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In photos: rare glimpses into the life of the 14th Dalai Lama

A gorgeous new illustrated biography of the religious leader offers priceless insights into his extraordinary courage and the tireless fortitude of the Tibetan people

Tenzin Geyche Tethong was initially reluctant to write a biography of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, even though he had worked in His Holiness' Private Office for four decades. Readers must be thankful that he gave in in the end, considering the result is a handsome illustrated volume, offering rare glimpses into an exceptional life. In this photograph, for instance, relief floods the Dalai Lama’s face as he arrives in India in 1959 after an arduous journey across Tibet, and is greeted with a khatag, or offering scarf. Credit: Tibet Museum.
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Tenzin Geyche Tethong was initially reluctant to write a biography of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, even though he had worked in His Holiness' Private Office for four decades. Readers must be thankful that he gave in in the end, considering the result is a handsome illustrated volume, offering rare glimpses into an exceptional life. In this photograph, for instance, relief floods the Dalai Lama’s face as he arrives in India in 1959 after an arduous journey across Tibet, and is greeted with a khatag, or offering scarf. Credit: Tibet Museum.
Tethong weaves his personal experience of the Tibetan struggle and the story of generations of his family's involvement with the Dalai Lamas into his narrative. It is rich with historical details and anecdotes. But above all, it comes vividly to life through powerful images, such as this one of the Women's Day Uprising on 12 March 1959, On that day, a spontaneous gathering of 15,000 women from all regions of Tibet flocked to an area below the Potala palace in Lhasa, the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas, in a remarkable act of bravery. The leaders were later imprisoned or executed. Credit: Tibet Images Collection of Jane Moore.
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Tethong weaves his personal experience of the Tibetan struggle and the story of generations of his family's involvement with the Dalai Lamas into his narrative. It is rich with historical details and anecdotes. But above all, it comes vividly to life through powerful images, such as this one of the Women's Day Uprising on 12 March 1959, On that day, a spontaneous gathering of 15,000 women from all regions of Tibet flocked to an area below the Potala palace in Lhasa, the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas, in a remarkable act of bravery. The leaders were later imprisoned or executed. Credit: Tibet Images Collection of Jane Moore.
The 14th Dalai Lama's journey began much earlier, though, in the 1930s, when, as an infant, he was singled out as the living incarnation of his predecessor. In this photograph, one of his earliest, taken at the age of four at Kumbum monastery in 1939, His Holiness is holding on his lap a Gospel of St. John card presented to him by a visiting missionary. Credit: Archibald Steele, in A.T. Steele Papers, Arizona State University Libraries, Special Collections.
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The 14th Dalai Lama's journey began much earlier, though, in the 1930s, when, as an infant, he was singled out as the living incarnation of his predecessor. In this photograph, one of his earliest, taken at the age of four at Kumbum monastery in 1939, His Holiness is holding on his lap a Gospel of St. John card presented to him by a visiting missionary. Credit: Archibald Steele, in A.T. Steele Papers, Arizona State University Libraries, Special Collections.
In the early years of his exile in Dharamsala, India, the Dalai Lama had two Lhasa apso dogs, Senge (‘lion’) and Tashi (‘good fortune’). Here Senge sits at his feet in the sitting room of Swarg Ashram. In Tethong's portrait many such intimate moments shine through. Courtesy: Tendzin Choegyal and Rinchen Khando (John Faber).
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In the early years of his exile in Dharamsala, India, the Dalai Lama had two Lhasa apso dogs, Senge (‘lion’) and Tashi (‘good fortune’). Here Senge sits at his feet in the sitting room of Swarg Ashram. In Tethong's portrait many such intimate moments shine through. Courtesy: Tendzin Choegyal and Rinchen Khando (John Faber).
The Dalai Lama travelled to Karasjok in Northern Norway, after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, at the invitation of Ole Henrik Magga, first president of the Sami Parliament. The Sami are an indigenous people who, like the Tibetans, are intent on keeping their culture and language intact. Their discussions were followed by a reindeer-led sleigh ride, to the delight of His Holiness who had not seen a reindeer before. Credit: Wikimedia Commons (Harry Johansen).
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The Dalai Lama travelled to Karasjok in Northern Norway, after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, at the invitation of Ole Henrik Magga, first president of the Sami Parliament. The Sami are an indigenous people who, like the Tibetans, are intent on keeping their culture and language intact. Their discussions were followed by a reindeer-led sleigh ride, to the delight of His Holiness who had not seen a reindeer before. Credit: Wikimedia Commons (Harry Johansen).
His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to nuns from several nunneries who had just concluded their annual winter debate sessions at the Tsuglakhang in Dharamsala, 2013. Tethong notes the spiritual leader's effortless savviness in interacting with people of different faiths from across the world. Courtesy: Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to nuns from several nunneries who had just concluded their annual winter debate sessions at the Tsuglakhang in Dharamsala, 2013. Tethong notes the spiritual leader's effortless savviness in interacting with people of different faiths from across the world. Courtesy: Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
During his early days in Dharamshala, Tethong says he used to be disappointed with the lack of interest about Tibetans among the media and political leaders in India. It was His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's tireless campaigning and unique presence that changed the indifference into lively engagement, But the battle is far from over.
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During his early days in Dharamshala, Tethong says he used to be disappointed with the lack of interest about Tibetans among the media and political leaders in India. It was His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's tireless campaigning and unique presence that changed the indifference into lively engagement, But the battle is far from over. "Unless China becomes more free and democratic, it wouldn't be possible for Tibetans to achieve their rightful goal," Tethong adds. The cover of 'His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama: An Illustrated Biography', published by Roli Books, Rs1,295.

