Stories from Ho Chi Minh City · Vietnam

The Gò Vấp district is currently experiencing heavy rainfall, with reports indicating a rate of 500 millimeters per hour. The rain began unexpectedly, coinciding with a mention of a song titled 'Mùa Đông' (Winter). Considerable weather changes have occurred in urban areas with the onset of monsoon rains, leading to widespread precipitation.

An Indian-based company has agreed to sell its automotive interior segment to Apollo. The transaction carries an enterprise value of 1.82 billion euros, approximately 2.1 billion USD.

A new resolution regarding the development of Vietnamese culture has been passed and takes effect on July 1. The resolution designates November 24 as Vietnam Culture Day, a public holiday where workers receive full pay. Because November 24 falls on a Tuesday, workers have proposed that the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour swap the holiday to Monday, November 23, with a compensatory workday on Saturday, December 5. This would create a four-day holiday period from November 21 to November 24. The holiday will include Thursday, September 2, and the preceding day, Wednesday, September 1. To accommodate this, August 31, 2026, will be a workday, shifting the holiday period. To accommodate this, August 31, a Tuesday, will be adjusted to Saturday, August 22. Civil servants, public employees, and workers will have a two-day holiday on September 2 and September 1, 2026.

A new N3 bridge branch project in Ho Chi Minh City aims to reduce traffic congestion by 70-80% at major intersections. Tran Huu Tam, deputy head of the project management board for Ho Chi Minh City transport construction, confirmed the project details.

Vietnam will serve as one of eight hosts for the 2027 U-29 qualifying rounds. The qualifying tournament is scheduled to begin on May 28 next year. The International Football Confederation (IFC) is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Passenger volume reached 148,100 trips on April 30, representing 116.8% of the transport plan. Total passenger numbers for that day reached 99,373, which is 151.4% of the projected target.

Southern Electricity Corporation (EVN) successfully energized four additional 110kV projects. This brings the total number of completed power projects to 51 within the first four months of the year. The achievement is intended to support double-digit growth requirements in various sectors. The completion coincides with the 51st anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the 51st anniversary of EVN's founding.

A 2024 report in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that microplastics can penetrate biological membranes, including blood, organs, and the placenta. The study suggests that patients with microplastics accumulating in their vascular membranes face higher risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death. The findings highlight potential risks to pregnant women and fetal development. The particles can trigger chronic inflammatory responses, causing oxidative imbalance and cellular damage. Additionally, these particles act as carriers for toxic additives like BBA or phthalates, which can penetrate tissue to cause endocrine disruption and reproductive impairment. Research indicates that microplastics are linked to an increased risk of mortality. The study notes that high water temperatures can alter plastic structures, potentially affecting biological outcomes.

An individual named Mark Whittaya allegedly embezzled approximately $9 million from the company ADM. The discovery of unusual transactions occurred while the FBI was investigating Whittaya. This development is expected to lead to multiple international investigations.

ADM and several competitors are allegedly participating in a price manipulation scheme for Lysine, an amino acid used in animal feed. The group reportedly includes companies from Japan and South Korea.