‘I Had One Last Fight Left in Me’: Capt. Machchhar Recalls Dramatic Cockpit Struggle

Jerusalem, Oct. 4: Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot who reportedly fought off an attempt to take control of a flydubai aircraft bound for Israel, has revealed the terrifying moments he endured inside the cockpit before managing to regain access and prevent a potential disaster.

Speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Machchhar described how an apparently routine flight suddenly turned into a life-threatening struggle after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him.

Machchhar, who suffered serious injuries in the incident, said everything had initially appeared normal. The co-pilot had told him that he wanted to pray, which Machchhar said was not unusual among local passengers and crew.

Respecting the request, he turned his attention towards the front of the cockpit.

‘Suddenly, There Was a Big Blow’

Machchhar recalled that several minutes later, he was struck violently on the back of his head.

“After about four to five minutes, there was a big blow to the back of my head.”

Initially, the pilot believed the aircraft itself might have suffered catastrophic damage. However, as the blows continued, he realised that the danger was coming from inside the cockpit.

“I realised that it’s not the aircraft, it’s the other guy who is in the cockpit with me,” he recalled.

The initial assault severely affected Machchhar’s vision, leaving him struggling to see and respond.

He said he attempted to fight back, but his blurred vision made it extremely difficult to understand what was happening around him. Moments later, he sensed the aircraft descending sharply.

“The next feeling I had was that the aircraft was sharply going down,” he said, acknowledging that his memories of the incident remain fragmented.

A Final Attempt to Reach the Cockpit Door

During the struggle, Machchhar said he managed to open the cockpit door once, but believed the co-pilot closed it again.

At one point, the injured pilot found himself lying on the cockpit floor. He could hear the aircraft moving rapidly, accompanied by what he described as a “whooshing” sound and the screams of passengers.

That was when Machchhar realised he had one final opportunity to act.

Despite his injuries and the assault he had already endured, he summoned what he described as his remaining strength and made another attempt to reach the cockpit door.

“I had that one last fight left in me.”

Machchhar said he pushed himself forward, opened the door and created an opportunity for others to intervene.

“I gave everything that I had and went for the door and opened the door.”

He said people were then able to rush in and take control of the situation.

“Thankfully, people were waiting to pounce back, took over control and the rest is what you know,” he said.

Netanyahu Praises Pilot’s Courage

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar for his actions, describing his composure under extreme circumstances as extraordinary.

Netanyahu said the pilot had not only protected the people aboard the aircraft but had demonstrated the ability of courage and determination to overcome an extremely dangerous situation.

“You’re a hero of Israel. You’re a hero of India. You’re a hero of the entire world,” Netanyahu told Machchhar.

The Israeli Prime Minister also conveyed his best wishes to Machchhar’s family and expressed hope that the injured pilot would recover quickly.

Netanyahu invited Machchhar to return to Israel and said he expected the pilot’s future visit to be a memorable and historic one.

Modi Also Praises Machchhar

The conversation came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Machchhar by telephone.

Modi praised the pilot’s courage and determination during the incident, noting that he continued to protect the lives of others despite suffering serious injuries.

Machchhar’s account has since highlighted the extraordinary circumstances faced by the flight crew and passengers—and the critical final effort that helped prevent the situation from turning into an even greater tragedy.

Blokees Debuts 90+ New Products at Wonder Festival Shanghai 2026

SHANGHAI, Oct. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From October 3 to 4, Assembly Character Toys Brand Blokees exhibited at Wonder Festival Shanghai 2026, featuring nearly 500 products across its two core categories, Blokees Model Kits and BLOKEES WHEELS. More than 90 new products made their debut, highlighting Blokees’ continued expansion across product categories, IPs and consumer segments.

The Blokees Model Kits portfolio covers hero collecting, model kit collecting, animal-themed products and fashion-oriented products, featuring more than 10 global IPs including ULTRAMAN, TRANSFORMERS, Saint Seiya, Evangelion and DC. Products for collectors aged 16 and above were a key focus, with nearly 40 products exhibited across Champion, Champion Lite, Fantastic and Legend series , including more than 20 new products making their debut. Notably, DC made its first commercial appearance in the Legend series.

