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Neutrons rule the roost for cage-free lithium ions

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atoms, molecule, chemistry
Photo by tommyvideo on Pixabay

An international team of scientists found a way to improve battery design that could produce safer, more powerful lithium batteries.

Scientists using neutrons set the first benchmark (one nanosecond) for a polymer-electrolyte and lithium-salt mixture. Findings could boost power and safety for lithium batteries. Credit: Phoenix Pleasant/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

The team used quasi-elastic neutron scattering at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to set the first benchmark, one-nanosecond, or one billionth of a second, for a mixture of lithium salt and an organic polymer electrolyte.

“It all comes down to the study of materials,” said Eugene Mamontov, ORNL Chemical Spectroscopy group leader. “And polymer electrolytes won’t catch fire the way liquid electrolytes do in lithium batteries.”

The team used the neutron technique to validate computer simulations, ending a long-standing debate about how long it takes lithium ions to break free from tiny cages created by polymer electrolytes. The rate at which ions in any battery break free from such environments, or solvation cages in polymer electrolytes, helps determine how energy flows through the battery. Polymer electrolytes could enable more energy-dense electrodes, like lithium metal, resulting in more powerful lithium batteries.

The findings also open doors for rapidly screening new battery materials at ORNL. “Neutrons are highly sensitive to hydrogen, which is present in virtually all electrolytes. This allowed us to see how it moved in the system and understand polymer electrolyte dynamics at an unprecedented level of detail. We couldn’t have pinned down the time and length any other way,” said Naresh Osti, ORNL neutron scattering scientist.

“Naresh and Eugene’s interpretation of neutron data from the experiment at ORNL opened our eyes to understanding the extent to which lithium ions are caged in polymer electrolytes. Our findings suggest this general approach will apply to liquid electrolytes,” said Nitash Balsara, Charles W. Tobias Professor of Electrochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.

Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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Sudan: Civilians trapped in El Fasher as UN warns of imminent attack

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United Nations News
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Sudan: Civilians trapped in El Fasher as UN warns of imminent attack

In a note to correspondents issued on Friday, the UN said there were “increasingly alarming reports of a dramatic escalation of tensions”.

“The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are reportedly encircling El Fasher, suggesting a coordinated move to attack the city may be imminent. Simultaneously, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) appear to be positioning themselves,” the statement added.

An attack on the city would have devastating consequences for civilians, the statement from the UN Spokesperson’s Office continued.

“This escalation of tensions is in an area already on the brink of famine. The Secretary-General reiterates his call on all parties to refrain from fighting in the El Fasher area.”

Overall, around 25 million people, or half Sudan’s population, require humanitarian aid, with over eight million forced to flee their homes. More than 14,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands wounded.

Around 1.8 million have fled across the country’s borders trying the escape the brutal fighting.

Dozens already killed

In a further alert on Friday over Darfur, UN rights chief Volker Türk cited reports that the rival militaries have launched indiscriminate attacks using “mortar shells and rockets fired from fighter jets in residential districts”.

Since the RSF began their push into the state capital, El Fasher, at least 43 people have been reportedly killed, including women and children.

“Civilians are trapped in the city, the only one in Darfur still in the hands of the Sudanese Armed Forces,” and they are afraid of being killed if they attempt to flee, the High Commissioner said.

Mr. Türk noted that the dire situation had been made worse by a severe shortage of essential supplies as delivery trucks “are unable to freely transit through Rapid Support Forces-controlled territory”.

He said the RSF had burned down villages in western El Fasher, including Durma, Umoshosh, Sarafaya and Ozbani, raising the possibility of “further ethnically motivated violence in Darfur, including mass killings”.

Last year, fighting and attacks between the ethnic Arab Rizeigat tribe and the ethnic African Masalit people in West Darfur left hundreds of civilians dead or injured and thousands displaced, the High Commissioner noted, as he called for an end to the more than year-long conflict.

‘Wholly man-made crisis’

The UN’s head of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, told the Security Council last week that the situation across Sudan is “a crisis of epic proportions; it is wholly man-made”.

