Syria's central government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have completed a landmark agreement to integrate civilian institutions and military structures in the northeast into the Syrian state. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and President Ahmed al-Sharaa finalized the terms after months of tensions, clashes and negotiations, marking a major step toward consolidating Syria's post-Assad power structure.

Kurdish forces move closer to Syria's central government

The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on Friday stating that genuine autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty could be the most feasible solution to Rabat's 50-year conflict with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.
Western Sahara, a tract of desert the size of Britain, has been the scene of Africa's longest-running territorial dispute since colonial power Spain left in 1975.

UN Backs Morocco's Plan For Autonomy Over Western Sahara

Amid reports of back channel talks going on between Tibetan government in exile and the Chinese authorities Beijing has now said it will only talk with the representatives of The Dalai Lama and not the officials of the Tibet government in exile. Watch in for more details!

Beijing slams Tibet's government-in-exile as a separatist bloc

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developing at a fast pace and its implementation in our day-to-day life has become unprecedented, with the world talking about its pros and cons. A new report suggests how advancements in AI may help employees as it is said that it could see millions of people working a four-day week with the same pay in the next 10 years.

Autonomy, which is an independent research organisation, has revealed in its latest data that around 28 per cent of Britain's workforce (around 8.8 million employees) are set to work 32 hours a week full-time by 2033.&nbsp;

Four days a week is a global call to implement to reduce work time, which would help businesses, individuals, and governments as it is said that this set-up will attain a future where productivity is prioritised over working hours, and work-life balance can be improved without sacrificing business results.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/openai-investors-consider-suing-board-after-sudden-firing-of-sam-altman-660962">OpenAI investors consider suing board after sudden firing of Sam Altman</a>&nbsp;

Autonomy also conducted a similar study in the US, which said that 35 million in the US will be benefitted. Notably, Congressman Mark Takano has introduced a 32-hour workweek bill to the US Congress. As quoted by The Guardian, he said: "Fundamental changes are coming to our workforce due to AI and automation. It will take government action to ensure gains in efficiency are felt by all workers, regardless of industry or skill level."&nbsp;

The study said that this projection could be materialised by implementing large language models (LLMs) in workplaces. The LLM is a statistical language model, aimed at augmenting worker's roles and creating more free time.&nbsp;

The Autonomy data revealed that such a policy could also help to avoid mass unemployment and reduce widespread mental and physical illnesses. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-takes-a-dig-after-nadella-announces-altman-joining-microsoft-660823">Elon Musk takes a dig after Satya Nadella announces Altman is joining Microsoft</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;OpenAI's boardroom battle for the future&nbsp;

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While mentioning about the United Kingdom, the Autonomy report said: "All of these local authorities hold the potential for 38% or more of their workforces to move to a four-day week using AI augmentation over the next decade."&nbsp;

As quoted by The Guardian, Will Stronge, who is the director of research at Autonomy, said: "Too many studies of AI, large language models, and so on, solely focus on either profitability or a jobs apocalypse."&nbsp;

"This study tries to show that when the technology is deployed to its full potential, but the purpose of the technology is shifted, it can not only improve work practices but also improve work-life balance," Stronge added.&nbsp;

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developing at a fast pace and its implementation in our day-to-day life has become unprecedented, with the world talking about its pros and cons.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developing at a fast pace and its implementation in our day-to-day life has become unprecedented, with the world talking about its pros and cons. A new report suggests how advancements in AI may help employees as it is said that it could see millions of people working a four-day week with the same pay in the next 10 years. Autonomy, which is an independent research organisation, has revealed in its latest data that around 28 per cent of Britain's workforce (around 8.8 million employees) are set to work 32 hours a week full-time by 2033. Four days a week is a global call to implement to reduce work time, which would help businesses, individuals, and governments as it is said that this set-up will attain a future where productivity is prioritised over working hours, and work-life balance can be improved without sacrificing business results. Also read: OpenAI investors consider suing board after sudden firing of Sam Altman Autonomy also conducted a similar study in the US, which said that 35 million in the US will be benefitted. Notably, Congressman Mark Takano has introduced a 32-hour workweek bill to the US Congress. As quoted by The Guardian, he said: "Fundamental changes are coming to our workforce due to AI and automation. It will take government action to ensure gains in efficiency are felt by all workers, regardless of industry or skill level." The study said that this projection could be materialised by implementing large language models (LLMs) in workplaces. The LLM is a statistical language model, aimed at augmenting worker's roles and creating more free time. The Autonomy data revealed that such a policy could also help to avoid mass unemployment and reduce widespread mental and physical illnesses. Also read: Elon Musk takes a dig after Satya Nadella announces Altman is joining Microsoft Watch: OpenAI's boardroom battle for the future × While mentioning about the United Kingdom, the Autonomy report said: "All of these local authorities hold the potential for 38% or more of their workforces to move to a four-day week using AI augmentation over the next decade." As quoted by The Guardian, Will Stronge, who is the director of research at Autonomy, said: "Too many studies of AI, large language models, and so on, solely focus on either profitability or a jobs apocalypse." "This study tries to show that when the technology is deployed to its full potential, but the purpose of the technology is shifted, it can not only improve work practices but also improve work-life balance," Stronge added.

