority,” the club said. <img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261003/image-1790997020881.png">Police have meanwhile appealed to fans to leave the area as emergency services responded and the incident remained under investigation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-hamam-al-hammami-omani-co-pilot-in-flydubai-cockpit-attack-was-already-flagged-over-security-concerns-smit-machchhar-1790992543064">Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns</a><h2>Australian PM Anthony Albanese shares condolences after “horrible accident”</h2>In a post on X, Australian PM Anthony Albanese shared his condolences and said that his “thoughts are with everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident this morning in Newcastle.” He also thanked emergency services and police “for responding so quickly, and their ongoing work in treating the injured.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My thoughts are with everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident this morning in Newcastle. I want to acknowledge and thank emergency services and police for responding so quickly, and their ongoing work in treating the injured. Rugby league brings people together,…&mdash; Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://x.com/AlboMP/status/2106198782220407089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans,” he said, adding that he has spoken to NSW Premier Chris Minns, and offered support.

At least nine people, including children, were injured after a car struck a crowd waiting to see off the Newcastle Knights team bus ahead of the NRL Grand Final. Two people were critically injured, and the driver was arrested.

At least nine people, including children, have been injured after a car crashed into a crowd gathered in Newcastle, Australia, to farewell the Knights team bus ahead of the NRL grand final on Saturday (Oct 3). Two people were critically injured, according to reports. New South Wales police said emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road, at the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend, at about 9.30 am on Saturday after a vehicle struck multiple people. The driver was arrested at the scene. “Several people have been injured and are currently receiving treatment at the scene,” police said. Driver allegedly lost control while revving car Newcastle Mayor Gavin Morris told the ABC that the driver was a Knights supporter who appeared to have lost control of the vehicle while revving its engine shortly before the team arrived. “It appears that he’s lost control of the car, and he’s gone into the crowd,” Morris said, adding that about nine people had been injured, including children. He said the incident was under investigation and that the driver was in police custody. Also read | Murderer Christa Pike unconscious, on ventilator after botched execution, lawyers tell court: 'Punishment greater than any other person' Video emerges of moments before crash Footage shared on social media appeared to show the car being driven quickly around the roundabout shortly before the crash. Other images showed the vehicle on a footpath afterwards. Witness Dylan Prior told ABC News that the car had been “revving a bit” before it struck the crowd. “I saw some young kids go flying, and people running to help the victims,” he said. “Everyone was yelling and hysterical, yelling at the driver. They were screaming for help.” Knights change procession route Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions following the crash, forcing organisers to divert the Knights’ grand final procession. The club said in an Instagram story that it had changed the route and apologised to fans who may have missed the chance to farewell the team. “Public safety is our priority,” the club said. Police have meanwhile appealed to fans to leave the area as emergency services responded and the incident remained under investigation. Also read | Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns Australian PM Anthony Albanese shares condolences after “horrible accident” In a post on X, Australian PM Anthony Albanese shared his condolences and said that his “thoughts are with everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident this morning in Newcastle.” He also thanked emergency services and police “for responding so quickly, and their ongoing work in treating the injured.”

At least nine people, including children, were injured after a car struck a crowd waiting to see off the Newcastle Knights team bus ahead of the NRL Grand Final. Two people were critically injured, and the driver was arrested.

Newcastle car crash: At least nine injured, witnesses describe children flying as vehicle ploughs into Knights fans

