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The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a global symbol of Tibet’s struggle for cultural identity and autonomy, turned 90 on Sunday, marking the occasion with thousands of followers in the Indian Himalayan town of Dharamshala, where he has lived in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in 1959. Addressing a packed temple courtyard despite persistent rain, the Dalai Lama reflected on his life’s journey, saying, “When I look back on my life, I see that I have not wasted it at all. I live my life in the service of other sentient beings.” Wearing his traditional Buddhist robe and a flowing yellow wrap, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was escorted by monks as Tibetan artists played drums, bagpipes, and cymbals in his honor. Penpa Tsering, head of the democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile, raised the Tibetan flag as the Tibetan national anthem played. Recognized globally for his red robes and warm smile, the Dalai Lama calls himself a “simple Buddhist monk,” though millions of Tibetan Buddhists believe he is the living embodiment of Chenrezig, the Buddhist deity of compassion. Week of Celebrations and Reincarnation Plans Sunday’s event concluded a week of celebrations, during which the Nobel Peace Prize laureate confirmed he plans to reincarnate after his death, ending speculation that he could be the last Dalai Lama. He emphasized that his successor must be recognized following Buddhist traditions. The Dalai Lama also expressed his hope to live until the age of 130. US lawmakers meet with Dalai Lama in India's Dharamshala, sparking anger from China In the past, he has stated his successor will be born in the “free world,” outside China — a view that has fueled tensions. Many exiled Tibetans fear that Beijing will appoint its own Dalai Lama to tighten its grip over Tibet, which Chinese troops invaded in 1950. China regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist and insists it holds the sole authority to approve his successor. The Chinese government has repeatedly stated it will reject any spiritual leader chosen without its consent. Global Leaders and Celebrities Send Wishes World leaders and public figures sent their wishes on the occasion. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Dalai Lama as “an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline,” while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised him as someone who “continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace, and compassion.” The celebrations also drew international supporters, including Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a long-time friend and advocate for Tibet. “He is the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet,” Gere told the crowd, prompting loud applause. In a birthday message shared on his website Saturday, the Dalai Lama reiterated his commitment to promoting human values, religious harmony, and compassion, while reminding followers that he remains “just a simple Buddhist monk.” Additional celebrations took place in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, where hundreds of Tibetan refugees, monks, and foreign diplomats gathered for Buddhist prayers, chanting, and traditional dances. Dalai Lama apologises after video showing him kissing a child on the lips triggers criticism Decades in Exile, A Struggle for Identity The Dalai Lama was enthroned in 1937. Following China’s military intervention in Tibet during the 1950s and a failed uprising, he fled to India along with thousands of Tibetans and established a government in exile. For over seven decades, he has led the Tibetan diaspora in their ongoing struggle to preserve their cultural identity and resist Chinese control over Tibet. Throughout his life, the Dalai Lama has become one of the world’s most recognizable figures, advocating for peace, compassion, and autonomy for the Tibetan people.

At least 33 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, health officials said Sunday, as Israel's military confirmed it struck over 100 targets in the besieged enclave within the past 24 hours. The latest wave of strikes comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to travel to Washington for White House talks aimed at advancing ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, an Israeli official said the country’s security cabinet approved the delivery of humanitarian aid to northern Gaza, where residents face severe food shortages. The official, who spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to brief the media, declined to provide further details. In a separate development, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching ballistic missiles at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport overnight. However, the Israeli military reported intercepting the missiles. U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a plan for an initial 60-day ceasefire, which would include a partial release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for increased humanitarian aid into Gaza. The proposal envisions further talks to reach a comprehensive end to the 21-month conflict. Dozens of Gaza Targets Hit According to Mohammed Abu Selmia, director of Gaza City's Shifa Hospital, 20 people were killed and 25 injured when Israeli strikes hit two houses in the area. In southern Gaza’s Muwasi region, where many displaced families live in makeshift tents, airstrikes killed 13 more Palestinians, officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed. Five of the victims were members of the same family, the hospital added. While the Israeli military did not comment on specific strikes, it said its forces targeted 130 sites across Gaza in the past day. These included Hamas command centers, storage facilities, weapons depots, and rocket launchers. The military also claimed to have killed several militants in northern Gaza. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israeli airstrikes kill 14 Palestinians in Gaza, another 10 people die seeking food Israel's military response has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians so far, with over half of the casualties being women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry, under Hamas rule, does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths. Despite this, the U.N. and international organizations consider its figures the most credible source for casualty data. Ceasefire Negotiations Continue The renewed strikes come as ceasefire discussions appear to be progressing. Netanyahu’s office announced that an Israeli delegation would travel to Qatar on Sunday for indirect negotiations, though it accused Hamas of demanding “unacceptable” amendments to the current proposal. The Qatar talks are scheduled just before Netanyahu’s planned Monday visit to Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Trump to further discuss the ceasefire framework. It remains uncertain whether a deal will be finalized ahead of the White House talks. Trump hints Gaza ceasefire deal possible next week Hamas is demanding firm guarantees that any temporary ceasefire will lead to a complete end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Previous rounds of negotiations have faltered over Hamas’ insistence on such assurances, while Netanyahu has repeatedly stated Israel would resume military operations until Hamas is fully dismantled. Source: Agency 

