40,500% spike: This Rs 2,500 iPhone is staging a comeback. Here's why

Aliens near US military base? Woman captures bizarre jellyfish-like UFO in Alaska | WATCH

Who is Kimberly Powell, the woman Jensen Huang allegedly had a second affair with?

Indonesia's Vice President resigns: What's happening in the country and what happens next

Kwala Intel under test: How this AI market tool is earning trust among CAs

Cosmic tug of war: Planet 1,000 light-years from Earth has suddenly vanished

Salman Khan reacts to Ramayana's Rs 4,000 crore budget: 'I just don’t think...'

White House warns Democrats in Congress, threatens criminal probe for oversight inquiries; Jefferies calls it ‘outrageous’

Bystander filmed Jensen Huang with Kimberly Powell at San Jose hotel, was made to sign NDA

Bullet-ridden bodies of two missing SPOs found in J&K's Kishtwar

At least 11 cops killed, 12 injured after gunmen attack police team in Northwest Pakistan

Pune FDA raids Karachi sweet outlets, destroys 93 kg of sweets over safety concerns

Clashes erupt in Barcelona as millions join Spain’s first general strike in 14 years

Delhi pollution data gap: 125 missing PM2.5 readings all above 1,000 µg/m³

Swiss researchers find new way to detect date rape drug GHB for up to 72 hours. Here's how it works

Democrat Scott Colom wins Mississippi Senate race, breaks GOP’s grip in stunning upset

FATF plenary: India flags backsliding by Pakistan on counter-terror obligations

India wins railway propulsion order from Japan, the home of bullet trains

Nvidia shares tank 8% amid reports of board preparing to oust CEO Jensen Huang

Jensen Huang seen with wife Lori in Paris in photos shared by daughter Madison

'Undermining their credibility': India breaks silence on videos by Chinese nationals portraying Dhaka as New Delhi

Netanyahu says Israel will phase out US military aid; how much does it depend on Washington?

Latest Epstein report names two new powerful men in fresh sexual assault allegations, urges DOJ probe

NASA scientist estimates 34,000 Punjab-Haryana farm fires, nearly 8 times official count

When will Harry Potter series release in India? All about HBO's new adaptation

Big change in Indian visa rules: Categories reduced from 13 to 9, tourist visa renamed; check what's new

Kareena Kapoor faces legal notice over Bhopal royal heirloom with Quranic verse; controversy explained

Jensen Huang met Alice Huang through her husband who flaunted their closeness to clients, report claims

Jensen Huang affair scandal: Who is Kang Wei, Alice Huang's reported husband?

‘America did not start a war with Iran’: Trump defends military action, praises Hegseth

Jensen Huang-Alice Huang affair: Everyone has a theory, and some conspiracy theories too, about what really happened

Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Jacob Duffy named in New Zealand squad for India Tests

Pakistan blames India, then gets fact-checked

WATCH | Hanuman Chalisa recited for 1st time at UK House of Lords

100 lashes for childbirth outside marriage? Saudi Arabia’s controversial sentence for Kenyan mother

At least two killed, 17 injured after building collapses in New York’s Brooklyn

In a move said to address public fears, top artificial intelligence executives on Tuesday agreed to sign a statement of principles to keep artificial-intelligence models and surrounded President Trump outside the White House to present the image of a unified industry. However, it is reported that industry leaders including Jensen Huang of Nvidia confronted Anthropic Chief Executive Dario Amodei over his public warnings regarding artificial intelligence capabilities.&nbsp;According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the private disagreement followed a lunch hosted by President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. As Amodei was questioned, he defended his stand saying AI companies have a responsibility towards the public, who have the right to know what their systems can do and the potential dangers associated with them.&nbsp;An industry that is under increasing pressure to police itself as AI systems become more powerful, its executives seemed to agree on a set of voluntary safety principles with the Trump administration, the report said.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-elections-2026-trump-announces-32-day-campaign-ahead-of-polls-says-you-love-me-and-i-love-them-1790827928270">US midterm elections 2026: Trump announces 32-day campaign ahead of polls, says 'You love me, and I love them'</a>&nbsp;However, disagreement remained over how much emphasis should be placed on the risks and how those safeguards should work.&nbsp;Against that backdrop, Meta's Zuckerberg has suggested for voluntary industry principles over aggressive intervention or government-coordinated development slowdowns.&nbsp;<h2>What is Anthropic's warnings?</h2>&nbsp;Amodei, one of the most vocal technology executives on the potential consequences of increasingly capable AI has warned about the possibility of models being used in cyberattacks. He has also raised questions in AI playing a significant role in disrupting employment , which has become a point of criticism for some executives and policymakers.&nbsp;At the White House gathering, companies were negotiating principles designed to strengthen safety checks around AI development.&nbsp;Despite the tensions, Amodei came across as backing his Industry peers. Speaking after the meet on Tuesday, he said “we can win safely” if the industry and administration work together.Notably, an earlier effort to establish a model on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which supervises US financial firms was rejected by Huang, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and SpaceX's Elon Musk, who argued that it will give the largest AI companies too much control over the sector.&nbsp;

As Anthropic Chief Executive Dario Amodei was questioned, he defended his stand saying AI companies have a responsibility towards the public.

In a move said to address public fears, top artificial intelligence executives on Tuesday agreed to sign a statement of principles to keep artificial-intelligence models and surrounded President Trump outside the White House to present the image of a unified industry. However, it is reported that industry leaders including Jensen Huang of Nvidia confronted Anthropic Chief Executive Dario Amodei over his public warnings regarding artificial intelligence capabilities. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the private disagreement followed a lunch hosted by President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. As Amodei was questioned, he defended his stand saying AI companies have a responsibility towards the public, who have the right to know what their systems can do and the potential dangers associated with them. An industry that is under increasing pressure to police itself as AI systems become more powerful, its executives seemed to agree on a set of voluntary safety principles with the Trump administration, the report said. ALSO READ: US midterm elections 2026: Trump announces 32-day campaign ahead of polls, says 'You love me, and I love them' However, disagreement remained over how much emphasis should be placed on the risks and how those safeguards should work. Against that backdrop, Meta's Zuckerberg has suggested for voluntary industry principles over aggressive intervention or government-coordinated development slowdowns. What is Anthropic's warnings? Amodei, one of the most vocal technology executives on the potential consequences of increasingly capable AI has warned about the possibility of models being used in cyberattacks. He has also raised questions in AI playing a significant role in disrupting employment , which has become a point of criticism for some executives and policymakers. At the White House gathering, companies were negotiating principles designed to strengthen safety checks around AI development. Despite the tensions, Amodei came across as backing his Industry peers. Speaking after the meet on Tuesday, he said “we can win safely” if the industry and administration work together. Notably, an earlier effort to establish a model on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which supervises US financial firms was rejected by Huang, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and SpaceX's Elon Musk, who argued that it will give the largest AI companies too much control over the sector.

As Anthropic Chief Executive Dario Amodei was questioned, he defended his stand saying AI companies have a responsibility towards the public.

Tech CEOs privately confront Amodei for raising risks associated with AI: Report

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar became a hero after saving lives despite being attacked during the Flydubai incident. However, there were two other people - a dentist and a plumber - who helped the pilot Machchhar in saving the flight and passengers. DThe plumber who helped save the flight was Yaniv Hayoun and the dentist was Dr. Shota Musayev. Both are Israeli citizens who rushed into action after the co-pilot brutally attacked Machchhar. Hayoun met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv shortly after the survivors of Flydubai flight FZ1073 were flown back to Israel. He narrated the incident in details.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hero-indian-captain-stops-cockpit-attack-on-tel-aviv-bound-flydubai-jet-1790785514453">Hero Indian captain stops cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai jet</a><h2>What they said?</h2>Machchhar was lying on the floor after being attacked but he somehow managed to click the release to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to gain entry. Soon after several passengers were able to enter the cockpit to help subdue the attacker. The passengers including the plumber and the dentist then overpowered the attacker who was the co-pilot and saved 174 passengers on board. Machchhar, an Indian citizen from Mumbai, is being treated in a hospital in Saudi Arabia’s north-western city of Tabuk.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-happened-on-flydubai-flight-to-israel-passenger-recounts-chilling-details-1790775515850">What happened on Flydubai flight to Israel? Passenger recounts chilling details</a>&nbsp;<blockquote>Narrating the incident, Hayoun said that while some people attempted handling the injured pilot, few tried overpowering the attacker. He tried to gain control of the plane. “I jumped back, grabbed the controls, and started pulling back the handles. Then other crew members took over.”</blockquote>Dr Shota Musaev, a dentist on board, was also among those who ran to the cockpit. “He was covered in cuts – his head, his hands – they were practically sliced open, almost severed in two … he had lost a lot of blood and was in bad shape. I think that if we had waited even a few more moments, we would have lost him; his blood pressure had plummeted, he suddenly lost consciousness, and there was blood everywhere,” he told CNN. He also revealed that the attacker was tied using "headphone cords and plastic zipties.”&nbsp;Among those who intervened was an off-duty British pilot, according to a passenger, Almog Itali, who said the plane was carrying a pair of relief pilots who were meant to fly the next flight. “The relief pilots are European, one of them British, who entered [the cockpit] and pulled the aircraft up, pulled the yoke, stabilised the plane and landed us in Saudi Arabia,” Itali said in a clip posted by the BBC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was injured after being attacked by the Flydubai co-pilot, but managed to unlock the cockpit door. Israeli passengers Yaniv Hayoun, a plumber, and Dr Shota Musayev, a dentist, then helped subdue the attacker as relief pilots stabilised the aircraft.

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar became a hero after saving lives despite being attacked during the Flydubai incident. However, there were two other people - a dentist and a plumber - who helped the pilot Machchhar in saving the flight and passengers. DThe plumber who helped save the flight was Yaniv Hayoun and the dentist was Dr. Shota Musayev. Both are Israeli citizens who rushed into action after the co-pilot brutally attacked Machchhar. Hayoun met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv shortly after the survivors of Flydubai flight FZ1073 were flown back to Israel. He narrated the incident in details. Also Read: Hero Indian captain stops cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai jet What they said? Machchhar was lying on the floor after being attacked but he somehow managed to click the release to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to gain entry. Soon after several passengers were able to enter the cockpit to help subdue the attacker. The passengers including the plumber and the dentist then overpowered the attacker who was the co-pilot and saved 174 passengers on board. Machchhar, an Indian citizen from Mumbai, is being treated in a hospital in Saudi Arabia’s north-western city of Tabuk. Also Read: What happened on Flydubai flight to Israel? Passenger recounts chilling details Narrating the incident, Hayoun said that while some people attempted handling the injured pilot, few tried overpowering the attacker. He tried to gain control of the plane. “I jumped back, grabbed the controls, and started pulling back the handles. Then other crew members took over.” Dr Shota Musaev, a dentist on board, was also among those who ran to the cockpit. “He was covered in cuts – his head, his hands – they were practically sliced open, almost severed in two … he had lost a lot of blood and was in bad shape. I think that if we had waited even a few more moments, we would have lost him; his blood pressure had plummeted, he suddenly lost consciousness, and there was blood everywhere,” he told CNN. He also revealed that the attacker was tied using "headphone cords and plastic zipties.” Among those who intervened was an off-duty British pilot, according to a passenger, Almog Itali, who said the plane was carrying a pair of relief pilots who were meant to fly the next flight. “The relief pilots are European, one of them British, who entered [the cockpit] and pulled the aircraft up, pulled the yoke, stabilised the plane and landed us in Saudi Arabia,” Itali said in a clip posted by the BBC.

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was injured after being attacked by the Flydubai co-pilot, but managed to unlock the cockpit door. Israeli passengers Yaniv Hayoun, a plumber, and Dr Shota Musayev, a dentist, then helped subdue the attacker as relief pilots stabilised the aircraft.

Flydubai cockpit attack: Israeli plumber, dentist who helped Indian pilot

Cornell University has agreed to initiate an independent investigation into ex-female student's allegations. It was confirmed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. This comes after Hochul said that the allegations are serious and also raises questions about Cornell campus culture. He also asked what steps is the university taking to protect the students. The student is identified as Jane Doe. She revealed that an internal Title IX investigation was launched in January 2025, and at least 12 hearings followed. But the university’s only expelled two out of the seven accused. The Independent also saw court documents showing that around November 8, 2024, temporary suspensions were issued for several male students who “were afforded the opportunity to mitigate their conduct by submitting essays to CORNELL.” The remaining students received lesser administrative sanctions, such as temporary suspensions, required workshops or essay-writing assignments.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lpu-suspend-classes-postpones-exams-as-unrest-intensifies-over-rape-allegations-2-000-police-personnel-deployed-1790560426199">LPU suspend classes, postpones exams as violence escalates over rape claims: What's happening</a>&nbsp;"I wanted to make sure they knew how important this was, and they absolutely agreed. And they're acting on this this afternoon. So, they'll be reporting on what the details are, but they will be conducting what I asked for, which is an independent outside investigation of what happened," Hochul told ABC News on Wednesday. "People need to know the truth and I think it's important for the public, for the victim, her family and the university community to know that their university did everything that they're supposed to do," she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-cornell-student-sues-university-alleges-she-was-drugged-and-gang-raped-what-s-the-case-1790574961161">'Drugged and gang-raped for hours': Ex-Cornell student sues university over alleged assault</a><h2>Ex-Cornell student sues university</h2>A former Cornell University student, identified as Jane Doe has filed a civil lawsuit, in which he has accused seven members of the university’s Chi Phi fraternity of drugging and gang-raping her for hours at the fraternity house in October 2024. The lawsuit, filed this month, names Cornell University and several other organisations and individuals as defendants. She has alleged that the university failed to protect her or adequately punish those responsible. Doe dropped out of the university following the incident, and in the latest lawsuit is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive monetary damages.&nbsp;In a 101-page civil complaint, filed in New York County Supreme Court, Jane Doe, alleged the assault occurred in Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity house in Ithaca, New York. According to the documents, Doe was 20 years old at the time and a member of a campus sorority. The suit alleges she was visiting a friend at the house and was intoxicated when two male students pressured her into snorting a substance they claimed was ketamine. The lawsuit states that after an initial sexual assault, one of the men sent a message to the fraternity’s active Snapchat group chat stating there was “free p****” and inviting additional members to join. Multiple male students later arrived, and Doe was subjected to an hours-long assault by seven of them, according to the complaint. The lawsuit identifies the alleged perpetrators and the national and local sorority chapter. It also names two local bars, and several university-affiliated individuals as co-defendants for their alleged roles in failing to monitor, supervise or protect the plaintiff.&nbsp;

Cornell University has agreed to an independent investigation into allegations by former student Jane Doe, who sued the university and seven fraternity members over an alleged gang rape in 2024.