Artificial Intelligence could help implement a four-day week work culture in near future

The Dalai Lama said in a latest discussion with reporters at his residence in Dharamshala that Tibetans are seeking greater autonomy rather than political separation from China.&nbsp;He expressed his desire to eventually visit Lhasa but indicated his preference to continue living in India's Dharamsala.

The discussion&nbsp;took place before a demanding series of visits&nbsp;across India, which include planned visits to Sikkim, Karnataka, and Bodh Gaya in Bihar later this year, reported the Hindu.

The Dalai Lama reiterated his previous conciliatory statements, but China has consistently rejected these remarks, accusing the Dalai Lama, who has been in exile in India since 1959, of promoting separatism and being a "splittist."

Addressing the altitude challenges faced by many visitors to Tibet, the Dalai Lama shared, "China is also now changing... I think many people [in Tibet] love me... similarly many Chinese love me... and so they want me to go back [to Tibet]. But I do not want to stay there. Lhasa is very high…Dharamshala’s height is very suitable for my physical condition now." His statement marks the practical considerations of living in Tibet's high-altitude environment, which can be physically demanding, particularly for the aged.

Also watch |&nbsp;Indian govt: New China's map show Indian state within Chinese border

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<h2>Spiritual roots in India</h2>

The Dalai Lama's spiritual journey is a tale of two homelands. Paying homage to the ancient seat of Buddhist teachings in India, he remarked, "I was born in Tibet, but my spiritual knowledge is from here, from Nalanda in India." He went on to say, "So half my body is from here at least," highlighting the profound influence that India has had on his spiritual growth.

Despite his age, the Dalai Lama continues to connect with the public. He has been actively meeting people daily during the post-COVID period, extending his greetings to crowds from his golf cart and receiving the reverence of countless Buddhist devotees and international visitors who come to pay their respects.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-academics-call-for-tibet-to-be-known-as-xizang-to-reconstruct-image-626677">Chinese academics call for renaming Tibet as Xizang for ‘reconstructing’ image</a>

<h2>Upcoming engagements and diplomatic sensitivities</h2>

According to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), responsible for overseeing the Tibetan exile population, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to commence daily teachings in Dharamshala from October 2, reported The Hindu.&nbsp;

Later, he plans to depart for Gangtok on October 10, where he will engage in discourses near the Chinese border and the Doklam plateau, a region that witnessed a standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers in 2017. This year, he also spent a month in Ladakh, a routine practice for him.

Furthermore, the Dalai Lama is set to travel to Bylakuppe in Karnataka, which is home to the second-largest Tibetan refugee settlement after Dharamshala. During this visit, he is expected to be joined by former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama.

<h2>China's ongoing concerns</h2>

China has previously expressed its objections to the Dalai Lama's interactions with senior US&nbsp;officials, consistently protesting against what it perceives as contacts between "external forces" and "Tibetan Independence" advocates. This includes a recent meeting between the Dalai Lama and the US&nbsp;Under Secretary for Civilian Security, democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, who also holds the position of US&nbsp;Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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The Dalai Lama said in a latest discussion with reporters at his residence in Dharamshala that Tibetans are seeking greater autonomy rather than political separation from China.

