UAE HONOUR
Smit Machchhar, flydubai crew honoured by UAE President for bravery during mid-air attack
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II to Captain Smit Machchhar and his crew. This recognition was for their courageous actions during a mid-air attack on September 30. During the attack, the co-pilot injured Machchhar while the crew managed to subdue him. The passengers and crew ensured a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following the incident.
MEA Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to hold talks on October 20
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on October 20. They will discuss ways to enhance the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US. Rubio's visit marks his second trip to India this year as both countries negotiate a trade deal. Jaishankar will also host UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan during this time.
EAM Jaishankar to meet Marco Rubio on October 20: What India & US will discuss during Secretary of State's six-day India visit
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on October 20 to discuss ways to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Rubio will visit India from October 17 to 22, with energy cooperation among the key areas on the agenda. Jaishankar will also host UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai on October 19 and 20.
Smit Machchhar to receive Israel's top bravery award; President Herzog reserves special honour for India's injured Flydubai pilot
Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel’s Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his bravery during an alleged mid-air hijacking attempt on September 30. Despite sustaining severe injuries in an attack by his co-pilot, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty crew members to restrain the attacker. He is currently recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital.
Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026 closes with a blueprint for India’s next export leap
India’s exports hit a record $863.1 billion in FY26, yet the businesses driving that growth rarely share the spotlight. On September 25 in New Delhi, the Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026, in association with The Economic Times, closed its 2026 cycle with a summit on market access, growth corridors and outbound compliance, and 16 category winners that show what Indian global enterprise looks like today.
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Indian pilot Smit Machchhar recovering after flydubai cockpit attack, embassy says
Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured during an attempted cockpit takeover by his co-pilot on September 30. The flydubai flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where he received initial medical treatment. Following stabilisation, he was transferred to Abu Dhabi for further care and recovery. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is providing assistance and staying in contact with his family.
US House resolution honours Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for foiling flydubai cockpit attack
US Congressman Josh Gottheimer has introduced a House resolution honouring Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for helping prevent an alleged cockpit takeover aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073. The resolution also commends off-duty pilots, crew and passengers, condemns the incident as terrorism and calls for investigations by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
"Captain Smit continues to make steady progress and is regaining his health": Indian Embassy in UAE
In a statement shared on X, the Indian Embassy in the UAE reassured the public regarding Captain Machchhar's health and confirmed that full support is being extended to him and his relatives.
Congress did not praise pilot Machchhar for fear of losing minority community votes: MP CM Mohan Yadav
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has accused Congress of not honoring pilot Smit Machchhar's heroism. He claimed that the party fears losing votes from the minority community, which affects their recognition of bravery. Yadav criticized Congress leaders for their past failures during their rule regarding Maoists and dacoits in the state. He emphasized that while the BJP has eliminated Naxalism, Congress leaders remain opportunistic for electoral gains.
"Prayers continue to flow in": Indian envoy updates on Capt Machchhar's health after BAPS Abu Dhabi tribute
The Ambassador's statement came in response to a special prayer gathering organised at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, where priests and devotees assembled to honour Captain Machchhar's heroic actions during the cockpit attack by his co-pilot on the flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
‘He was praying, then came big blow to my head’: Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai horror
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Smit Machchhar a hero for preventing a co-pilot's attempted crash. Machchhar, who is hospitalized, detailed the traumatic incident during a recent conversation. The flight, which had 174 passengers, experienced serious danger after Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot. Netanyahu invited Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to celebrate Israeli Independence Day.
Aviation security measures under new scrutiny after in-flight attack on FlyDubai pilot
The alleged stabbing of captain by his co-pilot on a FlyDubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has exposed potential gaps in crew screening, cockpit security and emergency response protocols. Investigators from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel, with assistance from the US and Oman, are examining the incident, including pilot vetting, the handling of distress calls and how the crew member was cleared to operate the Israel-bound flight.
Global business leaders and visionaries honoured at ET Indo Global Leaders 2026 in Dubai
In Dubai, the ET Indo Global Leaders 2026 event brought together key figures to celebrate the synergy between India and the UAE in business and entrepreneurship. A series of networking sessions led into impactful discussions regarding India's economic impact worldwide and the dynamics of the luxury real estate market. Leaders exchanged knowledge on sustainable growth strategies and market competitiveness.
