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  • Asset Management Solutions for Financial Growth and Stabilit

    This paper focuses on gender equality in credit investing and practical steps to close the persistent data gap.

    Gender inequality remains a major barrier on inclusive growth and economic resilience, especially in emerging markets. Gender equality is both an economic and investment imperative:

    it has the potential to boost global GDP by over 20%.

    Despite this, the gender-focused bond market represents less than 2% of the sustainable bonds.

    However, this segment is growing rapidly, from around USD5 billion outstanding in 2020 to nearly $15 billion by the end of 2023.

    A major challenge to market growth is the lack of gender-specific KPIs in many gender-focused sustainable bonds: only 5% of these bonds include outcome-level indicators.

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  • Alex Scott takes the England camp life quiz

    Alex Scott takes the England camp life quiz

    I remember in the EUROs, Elliot likes his music in so it might be a quiet one, so I’ll probably put my music in as well. I’ll try and get him chatting for a bit and see what the vibe is like. I like a chat!

    What kind of character or…

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  • Pakistan PM calls for beneficial Ramadan relief package, digital wallet payments – Arab News

    1. Pakistan PM calls for beneficial Ramadan relief package, digital wallet payments  Arab News
    2. PM Ramadan Package to Open Digital Wallets for 500,000 Women  8171ip.com.pk
    3. New transparent system replaces decades of corrupt practices in Ramazan Package:…

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  • Have your say on drug and alcohol services in Walsall

    Have your say on drug and alcohol services in Walsall

    Published on

    Walsall residents and stakeholders are invited to have their say on the needs of people affected by drug and alcohol use in Walsall.

    The Beacon in Walsall town centre.

    Walsall Council arranges drug and alcohol support services to help people cut down, stop using substances and stay in recovery. This is done by understanding what is needed in Walsall, deciding what services are required, and then buying and monitoring those services.

    People affected by drugs and alcohol often need a wide range of support. This can include medications and counselling, as well as help with mental and physical health, housing, benefits, employment, and building positive family and social relationships.

    The Council is required to re-commission services when contracts come to an end. The current contract (with The Beacon) ends in March 2027. Residents and stakeholders are invited to share their views to help the Council ensure that the best possible drug and alcohol service is commissioned for communities.

    “ Our drug and alcohol services are important to residents across the borough in helping them access the support they need to help them recover and stay in recovery. Whether you have used the service or not, or if you’re a professional or volunteer working with people affected by substance use, we would like to hear from you. “

    Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing

    Walsall Council

    To complete the survey, visit: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/nzf2xr 

    The survey closes on 20 February 2026.

    If you need help to complete the online survey or would like a copy of it in another format please contact us.

    The Beacon currently provides drug and alcohol services for both young people and adults. The service includes needle exchange, one-to-one and group support, prescribing and detox, testing and treatment for blood-borne viruses, help accessing other health and care services, and support into employment. Support is free and confidential. Residents can refer themselves or professionals can refer clients to the service online via the Change Grow Live website. For more information, please contact thebeacon.walsall@cgl.org.uk or call 01922 669840.

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  • Iraq’s First Lady condemns attacks in Aleppo [EN/AR/KU] – ReliefWeb

    1. Iraq’s First Lady condemns attacks in Aleppo [EN/AR/KU]  ReliefWeb
    2. Saudi FM receives telephone call from Iraqi counterpart  Arab News
    3. Baghdad Warns of the Implications of Aleppo Events on Iraq and Calls for an End to Violence and Support for…

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  • World’s oceans set new heat record in 2025, study shows-Xinhua

    BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) — A new international study reveals that the world’s oceans absorbed more heat in 2025 than in any other year since modern record-keeping began.

    Published Friday in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, the…

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  • View the Keystone of Hercules

    View the Keystone of Hercules

    This famous asterism at the heart of the Strongman is visible in the early-morning sky this month before sunrise.

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  • Allianz and Anthropic Forge Global Partnership to Advance Responsible AI in Insurance – Allianz.com

    1. Allianz and Anthropic Forge Global Partnership to Advance Responsible AI in Insurance  Allianz.com
    2. Anthropic adds Allianz to growing list of enterprise wins  TechCrunch
    3. Allianz partners with Anthropic to advance AI adoption across operations  Insurance Business
    4. Anthropic Expands Enterprise Reach with German Insurer Allianz  TipRanks
    5. Allianz Taps Anthropic to Empower Workforce and Automate Operations  The National CIO Review

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  • Hyundai STARIA Electric Debuts, Setting a New Standard for Spacious, Everyday Zero-Emission Mobility

    Hyundai STARIA Electric Debuts, Setting a New Standard for Spacious, Everyday Zero-Emission Mobility

    Designed for Leisure and Lifestyle Mobility

    STARIA Electric is shaped around the way people travel. Multi-row seating, adjustable layouts and a high roofline create generous headroom and freedom of movement, while the quiet electric drivetrain transforms long journeys into a more relaxed experience. Features such as Vehicle-to-Load, ample storage and high-power USB ports extend the vehicle’s role beyond transport, from outdoor activities to mobile work and weekend escapes.

