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Proposed amnesty law offers political prisoners in Venezuela an ‘opportunity’

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The amnesty is aimed at promoting peace, democratic coexistence and national reconciliation as the South American country enters a new era following the seizure of former President Nicolas Maduro by the United States. 

It passed unanimously on 5 February by Venezuelan legislators in the first of two readings.

The amnesty “offers an opportunity to provide justice and alleviate the suffering of the many people who have been unlawfully detained for political reasons in Venezuela,” said Alex Neve, a member of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Venezuela.

“This law has the potential to contribute to restoring rights and repairing Venezuela’s social fabric, but the voices of the countless Venezuelans whose rights have been violated in the country’s prisons, as well as the civil society organizations who have assisted and defended them, must be at the centre of this process,” Mr. Neve said.

The broader picture 

Following years of political violence in Venezuela, many politicians, activists and journalists have been charged with crimes such as terrorism or treason – according to human rights groups. 

According to media reports over 300 political prisoners have been released since 8 January but many political prisoners remain in detention. 

Transparency essential

The UN human rights experts have raised concerns about how the amnesty will be enacted, stating that its “legitimacy and impact depend on a transparent and inclusive process that is fully grounded in international human rights law.” 

In a statement released by the United Nations Human Rights Council, the investigators warned of the “absence of informed, inclusive, and safe public consultations” and emphasised the need for ‘a transparent process, with meaningful participation from victims, their families and civil society.” 

Calls for participation 

Fact-Finding Mission expert Maria Quintero, stated that it was “advisable for the judicial verification procedure to include the participation of victims and their families, their representatives, and human rights organizations, in order to prevent the law from being instrumentalized or applied in a manner incompatible with international standards.” 

She added, “we must not forget accountability.”

Whilst the draft legislation is debated within Venezuela’s government, UN experts have reiterated their call for the “unconditional” release of all political prisoners, stating that “it is critical that the process of releasing prisoners, already underway, continues without interruption.” 

The Human Rights Council-appointed Independent International Fact-Finding Mission was established to assess alleged human rights violations committed since 2014. 

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Drowning in debt: New forum in Sevilla offers borrowers chance to rebalance the books

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The Borrowers’ Forum is being hailed as a milestone in efforts to reform the international debt architecture, supported by the UN and emerging as a key part of the Sevilla Agreement outcome document.

“This is not just talk – this is execution,” said Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr Rania Al-Mashat. “The Borrowers’ Forum is a real plan, driven by countries, to create a shared voice and strategy in confronting debt challenges.”

Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said developing nations often face creditors as a united bloc while negotiating alone. “Voice is not just the ability to speak — it’s the power to shape outcomes. Today, 3.4 billion people live in countries that pay more in debt service than they do on health or education.”

The forum – one of 11 recommendations by the UN Secretary-General’s Expert Group on Debt – will allow countries to share experiences, receive technical and legal advice, promote responsible lending and borrowing standards, and build collective negotiating strength.

Its launch addresses long-standing calls from the Global South for more inclusive decision-making in a debt system dominated by creditor interests.

‘Silent but urgent’

Zambia’s Foreign Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, told journalists the initiative would foster “long-term partnerships, mutual respect and shared responsibility” and expressed his country’s willingness to host an early meeting.

Spain’s Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo described the current debt crisis as “silent but urgent,” and called the Forum a “Sevilla moment” to match the Paris Club of creditors, created nearly 70 years ago.

UN Special Envoy on financing the 2030 Agenda Mahmoud Mohieldin said the forum was a direct response to a system that has kept debtor countries isolated for too long. “This is about voice, about fairness – and about preventing the next debt crisis before it begins.”

The launch comes at a time of rising debt distress across the developing world.

The agreement – known in Spanish as the Compromiso de Sevilla – adopted by consensus at the conference, includes a cluster of commitments on sovereign debt reform.

Alongside support for borrower-led initiatives, it calls for enhanced debt transparency, improved coordination among creditors, and the exploration of a multilateral legal framework for debt restructuring.

It also endorses country-led debt sustainability strategies, debt payment suspension clauses for climate-vulnerable nations, and greater support for debt-for-nature and debt-for-climate swaps – albeit with stronger safeguards and evidence of impact.

Frustration over ‘missed opportunity’ to tackle debt crisis

Civil society groups on Wednesday sharply criticised the adopted outcome in Sevilla, calling it a missed opportunity to deliver meaningful reform of a global debt system that is crippling many developing nations.

