Fireworks locations at the 2nd Ho Chi Minh City River Festival

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The Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City is seeking approval from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee to launch low-altitude fireworks at 3 locations during the opening ceremony of the 2nd River Festival in 2024.

The 2nd River Festival of Ho Chi Minh City is scheduled to take place from May 31st to June 9th at various locations: Dragon House Wharf – Saigon Port, Bach Dang Park, Saigon riverside park, Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal area, Starlight Bridge Wharf (District 7), Binh Dong Wharf (District 8), Suoi Tien Cultural Tourist Area…

According to the proposal of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, there will be 3 low-altitude fireworks points at the festival. Point 1 is the Saigon riverside area (Thu Thiem Ward, Thu Duc City, fired from fixed pontoons); point 2 is at Ba Son Port area (Ben Nghe Ward, District 1); point 3 at the Landmark 81 riverside park area (Ward 22, Binh Thanh District). Additionally, there will be fireworks displays on tourist boats on the Saigon River. After approval from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will consult the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for implementation.

Fireworks on the Saigon River on the occasion of April 30th

After the opening ceremony at 8:00 p.m. on May 31st at Dragon House Wharf, when the cultural program ends at 9:30 p.m., fireworks at point 1 will commence. Around 9:40 p.m., the second fireworks display will start. The fireworks at Landmark 81 riverside park will continue around 9:55 p.m. Each fireworks display will last for 15 minutes.

Moreover, the 2024 River Festival will feature various water sports activities such as the Ho Chi Minh City Open River Swimming Championship at Bach Dang Park, with competition distances of 2 km, 5 km, amateur and professional categories… The first Stand-up Paddleboarding Championship of Ho Chi Minh City at Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal or Bach Dang Wharf. There will be demonstrations of sailing boats, jet skis, sailing boats, and parasailing at Bach Dang Wharf…

Activities on the Saigon River at the 1st River Festival

The 2024 River Festival will also recreate the atmosphere of “onshore and onboard,” featuring a floating market from the Mekong Delta at the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal (from Dien Bien Phu Bridge to Thi Nghe Bridge); a week of “onshore and onboard” fruits along the embankment of Binh Dong Wharf, District 8…

This year’s highlight is the art program “Legendary Journey,” continuing the story of “River Tales” in 2023.

@Thanhnien.vn

Vietnam among the top favorite destinations of Chinese tourists

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China witnessed an explosive growth in outbound tourism during the extended International Labor Day holiday from May 1st to May 5th.

Data from leading online travel companies in the populous nation indicate a significant increase in international tour bookings by Chinese travelers. Among the top 10 foreign destinations favored by Chinese tourists, Vietnam ranks highly.

For instance, according to the online travel platform Qunar, the top 10 destinations for Chinese holidaymakers in May include Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, the United States, the Philippines, and Australia. Notably, flight bookings to Japan surged by over 60% compared to the same period in 2019, making it the destination with the highest growth among the top 10.

Moreover, data from Trip.com Group reveals that Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the United States, France, and Vietnam are among the most attractive foreign destinations for Chinese tourists during the upcoming National Day holiday (October 1st), as reported by the Global Times.

Chinese tourists entering Mong Cai

The number of international flight bookings by Chinese travelers on the first day of the May 1st holiday reached a record high, increasing by 20% compared to 2019. According to Qunar’s data, nearly 100 foreign destinations experienced significant increases in flight bookings.

Flight bookings to some visa-free destinations during the holiday surpassed the figures recorded during the same period in 2019. Specifically, bookings to Thailand and Malaysia increased by over 30%, while bookings to Singapore and Georgia doubled.

Chinese tourists are also willing to opt for longer-distance travel during the 5-day holiday period. The Middle East and Europe emerge as popular choices for holiday destinations, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt experiencing a more than threefold increase in flight bookings. Similarly, countries like the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Qatar saw flight bookings rise by over 50%. According to Qunar’s data, popular European destinations such as the UK, Hungary, Ireland, Spain, and Croatia witnessed a doubling in flight bookings.

Meanwhile, with the Japanese yen hitting its lowest level in 34 years against the US dollar, Japan attracted a large number of foreign tourists, including Chinese travelers. According to Ctrip, Japan is the top destination for outbound tourism during the May 1st holiday, followed by Thailand and South Korea. Airbnb’s data also indicates that Japan is the most searched destination.

The booming outbound tourism is facilitated by the increase in international flights. China Southern Airlines added over 900 flights from April 30th to May 6th, operating nearly 19,000 flights in total. China Eastern Airlines also expanded its international and regional routes, including flights from various Chinese cities to destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Russia, and many other countries.

@Thanhnien.vn

Civil Aviation Authority establishes team to inspect air ticket prices

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The Civil Aviation Authority will inspect ticket sales, declarations, and the listing of airline ticket prices from the beginning of the year until now.