Blokees continues to expand its product ecosystem. Blokees also exhibited the latest products from its TERRAVENTURE Series and DaaLaMode Series. The TERRAVENTURE Series features animal-themed model kits based on Jurassic World, while the DaaLaMode Series combines assembly, articulation, and fashion play, expanding Blokees’ offerings across different consumer segments.

In the Blokees Wheels category, Blokees exhibited its C, E, and S Series, featuring IPs including Transformers, Ultraman, and Batman. New products based on Cyberpunk 2077, Fast & Furious × Ford and Fast & Furious × Dodge were also exhibited for the first time, further expanding the category’s offerings for vehicle enthusiasts.

Beyond products, Blokees also exhibited winning works from the “Dawn” and “Awakening” seasons of the 2026 BFC Creation Contest. Through BFC, Blokees connects players worldwide through creation and sharing, with the community now spanning 21 countries and regions.

Blokees will continue to strengthen its two core categories and expand its global product and creator ecosystem under its strategy of “Universally appealing, Stepwise pricing, Globally promoting.”

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Chandigarh University Research Scientists gets 17 lakh grant from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology; to build skilled manpower for nature conservation and Ecotourism

Chandigarh University to Train Youth as Nature Conservators and Ecotourism Guides, Creating Conservation-Linked Livelihoods

CHANDIGARH, India, Oct. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Biosciences at Chandigarh University has secured a grant of over Rs 17 lakhs from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) under the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India for conducting a three-month specialized training programme on ‘Nature Conservator-cum-Ecotourism Guide’ aimed at building a skilled workforce in nature conservation, sustainable and responsible tourism and green entrepreneurship.

Notably, the GSDP initiative was developed with an aim to create skilled workforce for environment and forest-related sectors with training designed to support gainful employment and self-employment.

Sanctioned by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) through its Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Hub, the programme will train 20 participants through a combination of classroom learning, practical training, field exposure and entrepreneurship-oriented skill development.

Prof (Dr) LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences Chandigarh University and Principal Investigator of the programme, along with experts including (Prof) Dr. Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University and Dr. Sangeeta from the Department of Biosciences from CU will contribute to the academic and practical delivery of the programme.

Sharing the details about the programme, Dr LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences said, “The three-month programme will provide participants with extensive practical exposure, with the proposed training structure comprising approximately 35–40 per cent theory and 60–65 per cent practical and skill-based learning. Participants will be trained in areas including biodiversity assessment, identification of flora and fauna, wildlife and bird observation, nature interpretation, ecosystem understanding, sustainable tourism planning, ecotourism operations, hospitality, environmental monitoring, digital marketing, business planning and entrepreneurship.”

Prof (Dr) Attri added, “A significant component of the programme will be field-based learning. Participants are expected to visit ecologically and tourism-relevant locations including the Siswan Ecotourism Project, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh Biodiversity Park, Chhatbir Zoological Park, Ropar Wetland, Morni Hills, Pinjore Heritage Gardens, Timber Trail, organic farms, village homestays in the Shivalik region, Hoshiarpur Eco Resort, Kalesar National Park and Harike Wetland. Such exposure will enable trainees to understand how conservation, visitor management, interpretation and local livelihood opportunities can be integrated at actual destinations.”

Prof (Dr) Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University said, “The programme carries a defined employment outcome with the sanction requiring 50 per cent gainful placement of trained candidates in relevant sectors. This places employability and livelihood generation at the centre of the training rather than limiting the programme to academic certification. The potential career opportunities emerging from the training span nature guiding, ecotourism operations, wildlife and birding activities, rural tourism, homestay management, hospitality, destination interpretation, conservation-related work and nature-based entrepreneurship. These skills can contribute to the growing demand for trained professionals in Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors. The sanctioned amount will cover course materials and training kits, boarding and lodging, transportation and field visits, honorarium, and other expenses for the three-month residential training programme for 20 trainees and resource persons.”