The director of operations at the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, Edem Wosornu, warned the same meeting that the siege by the RSF of El Fasher posed an extreme and immediate danger to civilians there and in other parts of Darfur, where more than nine million are in dire need of assistance.

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World News in Brief: Support for Haiti mission, challenge of ‘commodity dependence’, Iran’s ‘strict’ hijab law

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World News in Brief: Support for Haiti mission, challenge of ‘commodity dependence’, Iran's 'strict' hijab law

Kenya has offered to lead the multinational mission that aims to provide much needed back up to the national police in a bid to regain control of the streets from gang rule, which has plunged the country into chaos in recent months. 

Kenya was joined by the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica in pledging support. The UN Spokesperson’s Office said “other countries have expressed interest, including publicly, but have not notified the Secretary-General yet.” 

Currently, $18 million has been deposited in the support mission’s Trust Fund, provided by Canada ($8.7 million), France ($3.2 million) and the United States ($6 million). 

Meanwhile, armed violence continues across the country, with Port-au-Prince and the Ouest department the worst hit. 

The situation also remains volatile at the national port, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. 

“The Varreux fuel terminal is now closed after several attacks by gangs. However, on a more positive note, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that in the past three weeks, more than 100 humanitarian containers were retrieved at the Caribbean Port Service.” 

Meanwhile, the humanitarian response continues, and the World Food Programme (WFP) has provided daily food assistance to displaced people in Port-au-Prince, and in other departments.  

UN health agency WHO and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have set up mobile clinics at displacement sites to provide medical consultations. Migration agency IOM is also providing basic medical and psychosocial services to people displaced. 

General Assembly President raises alert over ‘commodity dependence’ 

The President of the General Assembly on Friday called for Member States and stakeholders to address commodity dependence in countries and its effect on the global economy during an informal dialogue on the issue. 

According to Dennis Francis, commodity dependence is “a scenario where 60 per cent or more of a country’s export revenue depends on basic goods”, disproportionately affecting mainly developing countries. 

While commodity markets are important to the global economy, excessive commodity dependence leaves countries and their citizens vulnerable to economic instability, he said.  

Mr. Francis called for the issue to be addressed urgently amid ongoing global discussions over debt sustainability and reform of the international financial architecture. 

“I believe that breaking free from commodity dependence, while challenging, is achievable,” Mr. Francis said.  

Dependent nations 

Based on UN trade and development body UNCTAD’s State of Commodity Dependence report, 85 per cent of the world’s least-developed countries are commodity dependent along with many landlocked developing nations and small island developing States, leaving their economies “vulnerable and highly susceptible to external shocks”. 

The Assembly President said the two-decade long increase in countries impacted should “sound the alarm bell” for Member States as addressing the issue is necessary for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. 

Iran police enforces ‘strict’ hijab rules, OHCHR says

Police in Iran are enforcing a violent crackdown against women and girls under the country’s hijab laws, resulting in the arrest and harassment of girls between ages 15 and 17, said Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Friday. 

The Tehran head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on 21 April a new body that would allow them to enforce existing mandatory hijab laws; members of the IRGC are reportedly allowed to implement these laws “in a more serious manner” when in public.

OHCHR is concerned about the Supporting the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab draft bill, which, in its earlier form, states that violators of the mandated dress code could face flogging, fines or up to 10 years in prison.

Mr. Laurence reiterated that corporal punishment is arbitrary under international law.

As the draft bill is nearing final approval by the Guardian Council, OHCHR is calling for its shelving.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, is calling on the Iranian government to remove “all forms of gender-based discrimination and violence, including through the revision and the repeal of harmful laws, policies and practices, in line with international human rights norms and standards”.

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Pillay: Israel is helped by ‘powerful States’ in violation of Palestinians’ rights

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United Nations News
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Pillay: Israel is helped by ‘powerful States’ in violation of Palestinians’ rights

When tensions erupted in East Jerusalem in April 2021 at the beginning of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, daily clashes involving Palestinians, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces led to spiraling violence and death. In response, the Human Rights Council set up a top panel of independent rights experts to investigate reports of violations of international law.

Today, more than ever amid the ongoing war in Gaza, this independent commission of inquiry has its work cut out. We took a closer look at its role, speaking to its chair, former UN Human Rights Commissioner and judge Navi Pillay, who provided fresh insight into the developing situation and what’s happening in the field of international law.