Airline ticket prices increased during the recent April 30-May 1 holiday. Photo: Duy Hieu.

Under the direction of Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang, the Civil Aviation Authority has just established an inspection team to examine the sale, declaration, and listing of airline ticket prices from the beginning of the year until now.

The inspection team consists of 10 members, led by Mr. Do Hong Cam, Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation Authority.

Accordingly, the inspection period is 3 working days from May 7th to 9th. The inspection period is from January 1st to the date of issuance of this decision and other relevant periods related to the content of the inspection.

Previously, Minister Nguyen Van Thang requested a review and inspection of airline ticket prices. This is aimed at enhancing state management, tightly controlling air ticket prices, contributing to stabilizing prices, and ensuring the harmony of socio-economic development goals in accordance with the government’s directives.

The leader instructed the Civil Aviation Authority to urgently review, and in case of any abnormalities, promptly provide guidance, rectify, and handle violations according to authority (if any).

At the same time, the Minister directed aviation management agencies to organize inspections, check ticket sales, implement declarations, and list prices of airlines, absolutely not allowing price increases beyond regulations.

The Ministry of Transport proposed that the Transport Department proactively monitor and promptly advise the Ministry to direct agencies and units to strengthen inspections of transportation activities, serve passengers, and enhance the best solutions to meet the travel needs of people and stabilize ticket prices.

Furthermore, to avoid unauthorized price increases, especially during the upcoming peak summer season, based on the principle of harmonizing the interests and rights of businesses and the needs of the people.

Regarding the high increase in air ticket prices recently, many customers believe that one of the reasons pushing air ticket prices beyond a reasonable level is the current tax and fee rates, which are not insignificant. According to statistics, airlines have to bear over 20 types of direct and indirect fees.

Discussing the content related to taxes, fees constituting air ticket prices, a representative of the Directorate of Tax Policy and Fees Management (Ministry of Finance) stated that the fees mentioned above are “service fees” regulated in Circular No. 53/2019 of the Ministry of Transport.

He affirmed that these fees are not fees belonging to the state budget as prescribed by the Law on Fees and Charges.

@Znews

Australia’s Tax Office Tells Crypto Exchanges to Hand Over Transaction Details of 1.2 Million Accounts

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The ATO said the data will help identify traders who failed to report their cryptocurrency-related activities.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has asked cryptocurrency exchanges to provide the personal data and transaction details of up to 1.2 million accounts, according to reports.

The Australian Financial Review reported on Monday that “as part of a surveillance effort announced in April, the ATO said its latest data collection protocol would require designated cryptocurrency exchanges to provide the names, addresses, birthdays and transaction details of traders to help it audit compliance with obligations to pay capital gains tax on sales.”

The ATO said the data would help identify traders who failed to report their cryptocurrency-related activities, including the exchange of crypto assets when they sold it for currency or used it to pay for goods and services, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

Australia’s crackdown on the crypto industry has been more evident since the collapse of FTX. It has sued companies for attempting to sell tokens without the appropriate licenses, banking partners have blocked payments to cryptocurrency exchanges and has proposed a new licensing regime for crypto exchanges.

Last year, the ATO clarified that its capital gains tax on crypto products also extends to wrapped tokens or token interaction with decentralized lending protocols.

Rising gold prices: Exploring Vietnam’s unwavering demand

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The World Gold Council’s latest report on gold demand trends for the first quarter of 2024 sheds light on this phenomenon. Global gold demand experienced a 3% uptick to 1,238 tons compared to the same period last year, marking the most robust increase since 2016. However, excluding over-the-counter (OTC) purchases, demand dipped by 5% to 1,102 tons.

Within this global context, Vietnam emerges as a standout, with investment demand for gold bars and coins surging by an impressive 12%, accompanied by a 6% rise in total consumer demand. The report attributes this surge to a combination of factors, including strong investment activity in the OTC market, continued gold acquisitions by central banks, and heightened purchases from Asian buyers.

These trends have propelled the average quarterly gold price to a historic high of $2,070 per ounce, marking a significant 10% increase from the previous year and a 5% uptick from the previous quarter. Central banks have notably played a pivotal role, adding a substantial 290 tons of gold to their reserves in the first quarter alone.

The report underscores the significance of gold in international reserve asset portfolios amidst market volatility and escalating risks. In Vietnam specifically, investment demand for gold bars and coins in the first quarter has reached its highest level since 2015.

According to experts, domestic investors are lured by the substantial increase in gold prices, particularly amidst concerns about rising energy costs, inflationary pressures, and currency depreciation against the USD. Notably, the selling price of SJC gold bars in Vietnam has surged to 87.5 million VND/tael, reflecting a significant increase compared to previous levels.