Cornell University has agreed to initiate an independent investigation into ex-female student's allegations. It was confirmed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. This comes after Hochul said that the allegations are serious and also raises questions about Cornell campus culture. He also asked what steps is the university taking to protect the students. The student is identified as Jane Doe. She revealed that an internal Title IX investigation was launched in January 2025, and at least 12 hearings followed. But the university’s only expelled two out of the seven accused. The Independent also saw court documents showing that around November 8, 2024, temporary suspensions were issued for several male students who “were afforded the opportunity to mitigate their conduct by submitting essays to CORNELL.” The remaining students received lesser administrative sanctions, such as temporary suspensions, required workshops or essay-writing assignments. Also Read: LPU suspend classes, postpones exams as violence escalates over rape claims: What's happening "I wanted to make sure they knew how important this was, and they absolutely agreed. And they're acting on this this afternoon. So, they'll be reporting on what the details are, but they will be conducting what I asked for, which is an independent outside investigation of what happened," Hochul told ABC News on Wednesday. "People need to know the truth and I think it's important for the public, for the victim, her family and the university community to know that their university did everything that they're supposed to do," she said. Also Read: 'Drugged and gang-raped for hours': Ex-Cornell student sues university over alleged assault Ex-Cornell student sues university A former Cornell University student, identified as Jane Doe has filed a civil lawsuit, in which he has accused seven members of the university’s Chi Phi fraternity of drugging and gang-raping her for hours at the fraternity house in October 2024. The lawsuit, filed this month, names Cornell University and several other organisations and individuals as defendants. She has alleged that the university failed to protect her or adequately punish those responsible. Doe dropped out of the university following the incident, and in the latest lawsuit is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive monetary damages. In a 101-page civil complaint, filed in New York County Supreme Court, Jane Doe, alleged the assault occurred in Cornell’s Chi Phi fraternity house in Ithaca, New York. According to the documents, Doe was 20 years old at the time and a member of a campus sorority. The suit alleges she was visiting a friend at the house and was intoxicated when two male students pressured her into snorting a substance they claimed was ketamine. The lawsuit states that after an initial sexual assault, one of the men sent a message to the fraternity’s active Snapchat group chat stating there was “free p****” and inviting additional members to join. Multiple male students later arrived, and Doe was subjected to an hours-long assault by seven of them, according to the complaint. The lawsuit identifies the alleged perpetrators and the national and local sorority chapter. It also names two local bars, and several university-affiliated individuals as co-defendants for their alleged roles in failing to monitor, supervise or protect the plaintiff.

Cornell University has agreed to an independent investigation into allegations by former student Jane Doe, who sued the university and seven fraternity members over an alleged gang rape in 2024.

Cornell University agrees to independent investigation into ex-student's gang rape allegations

After the Federal Reserve's Inspector General on Wednesday said it found no grounds for a criminal referral or evidence of administrative misconduct related to cost overruns in a US central bank renovation ​project, President Donald Trump again renewed call for former Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell's resignation.&nbsp;"At a minimum, 'Too Late' Powell should be forced to resign from the Board. He can’t manage a Building, and he certainly shouldn’t be allowed to manage his High Interest Rate Policy (only on “TRUMP!”)," wrote Trump on Truth Social.&nbsp;However, the Fed watchdog in its report pointed towards extensive problems with project oversight that led to the cost of the renovation of the central bank's two historic buildings on the National Mall in Washington increase by about $1 billion.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-elections-2026-trump-announces-32-day-campaign-ahead-of-polls-says-you-love-me-and-i-love-them-1790827928270">US midterm elections 2026: Trump announces 32-day campaign ahead of polls, says 'You love me, and I love them'</a>&nbsp;The report noted "at no point during our evaluation did we find reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of federal criminal law had occurred requiring a referral to the US attorney general."&nbsp;"Further, while our report outlines deficiencies in the ​management of the renovation project, resulting in our recommendation of corrective actions in accordance with the Inspector General Act, we did not identify administrative misconduct during our evaluation," it added.&nbsp;The ongoing feud between Trump and Powell goes back to 2018, when the president first criticised the Fed chief for not cutting interest rates. Powell was nominated by Trump for the top Fed job in late 2017.&nbsp;And in his effort to ouster Powell and gain control over the direction of monetary policy, Trump latched onto the cost overrun on the project, which now has a price tag of about $2.4 billion.Powell declined to comment on the report of &nbsp;Federal Reserve's Inspector General.&nbsp;

The Fed watchdog in its report pointed towards extensive problems with project oversight that led to the cost of the renovation of the central banks two historic buildings shooting up.

After the Federal Reserve's Inspector General on Wednesday said it found no grounds for a criminal referral or evidence of administrative misconduct related to cost overruns in a US central bank renovation project, President Donald Trump again renewed call for former Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell's resignation. "At a minimum, 'Too Late' Powell should be forced to resign from the Board. He can’t manage a Building, and he certainly shouldn’t be allowed to manage his High Interest Rate Policy (only on “TRUMP!”)," wrote Trump on Truth Social. However, the Fed watchdog in its report pointed towards extensive problems with project oversight that led to the cost of the renovation of the central bank's two historic buildings on the National Mall in Washington increase by about $1 billion. ALSO READ: US midterm elections 2026: Trump announces 32-day campaign ahead of polls, says 'You love me, and I love them' The report noted "at no point during our evaluation did we find reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of federal criminal law had occurred requiring a referral to the US attorney general." "Further, while our report outlines deficiencies in the management of the renovation project, resulting in our recommendation of corrective actions in accordance with the Inspector General Act, we did not identify administrative misconduct during our evaluation," it added. The ongoing feud between Trump and Powell goes back to 2018, when the president first criticised the Fed chief for not cutting interest rates. Powell was nominated by Trump for the top Fed job in late 2017. And in his effort to ouster Powell and gain control over the direction of monetary policy, Trump latched onto the cost overrun on the project, which now has a price tag of about $2.4 billion. Powell declined to comment on the report of Federal Reserve's Inspector General.

The Fed watchdog in its report pointed towards extensive problems with project oversight that led to the cost of the renovation of the central bank's two historic buildings shooting up.

Renovation of central bank buildings: Trump renews call for Powell's resignation amid watchdog's report

US President Donald Trump has announced plans for a 32-day campaign tour across the country as Republicans prepare for the upcoming November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. The midterms are widely viewed as an important test of Trump’s second-term presidency and could determine whether his legislative agenda encounters greater resistance over the next two years. Trump has also suggested that Democrats could pursue another impeachment effort if they win control of both the House of Representatives and Senate.Averting danger, a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Sep 30) after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit, triggering a struggle for control of the aircraft. The Boeing 737, operating as flight FZ1073, reportedly descended sharply over Jordanian airspace before passengers and crew intervened. All 174 passengers were eventually brought to safety.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu laud the pilots courage Smit Machchhar. Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Pakistan's military carried out rare strikes in Afghanistan's Helmand province on Thursday, according to the Taliban government, which said several civilians were killed in the attacks. Islamabad confirmed carrying out what it described as "planned and calibrated" strikes inside Afghanistan, saying the operation targeted militants but did not specify the locations. Afghan officials also reported an airstrike in the eastern province of Kunar, in the latest deadly violence along the border between the two countries. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that nine Afghan civilians, including women and children, were killed in the strikes across Helmand and Kunar.

Afghanistan says deadly Pakistani strikes hit Helmand

Russian strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have triggered power outages across several regions, national grid operator Ukrenergo said on Thursday, urging consumers to reduce electricity use. Russian forces also struck a school in Kyiv as Moscow intensified attacks on the Ukrainian capital ahead of another winter of war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Children and teachers were inside a shelter when the school was hit, according to Kyiv authorities. No casualties were reported. “Russian scumbags continue attacking life across our country, Ukrainian children and our schools,” Zelensky said in a statement, sharing footage showing the school building with windows blown out by the blast.

Ukraine hit by power cuts after Russian strikes: operator

The yield on 10-year US Treasury bonds climbed to a 24-year high on Thursday amid a global sell-off in government debt, as concerns over rising inflation and higher oil prices intensified. The 10-year yield reached 5.3402%, its highest level since 2002, while the yield on 30-year Treasuries rose to 5.6807%, also marking its highest level in more than two decades. The bond sell-off, which pushes yields higher as prices fall, extended beyond the US, with government bonds in France, Germany and Britain also coming under pressure.

US 10-year Treasury yields hit 24-year high amid global bond sell-off

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that the United States has reduced the number of generals and admirals across the military by 20%, describing the move as part of an effort to increase “accountability.” Speaking to troops at the Quantico military base, Hegseth said 10% of the military’s generals and admirals had been removed, while the number of general officer positions was cut by another 10%. Hegseth linked the reductions to his broader push to refocus the military on war-fighting and move away from what he described as the “woke” policies of previous administrations. “The media calls that a purge. I call it accountability, and long overdue,” Hegseth said, describing the cuts as an “accomplishment.”

Hegseth says US cut number of generals, admirals by 20%

The United Arab Emirates’ chief prosecutor on Thursday ordered an investigation into the incident aboard a flydubai flight bound for Israel, including whether it involved any “terrorist activity or intent.” The state-run WAM news agency reported that the attorney general had directed authorities to launch the probe after the flight was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. According to WAM, investigators have begun examining the incident and will determine whether, and to what extent, it may have been connected to terrorist activity or intent.

UAE says investigation launched into flydubai incident

The investigation ordered by UAE prosecutor general will examine the circumstances and motives, including whether it was linked to any terrorist activity or involved prior planning or direction.

UAE opens probe into flydubai attack 

At least 25 passengers were injured after a sleeper bus overturned on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district on Wednesday. The bus en route from Srinagar to Jammu with around 55 passengers on board, lost control and overturned at Marog. All injured have been shifted to District Hospital Ramban.

Sleeper bus overturns in India's Jammu and Kashmir, 25 injured

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said that Israel had warned Britain about an upcoming Iranian-sponsored terror attack ahead of the recent suspected plot against a Royal Air Force (RAF) airbase which hosts the US Air Force and has since February been serving as a key hub for American operations against Iran.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/raf-airbase-incident-netanyahu-claims-israel-warned-britain-about-iranian-terror-plot-1790842073923">READ MORE</a>

RAF airbase incident: Netanyahu claims Israel warned Britain about Iranian terror plot

Highlighting the robust economic trajectory between the two nations during the ongoing international engagements in Milwaukee, Polish Minister of Finance and Economy Andrzej Domański has outlined major plans for bilateral cooperation, defence exports and Poland's G20 membership bid ahead of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s upcoming visit to India. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday (local time), Polish Minister of Finance and Economy Andrzej Domański detailed the preparations for the high-profile diplomatic visit scheduled for late October.

Poland's PM Donald Tusk set to visit India with 100 firms in late October: Finance Minister Andrzej Domański

President of Israel Isaac Herzog has announced his intention to recommend the "President's Medal for Civilian Bravery" for four passengers who displayed "extraordinary courage" during the mid-air cockpit attack aboard an Israel-bound Flydubai flight, while expressing gratitude to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for opening the cockpit door despite being seriously injured. Herzog said he had spoken to four passengers -- Yinon Hayon, Tzvika Mans, Asaf Reguan and Dr Shota Mosiashvili -- and informed them of his intention to recommend them for the civilian bravery medal. "President's Medal for Civilian Bravery to Yinon Hayon, Tzvika Mans, Asaf Reguan, and Dr. Shota Mosiashvili. I called the four heroic passengers who displayed extraordinary courage in an impossible situation, and informed them that it is my intention to recommend awarding the "President's Medal for Civilian Bravery," Herzog said in a post on X.

Israel President Herzog thanks Capt Machchhar, awards bravery medals to Israeli's who aided rescue effort on flydubai flight

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Oct 1) spoke to the wife and parents of Captain Smit Machchhar, who was attacked during the alleged crash attempt on flydubai flight, ANI reported. Machchhar helped save hundreds of lives aboard a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv. PM Modi applauded his bravery, courage and presence of mind and backed Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's statement saying that he prevented “another 9/11.” Earlier, in a post on X, the PM called him ‘hero’ of the country. Machchhar is currently in the ICU at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where he is undergoing treatment for serious injuries. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prevented-another-9-11-pm-modi-speaks-to-indian-pilot-smit-machchhar-s-family-after-flydubai-attack-1790835816101">READ MORE</a>

‘Prevented another 9/11’: PM Modi speaks to Indian pilot Smit Machchhar’s family after Flydubai attack

Security has been intensified across Jammu and Kashmir following a major encounter in which Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Hashim Moosa was killed by security forces.

J&K on heightened alert after major encounter; security intensified across districts

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar became a hero after saving lives despite being attacked during the Flydubai incident. However, there were two other people - a dentist and a plumber - who helped the pilot Machchhar in saving the flight and passengers. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-cockpit-attack-israeli-plumber-dentist-who-helped-indian-pilot-1790831196665">READ MORE</a>

Israel’s ambassador to India has hailed Captain Smit Machchhar as a symbol of ordinary people standing together against terrorism after the Indian pilot, stabbed in the cockpit of a Flydubai jet, helped save more than 170 lives. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in the hours after flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Reuven Azar said the captain’s actions had changed the outcome of what Israeli officials describe as an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. The co-pilot, reported to be an Omani national, allegedly attacked Machchhar with a knife as the Boeing 737 MAX flew towards Israel. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/israel-ambassador-azar-hails-indian-pilot-as-hero-against-terrorism-terms-attack-at-the-heart-of-the-abraham-accords-1790835259182">READ MORE</a>

Israel Ambassador Azar hails Indian pilot as 'hero against terrorism'; terms attack at the 'heart of the Abraham Accords'

Amid escalating hostile cross-border actions between the two South Asian neighbours, recent Pakistani airstrikes have killed nine people and injured eleven others on Thursday across Afghan territory, according to the Afghan government. The destructive bombardment targeted residential areas, obliterating three houses situated within Kunar and Helmand provinces, Afghan government chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed in a statement shared on the social media platform X. Confirming the mounting civilian casualties resulting from the military aggression, the chief spokesperson stated that at least nine people were killed, including women and children.

