Friday, 02 October 2026 · The Grounded Times

Friday, 02 October 2026 · No. 40 · Fact-grounded · Auditable

Someone has to keep you grounded.

The lead — by importance1 / 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Captain Smit Machchhar following the pilot's recovery from a cockpit attack on a flydubai flight. Photo via Timesofindia

Report21 sources · 7 verifiedHigh

Prime Minister Modi Meets Indian Pilot Injured in Flydubai Cockpit Attack

Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot who was stabbed during a cockpit attack on a flydubai flight carrying over 170 people.

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who flies for flydubai, was stabbed during a cockpit intrusion on one of the airline's flights but managed to land the aircraft safely despite his injuries. He is being hailed as a hero for saving the lives on board. Prime Minister Narendra Modi subsequently interacted with Captain Machchhar. In a separate development, the Ministry of Defence signed an Rs 811 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for 160 Satellite Smart Anti Airfield Weapons for the Indian Air Force.

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In this edition

20 more dispatchesordered by importance

Report

Johannesburg to Host 2027 Cricket World Cup Final and India-Pakistan Match

Yesterday, tournament organizers announced that Johannesburg will host the 2027 Cricket World Cup final as well as the high-profile group-stage match between India and Pakistan.

AP India · Reuters India

Debate

‘Cockroach’ Protesters Demand Resignation of India's Chief Election Commissioner

Today, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central Delhi to demand the resignation of India's election chief over allegations of voter list manipulation.

AP India · Google News India · Reuters India

An aerial view shows a Himalayan valley affected by flooding, highlighting the risks prompting Nepal's glacial lake drainage project.

Report

Nepal Plans to Drain Four Glacial Lakes Following Deadly Floods

Yesterday, following deadly floods, Nepal announced plans to drain four of its glacial lakes to mitigate future risks.

Reuters India

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal meets with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington for bilateral trade discussions.

Report

US Trade Chief Says Trade Deal With India Not Imminent

Yesterday, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that a trade agreement between the United States and India is not imminent due to numerous sticking points.

Google News India · Indian Express · Reuters India

Report

Prime Minister Congratulates Indian 4x400m Relay Team

Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Captain Smit Machchhar after the Indian 4x400m Relay team won the bronze medal at the Asian Games.

PIB · The Hindu

Report

Indian Hockey Official Sent Home From Asian Games Following Harassment Allegation

Today, Indian umpires manager Gurinder Singh Sangha was sent home from the Asian Games as the Indian women's hockey team claimed its second-ever tournament title by defeating China.

Google News India · The Hindu

Report

Christa Pike Survives Botched Lethal Injection in Tennessee

Yesterday, 50-year-old Christa Pike survived a lethal injection execution attempt in Tennessee after two doses of pentobarbital were administered.

AP India · Indian Express · The Hindu

Report

Putin Praises Modi's 'Good Ideas' for Ukraine Settlement

Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi consistently brings up mutually acceptable solutions for ending the Ukraine conflict.

Indian Express · The Hindu

Report

New York Attorney General Appointed Special Prosecutor in Cornell Rape Inquiry

Yesterday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul removed the Tompkins County District Attorney from a Cornell University rape investigation and appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor.

AP India · Reuters India

Debate

French School Protests Spread as Violence and Blockades Intensify Nationwide

Yesterday, student demonstrations over overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages turned violent in multiple cities, resulting in dozens of injuries and assaults on school principals.

Google News India · The Hindu

Report

Rajiv Gauba Calls for Reforms to Strengthen India's Energy Security

Yesterday, Shri Rajiv Gauba emphasized the need for stronger regulation, market-oriented reforms, and institutional capacity to advance energy security and support the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

PIB

Report

Samajwadi Party Nominates Reliance Executive Dhanraj Nathwani for Rajya Sabha

Today, the Samajwadi Party announced it has fielded Reliance executive Dhanraj Nathwani in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Indian Express

Report

Archana Puran Singh's Family Purchases Another Mumbai Villa Amid YouTube Success

Archana Puran Singh's family has purchased a new villa in Mumbai as their earnings from YouTube reach record highs.

Indian Express

Report

Smit Machchhar Recounts flydubai Ordeal in Call With PM Modi

During a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, survivor Smit Machchhar shared that he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa throughout the flydubai incident.

Indian Express

Report

Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha Suffers Spinal Fracture in Bali

Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha sustained a spinal fracture while in Bali and is set to be airlifted to Mumbai today for surgery.

Indian Express

Report

Lok Sabha Secretariat Issues Press Communique on Foreign Contribution Amendment Bill

On Tuesday, the Lok Sabha Secretariat released a press communique concerning the Joint Committee on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill.

PRS India

Report

Shikhar Mohan Shines in the Irani Cup

Yesterday, The Indian Express profiled Shikhar Mohan, highlighting his growing prominence in Jharkhand cricket.

Indian Express

Report

Overview of the Reserve Bank of India's Functions and Monetary Framework

The Reserve Bank of India regulates banknote issuance, maintains reserves for monetary stability, and operates a modern framework to manage the country's currency and credit system.

RBI

Report

Punjab Students Express Anger Over AAP Event

An Indian Express report details why students in Punjab are reacting with frustration to a recent AAP event today.

Indian Express

Report

Jharkhand Nurse Relates Experience With Dubai Job Traps

Yesterday, The Indian Express published an account detailing how a nurse from Jharkhand signed away her freedom for employment in Dubai.

Indian Express