Vietnam’s economic engine and cultural hub
Police in Ho Chi Minh City have rescued more than 400 cats from a cat meat crime ring; over 500 cats were seized, some rescued animals have died, and owners are reclaiming companions as authorities tighten pet protections.
A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members overturned near Hon May Rut Ngoai island off Phu Quoc. Rescue operations are ongoing; 21 people have been rescued, while 15 have died. The captain is under investigation for safety violations. Survivors are returning to India as police and authorities investigate the crash.
Fifteen Indian tourists have died after a speedboat overturned near Hon May Rut Ngoai island off Phu Quoc. The boat carried 32 Indians and four Vietnamese crew. The captain is under investigation for safety violations. Survivors have been hospitalised; 16 have been discharged and one remains in critical care. A flight carrying remains to Mumbai is scheduled for today, with home states coordinating onward travel.
Vietnam faces a widening probe into a major diamond-smuggling network. Investigators have reported more than 30,000 stones worth over 1.5 trillion dong have entered the country in the past two years, with the stones allegedly re-engraved to inflate quality. PNJ and other shops have faced closures as police widen inquiries.