The historic conclave to choose a successor for the first pope to resign in over 700 years begins on Tuesday, with the world in suspense over a secret election with no clear frontrunner.

Ministry mulls allocation of fishing quotas; Auto sales drops strongly after Tet; Danang tourist numbers double; Price adjustments feared to fuel inflation; TV commercials fuel advertising growth

 VietNamNet Bridge – A new decree on equitisation is in the works as authorities hope to accelerate the equitisation progress and enhance the role of market forces in Vietnam’s economy.

VietNamNet Bridge – Saline-water intrusion in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta's coastal provinces has severely affected the local agricultural production, with rice paddies facing a shortage of fresh water.

 An estimated 233 million women in their fertile years will lack access to modern contraception by 2015, up from 221 million in 2010, according to a study.

VietNamNet Bridge – A Filipino woman was condemned to death yesterday, March 11, for transporting 5kg of narcotics into Vietnam.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Although the Government has made many efforts to restructure the economy, all of them are still half-done,

 VietNamNet Bridge – Three pioneers of paper collage "paintings" are exhibiting their works in HCM City.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Motorbike users will not receive a fine for wearing sub-standard helmets while travelling on the road, the transport ministry announced.

VietNamNet Bridge – The Asian Coast Development Limited (ACDL) has announced that the MGM Resorts International (MGM) will no longer operate the resort in the Ho Tram Strip tourism complex.

 US support for disadvantaged people in Thua Thien Hue; KOICA-funded water supply system comes into use; Mekong invests in schools, dormitories; Limit on university enrolment quotas

 Ha Noi lead national rowing event; Fierce competition at 125cc motor race; Coal and minerals draw with City; Amateurs to compete in five-a-side tourney

They wanted to get married but their families disagreed; a young man poured gasoline on his body and his girlfriend’s body and kindled a fire. One died and one was seriously injured.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Software piracy in Vietnam has significantly declined over the past years, heard a workshop on computer security held by Microsoft in HCMC on Tuesday.

  HCM City student crowned coffee queen; OV writer wins Belgian literature award; Central city offers free info to Japanese; Movies to compete at Francophone Film Festival 2013

VietNamNet Bridge - Chloe Dao, a Vietnamese American designer, will join actress-model Ngo Thanh Van and designer Do Manh Cuong in the jury of the Vietnam Project Runway 2013 reality show.

Three living people were registered as dead by officials of Thanh Chi commune in Nghe An province, to seek funeral allowances. Meanwhile, 37 dead people were declared to be alive to take monthly allowances for the elderly.

VietNamNet Bridge - Young women of each ethnic group in Vietnam have their own characteristics and costumes, making the beauty of the 54 ethnic groups more diverse and attractive.

Holding a huge asset of the state, contributing capital into many big enterprises and considered the biggest and most powerful investor in Vietnam, the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) has been playing a very dim role in the businesses.

VietNamNet Bridge – Knowing that her husband has a child with another woman, Hong was very angry. She cut his penis to throw to the river.

In a coffee shop, a man named Moel took a grenade from his pocket to toss in his hand, but the grenade fell to the ground and exploded. A 9th grade student sitting close to Moel was killed and four others were injured.

The baking sun can make tens of thousands of hectares of mangrove forests in U Minh Ha catch fire at any time. The ranger force has enhanced protection 24/7 and banned local residents from entering the forest.

VietNamNet Bridge – The National Cinema Department on March 7 announced various activities to mark the 60th anniversary of Vietnam’s revolutionary movie industry, established on March 15, 1953 via a decree signed by the late President Ho Chi Minh.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam and Russia have agreed to enhance co-ordination to further develop their comprehensive strategic partnership.

  NA Vice Chairwoman greets Czech guest; Vietnam, Thailand to boost military ties; Vietnam, Japan strengthen ties; PM’s visit to Laos fosters development links