The Dalai Lama said in a latest discussion with reporters at his residence in Dharamshala that Tibetans are seeking greater autonomy rather than political separation from China. He expressed his desire to eventually visit Lhasa but indicated his preference to continue living in India's Dharamsala. The discussion took place before a demanding series of visits across India, which include planned visits to Sikkim, Karnataka, and Bodh Gaya in Bihar later this year, reported the Hindu. The Dalai Lama reiterated his previous conciliatory statements, but China has consistently rejected these remarks, accusing the Dalai Lama, who has been in exile in India since 1959, of promoting separatism and being a "splittist." Addressing the altitude challenges faced by many visitors to Tibet, the Dalai Lama shared, "China is also now changing... I think many people [in Tibet] love me... similarly many Chinese love me... and so they want me to go back [to Tibet]. But I do not want to stay there. Lhasa is very high…Dharamshala’s height is very suitable for my physical condition now." His statement marks the practical considerations of living in Tibet's high-altitude environment, which can be physically demanding, particularly for the aged. Also watch | Indian govt: New China's map show Indian state within Chinese border Spiritual roots in India The Dalai Lama's spiritual journey is a tale of two homelands. Paying homage to the ancient seat of Buddhist teachings in India, he remarked, "I was born in Tibet, but my spiritual knowledge is from here, from Nalanda in India." He went on to say, "So half my body is from here at least," highlighting the profound influence that India has had on his spiritual growth. Despite his age, the Dalai Lama continues to connect with the public. He has been actively meeting people daily during the post-COVID period, extending his greetings to crowds from his golf cart and receiving the reverence of countless Buddhist devotees and international visitors who come to pay their respects. Also read | Chinese academics call for renaming Tibet as Xizang for ‘reconstructing’ image Upcoming engagements and diplomatic sensitivities According to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), responsible for overseeing the Tibetan exile population, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to commence daily teachings in Dharamshala from October 2, reported The Hindu. Later, he plans to depart for Gangtok on October 10, where he will engage in discourses near the Chinese border and the Doklam plateau, a region that witnessed a standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers in 2017. This year, he also spent a month in Ladakh, a routine practice for him. Furthermore, the Dalai Lama is set to travel to Bylakuppe in Karnataka, which is home to the second-largest Tibetan refugee settlement after Dharamshala. During this visit, he is expected to be joined by former US President Barack Obama. China's ongoing concerns China has previously expressed its objections to the Dalai Lama's interactions with senior US officials, consistently protesting against what it perceives as contacts between "external forces" and "Tibetan Independence" advocates. This includes a recent meeting between the Dalai Lama and the US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, who also holds the position of US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tibetans seek autonomy, not political separation from China: Dalai Lama

Uzbekistan is reeling under a deadly mass unrest. People living in autonomous Uzbek region of Karakalpakstan are protesting against the Uzbekistan government's plans to limit the region's autonomy. Last week unrest swept Karakalpakstan's capital which killed at least 18 people wounded around 243 people.

Protests in Uzbekistan's Karakalpakstan province

As China continues to wield its influence over various countries, Beijing's nexus with the top establishment in the Nepal government has raised serious doubts over the Himalayan nation's 'autonomy' and 'ability to take independent decisions', according to a report in Global Watch Analysis.

According to an article by Roland Jacquard, the author explains China's policy of corrupting the political class of a country, especially those who are not economically strong. He also details how the foreign policy of Nepal, the latest entrant to fall victim to China's strategic expansionism, has veered towards pushing the interests of Beijing.

In January last year, the day when China condemned United States' move to slap economic sanctions on Venezuela, the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) also issued a similar statement denouncing Washington and its allies for intervening in Venezuela's internal matters. This was probably the first time Kathmandu had taken a stand pertaining to US policies in Latin America.

Another worrying and trend noticed in Nepal is the deteriorating human rights condition of Tibetan refugees residing in Nepal. The Himalayan nation shares a long border with Tibet and is home to over 20,000 Tibetan exiles, many of whom coming into the country after the Dalai Lama took refuge in India in 1959.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-occupying-land-in-seven-border-districts-says-nepal-survey-department-322503">Also read:&nbsp;China occupying land in seven border districts, says Nepal survey department</a>

According to a recent report submitted to the United Nations (UN), two human rights groups — Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet and the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights — have noted that the new arrivals of Tibetans to Nepal often face threats of being deported to China.

