Stories from Hanoi · Vietnam

Nguyen Xuan Thang has been appointed Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council for the 2026-2031 term. The appointment follows a conference announcing the establishment of the new council by the Politburo.

The Politburo has decided to establish the Central Theoretical Council for the new term. Nguyen Xuan Thang has been appointed as the Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council for the 2026-2031 term.

Hanoi faces risks from high levels of flooding, traffic, and environmental pollution. The city also faces potential dangers from hydroelectric dams, which are described as dangerous water bombs if failures occur. Additionally, Hanoi is located in a fault zone of the Red River, presenting a risk of earthquakes despite a low probability. Officials suggest shifting focus toward enhancing resilience rather than relying on current unpredictable planning. Hanoi is experiencing heavy rainfall with levels exceeding 100mm over several hours. The city has reported 220 localized flooding points across 54 wards and communes. Authorities aim to drain water quickly to reservoirs and pumping stations to manage potential rainfall intensities of up to 310mm over two days. Response strategies include enhanced forecasting, warnings, and scenario-based contingency planning.

More than 1,017,000 students are expected to take the National Midterm Test (NMT) abroad.

Vietnamese MPT Group has established a strategic cooperation agreement with Intel to apply artificial intelligence in optimizing factory operations. The partnership will utilize Intel's high-speed simulation technology and digital twin capabilities. MPT Group will combine these with its own data platform development and system integration experience. The partnership focuses on advancing semiconductor and AI solutions.

Vietnam reported 12.1 million international tourists visited Hanoi between January and April 2026. This represents a 20.9 percent increase compared to the previous year. Tourism revenue for this period is expected to reach between 5.8 and 6 billion USD. This growth follows a previous year's baseline. The city expects tourism revenue during the upcoming high season. The growth follows a period of recovery in the travel sector. The region expects revenue from tourism to reach 58-60 billion dong during this period.

Hanoi will receive 109 new administrative powers, including 8 entirely new authorities, to allow for faster and more decisive local decision-making. The city will implement decentralized management models to serve as a pilot for the rest of the country. This administrative shift aims to create momentum for the capital's development goals. The process includes establishing principles for exercising these rights to ensure oversight and accountability mechanisms are maintained. Certain specific sectors have been identified by the capital as areas that will not be subject to this decentralization. The city will maintain specific protocols concerning national security, defense, foreign affairs, and religion. These mechanisms are intended to ensure that local decisions do not compromise national safety.

Police in Hanoi determined there are no signs of criminal activity regarding the use of charity funds for the 'Nuoi Em' and 'Suc Manh 2000' projects. The investigation focused on 36-year-old founder Hoang Hoa Trung. On April 24, the C02 department issued a decision not to initiate a criminal case. The projects were founded by Trung in 2014 to connect donors with charitable causes.

Vietnam's Ministry of Health has requested that local authorities ensure the full and timely distribution of social subsidies, retirement benefits, and health insurance for eligible individuals in 2026. Localities must guarantee that 100% of beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, can access these policies. The directive also notes that workers who are dismissed or disciplined will not be eligible for certain benefits. Authorities are urged to proactively manage resources to support citizens.

The Hanoi District 4 People's Court has issued a search notice for Nguyen Thi Huong, born in 1967, residing in Trung Hoa Commune, Tu Liem District, Hanoi. The court scheduled proceedings for May 15, 2026, and June 9, 2026, at 8:00 AM. The source stated the court will resolve the matter according to the law. The Second People's Court of Hanoi is seeking Mr.