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Six years long central rule is beginning to yield diminishing returns. Largely, because this arrangement, even if run efficiently, lacks legitimate representative character. However, restoration of peace and normal routine of daily life, compared to the past, stands out as its most significant achievement. It is after a long time that various spheres of public and social life in the state, in general, and the Valley in particular, are back to normal routine without disruption. Sense of relief on that account is palpable. But, at another level, that is not enough nor a substitute for a normal democratic setup at the helm. Denial of popular, representative power structure for too long has its own inherent negative implications. Not only in Kashmir and Jammu regions but also in (separated) UT Ladakh region too law of diminishing returns is becoming more palpable with each passing day. Whenever the assembly polls are held, its outcome would essentially be the first popular v

Vietnam News Today (Sep. 1) notable headlines HCM City attracts US$1.97 billion in FDI in eight months New e-visa policy to help lure more foreign visitors Da Nang to host Vietnam-RoK culture exchange festival Leaders pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh on National Day Holiday travel: Air security increased, ticket sales stagnant Vietnamese, Japanese parties enhance relations Central Highlands provinces promote trade connectivity with India Deputy PM welcomes Secretary-General of Permanent Court of Arbitration Vietnamese Trade Offices abroad urged to promote mechanical product exports Photo: VOV HCM City attracts US$1.97 billion in FDI in eight months Ho Chi Minh City attracted US$1.97 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) during the eight months of the year, a fall of 27.2% against the same period from last year, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Statistical Office. Throughout the reviewed period, the southern city granted 762 new projects with r

When it comes to street food, Vietnam offers a wide range of flavorful dishes. According to the Australian website delicious.com.au, here are the top 10 things to eat and drink in Vietnam. First on the list is Banh mi. While the French introduced baguettes to Vietnam, banh mi is a unique Vietnamese creation. Roasted Pork Banh Mi. “Different vendors have their own take on this globally loved sandwich, but the general concept includes a fresh baguette stuffed with pate, pork floss, pork belly, cucumber, and pickled vegetables. It’s crunchy, soft, and incredibly tasty,” wrote the article on the website. Second on the list is Pho (rice noodle soup with beef or chicken), a must-try dish. Pho was developed in the north of Vietnam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The obsession with pho spread to the south in the 1950s when millions of north Vietnamese brought their soup recipe with them. December 12 is celebrated as the Day of Pho in Vietnam. A bowl

Fansipan – the Roof of Indochina. Photo: Le Viet Khanh Vietnam may not possess a single majestic mountain that rivals the iconic Mount Fuji of Japan or the Matterhorn of Switzerland. Nevertheless, if there is a mountain that the Vietnamese people can wholeheartedly take pride in, it unquestionably is Mount Fansipan – the loftiest summit throughout the former French Indochina, comprising Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. It is certainly no coincidence that the Vietnamese culture embraces the proverbial expression, ‘Everyone has their own Fansipan to climb,’ metaphorically representing one’s most cherished aspirations in life. The Allure of Fansipan: A Familiar Stranger Fansipan, also known as Hủa Xi Pan in the local language, is a mountain in the northwestern region of Vietnam. It is named after its meaning in the local language, which translates to ‘the tottering giant rock.’ This majestic granite rock rose from deep within the earth over 250 million years ago, as documented

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan, Nakama Yosakoi, a dance group sponsored by the UNESCO Information Centre under the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations, was invited to perform at the festival. They were the only foreign team among more than 100 local groups. Nakama Yosakoi was established to provide a platform for Yosakoi enthusiasts in Vietnam and to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. During the festival, the 24-member group performed a dance called “Irodori” (Colouring), which was inspired by the Vietnamese fairy tale “Cong va Qua” (A peacock and a crow). Their performance received enthusiastic applause from the audience. The group had previously participated in the 15th Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi Genki Matsuri Festival in 2015, where they won the “Outstanding Newcomer” Award. This annual festival in Tokyo celebrates the traditional Yosakoi dance of Kochi prefecture and attracts over

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and their two spouses took photos with students of Vietnam National University. Photo: Nguyen Hong At the exchange, students from Vietnam National University, Hanoi expressed their interest in Vietnam-Singapore relations, especially the digital economy-green economy partnership between the two countries, lessons and experience, Singapore’s development experience and policies on education, science, technology and innovation. They are also interested in policies to promote cooperation between Singapore and Vietnam’ universities, especially in areas of research, innovation, artificial intelligence, and the expectations of leaders for the young generation. Head of Vietnam National University, Hanoi welcomed the two Prime Ministers and their spouses to visit the school. Photo: Nguyen Hong Students’ questions were answered by the two Prime Ministers. Regarding the expectations for students and the young g