Shaokai Fan, regional director for Asia-Pacific (excluding China) and head of global central banking at the World Gold Council, highlights the common theme of local currency depreciation across ASEAN markets, driving demand for gold as a safe-haven asset and offering attractive profit potential based on local prices.

Poloniex Hacker Sends $3.3M Worth of Ether to Tornado Cash

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The hacked funds had previously been dormant for 178 days.

A hacker that stole $125 million from Poloniex’s hot wallets in November has sent 1,100 ether (ETH) to sanctioned coin mixer Tornado Cash, according to blockchain data.

The ether, worth roughly $3.3 million, was sent to Tornado Cash in 100 ETH batches on Tuesday, having been dormant for 178 days.

The Poloniex hacker also sent 501 bitcoin (BTC) worth $32 million to an unlabelled wallet on April 30. It still holds a total of $181 million worth of crypto across various blockchains, Arkham data shows.

Tornado Cash is a protocol that allows users to obfuscate crypto tokens by mixing assets across multiple wallets over a prolonged period of time. It was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2022 shortly after it was used by North Korean hacking group Lazarus, which attempted to hide funds secured from the $625 million Axie Infinity exploit.

Blockchain security firm Elliptic said in March that Lazarus Group used Tornado Cash to launder $12 million from the Heco Bridge hack, which occurred shortly after the Poloniex Hack.

Preparing for Lifeguard training: A Comprehensive Guide 

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Preparing for Lifeguard Training: A Comprehensive Guide

Lifeguards play a vital role in ensuring the safety of people in aquatic conditions like pools, beaches, and water parks. Their fundamental obligation is to forestall accidents and answer quickly and in emergencies. Lifeguards should have a blend of swimming skills, first aid information, physical fitness, and mental readiness to usefully play out their duties. 

Assessing Prerequisites for Lifeguard Training 

Before enrolling in lifeguard training, it is essential to really take a look at the prerequisites. Regularly, candidates ought to be something like 15 years old, have CPR/AED certification, and finish a swimming skills evaluation. These prerequisites ensure that candidates have a fundamental level of fitness, swimming capacity, and understanding of essential life-saving techniques. 

Enrolling in ALA Lifeguard classes 

To begin your journey towards becoming a lifeguard, search for reputable institutions that offer lifeguard training near you. These classes are planned to provide comprehensive training covering water rescue techniques, first aid frameworks, CPR, and essential lifeguarding skills. Look for approved programs that follow industry standards and guidelines. 

Strengthening Swimming Skills as a Lifeguard

A crucial piece of lifeguard training is working on your swimming skills. Lifeguards ought to be proficient in various swimming strokes like freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and sidestroke. Standard practice in different swimming techniques further creates endurance, speed, and overall water skill, positioning you to manage water rescue situations successfully. 

Learning First Aid and CPR Techniques 

Lifeguards are much of the time the first responders in emergencies, making it essential to learn first aid and CPR techniques. Training programs cover topics, for example, treating injuries, overseeing health-related emergencies, and doing mouth-to-mouth/AED techniques. Knowledge of these skills empowers lifeguards to provide immediate and life-saving assistance to people in distress. 

Securing Lifesaving Knowledge

as a Lifeguard

Lifeguard training incorporates theoretical knowledge and reasonable skills connected with water safety and rescue operations. Candidates find out about water surveillance techniques, recognizing potential hazards, utilizing rescue equipment, for example, lightness aids and arriving at posts, and communicating really during emergencies. Understanding these principles is fundamental to ensuring a protected aquatic environment. 

Physical Fitness and Endurance of  Lifeguard

Physical fitness is a cornerstone of lifeguarding. Lifeguards should maintain an elevated degree of fitness and endurance to perform rescues, swim long distances if necessary, and respond rapidly in challenging situations. Training programs frequently incorporate fitness appraisals, endurance drills, and strength training activities to prepare candidates for the physical demands of the job. 

Mental Preparedness and Focus 

In addition to physical fitness, lifeguards should develop mental preparedness and focus. This incorporates fostering a quiet and focused outlook, rehearsing situational awareness, and honing decision-production skills. Lifeguards should stay ready and mindful of their environmental factors and consistently, be prepared to mediate and respond conclusively in emergencies. 

Rehearsing Vigilance and Surveillance 

Vigilance is a basic skill for lifeguards. During training, candidates practice maintaining constant surveillance of the water and distinguishing potential dangers or hazards. This incorporates monitoring swimmers’ way of behaving, recognizing signs of distress, and prudently addressing unsafe behaviors to prevent accidents. 

