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The Economic Times

Global Business / The Economic Times

Behind Captain Machchhar's Surname: The curious case of Gujarati families named after animals and insects

Captain Smit Machchhar was the pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 when a violent incident occurred. He sustained injuries after the co-pilot attacked him in the cockpit. Despite his condition, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door for crew intervention. The flight was safely diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia following the altercation. Both Indian and Israeli leaders have praised Machchhar for his actions during the emergency.

3 Oct 2026 11:52 am
Flydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe, attempted 'terrorist' attack, UAE says

The co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 attacked the pilot with an axe in the cockpit. He attempted to gain control of the aircraft during the incident. The United Arab Emirates prosecutor general has announced that investigations are currently ongoing. Authorities are looking into the motives behind this attack and any possible connections.

3 Oct 2026 11:47 am
China launches anti-dumping probe into chemical compound p-nitrotoluene from the EU

China has launched an anti-dumping investigation regarding p-nitrotoluene imports from the European Union due to trade tensions. This investigation follows a complaint from the domestic industry in China about pricing practices for this chemical compound. Preliminary evidence indicates that EU prices dropped significantly over the past few years, raising concerns among Chinese manufacturers. Trade officials from the European Union plan to visit Beijing shortly to discuss these issues further.

3 Oct 2026 11:44 am
Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking captain Smit Machchhar identified as Hamam al-Hammami

Hamam al-Hammami, a co-pilot, attacked captain Smit Machchhar on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv. The incident, which caused the aircraft to rapidly descend, raised serious security concerns. Al-Hammami had previously been removed from Oman Air due to extremist views and later employed by Flydubai. An investigation is ongoing to uncover the motive and potential terrorist links.

3 Oct 2026 10:39 am
Donald Trump says US to send one-time $90 payment to 20 million seniors enrolled in Medicare

President Donald Trump announced a one-time $90 payment for over 20 million Americans enrolled in Medicare. The payments are intended to assist with monthly medical insurance premiums as the midterm elections approach. Most eligible seniors will receive the payment through direct deposit or checks in early October. Additionally, separate payments of $500 are being distributed to nearly one million Americans who purchased health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

3 Oct 2026 10:34 am
Pilot stabbing raises aviation security questions, further unsettles region shaken by US-Iran war

The attack on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has disrupted regional aviation, prompting the UAE to suspend commercial flights to Israel and arrange repatriation services for stranded passengers. Investigators are examining the co-pilots motive and possible outside links, while wounded Indian captain Smit Machchhar is recovering after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

3 Oct 2026 9:16 am
US midterm elections: Trump stumps for candidates in deep red Alabama and says he'll be back again next week

President Donald Trump held a rally in Alabama where he urged support for local Republican candidates. The rally highlighted both Trump's loyalty among supporters and ongoing challenges for the GOP ahead of midterm elections. Attendees expressed their concerns about rising costs, showing mixed feelings about the current economic situation. Trump also announced plans to campaign aggressively across competitive battleground states leading up to the elections.

3 Oct 2026 8:55 am
China initiates anti-dumping investigation into p-nitrotoluene from EU

China's Commerce Ministry has launched an anti-dumping investigation concerning p-nitrotoluene imports from the European Union. This decision follows a complaint from the domestic industry regarding significant price drops. Preliminary evidence indicates EU import prices fell nearly 60% cumulatively between 2022 and 2025. The investigation reflects increasing trade tensions between China and the European Union.

3 Oct 2026 8:28 am
Saudi Arabia plans assault on Houthis to break Red Sea chokehold

Saudi Arabia is preparing for an offensive against Houthi militants in Yemen, focusing on securing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The operation is expected to include coordinated attacks from multiple fronts alongside Yemeni ground forces. Over 100,000 Yemeni troops could potentially participate in the planned military action. U.S. intelligence support and military aid from other nations will assist the Saudi campaign in Yemen.

3 Oct 2026 8:23 am
iPhone 18 Pro Max users face major AT&T glitch: Apple asks some US users to swap phones

Apple is asking some AT&T customers to replace their iPhone 18 Pro Max after a cellular bug left affected devices unable to make calls, use mobile data or send texts. Apple says the issue affects a small number of users and has released iOS 27.0.1 and a carrier settings update, but phones already hit by the glitch need to be swapped.

3 Oct 2026 8:19 am
Cornell University gang rape victim was lured into a closet and raped by the accused men as she was in and out of consciousness'

A former student at Cornell University has filed a lawsuit against seven fraternity members for alleged sexual assault. The complaint claims that she was drugged and assaulted at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024. During her interview with investigators, she provided details of her experience that night. The Tompkins County District Attorney mentioned that the case is being reopened for further investigation.

3 Oct 2026 8:11 am
Car drives into large crowd of Australian rugby fans, injuring nine people north of Sydney

A car collided with a crowd eagerly waiting for the Newcastle Knights rugby team on Saturday morning. Many fans were present to cheer the team before their finals match, leading to injuries. Emergency services responded promptly, treating those affected at the scene. The driver involved was taken into custody following the incident. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specifics surrounding this unfortunate event.