Christa Pike, the convicted Tennessee murderer who survived a botched lethal injection on Wednesday (Sep 30), is unconscious and on a ventilator after receiving two doses of pentobarbital, her lawyers said in a court filing Friday (Oct 02). Pike, 50, was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of her classmate Colleen Slemmer. She was injected with two doses of the lethal drug, but witnesses reported that she remained awake longer than expected and was later heard loudly snoring. She was subsequently taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. As of Thursday evening, Pike remained critically ill at a Nashville-area hospital, according to her lawyer Luke Ihnen."She is intubated, on a ventilator, and remains unconscious," Ihnen wrote, adding that medical staff were working to save her life. He said she arrived with both arms "swollen, burned, and blistered."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-tennessee-for-murderer-christa-pike-s-failed-lethal-injection-execution-should-be-easy-to-do-1790906336229">Trump slams Tennessee for murderer Christa Pike’s failed lethal injection execution: ‘Should be easy to do’</a><h2>Lawyers allege execution protocol left questions over medical care</h2>In a separate filing with a federal appeals court, Pike's legal team said that when they sought to halt the execution after it went wrong, state attorneys argued that the Department of Corrections "had no obligation to render life-saving care" to her. The Tennessee Department of Corrections has meanwhile maintained that it "followed every step of the state's lawful, established execution protocol."Pike's execution followed a day of legal wrangling. Her lawyers had sought clemency, citing her age at the time of the killing, mental health issues, childhood sexual assault and post-traumatic stress disorder.<h2>Tennessee governor halts executions pending review</h2>Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, a Republican who previously denied Pike clemency, has halted further executions through the end of the year while a review is conducted. Notably, Pike's was the second failed execution in the state this year. In May, officials halted the lethal injection of Tony Carruthers after medical staff were unable to find a vein.Pike's lawyer Randy Spivey has called for her sentence to be commuted, saying she had "endured punishment greater than any other person in the history of the American death penalty".Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, told The New York Times that Pike's case was unlike any other botched execution in the modern era and had no precedent. UN rights chief Volker Turk has also urged Tennessee not to make another attempt to execute Pike.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-hamam-al-hammami-omani-co-pilot-in-flydubai-cockpit-attack-was-already-flagged-over-security-concerns-smit-machchhar-1790992543064">Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns</a><h2>Slemmer's mother says state owes family an apology</h2>May Martinez, Slemmer's mother and an execution witness, criticised the state after the failed procedure. "The state owes me a big apology," she told a local news outlet, adding that officials had failed her family. Martinez, who travelled from Florida to Tennessee, said: “All I wanted was justice.”<h2>Trump slams officials for botched execution</h2>US President Donald Trump also questioned how the execution could have failed, saying it <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-tennessee-for-murderer-christa-pike-s-failed-lethal-injection-execution-should-be-easy-to-do-1790906336229">"shouldn't be very difficult"</a>.&nbsp; Had the execution been completed, Pike would have been the first woman executed by Tennessee in more than two centuries. Across the United States, 18 women have been executed since 1976, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. &nbsp;

Christa Pike remains critically ill and unconscious on a ventilator after surviving a botched lethal injection in Tennessee. Her lawyers say "Christa has endured punishment greater than any other person in the history of the American death penalty" and that doctors are working to save her life.

Christa Pike, the convicted Tennessee murderer who survived a botched lethal injection on Wednesday (Sep 30), is unconscious and on a ventilator after receiving two doses of pentobarbital, her lawyers said in a court filing Friday (Oct 02). Pike, 50, was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of her classmate Colleen Slemmer. She was injected with two doses of the lethal drug, but witnesses reported that she remained awake longer than expected and was later heard loudly snoring. She was subsequently taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. As of Thursday evening, Pike remained critically ill at a Nashville-area hospital, according to her lawyer Luke Ihnen. "She is intubated, on a ventilator, and remains unconscious," Ihnen wrote, adding that medical staff were working to save her life. He said she arrived with both arms "swollen, burned, and blistered." Also read | Trump slams Tennessee for murderer Christa Pike’s failed lethal injection execution: ‘Should be easy to do’ Lawyers allege execution protocol left questions over medical care In a separate filing with a federal appeals court, Pike's legal team said that when they sought to halt the execution after it went wrong, state attorneys argued that the Department of Corrections "had no obligation to render life-saving care" to her. The Tennessee Department of Corrections has meanwhile maintained that it "followed every step of the state's lawful, established execution protocol." Pike's execution followed a day of legal wrangling. Her lawyers had sought clemency, citing her age at the time of the killing, mental health issues, childhood sexual assault and post-traumatic stress disorder. Tennessee governor halts executions pending review Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, a Republican who previously denied Pike clemency, has halted further executions through the end of the year while a review is conducted. Notably, Pike's was the second failed execution in the state this year. In May, officials halted the lethal injection of Tony Carruthers after medical staff were unable to find a vein. Pike's lawyer Randy Spivey has called for her sentence to be commuted, saying she had "endured punishment greater than any other person in the history of the American death penalty". Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, told The New York Times that Pike's case was unlike any other botched execution in the modern era and had no precedent. UN rights chief Volker Turk has also urged Tennessee not to make another attempt to execute Pike. Also read | Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns Slemmer's mother says state owes family an apology May Martinez, Slemmer's mother and an execution witness, criticised the state after the failed procedure. "The state owes me a big apology," she told a local news outlet, adding that officials had failed her family. Martinez, who travelled from Florida to Tennessee, said: “All I wanted was justice.” Trump slams officials for botched execution US President Donald Trump also questioned how the execution could have failed, saying it "shouldn't be very difficult". Had the execution been completed, Pike would have been the first woman executed by Tennessee in more than two centuries. Across the United States, 18 women have been executed since 1976, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

Christa Pike remains critically ill and unconscious on a ventilator after surviving a botched lethal injection in Tennessee. Her lawyers say "Christa endured punishment greater than any other person in the history of the American death penalty" and that doctors are working to save her life.

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