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Foldable phones: Motorola makes a splash with Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra

Motorola claims the new razr 40 ultra, which has a modern, pocketable design, is the thinnest flippable smartphone in the industry

Motorola has recently introduced the next generation of razr smartphones: the Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra. 
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Motorola has recently introduced the next generation of razr smartphones: the Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra.  (Lenovo/Motorola)
According to Lenovo and Motorola, the razr+/razr 40 ultra was built with content creators in mind.
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According to Lenovo and Motorola, the razr+/razr 40 ultra was built with content creators in mind. (Lenovo/Motorola)
With the new razr, users are able to stand the device on its own at multiple angles thanks to a technology called Flex View.
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With the new razr, users are able to stand the device on its own at multiple angles thanks to a technology called Flex View. (Lenovo/Motorola)
The new razr+/razr 40 ultra will come in three interesting colour schemes Viva Magenta, Infinite Black, and Glacier Blue.
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The new razr+/razr 40 ultra will come in three interesting colour schemes Viva Magenta, Infinite Black, and Glacier Blue. (Lenovo/Motorola)
The new razr/razr 40 will come in thee color schemes as well: Sage Green,  a contemporary green tone, Vanilla Cream, a true off white classic and Summer Lilac, which is a mystical purple shade.
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The new razr/razr 40 will come in thee color schemes as well: Sage Green,  a contemporary green tone, Vanilla Cream, a true off white classic and Summer Lilac, which is a mystical purple shade. (Lenovo/Motorola)

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Study finds low-flavanol diet may drive age-related memory loss

The study found that flavanol intake among older adults is correlated with higher scores on tests designed to detect memory loss due to normal ageing. Here's how you can up your intake of flavanols

Flavanols are a type of flavonoid, plant compounds with a variety of health benefits, found in fruits like berries. There are six primary types of flavonoids, each with health-promoting effects. These are Flavonols, Flavones, Flavan-3-ols, Flavanones, Anthocyanidins and Isoflavones
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Flavanols are a type of flavonoid, plant compounds with a variety of health benefits, found in fruits like berries. There are six primary types of flavonoids, each with health-promoting effects. These are Flavonols, Flavones, Flavan-3-ols, Flavanones, Anthocyanidins and Isoflavones (Pexels)
A large-scale study led by Columbia and Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard researchers found that flavanol intake among older adults tracks with scores on tests designed to detect memory loss due to normal aging and that replenishing these bioactive dietary components in mildly flavanol-deficient adults over age 60 improves performance on these tests. Green, oolong, and black teas all contain high levels of flavanols. 
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A large-scale study led by Columbia and Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard researchers found that flavanol intake among older adults tracks with scores on tests designed to detect memory loss due to normal aging and that replenishing these bioactive dietary components in mildly flavanol-deficient adults over age 60 improves performance on these tests. Green, oolong, and black teas all contain high levels of flavanols.  (Pexels)
The finding also supports the emerging idea that the aging brain requires specific nutrients for optimal health, just as the developing brain requires specific nutrients for proper development. Red wine is a great source of flavanols and in moderation has multiple health benefits, especially with lowering risks of cardiovascular disease. 
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The finding also supports the emerging idea that the aging brain requires specific nutrients for optimal health, just as the developing brain requires specific nutrients for proper development. Red wine is a great source of flavanols and in moderation has multiple health benefits, especially with lowering risks of cardiovascular disease.  (Unsplash)
Additional research, in mice found that flavanols, particularly a bioactive substance in flavanols called epicatechin, improved memory by enhancing the growth of neurons and blood vessels and in the hippocampus. Another great source of flavonols is kale. Kale leaves make an excellent base for salads and can be added to soups and stews to boost their nutritional value. 
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Additional research, in mice found that flavanols, particularly a bioactive substance in flavanols called epicatechin, improved memory by enhancing the growth of neurons and blood vessels and in the hippocampus. Another great source of flavonols is kale. Kale leaves make an excellent base for salads and can be added to soups and stews to boost their nutritional value.  (Unsplash)
In the new study, the Columbia team collaborated with researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital studying the effects of flavanols and multivitamins in COSMOS (COcoa Supplements and Multivitamin Outcomes Study). The current study, COSMOS-Web, was designed to test the impact of flavanols in a much larger group and explore whether flavanol deficiency drives cognitive aging in this area of the brain. 
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In the new study, the Columbia team collaborated with researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital studying the effects of flavanols and multivitamins in COSMOS (COcoa Supplements and Multivitamin Outcomes Study). The current study, COSMOS-Web, was designed to test the impact of flavanols in a much larger group and explore whether flavanol deficiency drives cognitive aging in this area of the brain.  (Pexels)