9 killed, 11 injured in Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Helmand

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2026, came into effect on Thursday, making provisions of delayed registration more stringent with separate procedures for registering births and deaths reported after one year and after two years of their occurrence. From now onwards, as the amended Act has come into force, any birth or death of which delayed information is given to the Registrar after one year but within two years of its occurrence, shall be registered only on an order made by a District Magistrate or Sub-Divisional Magistrate or by an Executive Magistrate authorised by the District Magistrate, having jurisdiction over the area where the birth or death has taken place, after verifying the correctness of the birth or death and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed. Besides, any birth or death of which delayed information is given to the Registrar after two years of its occurrence, shall be registered only on an order made by a Judicial Magistrate of the first class, having jurisdiction over the area where the birth or death has taken place, after verifying the correctness of the birth or death and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed. The amendment substitutes sub-section (3) of Section 13 of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act and inserts a new sub-section (3A).

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act takes effect; tightens norms for delayed registration

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Israel had warned Britain about an upcoming Iranian-sponsored terror attack ahead of the recent suspected plot against a Royal Air Force (RAF) airbase, during an interview with Fox News.

Netanyahu says Israel warned Britain about Iranian terror plot before RAF airbase incident

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Thursday declined to comment on speculations of a possible change in the state party leadership, saying that “some matters are internal”.&nbsp; When asked about speculation that he could resign as Punjab Congress president, Warring said, “I don't want to comment on anything. I will let you know when the time is right.” On whether he would visit the Congress office in Delhi, Warring said, “Some matters are internal.” His comments come amid mounting speculations that the Congress high command is considering replacing him as the state unit chief following weeks of internal differences within the Punjab Congress, ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

"Some matters are internal": Punjab Congress chief Raja Warring responds amid leadership change speculations

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday lauded the courage and sense of duty displayed by Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar during the mid-air crisis, saying his presence of mind and commitment to protecting those on board would always be remembered. "The courage and sense of duty shown by Captain Smit Machchhar in the face of grave danger is deeply commendable. Despite being seriously injured during the in-flight crisis, Captain Machchhar remained resolute and played a crucial role in helping protect the lives of those on board," CM Yogi said in a post on X. "His courage, presence of mind and commitment to duty will always be remembered. Praying to Prabhu Shri Ram for his speedy recovery, strength and good health. Jai Hind!" he added.

UP CM Yogi, Rajnath Singh hail Capt Smit Machchhar's "courage and sense of duty" after Flydubai cockpit incident

In a move said to address public fears, top artificial intelligence executives on Tuesday agreed to sign a statement of principles to keep artificial-intelligence models and surrounded President Trump outside the White House to present the image of a unified industry. However, it is reported that industry leaders including Jensen Huang of Nvidia confronted Anthropic Chief Executive Dario Amodei over his public warnings regarding artificial intelligence capabilities.&nbsp;According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the private disagreement followed a lunch hosted by President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. As Amodei was questioned, he defended his stand saying AI companies have a responsibility towards the public, who have the right to know what their systems can do and the potential dangers associated with them. An industry that is under increasing pressure to police itself as AI systems become more powerful, its executives seemed to agree on a set of voluntary safety principles with the Trump administration, the report said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tech-ceos-privately-confront-amodei-for-raising-risks-associated-with-ai-1790834519794">Read more</a>

Kremlin critic and chess legend Garry Kasparov said Thursday that US and Lithuanian security services had told him and his ally that their lives were in danger and urged them to take security precautions."News that I, along with my longtime associate and co-founder of the Free Russia Forum, Ivan Tyutrin, are on a list of assassination targets did not come as a surprise to me, but it is nevertheless a shock," Kasparov said in a statement on social media."Lithuanian and US security services informed us that our lives were in danger and that we should take precautionary measures."

Kremlin critic Kasparov says Western security services warned his life 'in danger'

Tennessee will halt an execution planned for later this year after authorities tried and failed to execute a woman via lethal injection on Wednesday, said Governor Bill Lee, according to US media."The remaining scheduled execution will not be carried out this year," Lee was quoted as saying in a statement carried by the Tennessean and NewsNation, adding he was calling for a "comprehensive, third-party review" of the botched execution of Christa Pike.

Tennessee halts planned execution in 2026 after failed attempt: US media

Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi sets June 30 deadline for pro-Iran factions to disarm.

Iraqi PM sets June 30 deadline for pro-Iran factions to disarm

US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday $200 billion in South Korean energy investments, including $54 billion for a long-mooted Alaska LNG project that Seoul said had yet to be decided on.South Korea had previously agreed to invest $350 billion in the United States and increase purchases of US energy under a July 2025 trade deal with Trump that set 15 percent tariffs on imports from the East Asian nation.Besides the Alaska LNG project and pipeline, the Trump administration announced a $22.3 billion natural gas-fired power project in Texas that would be backed by South Korea."The United States and Korea have agreed to commence working together on the 50 Billion Dollar ALASKA LNG PROJECT," Trump wrote on his Truth Social account Thursday, Seoul time.

Trump unveils $200 bn in US energy investments by South Korea

Haze from Indonesian wildfires has blanketed neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore for more than a month, closing schools and sending respiratory complaints skyrocketing.It is not the first time Indonesian haze has caused a regional pollution crisis, but neighbouring countries have few options for legal recourse, experts tell news agency AFP.Suggestions that Malaysia and Singapore take Indonesia to the UN's highest judicial organ, the International Court of Justice in The Hague, face a basic obstacle:"The main issue is jurisdiction, as the ICJ generally requires the consent of both states," said Professor Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.

Indonesia haze chokes neighbours, but little legal recourse

Stand With Crypto, a crypto advocacy group, has revealed the candidates it would be supporting in the upcoming US midterm elections. The industry-aligned organisation Coinbase launched the group in 2023. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday (Sep 30) that Stand With Crypto would be supporting candidates running for Senate seats in 2026, including Republican Jon Husted in Ohio, Republican Ashley Hinson in Iowa and Democrat Chris Pappas in New Hampshire.&nbsp;Besides the Senate seats, the crypto advocacy group said it had also endorsed several House of Representatives candidates, including Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowa and &nbsp; Shomari Figures in Alabama. Notably, several polls show that Democrats will regain control of both the House and Senate in 2027.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-crypto-advocacy-group-announces-candidates-it-is-backing-1790827053358">Read more</a>

US midterms: Crypto advocacy group announces candidates it is backing

US President Donald Trump has announced plans for a 32-day campaign tour across the country as Republicans prepare for the upcoming November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. The midterms are widely viewed as an important test of Trump’s second-term presidency and could determine whether his legislative agenda encounters greater resistance over the next two years. Trump has also suggested that Democrats could pursue another impeachment effort if they win control of both the House of Representatives and Senate.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-elections-2026-trump-announces-32-day-campaign-ahead-of-polls-says-you-love-me-and-i-love-them-1790827928270">Read more</a>

US midterm elections 2026: Trump announces 32-day campaign ahead of polls, says 'You love me, and I love them'

After the security incident involving flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, Flydubai on Wednesday said it suspended all flights to and from Israel. The suspension made in coordination with the relevant authorities will remain in place until the investigation is not completed.&nbsp;The decision will be reviewed by the airline “as more information becomes available”, said a Flydubai spokesperson. “The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew and operations remain our highest priority," the spokesperson said and added, “This temporary suspension will allow the relevant authorities to continue their work and establish all the facts surrounding the incident.”&nbsp;The carrier said it is fully supporting the investigation and is in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders in this regard.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-cockpit-attack-airline-suspends-all-israel-flights-amid-investigation-1790826373784">Read more</a>

Flydubai cockpit attack: Airline suspends all Israel flights amid investigation

Live news updates: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar hailed by PM Modi and PM Netanyahu for thwarting a cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight. Donald Trump launches a 32-day campaign tour ahead of the US midterm elections.

US President Donald Trump has announced plans for a 32-day campaign tour across the country as Republicans prepare for the upcoming November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. The midterms are widely viewed as an important test of Trump’s second-term presidency and could determine whether his legislative agenda encounters greater resistance over the next two years. Trump has also suggested that Democrats could pursue another impeachment effort if they win control of both the House of Representatives and Senate. Averting danger, a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Sep 30) after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit, triggering a struggle for control of the aircraft. The Boeing 737, operating as flight FZ1073, reportedly descended sharply over Jordanian airspace before passengers and crew intervened. All 174 passengers were eventually brought to safety. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu laud the pilots courage Smit Machchhar. Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

Live news updates: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar hailed by PM Modi and PM Netanyahu for thwarting a cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight. Donald Trump launches a 32-day campaign tour ahead of the US midterm elections.

Latest News India and World LIVE Updates: Indian pilot hailed for averting flight disaster; Trump begins 32-day midterm campaign tour

US President Donald Trump has announced plans for a 32-day campaign tour across the country as Republicans prepare for the upcoming November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. The midterms are widely viewed as an important test of Trump’s second-term presidency and could determine whether his legislative agenda encounters greater resistance over the next two years. Trump has also suggested that Democrats could pursue another impeachment effort if they win control of both the House of Representatives and Senate.&nbsp;Despite concerns within Republican ranks, Trump struck an optimistic tone while speaking to reporters on Tuesday. He also rejected suggestions that Republican candidates are attempting to distance themselves from his administration ahead of the elections. “You love me, and I love them,” Trump said, as he outlined his plans for a multi-state tour to support Republican midterm contenders. “Just so you understand, they all want me to go. I’m one person. They all want me to go campaign,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christa-pike-s-execution-us-supreme-court-overturns-stay-clears-way-for-tennessee-to-proceed-1790821260727">Christa Pike still alive after two lethal injections, lawyers seek emergency stay</a>&nbsp;Trump described the planned campaign schedule as a ‘literally a 32-day tour’, with stops expected in states including Texas and Ohio, where competitive races are underway. His planned appearances come as Republicans seek to maintain their control of both chambers of Congress and defend vulnerable seats across the country. Trump's standing with voters has also become a major focus ahead of the midterms. Recent polling has indicated declining approval, while voters have cited concerns about the cost of living and economic conditions.&nbsp;A Wall Street Journal poll released last week put Trump's approval rating at 37 per cent. According to the poll, that was the lowest approval rating recorded for a president approaching the midterm elections since the newspaper started conducting the survey in 1990, when George HW Bush was president. Despite the challenges facing Republicans, Trump has continued to make himself a central figure in the party's midterm campaign strategy.

Donald Trump announces a 32-day campaign tour ahead of the US midterm elections as Republicans defend Congress amid concerns over his approval rating

US President Donald Trump has announced plans for a 32-day campaign tour across the country as Republicans prepare for the upcoming November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. The midterms are widely viewed as an important test of Trump’s second-term presidency and could determine whether his legislative agenda encounters greater resistance over the next two years. Trump has also suggested that Democrats could pursue another impeachment effort if they win control of both the House of Representatives and Senate. Despite concerns within Republican ranks, Trump struck an optimistic tone while speaking to reporters on Tuesday. He also rejected suggestions that Republican candidates are attempting to distance themselves from his administration ahead of the elections. “You love me, and I love them,” Trump said, as he outlined his plans for a multi-state tour to support Republican midterm contenders. “Just so you understand, they all want me to go. I’m one person. They all want me to go campaign,” he added. Also Read: Christa Pike still alive after two lethal injections, lawyers seek emergency stay Trump described the planned campaign schedule as a ‘literally a 32-day tour’, with stops expected in states including Texas and Ohio, where competitive races are underway. His planned appearances come as Republicans seek to maintain their control of both chambers of Congress and defend vulnerable seats across the country. Trump's standing with voters has also become a major focus ahead of the midterms. Recent polling has indicated declining approval, while voters have cited concerns about the cost of living and economic conditions. A Wall Street Journal poll released last week put Trump's approval rating at 37 per cent. According to the poll, that was the lowest approval rating recorded for a president approaching the midterm elections since the newspaper started conducting the survey in 1990, when George HW Bush was president. Despite the challenges facing Republicans, Trump has continued to make himself a central figure in the party's midterm campaign strategy.

Trump announces a 32-day campaign tour as Republicans defend Congress, amid concerns over his approval rating and the approaching midterms

Stand With Crypto, a crypto advocacy group, has revealed the candidates it would be supporting in the upcoming US midterm elections. &nbsp;The industry-aligned organisation Coinbase launched the group in 2023. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday (Sep 30) that Stand With Crypto would be supporting candidates running for Senate seats in 2026, including Republican Jon Husted in Ohio, Republican Ashley Hinson in Iowa and Democrat Chris Pappas in New Hampshire.&nbsp;Besides the Senate seats, the crypto advocacy group said it had also endorsed several House of Representatives candidates, including Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowa and Democrat Shomari Figures in Alabama. Notably, several polls show that Democrats will regain control of both the House and Senate in 2027.&nbsp;A change in majority control of either chamber of Congress could affect how bills, such as the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, are taken up. Earlier this month, the crypto market structure bill failed to get enough votes in the Republican-controlled Senate after being passed in the House with bipartisan support in 2025. Thirty-two House candidates had received the group's support in August, whom it called "proven digital asset policy champions".&nbsp;Money from the crypto industry has started reaching the candidates through political action committees (PACs) and direct donations to campaigns. Coinbase, Ripple Labs and Andreessen Horowitz back the Fairshake PAC that had pledged to initially spend $30 million in support of Husted in Ohio. The PAC has spent $82 million on candidates in the country as of June.&nbsp;Stand With Crypto Executive Director Mason Lynaugh told Cointelegraph that there "isn’t any evidence that crypto industry organisations can buy any assurances of who will win a race." He added that Husted was a "proven pro-crypto lawmaker" and the fact that the Ohio lawmaker voted in favour of the CLARITY Act was why it had endorsed him.

A crypto advocacy group has announced the names of the candidates it will be supporting in the upcoming midterm elections. Stand With Crypto is backing candidates who support the CLARITY Act, which the group says is its top priority.