Spicejet CMD Ajay Singh hails Capt Smit Machhchar for effort in saving lives on flydubai flight
Captain Smit Machchhar demonstrated exceptional bravery during a hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight. He thwarted his co-pilot's attack and opened the cockpit door, allowing others to assist. The incident involved 180 passengers whose lives were at risk due to the crisis. Ajay Singh, Chairman of SpiceJet, praised Machchhar's courage and competence in handling the dangerous situation.
PhonePe gets in-principle approval for two UAE payment licences
PhonePe has secured in-principle approval from the UAE central bank for two payment licences, marking its first international market entry. The company plans to work with local banks and payment firms and explore integration with domestic rails such as Aani and Jaywan once it receives final regulatory clearance.
“Whether we leave anyone behind”: Sameer Nigam’s blueprint for PhonePe’s second decade
At Global Fintech Fest 2026, PhonePe founder‑CEO Sameer Nigam framed the company’s first ten years as the construction of India’s financial rails and unveiled a second act tied to a single question: whose progress still remains outside the frame?
List of world leaders attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi
India will host Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and other BRICS leaders in New Delhi on September 12-13 for the grouping’s 18th summit. The gathering brings together leaders representing economies that account for about 40% of global GDP, with several bilateral meetings with PM Narendra Modi also planned.
PhonePe's Sameer Nigam unveils vision for next decade of financial inclusion at GFF 2026
PhonePe has shared its ambitious ten-year strategy aimed at transforming India's digital landscape and promoting financial inclusion. By eliminating obstacles like the necessity for smartphones or bank accounts, the company plans to facilitate broader access to digital finance. With innovative solutions like UPI 123Pay and UPI Circle, PhonePe is also making wealth building simpler through daily savings and investment choices, while enhancing credit availability and equipping merchants with advanced tools.
A gold warning is flashing red. Is a new global crisis taking shape?
The Dutch central bank moved gold reserves to London for easier deployment during crises. This relocation was prompted by increasing geopolitical unrest and a reassessment of reserve accessibility. Central banks now consider foreign asset accessibility a key risk management factor. The freezing of Russian reserves significantly altered perceptions of asset safety. This move reflects a global trend of central banks diversifying gold holdings for security.
US may announce new Iran bank sanctions this week, next week: Scott Bessent
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed plans for new sanctions targeting Iran-linked banks soon. The department is also investigating airline leasing companies as part of its campaign. These actions aim to increase financial pressure on Iran amid heightened geopolitical tensions. The US is coordinating these efforts with international allies and discussing them with China. Iran's currency has significantly declined, reflecting severe financial challenges from these measures.
From speaking few sentences in Arabic to thanking UAE president for his affection; top moments from PM Modi's address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community at the 'Ahlan Modi' event in Abu Dhabi, expressing pride in their contributions and emphasizing the strong friendship between India and the UAE. He acknowledged the historic gathering of the community, highlighting their unity despite coming from different parts of the UAE and India.
UAE announces relaxing of Islamic laws for personal freedoms
The broadening of personal freedoms reflects the changing profile of a country that has sought to bill itself as a skyscraper-studded destination for Western tourists, fortune-seekers and businesses despite its legal system based on a hard-line interpretation of Islamic law.
UAE honours outgoing Indian envoy with Order of Zayed II award
The Order of Zayed is the country's highest civil decoration named after Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Pakistan's Senate Chairman cancels UAE visit as PM Modi honoured by Gulf nation
Sanjrani was scheduled to visit the UAE from August 25 to August 28 with a parliamentary delegation on the invitation of the UAE government.
UAE confers 'Order of Zayed' to PM Modi
The award, which is named after the founding father of the UAE, acquires special significance as it is being awarded to Modi in the birth centenary year of Sheikh Zayed.
PM Narendra Modi to reach UAE Friday night to receive highest honour amid Pakistan rhetoric
The Prime Minister's visit will be marked by the launch of RuPay card, "an Indian indigenous equivalent of Mastercard or Visa", making the UAE the first country in the Middle East to have it.
Modi's upcoming UAE visit another milestone in bilateral strategic partnership: Envoy
During the visit, the prime minister would receive the 'Order of Zayed', the highest civil decoration of the country for "giving a big boost to bilateral relations between the two countries."
PM Narendra Modi awarded UAE's highest civilian honour Zayed Medal
Referring to Modi as his "dear friend", Crown Prince said the award is in appreciation of Modi's role in consolidating the friendship.
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