Speaking at a press briefing inside the conference, Jason Braganza of the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) said the final outcome document adopted on day one – the Sevilla Agreement – fell far short of what was needed.

“This document did not start with much ambition and still managed to be watered down,” he said. “Nearly half of African countries are facing a debt crisis. Instead of investing in health, education and clean water, they’re paying creditors.”

Mr. Braganza praised the leadership of the African Group and the Alliance of Small Island States, which fought for a UN Framework Convention on sovereign debt.

‘False solutions’

Although that ambition was not fully realised, he welcomed a small breakthrough in the form of a new intergovernmental process that could lay the groundwork for future reform.

Civil society leaders also warned of the dangers of so-called “debt-for-climate swaps”, with Mr. Braganza calling them “false solutions” that fail to provide genuine fiscal space for developing nations.

Tove Ryding of the European Network on Debt and Development (Eurodad) echoed those concerns, saying: “We are told there’s no money to fight poverty or climate change — but there is. The problem is economic injustice. And the outcome of this conference reflects business as usual.”

She highlighted the progress made on a new UN Tax Convention as proof that determined countries can bring about real change, adding: “If only we had a tax dollar for every time we were told this day would never come.”

Agreement bears fruit for public health

To help close gaps in access to public services and policies, and to address healthcare cuts that could cost thousands of lives, Spain on Wednesday launched the Global Health Action Initiative aimed at revitalising the entire global health ecosystem.

The initiative, which will channel €315 million into the global health system between 2025 and 2027, is supported by leading multilateral health organisations and more than 10 countries.

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Sanctions relief for Syria offers ‘powerful message of hope,’ says UN migration agency

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After more than a decade of conflict and severe economic stagnation, lifting the punitive measures will encourage long-term recovery and peacebuilding in Syria, Amy Pope, IOM Director-General, said in a statement.

“The lifting of sanctions sends a powerful message of hope to millions of displaced Syrians, both within the country and across the region,” she said.

$800 billion lost

UN estimates suggest that the Syrian economy lost over $800 billion during the 14-year civil war. 

According to a UN Development Programme (UNDP) report, if the current annual growth rate continues, Syria’s economy will not return to its pre-conflict gross domestic product (GDP) levels until 2080.

The sanctions relief from the US, UK and EU – covering around $15 billion in restricted assets and trade measures – could unlock important investment opportunities for rebuilding key infrastructure, IOM said.

Most of these sanctions were originally imposed during the Assad era and have long been blamed for Syria’s hindering economic recovery.

Alongside the sanctions relief, Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledged to pay $15.5 million of Syria’s arrears to the World Bank. Together with Türkiye, they also offered to fund public salaries and support energy infrastructure.

These changes reflect “momentum from re-engagement and reconstruction,” IOM added.

A country torn apart

The Syrian conflict, which began March 2011 after pro-democracy protests against Bashar Al-Assad, lasted almost 14 years. During this time, tens of thousands of Syrians were killed and countless more disappeared. The fighting and insecurity also displaced more than 10 million civilians – within the country or as refugees outside its borders.

Poverty rates tripled, affecting 90 per cent of the population, with 66 per cent living in extreme poverty.

Since the end of the war in December 2024 with the overthrow of the Assad regime, half a million Syrian refugees have returned. A further 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IPDs) have also returned to their places of origin.

They returned home amidst great hope for the future of Syria, but also severe economic projections.

“Hope must be matched with concrete support,” Director General Pope said. “Syrians need not just the ability to return but the means to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.”

Moving from relief to resilience

The UN estimates that over 16.5 million Syrians – roughly 70 per cent of the population – continue to require humanitarian assistance.

But funding shortfalls have complicated aid efforts. Already in the last week of May, only 10 per cent of the estimated $2 billion needed between January and June to assist eight million Syrians has been received.

Ms. Pope noted that it is important for the Syrian people and economy to begin moving towards longer-term solutions outside of humanitarian aid.

“While humanitarian assistance remains critical, IOM urges donors and development partners to expand their focus to medium- and long-term recovery. A transition from relief to resilience is not only necessary – it is urgent,” she said. 

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iPhone 14 launched; Pricing and Availability

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The newly launched iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available in deep purple, silver, gold, and space black in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities.

Customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, the US, and 30 other countries and regions will be able to pre-order iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max beginning at 5 a.m. PDT on Friday, September 9, with availability beginning Friday, September 16.

iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available in Malaysia, Turkey, and 20 other countries and regions beginning Friday, September 23.

iphone 14 pro

Emergency SOS via satellite will be available starting in the US and Canada in November, and the service will be included for free for two years with the activation of iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Customers can get iPhone 14 Pro for $41.62 (US) a month for 24 months or $999 (US) before trade-in, and iPhone 14 Pro Max for $45.79 (US) a month for 24 months or $1,099 (US) before trade-in from apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations. iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are also available through Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers.

Customers can save up to $1,000 (US) on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max with trade-in directly from apple.com/store or at an Apple Store when they activate it with select US carriers. Terms apply. For eligibility requirements and more details, see apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers.

Customers in the US can get ready for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max pre-orders until 10 p.m. PDT on Thursday, September 8, by visiting apple.com/store or using the Apple Store app. They can choose to pay monthly or in full, add a trade-in credit toward their new product, or upgrade through the iPhone Upgrade Program.

iOS 16 will be available as a free software update on Monday, September 12.

Customers who purchase iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will receive three months of Apple Arcade with a new subscription.

Leather Wallet with MagSafe and iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Leather Cases will be available in five new colors: midnight, forest green, ink, umber, and orange.

iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Clear Case and Silicone Cases will be available in midnight, storm blue, red, chalk pink, lilac, elderberry, succulent, and sunglow.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip4, Z Fold4 sweep market; Specs, Prices, All Details

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Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today launched the latest Galaxy Z series in India. The fourth generation foldables, Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4 are now open for pre-book online and across retail stores in the country.

Equipped with flagship camera, the fastest processor and all new design, Galaxy Z Fold4 is the most powerful smartphone yet. Galaxy Z Flip4’s compact clamshell design offers unique experiences and its FlexCam enables shooting hands-free videos.

“At Samsung, we continuously push the boundaries of innovation to create new smartphone experiences for consumers. Our latest Galaxy Z series is a testimony to just that. Now, in its fourth generation,” said Aditya Babbar, Senior Director and Head, Product Marketing, Samsung India.

Galaxy Z Flip4

Galaxy Z Flip4 sports compact clamshell design and offers unique smartphone experiences. The innovative form factor allows you to go truly hands-free and do more without even unfolding the phone, including answering calls and replying to texts.

 

With Quick Shot, users can click selfies in portrait mode and see the preview in actual photo ratio. Additionally, with upgraded camera equipped with 65 percent brighter sensor, Galaxy Z Flip4 comes with Samsung’s flagship Nightography feature ensuring your photos and videos are crisper and more stable through the day or night.

Galaxy Z Flip4 comes with the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 processor and 10% higher battery capacity at 3700mAh, allowing users to capture, watch and connect longer between charges. With Super Fast Charging, users can charge up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes.

With slimmer hinge, straightened edges, contrasting hazed back glass and glossy metal frames, the design is sleeker and the most refined one yet. Additionally, you can customize the cover screen clock with your AR emoji character. With Galaxy Themes on both Cover and Main Screen, users can tailor-make their Galaxy Z Flip4 inside out to complement their style with custom fonts, icons and designs.

Galaxy Z Fold4

The most powerful and productive smartphone in your pocket, Galaxy Z Fold4 combines balanced and premium design, enhanced durability and powerful performance. Galaxy Z Fold4 offers increased functionality whether opened, closed or in Flex mode.

With slimmer hinge, lighter-than-ever body and even narrower bezels, the wider screen enables easier one-handed interactions while using the Cover Screen.

Content is even more immersive and distinctive on the 7.6-inch main screen with improved 1Hz-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and less visible Under Display Camera (UDC).

Take stunning photos and videos with its flagship camera hosting 50MP wide lens, 30X Space Zoom lens and 3x optical zoom – all significant improvements as compared to its predecessor. Galaxy Z Fold4 also gets Samsung’s flagship Nightography feature owing to 23 percent brighter sensor, enhanced Optical Image Stabilization and Video Digital Stabilization (OIS+VDIS) and all new AI Image Signal Processor (AI ISP).

 

Galaxy Z Fold4 comes with the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 processor that among other things improves the output of the flagship camera producing stunning images during the day or at night. Variety of camera modes, including Capture View Mode, Dual Preview and Rear Cam Selfie are also custom-built to take advantage of the unique form factor for increased capturing flexibility.

The new taskbar provides PC-like multitasking enabling smooth switching between apps, easy access to favourite and recently used apps and launch of multiple windows instantly from the task bar. You can also easily switch full-screen apps to pop-up windows or split your screen in half for more ways to multitask.

