Sunday, December 28, 2025

Dalai Lama and the reason for the tussle between Chinese and Tibetans

By
Vibha Sharma
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After the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, announced continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama on Wednesday, a war of words broke out between the Chinese and Tibetans

The Dalai Lama’s statement was a landmark decision for Tibetans, many of whom had feared a future without a leader, China, however, said the successor must be “approved by the Chinese government.” China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and wants to choose his successor on its own. The Dalai Lama’s succession must comply with Chinese laws and regulations as well as religious rituals and historical conventions, Mao Ning, a spokesperson at the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a regular news conference.

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Wednesday issued a strong affirmation that the institution would continue after his death. He also listed the process of locating the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama, saying the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation.

The successor will be born outside China and urged his followers to reject anyone chosen by Beijing, according to the Dalia Lama 

“I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” he said in a statement issued after prayer celebrations ahead of his 90th birthday.

However, hours after the Tibetan spiritual leader ruled out Beijing’s authority in picking the 15th Dalai Lama, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told media persons that “the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government.”

“The Chinese government implements a policy of freedom of religious belief, but there are regulations on religious affairs and methods for managing the reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas,” Mao said.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), also known as the Tibetan Government-In-Exile, dismissed China’s objection to the Dalai Lama’s successor, saying that the Chinese government is the ‘offender of the faith”

According to CTA spokesperson Tenzin Lakshey, China has no role to play in the reincarnation process of any Tibetan religious leader.

China is trying to control the selection of the next Dalai Lama, by promoting that Tibetan Buddhism has always been part of Chinese culture.

Beijing views the Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, a separatist and says it will choose his successor. 

The 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, announced de facto Tibetan independence in early 1913. 

China did not recognize Tibet’s independence and continues to claim sovereignty over the region

Pakistani social media accounts blocked again

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Several Pakistani social media accounts that had become accessible in India were blocked again with government sources citing  ‘technical error’ for the temporary restoration of the accounts. Those familiar with the developments attributed the  “temporary visibility to a technical error that caused the accounts to be inadvertently unblocked”.

After tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the I&B Ministry issued an advisory to OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and other media companies to stop carrying content originating from Pakistan, citing national security

It had asked the platforms to “discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise, having its origins in Pakistan with immediate effect.”

However, handles of several  Pakistani celebrities and YouTube channels banned in India in April became temporarily visible again on July 2, leading to massive outrage on social media. Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebrities became accessible. In addition  some Pakistani news media outlets were also cited as available, creasting much hue and cry among the netizens.

Kejriwal call BJP and Cong secret lovers, launches ‘Gujarat Jodo Sadasayata Abhiyan’

By
Priyanka Tanwer
-

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday launched a ‘Gujarat Jodo Sadasayata Abhiyan’ to reach out to people of the state. Kejriwal is on the 3-day visit to Gujarat after AAP won the bypoll in Visavadar.  

Addressing the party supporters in a gathering, he said the victory in bypoll is proof that people of the state want freedom from existing government. “Visavadar has not only elected an MLA but has also hinted at the coming change,” he said.

“I would like to congratulate the people of Visavadar who reposed their trust in our small but honest and patriotic party. This historic decision of yours not only gave a new direction to politics, but also brought a true public servant like Gopal Italia to the Vidhan Sabha. This victory is not just of one seat, it is the victory of honesty,” he added.

Launching a scathing attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress he said that both the parties are working together secretly.

Questioning the relationship between two parties in the state he said, “What is the relationship between Congress and BJP? Is it a brother-sister relationship or a husband-wife relationship? It is a lovers’ relationship. They meet secretly due to the fear of society. Society does not accept their marriage.”

He said, “In 30 years, BJP has brought Gujarat to such a state that even a developed city like Surat is now getting flooded. Where people built houses and bungalows by earning crores of rupees with hard work – today even the drawing rooms there are submerged in water.”

“This is not just rain, this is the flowing truth of 30 years of misgovernance and corruption,” he added.

Meanwhile addressing a press conference on Thursday, he said that BJP has ruined Gujarat. Many cities including Surat are submerged in water. All sections including farmers, youth and businessmen are troubled.

“Despite this, BJP has been winning in Gujarat because people did not have as option. The Congress party is given the contract to ensure victory for the BJP,” he said.

“The result of Visavadar shows that the public has accepted us as an alternative. Now the departure of BJP is certain and the government of AAP is about to come. Our workers will go door-to-door and connect people with AAP under Gujarat Jodo Abhiyan,” he added.

First batch of Amarnath pilgrims arrives in Kashmir amid tight security

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Srinagar — The first batch of nearly 5,500 pilgrims arrived in the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday for the annual Amarnath Yatra, flagged off by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu.

This year’s pilgrimage comes under an unprecedented multi-layered security cover, including facial recognition systems, increased paramilitary deployment, and no-fly zones along both pilgrimage routes — Pahalgam and Baltal. The heightened measures follow the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives near the Nunwan-Chandanwari track.

