DPRK defends legitimate right of satellite launch

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has asserted its legitimate right of launching satellites, saying "double standard is intolerable," the official news agency KCNA said Sunday.

Hydropower water reservoirs lend a hand to illegal lumberjacks

When the water flow is withheld for the hydropower water reservoirs in the upstream waters in Quang Nam province, it is the right time for illegal lumberjacks to devastate the preventive forests.

The New iPads cheaper than expected in Hanoi

The sale prices of the third generation iPad products in Hanoi are 2.3-2.5 million dong lower than the initial estimates.

Hue Festival to highlight rich cultural diversity of Central Provinces

During Hue Festival 2012, the culturally rich, traditionally vibrant and spiritually enriched world of people from the central provinces of the country will come alive under the theme “Cultural Heritage-Rendezvous with Historic Cities”.  

Hydropower threatens Mekong ecosystem

Scientists have once again warned against the 12 hydropower projects along the Mekong River that will cause non-recoverable damages to the river’s ecosystem as well as threaten food security of residents in the riparian countries.

Bird flu confirmed in Nepali capital

Thousands of chicken have died of bird flu at a poultry farm in Dallu, Nepali capital Kathmandu, according to Dr. Ram Krishna Khatiwada, program director at the Animal Health Directorate said Sunday.

Manufacturing industries still in troubled waters

Manufacturing industries including textile, garment, fertilizer, paper, steel, leather and footwear suffered a sharp decline in January-February production against the same period last year, said the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The age of hostile takeover deals conducted by hidden tycoons

The news about the hostile takeover deals appear repeatedly on local newspapers. Experts say more and more deals would be made, because it is now the right time to acquire other businesses at low prices.

Actor Malcolm McDowell receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Prolific British actor Malcolm McDowell received the 2,465th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, capping an acting career which spans more than four decades and 150-strong film and television credits.

High-tech investors hit roadblock

A key piece of legislation is proving a major roadblock for high-tech investors in Vietnam.

One decision makes thousands of MA’s lose degree

Fifteen universities nationwide have received a dispatch from the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), which requests the schools to cancel the recognition for matriculation of thousands of MA course students.

Heavy school bags linked to back pain in children: study

Children with heavy school bags are facing a higher risk of back pain, a latest study revealed.

Book festival attracts foreign names

HCM City's annual book festival opens today at Le Van Tam Park in District 1.

TV reality shows boom in Vietnam

VietNamNet Bridge – Dancing with the Stars, Clash of the Choirs, Vietnam’s Got Talent and Vietnam’s Next Top Model are among reality shows on the national television system Vietnam Television or VTV.

UN chief condemns bomb attacks in Syrian capital

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday condemned the deadly multiple bomb attacks in Damascus and called for an immediate end to all violence.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 19/3

VN aims for stable timber supply; Container-trains to ease roads' burden; Vietnam to test-run first alumina plant in Q2; Philippines plans to import rice from VN; Planning minister calls for better FDI policies; Developer disputes downgrade

Muong villagers preserve and develop traditional culture

The Muong ethnic minority people in the northern mountainous province of Hòa Bình persist in preserving unique traditional values of both tangible and intangible heritage.

Gold declines on concern of Indian imports

Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell slightly Friday, under pressure from an Indian proposal to double the country's import duties on gold.

No power cuts, vows minister

There would be enough power to meet demand during this year's dry season from January to June thanks to added power generation sources, said a senior official from the Ministry of Industry and Trade Nguyen Nam Hai.

Petrol woes mean a gallon of trouble

Deputy minister of Industry and Trade (MoIT) Tran Tuan Anh tells how petrol prices and supply sources rising tension in the world could impact on local firms’ performances.

Trade gap with South Korea alarmed

The total trade gap in the first two months of the year reached 628 million dollars, or 4.1 percent of the export turnover.

Vietnam may be affected by many geomagnetic storms

VietNamNet Bridge – The Institute of Geophysics has forecast that this year Vietnam will be impacted by around 45 geomagnetic storms, with the intensity up to the highest level (G5).

Gov't advised to broaden tax base

Experts have said Viet Nam should enhance revenues from additional sources as revenue from oil, a significant contributor to the State budget, is expected to decline over the next several years.

VFF says no to international referees

Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) has refused to employ international referees for the V-League 2012 after a series of mistakes local referees made in the beginning of this season.

Online training sees huge potentials

Vietnam’s online training market will develop strongly in the next one or two years due to an increasing number of Internet users and the uptrend in attending online courses, experts in the education sector forecast.