In an impassioned plea for British democracy, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned of extremist forces aiming to undermine the nation's multi-faith identity. Referencing his Hindu beliefs, he emphasized the importance of embracing migrants of all faiths and ethnicities, urging peaceful protests against divisive agendas. Sunak condemned recent violent incidents, stating, "No country is perfect, but I am enormously proud of the good that our country has done." He called for unity against extremism, affirming, "The time has now come for us all to stand together to combat the forces of division and beat this poison."

Mourners gathered outside a Moscow church for Alexey Navalny's funeral, mourning the prominent Russian opposition figure who died in prison two weeks ago. Despite a strong police presence and barriers, crowds chanted anti-Putin slogans. Navalny's family alleges foul play by the Russian leader. The U.S. Embassy called Navalny a symbol for a better Russia, blaming the Kremlin for silencing critics. The funeral underscores the ongoing struggle for political freedom in Russia.

Researchers in Ecuador's rainforest discovered a new species, the "northern green anaconda," the world's largest snake, split from its relatives 10 million years ago. Thought to be Eunectes murinus, it's now identified as Eunectes akiyama. Dutch biologist Freek Vonk swam with a 20-foot, 441-pound specimen. The finding aids environmental research, linking anacondas to oil spill damage in the Yasuni region. Australian biologist Bryan G. Fry, studying anacondas for two decades, highlighted the 10-million-year split and pollution impact on snakes and arapaima fish, cautioning against their consumption, particularly for pregnant women due to oil spill metal accumulation.

Sikh musician Raj Singh alias Goldy, part of a US kirtan group, was fatally shot outside an Alabama gurdwara on February 23. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, India, Goldy had been in the US for 1.5 years. The sole breadwinner for his family, he leaves behind a mother, two sisters, and a younger brother. After performing kirtan, Goldy was shot by unidentified assailants. His family requests government assistance to repatriate his body for cremation. The tragic incident occurred as he stood outside the gurdwara. Goldy's father had passed away five years earlier.

The Smokehouse Creek fire, now Texas's largest at 1,700 sq miles, is 3% contained, merging with another blaze. Snow briefly aids firefighters in the scorched Texas Panhandle, slowing the fire's growth. Stinnett, a town of 1,600, faces devastation with melted signs and charred vehicles; one home displays an American flag amid ruins. Resident Dylan Phillips describes the brutal scene. The fire, crossing into Oklahoma, threatens rural areas. Firefighters work to prevent reignition as temperatures and winds are expected to rise. The situation remains critical despite the temporary relief provided by the snowfall.

The UK Home Office has eliminated the requirement to renew sponsor licenses every four years for expats and employers. Effective from April 6, sponsor licenses will automatically extend by ten years, simplifying processes for employers and avoiding fees. Valid licenses within this period are automatically covered, requiring no action. The Home Office will refund application fees for ongoing renewals, and sponsors are urged to check their license status online. As part of broader immigration changes, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government plans to increase costs for hiring overseas personnel, including a recent salary requirement hike announced in December.

A devastating fire swept through a six-story building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killing at least 43 people and injuring dozens. The blaze, believed to have started in a restaurant, rapidly spread, leaving 22 critically burned individuals in hospitals. Firefighters from 13 units brought the situation under control after two intense hours. The cause remains uncertain, but authorities suggest a possible gas leak or stove-related origin. Survivors, like Mohammad Altaf, shared harrowing escapes, with two coworkers losing their lives. Rescue efforts involved a crane to retrieve people from the charred structure. Bangladesh mourns the tragic incident as investigations continue.

France is on the verge of amending its constitution to explicitly guarantee the right to abortion. The parliamentary congress, scheduled at the Palace of Versailles, is expected to finalize the bill after overcoming hurdles in the Senate. If approved, France will be the only country worldwide with constitutional protection for the right to terminate pregnancies. President Macron's commitment to this constitutional change stems from the 2022 US Supreme Court decision that allowed states to restrict abortion. The move reflects France's resolve to solidify and defend reproductive rights in response to evolving global legal dynamics.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, known for the US free trade deal, has passed away at 84. His legacy includes a historic 1984 election win but was overshadowed by revelations of improper dealings with an arms dealer. Mulroney died peacefully after health challenges, including a heart procedure in August and prostate cancer treatment in 2023. His daughter, Caroline Mulroney, announced his death on social media. The corporate lawyer turned businessman played a significant role in Canadian politics, leading the center-right Progressive Conservatives.

Israeli forces in Gaza opened fire on Palestinians at an aid distribution, leaving 104 dead and over 700 wounded. Troops, citing a perceived threat, shot at the crowd during a rush for aid trucks in Gaza City. The Palestinian health ministry condemned the incident as a "massacre." Witnesses described chaos as people surged towards trucks; soldiers fired as they approached tanks. Israel initially claimed Gazans surrounded and looted aid trucks, reviewing the incident. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with the UN warning of famine. The tragic event prompted a tense exchange at the Human Rights Council.