Around 299 vehicles carried the first group of pilgrims to the base camps at Baltal in Ganderbal and Nunwan in Anantnag for acclimatisation. The yatra officially begins Thursday, July 3.

L-G Sinha said that all necessary arrangements had been made by the administration, security forces, and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. 

“Devotees of Bhole Baba are arriving in large numbers, undeterred by recent incidents. I hope this year’s yatra will be historic,” he said.

Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat welcomed the pilgrims and directed police personnel to ensure peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage, particularly along the Pahalgam axis.

Local communities, including the Pahalgam Alliance, greeted pilgrims with garlands, water, and refreshments. Similar welcoming scenes were reported in Kulgam, Srinagar, and Ganderbal. 

Many local Muslims have registered with the Labour Department to serve as pony handlers and palanquin carriers.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended good wishes to all devotees, while BJP state president Satpal Sharma called the turnout a “strong show of unity” and said attempts to disturb peace in J&K would not succeed.

Li Qiang to attend BRICS summit, where is Xi Jinping?

By
Vibha Sharma
-

Theories abound with absence of Jinping from public view for two weeks and upcoming BRICS summit

Premier Li Qiang will attend the BRICS summit in Brazil later this week, China  said on Wednesday, confirming  reports that President Xi Jinping will not be attending the meeting of the emerging economies for the first time since he took over power 12 years ago.

China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told media persons that Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 17th BRICS Summit upon invitation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 5 to 8.

“At the invitation of Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Kamal Madbouly, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will pay an official visit to Egypt from July 9 to 10,” she said 

The absence of Jinping from public view and reduced media references for almost two weeks and now during the upcoming BRICS summit has given rise to many speculations and theories, including a possible power shift in China and his health. 

According to some reports, Jinping may be facing some critical illness due to which he is not being seen in public, according to others he may be facing internal party challenges or being deliberately sidelined. 

The sudden disappearance of prominent individuals in China is not uncommon, while some eventually reappear, others remain missing, also raising concerns about human rights and freedom of expression in the country.

Factually incorrect, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw tells Siddaramaiah, backs India’s COVID vaccines

By
Vibha Sharma
-

According to the Karnataka CM, a committee is conducting studies on reasons behind sudden deaths among young people in Hassan and whether COVID vaccines could have any adverse effects

A day after the BJP-led Centre categorically dismissed claims of any direct link between COVID 19 vaccination and the reports of sudden deaths in the country quoting studies, biotechnologist Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw today stepped in to defend Indian vaccines. In a post tagging Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the executive chairperson and founder of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited said that to suggest that these vaccines were ‘hastily’ approved is factually incorrect and contributes to public misinformation.

“COVID-19 vaccines developed in India were approved under the Emergency Use Authorisation framework, following rigorous protocols aligned with global standards for safety and efficacy. To suggest that these vaccines were ‘hastily’ approved is factually incorrect and contributes to public misinformation. 

“These vaccines have saved millions of lives and, like all vaccines, may cause side effects in a very small number of individuals. It is important to acknowledge the science and data-driven processes behind their development, rather than engage in retrospective blame,” she wrote on X

According to the Karnataka CM, in the past month alone, in just one district of Hassan, more than 20 people have died due to heart attack and that orders to a committee to conduct a thorough study on the reasons behind sudden deaths among young people and whether the COVID vaccines could have any adverse effects

” In this regard, the process of examining and analyzing heart patients is also underway.

“We too value the lives of children, youth, and innocent people who have their entire lives ahead of them, and we share the concerns of their families. I condemn the actions of BJP leaders who are using such matters for their political gains. It cannot be denied that the hasty approval and distribution of the Covid vaccine to the public could also be a reason for these deaths, as several studies worldwide have recently indicated that COVID vaccines could be a cause for the increasing number of heart attacks. Before BJP criticises us on this matter, they should ask their conscience.

“We are fully committed to finding the true cause behind these sudden series of deaths happening in Hassan district and across the state and to preventing them,” he said in a detailed statement 

Kashmir records hottest June since 1978, schools shut early, farmers hit by dry canals

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Srinagar: Kashmir is reeling under an intense heatwave, with this June being the hottest in nearly five decades. The unusually high temperatures have forced the government to advance summer vacations in schools and colleges, while drying canals and shrinking water sources have dealt a blow to farmers, especially in south Kashmir.

Schools were closed from June 23, while colleges and universities were shut starting June 25. Typically, schools go on summer vacation in mid-July and higher education institutions close in early August.

With July and August traditionally being the hottest months in the Valley, the government has said it will monitor weather conditions before deciding when to reopen educational institutions.

The heatwave has also caused a shortage of drinking water in some areas and has left many irrigation canals dry, impacting paddy cultivation and other farming activities across the Valley. The situation is particularly severe in south Kashmir, where farmers rely heavily on canal water during the summer cropping season.

As temperatures soar and rainfall remains scarce, residents are hoping for a change in weather to bring much-needed relief.

