On September 19, 2022, Great Britain and the world paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in a grand state funeral. The ceremony, held at Westminster Abbey, was attended by global leaders including presidents, kings, and prime ministers, who gathered to honor the longest-reigning British monarch. The streets of London were lined with mourners as the royal procession made its way through the city. The state funeral marked the end of an era for the British monarchy, reflecting on Queen Elizabeth's decades of service and her impact on global history.

Sri Lankans will vote in a pivotal election on September 21, 2024, marking two years since mass protests ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The unrest, driven by a severe economic crisis, led to widespread public demonstrations, forcing Rajapaksa to flee and resign. Current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, appointed in the wake of the crisis, faces a tough re-election bid. Candidates include Anura Kumara Dissanayake, representing the leftist National People’s Party, and Namal Rajapaksa, who seeks to restore the Rajapaksa family’s influence. Voters hope for substantial changes to address ongoing economic challenges.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the UK Labour government for sending “mixed messages” on Israel’s right to self-defense. Netanyahu criticized Labour for suspending about 30 arms export licenses to Israel, which he claims undermines the country’s defense capabilities against Hamas. The suspension follows concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law. The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized this is not an arms embargo. Netanyahu also dismissed the ICC’s arrest warrant threat as “preposterous.” These comments come amid escalating violence in Lebanon and ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

A second wave of explosions involving wireless communication devices in Lebanon has killed at least 20 people and injured over 450. The blasts occurred in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon. The devices, reportedly walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, detonated during funerals and other locations. The attacks follow earlier explosions from pagers and are linked to rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The UN has warned of potential escalation, while Israel has redeployed military forces and vowed to return displaced citizens securely.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated there is a "high chance" the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance will win Jammu and Kashmir's Assembly elections and restore Article 370. Asif's comments, made during the ongoing elections, suggest alignment between the Pakistani government and the Congress-NC coalition on the issue. The NC has pledged to reinstate Article 370, while Congress has not explicitly addressed it in their manifesto. BJP has criticized Congress for allegedly aligning with interests opposed to India's, citing support from Pakistan as evidence. The restoration of Article 370 remains a contentious issue in Jammu and Kashmir.

US authorities reported that Iranian cyberattackers sent stolen, non-public material from Donald Trump's campaign to Joe Biden’s team. The stolen material was included in unsolicited emails sent to Biden’s campaign staff, who did not respond. The Iranian hackers also attempted to share the stolen data with US media outlets. Iran has denied the allegations, with its UN mission challenging the US to provide evidence. This development highlights ongoing concerns about foreign interference in the 2024 US presidential election, with Iran, Russia, and China being identified as key threats.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a new phase in the war following explosions in Lebanon that killed 20 people and injured over 450. This escalation came after at least 12 were killed a day earlier when pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded. Israel is ramping up its military response, with Defence officials stating they have not yet fully activated their capabilities. Hezbollah accused Israel of breaching its communications, but Mossad’s alleged involvement remains unconfirmed. The violence has intensified tensions, raising concerns about a broader conflict.

In Lebanon, at least 20 people have been killed and over 450 injured following a second wave of explosions involving hand-held radios. The blasts occurred during funerals for victims of an earlier attack using pagers. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the cross-border attack into Israel, though the US has denied involvement and cautioned against escalation. The violence has led to widespread panic and fear in Beirut, with numerous casualties and heightened security concerns. Hezbollah operatives were seen removing the devices from the scene, as angry and distressed residents faced further turmoil.

A study in the UK trialed reducing pint sizes to two-thirds in 13 pubs, bars, and restaurants to promote public health. Led by Professor Dame Theresa Marteau from the University of Cambridge, the trial showed a 10% decrease in beer sales, suggesting reduced consumption could lessen alcohol-related harm. Although some resistance from venue owners was expected due to income loss, Marteau emphasized that smaller portions lead to lower consumption. The study highlighted the potential benefits of reducing alcohol intake and called for policy changes to support such initiatives.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) stated that Saudi Arabia will not recognize Israel without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Speaking at an annual address to the Shura Council, MBS condemned Israeli actions against Palestinians and emphasized the kingdom’s commitment to the Palestinian cause. This comes after the Saudi-US-backed normalization talks with Israel were halted following the October 2023 war between Israel and Hamas. MBS had previously indicated that Saudi Arabia was close to normalizing ties with Israel, but the conflict shifted the kingdom’s diplomatic priorities.