French wine production faces historic low after frost disaster

14 Sept 16:13 Key points summarised by AI

France anticipates one of its worst wine harvests in history for 2021, with production projected to drop 24-30% due to severe spring frosts.
Devastating frosts in early April ravaged major wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, leading to output levels comparable to the disastrous year of 1977.
The agricultural catastrophe extends beyond wine, severely impacting other crops such as apricots, kiwis, and apples, prompting the Agriculture Minister to call it a major disaster.
Scientists indicate that climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of extreme frost events coinciding with critical growing periods, exacerbating agricultural losses.

The Buddha comes home

20 Oct 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is an annual three-day festival in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, where the Shan people celebrate the Buddha's mythical return from Tavatimsa heaven, marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
Families construct intricate "Chong Para" miniature palaces, decorated with colorful paper and ornaments, as an act of faith and a means of preserving traditional Shan craftsmanship across generations.
The festival transforms the quiet mountain town with vibrant folk music, traditional Shan bird dances, martial arts performances, and lively processions, immersing visitors in local culture.
It offers a unique glimpse into the living Shan traditions of Mae Hong Son, distinct from other northern Thai regions, fostering community bonds and cultural transmission.