Defense minister Phan Van Giang said at the National Assembly Friday that the number of people reaching the age of military service is high, but so are the numbers of exemptions and postponements, and as a result fewer and fewer people are being drafted. All male citizens need to sign up for military service when they turn 18. Those who enter university or college can postpone their induction but need to sign up before they turn 28. But if they continue to get postponements until they turn 28, they can avoid induction altogether. Other reasons for exemptions include having too many visible tattoos and severe myopia and hyperopia. Women are not required to undergo military service, but can volunteer. Giang said the law would be amended to limit the exemptions and postponements and reduce the service period from the current two years. Some people have called for making the law as strict as in South Korea. South Korea requires all male citizens to serve in the military … [Read more...] about Military service law to be amended to prevent draft dodging
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Central Military Hospital, Belgian hospitals strengthen cooperation in cancer treatment
Representatives from the Central Military Hospital 108 learn about the radiation model at Particle Therapy Interuniversity Center Leuven (ParTICLe) of the University Hospitals Leuven. (Photo: VNA) Brussels (VNA) – A delegation from Central Military Hospital 108 led by its director Lieutenant General Mai Hong Bang has been paying working visits to hospitals in Belgium from June 5-12 to strengthen cooperation in cancer treatment. The delegation visited the University Hospital of Liège and the Particle Therapy Interuniversity Center Leuven (ParTICLe) of the University Hospitals Leuven - two leading Belgian medical facilities using high technology in cancer radiation therapy. At the ParTICLe, the delegation was briefed on the operation model of University Hospitals Leuven in general, the center in particular, and the diagnosis and treatment of cancer with proton radiation therapy. Bang said his hospital hopes to cooperate with leading Belgian ones to deploy this advanced … [Read more...] about Central Military Hospital, Belgian hospitals strengthen cooperation in cancer treatment
Kien Giang kick-starts military-civilian program in 2024
Themed “Kien Giang provincial armed forces together with the party organization, authorities, and people of Hon Dat district build new-style rural area,” the program will take place from June 2023 to January 2024. As planned, the program will facilitate the construction of 115 houses for needy households and seven rural bridges; present gifts to policy beneficiaries, poor and near-poor families; provide health examination, medicines, and consultation for locals. The organizing panel will present scholarships to needy students with good academic results; build electricity systems in rural areas; carry out environment projects; and hold artistic and sporting events and competitions. Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the Kien Giang provincial People’s Committee and head of the steering committee Nguyen Luu Trung evaluated that this mass mobilization model bears profound socio-political and humane significance, embodying the tradition of "When drinking water, remember its … [Read more...] about Kien Giang kick-starts military-civilian program in 2024
One new “cold case” amid a hot war
After the explosions at the two Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, the next Cold Case amid the hot war between Russia and Ukraine has come with the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. The notion of "Cold Cases" stands for events that have not been solved despite laborious and long investigations. Kakhovka Dam. Photo: Maxar After the explosions at the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines from Russia to Germany, the next Cold Case amid the hot war between Russia and Ukraine came with the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in the Kherson Oblast. Both are Cold Cases because questions like the real truth about how they happened and who is responsible for them would never be answered. Ukraine and Russia blamed each other like before concerning the explosive attacks against the two pipeline systems. Like in the previous Cold Case, unilateral or multilateral, or international investigations will be carried out, but either they won't be succeeded or their … [Read more...] about One new “cold case” amid a hot war
New task force promotes innovation, financing for plastic waste reduction in Vietnam
The move boosts innovative ideas and solutions to drive positive changes in plastic reduction, reuse and recycling and to unlock new sources of sustainable financing. A new task force was launched by the Vietnam National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) launched to promote innovation and catalyze investment in effective solutions for reducing plastic waste and pollution in Vietnam. In collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi and its Commercial Section - Innovation Norway, the Task Force held its first meeting to discuss new technologies for Deposit Return Systems (DRS). The NPAP Innovation and Financing Task Force -- co-chaired by the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Natural Science and Environment (MONRE) and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste – brings together government agencies and domestic and international enterprises and organizations to boost innovative ideas and solutions to drive positive changes in plastic reduction, reuse and … [Read more...] about New task force promotes innovation, financing for plastic waste reduction in Vietnam