3 Oct 2026 8:09 am
FBI commissions classified and internal 'Patel Report' about times when it 'fell short'

The FBI has issued a classified report examining its past failures to ensure future accountability and trust. Director Kash Patel emphasizes confronting the agency's shortcomings rather than rewriting history, despite criticism. The report aims to reflect on past mistakes without protecting them, promoting organizational accountability. Previous investigations and actions taken against agents involved with Trump have sparked controversy regarding the agency's integrity.

3 Oct 2026 7:54 am
Central Asia's biggest state holds month-long initiative to promote AI & digital tech

Kazakhstan is hosting AI MONTH to emphasize the importance of artificial intelligence in digitalization. The AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum is a key event highlighting technology advancements and collaborative efforts. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev advocates for responsible AI development while encouraging talent and investment retention. International experts and leaders gather to discuss global AI governance and partnerships.

3 Oct 2026 7:19 am
FlyDubai co-pilot who nearly crashed plane was barred from flying by Oman over extremism concerns

A FlyDubai flight with 182 people faced a near-crash incident due to an attack on the cockpit. The co-pilot, previously barred from flying in Oman, was hired by the UAE airline. Investigations are ongoing with both Israeli and Emirati officials involved. The UAE has suspended all flights to Israel, complicating travel for many passengers. The captain of the flight, praised for his actions, continues to recover in Abu Dhabi.

3 Oct 2026 6:37 am
In 1962, a spacecraft was launched by NASA to study Venus but a few moments later, the rocket went off course and was lost

A spacecraft, called Mariner 1, was NASA's first probe which planned to study Venus. A software error and a guidance control problem led to the loss of the spacecraft after it went off its intended path.

3 Oct 2026 3:45 am
'We're not telling you who to vote for, but': Hegseth gives US troops a day off to vote in midterms

'We're not telling you who to vote for, but': Hegseth gives US troops a day off to vote in midterms

3 Oct 2026 2:32 am
Quote of the day by Sean Connery: 'The key to a woman's heart is an unexpected gift at an unexpected time.' Life lessons from inspirational quote on romance and attentiveness

Quote of the day by Sean Connery from Finding Forrester speaks about the importance of an unexpected gift. It is needed to show a person that you care about them. Romance and spontaneity are highly important in relationships.

3 Oct 2026 2:32 am
Luigi Mangione arrest video: Thats 100% him - newly released footage shows how police identified him at McDonalds and what happened during his arrest

Luigi Mangione arrest video: Newly released body-camera footage shows the moments police identified Luigi Mangione at a McDonalds in Pennsylvania and took him into custody. The video captures officers questioning his identity, including the name on his ID, before showing what happened during his arrest and the search that followed at the station.

3 Oct 2026 2:29 am
How to make sure your mailed ballot counts in US midterm elections: Mail it early because the postmark date may not match the day you dropped it in the mailbox

As the 2026 US midterm elections approach, it's crucial for voters to mail their ballots ahead of time to avert potential complications. Remember, ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to be counted. In California, ballots can be accepted up to seven days late if they are postmarked correctly. Voters are encouraged to track their ballots to confirm acceptance.

3 Oct 2026 2:11 am
Will Cornell University face action over Jane Doe gang rape case revelations?

The Cornell University is under renewed scrutiny after a former student filed a civil lawsuit alleging a 2024 gang rape at a Chi Phi fraternity house. Cornell says it investigated the allegations and disciplined students. Prosecutors have reopened the criminal investigation, while New York state has appointed a special prosecutor. Students are also demanding a further accountability and changes on campus.

3 Oct 2026 1:38 am
Nike stock chart forms a 'Jumpman' after shares plunge - why is NKE down and the story behind Michael Jordans iconic logo

Nikes stock chart has sparked a joke after commentator Trung Phan said its recent decline created a Jumpman formation. The comparison comes as Nike struggles with falling revenue, weakness in China and pressure on Jordan Brand. Heres whats behind the stock slide and the Jumpman logos history.

3 Oct 2026 1:34 am
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner romance: Basic Instinct actor admits secret relationship; here's who he was married to at the time

Michael Douglas has confirmed that he and Kathleen Turner had a secret romantic relationship while filming Romancing the Stone. The affair began in 1984 when Douglas was separated from his wife but still married. Both actors denied their romance publicly for over four decades to protect his family. Their relationship ended when Diandra, his wife, interfered after visiting the filming location in Mexico.

3 Oct 2026 1:11 am
Fuel subsidies may top $1 trillion: UN

The UNDP analysis - which looked at data from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the International Energy Agency - found the number of countries deploying different relief measures nearly doubled between April and September as the war's impact continued.

3 Oct 2026 1:08 am
Fresh protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 if CEC Gyanesh Kumar does not resign: CJP leader Dipke

The Cockroach Janta Partys Abhijeet Dipke has announced a protest at Delhis Jantar Mantar on October 10 if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign.