Dr Sangeeta, Department of Biosciences, Chandigarh University, shared that initiative is also expected to strengthen collaboration between academia, government agencies, conservation organisations, tourism stakeholders and local communities. Its field-oriented design can provide participants with direct understanding of protected areas, wetlands, biodiversity parks, rural tourism sites and community-based tourism models while also introducing them to the operational and entrepreneurial dimensions of the sector. For Chandigarh University, the grant adds another dimension to its engagement with green skills by connecting scientific training, tourism education and livelihood development. With nature-based tourism increasingly requiring trained personnel who understand both ecological systems and visitor needs, the programme is positioned to develop professionals capable of contributing to conservation as well as responsible tourism.

The programme comes at a time when ecotourism and nature-based tourism are increasingly recognised for combining responsible travel with biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, environmental awareness and sustainable livelihood generation. Unlike conventional tourism, ecotourism places greater emphasis on environmental protection, community participation, cultural preservation and nature-based enterprises. Punjab’s diverse natural assets, including the Shivalik foothills, wetlands, riverine habitats, forests, biodiversity parks and wildlife sanctuaries, offer significant scope for developing such responsible tourism models and generating conservation-linked livelihood opportunities.

With expertise coming together from Chandigarh University’s Departments of Biosciences and Tourism & Hospitality Management, the interdisciplinary training will combine ecological knowledge with nature interpretation, biodiversity documentation, sustainable tourism practices, hospitality, destination management and enterprise development, preparing participants for responsible tourism and conservation-related livelihoods. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of GSDP to develop green-skilled human resources equipped for sustainable development, with programmes across the country covering nature conservation, ecotourism and livelihood-oriented training. Through the sanctioned programme, Chandigarh University will train 20 participants in a specialized green skill, combining field-based learning, practical training and employability-focused outcomes to support the development of skilled manpower for Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

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Odisha to Stay Hot and Humid Till October 7 as Monsoon Retreats

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): Odisha is likely to continue experiencing hot and humid weather until October 7, with elevated temperatures and high moisture levels making conditions uncomfortable across the state.

 Representational Image 

The heat is expected to be noticeable from the morning, while warm and humid conditions may persist through the night, adding to discomfort for residents.

Clearer Skies, Rising Day Temperatures

The gradual withdrawal of the southwest monsoon is bringing clearer skies to several parts of Odisha. Reduced cloud cover is allowing stronger sunlight to reach the surface, contributing to a rise in daytime temperatures.

At the same time, moisture remaining in the atmosphere following the recent rainy spell is contributing to higher humidity. As surface moisture evaporates under strong sunshine, the combination of heat and humidity can make temperatures feel considerably more oppressive.

October Brings Cyclone Watch

October marks the beginning of the period when Odisha’s coast typically remains vulnerable to weather systems developing over the Bay of Bengal. Low-pressure areas and depressions can form during October and November and may subsequently influence weather conditions along the coast and adjoining regions.

Before the development of such systems, wind speeds over land may occasionally weaken. Lower wind movement, combined with high temperatures and humidity, can further intensify the feeling of heat.

For now, residents may have to wait a few more days for noticeable relief, with hot and humid conditions likely to continue across Odisha through October 7.

BJD Reshuffles Media Team, Names 10 National Spokespersons

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has undertaken a major restructuring of its communication apparatus, appointing 10 national spokespersons and revamping its Media, Social Media and IT cells.

 Representational Image 

The organisational changes were announced through a fresh party order issued on Friday, superseding earlier arrangements.

10 Leaders Named National Spokespersons

The newly appointed national spokespersons are Dr Santrupt Misra, Dr Sasmit Patra, Manas Mangaraj, Sulata Deo, Subhashish Khuntia, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Chiranjib Biswal, Pradip Majhi, Lekhasri Samantasinghar and Bhrugu Buxipatra.

