The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, but indicated it was on the verge of pausing further increases in borrowing costs after the recent collapse of two U.S. banks. Fed Chair Jerome Powell sought to reassure investors about the soundness of the banking system, saying that the management of Silicon Valley Bank "failed badly," but that the bank's collapse did not indicate wider weaknesses in the banking system. "These are not weaknesses that are running broadly through the banking system," he said, adding that the takeover of Credit Suisse seemed to have been a positive outcome. The Federal Open Market Committee policy statement also said the U.S. banking system is "sound and resilient." Even so, Wall Street ended sharply lower after Powell told a news conference that officials were still intent on fighting inflation while also eying the extent to which recent bank failures had cooled demand and slowed lending. The … [Read more...] about U.S. Fed delivers small rate hike amid global banking turmoil
Silicon valley when did it start
Indonesian, Malaysian Muslims start Ramadan fast
Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia Yaqut Cholil Qoumas delivers his remarks at a press conference in Jakarta on March 22. (Photo: ANTARA) Jakarta (VNA) – The Ramadan fasting month 2023 in Indonesia and Malaysia started on March 23 based on the emergence of the new moon. In Indonesia, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas announced the decision in a press conference following a meeting on March 22 attended by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the House of Representatives Commission VIII overseeing religious affairs, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the Geospatial Information Agency, astronomy experts, and several Islamic organizations. This meant that hundreds of millions of Indonesian Muslims can perform the Tarawih prayers on March 22 evening, marking the beginning of the Ramadan month. After the regulations against the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted, there will not be any restrictions on … [Read more...] about Indonesian, Malaysian Muslims start Ramadan fast
Muslim followers in Indonesia start Ramadan fasting month
Indonesian Muslims pray during the start of the holy month of Ramadan at the Baiturrahman Mosque in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, on May 5 (Photo: AFP/VNA) Jakarta (VNA) – Muslims in Indonesia began fasting for the Ramadan festive month on May 6. Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said the ministry had received nine reports on sightings of the moon in 102 observation points across the country to decide the beginning day of the most holy month of the year for Muslims in Indonesia. This decision was also considered at a meeting with representatives from the Supreme Court, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN), the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), and experts from Islamic organisations, according to the Minister. On May 5, Tarawih prayer ceremony was observed in all mosques before the start of the fasting month. Ahead of the festive month, the Indonesian government has … [Read more...] about Muslim followers in Indonesia start Ramadan fasting month
4 Vietnam Airlines flight attendants released after being caught transporting drugs
Four flight attendants of national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines who were taken into custody last week for transporting 11.4 kilograms of ecstasy and meth from France to Vietnam were released on Wednesday afternoon. According to Ho Chi Minh City investigators, there is no ground to file criminal charges against them. However, the case is still under investigation. Police said the flight attendants -- Vo Tu Quynh, Tran Thi Thu Ngan, Nguyen Thanh Thuy, and Dang Phuong Van -- did not know that they were carrying drugs. Last Thursday, customs officials at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City detected 8.4 kilograms of grey tablets and 3.080 kilograms of white powder, which are ecstasy and methamphetamine, in the four flight attendants’ carry-on luggage. The drugs were found in toothpaste tubes. Lieutenant General To An Xo, spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that based on investigation results, relevant agencies … [Read more...] about 4 Vietnam Airlines flight attendants released after being caught transporting drugs
Hanoi patriots recount memories of captivity
The sons of Hanoi held their heads high and persevered in the cause of national liberation in the face of brutality and harassment. The lethal and brutal treatment and torture in Phu Quoc jail could not weaken the determination of the sons of Hanoi to survive and fight for the freedom and independence of their homeland. Former Hanoi imprisoned veterans attend a ceremony on March 22 that honors their sacrifices for national unity and liberation. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times Phu Quoc Prison was built in 1949-1950 under French colonial rule to detain political dissidents and national patriots. From 1963 to 1973, more than 40,000 Vietnamese patriots, soldiers, and communist activists who fought for the liberation of their country were incarcerated in the prison, which was run by the South Vietnamese regime. Located some 90 kilometers from the Vietnamese mainland, Phu Quoc prison was the site of the deaths of some 4,000 people who gave their lives in the … [Read more...] about Hanoi patriots recount memories of captivity
Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism shows positive signs with return of Chinese visitors
