Mexico becomes 4th country to hit 100,000 COVID-19 deaths

13 Sept 16:22 Key points summarised by AI

Mexico officially surpassed 100,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, becoming the fourth country globally to reach this grim milestone after the U.S., Brazil, and India.
The actual number of cases and deaths is likely much higher due to extremely low testing rates (around 2.5 million tests for 130 million people) and widespread fear of hospitals, leading many to rely on home remedies.
The pandemic has inflicted significant psychological trauma, with many survivors experiencing psychosis and intense fear, contrasting sharply with a segment of the population that remains unconcerned and resists preventative measures like mask-wearing.
Mexican officials, including Assistant Health Secretary Hugo López-Gatell, have faced criticism for the country's low testing rate, contradictory advice on mask usage, and for dismissing media focus on the death toll as "alarmist."

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.