“Every country and every member of the United Nations is equal in terms of their obligations to observe international law,” she told UN News.

An injured man is helped by rescue workers in Ramallah, in the West Bank, in May 2021. (file)

Background to the ‘Day of Rage’

In 2021, the imminent threat of forced eviction of Palestinian families from their homes – initiated by Israeli settler organisations – provoked unrest in and around the Old City of Jerusalem.

This later extended to the wider occupied West Bank, culminating in a “Day of Rage” on 14 May 2021, when Israeli forces killed 10 Palestinians, the highest number recorded at that time by the UN in a single day.

These tragic events led the Human Rights Council to “urgently establish an ongoing, independent, international commission of inquiry to investigate in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, all alleged violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of international human rights law leading up and since 13 April 2021”.

A tower block lies in ruins in Gaza City following an Israeli air strike in May 2021. (file)

A tower block lies in ruins in Gaza City following an Israeli air strike in May 2021. (file)

Expanded complicity probe

Three years on, the Commission’s mandate has become broader, particularly since Hamas-led terror attacks on southern Israel on 7 October, which killed some 1,200 people and left more than 250 taken hostage prompting the intense bombardment of Gaza by Israeli Defense Forces.

To date, more than 34,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and over 77,700 Palestinians injured, according to the enclave’s health authorities, while deadly clashes have resumed in the occupied West Bank.

The Commission’s mandate now includes additional issues, including reporting on States that transfer military and other weapons to Israel, raising questions about potential complicity in violations of international law.

Its chair brings years of experience. Ms. Pillay previously served as the first non-white woman judge of the High Court of South Africa, as a judge on the International Criminal Court and President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

Machetes and bullets in Gisenyi, Rwanda, 26 July 1994.

Machetes and bullets in Gisenyi, Rwanda, 26 July 1994.

Rwanda recall

Ms. Pillay said a unique aspect of the current situation in the Middle East is that evidence of war crimes is being gathered in real time, meaning that the world is conscious of the events unfolding.

“I have experience of apartheid era crimes in my own country,” she said. “I served as a judge and president of the Rwanda Tribunal. The Rwandan genocide occurred over 100 days and the world didn’t even know that it was happening. So, in the courtroom, we had to rely very much on recollections of what had happened.”

She said that’s not the case with the ongoing situation in Gaza.

“Here, things are very different, and that’s why it’s so much more shocking,” she insisted.

Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

First to call for a ceasefire

Nobody could have predicted what happened on 7 October and what has followed, the rights expert continued, noting that the Commission was “the first” on 10 October to issue a statement calling for a cessation of hostilities.

This was “long before other organs of the UN spoke up”, she said, “long before the political organs of the UN reacted. Even now, we have the Security Council resolution, the last one calling for a ceasefire, and yet the United States representative feels that resolution does not have any validity.”

It’s disturbing, she continued, when one country continues to violate international law with the help of powerful States who say they support human rights.

“It’s very disturbing if one country gets away with that.”

Suggested caption: Large parts of Gaza, following seven months of Israeli bombardment, stand in ruins in May 2024.

Large parts of Gaza, following seven months of Israeli bombardment, stand in ruins in May 2024.

© UNOCHA/Ismael Abu Dayyah

Large parts of Gaza, following seven months of Israeli bombardment, stand in ruins in May 2024.

Growing need for the rule of law

The veteran human rights expert believes that there is a resurgence of – and a growing need for – the rule of law, a trend highlighted by an unprecedented number of applications before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) since its creation in 1945.

She said South Africa’s recent petition to the ICJ alleging that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate the Genocide Convention signals a significant development in the application of universal jurisdiction. It also marks the first time that a third country has brought an application to the ICJ, she noted.

“How come it’s only now that the occupation itself is being challenged, that the ICJ had not been asked to give legal advice on the lawfulness of the occupation itself and [on] the responsibilities of States towards an unlawful endeavour?” Ms. Pillay asked.