Envoy of Friendship A logo featuring the Vietnamese lotus and Singaporean orchid has garnered interest at the 50th anniversary celebration of diplomatic relations and 10th anniversary of strategic partnership between Vietnam and Singapore, held in Vietnam in 2023. The logo, designed by Le Thanh Hong and worn by the Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam, was the winner of a contest organized by the Vietnamese Student Association in Singapore and the Singapore Global Network. It was supported by the Vietnamese Embassy to Singapore, the Singapore Embassy to Vietnam, Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, and Vietnam – Singapore Friendship Association. Le Thanh Hong with the logo she designed. Le Thanh Hong, the winner of the logo design contest, expressed her surprise and delight at winning the first prize. She dedicated a significant amount of time to perfecting the logo, aiming to strike a balance between aesthetics and the importance of the event. The logo s

The Vietnam Literature Museum, which opened to visitors on June 26, 2015, is a three-story museum covering an area of 3,000 square meters and built at a cost of almost VND 50 billion. It preserves many memories of famous writers and poets, making it a destination where visitors can learn more about the history of literature and the lives of influential writers. Students learn about the literary history of Vietnam. Photo: vietnamnet The first floor of the museum displays and introduces “Vietnamese literature in the Ancient – Middle Ages” from the 11th century to the end of the 19th century. It features a symbolic pen-shaped stone from the Hung Temple with meaningful words from the great poet Nguyen Du. The exhibition showcases artifacts of Vietnamese literature and the history of written characters on mediums such as paper, cloth, metal, and leaves. The second floor is dedicated to introducing figures of Vietnamese literary groups from the early 20th century, such as Phan

The winner of the Miss Ocean Vietnam pageant, Uyen, was crowned “OCEAN HARMONY” and received valuable prizes. She also won the Miss Bikini sub-contest. Uyen will now be actively engaged in various social activities to promote the protection of the environment and sea resources throughout the country. Uyen, a 23-year-old woman, stands at 1.74 meters tall with body measurements of 82-64-92cm. In 2019, she reached the Top 39 in the Miss World Vietnam beauty pageant. She also participated in the Miss Supranational Vietnam 2022 but did not win any titles. Lam Kieu Anh from the United States and Vu Duong Quynh Nhu from Binh Duong province were awarded the first and second runner-up titles, respectively, at the 2023 Miss Ocean Vietnam pageant. The third and fourth runner-up titles went to Vo Thi Tuyet Nhi from Kien Giang province and Thai Dao Truc Giang from Ho Chi Minh City. The organizing board also presented sub-awards to other contestants, including Miss Ao Dai for Mai Hieu Ngan

On display are 112 sketches, featuring typical images of Vietnam, from the buffaloes and bamboo trees to the gate of the Hung Kings Temple and Hanoi’s Flag Tower. The exhibition also displays the originals of more than 100 pencil and colour drawings of the national emblem. Some 15 sketches were submitted to the Government in October 1954 for consideration, and President Ho Chi Minh signed a decree on January 14, 1956 to publicise the official emblem of Vietnam. A portrait of the late artist Bui Trang Chuoc Sketches of the national emblem of Vietnam drawn by Bui Trang Chuoc are on display at the exhibition. The original pencil drawings of the national emblem are introduced at the exhibition. A sketch of the national emblem features the One-Pillar Pagoda and Vietnamese rice. Sketches introduce Vietnamese history and traditional culture to both locals and tourists. Painter Bui Trang Chuoc, born in 1915 in Hanoi, gradu

Vietnam News Today: Notable Headlines (August 30) Vietnam and China are scheduled to hold the 8th Border Defense Friendship Exchange in September. The President of the United States, Joe Biden, is scheduled to visit Vietnam next month. Twinning Relations between Localities in Vietnam and Algeria We are pleased to announce the establishment of twinning relations between municipalities in Vietnam and Algeria. This exciting initiative aims to foster cultural exchange, enhance economic development, and promote cooperation between the two regions. Twinning, also known as sister city or twin town relationships, is a concept that has been widely embraced globally. It involves forming formal partnerships between cities or towns from different countries or regions. Through these relationships, localities can learn from one another, share best practices, and develop mutually beneficial collaborations. The twinning relations between Vietnamese and Algerian localities will serve as a