World News Update, what you need to know

French lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved a new law granting the state sweeping powers to spy on its citizens despite criticism from rights groups that the bill is vague and intrusive.

ELSEWHERE:

CATANIA - Footage has emerged of a Mediterranean Sea rescue showing migrants on a sinking rubber boat desperately clambering up ropes and a ladder onto a cargo ship that came to their aid.

LONDON - The Queen has met her great grandchild Princess Charlotte at Kensington Palace.

WASHINGTON - The United States has authorised commercial ferry services to Cuba for the first time in more than half a century, another major step in improving relations between the two countries.

LONDON - Britain's political leaders have begun a final push for votes ahead of this week's knife-edge general election while preparing for the likelihood of drawn-out negotiations once polls close.

RIYADH - Mortar shells fired by Iran-backed rebels in Yemen have struck the Saudi border town of Najran, prompting a Saudi-led military coalition to warn it will hit back.

WASHINGTON - Fox News personality Mike Huckabee has thrown his hat in the ring for the US presidency, joining a swelling crowd of contenders for the Republican nomination.