World News: Sean 'Diddy' Combs cleared of major charges, convicted on lesser offenses

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe.

In the United States, in the trial of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, the judge has upheld his convictions on lesser prostitution charges, while clearing him of charges on racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges that could have put the hip-hop figure behind bars for life.

A Manhattan federal court jury found Combs guilty on two counts under the Mann Act, transporting individuals for prostitution.

This comes after a seven-week trial involving testimony from former partners Cassie Ventura, known as "Cassie," and "Jane," as well as other witnesses.

However, Combs was acquitted on the three most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, removing the threat of a potential life sentence.

Combs bowed his head in the courtroom and said, "I'll be home soon," as supporters celebrated the partial verdict.

However, he was denied bail ahead of sentencing, with the judge citing evidence of violence in personal relationships.

Sentencing will take place later this year, but Combs likely faces several years behind bars.

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has announced during his 90th birthday week that there will indeed be a successor after his death, directly challenging Beijing's claim that only it can control the process.

Speaking in Dha-ram-shala, India, on Wednesday, the Dalai Lama affirmed that "the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue" and that the Caden Phodrang Trust, alongside senior Tibetan Buddhist leaders, will hold sole authority to identify his reincarnation.

He emphasized that his successor will likely be born outside China, underscoring his rejection of any candidate chosen under Beijing's system.

The decision resolves long-standing uncertainty and safeguards against China's claims of authority over Tibetan spiritual succession.

He outlined that the Trust, founded in 2011 and governed by Tibetan exiles, will consult senior monks and follow traditional procedures, possibly even nominating a "living" successor during his lifetime.

However, China asserts its own legal right to oversee the Dalai Lama's reincarnation and asserts that it would need to be approved by Beijing.

Tech giant Microsoft announced on Wednesday that it will cut nearly 4 percent of its workforce, approximately 9,000 jobs, as part of a strategic shift to accelerate investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure.

In a statement to investors, the company confirmed the layoffs would span multiple divisions, including global sales and marketing teams.

This is Microsoft's third major round of cuts this year, following approximately 6,000 layoffs in May and additional reductions in June, which have brought the total job losses for 2025 to more than 15,000.

Microsoft plans an 80 billion U.S. dollar capital expenditure for the fiscal year in support of its AI ambitions.

In the U.S. state of Arizona, members of the Tohono O'odham Nation have begun their annual sacred saguaro fruit harvest, known as "bahidaj," marking the start of the New Year.

The ritual takes place over several weeks in late June to early July, when the ruby-red fruit ripens atop the towering saguaro cactus that can reach 12 meters tall.

The fruits, once harvested, are boiled into syrup, and some are fermented into wine, which is used for a rain ceremony.

These ceremonies affirm ancestral bonds, the relationship with natural resources, and the resilience of the Native Americans' identity.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.