Participating in Mock Rescue Scenarios 

Mock rescue scenarios are a basic piece of lifeguard training. These simulations replicate genuine emergency situations, permitting candidates to apply their skills and knowledge in a controlled environment. Mock scenarios likewise underline teamwork, communication, and coordination among lifeguards and other emergency responders. 

Understanding Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 

Lifeguards have legal and ethical responsibilities to ensure the safety and prosperity of people in their consideration. Training programs educate candidates about local regulations, safety protocols, emergency action plans, and announcing systems. Lifeguards should understand their legal obligations and act responsibly to prevent accidents and relieve chances. 

Reviewing Lifeguarding Manuals and Guidelines 

Lifeguarding manuals and guidelines provide essential information on lifeguard duties, protocols, and best practices. Candidates are urged to review these materials completely and find out more about rescue techniques, emergency strategies, and safety guidelines well defined for their work environment. 

Seeking Feedback and Continuous Improvement 

Feedback from instructors and friends is significant for improving lifeguarding skills. Candidates ought to effectively look for feedback, address regions for improvement, and take a stab at continuous learning and advancement. Constructive analysis refines techniques, upgrades execution, and assembles confidence in lifeguarding abilities. 

Taking Mock Examinations and Appraisals 

Mock lifeguard certification tests and appraisals assess candidates’ knowledge, skills, and preparation for lifeguarding duties. These appraisals mimic genuine certification tests, testing candidates on lifeguarding methodology, rescue scenarios, first aid skills, and safety protocols. Practice tests assist candidates with measuring their availability and recognize regions for additional review and improvement. 

Final Certification and Accreditation 

Upon successfully finishing lifeguard training and breezing through the certification test, candidates accept their lifeguard certification. This qualification confirms their capability and status to work as lifeguards. Certify certification programs, like those presented by the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), ensure that lifeguards satisfy industry guidelines and requirements. 

Continuing Education and Professional Turn of Events 

Lifeguarding is a unique profession that requires ongoing education and professional turn of events. Lifeguards are urged to partake in refresher courses, go to workshops and classes, and stay updated on industry patterns and advancements. Continuing education improves skills, knowledge, and preparedness to deal with advancing challenges in aquatic safety and rescue. 

Final Word: Commitment to Lifeguard Excellence 

Getting ready for lifeguard training includes a comprehensive methodology incorporating physical fitness, swimming capability, first aid knowledge, mental preparedness, and adherence to safety protocols. Lifeguards assume an imperative part in shielding lives and advancing water safety, making rigorous training and continuous professional improvement essential for excellence in lifeguarding.  

By observing these guidelines and putting resources into quality training programs, hopeful lifeguards can set out on a satisfying and impactful career dedicated to protecting and serving their communities. 

 

 

 

Thang Long supership launches new Saigon – Con Dao route

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Recently, Phu Quoc Express shared its passenger transport schedule from Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau to Con Dao and back until the end of May 2024.

The new schedule, commencing May 14 after the opening ceremony of the Saigon – Con Dao route on May 13, will feature the Thang Long supership connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao, and Vung Tau.

Departing from Vung Tau at 7:30 a.m. on May 14, the ship will ferry passengers to Con Dao, with the return trip scheduled for 1 p.m. on the same day, heading from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City. On May 15, the ship will depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao at 7:30 a.m. and return at 1 p.m. to Vung Tau.

This rotating schedule between the three locations will run until May 31, with additional ships available for passenger transport if needed.

Ticket prices for the Saigon – Con Dao route will range from 615,000 VND to 1.1 million VND per trip, depending on passenger type, ticket class, and departure time. These prices are slightly higher than those of the current Vung Tau – Con Dao route.

Under favorable weather conditions, the cruise from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Hiep Phuoc port, Nha Be district) to Ben Dam port (Con Dao district, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province) is estimated to take approximately 5 hours.

Less Than 10% of Stablecoin Transaction Volume Coming from Real Users: Report

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The stablecoin market supply currently stands at about $150 billion.

Less than 10% of stablecoin transaction volumes are organic or come from real people, according to new findings by Visa and data platform Allium Labs, Bloomberg reported.

Out of about $2.2 trillion in total transactions in April, just $149 billion originated from “organic payments activity,” the report said. The analysis removed transactions done by bots and large-scale traders to “isolate those made by real people.”

The stablecoin market supply currently stands at about $150 billion, with tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) dominating the market with shares of 75% and 22%, respectively, broker Bernstein has said.

Stablecoins are a cryptocurrency tied to another asset class, usually the U.S. dollar, to keep a stable, steady value. They’ve come into sharp focus after PayPal and some others announced they were issuing their stablecoins. Legislation to regulate stablecoins is also seen to be the most likely to make it through the U.S. Congress.