Vietnam PM exhorts nation to save power
In a directive released Thursday on electricity saving, he warns that the power situation is challenging now and will remain so in the coming years with demand increasing. Economical and efficient use of electricity is the solution to ensuring energy security, the directive says. People should use energy-efficient electrical equipment, switch off electrical devices when leaving the room, only use air conditioners when absolutely necessary but setting them at not less than 26 degrees Celsius. People should avoid using incandescent light bulbs and install rooftop solar power systems. The country should reduce electricity use by 2% a year and power losses in transmission lines to less than 6% by 2025. By 2030 at least 50% of all office and residential buildings should use rooftop solar power. Only LED bulbs should be used in street lights by 2025. To achieve the goals, government agencies must coordinate with local power companies to develop electricity saving plans and … [Read more...] about Vietnam PM exhorts nation to save power
Lawmakers to discuss draft revised Land Law
An overview of a discussion during the NA's fifth session. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Legislators are scheduled to discuss in groups the draft Land Law (revised) at the National Assembly 's ongoing fifth session in Hanoi on June 9. The bill, which was made public to receive opinions from the people from January 3 to March 15, aims to complete the land-related institutions and policies to match the socialist-oriented market economy institutions, while dealing with the overlapping and differences in policies and legal regulations in the field. It is expected to create a legal corridor for the efficient and sustainable management and use of land resources, ensuring defence-security, protecting the environment, adapting to climate changes and making a new motivation for the country to become a developed country with high income. The bill is also hoped to settle problems in land management and use, ensure harmonised interests of the State, land users and investors, promote the … [Read more...] about Lawmakers to discuss draft revised Land Law
Van Phong 1 up and running sooner than expectated
With the current high demand for electricity during the peak time of summer, the Department of Industry and Trade in Khanh Hoa has required Sumitomo to take the turbine from the 60-70 per cent capacity of its pilot period to 80-100 per cent capacity. As of June 5, the first turbine has been operating at full capacity. The Japanese investor is now preparing for the pilot run of the second turbine. Phan Thi Thu Cuc, deputy director of the Department of Industry and Trade said that at present the 500kV Van Phong - Vinh Tan transmission line is connected, and the province is completing procedures to implement the 500kV Van Phong - Binh Dinh transmission line to increase capacity for Van Phong 1 thermal power plant. The Van Phong 1 project is backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement with Electricity of Vietnam. The plant uses ultra-supercritical technology, with a capacity of 1,320MW, comprising two generating sets of 660MW, in Van Phong Economic Zone. When put into operation … [Read more...] about Van Phong 1 up and running sooner than expectated
VinFast launches mini electric car for mass market
The VinFast VF 3 is part of the small car segment, specifically classified as a mini car. Photo courtesy of VinFast Hanoi - VinFast officially launched the VF 3, a mini electric car model designed specifically for the Vietnamese market. Boasting a compact and contemporary design, the VF 3 offers numerous benefits, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and operating environments. This eco-friendly vehicle is also equipped with smart features, providing a dynamic mobility option for individuals of all backgrounds. The VinFast VF 3 is part of the small car segment, specifically classified as a mini car. The VF 3 represents VinFast's initial endeavor in developing a small car model design dedicated to the distinctive characteristics and driving patterns of domestic consumers. The car has an overall length of approximately 3,114 mm and features a two-door design, a rear trunk, and sufficient interior space to accommodate up to five people. The body is compact yet … [Read more...] about VinFast launches mini electric car for mass market
Market rebounds in closing minutes
People shopping at Winmart's store, a supermarket chain operated by Masan Group. MSN shares climbed more than 2.8 per cent on Friday, leading the market's uptrend. — Photo masangroup.com The market reversed the bearish course and finished the week higher in the last minutes. Foreign capital also showed a signal of improvement as foreign investors net bought on both main exchanges. On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the market's benchmark VN-Index was up 6.21 points, or 0.56 per cent, to 1,107.53 points, recouping some of the losses set in the previous session. It fell by 8.22 points on Thursday on strong profit-taking demand after five straight gaining days. Persistent selling pressure continued to weigh on the index in the early trade, causing the fluctuation around the area of 1,090-1,100 points. And it only rebounded in the last trading minutes when the risk-on sentiment, which lifted large-cap stocks, overshadowed the profit-taking force. The market's movement … [Read more...] about Market rebounds in closing minutes