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Dalai Lama Asserts Sole Authority Over Reincarnation Amid China’s Claims

In a landmark declaration just days before his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama has reaffirmed that the centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist institution will continue after his death—and that his reincarnation will be determined solely by the Gaden Phodrang Trust , a foundation he established. This move directly challenges China’s long-standing assertion that it holds the final say in selecting the next Dalai Lama. Speaking in a pre-recorded message during a religious gathering in Dharamshala, India, the exiled spiritual leader stated that no external political power, including China, has any authority  to interfere in the reincarnation process. He emphasized that the search for his successor will follow traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices and be overseen by senior monks and spiritual advisors connected to the Trust. China swiftly responded, insisting that any reincarnation must be approved by Beijing and conducted within Chinese-administered Tibetan regions. Officials cited a Qing dynas...

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Federal Funding Freeze Sparks Debate Over Free Speech and Academic Freedom

The Trump administration has taken a controversial step by freezing federal grants to several universities, including Cornell and Northwestern, citing concerns over pro-Palestinian protests and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Over $1 billion in funding for Cornell and $790 million for Northwestern have been paused, affecting research in defense, health, and cybersecurity. 

The administration has accused these universities of failing to address antisemitism on campus, linking pro-Palestinian protests to support for Hamas. Critics argue that this conflation undermines free speech and academic freedom, with human rights advocates raising concerns about the broader implications. 

This move has sparked a heated debate about the balance between combating hate speech and preserving the right to protest. Universities like Harvard and Princeton are also under scrutiny, with billions in federal funding at stake. 

The situation highlights the tension between government oversight and institutional autonomy, leaving many to question the future of academic freedom in the United States.

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