“There is also a lot of noise in this data given that blockchains are general purpose networks where stablecoins can be used across a range of use cases with transactions that can be initiated manually by an end user or programmatically through bots,” said a note last month about the findings by Cuy Sheffield, Visa’s Head of Crypto.

Despite the discrepancy between total transfer volume and bot-adjusted transfer volume, the analysis found a steady growth of monthly active stablecoin users, with 27.5 million monthly active users across all chains.

Common Causes of a Ball Valve Leaking and How to Prevent Them 

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Common Causes of a Ball Valve Leaking and How to Prevent Them 

A ball valve is used in different processes because of various reasons such as durability and dependability as well as ability to control the flow of fluids. Nevertheless, corresponding to all mechanical parts, ball valves are prone to leak after sustained use, which can cause numerous operational problems if unrepaired. It is therefore important to understand and be able to prevent the causes of leakage in the ball valve so as to maintain the heart of the system or line. This article looks at the following causes and gives real life solutions with expert input from some of the premier industrial valve manufacturers.  

Wear and Tear on Seals and Seats 

There are various reasons which make a ball valve leak but perhaps the most frequent is the deterioration of the seals and seats. Seals and seats are so important as they enable the valve to close tightly and so that any fluid cannot pass through. Sometimes these sections may wear out because of the stress that is constantly being applied to them, variation in temperature and contact with abrasive substances. This results in the formation of pits on the surface of the metal which causes degradation of the surface and therefore leads to a compromising of the seal interface so that the fluids start to leak.  

To counter this problem, the inspection and maintenance must be carried out more frequently. Seals and seats should be inspected by the industrial valve manufacturers for signs of wear; they should then be replaced when necessary. Also, one can opt for valves with much higher quality material as applicable to the conditions of use so as to increase the durabilities of these parts. 

For instance, when selecting valves to be used in high-temperature applications, it’s possible to use those valves with PTFE Teflon seats so as not to cause seal deterioration and thus consequent leakage. Further, sealing and getting replacement parts from the right suppliers, there is less chance of the parts fading or deforming and this further reduces chances of leakage of the valve.   

Ball Valve Improper Installation and Assembly  

Essential ball valve leaking causes are recognized as improper installation or assembly of the valve. As with many mechanical systems, if the valve is not positioned correctly, or if the parts of the assembly are not well aligned, then there will be leakage. 

It is most common where the valve is fitted in high pressure or in conditions where they are likely to undergo fluctuations in temperature thus leading to expansion and contraction thus compromising the functionality of the valve.  

The only ways that one can be assured of eliminating leakages within the taps are by adhering strictly to the manufacturer’s installation procedures and guidelines. The correct installation can be possible by using skilled technicians who understand the special needs of industrial valve systems. 

Also, in order to avoid problems with defects, it is possible to use only high-quality parts of the valves from reliable industrial valve manufacturers that guarantee the compatibility of all parts and details. Even more, training and updates for the maintenance staff on correct installation practices can help to lessen such problems. That was not only about correct positioning of the valve but also its right classification according to the pressure/temperature parameters of future application, which can affect the service life of the valve and provide leaks skipping.   

Ball Valve Corrosion and Material Degradation  

Corrosion is another major cause of leakage in ball valves; most commonly in conditions where the valve is exposed to agents that cause corrosion. In time, the corrosion process impacts the quality and the performance of the valve body, the ball as well as the internal parts of the valve causing leakage. This is often realized in chemical processing, oil & gas and water treatment industries where valves are often in contact with chemicals or saltwater or other corrosive agents.   

To reduce the rate of corrosion, it is important that one gets to select the right material for the valves that are to be used in this case to suit the chemicals and the environment in which they are to be used. For instance, an application in a severely corrosive environment may be advised to use stainless steel or a compound such as Hastelloy. The problem of leaks can be solved by inspection all the time for corrosion and replacement of the parts when necessary. 

Most industrial valve manufacturers give their valves a corrosion resistant coating or use materials which can adequately cope in harsh environments thereby increasing the valve’s durability and lessening the chances of leakage. In addition, the use of corrosion-resistant materials goes hand in hand with the exclusion of leakage but also the exclusion of recurrent major expenses required for replacements.  

Inadequate Maintenance and Lack of Regular Inspections 

Failure to maintain the ball valves and failure to conduct frequent checks on them are also central to the leaks. Valves that are not frequently checked for problems or perhaps serviced are likely to have problems such as worn seal, corrosion, or physical damage and therefore manifest leakages. It is always good to observe these problems when they are still small lest they turn into big ones that will require more attention.  

Having a schedule of maintenance as well as checking all the valves in the system would also minimize leakages. When doing these inspections look at the indications of wear, corrosion, and physical damage and replace the defecting components as soon as possible. Collaborating with an industrial valve manufacturer who provides maintenance services and technical support can also guarantee that your valves are well maintained, therefore, have a longer life cycle and would not develop leaks. 