Stand With Crypto, a crypto advocacy group, has revealed the candidates it would be supporting in the upcoming US midterm elections. The industry-aligned organisation Coinbase launched the group in 2023. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday (Sep 30) that Stand With Crypto would be supporting candidates running for Senate seats in 2026, including Republican Jon Husted in Ohio, Republican Ashley Hinson in Iowa and Democrat Chris Pappas in New Hampshire. Besides the Senate seats, the crypto advocacy group said it had also endorsed several House of Representatives candidates, including Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowa and Democrat Shomari Figures in Alabama. Notably, several polls show that Democrats will regain control of both the House and Senate in 2027. A change in majority control of either chamber of Congress could affect how bills, such as the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, are taken up. Earlier this month, the crypto market structure bill failed to get enough votes in the Republican-controlled Senate after being passed in the House with bipartisan support in 2025. Thirty-two House candidates had received the group's support in August, whom it called "proven digital asset policy champions". Money from the crypto industry has started reaching the candidates through political action committees (PACs) and direct donations to campaigns. Coinbase, Ripple Labs and Andreessen Horowitz back the Fairshake PAC that had pledged to initially spend $30 million in support of Husted in Ohio. The PAC has spent $82 million on candidates in the country as of June. Stand With Crypto Executive Director Mason Lynaugh told Cointelegraph that there "isn’t any evidence that crypto industry organisations can buy any assurances of who will win a race." He added that Husted was a "proven pro-crypto lawmaker" and the fact that the Ohio lawmaker voted in favour of the CLARITY Act was why it had endorsed him.

A crypto advocacy group has announced the names of the candidates it will be supporting in the upcoming midterm elections. Stand With Crypto is backing candidates who support the CLARITY Act, which the group says is its top priority.

After the security incident involving flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, flydubai on Wednesday said it suspended all flights to and from Israel. The suspension made in coordination with the relevant authorities will remain in place until the investigation is not completed. The decision will be reviewed by the airline “as more information becomes available”, said a flydubai spokesperson.&nbsp;“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew and operations remain our highest priority," the spokesperson said and added, “This temporary suspension will allow the relevant authorities to continue their work and establish all the facts surrounding the incident.”&nbsp;The carrier said it is fully supporting the investigation and is in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders in this regard.&nbsp;“We apologise to passengers whose travel plans have been affected and are working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible,” the spokesperson said.&nbsp;<h2>What happened on the flydubai flight to Tel Aviv</h2>&nbsp;On September 30, the Flydubai flight FZ1073 was on its way to Israeli capital Tel Aviv from Dubai with roughly 150 to 180 passengers when it experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane.&nbsp;As the aircraft plunged, flydubai Flight FZ1073, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door.&nbsp;A passenger identified as Yaniv Hayun, alongside others, overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. A reserve crew consisting of a second pair of flydubai pilots who happened to be traveling aboard the flight took control of the aircraft. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

The carrier said it is fully supporting the investigation and is in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders in this regard.

After the security incident involving flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, flydubai on Wednesday said it suspended all flights to and from Israel. The suspension made in coordination with the relevant authorities will remain in place until the investigation is not completed. The decision will be reviewed by the airline “as more information becomes available”, said a flydubai spokesperson. “The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew and operations remain our highest priority," the spokesperson said and added, “This temporary suspension will allow the relevant authorities to continue their work and establish all the facts surrounding the incident.” The carrier said it is fully supporting the investigation and is in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders in this regard. “We apologise to passengers whose travel plans have been affected and are working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible,” the spokesperson said. What happened on the flydubai flight to Tel Aviv On September 30, the Flydubai flight FZ1073 was on its way to Israeli capital Tel Aviv from Dubai with roughly 150 to 180 passengers when it experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane. As the aircraft plunged, flydubai Flight FZ1073, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. A passenger identified as Yaniv Hayun, alongside others, overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. A reserve crew consisting of a second pair of flydubai pilots who happened to be traveling aboard the flight took control of the aircraft. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.

The carrier said it is fully supporting the investigation and is in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders in this regard.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his latest statement, did not rule our Iranian involvement in the Flydubai incident but also did not confirm it. It said that he doesn’t know “the exact background” of the flydubai copilot who attacked the captain but added that the copilot "obviously hated Israelis.”&nbsp;“That is fanaticism and hatred of an incalculable level,” Netanyahu said. About Iranian involvement in the attack, Netanyahu said, “It’s too early to say.” “The attacking pilot is now being investigated Saudi Arabia. I think he’ll be taken to the Emirates where he comes from — or at least where he flew off from. We’ll be following and also possibly participating in this investigation.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hero-indian-captain-stops-cockpit-attack-on-tel-aviv-bound-flydubai-jet-1790785514453">Hero Indian captain stops cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai jet</a>&nbsp;Earlier on Sep 30, Netanyahu called it “extremely serious security incident.” “This morning there was an extremely serious security incident. Almost all of the passengers on the flight were Israelis,” he said in his first reaction after the incident. Netanyahu added that as the plane drew close to Israel, “one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot, and all indications show that he tried to crash the plane along with its passengers.” The PM said that he spoke to an Israeli passenger. “He told me that the plane went into a dive. He told me that somehow, he managed to break into the cockpit with one of the crew members, and together they managed to stop the pilot while he was attempting to damage the plane’s systems.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-passengers-land-in-tel-aviv-on-second-flight-after-hijack-scare-1790787192601">Flydubai passengers land in Tel Aviv after hijack scare, emergency landing in Saudi</a><h2>What happened?</h2>Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane. As the aircraft plunged, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. A passenger identified as Yaniv Hayun, alongside others, overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. A reserve crew consisting of a second pair of flydubai pilots who happened to be traveling aboard the flight took control of the aircraft. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Flydubai co-pilot who allegedly stabbed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar appeared to have tried to crash the plane and “obviously hated Israelis”. Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his latest statement, did not rule our Iranian involvement in the Flydubai incident but also did not confirm it. It said that he doesn’t know “the exact background” of the flydubai copilot who attacked the captain but added that the copilot "obviously hated Israelis.” “That is fanaticism and hatred of an incalculable level,” Netanyahu said. About Iranian involvement in the attack, Netanyahu said, “It’s too early to say.” “The attacking pilot is now being investigated Saudi Arabia. I think he’ll be taken to the Emirates where he comes from — or at least where he flew off from. We’ll be following and also possibly participating in this investigation.” Also Read: Hero Indian captain stops cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai jet Earlier on Sep 30, Netanyahu called it “extremely serious security incident.” “This morning there was an extremely serious security incident. Almost all of the passengers on the flight were Israelis,” he said in his first reaction after the incident. Netanyahu added that as the plane drew close to Israel, “one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot, and all indications show that he tried to crash the plane along with its passengers.” The PM said that he spoke to an Israeli passenger. “He told me that the plane went into a dive. He told me that somehow, he managed to break into the cockpit with one of the crew members, and together they managed to stop the pilot while he was attempting to damage the plane’s systems.” Also Read: Flydubai passengers land in Tel Aviv after hijack scare, emergency landing in Saudi What happened? Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane. As the aircraft plunged, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. A passenger identified as Yaniv Hayun, alongside others, overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. A reserve crew consisting of a second pair of flydubai pilots who happened to be traveling aboard the flight took control of the aircraft. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Flydubai co-pilot who allegedly stabbed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar appeared to have tried to crash the plane and “obviously hated Israelis”. Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved&nbsp;

'Obviously hated Israelis': Netanyahu doesn't rule out Iran link in Flydubai attack, but calls it 'too early'

California on Wednesday (Sep 30) became the 18th US state to ban child marriage, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing AB 1267, a legislation that sets the minimum legal age for marriage in the state at 18. California law, AB 1267, eliminates existing provisions that allowed minors to marry with parental consent and judicial approval. It will take effect on January 1, 2027. Notably, the practice, which till a decade ago was allowed across America, in 2026, still remains legal in 32 US states. According to Unchained at Last, an organisation that campaigns against child marriage in the US, between 2000 and 2021, nearly 315,000 children were legally entered into marriage across the nation. The vast majority of them were young girls wed to adult men.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hero-pm-modi-praises-indian-pilot-smit-machchhar-who-helped-avert-flydubai-tragedy-1790819874962">‘HERO’: PM Modi praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who helped avert Flydubai tragedy</a><h2>Newsom calls ban ‘long overdue’</h2>Newsom signed the legislation on Wednesday in his office alongside Courtney Stodden, a survivor of child marriage who has campaigned for tougher laws. “This is a long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors. Today, California kids are safer than ever before,” Newsom said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: <a href="https://x.com/CAgovernor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CAGovernor</a> Gavin Newsom, joined by advocate Courtney Stodden, just signed <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/AB1267?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AB1267</a> — ending child marriages in the state of California. <a href="https://t.co/sxErhrqBQN">pic.twitter.com/sxErhrqBQN</a>&mdash; Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) <a href="https://x.com/GovPressOffice/status/2105462707797307480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Stodden's parents allowed her to marry actor Doug Hutchison when she was 16. After the bill was signed, she described the move as a victory for survivors and said she would continue campaigning for child marriage to be prohibited across all 50 states. “Governor Newsom’s action today made clear to me and to survivors of child marriage everywhere that we should never have been expected to carry this burden,” Stodden said.<h2>What California's new law changes</h2>Before the new law, California did not set an absolute minimum age for marriage. Minors could marry with parental consent and approval from a judge. AB 1267 removes those provisions and establishes 18 as the minimum age for both marriage and domestic partnership.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-strikes-back-at-shinyhunters-after-alleged-hack-arrests-leader-in-netherlands-warns-members-your-anonymity-won-t-protect-you-1790748838819">FBI strikes back at ShinyHunters after alleged hack, arrests leader in Netherlands, warns members: 'Your anonymity won't protect you'</a>The issue has drawn particular attention from survivors and advocacy groups, which have argued that minors can face significant barriers when attempting to challenge or leave marriages entered into before adulthood.Unchained At Last had estimated that more than 8,000 children were married in California each year, although the state does not systematically track the age of all people getting married.<h2>Survivors welcome California ban</h2>Survivors who campaigned for the legislation said the law marked a significant change after years of advocacy. Brittany Bee, who said she married at 17 after leaving an abusive home, told the BBC that children should not be expected to make decisions about marriage as adults would.Sara Tasneen, another survivor and campaigner, said she was forced to marry at 15 and later became a mother at 16. She said watching the legislation reach the finish line had been “a marathon”.The California legislation follows a broader US movement to raise marriage ages. According to Unchained At Last, 17 states had completely banned child marriage before Newsom signed California's law.<h2>What happens next?</h2>The new California rules will not take effect immediately. The law becomes operative on January 1, 2027, meaning marriages involving minors that would previously have been permitted under California's parental-consent and judicial-approval system will no longer be allowed after that date. &nbsp;

California has banned child marriage after Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law setting the minimum marriage age at 18. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, making California the 18th US state to completely prohibit marriage involving minors.

California on Wednesday (Sep 30) became the 18th US state to ban child marriage, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing AB 1267, a legislation that sets the minimum legal age for marriage in the state at 18. California law, AB 1267, eliminates existing provisions that allowed minors to marry with parental consent and judicial approval. It will take effect on January 1, 2027. Notably, the practice, which till a decade ago was allowed across America, in 2026, still remains legal in 32 US states. According to Unchained at Last, an organisation that campaigns against child marriage in the US, between 2000 and 2021, nearly 315,000 children were legally entered into marriage across the nation. The vast majority of them were young girls wed to adult men. Also read | ‘HERO’: PM Modi praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who helped avert Flydubai tragedy Newsom calls ban ‘long overdue’ Newsom signed the legislation on Wednesday in his office alongside Courtney Stodden, a survivor of child marriage who has campaigned for tougher laws. “This is a long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors. Today, California kids are safer than ever before,” Newsom said.

California has banned child marriage after Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law setting the minimum marriage age at 18. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, making California the 18th US state to completely prohibit marriage involving minors.

‘Long overdue’: California bans child marriage, but 32 US states still allow it

Senate Democrats are questioning both the legality and the policy wisdom of the Pentagon’s proposed investment in a Venezuelan oil company, raising the possibility of a congressional investigation into the arrangement. Four senior Senate Democrats said in a letter to top Trump administration officials that the Pentagon’s planned stake in North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), Venezuela’s second-largest oil producer, could face legal challenges and potentially complicate efforts toward a democratic transition in Venezuela.&nbsp;The United States announced plans in early September for the Pentagon to acquire a passive 35% stake in NABEP. Under the proposed arrangement, the company would gain control of 17 oil blocks believed to contain roughly 65 billion barrels of oil. Venezuela claims to hold about 300 billion barrels in proven reserves, the largest such reserves in the world. The deal would also give the State Department preferential rights to purchase 20% of NABEP’s production at cost. Since the United States ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January, President Donald Trump has encouraged American oil companies to help revive Venezuela’s oil industry. Trump has described the arrangement with NABEP as 'the biggest oil deal in world history'.&nbsp;The Democratic senators, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D., N.H.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, are demanding that the administration provide the full text and terms of the agreement before it is finalized. They are also seeking an explanation of the legal authority that would allow the Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital to acquire an equity interest in a foreign oil company. In addition, they want to know how the State Department would finance purchases of NABEP’s oil.&nbsp;The Trump administration has argued that the arrangement could reduce fuel costs for American consumers. Officials have also said the oil would help replenish the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is currently at its lowest level since 1982. “The proposed agreement is unlikely to reduce high energy costs for Americans, and it risks undermining the Venezuelan people’s transition away from a dictatorship,” the senators said in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.&nbsp;Sen. Jack Reed (D., R.I.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee; Sen. Martin Heinrich (D., N.M.), the top Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), the ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, also signed the letter.House Democrats have sent a separate letter raising similar concerns with the administration. Such congressional letters can precede broader investigations into government agencies, companies or other parties involved in major transactions. Any potential investigation, however, would likely come after the November midterm elections and would depend on the Democrats' ability to gain greater control of Congress.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christa-pike-s-execution-us-supreme-court-overturns-stay-clears-way-for-tennessee-to-proceed-1790821260727">Christa Pike's execution: US Supreme Court overturns stay, clears way for Tennessee to proceed</a>&nbsp;As the minority party, Democrats currently do not control the relevant committees and therefore lack the authority to independently call public hearings or issue subpoenas. The senators also asked Rubio, Hegseth and Wright to explain how the administration vetted NABEP and whether members of Trump's family or his political donors could potentially benefit from the agreement. They questioned whether NABEP, led by businessman Alejandro Betancourt, has the ability to rapidly expand oil production to the levels projected by the administration.&nbsp;NABEP has already begun preparing for an expansion, reportedly securing 60 drilling rigs, 30 steam boilers used to generate hot steam for moving heavy oil and other equipment. The company aims to more than double its production to 500,000 barrels per day by late 2028. “It is unclear,” the lawmakers said, “why the American public should support this attempt to entangle the United States with a relatively unknown foreign oil company that lacks the capacity or credibility to develop oil fields of the magnitude described and whose leadership has faced international criminal investigations.” The senators also cited past investigations involving Betancourt. They noted that he has never been charged with a crime but said he has “faced multiple investigations for money laundering in Spain, Switzerland and the United States.” Rubio has previously said Betancourt is not under active investigation in the United States.&nbsp;The Wall Street Journal has reported that the Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital would structure its proposed investment through penny warrants. The mechanism would potentially give the US an equity interest in NABEP without requiring a substantial upfront capital investment. The Democratic senators argue that the statute establishing the Pentagon office does not authorize it to take equity stakes in private oil companies. They also contend that the proposed arrangement does not fit within the office’s stated authority to provide loans and guarantees supporting U.S. national-security interests.&nbsp;The proposal has also drawn criticism from people involved in Venezuela’s democratic movement. They argue that the arrangement could deepen US ties with Venezuela’s current government under Delcy Rodriguez, a former ally of Maduro. “The plan only creates new corruption risks for both the United States and Venezuela, while appearing to reward the kind of self-dealing that helped degrade Venezuela’s oil sector in the first place," the lawmakers said in the letter. “Such actions undermine U.S. credibility in Venezuela, and the region at large, in the long term.”

