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.

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning against Western military involvement in Ukraine, cautioning of dire consequences, including the risk of a global nuclear conflict. In a state-of-the-nation address, Putin emphasized Russia's readiness to protect its interests in Ukraine and highlighted the potency of its nuclear arsenal. He denounced Western leaders as reckless and accused them of seeking Russia's destruction. The warning underscores escalating tensions as Putin seeks reelection amid international scrutiny over Russia's actions in Ukraine and concerns about the fate of prominent opposition figures like Alexei Navalny.

Shooting in Orlando, Florida, has left at least one dead and several injured. The incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. on Iron Wedge Drive and South Lake Orlando, with multiple victims found by police upon arrival. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the victims and their conditions. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

In the past 24 hours, Taiwan detected 19 Chinese military aircraft and 7 naval vessels near its territory. Twelve of the aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line. Taiwan responded by deploying its own aircraft, naval ships, and missile systems. Grey zone tactics have intensified, with China increasing its military presence around Taiwan since September 2020. US Admiral Paparo warned of China's capability to use military exercises to conceal an invasion of Taiwan. He highlighted China's ambitions and the PLA's advancements in force levels and joint capabilities, posing a challenge to US readiness to defend Taiwan.

The White House is prioritizing improvements to the H-1B visa process and green card backlog for legal immigrants. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre assures steps are being taken to address concerns, citing a recent DHS rule change for H-1B visas. USCIS has launched myUSCIS organizational accounts to streamline H-1B registrations and petitions. This move aims to enhance efficiency and reduce fraud. The administration is committed to improving the immigration system within its authority. Organizational accounts are required for the H-1B Electronic Registration Process starting in March 2024, with efforts underway to address any technical issues.

A Pakistan International Airlines cabin crew member, Maryam Raza, went missing after landing in Canada on flight PK-782 from Islamabad. She failed to report for her return flight to Karachi, leaving a note saying "Thank you, PIA" in her hotel room. This is the second such incident this year, with at least seven crew members going missing in Canada last year. The trend is attributed to Canada's flexible asylum laws. PIA is coordinating with Canadian authorities to prevent future incidents.

France's Senate has approved a bill to add a woman's right to abortion to the country's constitution. This follows a similar move by the National Assembly in January. President Emmanuel Macron supports the measure, aiming to make abortion rights irreversible amid concerns over changes in the United States. The amendment specifies that the law determines conditions for abortion. The government argues that abortion rights are under threat globally. With both houses of parliament supporting the bill, final approval is expected in a joint session next week.

An Illinois judge has barred Donald Trump from appearing on the state's Republican primary ballot, citing his involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. The ruling was based on the 14th Amendment's anti-insurrection clause, which disqualifies individuals who engage in or support insurrection. However, the decision is temporarily stayed pending Trump's appeal. Similar challenges in Colorado and Maine have also disqualified Trump under this clause. His campaign intends to appeal the ruling, and the Supreme Court is currently reviewing a challenge to his disqualification in Colorado. These legal battles underscore the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump's eligibility for public office in the aftermath of the Capitol riot.