Destruction in northern Gaza in March 2024. (file)

Destruction in northern Gaza in March 2024. (file)

Surge of genocide allegations

“The call to rely on the rule of law has been there a long time,” she said. “I see now that we have a surge of this – countries bringing genocide allegations against other countries because of their military support. We have not seen this before and questioning the lawfulness of the occupation [is] also new, and I hope that that trend spreads.”

Earlier this month, Nicaragua brought a case to the UN’s top court to stop German military and other aid to Israel, alleging that it was enabling acts of genocide and violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The court ultimately rejected the request.

“Israel would not have been able to continue with this level of actions against Palestinians [and] violations of Palestinian rights had they not had the help of other States in terms of military aid,” Ms. Pillay said.

Above all, she highlighted, is the obligation incumbent on all nations to uphold international law.

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Fleeing from Jordan to Greece because of their change of religion

By
Willy Fautre
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It has been almost one year since Basir Al Sqour, a 47-year-old former military officer in the Jordanian army with the rank of “major,” had to leave his country in a hurry because of his change of religion and the ensuing persecution due to his choice.  He managed to reach Greece in November 2023 where his brother Omar and his wife had arrived two months earlier. All of them have provisionally found a safe but fragile haven in that country where they have applied for asylum.

A disturbing change of religion for Jordan

Basir Al Squour was a Sunni Muslim but in 2015 he discovered and joined a new religious movement having its roots in Twelver Shia Islam: the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. Such a case could be compared to a Catholic converting to a marginal Protestant group, like the Adventists or Jehovah’s Witnesses. This would remain unnoticed and without any damaging consequences in any country with a Christian majority population. Not in Jordan where he was viewed as a heretic by the military hierarchy, mainstream religious scholars, the civil authorities and the Muslim population.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, a liberal Muslim movement

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light appeared in 1999 in the chaotic post-Saddam Iraq and soon expanded to other countries with Sunni or Shia majority populations. This Muslim community is not to be confused with the Ahmadiyya Community founded in the 19th century by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad within a Sunni context.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is a very small community in Jordan. As they are considered heretics, they face ongoing challenges, including harassment from authorities, threats of violence and social exclusion due to their divergent beliefs from the traditional orthodox views. Their followers believe that the real Kaaba is not in Mecca (but in Petra, Jordan), that all the prophets throughout the history of Islam made mistakes, that fixed times for prayers are not necessary, that Ramadan is in December, that headscarves should not be mandatory for women, that alcohol can be freely but moderately drunk. They accept LGBTQ people in their community and believe they should not be stigmatized or persecuted.

Some points of the legal framework about religion

The U.S. government estimates the population at 10.9 million (midyear 2020 estimate). According to U.S. government estimates, Muslims, virtually all of whom are Sunni, make up 97.2 percent of the population. 

The constitution declares Islam “the religion of the state” but safeguards “the free exercise of all forms of worship and religious rites,” as long as these are consistent with public order and morality. It stipulates there shall be no discrimination in the rights and duties of citizens on grounds of religion and states the King must be a Muslim. 

The Jordanian Penal Code includes provisions which criminalise defamation of religion, the monarchy and other institutions. Article 273 of Jordan’s Penal Code, for example, criminalises “contempt of any of the Prophets” with imprisonment for up to three years. This includes attributing any mistakes to them. Article 278 criminalises” publishing anything that would insult the religious feelings or religious beliefs of other people”. This extends to publishing books that violate public norms and values, are religiously offensive, or are insulting to the King. Additionally, article 274 of the Jordanian Penal code criminalises eating or drinking in public during the month of Ramadan with imprisonment up to a month and a fine.

The escalation in the state and societal persecution of the Ahmadi Religion

Not surprisingly, the Jordanian authorities launched a ruthless campaign to shut down the faith and crack down on its members. In 2020, the Jordanian authorities even went as far as shutting down the satellite channel of the religious community, which was broadcasting to hundreds of thousands of homes in the MENA region. Initially the authorities censored any material that spoke negatively about Jordan. Then the Jordanian government made an official request to the satellite company, succeeding in shutting down the channel completely and getting it off air.

