VIETNAM TODAY

Hanoi has suffered as many as 197 fire accidents in 2012, killing 13 people, injuring 34 others, and causing estimated property losses of VND28 billion.

Inspections on software copyright violations would be increased and violators would get stricter punishments, said the deputy chief inspector of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

China has passed a new law stipulating that family members should pay regular visits to their elderly relatives, according to the government's official website.

A press conference in Hanoi on December 28 has reviewed Vietnam’s and Russia’s comprehensive strategic partnership during 2012 between Vietnam and Russia.

Economic experts gathered at a seminar in Hanoi on December 28 to discuss ways to implement investment projects in the form of Public-Private Partnerships.

An Indian student whose gang-rape sparked mass protests across the country died on Saturday after suffering severe organ failure.

A new photo exhibition offers a closer look into the daily lives and feelings of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Vietnam who continue to suffer from discrimination.

It may be inexplicable to outsiders, but four teenage couples have captivated the hearts of Vietnamese youngsters this year.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung discussed bilateral ties over the phone with Japan ’s new Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, on December 28.

Despite territorial disputes, oil prospecting and drilling activities will continue in the disputed East Sea.

Apple has agreed to drop its patent claims against Samsung's Galaxy S III Mini after the South Korean rival said it would not sell the gadget in the United States, a court filing showed.

The 54 businesses who have been recognised with national trademark awards were announced at a press conference in Hanoi on December 28.

The World Bank and the UK Department for International Development will provide 9 million USD to help Vietnam lower the number of HIV/AIDS cases and fatalities in 2013.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill banning US citizens from adopting Russian children.

The Governor of the SBV has admitted that the settlement of bad debts was going rather slowly, despite efforts by banks.

Up to 80 percent of helmets sold at markets are substandard and would not protect a rider's head in an accident, a conference said.

The nation's Index of Industrial Production slowed to its lowest in three years, rising just 4.8 percent in 2012, according to the General Statistics Office.

China has launched commercial and public services across the Asia-Pacific region on its domestic satellite navigation network.

Legal experts have proposed a number of changes to the penal code, including the possible removal of the death penalty.