The global gold market saw a glimmer of stability this week as physical gold shipments partially resumed from Dubai, one of the world's most critical trading hubs. According to sources familiar with the matter, the reopening of select flight paths has allowed the flow of bullion to restart, following a near-total standstill triggered by the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran on February 28.

As a primary supplier to major markets in Switzerland, Hong Kong, and India, Dubai's logistical health is vital to the industry. Because of its high value and relatively low weight, gold is almost exclusively transported via passenger and cargo aircraft for security and insurance reasons. However, data from FlightRadar24 indicates that recovery is still in its early stages, with Dubai's air traffic hovering at just 37% of its usual volume as of Thursday.

The ongoing constraints are significantly inflating the cost of doing business. Shippers are currently grappling with:

Elevated Insurance Premiums: Limited flight availability and regional conflict risks have driven up coverage costs.

Increased Ground Logistics: Transporting bullion to functional airports or secure storage during disruptions has added a layer of expensive ground handling.

Logistical Backlogs: Even with resumed flights, the "bottleneck" effect means that priority is being given to high-value contracts, leaving smaller traders in wait.

In India, a primary consumer of Dubai’s gold, the resumption of supply has met with a lukewarm reception. Bullion is currently trading at a discount compared to London prices, a sign that local demand remains fragile. Market dealers in Mumbai suggest that while the influx of gold is a positive sign, high price volatility and regional uncertainty are expected to keep Indian buyers on the sidelines for at least the next two weeks.

Professor Nguyen Tri Phuong, a distinguished materials scientist at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), has been awarded a US$1.05 million research grant to develop high-performance rubber compounds. These next-generation materials are specifically designed to increase the durability of components within high-voltage transmission lines, a vital part of the energy infrastructure in Quebec.

The funding for this ambitious project is a collaborative effort involving Canada's Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the research organization Mitacs, and several high-profile industrial partners. Key contributors include the provincial utility Hydro-Quebec, along with private firms PLP Canada and Soucy Baron Inc., all of whom have a vested interest in stabilizing Canada's energy grid.

The focus of the research is Hydro-Quebec TransEnergie’s massive network, which includes over 11,400 kilometers of ultra-high-voltage 735 kV lines. This system, the largest of its kind in North America, is essential for transporting hydroelectricity from remote northern dams across vast distances to the province's southern population centers. Many of the existing dampers and clamp seals have been in use for over 20 years and are showing significant signs of wear.

Professor Phuong’s primary objective is to replace these aging, U.S.-manufactured components with Canadian-made alternatives. By developing advanced elastomeric (rubber-like) materials, the team hopes to create parts that can better withstand the punishing environmental conditions of Quebec, ranging from sub-zero winter temperatures to intense summer humidity.

In his laboratory, Phuong and his team are employing a sophisticated dual-track approach. They combine mathematical modeling with "accelerated aging" techniques, which allow them to simulate years of environmental stress in a short period. This rigorous testing phase was instrumental in securing the multi-partner funding package, as early data suggested the new compounds could drastically outperform current standards.

The project is slated to run through 2030, with the goal of finalizing specialized compounds for dampers and clamp seals used in drive systems. If successful, the adoption of these materials could save millions of dollars in annual maintenance costs for Hydro-Quebec while simultaneously boosting Canada’s domestic manufacturing capabilities for critical energy infrastructure.

Born in 1977 in Hanoi, Professor Phuong has established himself as a world-class researcher since moving to Canada. An alumnus of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and a PhD graduate from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers in Paris, he founded UQTR’s Laboratory of Advanced Materials for Energy and Environment in 2019. His prolific output, which includes over 120 scientific articles, has consistently landed him on Stanford University’s list of the world's most cited researchers.

According to UQTR’s leadership, this research highlights the university’s ability to provide high-level solutions to real-world industrial challenges. By fostering self-sufficiency in the design of sustainable energy systems, Phuong’s work is helping to insulate Canada's power grid from both environmental degradation and reliance on foreign supply chains.

