The polling stations opened at 8:00 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and will close at 8:00 p.m. (1700 GMT). More than 30.3 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots. 199 electoral districts were set up in the country with over 29,900 polling stations. There are also polling stations created abroad. Over 130,000 law enforcement officers are deployed across the country to maintain order during the election. Ukraine's Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has registered 2,700 international observers from 21 countries and 20 international organizations to monitor the voting process in the election runoff. In the first round of the presidential election on March 31, Zelensky and Poroshenko garnered 30.24 percent and 15.95 percent of the vote respectively. Since no candidate got more than 50 percent, the top two will compete in the runoff. The results of the second round are set to be announced by the CEC by May 1 and the new president is expected to take office no later than June 3. … [Read more...] about Ukraine kicks off 2nd round of presidential election
7 arrested over multiple blasts in Sri Lanka
They were arrested during a security forces raid on a house in the Sri Lankan capital several hours after the attacks. The police said over 450 had been injured while 35 foreigners were among those killed. State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene told reports that security had been beefed up across the country and he urged the public to remain indoors while a nationwide curfew had been imposed until further notice. Wijewardene said most of the attacks were caused by suicide bombers, but did not reveal further information. Eight explosions were reported across Sri Lanka on April 21 as hundreds of worshipers gathered at churches to commemorate Easter Sunday, the police said. Police spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara said that two explosions were reported from the St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade in the capital Colombo and another from the St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo, north of the capital on April 21 morning. A third explosion ripped through the Zion Church in the east coastal … [Read more...] about 7 arrested over multiple blasts in Sri Lanka
Youth murals promote cultural tradition of Hanoi’s village
Ngo Trong Nghia is drawing mural a mural on the wall of Dong Ngac’s communal house. (Photo: tuoitrethudo.com.vn) As a second-year student at Hanoi Architectural University, after his daily studies, Ngo Trong Nghia actively participates in extracurricular activities of Dong Ngac ward’s youth union. As part of the youth movement philosophy to express themselves through a variety of materials and mediums, Nghia took the on role of sketching on mural street in Dong Ngac village. “My goal is to bring people of all ages together, creating a new space where history and modernity can meet and coexist. I want to expand the scale of this street, so that everyone can contribute their voice to this new environment,” Nghia said. The 17 paintings amazed local residents. They feature Dong Ngac’s unique cultural traditions such as Ve communal house and its traditional festivals and folk games. The youth painted a picture of Dong Ngac in the old days with banyan … [Read more...] about Youth murals promote cultural tradition of Hanoi’s village
Haiphong – city of heated industrial property
The Hanoitimes - Located on the main economic corridor, Haiphong is set to become the main gateway for import and export in Vietnam`s northern region. Northern industrial real estate benefits from manufacturing growth FDI boosts Vietnam’s industrial real estate in 2018 South Korea eyes deep sea port project in Haiphong Haiphong, the northern coastal city receiving shipment from many parts of the world, has appeared to be one of the most buzzling economic hubs in Vietnam’s northern region and so is its industrial real estate segment, JLL has predicted. An overview of Haiphong. Photo: Haiphong.gov.vn Position fuels economic growth Being one of five major cities in Vietnam with direct connection to Hanoi and located on the main economic corridor, along the north-eastern coastal area, Haiphong is set to become the main gateway for import and export in the northern region, according to Country Head of JLL Vietnam Stephen Wyatt. Given its … [Read more...] about Haiphong – city of heated industrial property
Scorching heat attacks Hanoi
The Hanoitimes - Temperature in some roads of Hanoi measured at 50 degree Celsius. Hanoi implements heat wave impact minimization project for vulnerable groups Summer has just begun but residents in Hanoi have already felt the worst of it when the temperature surged to 38 degrees Celsius in the midst of the scorching heat wave at noon while the heat on the road was recorded at up to 50 degrees Celsius. Temperature in some roads of Hanoi measured at 50 degree Celsius, causing water mirage. Photo: Kinhtedothi. Over the past two days, the temperature in Hanoi peaked an average 38 degree Celsius at 11 a.m, however, outdoor temperature was about 5 to 7 degree Celsius higher due to urban effects, Zing.vn reported. Temperature measured in some poorly-shaded streets namely Thang Long Avenue, Nguyen Xien, Pham Hung, etc. rose to 50 degree Celsius at noon, causing watery mirage. High temperatures stir up daily life in Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung The heat wave is … [Read more...] about Scorching heat attacks Hanoi