With the growing links between the Nepal government and China, Tibetan refugees are barred from holding elections to elect members of their refugee associations or celebrate the Dalai Lama`s birthday, Jacquard writes in the article.

Attempts to protest against Chinese persecution are met with a heavy-handed response by Nepali authorities, says the writer.

To ensure that the top establishment of Nepal carries out China`s bidding, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has been steadily building a network of loyalists, and doles are given out to them, many times on the pretext of legitimate jobs undertaken for the embassy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-to-resume-international-flights-from-september-1-to-bring-back-stranded-nationals-322440">Also read:&nbsp;Nepal to resume international flights from September 1 to bring back stranded nationals</a>

For instance, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu awarded a contract of 1.5 million Nepali rupees to Rajan Bhattarai, a member of the NCP and who is currently Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli`s Foreign Affairs Advisor, for a research paper on Nepal-India relations. When the initiative started in October 2017, Bhattarai was a member of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations and the Chairman of the Nepal Institute for Policy Studies.

According to the contract, Bhattarai`s wife Geeta Gautam while he would oversee the project. The payment for the duty was sent to Bhattarai`s account in Nabil Bank.

"The contract was what the Chinese would call `a win-win`, as it not only found a way to engage a senior NCP functionary in a financial transaction, it also came with an added understanding of Nepal`s policies towards India," the writer states.

Bhattarai was appointed as Foreign Affairs Advisor to Oli in November 2018. While it is not clear whether China played a role in his appointment, what is interesting to note that despite his position in the Prime Minister`s Office, Bhattarai continued to keep contact with Li Yingqiu, a Chinese diplomat posted in the Nepali capital.

"With Nepal`s Prime Minister`s Office, including its senior advisors, known to have established a transactional relationship with China, it raises serious doubts about the autonomy of the government and its ability to take independent decisions," Jacquard says in the article.

As China continues to wield its influence over various countries, Beijing's nexus with the top establishment in the Nepal government has raised serious doubts over the Himalayan nation's 'autonomy' and 'ability to take independent decisions', according to a report in Global Watch Analysis.

As China continues to wield its influence over various countries, Beijing's nexus with the top establishment in the Nepal government has raised serious doubts over the Himalayan nation's 'autonomy' and 'ability to take independent decisions', according to a report in Global Watch Analysis. According to an article by Roland Jacquard, the author explains China's policy of corrupting the political class of a country, especially those who are not economically strong. He also details how the foreign policy of Nepal, the latest entrant to fall victim to China's strategic expansionism, has veered towards pushing the interests of Beijing. In January last year, the day when China condemned United States' move to slap economic sanctions on Venezuela, the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) also issued a similar statement denouncing Washington and its allies for intervening in Venezuela's internal matters. This was probably the first time Kathmandu had taken a stand pertaining to US policies in Latin America. Another worrying and trend noticed in Nepal is the deteriorating human rights condition of Tibetan refugees residing in Nepal. The Himalayan nation shares a long border with Tibet and is home to over 20,000 Tibetan exiles, many of whom coming into the country after the Dalai Lama took refuge in India in 1959. Also read: China occupying land in seven border districts, says Nepal survey department According to a recent report submitted to the United Nations (UN), two human rights groups — Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet and the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights — have noted that the new arrivals of Tibetans to Nepal often face threats of being deported to China. With the growing links between the Nepal government and China, Tibetan refugees are barred from holding elections to elect members of their refugee associations or celebrate the Dalai Lama`s birthday, Jacquard writes in the article. Attempts to protest against Chinese persecution are met with a heavy-handed response by Nepali authorities, says the writer. To ensure that the top establishment of Nepal carries out China`s bidding, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu has been steadily building a network of loyalists, and doles are given out to them, many times on the pretext of legitimate jobs undertaken for the embassy. Also read: Nepal to resume international flights from September 1 to bring back stranded nationals For instance, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu awarded a contract of 1.5 million Nepali rupees to Rajan Bhattarai, a member of the NCP and who is currently Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli`s Foreign Affairs Advisor, for a research paper on Nepal-India relations. When the initiative started in October 2017, Bhattarai was a member of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations and the Chairman of the Nepal Institute for Policy Studies. According to the contract, Bhattarai`s wife Geeta Gautam while he would oversee the project. The payment for the duty was sent to Bhattarai`s account in Nabil Bank. "The contract was what the Chinese would call `a win-win`, as it not only found a way to engage a senior NCP functionary in a financial transaction, it also came with an added understanding of Nepal`s policies towards India," the writer states. Bhattarai was appointed as Foreign Affairs Advisor to Oli in November 2018. While it is not clear whether China played a role in his appointment, what is interesting to note that despite his position in the Prime Minister`s Office, Bhattarai continued to keep contact with Li Yingqiu, a Chinese diplomat posted in the Nepali capital. "With Nepal`s Prime Minister`s Office, including its senior advisors, known to have established a transactional relationship with China, it raises serious doubts about the autonomy of the government and its ability to take independent decisions," Jacquard says in the article.