Turkey has sent two firefighting planes and additional equipment to neighboring Syria to help tackle ongoing wildfires, even as the country struggles to contain blazes within its own borders, officials said Saturday. According to Raed Al Saleh, Syria’s Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Turkey also dispatched 11 fire trucks and water-carrying vehicles to assist in putting out fires in Syria’s northwestern Latakia province. He noted in a post on X that “unexpected wildfires in Turkey” delayed their deployment by nearly a day. Wildfires have been raging across parts of Turkey since June 26. Turkish Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli announced Saturday that crews had managed to bring 10 major fires under control in the western part of the country. However, an injured forestry worker died, marking the third fatality from the wildfires in Odemis, Izmir province. Turkey to export 48 of its nationally produced fighter jets to Indonesia Authorities believe many of the fires in Izmir were sparked by faulty power lines. In Turkey’s southern Hatay province, near the Syrian border, firefighters continued battling a blaze that broke out Friday afternoon in the Dortyol district. The flames quickly spread due to strong winds, according to state-run Anadolu Agency. Governor Mustafa Masatli said around 920 homes were evacuated as a precaution. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that 44 individuals had been detained in connection with 65 wildfires across the country. Blazes across Turkey, Syria, and Greece over the past week have been driven by soaring temperatures, dry conditions, and powerful winds, leading to widespread evacuations and damage to hundreds of homes in Turkey alone. Meanwhile, the Syrian Civil Defense has raised concerns over the presence of unexploded ordnance in some wildfire zones, remnants of the country’s years of conflict. Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of summer wildfires across the eastern Mediterranean region.

Iran’ s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began, attending a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura. State television broadcast footage on Saturday showing Khamenei greeting worshippers at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosque during a ceremony held ahead of Ashura, the significant Shia religious observance. Khamenei’s last appearance had been via pre-recorded speeches aired during the Iran-Israel conflict, which began on June 13 and saw the killing of several senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. The war began after Israel launched a surprise assault targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. In retaliation, Iran carried out aerial strikes on Israel. The conflict lasted 12 days, during which Khamenei delivered three video messages, fueling speculation that he had gone into hiding in a secure bunker. Iranian media extensively covered Khamenei’s public appearance on Saturday, with state TV airing footage of jubilant supporters reacting to his presence. In the video, Khamenei is seen turning to senior cleric Mahmoud Karimi, urging him to perform the patriotic song "O Iran," which has gained renewed popularity amid the recent conflict. Israeli airstrikes kill 14 Palestinians in Gaza, another 10 people die seeking food The event took place at the Imam Khomeini Mosque, named after the founder of the Islamic Republic. State television also invited citizens to submit videos sharing their reactions to Khamenei’s reappearance in public. The supreme leader's appearance comes as Iran observes Muharram, a month of mourning in the Shia Muslim calendar. Ashura, which falls on July 6 this year, marks the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hossein, and is traditionally attended by the country’s top religious leaders. Russia becomes first state to recognise Afghanistan's Taliban government On June 26, in a previously recorded speech broadcast on state TV, Khamenei declared that Iran would not surrender to Israel, despite US President Donald Trump’s demands. The United States entered the conflict on June 22 by launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The American operation involved 125 military aircraft targeting key facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran’s judiciary later reported that the 12-day conflict resulted in over 900 deaths. #With inputs from Agencies  