Senate Democrats challenge the Pentagon’s proposed 35% stake in Venezuelan oil company NABEP, citing legal, economic and Venezuela democracy concerns

Senate Democrats are questioning both the legality and the policy wisdom of the Pentagon’s proposed investment in a Venezuelan oil company, raising the possibility of a congressional investigation into the arrangement. Four senior Senate Democrats said in a letter to top Trump administration officials that the Pentagon’s planned stake in North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), Venezuela’s second-largest oil producer, could face legal challenges and potentially complicate efforts toward a democratic transition in Venezuela. The United States announced plans in early September for the Pentagon to acquire a passive 35% stake in NABEP. Under the proposed arrangement, the company would gain control of 17 oil blocks believed to contain roughly 65 billion barrels of oil. Venezuela claims to hold about 300 billion barrels in proven reserves, the largest such reserves in the world. The deal would also give the State Department preferential rights to purchase 20% of NABEP’s production at cost. Since the United States ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January, President Donald Trump has encouraged American oil companies to help revive Venezuela’s oil industry. Trump has described the arrangement with NABEP as 'the biggest oil deal in world history'. The Democratic senators, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D., N.H.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, are demanding that the administration provide the full text and terms of the agreement before it is finalized. They are also seeking an explanation of the legal authority that would allow the Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital to acquire an equity interest in a foreign oil company. In addition, they want to know how the State Department would finance purchases of NABEP’s oil. The Trump administration has argued that the arrangement could reduce fuel costs for American consumers. Officials have also said the oil would help replenish the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is currently at its lowest level since 1982. “The proposed agreement is unlikely to reduce high energy costs for Americans, and it risks undermining the Venezuelan people’s transition away from a dictatorship,” the senators said in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Sen. Jack Reed (D., R.I.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee; Sen. Martin Heinrich (D., N.M.), the top Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), the ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, also signed the letter. House Democrats have sent a separate letter raising similar concerns with the administration. Such congressional letters can precede broader investigations into government agencies, companies or other parties involved in major transactions. Any potential investigation, however, would likely come after the November midterm elections and would depend on the Democrats' ability to gain greater control of Congress. Also Read: Christa Pike's execution: US Supreme Court overturns stay, clears way for Tennessee to proceed As the minority party, Democrats currently do not control the relevant committees and therefore lack the authority to independently call public hearings or issue subpoenas. The senators also asked Rubio, Hegseth and Wright to explain how the administration vetted NABEP and whether members of Trump's family or his political donors could potentially benefit from the agreement. They questioned whether NABEP, led by businessman Alejandro Betancourt, has the ability to rapidly expand oil production to the levels projected by the administration. NABEP has already begun preparing for an expansion, reportedly securing 60 drilling rigs, 30 steam boilers used to generate hot steam for moving heavy oil and other equipment. The company aims to more than double its production to 500,000 barrels per day by late 2028. “It is unclear,” the lawmakers said, “why the American public should support this attempt to entangle the United States with a relatively unknown foreign oil company that lacks the capacity or credibility to develop oil fields of the magnitude described and whose leadership has faced international criminal investigations.” The senators also cited past investigations involving Betancourt. They noted that he has never been charged with a crime but said he has “faced multiple investigations for money laundering in Spain, Switzerland and the United States.” Rubio has previously said Betancourt is not under active investigation in the United States. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital would structure its proposed investment through penny warrants. The mechanism would potentially give the US an equity interest in NABEP without requiring a substantial upfront capital investment. The Democratic senators argue that the statute establishing the Pentagon office does not authorize it to take equity stakes in private oil companies. They also contend that the proposed arrangement does not fit within the office’s stated authority to provide loans and guarantees supporting U.S. national-security interests. The proposal has also drawn criticism from people involved in Venezuela’s democratic movement. They argue that the arrangement could deepen US ties with Venezuela’s current government under Delcy Rodriguez, a former ally of Maduro. “The plan only creates new corruption risks for both the United States and Venezuela, while appearing to reward the kind of self-dealing that helped degrade Venezuela’s oil sector in the first place," the lawmakers said in the letter. “Such actions undermine U.S. credibility in Venezuela, and the region at large, in the long term.”

Senate Democrats question the legality of the Pentagon’s proposed 35% stake in Venezuelan oil producer NABEP and seek details on the deal

Senate Democrats challenge legality of Pentagon's proposed Venezuela oil stake

Christa Pike remains alive after two doses of lethal injection were reportedly administered during her execution in Tennessee, according to her lawyers, who have filed an emergency petition seeking to halt the process. Pike, 50, was scheduled to be executed at 10am (local Nashville time) on September 30 at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville. The execution was delayed after a last-minute stay, before the US Supreme Court ultimately cleared the way for it to proceed several hours later.&nbsp;Her legal team said Pike was still alive more than an hour after the execution drug was administered. Court documents filed by her attorneys allege that Pike was given two syringes of pentobarbital but did not lose consciousness. "Ms Pike has not lost consciousness and still has a heartbeat and is audibly snoring," they wrote. Her lawyers also said she required 'immediate medical care'.&nbsp;Witnesses were later released from the prison, while emergency service teams were seen outside the facility. Reports said emergency vehicles subsequently left the area with their lights and sirens activated. Several witnesses who observed the execution described the process as highly unusual, ‘nothing we saw was normal’. They also said the execution was ‘abnormally long’, with the curtain to the execution chamber being closed and reopened several times while the lethal injection was administered.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-temporarily-halts-execution-of-christa-pike-first-woman-tennessee-may-put-to-death-in-200-years-1790781925217">US court temporarily halts execution of Christa Pike, first woman Tennessee may put to death in 200 years</a><h2>Tennessee governor halts execution</h2>Governor Bill Lee in a statement said that he has ordered a detailed, third-party review to know exactly what happened and that the remaining scheduled execution will not take place this year. “Carrying out a lawfully imposed sentence is among the State’s most serious responsibilities, and the people of Tennessee expect it to be done in a manner that is not only legal and constitutional, but is effective,” he said.<h2>Who is Christa Pike?</h2>Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer, a 19-year-old fellow student at a training programme. Pike was 18 at the time of the killing. According to court records, Pike became convinced that Slemmer was attempting to steal her boyfriend. Pike's boyfriend was also convicted for his role in the murder and sentenced to life in prison. Ahead of her scheduled execution, Pike told NBC in a letter that she was not afraid of dying. "I'm only nervous about the process," she wrote.&nbsp;Pike had also requested an all-female execution team. Her lawyers said her history of sexual abuse and violence had left her terrified of being restrained by men during her final moments. Her legal team had previously challenged the execution procedure, arguing that it could cause severe suffering. They cited Pike's "small veins" and other medical circumstances that they said could make lethal injection difficult.<h2>Tennessee's troubled execution history</h2>Pike's case comes months after another troubled execution attempt in Tennessee. In May, death row inmate Tony Carruthers was granted a one-year reprieve after the execution team failed to establish an intravenous line. Officials were reportedly unable to establish a backup IV line or central line despite more than an hour of attempts. Carruthers's legal team said the execution team punctured him more than a dozen times while attempting to establish an IV line.&nbsp;The Death Penalty Information Centre has reported that lethal injection has the highest rate of botched executions among execution methods. In its 2022 annual review, the organisation said 35 per cent of the 20 execution attempts that year were 'visibly problematic'. Pike's attorneys are now seeking emergency legal intervention as questions remain over what happened inside the execution chamber and whether the execution was completed.

Christa Pike remains alive after two lethal injection doses, according to lawyers. Follow the latest developments in the Tennessee death row case

Christa Pike remains alive after two doses of lethal injection were reportedly administered during her execution in Tennessee, according to her lawyers, who have filed an emergency petition seeking to halt the process. Pike, 50, was scheduled to be executed at 10am (local Nashville time) on September 30 at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville. The execution was delayed after a last-minute stay, before the US Supreme Court ultimately cleared the way for it to proceed several hours later. Her legal team said Pike was still alive more than an hour after the execution drug was administered. Court documents filed by her attorneys allege that Pike was given two syringes of pentobarbital but did not lose consciousness. "Ms Pike has not lost consciousness and still has a heartbeat and is audibly snoring," they wrote. Her lawyers also said she required 'immediate medical care'. Witnesses were later released from the prison, while emergency service teams were seen outside the facility. Reports said emergency vehicles subsequently left the area with their lights and sirens activated. Several witnesses who observed the execution described the process as highly unusual, ‘nothing we saw was normal’. They also said the execution was ‘abnormally long’, with the curtain to the execution chamber being closed and reopened several times while the lethal injection was administered. Also Read: US court temporarily halts execution of Christa Pike, first woman Tennessee may put to death in 200 years Tennessee governor halts execution Governor Bill Lee in a statement said that he has ordered a detailed, third-party review to know exactly what happened and that the remaining scheduled execution will not take place this year. “Carrying out a lawfully imposed sentence is among the State’s most serious responsibilities, and the people of Tennessee expect it to be done in a manner that is not only legal and constitutional, but is effective,” he said. Who is Christa Pike? Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer, a 19-year-old fellow student at a training programme. Pike was 18 at the time of the killing. According to court records, Pike became convinced that Slemmer was attempting to steal her boyfriend. Pike's boyfriend was also convicted for his role in the murder and sentenced to life in prison. Ahead of her scheduled execution, Pike told NBC in a letter that she was not afraid of dying. "I'm only nervous about the process," she wrote. Pike had also requested an all-female execution team. Her lawyers said her history of sexual abuse and violence had left her terrified of being restrained by men during her final moments. Her legal team had previously challenged the execution procedure, arguing that it could cause severe suffering. They cited Pike's "small veins" and other medical circumstances that they said could make lethal injection difficult. Tennessee's troubled execution history Pike's case comes months after another troubled execution attempt in Tennessee. In May, death row inmate Tony Carruthers was granted a one-year reprieve after the execution team failed to establish an intravenous line. Officials were reportedly unable to establish a backup IV line or central line despite more than an hour of attempts. Carruthers's legal team said the execution team punctured him more than a dozen times while attempting to establish an IV line. The Death Penalty Information Centre has reported that lethal injection has the highest rate of botched executions among execution methods. In its 2022 annual review, the organisation said 35 per cent of the 20 execution attempts that year were 'visibly problematic'. Pike's attorneys are now seeking emergency legal intervention as questions remain over what happened inside the execution chamber and whether the execution was completed.

Christa Pike remains alive after two lethal injection doses, lawyers say, as an emergency petition seeks to halt her Tennessee execution

Christa Pike still alive after two lethal injections, lawyers seek emergency stay; Tennessee governor halts execution

Tesla boss Elon Musk will be back in the White House as War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that he will co-lead Project Meridian, a new Pentagon initiative tasked with looking at the future of warfare in the US. Essentially, it means he will look into years ahead to identify emerging domains of warfare and the capabilities the US military will need to dominate them. This assessment will help the Pentagon to determine which weapons and technology American troops will need to fight the wars of the future. Hegseth also announced the establishment of the Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM), a brand-new four-star combatant command endowed with "service-like authorities" designed to rapidly scale autonomous and robotic capabilities across the joint forces. The department will also introduce dedicated occupational frameworks to build career tracks for a new generation of "autonomous warfighters."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sends-wish-him-well-message-for-elon-musk-after-breakup-tesla-boss-gives-one-word-response-1749273730079">Trump sends 'wish him well' message for Elon Musk after breakup: Tesla boss gives one-word response</a><h3>Who are the part of this team?</h3>Musk, the former leader of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), will lead the effort alongside defense tech billionaire Palmer Luckey and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich under the direction of War Department Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael. According to Fox News, the high-level advisory panel will be co-led by Elon Musk alongside defence-tech czar Palmer Luckey and former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The project will operate under the supervision of the department's Chief Technology Officer, Emil Michael. According to Hegseth, both Musk and Luckey bring firsthand experience developing technology for the US military. Musk’s SpaceX serves as a major Pentagon contractor, while Luckey’s Anduril Industries specialises in autonomous weapons and other advanced military systems.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-tesla-ceo-regrets-supporting-donald-trump-in-united-states-9029278">'Yes...but cut that part': Elon Musk quips when asked if he regrets supporting Donald Trump</a><h2>Objectives for Project Meridian&nbsp;</h2>Highlighting the objective of the mission, Hegseth described Project Meridian as “an effort led by America's best minds to study the future of warfare." It is part of an overarching push by Hegseth to reorient the American military around autonomous warfare and rapidly emerging technology. "The best forecasters of future conflict do not solely reside inside the Pentagon. There are obvious biases and risks to asking ourselves to both ask the questions and answer them," he said. Project Meridian has been given a strict 120-day deadline to "ruthlessly map the trajectory of wars, domains and technologies." The assessment will culminate in a public presentation of its broad findings alongside a classified annex for military leadership. Hegseth outlined an expansive mandate stretching "from under the Earth to beyond the moon."&nbsp;

Elon Musk will co-lead Project Meridian, a new Pentagon initiative examining future warfare and the technologies the US military will need. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also announced a four-star Autonomous Warfare Command to rapidly expand robotic and autonomous capabilities.

