Morning Update: The competitive world of university admissions

Good morning. University admissions are more competitive than ever thanks to an avalanche of applications, a relatively small number of seats, and rising grade inflation. More on that below, plus Canada’s top court prepares for Quebec’s Bill 21 hearing, and Mexico’s trade struggles. But first:

• Canada is weighing whether to follow the U.K. on recognizing Palestinian statehood if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire
• A powerful 8.8 earthquake shakes Russia’s Far East, triggering a tsunami advisory in B.C.
• Developers press for easing of foreign ownership rules to avoid a crash in the construction industry
• Elections Canada says a write-in ballot for an Alberta by-election ensures accessibility and integrity of the vote