Miscellany - VietNam News

A fire at the Shang One Viet Nam Company warehouse in southern Binh Duong Province's Di An Town began at 4.30pm on Saturday following an explosion. The blaze spread to a chemical storage area and workshop. Hundreds of firefighters arrived to put out the flame which took about three hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Australia set to cull 10,000 wild horses

A controversial cull of up to 10,000 wild horses in Australia's harsh Outback reportedly began on Wednesday in a bid to control the feral animals which officials say are destroying the land.

Riding out US tornado in a walk-in freezer: a survivor's tale

For years Anita Zhang's neighbours joked that if a tornado ever bore down on her Chinese restaurant, folks could take refuge in its roomy walk-in freezer.

Japan parliament approves child abduction treaty

Japan's parliament on Wednesday approved an international treaty on child abductions.

EU leaders face tough talks at tax fraud summit

Leaders of recession-hit Europe take a fresh stab at fighting tax fraud and evasion worth a trillion euros a year at a summit on Wednesday but seem unlikely to convince reluctant Austria and Luxembourg to sign on.

Harry Potter book fetches $227,000 at London auction

A 1997 first edition of "Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone" annotated by J.K. Rowling has been sold for £150,000 (US$227,000) at a London auction, a new record for a printed book by the writer.

British PM survives gay marriage vote

British Prime Minister David Cameron has headed off another Conservative rebellion after the opposition Labour Party helped him see off a "wrecking amendment" which had threatened his gay marriage bill.

Business aviation still waiting recovery to find its wings

Manufacturers of business jets can look forward to climbing sales in the years to come thanks to emerging markets as they gather in Switzerland for an annual air show, having survived the turbulence of the global financial crisis.

Australian zoo says white rhino birth 'sign of hope'

An Australian zoo said on Tuesday the birth of a southern white rhinoceros was a "sign of hope" for the species given the escalation of poaching in Africa.

At least 51dead as tornado hits US city

A powerful tornado swept through an Oklahoma City suburb on Monday, tearing down blocks of homes and at least two schools and leaving at least 51 people dead, local officials told US media.

Gay marriage vote set to deliver Britain's Cameron more problems

British Prime Minister David Cameron faces further dissent from within the ranks of his Conservative Party as a bill to legalise gay marriage returns to Parliament on Monday.

InHistory

October 30 in History

Hightlight

Tax code reforms to decipher dependents

People who are dependent on personal income tax payers will be given their own tax codes to avoid people lodging claims as dependents of more than one taxpayer.

Farmer-firm linkups remain elusive despite Gov't efforts

More than 10 years after the Government unveiled policies to encourage tie-ups between farmers and businesses, the proportion of farm produce sold through such contracts remains modest.

Buddha statues highlight heritage