New Media Cell Structure

The reconstituted Media Cell has been divided into electronic and print media wings, along with dedicated responsibilities for social media and IT.

For electronic media, Dr Arun Kumar Sahoo has been appointed Chief Coordinator, while Debesh Acharya and Lenin Mohanty will serve as Senior Coordinator and Coordinator respectively.

In the print media wing, Sanjay Kumar Das Burma has been named Chief Coordinator, with Goutam Buddha Das as Senior Coordinator and Priyabrata Majhi as Coordinator.

The Social Media and IT Cell will be headed by Pratap Jena as Chief Coordinator. Pranab Kumar Balabantaray has been appointed Senior Coordinator, while Swayam Prakash Mahapatra will oversee social media coordination and Amresh Patri will handle IT coordination.

30 State Spokespersons Announced

The party has also constituted a 30-member state spokesperson panel featuring senior BJD leaders, including Ranendra Pratap Swain, Prasanna Acharya, Debi Prasad Mishra, Pramila Mallick, Pratap Keshari Deb, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Niranjan Pujari, Pranab Prakash Das, Dibya Shankar Mishra, Tukuni Sahu, Snehangini Chhuria, Sulochana Das, Subash Singh, Ranjita Sahoo, Chinmaya Sahu and Ipsita Sahoo, among others.

The latest appointments mark a restructuring of the party’s communication framework across national, state, traditional media and digital platforms.

CM Majhi Announces Rs 11 Lakh Reward for Each Indian Women’s Hockey Player After Asian Games Gold

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh each for members of the Indian women’s hockey team following their gold medal triumph at the 2026 Asian Games.

 Representational Image

The Chief Minister also announced Rs 5.5 lakh each for the team’s support staff, recognising their contribution to India’s historic title-winning campaign.

Majhi Hails Team’s Determination

The Chief Minister’s Office, in a post on X, congratulated the players for their impressive performance, determination and commitment, saying their achievement had brought immense pride to the country.

The CMO also reiterated the Odisha government’s commitment to promoting hockey and supporting athletes in their pursuit of sporting excellence.

“Odisha Government stands firmly with Indian hockey and remains committed to supporting and nurturing sporting excellence,” the CMO said.

India Ends Four-Decade Wait for Gold

India secured the women’s hockey gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after defeating defending champions China 1-0 in a closely contested final on Friday.

The victory ended India’s wait of more than four decades for the Asian Games women’s hockey gold and also earned the team direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The triumph adds another significant chapter to Indian women’s hockey and highlights the growing success of the country’s athletes on the international stage.

Tunnel Breakthrough Marks Major Milestone in Kottavalasa-Koraput Doubling Project

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): The Kottavalasa-Koraput Doubling Project has reached a key construction milestone with the successful breakthrough of Tunnel No. 41-41A between Borra Guhalu and Karakavalasa stations under the Rayagada Division of East Coast Railway.

The breakthrough was achieved on October 1 with 100 per cent alignment accuracy, marking another significant step towards strengthening railway connectivity along the challenging Kottavalasa-Koraput route.

829-Metre Tunnel Over Curved Alignment

Tunnel No. 41-41A stretches 829 metres and has been constructed in a horseshoe-shaped configuration. The tunnel alignment passes through a section featuring a curve of up to 8 degrees, adding to the engineering challenges involved in its construction.

The breakthrough was completed in the Borra Guhalu-Karakavalasa block section, reflecting the precision required for executing railway infrastructure projects in the region’s difficult terrain.

Boost to Rail Capacity

The successful completion of the tunnel breakthrough is expected to facilitate further progress on the Kottavalasa-Koraput doubling works.

Once the doubling project is completed, the additional railway line is expected to increase route capacity, improve operational efficiency and enable smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains.

The latest achievement underscores the steady progress being made on the project and represents another step towards upgrading rail infrastructure along the strategically important Kottavalasa-Koraput corridor.