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Harvesting roses for syrups, jams and sweets

A photo series of harvesting and making food with the beautiful Damask rose 

Zahraa Sayed Ahmed, an entreprenuer who produces rose water and rose flavourings harvests Damascena (Damask) roses. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
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Zahraa Sayed Ahmed, an entreprenuer who produces rose water and rose flavourings harvests Damascena (Damask) roses. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
Zahraa Sayed Ahmed produces a syrup from Damascena (Damask) roses, at her house in the village of Qsarnaba. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
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Zahraa Sayed Ahmed produces a syrup from Damascena (Damask) roses, at her house in the village of Qsarnaba. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
Zahraa Sayed Ahmed produces jam from Damascena (Damask) roses, at her house in the village of Qsarnaba. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
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Zahraa Sayed Ahmed produces jam from Damascena (Damask) roses, at her house in the village of Qsarnaba. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
A worker pours syrup on a tray of traditional rose-infused dessert Kunafa, at a shop in Byblos in Lebanon. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
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A worker pours syrup on a tray of traditional rose-infused dessert Kunafa, at a shop in Byblos in Lebanon. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
A worker pours syrup on a bun as she sells traditional dessert Kunafa, at a shop in Byblos in Lebanon. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
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A worker pours syrup on a bun as she sells traditional dessert Kunafa, at a shop in Byblos in Lebanon. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
A woman serves a drink made of rose syrup at a house in Byblos in Lebanon. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
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A woman serves a drink made of rose syrup at a house in Byblos in Lebanon. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
This picture shows Damascena (Damask) roses that are used for essential oils, sweets and cosmetics, in the village of Qsarnaba in Lebanon. The oil derived from the famed Damask rose --- named after the ancient city of Damascus located just across the mountain range separating Lebanon and Syria -- is a staple of in cuisines of the Middle East and perfumers around the world. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
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This picture shows Damascena (Damask) roses that are used for essential oils, sweets and cosmetics, in the village of Qsarnaba in Lebanon. The oil derived from the famed Damask rose --- named after the ancient city of Damascus located just across the mountain range separating Lebanon and Syria -- is a staple of in cuisines of the Middle East and perfumers around the world. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
Dried Damascena (Damask) rosebuds are used to make herbal tea, at a house in Byblos in Lebanon. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
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Dried Damascena (Damask) rosebuds are used to make herbal tea, at a house in Byblos in Lebanon. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
Workers drop their bundles of Damascena (Damask) at a warehouse where they are paid based on their harvest, in the village of Qsarnaba in Lebanon. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
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Workers drop their bundles of Damascena (Damask) at a warehouse where they are paid based on their harvest, in the village of Qsarnaba in Lebanon. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP) (AFP)
Zahraa Sayed Ahmed carries Damascena (Damask) rosebuds to produce rose water, syrup, tea and jam, at her house in the village of Qsarnaba. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)
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Zahraa Sayed Ahmed carries Damascena (Damask) rosebuds to produce rose water, syrup, tea and jam, at her house in the village of Qsarnaba. (Photo by JOSEPH EID / AFP)

