Lantern Festival celebrated with lights, rice dumplings in Taiwan and China

The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, attended a Sunday service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral, where they were joined by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other royal family members. Notably absent was Prince Andrew, despite being seen earlier on the estate, while the family was greeted with a guard of honour. Want More Context? 🔎

Several bands, including The Last Dinner Party, Cliffords, and The Academic, have withdrawn from the Victorious music festival after claims that The Mary Wallopers were silenced for displaying a Palestinian flag. The organizers have apologized for mishandling the situation and pledged to donate to humanitarian efforts, while the bands condemned the censorship and expressed their disappointment. Want More Context? 🔎

Officials dismantled an illegal marijuana cultivation site in Sequoia National Park, removing 2,377 plants and nearly 2,000 pounds of toxic debris from 13 acres, highlighting a long-standing drug-trafficking issue in the area. The operation, discovered in 2024, involved dangerous chemicals and significant environmental damage, with ongoing investigations and no arrests made yet. Want More Context? 🔎

A solar-powered car race commenced in Australia on Sunday, featuring 34 international teams competing in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. The 3,000-kilometre journey from Darwin to Adelaide is expected to see its first vehicles arrive on August 28th, with the event concluding on August 31st. Want More Context? 🔎

On 23 August, Universitas Indonesia controversially invited Peter Berkowitz, a known defender of Israel's actions in Gaza, to speak at a graduate program orientation, provoking outrage for undermining Indonesia’s anti-colonial legacy and Palestinian solidarity. The university's inadequate apology highlighted a troubling complicity in normalizing narratives that justify oppression and genocide, prompting calls for a reevaluation of its commitment to moral integrity in academia. Want More Context? 🔎

Vice President JD Vance stated in an exclusive interview that sanctions remain a possibility as President Trump seeks to facilitate peace talks between Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Russian FM Lavrov denied any planned meetings between the two leaders despite assertions from the White House. Want More Context? 🔎