Further, an apparatus of a preventive maintenance program with the usage of predictive diagnostics will allow for the identification of possible problems before they create leaks and affect operation continuance. These measures will go a long way in preventing major downtimes and in the process; the all round reliability of your industrial plants will be boosted.  

Conclusion  

There are different conventional reasons behind a leaking ball valve; what is desirable is to be warned early and take measures so as to eliminate the cause. It is crucial to understand the reasons behind the leakage of a ball valve and take some action towards it. Subsequently, we have methods of repairing the damages, installation techniques, using appropriate materials that contain no corrosion, and following a schedule of inspections each of which significantly helps in avoidance of leaks. Partnering with a reputed industrial valve manufacturer provides you the convenience of getting the right valves as well as getting advice on possible issues which may be causing system disruptions and leakage. 

Adopting such measures goes a long way in increasing the durability of the valves as well as reducing the losses through frequent breakdowns, frequent replacement and general unreliability of the systems. Purchasing appropriate valves, as well as ensuring the proper upkeep of the valves, are not only protective measures for the operations but more a mechanism that fosters operational success in the long term. 

 

Exploiter Steals $68M Worth of Crypto Through Address Poisoning

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The victim was duped by a mimicked 0.05 ether transfer.

A cryptocurrency user has lost $68 million worth of wrapped bitcoin (WBTC) after falling victim to an address poisoning exploit, according to blockchain security firm CertiK.

Address poisoning is a technique that involves tricking the victim into sending a legitimate transaction to the wrong wallet address by mimicking the first and last six characters of the true wallet address and depending on the sender to miss the discrepancy in the intervening characters. Wallet addresses can be as long as 42 characters.

In this case, the exploiter mimicked a 0.05 ether (ETH) transaction before receiving 1,155 WBTC from the victim.

Security platform Cyvers and blockchain sleuth ZachXBT confirmed that $68 million had been lost to an address poisoning scam.

Crypto investors lost $2 billion to hacks, scams and exploits across decentralized finance (DeFi) in 2023 and an additional $333 million was stolen in the first quarter.

Lịch thi đấu V-League mùa 2023-2024 gặp nhiều khó khăn

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Mùa bóng V-league năm nay là lần đầu tiên trong lịch sử áp dụng thời gian thi đấu mới, kéo dài từ mùa thu 2023 đến mùa hè 2024. Đây là kiểu lịch thi đấu đang được nhiều giải bóng đá danh tiếng áp dụng như Ngoại Hạng Anh, La Liga, Serie A. Những mùa giải trước đều diễn ra trong năm có nhiều thuận lợi về l

Trước khi tiến hành, ban tổ chức V-league (VPF) đã tổ chức cuộc họp và thảo luận cùng các câu lạc bộ để thống nhất quỹ thời gian tổ chức mùa giải 2023-2024 đó là bắt đầu từ ngày 20/10/2023 và kết thúc vào ngày 11/7/2024. Tổng cộng thời gian này sẽ tổ chức được 26 vòng đấu V-League, 22 vòng V-League 2 và Cúp quốc gia. Ngoài ra sẽ có 4 quãng thời gian nghỉ cho các sự kiện sau:

  • FIFA days
  • AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024
  • AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024
  • Nghỉ Tết Nguyên Đán

Đây thực sự là một bước tiến của ban tổ chức V-league trong việc học hỏi những cái hay của các giải bóng đá quốc tế để áp dụng cho nền bóng đá nước nhà nhưng đã gặp rất nhiều khó khăn và trở ngại. 

Lịch thi đấu không hợp lý

Nếu như các giải bóng đá hàng đầu thường diễn ra vào các ngày cuối tuần và chỉ đổi ngày vào các trường hợp bất khả kháng thì V-League lại đang rải đều lịch thi đấu trong cả 7 ngày trong tuần. Mặc dù BTC đã làm rất tốt việc luôn có lịch nghỉ 4 ngày để cho 1 đội có thời gian chuẩn bị, di chuyển và đảm bảo phong độ tốt nhất nhưng lịch thi đấu không cố định này khiến người hâm mộ rất khó đến sân theo dõi.