Tesla boss Elon Musk will be back in the White House as War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that he will co-lead Project Meridian, a new Pentagon initiative tasked with looking at the future of warfare in the US. Essentially, it means he will look into years ahead to identify emerging domains of warfare and the capabilities the US military will need to dominate them. This assessment will help the Pentagon to determine which weapons and technology American troops will need to fight the wars of the future. Hegseth also announced the establishment of the Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM), a brand-new four-star combatant command endowed with "service-like authorities" designed to rapidly scale autonomous and robotic capabilities across the joint forces. The department will also introduce dedicated occupational frameworks to build career tracks for a new generation of "autonomous warfighters." Also Read: Trump sends 'wish him well' message for Elon Musk after breakup: Tesla boss gives one-word response Who are the part of this team? Musk, the former leader of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), will lead the effort alongside defense tech billionaire Palmer Luckey and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich under the direction of War Department Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael. According to Fox News, the high-level advisory panel will be co-led by Elon Musk alongside defence-tech czar Palmer Luckey and former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The project will operate under the supervision of the department's Chief Technology Officer, Emil Michael. According to Hegseth, both Musk and Luckey bring firsthand experience developing technology for the US military. Musk’s SpaceX serves as a major Pentagon contractor, while Luckey’s Anduril Industries specialises in autonomous weapons and other advanced military systems. Also Read: 'Yes...but cut that part': Elon Musk quips when asked if he regrets supporting Donald Trump Objectives for Project Meridian Highlighting the objective of the mission, Hegseth described Project Meridian as “an effort led by America's best minds to study the future of warfare." It is part of an overarching push by Hegseth to reorient the American military around autonomous warfare and rapidly emerging technology. "The best forecasters of future conflict do not solely reside inside the Pentagon. There are obvious biases and risks to asking ourselves to both ask the questions and answer them," he said. Project Meridian has been given a strict 120-day deadline to "ruthlessly map the trajectory of wars, domains and technologies." The assessment will culminate in a public presentation of its broad findings alongside a classified annex for military leadership. Hegseth outlined an expansive mandate stretching "from under the Earth to beyond the moon."

Elon Musk will co-lead Project Meridian, a new Pentagon initiative examining future warfare and the technologies the US military will need. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also announced a four-star Autonomous Warfare Command to rapidly expand robotic and autonomous capabilities.

Elon Musk back in Trump admin, will help Pentagon map 'future of warfare, autonomous weapons'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Oct 1) hailed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “HERO” after he was seriously injured during a mid-air cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, an incident that forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The flight, carrying 174 people, was diverted to Tabuk on Wednesday after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar during the journey and was accused by Israeli officials of attempting to crash the aircraft. The co-pilot was overpowered after passengers and crew intervened, while additional Flydubai pilots on board took control and landed the aircraft safely. The motive behind the co-pilot's actions remains under investigation. Previously, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that the co-pilot of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight had been trying to crash it and kill all its passengers, but Captain Machchhar "prevented a major disaster".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-terrorist-job-trump-reacts-to-flydubai-cockpit-attack-hails-indian-pilot-what-he-said-1790818709328">Trump reacts to Flydubai cockpit attack, hails Indian pilot</a>

<h2>‘India is proud of Captain Machchhar’</h2>In a post on X, Modi praised Machchhar for his actions despite suffering serious injuries. “Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO,” the prime minister wrote. “In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others,” Modi said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2105469867390554194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy,” he added, while wishing the pilot a speedy recovery and good health. The Indian pilot has been receiving treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. He was identified as an Indian national after the incident.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-a-nation-of-lions-israeli-man-who-stormed-into-cockpit-held-attacker-pilot-in-chokehold-tells-netanyahu-1790793966746">‘A true hero of extraordinary bravery,’ Netanyahu praises attacked Indian pilot</a><h2>What happened aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073?</h2>According to passengers and Israeli officials, the aircraft experienced a sudden and severe descent as the confrontation unfolded in the cockpit. Reuters reported that the plane dropped nearly 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds before passengers and crew managed to intervene. Machchhar, despite being wounded, was able to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and subdue the attacker. Off-duty Flydubai pilots travelling as passengers then helped take control of the aircraft.Netanyahu's spokesperson later said the wounded captain used “the last moments of his energy” to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers to reach the flight deck.The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The passengers were later flown back to Israel. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” after a violent cockpit confrontation forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised the pilot’s actions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Oct 1) hailed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “HERO” after he was seriously injured during a mid-air cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, an incident that forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The flight, carrying 174 people, was diverted to Tabuk on Wednesday after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar during the journey and was accused by Israeli officials of attempting to crash the aircraft. The co-pilot was overpowered after passengers and crew intervened, while additional Flydubai pilots on board took control and landed the aircraft safely. The motive behind the co-pilot's actions remains under investigation. Previously, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that the co-pilot of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight had been trying to crash it and kill all its passengers, but Captain Machchhar "prevented a major disaster". Also read | Trump reacts to Flydubai cockpit attack, hails Indian pilot

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” after a violent cockpit confrontation forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised the pilot’s actions.

‘HERO’: PM Modi praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who helped avert Flydubai tragedy

US President Donald Trump has reacted to the mid-air attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 and said that he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about it. Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane.&nbsp;&nbsp;Addressing the media, Trump said that he spoke with Netanyahu regarding the harrowing mid-air attack and described the attacker as “perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job.” Trump said, "I spoke to Benjamin Netanyahu about this incident. It seems as though the co-pilot was perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job, and he stabbed the pilot. The pilot was in very bad shape. But in a way, he was a hero to open the door."&nbsp;&nbsp;He also called the Captain a hero. Trump said that Netanyahu had told him that Machchhar, an Indian national, was in "very bad shape" after the attack. "The pilot was in very bad shape; I guess he still is in very bad shape, but he had the sense to, amazing, to, in a way he was a hero," Trump said, recalling his conversation with Netanyahu. Trump also praised the passenger’s “amazing” intervention to subdue the attacker. Appreciating the Israelite who intervened, Trump said that “an Israeli plumber with virtually no flying experience sprang into action” as the aircraft was plunging toward the ground," Fox News reported.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hero-indian-captain-stops-cockpit-attack-on-tel-aviv-bound-flydubai-jet-1790785514453">Hero Indian captain stops cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai jet</a>&nbsp;Earlier, India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, also praised the pilot’s valour. "In the skies above, courage held the line. We salute Captain Smit Machchhar, the brave Indian pilot of flight FZ1073, who stood with the courageous people on board and turned an unthinkable tragedy into a safe landing. Our prayers are with him for a swift and full recovery," Kwatra stated on X.<h2>What happened?</h2>As the aircraft plunged, flydubai Flight FZ1073, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. A passenger identified as Yaniv Hayun, alongside others, overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. A reserve crew consisting of a second pair of flydubai pilots who happened to be traveling aboard the flight took control of the aircraft. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;Hailing the pilot, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed Captain Machchhar as a hero and said that the Captain fought back after being stabbed in the cockpit and despite severe injuries, managed to unlock the cockpit door. In a post on X, "This man is a hero. Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian captain of flydubai Flight 1073, fought back after being stabbed in the cockpit. Despite being severely injured, he managed to unlock the cockpit door - allowing Israeli passengers and the Emirati crew to intervene and save all the passengers. Together, their extraordinary courage saved 174 lives. Indian. Israeli. Emirati. Different nationalities. One extraordinary act of courage. We wish Captain Machchhar a full and speedy recovery."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-passengers-land-in-tel-aviv-on-second-flight-after-hijack-scare-1790787192601">Flydubai passengers land in Tel Aviv after hijack scare</a><h2>Who is Captain Machchhar?</h2>Captain Machchhar is a seasoned pilot who currently flies as a direct-entry Captain with UAE-based carrier Flydubai. A veteran in the cockpit, Captain Machchhar brings over 13 years of commercial aviation experience, with an impressive log of 9,750 total flying hours, predominantly operating Boeing 737 (B737) aircraft. Prior to joining Flydubai, he had a distinguished 11-year tenure with an Indian airline, where he served as a Line Training Captain.

US President Donald Trump praised Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar and Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun after a co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash flight FZ1073. The aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia, while the motive remains under investigation.

US President Donald Trump has reacted to the mid-air attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 and said that he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about it. Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane. Addressing the media, Trump said that he spoke with Netanyahu regarding the harrowing mid-air attack and described the attacker as “perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job.” Trump said, "I spoke to Benjamin Netanyahu about this incident. It seems as though the co-pilot was perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job, and he stabbed the pilot. The pilot was in very bad shape. But in a way, he was a hero to open the door." He also called the Captain a hero. Trump said that Netanyahu had told him that Machchhar, an Indian national, was in "very bad shape" after the attack. "The pilot was in very bad shape; I guess he still is in very bad shape, but he had the sense to, amazing, to, in a way he was a hero," Trump said, recalling his conversation with Netanyahu. Trump also praised the passenger’s “amazing” intervention to subdue the attacker. Appreciating the Israelite who intervened, Trump said that “an Israeli plumber with virtually no flying experience sprang into action” as the aircraft was plunging toward the ground," Fox News reported.

US President Donald Trump praised Indian Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar and Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun after a co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash flight FZ1073. The aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia, while the motive remains under investigation.

‘A terrorist job...’: Trump reacts to Flydubai cockpit attack, hails Indian pilot: What he said

New Delhi: One year after the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) entered into force, Norway has said that the deal is already lifting bilateral trade and opening India’s market to more of its seafood, even as officials prepare a high-level review meeting in New Delhi.&nbsp;The pact, which took effect on 1 October 2025, links India with the four European Free Trade Association states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It was India’s first trade agreement with European countries to come into force in recent years and includes an investment commitment-EFTA countries aim to promote $100 billion of investment in India over 15 years and help create one million jobs.&nbsp;Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener said trade between Norway and India had risen because of the treaty, though it was still early days. “We have seen a lot more interest from Norway and for Norwegian business for India,” she said, speaking at an event with the Norwegian Seafood Council marking the anniversary.&nbsp;The most visible early gain has been salmon. Tariffs on frozen Norwegian salmon fell to zero on the day the agreement began. “Of the Norwegian seafood coming into India, most of it is salmon,” Stener said. “When tariffs of other Norwegian seafood are gradually coming down, we hope there will be more variety.”&nbsp;Norwegian salmon exports to India rose 141% to 361 tonnes between January and August, with value up 143% to NOK 26.2 million (about Rs 265 million), according to figures cited around the anniversary. Remaining salmon categories are due to reach zero tariff by 2029.&nbsp;TEPA was designed as more than a conventional free-trade deal. Stener described it as a “trade and economic partnership agreement” that also covers the wider relationship. “Norway is a small country. We firmly believe in a rules-based world trade. We are very happy that India is also looking to have more trade treaties.”&nbsp;That message is pointed at a time of wider trade friction. India has used the pact to signal it is still opening markets with developed economies even as global tensions rise. EFTA offered concessions on 92.2% of its tariff lines, covering almost all of India’s exports to the bloc. India offered cuts on 82.7% of lines covering most EFTA exports.&nbsp;India will host a “Prosperity Summit” in New Delhi next week to review implementation, with Swiss President Guy Parmelin expected to attend the meeting along with representation from other EFTA countries and host India.

India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) was designed as more than a conventional free-trade deal. Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener described it as a trade and economic partnership agreement that also covers the wider relationship.

New Delhi: One year after the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) entered into force, Norway has said that the deal is already lifting bilateral trade and opening India’s market to more of its seafood, even as officials prepare a high-level review meeting in New Delhi. The pact, which took effect on 1 October 2025, links India with the four European Free Trade Association states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It was India’s first trade agreement with European countries to come into force in recent years and includes an investment commitment-EFTA countries aim to promote $100 billion of investment in India over 15 years and help create one million jobs. Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener said trade between Norway and India had risen because of the treaty, though it was still early days. “We have seen a lot more interest from Norway and for Norwegian business for India,” she said, speaking at an event with the Norwegian Seafood Council marking the anniversary. The most visible early gain has been salmon. Tariffs on frozen Norwegian salmon fell to zero on the day the agreement began. “Of the Norwegian seafood coming into India, most of it is salmon,” Stener said. “When tariffs of other Norwegian seafood are gradually coming down, we hope there will be more variety.” Norwegian salmon exports to India rose 141% to 361 tonnes between January and August, with value up 143% to NOK 26.2 million (about Rs 265 million), according to figures cited around the anniversary. Remaining salmon categories are due to reach zero tariff by 2029. TEPA was designed as more than a conventional free-trade deal. Stener described it as a “trade and economic partnership agreement” that also covers the wider relationship. “Norway is a small country. We firmly believe in a rules-based world trade. We are very happy that India is also looking to have more trade treaties.” That message is pointed at a time of wider trade friction. India has used the pact to signal it is still opening markets with developed economies even as global tensions rise. EFTA offered concessions on 92.2% of its tariff lines, covering almost all of India’s exports to the bloc. India offered cuts on 82.7% of lines covering most EFTA exports. India will host a “Prosperity Summit” in New Delhi next week to review implementation, with Swiss President Guy Parmelin expected to attend the meeting along with representation from other EFTA countries and host India.

India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) was designed as more than a conventional free-trade deal. Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener described it as a trade and economic partnership agreement that also covers the wider relationship.

Norway says trade with India up on first anniversary of TEPA trade pact

The UK government believes that Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident, which resulted in five men being arrested and then being released on bail, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday.&nbsp;“There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford,” Burnham told the BBC but did not provide further details. Tehran has strongly denied any involvement.&nbsp;On being asked why the suspects had been released on bail, a decision questioned by President Donald Trump, the prime minister insisted the men were subject to the “strictest possible bail conditions” and added that UK authorities “have this under the strongest grip and closest control”.&nbsp;“We will say more in due course, but we can confirm our belief that we believe Iran to have played a part,” he added.&nbsp;<h2>‘Working closely with our colleagues in US’</h2>&nbsp;“It remains an ongoing, complex and serious police investigation, and of course we are working closely with our colleagues in the United States of America,” Burnham added.&nbsp;Burnham’s comments come after it emerged that one of the five men had dialled 999 himself before they were arrested.&nbsp;Trump said at the White House on Monday, “I will tell you, I would have said, ‘Don’t let them have bail’. I’m surprised that they released them. I wouldn’t have done that.”&nbsp;Burnham clarified the situation, saying, “I think people need to understand that when it says released, that isn’t as people might think. It’s obviously with the strictest possible bail conditions.”&nbsp;“The authorities have this under the strongest grip and closest control, and I can assure you of that.”&nbsp;<h2>No explosives were found in searches of the three vehicles</h2>&nbsp;Burnham’s comment saying his government believes Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that the incident “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor”.&nbsp;Rubio said in an interview with Fox News, “I think it ties us to the reality here, and that is we are dealing with elements in the world, and in the case of Iran, for example, who have openly threatened to attack American interests globally.”&nbsp;UK counterterrorism police said no explosives were found in extensive searches of the three vehicles operated by the men.&nbsp;Iran has, like Russia, been accused of using individuals who may be unaware they are even working for a foreign state to conduct sabotage attacks across Western Europe.The Iran-aligned group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia — or The Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Righteous (IMCR) — has claimed responsibility for several incidents over the past few months, including attacks on synagogues in the Netherlands and Belgium, and multiple attacks on north London’s Jewish community.

