VIETNAM TODAY

The third session of the 13th NA will consider a bailout package worth VND29,000 billion ($1.3 billion) as a solution to save businesses, the Government announced.

The bombmaker accused of masterminding the Bali attacks that killed 202 people begged forgiveness from the victims' families, and claimed he did not know nightclubs would be targeted.

A heavy rain poured down in Hanoi and inundated several streets in the capital.

The Government is advised to introduce strong measures to lower business expenses in light of falling demand.

The insurance market will continue to expand this year, with total premiums expected to reach USD2.2 billion, up 24% from last year, says a recent report from A.M. Best.

As many as 559 university graduates from 20 provinces have been selected and trained to become communal vice chairman in 62 poor districts in a bid to foster development of rural communities.

Motorbike riders buy low-quality helmets designed for walkers, unglue the stamp and wear them despite the risk of fines from traffic police.

All eight Vietnamese students who competed in the 13th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) in New Delhi won medals, according to the Ministry of Education and Training.

Vladimir Putin takes office as Russian president for a third term, facing challenges of a fast-changing society.

President Truong Tan Sang visited mining industry workers in the northern province of Quang Ninh, on the occasion of Workers’ Month.

It was not clear what had triggered the rockfall at Cam Mountain in An Giang Province that killed 6 pilgrims but local residents blamed construction work on the mountain for causing the disaster.

The euro dropped to its lowest level in more than three months after the defeat of ruling parties in French and Greek elections.

Francois Hollande was elected France's first Socialist president in nearly two decades, dealing a humiliating defeat to incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy and vowing change in Europe.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and National Assembly deputies of the Hanoi Constituency No. 1 met with voters in the Hanoi district of Tay Ho on May 5.

France voted on Sunday in elections which could crown Francois Hollande as its first Socialist president in nearly two decades.

Up to 63% of Vietnam 's elderly people are living in disadvantaged situations, the Institute of Social and Medical Studies revealed at the launch of the national survey on elderly people on May 4.

Five men accused of plotting the deadly September 11, 2001 attacks have been formally charged with crimes including murder and terrorism in a chaotic marathon hearing.

The State Bank of Vietnam decided to limit the ceiling for annual lending interest rates for four industries at 15% beginning May 8.

The current prolonged hot and dry weather in the northern and central provinces has created a serious threat of forest fires across several provinces in the country.