Nepal govt's links with China affecting its autonomy, ability to take independent decisions: Report

Hong Kong <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-medics-join-anti-government-protests-to-resist-tyranny-258280">anti-government protesters</a> are due to march on Saturday in what has been billed as a global "emergency call" for autonomy for the Asian financial hub that was guaranteed its freedoms when it returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

Prominent pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong called for 100,000 people to rally in what would be the 22nd straight weekend of protests.

Protesters have taken to the streets for five months of sometimes violent unrest, angry at perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, including its legal system and politics. China denies the charge.

Activists have attacked police with petrol bombs, set street fires and trashed government buildings and businesses seen as pro-Beijing.

One policeman was slashed in the neck with a knife last month.

Police have responded with tear gas, pepper spray, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds. Several people have been wounded.

Wong was disqualified on Tuesday from standing in upcoming district elections, a move he said was "clearly politically driven".

"If more and more people, not only a few thousand, but if more than 100,000 Hong Kongers take to the streets tomorrow, it can let the world know how Hong Kong people fight for a free election," he told reporters on Friday.

The bespectacled Wong was a leader of the student-led pro-democracy street protests of 2014 but has not been in the forefront of the current unrest.

Government data on Thursday confirmed that Hong Kong slid into recession in the third quarter for the first time since the global financial crisis of 2008. Retail sales fell 18.3% in value in September from a year earlier, an eighth consecutive month of decline.

Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous "special administrative region" of China according to the "one country, two systems" formula under which it returned to Chinese rule.

Hong Kong anti-government protesters are due to march on Saturday in what has been billed as a global "emergency call" for autonomy for the Asian financial hub that was guaranteed its freedoms when it returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997.

Hong Kong anti-government protesters are due to march on Saturday in what has been billed as a global "emergency call" for autonomy for the Asian financial hub that was guaranteed its freedoms when it returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Prominent pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong called for 100,000 people to rally in what would be the 22nd straight weekend of protests. Protesters have taken to the streets for five months of sometimes violent unrest, angry at perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, including its legal system and politics. China denies the charge. Activists have attacked police with petrol bombs, set street fires and trashed government buildings and businesses seen as pro-Beijing. One policeman was slashed in the neck with a knife last month. Police have responded with tear gas, pepper spray, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds. Several people have been wounded. Wong was disqualified on Tuesday from standing in upcoming district elections, a move he said was "clearly politically driven". "If more and more people, not only a few thousand, but if more than 100,000 Hong Kongers take to the streets tomorrow, it can let the world know how Hong Kong people fight for a free election," he told reporters on Friday. The bespectacled Wong was a leader of the student-led pro-democracy street protests of 2014 but has not been in the forefront of the current unrest. Government data on Thursday confirmed that Hong Kong slid into recession in the third quarter for the first time since the global financial crisis of 2008. Retail sales fell 18.3% in value in September from a year earlier, an eighth consecutive month of decline. Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous "special administrative region" of China according to the "one country, two systems" formula under which it returned to Chinese rule.

Hong Kong braces for 'emergency' protest call for autonomy

History of Kashmir and what revoking of special status means

Prominent activist Denise Ho brought the issue of protests in Hong Kong to the United Nations in Geneva on Monday, saying China was tightening its grip on the territory and that its autonomy and democratic freedoms were slipping away. Beijing's delegation twice interrupted singer and producer Ho, who is banned in mainland China, as she was delivering her speech, invoking "point of order".