Inside Jordan, the crackdown was even more severe, with harassment, social ostracism and violent attacks on the homes of followers of the Ahmadi Religion. Basir’s family for instance reported being called “impure apostates” and relatives refused to enter their homes or to eat and drink with them. Yet things escalated further when one day the extended family of Basir attacked his house. They came with sticks and even shot guns at the house. According to their thinking it was permissible to kill him since he was a “murtad” (an apostate).

The escalation in the persecution targeting Basir Al Sqour

Basir Al Sqour graduated from King Hussein’s Air College as a combat pilot. When it was known that he was an adherent of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, persecution started.

He was subjected to continuous investigations because there was no place for a heretic in the army of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

In mid-2017, his unit’s commander urgently summoned him to the military intelligence office. He thought it would just be a routine inquiry about his change of religion but this time, it was different. The investigation officers threatened him that he would face military trial under severe charges, including apostasy and treason, if he did not resign from his position in the army or recant his new religious affiliation. Concerned for his family’s safety, he chose to resign after an 18-year military career, losing all his retirement benefits and entitlements.

A provisional but fragile safe haven in Greece

The whole family of Basir is now scattered across several European countries.

For the moment, Basir is in Greece with both his brothers, Omar and Ahmed, and Omar’s wife, Wala. They have all applied for asylum in Greece. Basir and Omar are waiting for the decision of the authorities.

For the main fundamental reason – heresy because of their divergent theological doctrines and practices – the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light and their followers are persecuted in quite a number of countries with Muslim majority populations: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey… 

ASTRAZENECA confirms in England that its vaccine can produce thrombi

By
Gabriel Carrion Lopez
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person in white gloves holding white plastic bottle
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

The company AstraZeneca confirms in official documents that its vaccine against COVID-19 can cause side effects such as thrombosis. And it has done so due to the publication in The Telegraph newspaper of a series of data on a class action lawsuit filed in the English High Court for 51 cases of people who have died or suffered serious injuries.

La empresa se expone a una indemnización cercana a los 100 millones de libras. Al parecer, su vacuna “Vaxzevria, desarrollada con la Universidad de Oxford, causó la muerte y lesiones graves en decenas de casos. Los abogados argumentan que la vacuna produjo un efecto secundario que ha tenido efectos devastadores en un pequeño número de familias, informa el diario británico.” (1)

As early as 2021, the European Medicines Agency detected some cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia, also linked to Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. However, considering them so insignificant at that time, it decided not to investigate. Such cases did not generate concern then, nor do they do so now. They are considered collateral damage. Deaths or people with visible damage due to vaccines are diluted in the figures of those vaccinated and are insignificant for the organizations that have to monitor these companies.

How much money did the pharmaceutical companies make from the COVID-19 vaccine?

In an article from August 2021, almost three years ago, official figures were given on how much profit the COVID-19 business had brought in for pharmaceutical companies: “The international pharmaceutical majors involved in the production of the covid-19 vaccine collectively earned more than €24.5 billion in the first half of 2021, driven by growing demand for the drug. Pharmaceuticals Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson made a net profit of €24.522 billion in this period, an increase of 66% over 2020.” (2)

From January to June 2021 Pfizer posted a profit of $10.44 billion, up 56% from the previous year (2020). AstraZeneca reported a net profit in the first six months of 2021 of $2.696 billion, up 51.7% from the previous year. Moderna, in the same time period reported earnings of $4,001 million, achieving the first net profit in its history. Finally, Johnson and Johnson reported a net profit of 12,475 million dollars, 32.4% more than in the first half of the previous year.

If we add to all the above millions that we are only referring to one period of the pandemic, imagine the amount of money they have moved since then, and especially if we take into account that the vaccine against Covid-19 has practically become chronic, just like the flu vaccine.

The fact that now the international criminal courts are forcing them to pay some small amounts does not mean any reduction in their treasury coffers. The big pharmaceutical companies, with the help of the media and above all of the states, have forced us to buy, through FEAR, a vital necessity: to be vaccinated so as not to be pointed out as a danger to society, as it happened in those years, where even the security forces of the states were put to the task of arresting and fining those who, exercising their rights, refused to be vaccinated.

