Skip to main content

Featured

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...

article

Canada Pushes to Lift All Trump-Era Tariffs in U.S. Trade Talks


Canada is intensifying efforts to eliminate all tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump as part of ongoing trade negotiations with Washington. Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, who also serves as Canada’s chief trade negotiator, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to securing full tariff relief in a recent interview with *The Globe and Mail*.

The talks resumed after Canada agreed to withdraw its proposed Digital Services Tax (DST), a move that had previously stalled discussions. The DST, which targeted large U.S. tech firms, was labeled by Trump as a “blatant attack” on American interests. Its removal has reopened the door for a broader economic and security partnership between the two nations.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has set a July 21 deadline to finalize the deal. Canada is particularly focused on lifting steep levies, including:

  • 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum
  • 25% tariffs on automobiles
  • 10% tariffs on energy exports like oil and gas
  • 25% blanket tariffs on non-USMCA goods

Despite the high stakes, Hillman expressed confidence that Canada can secure a favorable outcome. “We believe we can get all the levies cancelled,” she said.


What’s Next?

With Trump’s self-imposed July 9 “Liberation Day” deadline looming for new tariff decisions, Canada is racing against the clock. The outcome of these talks could reshape North American trade dynamics and set the tone for future cross-border economic cooperation.



Comments