PM Andy Burnham’s comment saying his government believes Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News that the incident “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor.”

The UK government believes that Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident, which resulted in five men being arrested and then being released on bail, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday. “There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford,” Burnham told the BBC but did not provide further details. Tehran has strongly denied any involvement. On being asked why the suspects had been released on bail, a decision questioned by President Donald Trump, the prime minister insisted the men were subject to the “strictest possible bail conditions” and added that UK authorities “have this under the strongest grip and closest control”. “We will say more in due course, but we can confirm our belief that we believe Iran to have played a part,” he added. ‘Working closely with our colleagues in US’ “It remains an ongoing, complex and serious police investigation, and of course we are working closely with our colleagues in the United States of America,” Burnham added. Burnham’s comments come after it emerged that one of the five men had dialled 999 himself before they were arrested. Trump said at the White House on Monday, “I will tell you, I would have said, ‘Don’t let them have bail’. I’m surprised that they released them. I wouldn’t have done that.” Burnham clarified the situation, saying, “I think people need to understand that when it says released, that isn’t as people might think. It’s obviously with the strictest possible bail conditions.” “The authorities have this under the strongest grip and closest control, and I can assure you of that.” No explosives were found in searches of the three vehicles Burnham’s comment saying his government believes Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that the incident “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor”. Rubio said in an interview with Fox News, “I think it ties us to the reality here, and that is we are dealing with elements in the world, and in the case of Iran, for example, who have openly threatened to attack American interests globally.” UK counterterrorism police said no explosives were found in extensive searches of the three vehicles operated by the men. Iran has, like Russia, been accused of using individuals who may be unaware they are even working for a foreign state to conduct sabotage attacks across Western Europe. The Iran-aligned group Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia — or The Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Righteous (IMCR) — has claimed responsibility for several incidents over the past few months, including attacks on synagogues in the Netherlands and Belgium, and multiple attacks on north London’s Jewish community.

PM Andy Burnham’s comment saying his government believes Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News that the incident “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor.”

‘Strong indications that Iran played a part in RAF Fairford incident,’ says PM Andy Burnham

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national and the pilot who was attacked mid-flight, and called Machchhar a “true hero” of “extraordinary bravery”.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker—preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster,” Netanyahu wrote on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air…&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2105367389428646054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;‘Today, our hearts are with him and his family,” Israel's parliament speaker Amir Ohana said in a post on X.&nbsp;<h2>‘We are a nation of lions,’ says Israeli who held attacker pilot in chokehold</h2>&nbsp;Netanyahu also met passengers at Ben Gurion airport after they got off their repatriation flight and hailed the man who broke into the cockpit, held the attacker pilot in a chokehold and then dragged him out.A video on Netanyahu’s official social media account shows him hugging and greeting passengers. One of them was a man with a blood-stained t-shirt.“Met Yaniv, who broke into the cockpit on the flight from Dubai to Israel,” the post said.&nbsp;Netanyahu greeted Yaniv, saying he sees “a great hero”, and asked him how he did it.“We are a nation of lions, aren’t we?” Yaniv replied.&nbsp;Netanyahu then pointed to the bloodstain on Yaniv’s t-shirt and asked, “Wow, is that from him?”Yaniv replied, “It’s from him, yes.”“It’s simply unbelievable what you did,” Netanyahu said in admiration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">יניב, אתה גיבור אמיתי. אנחנו עם של אריות! <a href="https://t.co/55AgmAvzIG">pic.twitter.com/55AgmAvzIG</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2105339034700841393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Explaining how he broke through the door, Yaniv said, “The pilot who was stabbed was very close to the door, so it was hard for us to open it.”“But before he (the stabbed pilot) collapsed, he managed to open the door.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Attacker was trying to destroy aircraft systems, crash the plane’</h2>&nbsp;“When I entered, I saw the attacker on the instruments, between the two seats... there were no pilots in the seats,” Yaniv recalled.“One was down, one was on the instruments. And another guy came in with me. I grabbed the attacker, put him in a chokehold, and pulled him—first and foremost—outside.”&nbsp;He said the attacker was “trying to destroy the instruments in order to disable the plane.” The attacker was trying to destroy the aircraft systems and crash the plane.Yaniv said that he then called out “to the Israeli guys with us on the plane, and together they pinned him down.”&nbsp;Yaniv then rushed back to the controls. “I pulled the controls up and stopped the plane’s dive.”&nbsp;“You pulled the controls?” Netanyahu asked in an elated tone.“I watch Air Crash Investigation, Mr Prime Minister,” Yaniv replied. “And the plane started to level out, a bit more, and then the pilot told me he was taking control from there.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, in a video shot on the flight after the attacker pilot was overpowered, an Israeli passenger said, “We’re on the flight from Dubai. We took control of the situation here. There was an attacker with a knife who stabbed one of the pilots.”“A few of us just jumped in and pulled him out of the cockpit. Everything is OK now. The terrorist has been neutralized.”&nbsp;

<h2>President Herzog thanks ‘immense courage’ of heroes</h2>Israeli President Isaac Herzog also thanked the “heroes who acted with immense courage” on the flight to Tel Aviv that was diverted to Saudi Arabia.“Hours of worry ended in a great miracle and exceptional heroism,” Herzog wrote on X.“I thank from the depths of my heart the heroes who acted with immense courage in these critical moments,” he added.“We will continue to act together with our Emirati partners to learn from the event and fight terrorism.”<h2>Celebrations at Ben Gurion airport</h2>&nbsp;As passengers disembarked the repatriation flight from Saudi Arabia, they were greeted with crowds playing music, singing, dancing and waving Israeli flags.The initial flight, from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tubak, in Saudi Arabia, for an emergency landing following the stabbing of a pilot onboard.&nbsp;The passengers, including 27 children and Israelis who helped overpower the suspected attacker, returned after an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia; some initially refused another Flydubai flight but boarded after Riyadh rejected an Israeli rescue aircraft.&nbsp;The rescue flight departed Tabuk after the Mossad completed background checks on the Flydubai crew and cleared the aircraft for departure.&nbsp;<h2>‘Five minutes felt like hell,’ says passenger</h2>&nbsp;Another passenger told journalists outside the airport that the incident on board lasted maybe five minutes but felt “like hell".Oran Choen said he heard a shout of “Allahu Akbar” before the plane started to dive, about an hour before the flight was due to land, but could not specify who had shouted.“I can’t tell you the feelings I felt in that moment... I am 18 years old... it was a very tough moment. Maybe it was five minutes but it feels like hell,” he added.&nbsp;⁠Israeli PM ⁠Benjamin Netanyahu ⁠has ordered authorities ⁠to “ramp up” ⁠security on ‌both on ‌Israeli carriers ‌and non-Israeli carriers.The order was confirmed by a spokesperson for the prime ⁠minister’s office after the flydubai flight ‌incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some Israeli passengers initially refused another Flydubai flight but boarded after Riyadh rejected demand for an Israeli rescue aircraft. The repatriation flight departed Tabuk after the Mossad completed background checks on the Flydubai crew and cleared the aircraft for departure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national and the pilot who was attacked mid-flight, and called Machchhar a “true hero” of “extraordinary bravery”. “Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker—preventing a catastrophic mid-air disaster,” Netanyahu wrote on X.

Some Israeli passengers initially refused another Flydubai flight but boarded after Riyadh rejected demand for an Israeli rescue aircraft. The repatriation flight departed Tabuk after the Mossad completed background checks on the Flydubai crew and cleared the aircraft for departure.

‘A true hero of extraordinary bravery,’ Netanyahu praises attacked Indian pilot

Captain Smit Machchhar has been identified as the Indian pilot who fended off the Omani pilot who attempted to hijack the Flydubai flight on Wednesday (Sep 30). Chaos erupted in the cockpit of flight FZ 1073 when the Omani pilot tried to hijack the flight with the intention of crashing it. An altercation broke out between the two pilots, and Machchhar was stabbed. Passengers told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu after landing in Tel Aviv that the stabbed captain managed to open the cockpit door that allowed passengers to get in and interfere. The co-pilot was then restrained by the passengers. Two other pilots who were travelling on the flight as passengers took control of the flight and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, Machchhar underwent surgery after being injured in the incident.<h2>Who is Smit Machchhar?</h2>Smit Machchhar, an Indian aviation professional and former SpiceJet commander, was serving as captain on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has more than 13 years of experience and over 9,750 flying hours across Boeing 737 aircraft, including the B737-800 and B737 MAX 8/9.Machchhar has been working for Flydubai as a captain since June 2022. Before this, he worked for 11 years with SpiceJet, where he was a senior commander. He has also served as a Line Training Captain and is skilled in mentoring and assessing pilots.The Indian pilot completed his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Welingkar Institute of Management.<h2>What happened on Flydubai flight?</h2>According to the passengers’ account, an altercation broke out between the pilots, which turned violent. One of the pilots stabbed his co-pilot in the cockpit and attempted to crash the plane with the intention of killing everyone on board. During the altercation, the plane suddenly plunged several feet, from nearly 34,000 feet to less than 17,000 feet. Passengers intervened and restrained the pilot, who stabbed Machchhar. Two other pilots were among the passengers, who then took over the controls and carried out the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The Omani pilot was arrested and is being interrogated by the Saudi authorities.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.

Indian captain Smit Machchhar, a former SpiceJet commander with nearly 9,750 flying hours, helped bring a Flydubai flight safely to Saudi Arabia after a cockpit emergency.

Captain Smit Machchhar has been identified as the Indian pilot who fended off the Omani pilot who attempted to hijack the Flydubai flight on Wednesday (Sep 30). Chaos erupted in the cockpit of flight FZ 1073 when the Omani pilot tried to hijack the flight with the intention of crashing it. An altercation broke out between the two pilots, and Machchhar was stabbed. Passengers told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu after landing in Tel Aviv that the stabbed captain managed to open the cockpit door that allowed passengers to get in and interfere. The co-pilot was then restrained by the passengers. Two other pilots who were travelling on the flight as passengers took control of the flight and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, Machchhar underwent surgery after being injured in the incident. Who is Smit Machchhar? Smit Machchhar, an Indian aviation professional and former SpiceJet commander, was serving as captain on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has more than 13 years of experience and over 9,750 flying hours across Boeing 737 aircraft, including the B737-800 and B737 MAX 8/9. Machchhar has been working for Flydubai as a captain since June 2022. Before this, he worked for 11 years with SpiceJet, where he was a senior commander. He has also served as a Line Training Captain and is skilled in mentoring and assessing pilots. The Indian pilot completed his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Welingkar Institute of Management. What happened on Flydubai flight? According to the passengers’ account, an altercation broke out between the pilots, which turned violent. One of the pilots stabbed his co-pilot in the cockpit and attempted to crash the plane with the intention of killing everyone on board. During the altercation, the plane suddenly plunged several feet, from nearly 34,000 feet to less than 17,000 feet. Passengers intervened and restrained the pilot, who stabbed Machchhar. Two other pilots were among the passengers, who then took over the controls and carried out the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The Omani pilot was arrested and is being interrogated by the Saudi authorities. 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.

Indian captain Smit Machchhar, a former SpiceJet commander with nearly 9,750 flying hours, helped bring a Flydubai flight safely to Saudi Arabia after a cockpit emergency.

Who is Capt. Smit Machchhar, Indian pilot who helped avert Flydubai disaster?

As Iran pushes for U.S. military withdrawal from West Asia, it received a big boost in neighbouring Iraq.12 years after returning to Iraq to fight ISIS, American troops finally left the country on Wednesday.&nbsp;The departure of U.S. forces and equipment from Erbil Airbase marked the end of America’s Operation 'Inherent Resolve' in Iraq.&nbsp;While this airbase, located in northern Iraq, served as the main operational hub of the counter-ISIS mission, its headquarters has now been shifted to Jordan.&nbsp;Following this, various units of Iraqi security forces held a parade in various parts of the country, including Baghdad, Najaf as well as Kirkuk.&nbsp;Scenes of jubilation were visible everywhere.&nbsp;Multiple Iraqis took to the streets to celebrate the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.&nbsp;Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi also hailed the withdrawal of American troops. He stressed that a new phase had begun, defined by Iraq’s sovereignty, the strength of its institutions, and balanced partnerships with its friends.&nbsp;But what’s behind this outpouring of emotion?&nbsp;Over two hundred thousand Iraqi civilians are estimated to have been killed since 2003, when U.S. forces invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam Hussein’s government.&nbsp;By the time the U.S. wrapped up its Operation 'Iraqi Freedom' in 2011, four thousand five hundred American troops were killed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hero-indian-captain-stops-cockpit-attack-on-tel-aviv-bound-flydubai-jet-1790785514453">Hero Indian captain stops cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai jet</a>&nbsp;However, U.S. forces returned to Baghdad three years later to fight ISIS, which captured Mosul and other regions across Iraq.&nbsp;The tables turned in 2017, when the then Iraqi PM declared victory over ISIS after recapturing the last areas under the terror group’s control, along with the border with Syria.&nbsp;In 2021, US agreed to terminate its combat operations, with remaining troops focusing on functions such as training, advising and intelligence-sharing.&nbsp;Two years later, both sides finalised the timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.&nbsp;Meanwhile, US reaffirmed its commitment to counter-terrorism and said that it would continue working with allies to ensure that ISIS cannot regroup on Iraqi soil.&nbsp;The Pentagon’s chief spokesman said, and I am quoting him, "The Department of war will continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to our Iraqi partners".&nbsp;Now, this development may have larger implications on West Asia, due to the ongoing war.&nbsp;Iranian parliamentary officials have already welcomed the U.S. military pullout, presenting it as a victory for what they call the 'axis of resistance'.&nbsp;It is worth noting that 7 of the 19 U.S. military personnel killed in the Iran war died in Iraq.&nbsp;The influence of Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces or PMF cannot be understated.&nbsp;It is an umbrella organisation of armed Shia groups, which was formed in 2014 to fight ISIS.&nbsp;In 2016, the government formally integrated the PMF as a part of the Iraqi armed forces, but designated it as an independent military formation.&nbsp;As per estimates, PMF is believed to have close to 2,38,000 fighters with an annual budget of 3.6 billion U.S. dollars.&nbsp;During the course of the West Asia war, Iraq’s government formally granted PMF the right to defend itself.&nbsp;While the Iraqi government is seeking to disarm Iran-backed militias by June 2027, they said that they were not bound by any timeline or agreement to surrender their weapons to the state.&nbsp;Now, some Iraqi security officials also fear that the U.S. pullout may risk giving a fresh lease of life to ISIS, which retains a sleeper cell network.&nbsp;For instance, the last time the U.S. withdrew, the Iraqi army proved no match for this terror outfit.This is not all.&nbsp;Many Kurds have been vocal critics of the U.S. withdrawal.&nbsp;According to local officials, the Kurdish region faced more than a thousand drone and ballistic attacks during the Iran war.&nbsp;Without adequate air defence capabilities, doubts persist whether Iraq will be able to defend itself.The U.S. move is also perceived as a bid to make the bilateral partnership with Iraq more economic-centric.&nbsp;During his meeting with al-Zaidi in July, U.S. President Donald Trump described him as young and handsome, and hinted at a lot of deals with Iraq.&nbsp;On his part though, the Iraqi PM has sought to maintain a cordial relationship with Iran too.&nbsp;He visited Tehran following his U.S. visit and signed four MoUs with Iran, aimed at upgrading bilateral ties.&nbsp;Thus, the next few months will be crucial for Iraq.&nbsp;It remains to be seen whether it can contain Iran’s influence and stop an ISIS resurgence.