Today it is AstraZeneca who is paying, hopefully others will follow in other countries and then class action lawsuits will follow against governments and politicians. Who will pay us citizens back for the time stolen?

1.- AstraZeneca admite que su vacuna contra el Covid-19 puede provocar efectos secundarios como la trombosis (msn.com)

2.- ¿Cuánto dinero ganan las farmacéuticas gracias a las vacunas del covid? (atlantico.net)

Exploring the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: an overview

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Apple Store shop front
Photo by Laurenz Heymann on Unsplash

Apple’s latest flagship phones, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, have stirred up anticipation and speculation. As tech enthusiasts eagerly awaited the unveiling of new features and enhancements, let’s delve into what these devices have to offer.

In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphone technology, Apple’s challenge lies in delivering innovations that captivate users. With the iPhone 15 series, the company introduces a blend of familiar elements and novel advancements.

Iphone 15 Pro. Image credit: apple.com

Iphone 15 Pro. Image credit: apple.com

iPhone 15: a closer look

The iPhone 15 maintains the essence of its predecessors while incorporating subtle yet noteworthy updates. From design refinements to the transition to 20W USB-C power adapter, Apple aims to enhance user experience while staying true to its iconic aesthetic.

Key feature: USB-C adoption of iPhone 15 and iphone 15 pro

A significant departure from the Lightning port marks a pivotal moment for Apple. iPhone 15 models adopted a USB-C connector, which allows you to charge and connect to a variety of devices, including Mac, iPad, AirPods Pro (2nd generation), external storage devices, and displays. The adoption of USB-C power adapter heralds a new era of connectivity and convenience, offering users a universal solution for charging and data transfer. 

Enhanced display and camera capabilities

Building upon the foundation laid by previous models, the iPhone 15 boasts improvements in display brightness and camera performance. With a 48-megapixel primary camera and advanced portrait mode functionality, photography enthusiasts have much to anticipate.

iPhone 15 Pro: elevating the experience

Taking innovation a step further, the iPhone 15 Pro introduces cutting-edge features tailored to power users and photography aficionados.

Introducing the A17 Pro chip

At the heart of the iPhone 15 Pro lies the formidable A17 Pro chip, boasting unparalleled performance and efficiency. Coupled with enhanced camera capabilities and build quality, this powerhouse device sets a new standard for premium smartphones.

Customizable action button: redefining user interaction

An innovative addition to the iPhone 15 Pro is the customizable action button, offering users unprecedented control and flexibility. From toggling between modes to launching apps with a single press, this feature enhances user convenience and productivity.

Revamped Camera System

With a larger main sensor and improved telephoto capabilities, the iPhone 15 Pro elevates the photography experience. From intricate details to customizable focal lengths, users can unleash their creativity and capture stunning visuals effortlessly.

Conclusion: Redefining Expectations

As the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro redefine the boundaries of smartphone innovation, Apple continues to set the bar high for competitors. With a blend of familiarity and innovation, these devices cater to diverse user preferences and usher in a new era of possibilities.

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Parliament strengthens its cooperation with the Belarus Democratic Forces

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people walking on street during daytime
Photo by Lina Bob on Unsplash

During a ceremony at the European Parliament Office in Valletta today, the President of the European Parliament and the Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, signed a Letter of Intent as a sign of Parliament’s strong commitment to boost cooperation with the democratic forces of Belarus.

On the occasion, President Metsola said: “This is a strong signal of Parliament’s determination to strengthen our ties, to manifest our support for the democratic forces and civil society of Belarus, in their struggle for a free, independent and democratic country.”

Before the ceremony, President Metsola and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a bilateral meeting during which they discussed the urgent need for the democratic world to stand firmly and in solidarity with the democratic forces in Belarus.

“Belarus will not become the forgotten corner of Europe,” said President Metsola.

In her comments, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and the Members of the European Parliament for providing practical and tailored support to the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.

Both leaders called for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus.

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Weekly European Election Highlights

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As we approach the European Elections in June, Parliament’s press services will be publishing a weekly newsletter, highlighting the main election-related news of the week so that you don’t miss anything or need a reminder of what information is available and where to find it. The Newsletter will be published each Friday until 7 June.