According to the city’s businesses, more Chinese tourist groups will arrive in the city this month and April will be the peak time marking the return of Chinese tourists to Vietnam. On the contrary, the number of Vietnamese tourists booking tours to China will also increase, helping to stimulate demand in the tourism markets of the two countries in the coming time. The forecast is based on the huge tourism demand of Chinese tourists after about three years of disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Vietnam being one of the Chinese tourists’ favorite destinations. In addition, Vietnamese businesses have developed high-quality and oriented products and services for specific tourist segments. Accompanying the business community, the city’s Department of Tourism has just coordinated with the Zhangjiajie city People's Committee in China’s Hunan province and the Vietnam Global International Travel Group Joint Stock Company to organize a tourism promotion conference in Zhangjiajie … [Read more...] about Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism shows positive signs with return of Chinese visitors
Vietnam game festival to take place in April
Vietnam GameVerse hosts a chain of events for the gaming community including exhibitions, seminars, cosplay competitions, and game awards. Phu Tho Indoor Sport Stadium is home to many domestic and international eSport tournaments. Vietnam GameVerse is co-organized by the Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information, under the Ministry of Information and Communications, VnExpress and the Vietnam Game Union. Le Quang Tu Do, Director of the Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information at the Ministry of Information and Communications, speaks at the launch event. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy The event will start with Game Expo, an area for displaying game products and services. Game Expo will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. throughout the two days of the event. More than 20 partner booths will showcase at Game Expo, along with a series of sideline activities and hundreds of gifts for visitors. From 9:30 a.m. on April 1, the Game Forum … [Read more...] about Vietnam game festival to take place in April
Vietnamese stylist to work with Fan Bingbing
The 33-year-old stylist said the project is part of a series of activities marking Bingbing's return this year. Kye will work as a stylist for Bingbing in photoshoots for magazine covers. Kye sent his profile to Bingbing’s agent in late 2022 and received a work invitation in February. He’s set to be in Beijing from April 15 to April 20 to work with the famous actress in photoshoots. "In addition to outfits from famous fashion houses, I want to take this chance to introduce Vietnamese designs to international stars," Kye said. Fan Bingbing in a gown designed by Tony Ward at the Oscars on March 13, 2023. Photo by Fan Bingbing Studio Currently, Kye is spending time learning basic Chinese so that he can communicate with Bingbing at work. He said he’s not under pressure because he has worked on many projects before. Bingbing caught the attention of the public when she appeared at a fashion event in the United States this month, following a five-year hiatus after being … [Read more...] about Vietnamese stylist to work with Fan Bingbing
Flight attendants could face dismissal in drug probe
A representative of the Authority said the attendants had abused their positions to smuggle goods and thus would not be able to work in any other aviation businesses in Vietnam. The Authority also ordered the airline to perform more comprehensive internal inspections within itself, and make sure that all crew luggage is inspected before and after flights. A representative of Vietnam Airlines said the national carrier would discipline the attendants in line with the results of the official investigation released by police. On March 16, a security inspection at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City found hundreds of toothpaste tubes containing a total of 11.4 kg of drugs hidden within the carry-on luggage of the four flight attendants. The attendants were promptly arrested after their shift aboard flight VN10 from France to Vietnam. The suspects told police they had agreed to transport the 60 kilograms of toothpaste tubes on the request of a person in France who indirectly … [Read more...] about Flight attendants could face dismissal in drug probe
Lotte switches focus after cancellation of warehouse development in Dong Nai
Property arm Lotte Land last month said it would cease plans for the Lotte Eco Logis Dong Nai, which was granted an investment certificate only in November 2022. illustration photo/source baodautu.vn In a document dated March 2, Dong Nai Industrial Zones Management Board stated that Lotte Land had sent an official document on cancelling the project in Nhon Trach Industrial Zone VI from February 17. The board requested the investor to liquidate the project and fulfill all obligations related to the operation of the enterprise in accordance with the law. Younggun Ko, a director of Lotte Land, told VIR that various circumstances and investment plans related to this project had been changed, leading to the cancellation. Ko added that the move would not make much of an impact on the business of Lotte Land, and its general business strategy would remain the same. Lotte Mall Hanoi, a $600 million facility, is still expected to open in August and will include a hotel, … [Read more...] about Lotte switches focus after cancellation of warehouse development in Dong Nai