World
Putin slams Israeli strikes on Iran; Critics say ‘Practice what you preach’

Russia President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Israel immediately stop all air and missile strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
In a statement released on late Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry warned that Israel’s actions could trigger a catastrophic regional escalation.
Moscow called the Israeli strikes “reckless, provocative, and in violation of international norms.”
Russian diplomats said the ongoing assault against Iran’s nuclear sites risks undermining nuclear non-proliferation and global stability.
Russia has consistently supported Iran’s civilian nuclear rights, while deepening military and economic ties with Tehran.
The Kremlin’s warning came just hours after new Israeli strikes hit military and nuclear-linked sites in Isfahan and Tehran.
Russia’s tone was unusually sharp, with officials urging “immediate restraint to avoid uncontrollable consequences.”
However, global analysts quickly pointed out a glaring contradiction in Russia’s position.
Several Western diplomats and media outlets accused Moscow of blatant hypocrisy.
They described the Russian demand as “a textbook case of the pot calling the kettle black.”
The phrase refers to someone criticizing another for actions they themselves are guilty of.
In this case, Russia is warning Israel about aggression—despite its own full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Russia has carried out thousands of airstrikes on Ukrainian cities, power grids, and civilian targets over the last three years.
Critics say it’s ironic for Moscow to call for peace and restraint while waging its own brutal war in Europe.
A former NATO commander said, “Putin condemning Israeli airstrikes is like an arsonist lecturing others about fire safety.”
Still, Russia’s warning underscores the high geopolitical stakes of the current Israel-Iran conflict.
Moscow maintains strong ties with both Iran and Syria and has deployed military assets in the region.
Israeli officials have not yet responded to Russia’s latest demand, but say strikes are vital to preventing nuclear threats.
Iran has accused Israel of trying to cripple its sovereignty and provoke wider war through attacks on strategic infrastructure.
Meanwhile, explosions continue across Israeli cities as Iran launches more waves of missiles and drones.
The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire, though both sides remain locked in a deadly tit-for-tat.
The conflict, now entering its sixth day, is threatening to spiral beyond Israel and Iran — pulling in major world powers.
News
Trump Orders Review of 55 Million US Visa Holders in Mega Crackdown

The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”
Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.
If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.
Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.
Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.
Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.
Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.
The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.
“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.
Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.
“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.
The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.
News
‘Gate of Hell’ Will Open on Gaza’– Israeli Defence Issues Finally Warning to Hamas

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.
He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.
He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.
His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.
The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.
The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.
Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.
The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.
Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.
International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.
The United Nations considers these figures credible.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.
With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.
The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.
Africa
Canada Announces Permanent Residence Lottery Results for Foreign Workers

Canada has carried out a new Express Entry lottery, inviting thousands of skilled workers to apply for permanent residency.
Financial Express report that the Announcement which came on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, marks one of the most significant rounds this year.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,200 candidates in the latest Express Entry draw.
The invitations were sent under the no-program-specified category, which means candidates from all economic immigration programs were considered.
To qualify, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 507 points.
This cut-off is higher than several recent rounds, showing rising competition in Canada’s immigration pool.
Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws
The August 20 general draw came just a week after Canada held two smaller, targeted draws.
On August 14, 2025, IRCC issued 1,500 invitations in a Healthcare category-based draw, with a minimum CRS of 430.
On August 13, 2025, another STEM occupation draw invited 1,000 candidates, with a CRS cut-off of 481.
This means Canada has invited more than 6,700 candidates in August alone, highlighting its steady demand for skilled workers.
Why Express Entry Remains Key
The Express Entry system is Canada’s main pathway for skilled migration. It manages applications for three major programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Through this system, candidates are ranked by CRS points based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Higher scores improve the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Impact of the Rising CRS
The 507-point cut-off has sparked concern among applicants.
Many worry that higher thresholds make it harder to qualify unless they boost their profiles with stronger English or French test results, higher education, or Canadian job offers.
Immigration experts note that Canada is prioritizing candidates who are more likely to integrate quickly into the economy.
With rising competition, applicants may need to explore provincial nomination programs (PNPs), which can add up to 600 extra CRS points.
Canada’s Immigration Targets
Despite higher CRS cut-offs, Canada’s immigration outlook remains ambitious.
The government has pledged to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
Skilled workers make up a large share of this intake.
With labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction, Canada continues to use Express Entry to attract foreign talent.
What Applicants Should Do
Experts recommend that prospective migrants keep their profiles updated and monitor both general and category-based draws.
Targeted draws for healthcare, STEM, and trades occupations often have lower CRS cut-offs, giving candidates more opportunities.
For those struggling to meet the high CRS threshold, exploring study routes in Canada, provincial nominations, or job offers may increase chances.
The August 20 Express Entry draw shows Canada’s ongoing commitment to skilled immigration.
With over 4,200 invitations issued and CRS cut-offs climbing, the competition is intense.
However, the system continues to provide multiple entry points for determined applicants worldwide.
Africa
Japan Designates City as Hometown for Nigerians