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Summer retreats in the desert

Avoid the tourist crowds in hill stations and beaches by heading to these peaceful and luxurious heritage hotels in Rajasthan 

Located in a renovated 1921 home, Daspan House (right) offers peace and tranquility, while being the perfect base from which to explore Jodhpur (left).
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Located in a renovated 1921 home, Daspan House (right) offers peace and tranquility, while being the perfect base from which to explore Jodhpur (left). (File photo)
The Johri is a beautiful boutique hotel in a restored haveli in Old Jaipur, and offers a range of experiences. 
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The Johri is a beautiful boutique hotel in a restored haveli in Old Jaipur, and offers a range of experiences.  (File photo)
The grand Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner is known for its curated meal experiences, which give you reason enough to stay indoors all day. 
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The grand Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner is known for its curated meal experiences, which give you reason enough to stay indoors all day.  (File photo)
At the Six Senses spa located in the 14th century Fort Barwara, a range of relaxing massages and spa therapies are on offer during the summer months.
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At the Six Senses spa located in the 14th century Fort Barwara, a range of relaxing massages and spa therapies are on offer during the summer months. (File photo)
Dileep Kothi in Jaipur is another restored family home that is an escape from crowds of tourists
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Dileep Kothi in Jaipur is another restored family home that is an escape from crowds of tourists (File photo)
Enjoy music and dance performances by traditional artists at Suryagarh, Bikaner
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Enjoy music and dance performances by traditional artists at Suryagarh, Bikaner (File photo)

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Preview: Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix 2023 in photos

The 2023 Formula 1 season resumes at Monaco after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola last weekend was called off due to devastating floods 

Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco - May 26, 2023 Red Bull's Sergio Perez during practice.
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Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco - May 26, 2023 Red Bull's Sergio Perez during practice. (REUTERS)
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Formula One first practice session at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Friday, May 26, 2023. The Formula One race will be held on Sunday.
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Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Formula One first practice session at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Friday, May 26, 2023. The Formula One race will be held on Sunday. (AP)
Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco - May 26, 2023 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during practice. 
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Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco - May 26, 2023 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during practice.  (REUTERS)
McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain pulls onto the track during the Formula One first practice session at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Friday, May 26, 2023.
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McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain pulls onto the track during the Formula One first practice session at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Friday, May 26, 2023. (AP)
Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton enters his car in the pits during the first practice session of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix at the Monaco street circuit in Monaco, on May 26, 2023.
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Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton enters his car in the pits during the first practice session of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix at the Monaco street circuit in Monaco, on May 26, 2023. (AFP)
Formula One F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Haas' Kevin Magnussen during practice.
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Formula One F1 Monaco Grand Prix: Haas' Kevin Magnussen during practice. (REUTERS)
Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during practice on Friday.
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Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during practice on Friday. (REUTERS)

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Dua Lipa's Versace collection makes it debut at Cannes

The Grammy award-winning artist's collection for the fashion label is bright, fun and glamourous 

The collection was presented at a villa in Cannes 
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The collection was presented at a villa in Cannes 
The ‘La Vacanza’ (Italian for ‘vacation’) includes perfectly cut tailoring and evening gowns, bikinis and terry cotton beachwear 
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The ‘La Vacanza’ (Italian for ‘vacation’) includes perfectly cut tailoring and evening gowns, bikinis and terry cotton beachwear 
‘La Vacanza ranges from metallic miniskirts and sexy bikinis, to butterfly rings and printed  pieces inspired by the Versace SS ’95 collection,’ says Dua Lipa in the press note.
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‘La Vacanza ranges from metallic miniskirts and sexy bikinis, to butterfly rings and printed  pieces inspired by the Versace SS ’95 collection,’ says Dua Lipa in the press note.
‘I love the summer and for me this collection celebrates the very best of that time of year. Gorgeous colors,  fun prints, and light silhouettes. Dua loves fashion, I love music,’ says Donatella Versace, in the note. This  collection marks the first time the fashion house has opened up the design process to a collaborator in this way. 
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‘I love the summer and for me this collection celebrates the very best of that time of year. Gorgeous colors,  fun prints, and light silhouettes. Dua loves fashion, I love music,’ says Donatella Versace, in the note. This  collection marks the first time the fashion house has opened up the design process to a collaborator in this way. 

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