Vaccine 'milestone' hailed as global Covid cases soar

13 Sept 09:40 Key points summarised by AI

Pfizer and BioNTech announced their COVID-19 vaccine candidate showed 90% effectiveness in trials, marking a "critical milestone" in the global effort to combat the pandemic.
This breakthrough news sent stock markets soaring and offered a significant glimmer of hope amidst rapidly increasing global COVID-19 infections, which have now surpassed 50 million, and widespread economic disruption caused by lockdowns.
While the companies aim for a potential US rollout this month and plan for massive global vaccine supply, the world continues to grapple with escalating cases, particularly in Europe, and ongoing challenges in vaccine development, including the suspension of a Chinese vaccine trial in Brazil.

The Buddha Comes Home

Yesterday 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is a vibrant annual festival of the Shan (Tai Yai) people in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, celebrating the Buddha's return from Tavatimsa heaven after Buddhist Lent.
The festival's centerpiece involves families constructing intricate miniature palaces, also called Chong Para, from bamboo, paper, and lights, placed outside homes and temples as offerings.
For three days and nights, the quiet mountain town comes alive with folk music, traditional dances like the Shan bird dance, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings, showcasing deep-rooted Shan culture.
Beyond the celebrations, Chong Para reinforces family bonds, preserves traditional crafts, and offers visitors an authentic immersion into the unique cultural heritage of Mae Hong Son.