Major diplomatic success for India—Quad strongly condemns Pahalgan terror attack

By
Vibha Sharma
-

“The world must display zero tolerance, victims and perpetrators must never be equated, and India has every right to defend its people against terrorism – and we will exercise that right.  We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate that” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks

In a major diplomatic success for India, the four-nation grouping ‘Quad’  strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and called for action against its perpetrators, organisers, and financiers.

The joint statement emerging from the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington does not directly name Pakistan but it demonstrates the sustained efforts put in by Indian to highlight terrorism originating from across the border, especially in the wake of the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting which omitted any reference to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The SCO document omitted the reference to the Pahalgam but mentioned the Jaffar Express hijacking in Pakistan’s Balochistan.

However, foreign ministers of the Quad, comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia, addressed the issue of global terrorism, with specific reference to the Pahalgam attack. It did not name Pakistan but made its position clear by referencing “cross-border terrorism” and immediately thereafter condemning the Pahalgam attack.

The joint statement posted on the US State Department’s website stated “the Quad unequivocally condemn all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renew our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation.”

“We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others.” It further stated.

The statement also called for the perpetrators to be held accountable: “We call for the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay,” it said.

India has consistently accused Pakistan of aiding, abetting, financing, and providing logistical support for the attack.

The Quad also urged “all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSCRs, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.”

In his opening remarks, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar said that the “world must display zero tolerance, victims and perpetrators must never be equated, and India has every right to defend its people against terrorism – and we will exercise that right.  We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate that.”

Notably, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday refused to sign the draft statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting as it omitted the reference to the Pahalgam terror attack but mentioned the Jaffar Express hijacking in Pakistan’s Balochistan.

India accuses Pakistan of having masterminded, aided and abetted the Pahalgam terror attack and equivocally trashes allegations about any involvement in Balochistan.

Singh refusing to sign the draft document was a significant development as no joint statement emerged from this year’s SCO meeting.

The SCO comprises 10 countries, including India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.

No linkage found between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths: Govt

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday said that various studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) affirm that COVID-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective, with extremely rare instances of serious side effects.

“Sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-COVID complications,” it stated.

According to the ministry, the ICMR and NCDC have been working together to understand the causes behind sudden unexplained deaths, especially in young adults between the ages of 18 and 45 years.

To explore this, two complementary studies were undertaken using different research approaches—one based on past data and another involving real-time investigation.

The first study, conducted by ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), was titled “Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India – A multicentric matched case–control study.” The findings have conclusively showed that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death in young adults.

“This study was carried out from May to August 2023 across 47 tertiary care hospitals in 19 states and Union Territories. It looked at individuals who appeared to be healthy but died suddenly between October 2021 and March 2023,” it added.

The second study, titled “Establishing the cause in sudden unexplained deaths in young,” is currently being conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi with funding and in collaboration with ICMR.

Together, these two studies offer a more comprehensive understanding of sudden unexplained deaths in young adults in India. It has also been revealed that COVID-19 vaccination does not appear to increase the risk, whereas, the role of underlying health issues, genetic predisposition and risky lifestyle choices does play a role in unexplained sudden deaths.

AAP calls Delhi’s fuel ban for old vehicles ‘Tughlaqi Farman’

By
Priyanka Tanwer
-

Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi on Wednesday criticized the Delhi government’s policy to banning fuel for 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old petrol vehicles, calling it arbitrary order.

She said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a ‘Tughlaqi Farman’ to harass the people of Delhi and to remove 62 lakh 10-year-old vehicles from the road.

Addressing a press conference here, she said, “Under this order, these vehicles will stop getting fuel in Delhi and they will not be able to run on the roads. This order will have a very bad impact on lakhs of families in Delhi.”

She said that the Delhi government has issued this order just to benefit vehicle manufacturing companies.

“There is no relation between the age of vehicles and pollution. If a vehicle is maintained properly, it does not cause pollution,” she said.

She further said that the BJP government has passed this arbitrary decree in collusion with the vehicle manufacturing companies. After this decree, 62 lakh vehicles will have to be removed from the road and new vehicles will have to be purchased and the companies will benefit.

BJP should tell how much donation they have received from these vehicle manufacturing companies that they have issued this arbitrary order, which will benefit the companies, she said.

Slamming the government, she said the government could have bring a new law but it did not because it is only concerned about the vehicle manufacturing companies.

“Can’t the BJP’s four-engine government bring a new law in the assembly for the benefit of the people? The government can bring a new law keeping in mind the fitness of vehicles. The government is not concerned about the people of Delhi, it is only concerned about the vehicle manufacturing companies who will get to sell lakhs of new vehicles due to this order,” she added.

In order to curb vehicular pollution which leads to poor air quality in Delhi, the government has banned the refueling diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from July 1, 2025.

This move has been initiated by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), is being implemented at 350 petrol stations citywide with the help of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and real-time monitoring by enforcement teams.

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