Nguyen Manh Duy, a 23-year-old student at the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) in Hanoi, has successfully transitioned from a high school freelancer to the leader of a high-growth technology startup. As the Chief Technology Officer of AIT Software Technology JSC, Duy recently showcased his company’s success during his graduation thesis defense, revealing that the firm now generates monthly revenues as high as VND2.5 billion.

The foundation for this entrepreneurial success was laid years ago at Ha Huy Tap High School in Ha Tinh Province, where Duy taught himself programming through online communities. By his senior year of high school, he was already taking on independent coding projects, developing software tools and websites that earned him a steady income and solidified his desire to pursue a formal education in information systems.

Duy entered university in 2021 with an impressive entrance exam score, but his academic journey was quickly intertwined with real-world business challenges. During the pandemic, he collaborated with senior students to form the initial AIT team, focusing on creating software solutions for the burgeoning e-commerce sector. They specifically targeted the needs of online sellers operating on major platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Shopee.

The path to building a sustainable company was not without significant obstacles. Duy recalls the intense pressure of his second year, when he was forced to stay awake for nearly forty-eight hours to meet a major project deadline immediately following his final exams. These early struggles with limited capital and management experience nearly led him to quit, but they ultimately provided the resilience needed to officially register the company in August 2024.

Today, AIT Software Technology employs nearly 30 people and serves a diverse client base of over 2,000 individuals and corporations. The company’s revenue is primarily driven by an AI-integrated software ecosystem that supports affiliate marketing, automated customer service, and operational analytics. Additionally, the firm earns about 20% of its income through specialized software outsourcing for regional businesses.

Duy’s academic performance has remained stellar despite his executive responsibilities. His graduation thesis, which centered on a digital transformation project for a multi-branch enterprise, ranked among the top ten at his university with a score of 9 out of 10. He maintains that the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom was essential for transitioning his business from simple tools to complex, scalable platforms.

Looking toward the remainder of 2026, Duy envisions a major international expansion for the company. While already serving clients in Vietnam and overseas, AIT is now targeting deeper market penetration in Southeast Asian nations, specifically focusing on the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. This expansion strategy aims to capitalize on the region's rapidly evolving digital economy.

Following his official graduation in May, Duy plans to further his education by pursuing a master’s degree. He intends to focus on strengthening his management skills while staying at the forefront of the artificial intelligence landscape, ensuring that his startup remains competitive in an increasingly automated global market.

Two Vietnamese nationals, including high-profile businessman Chu Dang Khoa and an associate, Tran Huy Bao, are currently facing trial in South Africa following a major crackdown on wildlife trafficking. The arrests, carried out by the elite police unit known as the Hawks, involve allegations of illegal rhino horn exports and staged robberies designed to move illicit goods into the black market.

Tran Huy Bao, 52, was apprehended at Cape Town International Airport in late February as he reportedly attempted to board a flight to Singapore with his family. His arrest is linked to the theft and illegal export of 98 rhino horns originating from the Voi Game Lodge. Investigations suggest Bao has deep ties to an international trafficking network, with authorities previously linking him to a seizure involving rhino horns and exotic animal bones at a storage facility in Kempton Park.

Chu Dang Khoa, a 44-year-old often referred to in media as a "diamond tycoon," is the owner of the Voi Game Lodge where the controversial activities took place. Khoa has a documented history with South African wildlife laws; in 2011, he was convicted, fined, and deported for the illegal possession of five rhino horns. His current legal troubles also coincide with legal issues facing his family in Vietnam, where his mother, the chairwoman of a major petroleum group, was prosecuted last year for financial misappropriation.

The investigation into the duo intensified after a suspicious incident on Christmas night in 2025, when five rhinos were killed and dehorned at Khoa’s lodge. South African authorities, supported by insights from the Democratic Alliance, suspect that this and other "thefts" at the property were actually staged burglaries. This tactic involves reporting legally stored horns as stolen while secretly selling them to transnational criminal syndicates.

