The total number of doses of Covid-19 vaccines injected rises to 265,519,661. Photo: VNA)

Vietnam logs 71 new Covid-19 cases on January 3

The national Covid-19 caseload rose to 11, 525,408 with 71 new cases recorded on January 3, according to the Ministry of Health.

With 13 patients given the all-clear during the day, the number of recoveries rose to 10,611,338.

Meanwhile, there are only 9 patients needing breathing support, cited VNA.

No death from Covid-19 was recorded in the past 24 hours. The total fatalities stand at 43,186.

With 894 doses administered on January 2, the total number of doses of Covid-19 vaccines injected rose to 265,519,661.

Hanoi destined to become science-technology hub of SEA

Hanoi has worked out a plan to develop itself into a smart, modern, green, clean, beautiful, and safe city, as well as being the leading centre of innovation, development research, and technology application and transfer, thereby being a significant science-technology hub in Southeast Asia.

According to details given by the municipal People’s Committee, the capital has defined science-technology as a decisive factor in boosting economic growth and improving productivity, quality, and efficiency of all socio-economic activities.

Under the terms of the plan, Hanoi will strive to create a total-factor productivity (TFP) contribution of more than 50% to the economic growth in 2025 and more than 55% ahead in 2030.

Labour productivity is set to grow 7.7.5% in 2025, before rising by between 7.5% and 8% in 2030. The proportion of digital economy as part of the capital’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) is expected to reach 30% in 2025 and roughly 35% in 2030.

Photo: VOV

Simultaneously, the rate of high-tech agricultural production as part of the overall production value of the agricultural sector is planned to hit 70% in 2025 and over 85% in 2030.

The capital will also strive for over 70% in the rate of high-tech value in the processing-manufacturing sector in 2025, rising to 85% in 2030, according to VOV.

At least 40% of OCOP (One Commune-One Product) products of Hanoi are expected to receive support in intellectual property registration, which will be raised to 60% ahead in 2030.

The capital will therefore strive to to have 12 science-technology researchers and developers for every 10,000 people in 2024, rising to 14 out of each 10,000 people in 2030.

In order to achieve this, the capital will set aside 1.2% to 1.5% of its GRDP to invest in science-technology development, with the rate rising to between 1.5% and 2% in 2030.

Hanoi has also worked out a score of specific measures aimed at spurring science-technology development in particular aspects.

The capital will carry out 22 tasks, programmes, and projects to carry out its science-technology development strategy moving forward.

Petrol prices increase slightly under latest adjustment

The retail prices of petrol were increased in the latest adjustment on January 3 by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance.

The price of E5 RON 92 petrol went up 330 VND per litre to 21,350 VND (0.91 USD).

Retail prices of petrol are increased from January 3. Photo: VNA

Meanwhile, the retail price of RON 95 rose by 350 VND to 22,150 VND per litre.

The prices of diesel oil remained unchanged at 22,150 VND per litre and kerosene went up 600 VND to 22,760 VND per litre, VNA reported.

At this price adjustment, the two ministries decided to extract 605 VND per litre from diesel oil and 200 VND per liter from kerosene, and 100 VND per kg from mazut for the petrol price stabilisation fund.

The adjustment of the retail petrol prices came after a new environment protection tax on gasoline passed by the National Assembly took effect on January 1.

Vietnam welcomes first meteor shower of 2023

Local astronomy lovers will have the chance to enjoy the sight of the Quadrantids, the first major meteor shower of the year as it reaches its peak between nightfall and dawn on January 4.

The Quadrantids are mostly active between the end of December and the second week of January, with their peak occurring around January 3 to January 4.

Unlike other meteor showers that tend to stay at their peak for roughly two days, the peak period of the Quadrantids typically only lasts a few hours, according to Time and Date website.

Quadrantids meteor shower. Photo: NASA

Meteor showers in the country can be seen with the naked eye without any harm. Observers are therefore recommended to get to a place where city and artificial lights do not obstruct the viewing experience.

The Quadrantids is forecast to produce up to 110 meteors per hour in good weather, cited VOV.

In order to locate the shower in the sky, viewers are suggested to find a secluded viewing spot some way from the city’s bright lights. Once at the destination, each viewer’s eyes may take 15 to 20 minutes to adapt to the dark.

The total period of the shower is from December 28, 2022, to January 12.

AFF Cup 2022: Vietnam determined to defeat Myanmar

Vietnam coach Park Hang-seo has expressed his belief that with thorough preparations, his side will beat Myanmar in the final match of Group B at the AFF Cup 2022.

The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm on January 3, at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.

A win will help Vietnam advance to the semi-final round as winners of Group B and avoid Thailand, which already qualified for the semi-finals, along with Indonesia.

Vietnamese players during a training session on January 1. Photo: Vietnam Football Federation

Vietnam lost to rival Thailand in the semi-finals at the AFF Cup in 2021, cited NDO.

Myanmar coach Antoine Hey said although his side has already been eliminated, the team will play their best and strive for a good game against Vietnam.

At the same time, Malaysia will clash with Singapore at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, which is expected to be an exciting match since both have a chance to advance to the next round.

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