Tại thời điểm này, V-League – giải bóng đá Việt Nam cực kì phù hợp cho các kèo cược phụ như kèo ném biên, phát góc hay tài xỉu đã phải tạm dừng 1 tháng cho giải AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024, điển hình như kèo giữa Hà Nội và SHB Đà Nẵng vừa rồi đã có đến 78 cú ném biên. Theo các trang cá cược bóng đá uy tín, trận đấu tiếp theo ở vòng 16 sẽ diễn ra vào ngày 2/5 giữa Hồng Lĩnh Hà TĩnhQNK Quảng Nam. Tiếp theo là Sông Lam Nghệ An Hà Nội vào ngày 3/5

Căn bệnh trầm kha của bóng đá Việt

Mặc dù đã lên kế hoạch kỹ càng nhưng V-League mùa này đã phải dừng tận 78 ngày vì vướng phải lịch thi đấu U20 Châu Á, U22 thi đấu SEA Games giờ lại phải tạm dừng tiếp do giải U23 Châu Á. Theo VPF, việc tạm dừng nhằm giúp các đội tuyển có thành tích thi đấu tốt nhất ở các đấu trường quốc tế. 

Tuy nhiên việc này đem lại rất nhiều bất cập và khó khăn cho những đội tuyển tham gia. Vì khi tạm dừng, các câu lạc bộ vẫn phải trả lương cho các cầu thủ và ảnh hưởng đến việc tập luyện của đội do có cầu thủ thi đấu quốc tế có người không. Ngoài ra, sau khi tập trung thi đấu giải quốc tế, các cầu thủ khi trở về phải ngay lập tức tham gia thi đấu V-League nên rất khó đạt được phong độ tốt và ảnh hưởng đến thành tích của câu lạc bộ.

Thực tế ngay cả với các quốc gia giàu thành tích bóng đá nhất như Brazil hay Đức thì họ luôn “liệu cơm gắp mắm”. Tức là chọn tập trung giải đấu quan trọng và bỏ những giải không quan trọng, các đội tuyển từng vô địch World Cup của họ rất ít khi vô địch Olympic hay các giải cấp khu vực. 

Riêng Việt Nam thì giải nào cũng tập trung hết lực lượng để tham gia giành thành tích dẫn đến hệ lụy là V-League trong nước bị ảnh hưởng đáng kể. Thành tích và hoạt động kinh doanh của các câu lạc bộ cũng đi xuống, kéo theo sự đi xuống về chuyên môn và tinh thần của các cầu thủ và cuối cùng là thành tích quốc tế cũng không được như mong đợi.

V-League 2023-2024 đã đi được hơn nửa chặng đường và dù lịch thi đấu chưa tối ưu nhưng khán giả vẫn đến sân trung bình hơn 6.000 – 10.000 khán giả mỗi trận. Đây thực sự là những tín hiệu tốt cho nền bóng đá nước nhà trong thời kỳ kinh tế suy thoái trước những thay đổi mới của V-League. Chắc chắn VPF sẽ có những điều chỉnh ở những mùa giải sắp tới và sẽ tìm được sự cân bằng giữa giải quốc tế và quốc nội và đem lại nhiều trận cầu mãn nhãn cho người hâm mộ bóng đá Việt Nam.

Qatar Airways increases frequency on Hanoi – Doha route

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The airline will increase the frequency to 3 flights per day from July to September during the peak summer tourist season.

Qatar Airways has 17 years of service in the Vietnamese market. Photo: Simple Flying.

Qatar Airways announced that in June, it will increase its operations from Hanoi to 17 flights per week, instead of the current 14. Subsequently, from July to September, the airline will increase the frequency to 3 flights per day.

These new flights will be operated by modern B787 aircraft, with 22 business class seats and 232 economy class seats. With the increased frequency, Qatar Airways will operate up to 35 flights from Vietnam weekly from July 1, connecting to over 170 global destinations.

Thus, passengers will have more connecting options to destinations in Europe and the Americas, including Paris, London, Warsaw, New York, and many others, connecting through Hamad International Airport.

Qatar Airways is one of the few airlines to achieve a 5-star rating globally. The airline was founded in 1993 and began operations in 1994. In Vietnam, the airline has been operating for 17 years.

Qatar Airways is headquartered at Qatar Airways Tower, Doha, with its main hub at Hamad International Airport. Qatar Airways currently operates nearly 170 destinations globally, connecting through Hamad International Airport.

Hamad International Airport has been voted “World’s Best Airport” by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024. This year, the airport was also honored as the “Best Airport in the Middle East” for 10 consecutive years, and as the “Best Airport for Shopping” for the second consecutive year.

@Znews

Explosion of foreign visitors to Vietnam

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Over the past 4 months, 6.2 million international visitors have helped Vietnam’s foreign visitor market surpass pre-Covid-19 levels. In April alone, the number of visitors increased by 58.2% compared to the same period last year.

Europe is one of the markets sending large visitors to Vietnam. Photo: @amikeoosthuizen.

Convenient visa policies and attractive tourism stimulus programs continue to have a positive impact, attracting a significantly higher number of international visitors to Vietnam compared to the same period last year.

This is the assessment of the General Statistics Office on the tourism situation in our country over the past 4 months in the report “Economic and Social Situation in April and the First 4 Months of the Year” released on April 29.