Hong Kong singer-activist brings protest to UN rights body, urges action

The BJP on Friday hit out at <a href="http://13.232.42.114/india-news/rahul-no-longer-a-pappu-after-poll-win-in-three-states-farooq-abdullah-185769">National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah</a> over his remarks to grant autonomy to Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir regions if his party comes to power in the state. 
 
Mr Abdullah had on Thursday promised regional autonomy if his party comes to power in Jammu and Kashmir after next year's assembly election. 
 
"I want to make a promise that God willing if we form the next government, we will bring a resolution to grant autonomy to the three regions (within 30 days)," Mr Abdullah said, as he welcomed expelled BJP leader and former MLA Gagan Bhagat into the National Conference. 
 
"Farooq Abdullah has tried to mislead Jammuites and create confusion and discord in peace-loving people of Jammu belonging to different religious and ethnic groups by promising greater autonomy to Jammu in case National Conference comes to power in next elections," State Bharatiya Janata Party Chief Spokesperson Sunil Sethi told reporters in Jammu. 
 
"By making such a statement the real face of the communal approach of the National Conference has come in open", he said. 
 
Mr Sethi said that National Conference wants to divide the people of Jammu Province into regional subgroups to create subregions of a Muslim majority by creating mistrust and hatred between people who have always lived in complete harmony. 
 
"Jammu is a shining example of all religious and linguistic groups living in complete harmony unlike the intolerant Kashmiri population who forced minority Kashmiri Pandits to migrate," he said. 
 
National Conference has no political agenda for the state except for blindly falling in line with separatists, including Hurriyat Conference, for petty political gains, he added. 
 
On Gagan Bhagat joining National Conference, he said that it exposes the real face of National Conference. "It is very clear that Gagan Bhagat had filed a petition against assembly dissolution at the asking of National Conference only which is his new master", he added. 
 
"Gagan Bhagat had been expelled from the BJP, not because of his matrimonial dispute, but because he had kept a young girl belonging to a poor family in his house with whom his objectionable pictures and videos came in the media," Mr Sethi claimed. 
 
"By misusing his position as an MLA, he had created a situation of fear and helplessness for the poor family which was a heinous act as a political worker. In the coming elections National Conference will have to give an answer to the voters for having such a person in the party," he added.

The BJP on Friday hit out at National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah over his remarks to grant autonomy to Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir regions if his party comes to power in the state.

The BJP on Friday hit out at National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah over his remarks to grant autonomy to Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir regions if his party comes to power in the state. Mr Abdullah had on Thursday promised regional autonomy if his party comes to power in Jammu and Kashmir after next year's assembly election. "I want to make a promise that God willing if we form the next government, we will bring a resolution to grant autonomy to the three regions (within 30 days)," Mr Abdullah said, as he welcomed expelled BJP leader and former MLA Gagan Bhagat into the National Conference. "Farooq Abdullah has tried to mislead Jammuites and create confusion and discord in peace-loving people of Jammu belonging to different religious and ethnic groups by promising greater autonomy to Jammu in case National Conference comes to power in next elections," State Bharatiya Janata Party Chief Spokesperson Sunil Sethi told reporters in Jammu. "By making such a statement the real face of the communal approach of the National Conference has come in open", he said. Mr Sethi said that National Conference wants to divide the people of Jammu Province into regional subgroups to create subregions of a Muslim majority by creating mistrust and hatred between people who have always lived in complete harmony. "Jammu is a shining example of all religious and linguistic groups living in complete harmony unlike the intolerant Kashmiri population who forced minority Kashmiri Pandits to migrate," he said. National Conference has no political agenda for the state except for blindly falling in line with separatists, including Hurriyat Conference, for petty political gains, he added. On Gagan Bhagat joining National Conference, he said that it exposes the real face of National Conference. "It is very clear that Gagan Bhagat had filed a petition against assembly dissolution at the asking of National Conference only which is his new master", he added. "Gagan Bhagat had been expelled from the BJP, not because of his matrimonial dispute, but because he had kept a young girl belonging to a poor family in his house with whom his objectionable pictures and videos came in the media," Mr Sethi claimed. "By misusing his position as an MLA, he had created a situation of fear and helplessness for the poor family which was a heinous act as a political worker. In the coming elections National Conference will have to give an answer to the voters for having such a person in the party," he added.

BJP slams Farooq Abdullah over promising regional autonomy in J&K if his party comes to power

For decades, Tibetans living in exile across the globe fought what they thought was a “freedom struggle”. Sixty years down the line, it is a “karmic design” which they seem to be banking upon to get back to their homeland.

