Society

Plan International, an international humanitarian organisation, will provide USD2.5 million in aid to the central province of Quang Ngai during the period 2013-2016.

Approximately $40 million will be invested in the Higher Engineering Education Alliance Program during the 2013-2017 period.

Twenty-five people were killed and 43 others hurt in a prison battle in Venezuela, authorities said.

World oil prices rose Monday, with New York crude reaching the highest level for three and a half months on tensions between Iran and Israel, analysts said.

The Prime Minister has approved a proposal to prioritise five coastal economic zones around the country to receive support from the State budget during 2013-15.

The South Korean and US militaries began an annual major joint exercise to test defences against North Korea, a drill denounced by Pyongyang which vowed to strengthen its nuclear deterrent.

The State Bank's goal of helping struggling banks will become more difficult if the Government does not initiate more drastic measures, said an economist Le Xuan Nghia.

While the tourism industry has been growing, there have been some hurdles that damage the prestige of the destination.

Prominent Hollywood film director Tony Scott, whose signature works included "Top Gun," jumped to his death from a bridge in San Pedro, California, city officials announced.

After Vietnam failed to return from the London Olympics with a single medal, many blame the National Sports Administration.

Australia's struggling BlueScope Steel Monday reported a Aus$1.04 billion ($1.09 billion) net loss for the 2012 fiscal year, but said it was now well-positioned globally for growth.

A Ruc ethnic couple who have lived in a cave for generations decided to abandon their government-built homes and return to their old domiciles.

Up to 27 people lost their lives and some 15 others were reported missing or injured after tropical storm Kai Tak hit northern Vietnam.

Hoang Huu Luong, Director General of the Press Department, has recently made a statement on cutting down the broadcasting time of Chinese and South Korean movies.

Scientists and birdwatchers have discovered 10 new owl species in the Philippines, using advanced recording equipment that can distinguish between their hoots, a conservation official said.

The Centre for Preservation of Hue Relics has opened Khai Tuong Lau (An Dinh palace) to tourists.

The photo, “My balloon”, by photographer Vo Anh Kiet, has won the second prize at the National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest 2012.

More than 7,000 cubic metres of soil polluted with Dioxin around Phu Cat Airport have been cleaned up.

A project to establish the procedure for casting votes of confidence on key posts elected or approved by the NA and people’s councils is necessary and timely, the NA Chairman said.