Mark your calendars

  • Brussels’ EU institutions open their doors to the public on Saturday 4 May.
  • On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day of voting.
  • The official Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the job of European Commission President will take place in the Brussels plenary chamber on 23 May – click here for information on how journalists can watch or attend this debate – they have until 16 May to reserve a seat in the chamber or book audiovisual services and facilities.
  • From 6 to 9 June European citizens elect Members of the European Parliament. The results will be available in real time on the European elections results website. Journalists can also follow the results live in Brussels where the plenary chamber will be converted into a pressroom. Find more information here – the deadline to submit requests for a place in the chamber on election night is 24 May.

Use Your Vote or others will decide for you

The European Parliament launched the second phase of its campaign this week and released a 4-minute “Use your Vote” film featuring senior citizens from different EU countries sharing their stories with the younger generation, highlighting that democracy should never be taken for granted.

Additional campaign material is available to download and use here.

Good to know

What does the European Parliament look like at the end of the 9th legislature (2019-2024)? Did you know that 60% of MEPs in the 9th legislature were new? How did the turnout evolve since 1979, when MEPs were directly elected for the first time? The EPRS recently updated their “Facts and figures” briefing which provides a broad range of key data about the Parliament – including a historical perspective.

Partnerships

The European Parliament works with civil society organisations to increase and widen its messaging to different audiences. We are in contact with more than 500 pan-European umbrella organisations and many others at national level who have promoted EU values and the importance of the European elections. Some of these organisations are signatories of the partnership agreement, making them communication partners for the European elections. On 6 May, President Metsola will meet with them to mark this achievement.

Tools for the Press

Need to use the European Parliament’s Audiovisual services during the European elections?

The Press Tool Kit contains information on this and much more.

In other news

Professional journalists whose work has been published or broadcast by media based in one of the 27 EU countries can submit their entries to the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for journalism. Every year, this prize rewards outstanding journalism which promotes or defends the EU’s core principles and values. Journalists can submit their articles here by 31 July 2024, 12PM (CET).

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The Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism – call for submission | News

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Newsdesk
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The Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism – call for submission | News

The Prize rewards on a yearly basis outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “Journalists must be free to do their work. That is non-negotiable. Each year the European Parliament renews its commitment to uphold media and press freedom, in tribute to the fearless journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Daphne was assassinated, but her spirit endures in the work of journalists who, just like her, champion truth, pluralism and justice. This prize belongs to them”.

The Prize is open to professional journalists and teams of professional journalists of any nationality, who can submit in-depth pieces that have been published or broadcast by media based in one of the 27 EU countries. The aim is to support and highlight the importance of professional journalism in safeguarding human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights.

An independent jury composed of representatives of the press and civil society from the 27 member states, as well as representatives of the main European Associations of Journalism, will choose the winning entry. The award ceremony takes place each year around 16 October, the date Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated.

The prize and the €20 000 prize money demonstrates the European Parliament’s strong support for investigative journalism and the importance of a free press. Over the last few years, Parliament has warned about attempts both in the EU and beyond to undermine media pluralism.

MEPs have repeatedly denounced the attacks on journalists, particularly from politicians, across many member states, and called on the Commission to table legislation against abusive lawsuits. The first new rules to tackle malicious litigation against critical voices were approved in February 2024. In March, the Parliament also gave its green light to the European Media Freedom Act, a new law to protect EU journalists and freedom of the press.

Journalists can submit their article(s) online at https://daphnejournalismprize.eu/ by 31 July 2024, 12 PM (CET).

Who was Daphne Caruana Galizia?

Daphne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese journalist, blogger and anti-corruption activist who reported extensively on corruption, money laundering, organised crime, sale of citizenship and the Maltese government’s links to the Panama Papers. Following harassment and threats, she was murdered in a car bomb explosion on 16 October 2017. The outcry over the authorities’ handling of her murder investigation ultimately prompted the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Critical of failings in the investigation, in December 2019, MEPs called on the European Commission to take action.

In October 2023, six years after her assassination, Parliament expressed concern that limited progress has been made on her murder. MEPs regretted that the investigations have led to only three convictions and insisted that everyone involved needs to be brought to justice.

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