With China asserting itself like never before, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama talking about Tibetans “not seeking separation” from China but only “<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tibetans-only-seeking-certain-rights-mentioned-in-chinese-constitution-dalai-lama-to-wion-127543">certain rights</a>” to enable Tibetans to preserve their culture, language and rich Buddhist tradition, Tibetans who have grown up on ideas of a "free Tibet" now find themselves in a quandary.

The Tibetans' belief that since two of the three dreams seen by His Holiness the Dalai Lama came true, the third one will true too, is what appears to be lending more hope to the exiled community than the idea of a “freedom struggle”.

In the first dream, the Dalai Lama saw bloodshed. The Tibetans believe that this dream became a reality after 81,000 Tibetans were killed between March and September 1959 and a million Tibetans died during the Chinese invasion and occupation.

In the second dream, His Holiness saw that he was meeting with people wearing white clothing. After arriving in India, the Dalai Lama met with the likes of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and first President Rajendra Prasad — both of whom used to wear white kurtas. So the Tibetans believe that the second dream came true as well.

But it is the third dream which gives the Tibetans the most hope. In that, the Dalai Lama saw himself in a room “filled with light” in the Potala Palace in Lhasa and being reunited with Tibetans inside Tibet.

“Because the first two dreams came true, by karmic design, the third dream will also come true,” Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, told a massive gathering of Tibetans in the picturesque hill township of McLeodganj last week.

“Let us reunite Dalai Lama with Tibetans inside Tibet,” Sangay, the Dalai Lama's political successor, said, asking the Tibetans to rededicate themselves and their efforts to making the dream of the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace a reality.

The fact that the Tibetan cause has got watered down from a freedom struggle to autonomy over the years has not gone unnoticed.

Tibetans living in exile across the globe are observing 2018 as “Thank You India” year. This, they say, is an expression of their gratitude towards a country which not only gave them shelter but also helped keep their “freedom struggle”, their “movement” alive for six decades.

McLeodganj — the seat of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile — in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is not called “Little Lhasa” for nothing. This town has been not only a home away from home for the Tibetans-in-exile. It has also been a launchpad to hopefully return the exiled Tibetans to their homeland some day.

So when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama says that at a “practical level”, the Tibetans are “not seeking separation” from China and that their “elected political leadership” is committed to this stance, don't the Tibetans have reason to feel let down? Even if they do, the Tibetans do well to hide it. Given the stature His Holiness enjoys, it is difficult to find a Tibetan voice dissenting with the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama says that while remaining within the People's Republic of China, Tibetans should have certain rights enshrined in the Chinese Constitution so that Tibetans can preserve their language, culture, and traditions. It's anybody's guess how generations of Tibetans who were brought up on dreams of a Free Tibet would feel about this.

In “practical” terms, the spiritual leader probably realises that this is the best bargain he can secure from an increasingly-assertive China.

But the tone and tenor adopted by the political leadership of the Tibetan movement could make one believe that the idea of complete freedom has not been given up. Yet.

At the main event to commence the year-long “Thank You India” celebrations, Dr Lobsang Sangay minced no words in detailing “60 years of China's illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet”, “60 years of destruction of Tibetan civilisation, culture and identity”, “60 years of killing, arbitrary arrests and tortures”, “60 years of China's mass exploitation of our precious natural resources... our forests, our water and our glaciers”, and “60 years of tragedy, 60 years of suffering, 60 years of sadness and 60 years of pain”.

Sangay also lent a completely new dimension to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Make In India” programme by saying that the “original Make In India is the Tibetan movement”.

“Tibetans were born and brought up in India. They were educated in India. Our democracy replicates Indian democracy. Our philosophy of ahimsa comes from Indian philosophy. And the Tibetan cause is being rebuilt in India for the last 60 years,” Sangay said. “The original Made in India will also succeed. Your success will be our success, our success will be your success,” the Tibetan leader said addressing India's Culture Minister Mahesh Sharrma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav.

