Dalai Lama may name reincarnation on July 2: Report
Bengaluru: The 14th Dalai Lama is expected to make a significant announcement, most likely on his reincarnation, on July 2, four days before he turns 90 on July 6.
“Dalai Lama will make an important announcement on July 2. It is likely to be about his reincarnation,” The New Indian Express quoted Penpa Tsering, Sikyong (President), Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), as saying.
The announcement is set to coincide with a high-level meeting in Dharamshala, where the Nobel Peace Prize-winning monk will convene with senior leaders from the four major Buddhist sects—Sakya, Kagyu, Nyingma, and Gelug—between July 2 and 4. Dharamshala also serves as the headquarters of the CTA.
The question of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation holds deep significance, not only for Tibetans but also for communities across the Himalayan region, from Lhasa to Arunachal Pradesh, who revere him as their spiritual guide. However, the issue remains a contentious one with the People’s Republic of China, which regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist figure and a symbol of Tibetan resistance, added the report.
In 2011, the Dalai Lama formally stepped down as the political head of Tibetans in exile, transferring his responsibilities to the democratically elected leadership of the CTA. At the time, he made it clear that his successor, male or female, will be born in a free world, a pointed message challenging China’s claim of having the exclusive right to appoint the next Dalai Lama.
As part of the upcoming milestone, the CTA is reportedly planning for a year-long celebration marking the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, which will begin on July 2, 2025, and continue until July 2026.
“We are celebrating the period as the ‘Year of Compassion’ and have scheduled multiple events, from prayers for His Holiness’ long life to religious and cultural events, which will be spread throughout the year,” said Tsering.
Meanwhile, the July 6 celebrations are expected to witness the presence of prominent dignitaries, including a Union minister, several chief ministers, and Members of Parliament. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has also been invited by the Central Tibetan Administration, recognising the state’s unique connection to the Tibetan community. Karnataka is home to the world's largest Tibetan diaspora, with five major settlements—two in Bylakuppe (Mysuru district), and one each in Mundgod (Uttara Kannada), Hunsur (Mysuru), and Kollegal (Chamarajanagar).
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Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat
Washington (AP): Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, announced his resignation on Tuesday, saying he “cannot in good conscience” back the Trump administration's war in Iran.
Kent said on social media Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
There was no immediate comment from the White House.
Kent, a former political candidate with connections to right-wing extremists, was confirmed to his post last July on a 52-44 vote.
As head of the National Counterterrorism Centre, he was in charge of an agency tasked with analysing and detecting terrorist threats.
Before entering President Donald Trump's administration, Kent ran two unsuccessful campaigns for Congress in Washington state. He also served in the military, seeing 11 deployments as a Green Beret, followed by work at the CIA.
Democrats strongly opposed Kent's confirmation, pointing to his past ties to far-right figures and conspiracy theories. During his 2022 congressional campaign, Kent paid Graham Jorgensen, a member of the far-right military group the Proud Boys, for consulting work. He also worked closely with Joey Gibson, the founder of the Christian nationalist group Patriot Prayer, and attracted support from a variety of far-right figures.
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kent also refused to distance himself from a conspiracy theory that federal agents instigated the January 6, 2021, attack at the Capitol, as well as false claims that Trump, a Republican, won the 2020 election over Democrat Joe Biden.
Democrats grilled Kent on his participation in a group chat on Signal that was used by Trump's national security team to discuss sensitive military plans.
Still, Republicans praised Kent's counterterrorism qualifications, pointing to his military and intelligence experience.
Sen. Tom Cotton, the GOP chair of the intelligence committee, said in a floor speech that Kent had "dedicated his career to fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe.”
