News published on Globe Banner in February 2025

News from February 2025


U.S Bureau reports rise in January's disposable income amid decreased consumer spending

Personal income in the United States rose by $221.9 billion, or 0.9 percent at a monthly rate, in January 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.


Protests over Tempi train disaster anniversary turn violent in Greece

Demonstrations marking the two-year anniversary of the Tempi train disaster in Greece have escalated, leading to violent clashes in Athens and Thessaloniki.


World Bank honors Georgian firms at annual transparency awards

The World Bank has recognized companies for their excellence in corporate reporting and transparency at the 6th "Best Annual Report and Transparency Award" (BARTA) ceremony held in Tbilisi.


IMF completes third review under extended fund facility arrangement with Sri Lanka

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has completed the third review under Sri Lanka's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement.


World Bank approves new project supporting renewable energy in three Caribbean nations

The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has approved a new project aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy in Grenada, Guyana, and Saint Lucia.


U.S. Embassy in Cuba launches campaign for political prisoners and extraordinary women

In the coming weeks, the U.S. Embassy in Cuba will initiate a campaign focused on raising awareness about Cuban political prisoners, specifically women who have been jailed for exercising their right to freedom of expression.


U.S. condemns Thailand's return of Uyghurs amid human rights concerns

The United States has expressed strong condemnation of Thailand's decision to forcibly return at least 40 Uyghurs to China.


Standard Chartered expands private banking team by 20% in UAE

Standard Chartered Global Private Bank has announced a 20% expansion of its frontline private banking team in the UAE.


North Macedonia accepts fisheries subsidies agreement amid global conservation efforts

North Macedonia has officially accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, a significant step demonstrating its commitment to global trade and environmental sustainability.


NCUA prohibits former Altana Federal Credit Union employee from working in federally insured institutions

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has issued a consent order in February 2025, permanently prohibiting an individual from participating in the affairs of any federally insured depository institution.


IMF team concludes visit to Barbados amid positive economic outlook

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Michael Perks, recently concluded a visit to Bridgetown, Barbados.


World Bank funds $100M project to boost higher education in Tunisia

The World Bank's Board of Directors has approved a US$100 million project to enhance the quality and governance of higher education in Tunisia.


U.S. Embassy seeks bids for elevator maintenance services in Turkmenistan

The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced a request for quotations (RFQ) for elevator maintenance services under solicitation number PR15169211.


Fulbright launches visiting student researcher program for science & tech

In recognition of the 30th anniversary of U.S.-Vietnam relations, the U.S. Mission to Vietnam has announced the launch of the Fulbright Vietnamese Visiting Student Researcher Program for the academic year 2026-2027.


BaFin announces warning on unauthorized services by Internationale Bausparkasse

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has issued a warning regarding the company Internationale Bausparkasse, which is reportedly offering financial, investment, and cryptocurrency services without the necessary authorization.


CEO of Binance on law enforcement collaboration: It's 'vital for user protection and industry legitimacy'

Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, emphasized the importance of building relationships with law enforcement officials across the Asia-Pacific region to protect users and enhance industry legitimacy.


Standard Chartered unveils transition plan towards net zero goals

Standard Chartered has unveiled its Transition Plan, detailing the bank's approach to integrating climate considerations into its business operations and decision-making processes.


U.S. GDP grows at annual rate of 2.3% in Q4 2024

Real gross domestic product (GDP) in the United States increased at an annual rate of 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis' second estimate.


UN Security Council discusses role of police commissioners in peacekeeping

The United Nations Security Council recently held a briefing on peacekeeping operations, focusing on the role of police commissioners.


US Army Pacific general discusses defense ties with Cambodian leaders

General Ronald P. Clark, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific, visited Phnom Penh on February 24, 2025.