Dong Nai spends big on elephant control

 VietNamNet Bridge – The southern province of Dong Nai will invest VND74 billion (US$3.5 million) in an elephant preservation project from 2014-2020.

Book of Truc Lam Zen Monastery recognized as world record

 VietNamNet Bridge – The World Records University (WRU) has offered a certificate to recognize the massive book titled ‘Thi Van Yen Tu’ by Professor Hoang Quang Thuan on the Lan Pagoda-Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Uong Bi City

VN to defend Chinese chess titles

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam will leave for Sydney, Australia tomorrow (Sept 21) to defend their titles at the Asian Xiangqi (Chinese chess) Individual Championships starting this Sunday.

Several die in eighth tropical storm of year

 VietNamNet Bridge – This year's eighth tropical storm has killed at least three people, left one missing, one injured, and seven farmers isolated after bringing torrential rains to central and central highland regions.

GOVERNMENT IN BRIEF 20/9

 Viet Nam, Denmark agree to a comprehensive partnership; The Vatican seeks to reinforce ties with Vietnam; Hai Phong ‘gateway to north' says Party

Fidel Castro's visit to VN battlefield recalled

VietNamNet Bridge – Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc yesterday attended a meeting commemorating the 40th anniversary of the inaugural visit of former Cuban President Fidel Castro to the battlefield in Quang Tri Province.

Russian rebels in Syria 'pose threat to Olympics'

 Islamist rebels from the Russian Caucasus who are fighting alongside Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists in Syria could pose a serious security threat to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, analysts say.

VNOB travel to Japan for concert tour

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Viet Nam National Symphony Orchestra (VNOB) will begin a concert tour in Japan on Saturday.

Suoi Da offers tourists a city escape

 VietNamNet Bridge – Those who are bored of hectic city life can choose Suoi Da, a tourist site boasting primitive mountains, forests and streams in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province for a short weekend escape.

Experts warn preservation of traditional architecture ‘urgent'

 VietNamNet Bridge – The communal house in Viet Nam is traditionally the soul of the community, thus thoughtful preservation of these old houses is essential to keeping traditional cultural values alive and well.

A day with Can Gio

 VietNamNet Bridge - Only l50 km from HCM City center, Can Gio district is known with mangrove forest, sea and fresh seafood, which is suitable for backpackers.

Lam Dong authorities want to remove nuclear center out of Da Lat

 VietNamNet Bridge – The authorities of Lam Dong province have proposed to Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to move the nuclear technology center out of the city of Da Lat.

Astrium, Arianespace seal contract for more Ariane 5 launchers

 Europe's space company Astrium announced Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with Arianespace to begin production of 18 additional Ariane 5 ECA launchers.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 20/9

 Mekong Delta looks to capitalise on tra fish; Binh Duong attracts property developers; Trade disputes up alongside economic integration; Market hot as fire sales spread

Novel gene discovery could lead to new HIV treatments: study

 A team of researchers led by King's College London has identified a new gene, which may have the ability to prevent HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, from spreading after it enters the body.

Pesticide maker punished for dumping hazardous waste

VietNamNet Bridge – Nicotex Thanh Thai Joint Stock Company, which was recently found dumping untreated hazardous chemicals in the central province of Thanh Hoa's Cam Van Commune, received a fine of over VND421 million.

Policies building influenced by interest groups?

 VietNamNet Bridge – Is there the existence of the interest groups’ power in building up the important policies for the national economy?

VN advance to final four

 VietNamNet Bridge – Defending champions Viet Nam advanced to the semifinals of the 2013 Southeast Asian Women's Football Championship in Myanmar, after a draw with Australia on Tuesday.

Inspections scrutinise capital's notary offices

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Ha Noi Justice Department began a 50-day inspection of 22 local notary offices yesterday (Sept 18).

Minh advance to second round at Japan Super Series

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese No 1 badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh went through the second round at the Japanese Super Series after beating Zhengming Wang in the first round in three sets.

Ouch ... bee therapy causes a real buzz

 It may be among China's most controversial therapies, but Liu Yu insists she is able to walk again thanks to the power of bee stings.

Shops on Chinatown street prepares for Mid-Autumn Festival

 VietNamNet Bridge – While the downtown of HCM City will remain quiet during Mid-Autumn Festival, a street in the city's Chinatown in District 5 will be hub of activity tonight.

Nguyen Trong Thu wins Gold Whistle 2013

VietNamNet Bridge – The Vietnam Football Federation has announced the results of the best referee poll of the 2013 season, with the Gold Whistle title coming to Nguyen Trong Thu, 34-year-old referee from Da Nang.

Opportunities for catfish farmers dwindling away

 VietNamNet Bridge – Catfish farmers in the Mekong Delta still incur losses, even though they are supported by the market factors.

Davis Cup 2014 draw: Vietnam to face Pakistan in the first round

 The draw for the Davis Cup 2014 was held by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in London on September 18. Vietnam will face Pakistan at home, in the first round from January 31 to February 2.