US imposes new sanctions on Cuban president and Castro family members
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The United States has announced new economic sanctions targeting Cuba's president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, his wife, and stepson. The sanctions also extend to members of the Castro family, including the son and a grandson of former president Raul Castro, as well as the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and other entities. These measures are part of Washington's ongoing efforts to increase pressure on Cuba. The US has maintained an embargo on Cuba for decades, with recent months seeing a significant escalation in pressure, including a de facto fuel blockade that has impacted the island's energy supply and economy. This follows earlier restrictions on visas for Cuban officials in 2025.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadCandidates taking the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in Oyo were observed completing their Agricultural Science practical examination late at night without electricity, relying on lanterns and mobile phone flashlights. A video showed students writing in darkness, prompting concerns from parents regarding the examination's conduct and candidate safety. Pastor S.O. Solarin criticized the late delivery of examination materials, warning that prolonged delays could expose students to security risks, especially given the country's security challenges like kidnappings. Solarin stated that some candidates waited hours for papers, forcing them to remain at centers beyond scheduled times. He urged the West African Examinations Council to explain these delays to parents, schools, and communities. This incident follows a similar report from May 2025, where candidates wrote their English Language paper late at night using alternative light sources due to power outages.
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Must ReadThe United Kingdom is introducing stricter regulations that could prevent universities from sponsoring international students, aiming to address alleged visa abuse and reduce asylum claims linked to study routes. The Home Office announced these reforms on Thursday, stating they are part of a broader effort to close immigration loopholes involving student visas. Universities that fail to enforce the new rules, which include achieving a visa refusal rate below 5%, an enrolment rate of at least 95%, and a course completion rate of at least 90%, could face a ban on recruiting international students. These measures will be implemented in phases, with a "traffic light" compliance rating system for universities set to begin in the summer of 2027. The government indicates these changes are designed to prevent individuals from using student visas under false pretenses and to decrease the number of international students who subsequently claim asylum. Home Office data from last month showed 10,835 people who entered the UK on study visas claimed asylum in the year ending March 2026. Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, affirmed the UK's welcome for genuine international students but emphasized the necessity of stronger safeguards to prevent the visa system from being used as a "backdoor to asylum and illegal working." Universities rated "red" under the new system will face recruitment restrictions and a 12-month improvement plan, with the risk of losing sponsorship rights
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