Hannah Jacobs, a 13-year-old severely allergic to dairy, tragically died after drinking a hot chocolate from Costa Coffee that contained cow’s milk. The East London Coroner's Court ruled the death was due to a failure in allergy communication between the Costa staff and Hannah’s mother. Despite ordering soya milk, the drink was contaminated. Hannah experienced an immediate reaction and, despite efforts, her life couldn’t be saved. The coroner highlighted the need for improved allergy processes. Costa Coffee expressed deep sympathy and is reviewing the coroner's comments.

Jammu and Kashmir will hold its first Assembly elections since the revocation of Article 370, beginning September 18, 2024. The elections will occur in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results announced on October 4. This marks the region's first assembly elections in over a decade and its first since the end of its special status. Voter turnout in previous Lok Sabha elections indicates a strong desire for democratic participation. The Assembly will have 114 seats, including new representation for Kashmiri migrants and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir refugees.

At the 70th National Film Awards, Rishab Shetty's Kantara and Yash's KGF Chapter 2 led the winners. Kantara secured Best Picture, with Shetty taking Best Actor, while KGF Chapter 2 won Best Kannada Film. Gulmohar was named Best Hindi Film. Nithya Menon and Maansi Paarekh shared Best Actress honors, and Sooraj R Barjatya was awarded Best Director for Uunchai. In music, Pritam was recognized as Best Music Director for Brahmastra, and AR Rahman won Best Background Music for Ponniyin Selvan 2. The ceremony highlighted excellence across diverse Indian cinema.

Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the "Ketamine Queen," faces nine charges, including drug distribution resulting in death, related to Friends star Matthew Perry's overdose. Allegedly, Sangha supplied ketamine to Perry through a network exploiting his addiction. The indictment claims she operated from her "stash house," distributing ketamine and other drugs. Sangha, who pleaded not guilty, was denied bail and remains in custody until her October trial. Prosecutors allege she also played a role in another overdose death in 2019. "These defendants prioritized profit over Perry’s well-being," said US Attorney Martin Estrada.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose condemned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s response to the Kolkata rape-murder case, likening her behavior to “Jekyll and Hyde.” Banerjee’s call to hang the accused before trial was labeled a “big joke” by Bose, who also criticized the police’s handling of the case, describing it as a “definite failure.” The Governor expressed his dissatisfaction with the state’s law and order situation and vowed to report the situation to the Government of India if necessary.

A US court has ruled that Google is a monopolist, violating competition law with its dominant position in "general search services." The District of Columbia court suggested that Google implement "search neutrality," making its results more transparent. "This decision is a crucial step towards restoring competition in digital markets," stated a legal expert. The US Department of Justice may push for interoperability between Google and smaller rivals. The court's decision comes amid growing scrutiny of major tech giants like Apple and Amazon, which also face similar legal challenges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, on Friday, where Yunus assured the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. “He assured protection, safety, and security of Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh,” PM Modi stated. The conversation follows growing concerns about violence against minorities since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to a democratic, stable, and peaceful Bangladesh, reiterating that “the welfare of Hindus and minorities is crucial.” Yunus pledged to ensure the protection and equal rights of all citizens in the country.

The Election Commission has announced assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. Jammu and Kashmir will vote in three phases starting September eighteenth, marking the first election since the revocation of its special status. Haryana will hold its elections in a single phase on October first. Results for both states will be declared on October fourth. The elections are significant, with a five-way battle expected in Haryana and high stakes in Jammu and Kashmir, where the BJP, Congress, and regional parties are all vying for influence in the newly restructured territory.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, aged 37, has been confirmed as Thailand’s youngest prime minister and the second woman to hold the position, following her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra. Daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn's rise symbolizes the enduring influence of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics. She was elected after a court removed former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, continuing the turbulent political climate. Despite her inexperience, Paetongtarn is expected to rely on her father's guidance as she navigates the challenges ahead, including economic recovery and political stability in a deeply divided nation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a rally in Kolkata, demanding justice for the murdered trainee doctor and death penalty for the accused. The Calcutta High Court rebuked the government over vandalism at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where the doctor's body was found. In parallel, the CBI, now investigating the case, summoned former hospital principal Sudip Ghosh for questioning. Ghosh had resigned amid protests and was ordered to go on leave by the High Court. The case has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for swift action.