The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a final rule for the FY 2025 H-1B cap, focusing on beneficiary-centric selection to ensure fairness. The rule, effective from October 2024, mandates registrants to provide valid passport information, reducing fraud risks. USCIS clarified requirements for employment start dates and gained the authority to deny or revoke petitions with false information. The FY 2025 H-1B cap registration opens on March 6, 2024, with USCIS launching organisational accounts on February 28, 2024. The reforms aim to enhance transparency, efficiency, and resistance to fraud in the H-1B program.

Farmers in Belgium, France, and Italy disrupted traffic, rallying for better prices and less bureaucracy. Ahead of a crucial EU summit, their protests prompted the EU to propose shielding farmers from cheap Ukrainian exports and allowing the use of fallow land. While awaiting member state approval, the move is seen as a symbolic concession. The demonstrations, causing disruptions across the EU, highlight farmers' challenges. Belgian Prime Minister addresses the issue during the summit, acknowledging their concerns amid the broader agenda. Spanish farmers plan protests, joining the call for changes in what they perceive as restrictive EU policies.

Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi sentenced to 14 years for illegally benefiting from state gifts, a week before elections. This comes after Khan's 10-year term for leaking classified documents. The couple must pay a £4.2m fine. Khan, alleging political motives, is barred from political activity for 10 years. His party plans to appeal. Supporters argue trials were rushed. Wife Bushra Bibi surrenders, both deny selling state gifts. Critics question the election's credibility as Khan's party faces restrictions. Many view Nawaz Sharif as the military's favored candidate. Khan urges peaceful voting as supporters face challenges.

Iran-backed militia, Kataib Hezbollah, suspends attacks against the US after a drone strike in Jordan. The group takes this step "to prevent embarrassment of the Iraqi government." The US responds, emphasizing that "actions speak louder than words." President Biden decides on a response while Iran warns of retaliation against any attack on its "interests." The militia denies involvement in the attack, where three US soldiers were killed. Talks of potential armed response and security measures at the targeted base, Tower 22, are underway. The situation adds complexity to US-Iran tensions with implications for broader regional dynamics.

Israeli forces, disguised as civilian women and medics, conducted a deadly raid on a hospital in the West Bank town of Jenin. The incursion into Ibn Sina Hospital resulted in the killing of three Palestinian militants. The raid, condemned by the Palestinian Health Ministry, raised tensions amidst ongoing conflict in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel's stance, rejecting Hamas' ceasefire terms and vowing to pursue "absolute victory." Negotiations for a potential deal continue, with discussions involving phased hostage releases and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. The incident underscores the escalating violence beyond Gaza and the humanitarian crisis facing civilians caught in the conflict.

The Home Office declares upcoming wage threshold changes for foreign worker visas, aiming to enforce stricter immigration controls. Care worker family restrictions begin on March 11, and skilled worker visas see a minimum salary increase from £26,200 to £38,700 starting April 4. Family visa income thresholds rise, reaching £29,000 on April 11. Home Secretary James Cleverly defends the measures, emphasizing a need to reduce migration. The reforms sparked concerns about professionals being affected, prompting assurance that existing applications will follow old rules. The changes align with the government's commitment to manage immigration levels and protect British workers.

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron revealed the UK's contemplation of recognizing a Palestinian state at the United Nations, aiming to advance a two-state solution amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Cameron emphasized the need to outline the framework of a Palestinian state and suggested recognition as a step towards irreversible progress. The proposal is part of Cameron's five-point plan to address the ongoing conflict, which includes international support for Gaza, forming a new Palestinian government, and addressing Hamas' attacks on Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes full Palestinian statehood. The UK government has previously stated conditional support for recognition.

Tony Romeo, a former US Air Force pilot, believes he may have located Amelia Earhart's plane at the bottom of the Pacific. Sharing sonar images on Instagram, he expressed excitement about the potential discovery. The American aviator disappeared in 1937 while attempting a global flight. If verified, this find could solve the long-standing mystery. Previous attempts, including a 2018 analysis of bones and a separate expedition, brought varied speculations. Romeo's quest, funded by selling his business, adds a new dimension to the ongoing search for clues about Earhart's fate.

The Israel-Hamas conflict escalates in Gaza as heavy Israeli strikes and urban combat claim 128 lives overnight, per Gaza's health ministry. The besieged city of Khan Yunis witnesses fierce fighting, with Israeli troops reportedly eliminating terrorists and seizing weapons. In the West Bank, Israeli undercover troops raid a hospital, resulting in three deaths. Hamas receives a truce proposal amid international mediation efforts, while the UN Secretary-General seeks support for Gaza's dire humanitarian situation. Despite hopes for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejects the release of Palestinian prisoners. Fears of broader regional conflict persist amidst ongoing violence.

In a tragic turn of events, a bomb blast rocked the Balochistan region of Pakistan, claiming the lives of four individuals, including three members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The explosion occurred during a rally organized by PTI shortly after former Prime Minister Imran Khan was sentenced to 10 years in jail. While PTI's Provincial General Secretary confirmed the casualties, medical authorities reported five injuries, with several in critical condition. The incident, caught on camera, highlights the vulnerability faced by political gatherings amidst heightened tensions ahead of the upcoming general elections on February 8. The Election Commission of Pakistan has initiated an inquiry into the matter.