The Japanese government has officially designated the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians, marking a major step in strengthening cultural diplomacy and workforce collaboration between both nations.
The announcement was made during the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) and confirmed by the Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
According to the agreement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative young Nigerians who are willing to relocate to Kisarazu to live and work.
This initiative also extends to artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill and contribute to Japan’s economy.
At the same event, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) designated three other cities as hometowns for African nations:
Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania,
Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.
These hometown designations aim to foster manpower development, cultural exchanges, and economic partnerships that will benefit both Japan and the participating African countries.
Nigeria-Japan Partnership
Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, received the certificate on behalf of Nigeria alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu.
The ceremony highlighted the city’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria, as Kisarazu was the official host town for the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes trained and acclimatised before moving to the Olympic village.
Local Japanese authorities hope that designating Kisarazu as Nigerians’ hometown will boost the city’s population, enhance regional revitalisation, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Japan’s Vision for Africa
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his address at TICAD9, announced $5.5 billion in new investments across Africa.
He stressed the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative development, focusing on three key areas:
Private sector-led sustainable growth,
Youth and women empowerment.
Prime Minister Ishiba also acknowledged Japan’s challenges with an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, calling on African nations to support Japan while benefiting from expanded cultural and economic opportunities.
What This Means for Nigerians
For Nigerians, the recognition of Kisarazu as their official hometown in Japan provides more than symbolic value.
It creates new employment opportunities, encourages skills transfer, and opens a pathway for closer cultural integration between both nations.
This strategic move underscores Japan’s commitment to forging deeper ties with Africa, while offering Nigerians a platform to thrive abroad
News
Elon Musk’s SpaceX Launches Secretive US Military Spacecraft

SpaceX has once again captured global attention after successfully launching the US military’s mysterious X-37B space drone into orbit.
The Falcon 9 rocket roared into the night sky on Thursday, leaving behind bright trails of fire and smoke as it lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at exactly 11:50 pm (0350 GMT Friday).
The launch, streamed live on SpaceX’s platform, drew excitement from space enthusiasts across the world.
As the Falcon 9 ascended, the Crew Dragon Resilience capsule gleamed against the Florida night, setting the stage for what many believe could be one of the most significant missions in recent years.
The US Space Force confirmed that the X-37B will handle a wide range of test and experimentation assignments.
According to the service, the spacecraft will carry cutting-edge technologies designed to strengthen America’s space dominance.
Among its tasks, the X-37B will test next-generation laser communications and operate what the military calls the most advanced quantum inertial sensor ever deployed in orbit.
Officials explained that the spacecraft’s latest assignment, tagged “Mission 8,” will focus heavily on improving the resilience and efficiency of US space-based communications.
They also noted that the mission will explore ways to enhance security and reliability across military satellite systems.
The X-37B, often described as the Pentagon’s most secretive space project, resembles a smaller version of NASA’s retired space shuttles.
Roughly the size of a small bus, the unmanned vehicle measures about 30 feet in length, carries a 15-foot wingspan, and uses solar panels for power. Its compact design allows it to remain in orbit for extended periods, carrying out experiments shielded from public view.
Since entering service in 2010, the spacecraft has completed several long-duration missions.
Some of its earlier flights included scientific experiments for NASA, giving researchers insight into how space conditions affect advanced materials and biological samples.
Each mission has added to its reputation as a highly versatile orbital test vehicle.
Boeing originally built the drone for the US Air Force under the United Launch Alliance.
However, with the creation of the US Space Force, the program shifted under the new branch’s control, reflecting Washington’s increasing focus on space as a contested domain.
The secrecy around the X-37B continues to fuel speculation.
While the US military stresses the spacecraft’s role in research, many observers believe it also plays a critical part in testing technologies that could define the future of space warfare.
Regardless, its repeated launches underline America’s push to maintain an edge in the rapidly evolving space race.
This latest mission comes at a time when global powers are intensifying efforts to secure their presence in orbit.
Nations like China and Russia have accelerated their military space programs, heightening competition in what is quickly becoming the newest battlefield.
As the X-37B begins its eighth mission, questions remain about how long it will stay in orbit and what undisclosed objectives it might pursue.
What is certain, however, is that SpaceX has once again proved its capability to deliver some of the world’s most advanced payloads into space.
With Elon Musk’s company at the forefront, the partnership between private innovation and military ambition continues to reshape the future of space exploration and defense.
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