Israeli airstrikes killed 14 people in the Gaza Strip, while a separate incident left 10 more Palestinians dead as they tried to access food in the war-ravaged enclave, hospital officials in Gaza told on Saturday. Meanwhile, two American aid workers from the Israel-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) were wounded in southern Gaza during an attack at a food distribution point. The organization blamed Hamas for the assault but did not provide any evidence to support the claim. The latest wave of violence comes as U.S.-mediated ceasefire efforts to end the nearly 21-month conflict show signs of progress. Hamas gave a “positive” response to Washington's latest proposal for a 60-day ceasefire on Friday night but stressed that further negotiations were necessary to settle implementation details. The group is seeking assurances that the temporary truce would eventually lead to a full cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. U.S. President Donald Trump has been pressing for a breakthrough and plans to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House next week to advance the talks. Palestinians killed in southern Gaza Israeli airstrikes targeted tents in the Muwasi area along the southern Mediterranean coast of Gaza, killing seven people, including a Palestinian doctor and his three children, according to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Additionally, four more people were killed in the town of Bani Suheila in southern Gaza, while three others died in separate airstrikes across Khan Younis. The Israeli military has not yet commented on these incidents. In a separate development, eight Palestinians were killed near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) food distribution site in the southern city of Rafah, the hospital reported. Another Palestinian was killed near a different GHF site in Rafah. It remains unclear how close the victims were to the aid distribution locations. GHF denied the killings happened near their sites. Previously the organization has said no one has been shot at its sites, which are guarded by private contractors but can only be accessed by passing Israeli military positions hundreds of meters away. The army had no immediate comment, but has said it fires warning shots as a crowd-control measure and it only aims at people when its troops are threatened. One Palestinian was also killed waiting in crowds for aid trucks in eastern Khan Younis, officials at Nasser Hospital said. The United Nations and other international organizations bring in their own supplies of aid. It was unclear to which organization the aid trucks the Palestinians were waiting for belonged to, but the incident did not appear to be connected to GHF operations. Crowds of Palestinians often wait for trucks and unload or loot their contents before they reach their destinations. These trucks must pass through areas under Israeli military control. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.

A giant 26-meter (85-foot) Lego figure named Dada welcomed visitors to the new Legoland resort in Shanghai. The resort, which opened Saturday, is the first in China. It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built with 85 million Lego bricks. Among the main attractions is Miniland, which replicates well-known sights from across the world using Lego bricks. It features landmarks across China like Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and Shanghai’s Bund waterfront. There’s also a boat tour through a historic Chinese water town built with Lego bricks. “My first impression is it is a good recreation, like a real fairyland of Lego,” said Ji Yujia, a Lego fan who was there on opening day. The resort was developed in conjunction with the Shanghai government by Merlin Entertainments and the LEGO Group. Visitors were greeted by performances featuring Legoland characters. Tickets range from $44 (319 yuan) to $84 (599 yuan).  

The death toll from a collapsed multistory residential building in southern Pakistan rose to 16 as search operations to find survivors continued for the second day. Rescuers pulled 10 more bodies from the rubble during an overnight operation, officials said Saturday. According to AP, the government-run Civil Hospital said in a statement it had received the 16 bodies, adding several of the injured had been hospitalised. Rescue workers are using heavy machinery to search for at least eight more survivors believed to be trapped under the debris, according to local media and emergency officials. Indonesia finds 31 survivors as ferry sinks near Bali Residents said the building was located on a narrow street, hampering efforts to bring in additional heavy equipment. Television footage showed rescuers removing debris as relatives of those still trapped cried and prayed for the safety of their loved ones. Building collapses are common in Pakistan, where construction standards are often poorly enforced. Many structures are built with substandard materials, and safety regulations are frequently ignored to cut costs. In June 2020, an apartment building collapsed in Karachi, the capital of southern Sindh province, killing 22 people.

Ukraine on Saturday said it struck a Russian airbase as Russia launched hundreds of drones overnight in its latest wave of long-range attacks, further diminishing hopes of progress toward ending the war that has now dragged on for over three years. Ukraine’s military General Staff confirmed that its forces targeted the Borisoglebsk airbase in Russia’s Voronezh region, which it described as the “home base” for Russia’s Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM fighter jets. In a statement on Facebook, the General Staff said the strike hit a depot containing glide bombs, a training aircraft, and “possibly other aircraft.” Russian officials have not yet commented on the reported attack. Strikes on Russian airbases are part of Ukraine’s efforts to weaken Russia’s military capability and demonstrate its reach into high-value targets deep inside Russian territory. Last month, Ukraine claimed to have destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft stationed at various airfields inside Russia during a surprise drone operation. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 322 drones and decoys into Ukrainian territory overnight into Saturday. Of these, 157 were intercepted and destroyed, while 135 were lost, likely due to electronic jamming, according to Ukrainian officials. The western Khmelnytskyi region was the main target of the latest attacks. However, regional Governor Serhii Tyurin said no damage, injuries, or fatalities were reported. Ukraine pursues joint weapons production with allies as US pauses some arms shipments Russia has recently escalated its long-range aerial bombardments on Ukraine. On Friday, waves of drones and missiles targeted Kyiv in what officials described as the largest aerial assault since the invasion began. The attack killed one person and injured at least 26 others. The renewed Russian offensive follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Friday. Zelenskyy described the discussion as “very important and productive,” saying the leaders talked about strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, the potential for joint US-Ukraine weapons production, and broader U.S.-led initiatives to end the war. Speaking to reporters Friday night, Trump confirmed the call, saying, “We had a very good call, I think.” When asked about the prospects of ending the war, Trump responded, “I don’t know. I can’t tell you whether or not that’s going to happen.” The US has recently paused shipments of certain military aid to Ukraine, including vital air defense missiles. European allies are now considering how they can fill the gap. Zelenskyy has said plans are underway to expand Ukraine’s domestic arms production, though scaling up such efforts will take time. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it shot down 94 Ukrainian drones overnight, along with an additional 12 drones on Saturday morning. No casualties have been reported in connection with those incidents.

