Stories from Vietnam

Hanoi authorities released the number of students applying to 126 public schools for the 2026-2027 academic year. Nearly 130,000 students in Hanoi are preparing for upcoming exams, marking one of the highest numbers of candidates in recent years. Competition for top public schools has increased, with some institutions seeing ratios as high as 1 in 3.36. Specifically, Yen Hoa school leads the city with this ratio, while Lycaon High School in Ha Dong reports a ratio of 1 in 3. This trend reflects rising pressure as top-tier schools previously maintained ratios around 1 in 2. Competition for top public schools is high, with one school seeing a selection rate of 1 in 3.36, representing approximately 2,570 first-choice applications for 765 available slots. Lycodon Ha Dong High School reported a selection rate of 1 in 3.

The Tac Hau Mau expressway project has met technical safety requirements for opening to traffic starting this afternoon. The expressway spans over 73 km and is part of the North-South Expressway East project.

The Department of Education and Training in Lai Chau province announced goals for the 2026 high school graduation exams. The province aims to maintain graduation rates and improve average scores across exam subjects.

Only 35 vessels passed through the Hong Mu sea area during the week of April 20 to April 26. Officials noted that resuming conflict in Iran involves risks greater than maintaining the current blockade. CNN reported that Trump appears determined in his warnings. Al Jazeera Arabic reported that a cloud of conflict in Iran involves risks exceeding the maintenance of a siege. Trump addressed leadership issues within the country and the necessity of opening the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump's staff have received instructions regarding this policy. Iran is expected to provide a modified proposal to mediators in Pakistan. Sources close to the mediation process revealed that mediators in Pakistan have received a proposal from Iran. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Republican has instructed advisors to work on a prolonged blockade against Iran.

Police and market management forces conducted a surprise inspection of a cosmetic production facility in Thach An, Can Tho. Authorities determined the facility lacked a business registration, failed to meet production conditions, and did not disclose its products.

Social order crimes in Vietnam decreased by 13.71 percent compared to the same period last year. Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang provided this information during a meeting in Hung Yen Province. The data was released by the Ministry of Public Security.

General Secretary To Lam said the importance of ideological work during the closing of the 2nd Central Committee Conference of the 14th Party Congress. The goals aim to leverage past reforms to drive progress in a new era. He noted that the country's global position is now more than its financial income. The leader said the need for party members to remain committed to the party's ideals amidst a changing global context. The address addressed concerns regarding some officials deviating from party principles during the renovation process. President To Lam outlined strategic development goals for Vietnam, aiming for the country to become a modern industrial developing nation with high middle income by 2030. The plan targets becoming a high-income developed nation by 2045. Vietnamese leader To Lam outlined development goals for the country, referencing historical milestones such as 1945.

A hailstorm lasting approximately 10 minutes occurred in Buon Nhi commune, Dien Bien province, on Monday night. The event was reported by local news sources. No casualties or specific property damage amounts were provided in the report. The hail consisted of stones with an average size comparable to a finger. The leader of the Pune commune People's Committee stated the hailstorm and whirlwind occurred in the Pune and Pune Bay areas. Local people's committees are currently assessing the damage caused by the event. The National Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Center predicted heavy rain and localized torrential downpours for the Northwest region on April 28 and 29. Winds remained light during the precipitation. A hailstorm lasting approximately 10 minutes struck the Punea and Punebe villages in Pune commune, Dien Bien province, yesterday afternoon.

Obstetricians and gynecologists from 20 hospitals and medical facilities across Northern and North Central Vietnam participated in an ultrasound training program at the Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital simulation center.

The Vietnamese government has decided to establish a special economic zone in Hai Phong. The zone is intended to serve as a high-tech industrial center.