Evidence in the case is expected to include DNA tracking, which reportedly links rhino horns seized at Singapore’s Changi Airport back to the stocks held at the Voi Game Lodge. Prosecutors are expected to vehemently oppose bail for both men, citing them as significant flight risks given the circumstances of Bao’s arrest and the high-value nature of the alleged crimes.

South African officials have emphasized that this case represents more than just an environmental violation. They view it as a component of a broader organized crime web that undermines national security and global conservation efforts. As South Africa maintains the world's largest rhino population, the outcome of this trial is being watched closely as a benchmark for the country's commitment to dismantling high-level trafficking networks.

Singapore's Changi Airport has once again secured the top position as the best airport in Asia, according to the DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2026. The prestigious ranking is based on the feedback of millions of high-end travelers, including business executives and experiential enthusiasts, who consistently praise the hub for its ability to transform a standard transit into a luxury experience.

A primary driver for Changi’s continued dominance is its commitment to a seamless, friction-free journey. It was among the first major hubs in the world to implement fully passport-free immigration clearance across all of its terminals. This biometric technology allows travelers to pass through automated gates in as little as ten seconds, drastically reducing the typical stressors associated with international travel.

The airport's physical environment also remains a major draw for voters. Beyond its role as a transportation hub, Changi is celebrated for its calming, lush spaces, most notably the 40-meter indoor waterfall and extensive tropical greenery. These features, combined with modern art installations and 24/7 movie theaters, have redefined what passengers expect from airport amenities.

While Changi took the lead, the 2026 rankings show a competitive landscape across the continent. Hong Kong International Airport followed in second place, with Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport rounding out the top positions. Other notable entries in the top ten include Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Kuala Lumpur International, and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.

The success of Singapore’s aviation sector extended beyond its infrastructure this year, as Singapore Airlines was also named the best airline in the region. Following closely in the airline category was Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific. These accolades underscore a broader trend among travelers who are increasingly prioritizing airports and carriers that integrate high-tech automation with world-class hospitality and dining options.

Vietnamese cha gio has earned international acclaim as one of the world's premier deep-fried delicacies. According to the March 2026 rankings by the global culinary guide Taste Atlas, these iconic spring rolls secured the 48th spot on the list of the "100 Best Deep-Fried Dishes in the World." This recognition makes it the sole representative from Vietnam to be honored in this specific category this year.

Known as nem ran in the north and cha gio in the south, the dish is celebrated for its harmonious blend of textures and flavors. At its core is a savory filling typically composed of minced pork and shrimp, though regional and modern variations often introduce crab meat or tofu. The stuffing is traditionally enhanced with a crunchy medley of carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, glass noodles, and bean sprouts, all held together by a thin, pliable sheet of rice paper.

The culinary appeal of cha gio lies in its preparation; the rolls are deep-fried until the rice paper transforms into a delicate, golden-brown lattice that is remarkably light and crispy. This crunchy exterior provides a sharp contrast to the moist and flavorful interior. Whether served as a celebratory appetizer or a casual main course, the rolls are almost universally accompanied by a platter of fresh herbs and a side of nuoc cham—a dipping sauce that balances salty, sweet, and sour notes.

While cha gio holds its own on the world stage, it shares the rankings with other global favorites. The top tiers of the 2026 deep-fried list were dominated by Korean fried chicken, followed by Indonesia’s batagor (fried fish dumplings) and Peru’s jalea (a mixed deep-fried seafood platter). Despite the stiff competition, the inclusion of cha gio underscores the enduring international popularity of Vietnamese street food and traditional home cooking.

This latest accolade follows a successful period for Vietnamese cuisine on the global stage. In late 2025, cha gio was also named among the world's top 100 snacks, and broader regional rankings have recently highlighted other Vietnamese staples, such as roasted pork belly banh mi and various traditional noodle soups, as top-tier Southeast Asian comfort foods.