At least 24 people have died and dozens remain missing after devastating flash floods swept through Texas Hill Country, with an urgent search underway for more than 20 girls from a summer camp along the Guadalupe River. The disaster unfolded early Friday when nearly a foot of rain pounded the region, triggering sudden flooding that washed away homes, vehicles, and parts of the landscape. Authorities said hundreds have been rescued across Kerr County, including at least 167 airlifted by helicopter. Officials confirmed that between 23 and 25 of the missing are attendees of Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls. Families have flooded social media with pleas for information about their loved ones, as recovery teams continue their efforts. “The entire camp was wiped out,” said 13-year-old camper Elinor Lester. She described being awoken around 1:30 a.m. by the storm and later guided across a bridge, holding onto ropes for safety as water surged around them. The floodwaters rose rapidly, catching residents, officials, and campers off guard despite forecasts predicting heavy rain. Authorities admitted the storm's intensity far exceeded expectations, with rainfall totals equating to several months' worth in just hours. A river gauge near Hunt recorded the Guadalupe River rising 22 feet in just two hours before the gauge malfunctioned at 29.5 feet, according to meteorologist Bob Fogarty. "The water was moving so fast, people didn't realize the danger until it was too late," he said. At least 400 emergency responders, along with helicopters, drones, and specialized rescue teams, are scouring the flood-affected areas. Some people were rescued from treetops, officials said. Erin Burgess, a resident of Ingram, recounted how floodwaters invaded her home within minutes after 3:30 a.m. She and her son clung to a tree for nearly an hour before escaping. "My boyfriend and our dog were swept away, but thankfully, we found them," she said. Others were caught off guard by the disaster. Kerrville resident Matthew Stone said there were no emergency alerts before the floods hit. "We got no warnings, just a black wall of water," he recalled. At an emergency reunification center in Ingram, families anxiously waited for news. Some burst into tears as evacuees arrived, including a young girl from Camp Mystic sobbing in her mother's arms. Trump demands Fed's Chair Powell 'resign immediately' Many described terrifying escapes, including Barry Adelman, whose family — spanning four generations — took refuge in their attic as water levels climbed. "I had to tell my grandson everything would be okay, but I was terrified inside," Adelman said. Despite official statements defending preparations, some residents questioned why more proactive warnings were not issued. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged there is no countywide emergency warning system. "No one anticipated flooding of this scale," he insisted. The region, often called "flash flood alley," is notorious for such disasters due to the thin soil atop its hills, which causes rainwater to run off quickly, explained Austin Dickson, head of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. The Guadalupe River, typically a scenic attraction drawing tourists and summer campers from across the U.S., turned deadly overnight. Centuries-old camps like Mystic are an integral part of the local economy and culture, now left reeling by the disaster. Efforts to locate the missing and assist survivors continue as the Hill Country grapples with one of the deadliest flood events in recent memory.

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism over the prospects of a Gaza ceasefire, saying a breakthrough could come as early as next week. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump welcomed Hamas's statement that it had responded to a US-brokered ceasefire proposal "in a positive spirit."  However, he noted he had yet to receive a full briefing on the status of the negotiations. Meanwhile, Israeli military attacks have intensified across the Gaza Strip, leaving at least 18 Palestinians dead since midnight, according to Gaza health officials. International charities, NGOs call for end to controversial Israeli-backed aid group in Gaza In Gaza City's Zeitoun neighbourhood, an Israeli strike hit al-Shafi’i School, killing at least five people and wounding several others. In central Gaza, Israeli forces also bombed the Abu Breik family home in the Maghazi refugee camp, killing two people. The overnight assault included an attack on tents sheltering displaced civilians in al-Mawasi, which left at least seven dead. The Palestinian Information Center and Quds News Network report the overall death toll from Israeli operations across Gaza has reached 18 in the past few hours. More updates are expected. Source: ALJAZEERA