Galaxy Z Fold4 is the first device to ship with Android 12L, a special version of Android created by Google for large-screen experiences, including foldables.

Samsung’s partnerships with Google and Microsoft take multitasking to the next level. Google apps, including Chrome and Gmail now support drag-and-drop, allowing users to quickly copy and paste links or other files.

With Google Meet, users can now connect with more people while enjoying virtual co-activities, including co-watching videos on YouTube or playing games together on a video call. Microsoft’s full Office suite and Outlook provide more information on the large foldable screen offering faster ways to interact with content.

The useful S Pen coupled with the Flex mode enables on-the-go drawing and note-taking while also simultaneously attending back-to-back calls and meetings. The S Pen also comes with streamlined storage inside the Standing Cover with Pen case.

With Armor Aluminum frames and hinge cover along with exclusive Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the Cover Screen and rear glass, along with IPX8 water resistance, the latest Galaxy Z series are our toughest foldables ever.

Price and Availability

Pre-book for Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4 started on August 16, 2022 across all leading online and offline retails stores. Consumers can also pre-book on Samsung Live at 12 noon on August 16.

Available in Bora Purple, Graphite and Pink Gold colours, Galaxy Z Flip4 is priced at Rs.89,999 for 8GB+128GB variant and Rs.94,999 for 8GB+256GB variant. Bespoke Edition that offers glass colours and frame options will be available on Samsung Live and Samsung Exclusive Stores for Rs.97,999.

Available in Graygreen, Beige and Phantom Black colours, Galaxy Z Fold4 is priced at Rs.154,999 for 12GB+256GB variant and Rs.164,999 for 12GB+512GB variant. Consumers can purchase 12GB+1TB variant exclusively on Samsung Live and Samsung Exclusive Stores for Rs.184,999.

Pre-book customers will also get 1 year Samsung Care Plus worth Rs. 11,999 at just Rs. 6,000. They can also opt for No Cost EMI offer up to 24 months.

 

SPECIFICATION GALAXY Z FLIP4 GALAXY Z FOLD4
Display Main: 6.7’’ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with Adaptive 120Hz FHD+ Infinity-O Display

Cover: 1.9’’ Super AMOLED 60Hz

 Main: 7.6’’ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 1Hz-120Hz with Infinity Flex Display

Cover: 6.2’’ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 48Hz-120Hz with Infinity-O Display
Camera Rear: 12MP (Ultra-wide) + 12MP (Wide)

Front: 10MP

 Rear: 12MP (Ultra-wide) + 50MP (Wide) + 10MP (Tele)

Front: 10MP

UDC: 4MP
Battery 4400mAh 3700mAh
Processor Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 4nm Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 4nm
Memory RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB

 RAM: 12GB

Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB

India’s Bid to Buy $2 Billion Drones May Yield Positive Offers From Tough-Talking Trump Admin

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Within a couple of hours from now, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump for their first one-on-one exchange at the White House that may last for 20 minutes to be followed by respective delegations joining the bilateral discussions.

The carrots are already flying in each other’s direction with the US declaring Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, a move that vindicates India’s stand against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. In return, what India offers will be seen at a joint press meeting four hours later.

Otherwise, in display of special relations with India, the White House will host a dinner for PM Modi, which is the first for a foreign dignitary by President Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump. Vice President Mike Pence will host a cocktail reception prior to it though.

Trump has sent out friendly gestures describing Prime Minister Modi as a “true friend!”, which could be an indication that the White House is pleased with India’s bid to place an order for $2 billion worth 22 drones for use in Southeast Asian corridor, squarely aimed at China and the growing unease over the South China Sea.

The delegation level meetings are being attended by top Indian officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and the Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna, while the US side will be represented by Vice President Mike Pence, Defence Secretary James Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster.

India is keen that Washington DC increases its troops to at least 5,000 more in Afghanistan in the wake of recent attacks on US and Indian embassies and repeated terrorist attacks in Kabul, among others.

What both sides want to avoid is a direct confrontation on Trump administration’s recent decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Change Agreement and Modi has not uttered a word against Trump so far and may not raise it in his one-on-one meeting either.

Another contentious issue that has to crop up is the H1 B visa that many IT companies, NASCOM and ASSOCHAM have urged Modi to raise during the meeting with Trump. It remains to be seen whether the US administration seeks to dilute its stand or offer some other olive branch in the form of a temporary relief.

If that happens, Modi will be a happy man to return home thumping on his success. But knowing Trump, some surprises will always pop up from his magic box at the most unexpected time and venue.