Vietnam news in brief - November 17

Vietnam needs a national drug prevention program by 2030
Vietnam needs to build the National Target Program on Drug Prevention and Control until 2030 to address the growing drug-related issues, said Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang at a National Assembly session this week.

The session reported that drug cases have increased by 8% annually over the past four years, with 30,773 cases reported from January to October 2024. He called for stronger support from businesses and international organizations to ensure sufficient resources for the program, emphasizing its importance for national security and public health.

Around 16 million passengers use electronic bus ticketing system

As many as 16 million passengers have bought tickets via Hanoi's electronic bus ticketing system since its launch in November 2023. This initiative, part of the city's Smart City plan, increases convenience and efficiency for public transport passengers. The system supports flexible ticketing and streamlines operations, offering features such as automatic renewals and virtual tickets. Passengers have widely praised the initiative for saving time and improving service quality.

Basketball finals highlight Hanoi's school sports scene

The 18th Hanoi Primary School Basketball Championship - Nestlé MILO Cup 2024 Finals kicked off on November 16 at Vinschool Times City. The event features 32 teams (16 male and 16 female). After 221 intense qualifying games, the finals celebrate young talent and promote perseverance and teamwork. The championship concludes on November 17.

The female elementary school basketball players at the competition. Photo: Doanthanhnien.vn

Cai Luong Festival celebrates talent and innovation

The 2024 National Cai Luong Festival concluded in the southern city of Cantho on November 15, awarding 116 medals, including 12 for plays and 104 for performers. The cai luong (reformed opera) festival featured more than 1,000 artists from 29 troupes in 33 performances, showcasing diverse themes and exceptional talent. Major awards included gold medals for the plays Charming Jade and Poetess Xuan Huong, celebrating Cai Luong's preservation and innovation.

Danang prepares to celebrate cultural heritage

Danang will host various events to celebrate the 19th Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23, 2005 - 2024). Highlights include an exhibition of 100 folk paintings at the Danang Fine Arts Museum and the 2024 Danang Heritage Festival themed "Village Stories, Urban Tales". There will be folk art workshops, heritage-themed contests, and exhibitions of iconic architectural models made by local artisans.

Yoga championship promotes health and national unity

The 6th National Yoga Championship 2024 opened in Danang on November 16, drawing 130 athletes from 11 units nationwide. Competitors will vie in 39 events in yoga asana and artistic yoga. The championship, Vietnam's largest annual yoga event, promotes the development of the sport and awards national master titles. Danang also hosted the International Yoga Performance 2024, which brought together 1,500 participants to promote health and harmony.

A performance at the 6th National Yoga Championship 2024. Photo: Baovanhoa.vn

Cultural heritage week celebrates traditional arts

More than 400 artists participated in the 2024 Great National Unity - Vietnam Cultural Heritage Week and the 7th Then Singing and Tinh Instrument Festival, which opened on November 16 at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism. In celebration of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23), the event highlights the UNESCO-inscribed Then singing and showcases traditional culture, handicrafts and cuisine