(Minh họa)
Ngày 31/3/2026, Meta và đối tác EssilorLuxottica đã chính thức cho ra mắt hai mẫu kính thông minh Ray-Ban Meta mới thuộc dòng "Optics", được thiết kế riêng cho người tiêu dùng cần sử dụng loại kính thuốc. Đây là bước tiến quan trọng trong việc đưa kính AI trở thành linh kiện hàng ngày cho hàng tỷ người cần điều chỉnh lại thị lực. Hai mẫu kính mới bao gồm:

Blayzer Optics: Thiết kế có hình chữ nhật với hai kích cỡ (Standard và Large), phù hợp với nhiều khuôn mặt khác nhau.


Scriber Optics: Thiết kế có hình tròn, mềm mại hơn, mang phong cách cổ điển.

Cả hai mẫu kính đều được cho kết hợp với các chức năng điều chỉnh chuyên biệt cho loại kính thuốc, bao gồm:
- Bản lề có thể mở rộng (overextension hinges)
- Mũi kính có thể cho thay thế được (interchangeable nose-pads)
- Đầu gọng kính điều chỉnh được (optician-adjustable temple tips)

Những sự cải tiến này sẽ giúp cho kính được vừa vặn và thoải mái hơn khi đeo kính thuốc dày, hỗ trợ cho hầu hết các loại toa thuốc từ bác sĩ nhản khoa, bao gồm kính tiến triển và kính đổi màu. Giá khởi điểm của khung kính là 499 USD (chưa bao gồm tròng kính thuốc). Sản phẩm sẽ chính thức cho lên kệ từ ngày 14/4/2026 tại Hoa Kỳ và một số thị trường quốc tế khác.

Trước đây, người tiêu dùng có thể lắp kính thuốc vào các mẫu Ray-Ban Meta thông thường, nhưng các khung mới này được thiết kế từ đầu cho nhu cầu sử dụng kính thuốc hàng ngày, giúp cho chúng trông được tự nhiên và thoải mái hơn như loại kính thông thường.

Kính thuốc là loại kính được thiết kế riêng theo toa của bác sĩ nhãn khoa, nhằm cải thiện tầm nhìn cho những người bị tật khúc xạ như cận thị, viễn thị, loạn thị và lão thị. Nói một cách khác, đây chính là những loại kính mà chúng ta thường gọi là "kính cận thị", "kính viễn thị", "kính loạn thị" hay "kính lão" tùy thuộc vào tình trạng bệnh lý của mắt.

Hiện tại (cả loại Gen 1 và Gen 2) hoàn toàn có thể cho thay thế tròng kính cận thị, viễn thị, loạn thị và thậm chí một số loại kính đa tròng.

Tuy nhiên, phiên bản kính Ray-Ban Meta hiện tại cũng có một số hạn chế:
- Khung kính không được thiết kế nhằm tối ưu hóa cho loại tròng kính thuốc dày. Do đó, khi độ cận cao (cận thị nặng hoặc viễn thị nặng), tròng kính có thể hơi dày hơn, ảnh hưởng đến thẩm mỹ và có thể gây ra cảm giác khó chịu khi đeo so với loại kính thông thường.
- Một số loại toa bác sĩ phức tạp (độ cận rất cao, kính tiến triển đặc biệt) có thể không lắp vừa được hoặc cần đến tay thợ kính chuyên nghiệp điều chỉnh.

So với mẫu kính mới sắp ra mắt (Ray-Ban Meta Optics-Blayzer & Scriber), phiên bản mới (sẽ cho ra mắt vào tháng 4/2026) được thiết kế dành riêng cho người đeo kính thuốc từ đầu. Bản lề mở rộng hơn, mũi kính thay thế và đầu gọng điều chỉnh dễ dàng do nhân viên kính mắt, mang lại sự thoải mái và thẩm mỹ hơn đáng kể khi sử dụng tròng thuốc dày hoặc đa tròng.

Indonesian search and rescue teams successfully rescued 21 survivors from a drifting raft on Tuesday morning, ending a high-stakes search operation following a shipwreck in the northern waters of Taliabu Island. The vessel, identified as the Nazila 05, sank Sunday night after its bow was shattered by powerful waves during a journey from North Maluku to North Sulawesi.

The rescue marks a fortunate turn of events for a situation that initially appeared more dire. While early manifests suggested 27 people were missing, survivors clarified that six individuals originally scheduled for the trip had canceled their plans. Muhammad Rizal, head of the search and rescue office in Palu, confirmed that everyone actually on board the ship has now been accounted for and found safe.

The survivors, comprised mostly of fishing crew, were discovered approximately 46 kilometers from the site of the sinking. According to the vessel's owner, the crew managed to deploy a longboat and tie themselves together on a raft as the ship went down in the rough seas. Basarnas, the National Search and Rescue Agency, deployed two rescue vessels and received vital assistance from local fishermen to locate the group just after dawn.

The Nazila 05 was a versatile vessel known locally for transporting tourists, cargo, and small groups of passengers. This latest incident highlights the ongoing safety challenges within the Indonesian archipelago, where maritime travel is a daily necessity but is frequently plagued by unpredictable weather and varying safety standards.

Following the rescue, officials stated that all 21 survivors would be transported to the nearby city of Gorontalo for medical evaluation and to be reunited with their families. The successful conclusion of the search brings a rare moment of relief in a region where maritime accidents often result in significant loss of life.

A Russian Antonov-26 military transport aircraft crashed while flying over the Crimean Peninsula on Tuesday evening, resulting in the deaths of all 29 people on board. The Russian Defense Ministry, as reported by the TASS news agency on Wednesday, confirmed that contact with the plane was lost at approximately 6:00 p.m. Moscow time during a scheduled flight.