Banana Beach, a pristine stretch of coastline located on Koh Hey near Phuket, has been named the most beautiful beach in Asia for 2026. This top honor comes from Tripadvisor’s Travelers' Choice Awards, which identifies the "Best of the Best" destinations based on the quality and volume of global traveler reviews. The beach is celebrated primarily for its powdery white sand and exceptionally clear turquoise waters, which create ideal conditions for marine exploration.

The island’s proximity to Phuket makes it a highly accessible escape, requiring only a fifteen-minute boat ride to reach its shores. Once there, visitors can indulge in a wide range of recreational activities, including snorkeling among coral reefs, scuba diving, and parasailing. To support these guests, the beach features dedicated facilities such as the Hornbill Restaurant and rental services for sun loungers and deck chairs.

Travelers planning a visit are encouraged to schedule their trips between November and April. During this window, the regional weather patterns typically ensure calm seas and high visibility, which are essential for those looking to enjoy the island’s famous snorkeling spots. However, some recent visitors have noted that the peak tourism season can bring certain drawbacks, such as a more crowded atmosphere, loud music, and premium pricing for beachside amenities.

The 2026 rankings showcase a highly competitive field of coastal destinations across the continent. Following Banana Beach in the top spot are Indonesia's dramatic Kelingking Beach in second place, and India's Radhanagar and Palolem beaches, which took third and fourth, respectively. Other highly-rated locations included Mirissa Beach in Sri Lanka, the famous White Beach in the Philippines, and Malaysia’s Cenang Beach.

These accolades are a reflection of consistent traveler satisfaction across multiple categories, including the availability of local dining and the quality of nearby accommodations. By highlighting these top-tier destinations, the awards provide a roadmap for travelers seeking the most well-regarded coastal experiences in Asia, ranging from secluded snorkeling havens to world-renowned resort beaches.

Air China has announced the resumption of its direct passenger flights between Beijing and Pyongyang starting March 30, 2026. This significant move marks the restoration of the airline's service to North Korea after a six-year hiatus caused by the strict border closures implemented at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020.

According to the airline’s official schedule, the service will initially operate on a limited basis, with flights scheduled for every Monday. This weekly frequency is expected to remain in place until May 18, before scaling down to just two flights during the month of June. The route will be serviced by Boeing 737 aircraft, with economy class fares starting at approximately 2,630 yuan (US$381).

The decision to restart air travel follows the successful resumption of cross-border passenger train services between the two capitals just days earlier. On March 12, international trains began running again four times a week, crossing the border via Dandong. These developments are seen as a cautious step toward normalising relations and economic activity, though initial access is reportedly restricted primarily to business travelers, diplomats, and those with official invitations.

While North Korea has gradually eased its pandemic-era curbs—including welcoming limited groups of Russian tourists in early 2024—the country remains largely closed to wider international tourism. Travel operators note that while the return of Air China is a positive sign for future connectivity, tourist visas for ordinary travelers of most nationalities have not yet been fully reopened.

The resumption of these transport links highlights a warming trend in the strategic partnership between Beijing and Pyongyang. For China, the route provides critical connectivity for business executives and diplomats, while for North Korea, it establishes a formal air corridor that supports its incremental efforts to rejoin the regional travel landscape.

Efforts by Middle Eastern allies to broker a diplomatic end to the two-week-old war in Iran have been rebuffed by the Trump administration, according to sources familiar with the situation. Despite mediation attempts by countries like Oman and Egypt, Washington remains focused on "Operation Epic Fury," a military campaign aimed at significantly weakening Tehran’s capabilities. This refusal to engage in talks suggests a commitment to an extended conflict, even as global markets reel from the fallout.

Tehran has adopted a similarly uncompromising stance, with senior Iranian sources indicating that any ceasefire is out of the question until U.S. and Israeli airstrikes cease completely. Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has threatened to escalate attacks on neighboring nations and maintains a total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly views control of this strategic waterway as the decisive factor in the war, leading them to reject all current diplomatic overtures.