Specifically, in April, the number of international visitors to Vietnam remained stable despite it being the peak domestic tourism season, reaching nearly 1.6 million people, an increase of 58.2% compared to the same period last year.

Overall for the first 4 months of the year, international visitors to our country reached 6.2 million, an increase of 68.3% compared to the same period last year and a 3.9% increase compared to the same period in 2019 – the year before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tourists check-in at Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Photos: @mariavalero, @mthgomes.

Of these, visitors arriving by air reached nearly 5.2 million, accounting for 83.7% of the total number of international visitors to Vietnam and up 1.6 times compared to the same period last year; arrivals by road reached 856.9 thousand, accounting for 13.8% and up 2.3 times; arrivals by sea reached 151.5 thousand, accounting for 2.5% and up 3.4 times.

Leading the foreign visitor market to Vietnam is Asia with about 4.7 million visitors.

Next are visitors from European markets (855.6 thousand), the Americas (393.8 thousand), Australia (196.5 thousand), and Africa (17.2 thousand).

In terms of market scale, South Korea remains the largest market sending visitors to Vietnam with 1.6 million visitors (accounting for 25.8%), according to the National Tourism Administration. China ranks second with 1.25 million visitors (20%). Next is Taiwan in third place (418 thousand). Positions 4 and 5 are the United States (301 thousand) and Japan (235 thousand) respectively.

Additionally, the top 10 countries sending visitors to Vietnam also include Malaysia (181 thousand), Australia (180 thousand), Thailand (163 thousand), India (158 thousand), and Cambodia (155 thousand).

@Znews

8 million visitors travel during the April 30 – May 1 holidays

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The nationwide tourism industry served approximately 8 million visitors during the 5-day holiday period, with 3.6 million of them staying overnight, according to data from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

The number of tourists nationwide during the April 30 holiday this year reached 8 million. Photo: Thuy Trang.

Most key tourist areas across the country recorded positive signals with a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to the same period in 2023, as assessed by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism on the last day of this year’s holiday period, April 30th – May 1st.

Specifically, during the 5-day holiday period from April 30th to May 1st (from April 27th to May 1st), the country welcomed 8 million visitors, an increase of 14.2% compared to the same period in 2023, including approximately 3.6 million overnight visitors, according to data released by the Tourism Administration on May 1st.

The average room occupancy rate at accommodation establishments nationwide reached about 60%. This figure increased by an additional 10% during peak days.

Some coastal destinations reached occupancy rates of up to 95-100% during the holiday period.

Tourists check-in at a flower garden in Hanoi. Photo: @phuongtali_2709.

Thanh Hoa continued to be the leading destination in terms of visitor numbers during the April 30th holiday this year with approximately 1.52 million visitors, an increase of 27.2% compared to 1.2 million visitors in the previous year. The total revenue from tourists reached about 3.805 trillion VND, an increase of 32.8%.

Following Thanh Hoa is Quang Ninh. The province served around 1.01 million visitors, an increase of 48%; Total revenue from tourism reached about 2.21 trillion VND, an increase of 53%.

Ranked third is Khanh Hoa with 969,950 visitors, an increase of 21.5%; Total revenue from tourism reached about 1,306.7 billion VND, an increase of 53% compared to the same period last year.

Vietnam’s two largest cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, ranked fourth and sixth respectively. Specifically, the number of visitors to Ho Chi Minh City was 969,000, an increase of only 2% compared to the same period. Hanoi welcomed 737,900 visitors, an increase of 4%.

Furthermore, it’s noteworthy that the number of international visitors continued to grow steadily despite passing the peak season.

Some Vietnamese coastal areas are visited by many tourists. Photo: @linhphgg_.

Regarding the transportation situation during the 5-day holiday, the National Tourism Administration stated that tourist movements were also adjusted to meet the increased demand for travel.

Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air increased night flights and deployed wide-body aircraft for domestic operations to contribute to supplementing/increasing supply.

The railway sector added more trains from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, Vinh, Thanh Hoa, Lao Cai, Ho Chi Minh City, and vice versa; from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Quy Nhon, and reduced ticket prices for train passengers. Inland waterway ports also added more ferry services to islands such as Cu Lao Cham, Ly Son, Con Dao, Phu Quy, and Phu Quoc…

The trend of self-driving to nearby destinations increased, with tourists preferring this mode of travel for freedom, exploration, and increased autonomy during the holiday journey.

Additionally, to prepare for the April 30th – May 1st holiday and this year’s summer tourism season, the Administration advised the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and issued a document to send to the People’s Committees of centrally-run provinces/cities to propose implementing domestic tourism stimulus activities in 2024 with the theme “Vietnamese People Traveling in Vietnam – Vietnam I Love”.

@Znews

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