Flydubai Hijack Bid: Probe Looks Into Alleged Iran Role And Abraham Accords Threat

Calls have mounted to confer India's highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra, on Captain Smith Machhar, the FlyDubai pilot hailed for foiling a hijack attempt and saving more than 170 passengers on a flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv. Shiv Sena leader and Member of Parliament Milind Deora written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of Eknath Shinde and his party, urging that the civilian aviator from Mumbai be considered for the honour. Deora noted that Captain Smith's actions brought pride to Mumbai and India, drawing parallels with Neerja Bhanot, who was awarded the Ashok Chakra after the 1986 Pan Am hijack. Emphasising the need to recognise exemplary valor and selfless service, Deora stated that celebrating such bravery inspires future generations across various walks of life. The decision on civilian and military gallantry awards remains subject to evaluation by the central government and the Ministry of Defence.

A massive face-off broke out in the national capital as opposition parties staged protests seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Leaders and workers from the Aam Aadmi Party, CPM, and various Left outfits attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar, but were detained by the Delhi Police under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Key politicians, including Brinda Karat, M.A. Baby, Saurabh Bhardwaj, and Sanjeev Jha, were placed in police detention. Prohibitory orders led to the sealing of Jantar Mantar, barricading along major thoroughfares, and restrictions across central Delhi, including closed gates at multiple metro stations. Protesters raised issues over alleged voter list deletions, demanding the suspension of the SIR process, restoration of voter rolls to the June 4, 2024 status, and enhanced poll data transparency. An unnamed parliamentarian protested against being blocked from visiting Parliament to submit a formal complaint. The opposition announced sustained nationwide agitations and a planned march to the Election Commission office.

A news bulletin of India Today So South covers major political developments across southern India. In Karnataka, the Congress government staged a protest at the Election Commission office in Bengaluru, alleging bulk submission and misuse of Form 7 by BJP workers to delete legitimate voters from electoral rolls. The BJP countered the charges and approached the City Police Commissioner, claiming the protest outside Freedom Park breached regulations. Meanwhile in Tamil Nadu, election campaigning intensified ahead of the by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, triggering a political confrontation among the TVK, DMK, and AIADMK. The state government expanded its free bus travel scheme for women under the Vetri Payanam initiative to include express and deluxe buses. Concurrently, a dispute erupted in Thoothukudi over highway signboards featuring Hindi lettering, prompting the removal of the text and administrative suspension of two highway engineers for breaching the state's two-language policy.

An eyewitness and passenger, Almog Itai, recounted surviving a mid-air attack aboard an aircraft during an interaction on The Lunch Break. The passenger detailed how Indian pilot Captain Smeet Macher prevented the plane from crashing despite sustaining severe stab wounds during an assault in the cockpit. According to the eyewitness, who was travelling with his wife and two teenage children, the flight experienced severe turbulence akin to a rollercoaster after a second warping, prompting passengers to rush toward the cockpit to assist. Almog stated that the pilot opened the cockpit door, enabling individuals to step in and secure the aircraft before landing safely. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke directly with the recovering pilot, who remains hospitalised with bandages and medical tubes. Almog praised Captain Smeet Macher as a global hero whose fast actions and bravery saved hundreds of passengers, noting that an onboard doctor provided critical medical assistance between life and death.