No separation from China? &nbsp;And the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace, even as it continues to be under Chinese occupation? Will the 1.28 lakh Tibetans-in-exile ever amenably settle for that? That is the question that needs immediate answering.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Dalai Lama says Tibet no longer seeks freedom from China, only autonomy. His people disagree with him

For decades, Tibetans living in exile across the globe fought what they thought was a “freedom struggle”. Sixty years down the line, it is a “karmic design” which they seem to be banking upon to get back to their homeland. With China asserting itself like never before, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama talking about Tibetans “not seeking separation” from China but only “certain rights” to enable Tibetans to preserve their culture, language and rich Buddhist tradition, Tibetans who have grown up on ideas of a "free Tibet" now find themselves in a quandary. The Tibetans' belief that since two of the three dreams seen by His Holiness the Dalai Lama came true, the third one will true too, is what appears to be lending more hope to the exiled community than the idea of a “freedom struggle”. In the first dream, the Dalai Lama saw bloodshed. The Tibetans believe that this dream became a reality after 81,000 Tibetans were killed between March and September 1959 and a million Tibetans died during the Chinese invasion and occupation. In the second dream, His Holiness saw that he was meeting with people wearing white clothing. After arriving in India, the Dalai Lama met with the likes of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and first President Rajendra Prasad — both of whom used to wear white kurtas. So the Tibetans believe that the second dream came true as well. But it is the third dream which gives the Tibetans the most hope. In that, the Dalai Lama saw himself in a room “filled with light” in the Potala Palace in Lhasa and being reunited with Tibetans inside Tibet. “Because the first two dreams came true, by karmic design, the third dream will also come true,” Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, told a massive gathering of Tibetans in the picturesque hill township of McLeodganj last week. “Let us reunite Dalai Lama with Tibetans inside Tibet,” Sangay, the Dalai Lama's political successor, said, asking the Tibetans to rededicate themselves and their efforts to making the dream of the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace a reality. The fact that the Tibetan cause has got watered down from a freedom struggle to autonomy over the years has not gone unnoticed. Tibetans living in exile across the globe are observing 2018 as “Thank You India” year. This, they say, is an expression of their gratitude towards a country which not only gave them shelter but also helped keep their “freedom struggle”, their “movement” alive for six decades. McLeodganj — the seat of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile — in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is not called “Little Lhasa” for nothing. This town has been not only a home away from home for the Tibetans-in-exile. It has also been a launchpad to hopefully return the exiled Tibetans to their homeland some day. So when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama says that at a “practical level”, the Tibetans are “not seeking separation” from China and that their “elected political leadership” is committed to this stance, don't the Tibetans have reason to feel let down? Even if they do, the Tibetans do well to hide it. Given the stature His Holiness enjoys, it is difficult to find a Tibetan voice dissenting with the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama says that while remaining within the People's Republic of China, Tibetans should have certain rights enshrined in the Chinese Constitution so that Tibetans can preserve their language, culture, and traditions. It's anybody's guess how generations of Tibetans who were brought up on dreams of a Free Tibet would feel about this. In “practical” terms, the spiritual leader probably realises that this is the best bargain he can secure from an increasingly-assertive China. But the tone and tenor adopted by the political leadership of the Tibetan movement could make one believe that the idea of complete freedom has not been given up. Yet. At the main event to commence the year-long “Thank You India” celebrations, Dr Lobsang Sangay minced no words in detailing “60 years of China's illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet”, “60 years of destruction of Tibetan civilisation, culture and identity”, “60 years of killing, arbitrary arrests and tortures”, “60 years of China's mass exploitation of our precious natural resources... our forests, our water and our glaciers”, and “60 years of tragedy, 60 years of suffering, 60 years of sadness and 60 years of pain”. Sangay also lent a completely new dimension to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Make In India” programme by saying that the “original Make In India is the Tibetan movement”. “Tibetans were born and brought up in India. They were educated in India. Our democracy replicates Indian democracy. Our philosophy of ahimsa comes from Indian philosophy. And the Tibetan cause is being rebuilt in India for the last 60 years,” Sangay said. “The original Made in India will also succeed. Your success will be our success, our success will be your success,” the Tibetan leader said addressing India's Culture Minister Mahesh Sharrma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav. No separation from China? And the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace, even as it continues to be under Chinese occupation? Will the 1.28 lakh Tibetans-in-exile ever amenably settle for that? That is the question that needs immediate answering. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Is the Dalai Lama letting down the Tibetan people? 

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