New teams promise thrilling robot contest finals

Thirty two teams from universities and colleges across Vietnam will compete in the final rounds of the Vietnam Robot Contest 2013 from May 6-12 in the central city of Da Nang.
Thirty two teams from universities and colleges across Vietnam willcompete in the final rounds of the Vietnam Robot Contest 2013 fromMay 6-12 in the central city of Da Nang.

Many of theVietnamese teams come from universities that are participating in thecontest for the first time including Hanoi Industrial VocationalCollege, Hai Duong University and Tran Dai NghiaUniversity.

This year’s contest also welcomes the returnof teams from top universities that did not make the finals in previousyears, such as the Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh CityUniversities of Technology.

However, these teams are outnumbered by those from emerging universities.

For this year’s contest, the robots are required to plant seeds ondesignated spots across the gaming field, and the first team to plantseeds on the moon wins the game.

The contest winner andrunner-up will represent Vietnam at the Asia-Pacific Robot Contest,scheduled to take place in the same city from August 16-20.

A techshow on the sidelines of the competition will feature some of the bestrobots created by students from the various competing teams.-VNA

See more

Promoting smart and sustainable agriculture is a top priority within Vietnam’s strategy for sustainable agricultural and rural development for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Austria boost cooperation in smart agriculture

During his visit to BOKU on May 14, the ambassador highlighted that promoting smart and sustainable agriculture is a top priority within Vietnam’s strategy for sustainable agricultural and rural development for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050.

A Vietnamese delegation visits the historical relic site commemorating late President Ho Chi Minh in the Lao province of Savannakhet. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese in Laos pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh

The historical relic site commemorating late President Ho Chi Minh in the Lao province of Savannakhet is a popular destination for both Vietnamese and Lao people to visit and learn about President Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary activities.

Artists at the event (Photo: VNA)

President Ho Chi Minh’s 135th birthday marked in Laos

A highlight of the programme was a short play portraying President Ho Chi Minh’s traditional New Year visits to disadvantaged households. The performance illustrated his lifelong concern for the well-being of the people, especially during festive times.

All four Vietnamese students competing in the 59th Mendeleev International Chemistry Olympiad have won medals, including two golds and two silvers. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese students win four medals at Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad

The two gold medallists are Tran Trung Kien, a 12th grader from the Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, who scored 169.25 points, and Nguyen Ngo Duc, a 12th grader from the Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted in Nghe An province, who scored 151.05 points.

Vietnam’s HDI in 2023 reaches 0.766, ranking 93rd out of 193 countries and territories. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam among countries with high human development: UNDP report

According to the report, which evaluates human development progress based on the Human Development Index (HDI), tracking achievements in health, education and income, Vietnam’s HDI in 2023 reached 0.766, ranking 93rd out of 193 countries and territories. This marked a substantial leap from 0.499 in 1990, representing a 53.5% increase, a notable trajectory of growth over more than three decades.

Houses built for people living along the river in Lam Dat hamlet, Thieu Vu commune, Thieu Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province. (Photo: baothanhhoa.vn)

Thanh Hoa aims to eradicate substandard housing by October 2025

Local officials are required to strengthen on-the-ground inspections and take prompt action to address any signs of stagnation or lack of accountability in executing the campaign. They are also tasked with completing administrative procedures to ensure timely disbursement of financial support to eligible households, avoiding overlap or omission in beneficiary identification.

At the the appeal hearing on May 6 (Photo: VNA)

Xuyen Viet Oil case: Appellate verdict announced, with six receiving reduced sentences

Specifically, the trial panel sentenced the mastermind of the case, Mai Thi Hong Hanh, ex-Director and Chairwoman of the Board of Members of Xuyen Viet Oil, to 11 years in prison for the crime of “giving bribes” and 17 years for “violating regulations on the management and use of State assets, causing loss and wastefulness.” The combined sentence is 28 years in prison, 2 years less than the first-instance verdict.

Buddhist followers at the ceremony to mark Lord Buddha’s 2569th birthday. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi ceremony marks Buddha’s birthday

Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang noted Vietnam's pride in hosting the 2025 Vesak amidst the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification. He highlighted Buddhism's historical contributions to Vietnam's victory, with the sacrifices of many Buddhist followers.