3 Oct 2026 12:54 am
Self-employed? An S-Corp election could slash your self-employment taxes in 2026, and here's what smart business owners are doing today

For self-employed owners, the biggest 2026 tax decision may not be another deduction. It could be how the business is structured. An S-Corp can let eligible owners split income between wages and distributions, potentially reducing self-employment taxes. The catch is that the rules require reasonable compensation, proper payroll and careful planning before year-end.

3 Oct 2026 12:31 am
Who is on the ballot in the 2026 midterms? All 435 U.S. House seats are up for election on November 3, plus Senate and Governor races too

The 2026 midterm elections will take place on November 3, involving all 435 House seats and multiple Senate races. Several prominent senators, including Mitch McConnell, will be retiring, creating open-seat contests across states. Key battlegrounds include Kentucky, Iowa, North Carolina, and Michigan for the Senate races. Numerous House races are also closely contested in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Michigan.

3 Oct 2026 12:26 am
Will pay a very heavy price: Netanyahu on 'indoctrinated Islamist' co-pilot of flydubai cockpit attack

Netanyahu reiterated his claim that the attacker co-pilot, underwent Islamist radicalisation and attempted to crash the plane, but his plan was foiled due to the heroic efforts of Captain Machchhar and other passengers.

3 Oct 2026 12:18 am
What is Claude Frontier Academy, and why is Anthropic looking to train 10,000 AI engineers?

Anthropic has launched Claude Frontier Academy, a $100 million training program to produce 10,000 Frontier Deployed Engineers by the end of 2027. This initiative addresses a shortage of workers who can deploy enterprise AI and turn these systems into products that deliver value to organisations. The first cohorts of this training program consist of engineers from eight companies.

3 Oct 2026 12:12 am
Ex-minister, former hockey captain Pragat Singh named new Punjab PCC chief

Pragat Singh has been appointed as the president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. He succeeds Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who resigned amidst internal party dissent. Singh is recognized as a former captain of the Indian hockey team and has political connections. His leadership style and ability to unite the party are under scrutiny by Congress members. Warring acknowledged the support of Rahul Gandhi during his time in leadership roles.

3 Oct 2026 12:04 am
Linking flydubai co-pilot to Oman establishment uncalled for, sources say

Linking the flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the pilot and attempting to crash the Tel Aviv-bound flight to Omans establishment or Royal Family is completely uncalled for and called for a thorough probe into his background, diplomatic sources told ET.

2 Oct 2026 11:56 pm
Want to do NASA research? 24 new US projects backed by $23 million will let citizen scientists hunt comets, study space weather and explore Earth data all you need to know

NASA has selected 24 organizations to partake in a new Science Activation portfolio aimed at public engagement. This initiative will provide hands-on opportunities in scientific research across various fields, such as astronomy and Earth sciences. Communities nationwide, particularly underserved groups, will gain access to authentic NASA experiences. Participants can analyze data, conduct experiments, and observe astronomical events through robotic telescopes.

2 Oct 2026 11:52 pm
How to check if youre still registered to vote before the US midterm elections 2026: Start with Vote.gov and your states site

Before the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, voters are encouraged to check their registration status for accuracy. They should visit Vote.gov and follow the provided links to their state election website. Verification is essential, particularly after moving or changing their name, as rules may differ by state.

2 Oct 2026 11:45 pm
UP couple relocates to Panna after seeing social media posts about diamond finds, strikes jackpot with four gems worth Rs 12 lakh; couple to receive proceeds after state royalties and taxes are deducted

After relocating to Panna, Guddi Devi and Rajkumar Shrivas decided to lease a mining pit. They discovered four diamonds during their six-month digging effort, including two high-quality stones. The diamonds, weighing a total of 5.16 carats, are valued at approximately 12 lakh. These diamonds will be sold through a government auction, with royalties and taxes deducted from the proceeds.

2 Oct 2026 11:32 pm
Just do it: Goyal's message to Nike on investment in India

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with Nike executives in Milwaukee during the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting. He encouraged them to enhance investments in India's growth story and local sourcing initiatives. Goyal emphasized the importance of deepening Nike's presence in the Indian market and expanding manufacturing opportunities. The discussions also focused on improving the broader sports ecosystem in India.

2 Oct 2026 11:32 pm
102-year-old woman watched US-Canada border change for nearly a centurythen walked across the new Gordie Howe International Bridge

At 102 years old, Rita Georgeff from Windsor finally walked across the newly inaugurated Gordie Howe International Bridge, a moment she had dreamed of for two long years. Joined by her friends, she showcased incredible determination, leaving onlookers inspired. After admiring the scenic views, they made their way back to Canada, with Rita smiling as she expressed her desire to celebrate her 103rd birthday next year.

2 Oct 2026 11:21 pm
Many Americans overlook this: The new $7,500 IRA limit is one of the simplest ways to save on taxes in 2026, and it is still open today

The 2026 tax rules quietly give retirement savers more room to plan. The IRA contribution limit has climbed to $7,500, while 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) limits have also increased. The standard deduction is higher, too. These changes may look modest individually, but together they can affect how much income you save, shelter or keep during the year.

2 Oct 2026 11:11 pm