The US withdrawal from Iraq marks the end of its combat mission there while raising questions over Iran’s influence, the future of Iran-backed militias, ISIS resurgence and Iraq’s security.

As Iran pushes for U.S. military withdrawal from West Asia, it received a big boost in neighbouring Iraq. 12 years after returning to Iraq to fight ISIS, American troops finally left the country on Wednesday. The departure of U.S. forces and equipment from Erbil Airbase marked the end of America’s Operation 'Inherent Resolve' in Iraq. While this airbase, located in northern Iraq, served as the main operational hub of the counter-ISIS mission, its headquarters has now been shifted to Jordan. Following this, various units of Iraqi security forces held a parade in various parts of the country, including Baghdad, Najaf as well as Kirkuk. Scenes of jubilation were visible everywhere. Multiple Iraqis took to the streets to celebrate the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country. Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi also hailed the withdrawal of American troops. He stressed that a new phase had begun, defined by Iraq’s sovereignty, the strength of its institutions, and balanced partnerships with its friends. But what’s behind this outpouring of emotion? Over two hundred thousand Iraqi civilians are estimated to have been killed since 2003, when U.S. forces invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam Hussein’s government. By the time the U.S. wrapped up its Operation 'Iraqi Freedom' in 2011, four thousand five hundred American troops were killed. Also Read: Hero Indian captain stops cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai jet However, U.S. forces returned to Baghdad three years later to fight ISIS, which captured Mosul and other regions across Iraq. The tables turned in 2017, when the then Iraqi PM declared victory over ISIS after recapturing the last areas under the terror group’s control, along with the border with Syria. In 2021, US agreed to terminate its combat operations, with remaining troops focusing on functions such as training, advising and intelligence-sharing. Two years later, both sides finalised the timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Meanwhile, US reaffirmed its commitment to counter-terrorism and said that it would continue working with allies to ensure that ISIS cannot regroup on Iraqi soil. The Pentagon’s chief spokesman said, and I am quoting him, "The Department of war will continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to our Iraqi partners". Now, this development may have larger implications on West Asia, due to the ongoing war. Iranian parliamentary officials have already welcomed the U.S. military pullout, presenting it as a victory for what they call the 'axis of resistance'. It is worth noting that 7 of the 19 U.S. military personnel killed in the Iran war died in Iraq. The influence of Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces or PMF cannot be understated. It is an umbrella organisation of armed Shia groups, which was formed in 2014 to fight ISIS. In 2016, the government formally integrated the PMF as a part of the Iraqi armed forces, but designated it as an independent military formation. As per estimates, PMF is believed to have close to 2,38,000 fighters with an annual budget of 3.6 billion U.S. dollars. During the course of the West Asia war, Iraq’s government formally granted PMF the right to defend itself. While the Iraqi government is seeking to disarm Iran-backed militias by June 2027, they said that they were not bound by any timeline or agreement to surrender their weapons to the state. Now, some Iraqi security officials also fear that the U.S. pullout may risk giving a fresh lease of life to ISIS, which retains a sleeper cell network. For instance, the last time the U.S. withdrew, the Iraqi army proved no match for this terror outfit. This is not all. Many Kurds have been vocal critics of the U.S. withdrawal. According to local officials, the Kurdish region faced more than a thousand drone and ballistic attacks during the Iran war. Without adequate air defence capabilities, doubts persist whether Iraq will be able to defend itself. The U.S. move is also perceived as a bid to make the bilateral partnership with Iraq more economic-centric. During his meeting with al-Zaidi in July, U.S. President Donald Trump described him as young and handsome, and hinted at a lot of deals with Iraq. On his part though, the Iraqi PM has sought to maintain a cordial relationship with Iran too. He visited Tehran following his U.S. visit and signed four MoUs with Iran, aimed at upgrading bilateral ties. Thus, the next few months will be crucial for Iraq. It remains to be seen whether it can contain Iran’s influence and stop an ISIS resurgence.

The US withdrawal from Iraq marks the end of its combat mission there while raising questions over Iran’s influence, the future of Iran-backed militias, ISIS resurgence and Iraq’s security.

US withdraws troops from Iraq: What are implications for West Asia

One country has nuclear weapons. Another is told it must never have them. One leader faces pressure and military confrontation. The other is called a “friend.”Donald Trump has once again put the contradictions of American nuclear diplomacy under the spotlight.Asked why North Korea can possess nuclear weapons while Iran cannot, the US president offered an extraordinary response.Trump blamed previous American presidents for failing to stop Pyongyang's nuclear programme before turning to his personal relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.“He happens to be a friend of mine,” Trump said, adding that Kim likes and respects him. Trump acknowledged that North Korea possesses a “pretty large” nuclear capability, although one smaller than that of the United States.The contrast is difficult to ignore.Trump has maintained an uncompromising position that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. Tehran, meanwhile, has consistently denied that it seeks one.North Korea presents the opposite reality: it already possesses nuclear weapons.South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back recently estimated Pyongyang's arsenal at between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads. Trump himself previously put the figure at 57. Whatever the precise number, North Korea is no longer merely suspected of pursuing a bomb; it is an established nuclear-armed state.And therein lies Washington's uncomfortable dilemma.Is American nuclear policy based on principle — or on the realities created once a country successfully crosses the nuclear threshold?<h2>Friendship is not a nuclear doctrine</h2>There is an important distinction that cannot be ignored. Iran is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, under which it has committed not to acquire nuclear weapons. North Korea withdrew from the treaty in 2003 and subsequently conducted nuclear tests.Washington therefore confronts two very different nuclear realities.But Trump's explanation was striking because instead of focusing primarily on treaties, proliferation law or regional security, he repeatedly invoked his relationship with Kim.The president has argued that getting along with the North Korean leader is an asset rather than a weakness. He has also said North Korea should never have been allowed to obtain nuclear weapons in the first place.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WIONRaceToPower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONRaceToPower</a> | Trump&#39;s doublespeak on nuclear debate US nuke hypocrisy exposed as Trump slams Iran, praises North Korea Trump: Kim Jong Un is a friend of mine <a href="https://x.com/ShreyaOpines?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShreyaOpines</a> and <a href="https://x.com/eriknjoka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eriknjoka</a> speak to John Erath, Policy Director at Center for Arms Control for more <a href="https://t.co/RqXGxMBksL">pic.twitter.com/RqXGxMBksL</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2105326156014821620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That may explain Trump's diplomacy.It does not eliminate the larger question.If possessing nuclear weapons eventually forces Washington to accept a country as a nuclear reality, while countries that have not crossed that threshold remain vulnerable to overwhelming pressure, what message does that send to other governments contemplating their own security?The danger is obvious.A non-proliferation strategy must convince countries that not building nuclear weapons makes them safer, not that possessing them eventually earns greater strategic caution from Washington.<h2>From ‘fire and fury’ to friendship</h2>Trump's relationship with Kim has itself undergone an extraordinary transformation.During his first presidency, Trump threatened North Korea with “fire and fury” before embarking on unprecedented personal diplomacy with Kim.The two men subsequently met three times — Singapore in 2018, Hanoi in 2019 and the Korean Demilitarised Zone later that year.Yet those meetings failed to produce an agreement eliminating North Korea's nuclear arsenal. Pyongyang's capabilities have instead expanded substantially since their first summit.Trump nevertheless continues to argue that his personal relationship with Kim reduces the danger.That creates another uncomfortable contrast with Iran.The same American president who presents personal diplomacy as a mechanism for managing an already nuclear-armed North Korea has pursued a dramatically harder approach towards preventing Iran from ever reaching that position.Strategically, Washington can argue that prevention is easier than disarmament.Politically, however, the optics are considerably harder.<h2>The nuclear club’s uncomfortable truth</h2>This debate extends beyond Trump.The global nuclear order has always contained contradictions.The United States, Russia, China, France and Britain are recognised nuclear-weapon states under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons outside that framework. Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity. North Korea withdrew from the NPT and built its arsenal.Iran remains inside the treaty framework while facing intense international scrutiny over its nuclear activities.That does not make every nuclear programme equivalent. Their histories, treaty obligations, security environments and relationships with the international community differ significantly.But Trump's latest remarks expose the fundamental challenge confronting global non-proliferation:What happens after deterrence succeeds?Once a state possesses a credible nuclear arsenal, the cost of forcing it to surrender those weapons becomes dramatically higher.North Korea may be the clearest example.Washington spent decades demanding denuclearisation. Today, Trump is publicly acknowledging Kim's nuclear capacity while arguing that his personal relationship can keep the situation under control.For Iran — and indeed every country watching — that distinction matters.Because the lesson emerging from the world's nuclear confrontations cannot be allowed to become this:Build the bomb and eventually the world learns to live with you. Don't build it, and the world retains the option of stopping you.That would not strengthen nuclear non-proliferation.It could become one of its greatest weaknesses.

Trump’s contrasting approaches to nuclear-armed North Korea and non-nuclear Iran have raised questions over consistency in US non-proliferation policy and the role of personal diplomacy in managing nuclear threats.

One country has nuclear weapons. Another is told it must never have them. One leader faces pressure and military confrontation. The other is called a “friend.” Donald Trump has once again put the contradictions of American nuclear diplomacy under the spotlight. Asked why North Korea can possess nuclear weapons while Iran cannot, the US president offered an extraordinary response. Trump blamed previous American presidents for failing to stop Pyongyang's nuclear programme before turning to his personal relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. “He happens to be a friend of mine,” Trump said, adding that Kim likes and respects him. Trump acknowledged that North Korea possesses a “pretty large” nuclear capability, although one smaller than that of the United States. The contrast is difficult to ignore. Trump has maintained an uncompromising position that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. Tehran, meanwhile, has consistently denied that it seeks one. North Korea presents the opposite reality: it already possesses nuclear weapons. South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back recently estimated Pyongyang's arsenal at between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads. Trump himself previously put the figure at 57. Whatever the precise number, North Korea is no longer merely suspected of pursuing a bomb; it is an established nuclear-armed state. And therein lies Washington's uncomfortable dilemma. Is American nuclear policy based on principle — or on the realities created once a country successfully crosses the nuclear threshold? Friendship is not a nuclear doctrine There is an important distinction that cannot be ignored. Iran is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, under which it has committed not to acquire nuclear weapons. North Korea withdrew from the treaty in 2003 and subsequently conducted nuclear tests. Washington therefore confronts two very different nuclear realities. But Trump's explanation was striking because instead of focusing primarily on treaties, proliferation law or regional security, he repeatedly invoked his relationship with Kim. The president has argued that getting along with the North Korean leader is an asset rather than a weakness. He has also said North Korea should never have been allowed to obtain nuclear weapons in the first place.

Trump’s contrasting approaches to nuclear-armed North Korea and non-nuclear Iran have raised questions over consistency in US non-proliferation policy and the role of personal diplomacy in managing nuclear threats.

world news

Tech CEOs privately confront Amodei for raising risks associated with AI: Report

Flydubai cockpit attack: Israeli plumber, dentist who helped Indian pilot

Cornell Uni agrees to independent probe into ex-student's gang rape claims

Trump renews call for Powell's resignation amid report on central bank buildings

LIVE Updates: Indian pilot hailed for averting flight disaster

US midterm elections: Trump announces 32-day campaign ahead of November polls

US midterms: Crypto advocacy group announces candidates it is backing

Flydubai cockpit attack: Airline suspends all Israel flights amid investigation

Netanyahu doesn't rule out Iran link in Flydubai attack, but says 'too early'

Child marriage illegal in only 18 US states; California becomes latest to ban

Senate Democrats challenge legality of Pentagon's proposed Venezuela oil stake

Christa Pike still alive after 2 lethal injections, lawyers seek emergency stay

Elon Musk back in Trump admin, will help Pentagon map 'future of warfare, autonomous weapons'

‘HERO’: Modi praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for averting Flydubai tragedy

Trump reacts to Flydubai cockpit attack, hails Indian pilot

Norway says trade with India up on first anniversary of TEPA trade pact

‘Strong indications Iran played a part in RAF Fairford incident’: PM Burnham

‘A true hero of extraordinary bravery,’ Netanyahu praises attacked Indian pilot

Who is Capt. Smit Machchhar, Indian pilot who helped avert Flydubai disaster?

US withdraws troops from Iraq: What are implications for West Asia

US nuclear double standard? Trump’s ‘friend’ Kim exposes the Iran contradiction

US economy sends mixed signals weeks before midterms

Flydubai passengers land in Tel Aviv after hijack scare, emergency landing

France court convicts six of manslaughter over deadly Channel crossing