    STARIA Electric retains the characteristic one-curve silhouette of the STARIA lineup, enhanced by EV-specific design elements that emphasize its electric character. A closed front design with simplified geometric surfaces replaces the air-intake structures of combustion variants, creating a clean, high-tech impression while contributing to improved aerodynamic efficiency.

    The continuous horizontal lighting signature underlines the vehicle’s width and future-oriented appearance, while carefully integrated details and flush surfaces reinforce its modern, electric identity. Wide sliding doors and a large rear opening support easy access for passengers and luggage, whether in everyday urban use or during longer leisure journeys.

    Lineup and variants

    At launch, Hyundai introduces two configurations of STARIA Electric to reflect different usage profiles:

    • LUXURY (7-seater) for private, family and leisure use
    • WAGON (9-seater) for larger families, group travel or shuttle operation

    Powertrain and Performance

    From everyday commuting to long-distance travel, STARIA Electric combines quiet operation with confident performance. The 800-volt high-voltage system used in STARIA Electric, which is rare in this segment and already established in IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 9, enables rapid charging and consistent power delivery for predictable everyday use.

    The electric drivetrain contributes to a calm and refined driving experience, with very low noise and vibration levels inside the cabin. Structural enhancements to the suspension and additional sound-absorbing materials further improve ride comfort and interior quietness, particularly on longer journeys or at motorway speeds.

    Optimized front and rear suspension tuning enhance driving stability and ride quality, ensuring confident handling under varying load conditions. Together, these measures create a relaxed and predictable driving character that suits both private and professional use.

    What is the core powertrain concept behind STARIA Electric?

    STARIA Electric is equipped with an 84-kWh battery and a 160-kW electric motor driving the front wheels. The 800-volt electrical system allows high power flow with minimal heat generation, enabling repeated fast charging and reliable performance on extended journeys. Proven battery modules from Hyundai’s latest EVs contribute to durability and thermal efficiency.

    How fast can STARIA Electric charge?

    On long journeys, short charging stops make a difference. Under optimal DC fast-charging conditions, STARIA Electric can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes. For everyday charging at home or work, an 11 kW AC onboard charger is available. A heated charging-port cover improves usability in cold conditions.

    What range performance does STARIA Electric deliver in everyday use?

    With an estimated WLTP range of up to 400 kilometers, STARIA Electric ranks among the longest-range electric MPVs in its class. The combination of battery capacity, efficient motor calibration and 800-volt architecture delivers stable, predictable energy use across urban driving, motorway travel and mixed conditions.

    What can drivers expect from STARIA Electric’s on-road behavior?

    Smooth, linear acceleration is essential when carrying passengers and luggage, and it comes from instant electric torque. Predictable handling is supported by front wheel drive, while the vehicle’s high speed capability allows relaxed motorway cruising.

    How does STARIA Electric cope with high payloads?

    STARIA Electric is engineered to deliver stable and confident performance even when fully loaded. Its robust electric drivetrain provides consistent torque delivery, ensuring smooth acceleration and predictable handling under high payload conditions. A reinforced body structure and a suspension setup tuned for load-bearing applications support ride comfort and vehicle stability, while intelligent energy management helps maintain efficiency and driving range during demanding everyday use.

    What is the towing capability of STARIA Electric?

    With a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg (braked), STARIA Electric is well suited for trailers, boats and leisure equipment. Optimized thermal management systems, including advanced cooling and battery conditioning, help maintain consistent performance during high-load operation or repeated fast-charging sessions. This ensures reliable towing capability without compromising driving comfort or overall system efficiency.

    Design and Exterior

    STARIA Electric carries the STARIA design language into the electric era based on Hyundai’s “Inside-Out” approach, which extends the spatiality and openness of interior design to the exterior, creating an exterior image that stands out with high-tech sensibility. The signature one-curve silhouette, low beltline and expansive glass surfaces create a distinctive appearance while forming the foundation for the vehicle’s generous interior space.

    What defines STARIA Electric’s design approach?

    EV-specific elements, including a closed front design and simplified surfaces, enhance aerodynamic efficiency and give STARIA Electric a clear electric identity. A tall roofline, two wide sliding doors and a large rear opening simplify access and loading, whether for everyday errands, leisure gear or passenger transport. Extensive glazing enhances visibility and creates a bright, open atmosphere on longer journeys. The front-mounted charging port improves convenience at public charging points and campsites alike.

    Across the front STARIA Electric also introduces a continuous horizontal light band. This single, uninterrupted lighting element enhances visual coherence, emphasizes vehicle width and contributes to a more clearly defined, technology-oriented front design.

    Which wheel options and colors are available?

    All variants feature 17-inch wheels optimized for comfort, efficiency and load capability. Eight exterior colors are available: Abyss Black Pearl, Creamy White, Classy Blue Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Cast Iron Brown Pearl, Dynamic Yellow, Galaxy Maroon Pearl.

    Depending on trim level, multiple interior color schemes can be selected: Black one-tone, Black/Ecru Beige two-tone, Black/Anthracite Brown two-tone, Black/Bordeaux Brown two-tone, Gray/Rotorua Cream two-tone.


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