VIETNAM TODAY

NASA boosts Webb telescope cost to $8.7 billion

NASA has boosted its cost estimate of a major telescope project to 8.7 billion dollars, even as lawmakers have threatened to slash the space agency's budget, a spokesman said Wednesday.

EVN given power to raise electricity prices on quarterly basis

Vietnam will allow the adjustment of power prices once per every quarter, instead of the annual changes as current.

Vietnam’s CPI rises begin to ease

Vietnam’s consumer price index in August rose by 0.93 percent against last month, the lowest monthly increase since the beginning of this year.

Votive objects burnt during month of dead

In Vietnam and several Asian nations, votive objects are burnt ceremonially during certain festivals to “send” them to dead ancestors.

Vietnam jumps 15 places in FIFA rankings

Vietnam’s national football team has jumped from 144th to 129th in the August rankings, the International Federation of Association Football announced.

Hurricane Irene strengthens on path to U.S. coast

Hurricane Irene looked set to become a major storm as it roared up from the Caribbean.

NA delegates discuss improved whistle-blower protection

The use of e-signatures on emailed denouncements was under consideration by National Assembly delegates.

Ministry to lighten load of school curriculum

The Ministry of Education and Training has reduced some of the contents in curriculum at primary and high schools, despite concerns over the move.

Nation's trade deficit roars back in August

The General Statistics Office has estimated that the country had a trade deficit of $800 million in August.

Kat Parsons back at Park Hyatt Saigon

After two years performing across the globe, Kat Parsons has made her way back to Park Lounge of the Park Hyatt Hotel Saigon.

Planet is home to 8.7 million species: study

Some 8.7 million different species exist on Earth, though a tiny amount of those have actually been discovered and catalogued, researchers said.

Hue Star becomes Microsoft’s pathfinder school

Microsoft Corporation has recognised the Hue Star Educational System (Hue Star) as a global Pathfinder school, said the school chairman.

Strauss-Kahn walks free after sex case dropped

A US judge on Tuesday dismissed all sex crime charges against former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

Libya rebels destroy symbols of Kadafi's power

After bursting into the Bab Azizia compound from which Kadafi ruled, euphoric fighters burn his meeting tent and drive his golf cart.

Third turbine turns at Son La dam

Son La Hydropower Plant's third turbine hooked up to the national grid early yesterday morning.

Elderly to be 18 percent of population by 2020

The ratio of elderly population in Vietnam will reach 18 percent by 2020.

Manchester United call up Vietnam audience

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Vietnam will now be added to the list of potential Manchester United Far East tour destinations.

Plenty of opportunity for well re-educated inmates

As many as 10,000 inmates will get parole ahead of schedule on the occasion of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2).

Vietnam, Singapore agree to strengthen defence ties

The two defence ministries of Vietnam and Singapore have agreed to focus their cooperation on the exchange of delegations, military technology and intelligence work.