The humanitarian and economic toll of the conflict has been severe, with over 2,000 casualties reported, primarily within Iran. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a conduit for 20% of the world's oil—has triggered the largest oil supply disruption in history. Recent U.S. strikes on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub, further signaled President Trump's intent to apply maximum military and economic pressure regardless of the resulting surge in global energy prices.

Internally, the White House appears divided on the duration of the offensive. While some advisers warn that skyrocketing gasoline prices could damage the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections, others are pushing to maintain the assault until Iran’s missile and nuclear programs are dismantled. For now, the administration’s official position remains that it is "too late" for talk, with the president indicating on social media that the mission will continue unabated.

The hardening positions on both sides represent a sharp departure from the opening days of the conflict, when backchannel communications through Oman were still being explored. Earlier discussions involving high-level Iranian officials and U.S. leadership have stalled, leaving maritime traffic paralyzed and regional stability in a precarious state. As both nations dig in, the prospect of a near-term de-escalation appears increasingly remote.

Không chỉ giúp tỉnh táo, nhiều nghiên cứu gần đây cho thấy uống cà phê điều độ còn có thể mang lại nhiều lợi ích cho sức khỏe. Các chuyên gia lưu ý rằng cách uống cà phê cũng rất quan trọng.

Theo Giáo sư Frank Hu, chủ nhiệm Khoa Dinh dưỡng tại Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Mỹ), bằng chứng khoa học ngày càng cho thấy cà phê “có nhiều lợi ích hơn chúng ta nghĩ”. Với đa số người trưởng thành khỏe mạnh, uống khoảng 2–3 tách cà phê mỗi ngày có thể được xem là một phần của chế độ ăn lành mạnh.

Các nhà khoa học cho biết cà phê chứa hàng trăm hợp chất sinh học, đặc biệt là chất chống oxy hóa, polyphenol và caffeine. Những thành phần này có thể giúp giảm viêm, cải thiện chuyển hóa và bảo vệ tế bào trước tác động của gốc tự do.


Cà phê mang lại nhiều lợi ích, nhưng cách uống cũng rất quan trọng

Ảnh: AI

Một nghiên cứu quy mô lớn công bố năm 2025 trên The Journal of Nutrition phân tích dữ liệu của hơn 46.000 người trưởng thành cho thấy uống 1–3 tách cà phê mỗi ngày liên quan đến nguy cơ tử vong thấp hơn so với người không uống. Cụ thể, uống 1 tách cà phê mỗi ngày có thể giảm khoảng 16% nguy cơ tử vong do mọi nguyên nhân, trong khi 2-3 tách có thể giảm khoảng 17%.

Ngoài ra, nhiều nghiên cứu khác cho thấy uống cà phê điều độ còn liên quan đến nguy cơ thấp hơn đối với tiểu đường loại 2, bệnh tim mạch, đột quỵ và một số bệnh thoái hóa thần kinh. Một số bằng chứng cũng cho thấy thói quen uống cà phê có thể giúp giảm nguy cơ suy giảm nhận thức và sa sút trí tuệ khi về già, theo Mayo Clinic.

Đừng uống cà phê khi đang dùng 5 nhóm thuốc này

Cách uống cà phê rất quan trọng
Tuy vậy, các chuyên gia cũng lưu ý rằng cách uống cà phê rất quan trọng. Những lợi ích sức khỏe chủ yếu được ghi nhận ở cà phê đen hoặc cà phê ít đường, ít kem béo. Khi thêm nhiều đường hoặc chất béo bão hòa, lợi ích của cà phê có thể giảm đáng kể, theo Sciencedaily.

Bên cạnh đó, tiêu thụ quá nhiều caffeine có thể gây mất ngủ, tim đập nhanh hoặc lo âu ở một số người. Vì vậy, các chuyên gia khuyến nghị nên uống cà phê ở mức vừa phải và phù hợp với thể trạng mỗi người để tận dụng tối đa lợi ích của thức uống quen thuộc này.

VietBF@sưu tập