Vietnam News Today (Jan. 18): Vietnam, Italy convene sixth deputy ministerial-level political consultation; Polish Sejm to soon ratify investment deal between EU and Vietnam; Vietnam to become competitive player in global financial market: Minister; Da Nang vows to facilitate foreign businesses’ operations.

At least 11 people were killed in a lightning strike at a popular tourist spot in the city of Jaipur, in India's northern state of Rajasthan, on July 11 evening.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on August 10 sent a message of condolences to Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Chung Sye-kyun over great losses in humans and property caused by continued torrential downpours and landslides since August 1.