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News from 2025


Swansea University ranks among top UK institutions for environmental sustainability

Swansea University has been recognized as a first-class institution for its environmental efforts, ranking 13th among UK universities in the People & Planet University League.


HSBC sends scheme document for proposed privatisation of Hang Seng Bank

HSBC Holdings plc and Hang Seng Bank have announced the publication and despatch of the Scheme Document related to HSBC’s proposed privatisation of Hang Seng Bank.


U.S. Embassy reminds travelers to check passport validity before holiday trips

As the holiday season approaches, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is reminding American travelers to review their passport validity before traveling to the Dominican Republic.


U.S. Embassy announces federal benefits unit visits Colombian cities in January

Representatives from the Regional Federal Benefits Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Colombia will visit Bogota, Medellin, and Pereira to provide services related to U.S. Social Security and other federal benefits.


Meta launches campaign highlighting MSME growth through digital tools in India

92% of businesses using Meta Platforms in India are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), according to the company.


Financial Stability Board reports rapid growth in nonbank financial intermediation for 2024

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has released its annual Global Monitoring Report, which shows that the nonbank financial intermediation (NBFI) sector grew at a faster rate than the banking sector in 2024.


U.S. and Paraguay sign Status of Forces Agreement to boost security cooperation

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano met to sign a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the United States and Paraguay.


World Bank report proposes solutions for air pollution in South Asia

Air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF) of South Asia continues to pose significant health and economic challenges, according to a new report released by the World Bank.


U.S. Embassy expresses condolences after death of Brown University student

The U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan has expressed condolences following the death of Brown University student Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov on December 13.


U.S. Embassy DEA supports arrest of two men linked to record cocaine seizure

On December 10, the U.S. Embassy’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Vetted Unit, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Special Investigative Unit (SIU), arrested two Trinidadian citizens, Daveanan Deonarine and...


World Bank-backed report proposes clean air roadmap for Indo-Gangetic Plains

Air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills continues to pose significant health and economic challenges for South Asia.


World Bank reviews impact of SFTAS program on Nigeria's fiscal governance

The World Bank has published a report titled "Fiscal Governance Reform in Nigeria: Lessons from the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Program (SFTAS)," which reviews fiscal reforms implemented across Nigeria’s 36 states...


World Bank approves $250 million for Uzbek municipal upgrades targeting one million residents

The World Bank has approved a $250 million financing package to help Uzbekistan improve municipal infrastructure and services in 16 districts and cities.


U.S., Philippines hold workshop to improve tsunami readiness

More than 140 government officials and civil society representatives in the Philippines participated in a three-day workshop focused on improving tsunami preparedness.


World Bank approves $150 million package to support job creation in Togo

The World Bank Group has approved a $150 million International Development Association (IDA) operation for Togo.


U.S. renews travel advisory for Cabo Verde; increased caution urged in Praia

The U.S. Department of State has renewed its Travel Advisory for Cabo Verde as of December 15, 2025.


U.S. Embassy outlines updated visa interview requirements for minors

Parents planning to travel to the United States during the Christmas season are reminded that visa requirements for minors have changed.


World Bank approves finance project targeting MSME growth in Türkiye

The World Bank Board has approved the Access to Finance for Jobs and Growth Project in Türkiye, an initiative that aims to increase access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and support job creation.


American Institute in Taiwan announces opening of applications for TechGirls exchange program

The American Institute in Taiwan and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs have announced the 2026 TechGirls program, an international summer exchange initiative aimed at encouraging young women to pursue...


U.S. Embassy warns citizens about scheduled protests in Bratislava

Two protests are set to take place at Freedom Square in Bratislava on Monday, December 15 and Tuesday, December 16, both starting at 6:00 PM.