Search and rescue teams successfully located the wreckage, confirming that the tragedy claimed the lives of six crew members and 23 passengers. Initial reports from the crash site indicate that the aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact, leaving no survivors among the military personnel and passengers traveling on the transport mission.

Preliminary investigations by the Defense Ministry suggest that the incident was likely the result of a technical failure. Experts examining the wreckage noted a lack of evidence suggesting any external impact or hostile action, pointing toward mechanical or systems issues as the primary focus of the ongoing inquiry.

The Antonov-26 is a twin-engine turboprop that has been a workhorse for military transport for decades. This latest crash adds to a series of recent aviation incidents involving aging military hardware, prompting further questions regarding the maintenance and operational safety of the fleet during active regional deployments.

The Indian government is embarking on a monumental logistical endeavor: the first fully digital census in the nation's history. Starting on April 1, 2026, more than 3 million public officials will begin the year-long task of counting every individual across the world’s most populous country. Originally scheduled for 2021, the decadal survey was significantly delayed due to the logistical and health constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic, making this update more critical than ever for national planning.

The 2026 census introduces a modern, two-phase approach to data collection. The initial phase, which begins this week, focuses on house listing and evaluating general housing conditions across India's vast geography. Following this, a second phase will dive deeper into the specific demographic, economic, and social parameters of the inhabitants. For the first time, the government is also providing a short window for citizens to register themselves through an online portal, though this will be followed by traditional door-to-door physical surveys to ensure no one is missed.

A major focal point of this particular census is the inclusion of caste data. This reflects the deep-rooted nature of India's social stratification, which continues to influence everything from local politics to the allocation of college seats and government jobs. While the collection of such sensitive data is a point of contention—with some critics arguing it reinforces ancient divisions—the government maintains that accurate figures are essential for directing affirmative action and welfare programs to the communities that need them most.

Beyond social metrics, the census is vital for understanding India’s "demographic dividend." Since overtaking China as the world's most populous nation in 2023, India has leaned into its status as a young country. Economists view this massive population not as a burden, but as a potentially unmatched pool of skilled labor. The data collected over the next year will help policymakers refine infrastructure, education, and healthcare strategies to support this burgeoning workforce as other global economies face the challenges of aging populations.

Technologically, this survey represents a massive leap forward. By recording data digitally for the first time, Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan expects to release specific data sets much faster than in previous decades. This shift is intended to improve both the accuracy of the count and the transparency of the findings, addressing past concerns regarding the reliability of publicized census information.

The entire process is expected to reach its conclusion by March 2027. Once finished, the results will provide a definitive snapshot of a nation in transition—one balancing its ancient social structures with its modern ambitions of becoming a dominant global power. For the millions of officials hitting the streets this April, it marks the start of one of the largest administrative exercises ever attempted by any single country.

In an effort to prevent panic buying, South Korea’s energy minister issued a public reassurance on March 30 regarding the national supply of plastic rubbish bags. The statement follows a dramatic spike in sales in Seoul, where demand for the essential household items jumped nearly fivefold last week. Major retailers have already begun imposing purchase limits as residents worry that energy supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East war could halt the production of plastic by-products.

South Korea’s waste management system is uniquely sensitive to oil supply, as household trash can only be legally disposed of in specialized bags sold at retail outlets. With daily sales surging to 2.7 million bags in the capital alone, Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan took to social media to clarify that the country possesses ample capacity to utilize recycled raw materials. He emphasized that there is enough stock and production capability to meet the nation's needs for more than a year without a price hike.

The minister also outlined a "worst-case" contingency plan to ensure public sanitation is maintained. If standard production were to fail, the government would consider authorizing the use of general plastic bags for waste disposal. "You will never be in a situation where you are forced to store garbage at home," Kim stated, aiming to de-escalate the anxiety driving the current hoarding behavior.

The underlying cause of this domestic shortage is the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces following the outbreak of hostilities involving the U.S. and Israel on February 28. Because the majority of South Korea’s oil imports transit through this chokepoint, the government has been forced into "wartime" economic footing. This includes a 25 trillion won supplementary budget and the first fuel price caps implemented since the 1997 financial crisis.

In addition to managing the supply of goods, the South Korean government is actively promoting a national energy-saving campaign. Citizens are being urged to adopt lifestyle changes such as taking shorter showers, utilizing bicycles for transportation, and charging electronic devices during daylight hours. These measures reflect the growing pressure on Asia’s fourth-largest economy as it navigates a prolonged and volatile international energy crisis.

For many, the ability to distinguish between "left" and "right" is a split-second instinct, but for an estimated 15% to 18% of the global population, it is a source of lifelong anxiety. This neurological phenomenon, known as Left-Right Confusion (LRC), isn't a matter of low intelligence or lack of focus; rather, it is a complex challenge involving the brain’s spatial processing. In Hanoi, individuals like 28-year-old Thu Huong have struggled with this since childhood, often facing teasing from classmates when they turned the wrong way during physical education drills.

The root of the problem often lies in the parietal lobe, the region of the brain responsible for sensory integration and spatial awareness. According to Dr. Doan Van Phuc, a neurology expert in Hanoi, damage or congenital abnormalities in this area can lead to a permanent inability to distinguish between symmetrical sides. Unlike "up" and "down," which are differentiated by gravity, "left" and "right" are spatially symmetrical, requiring the brain to coordinate memory, language, and visual reasoning all at once to make a correct identification.

The real-world consequences of LRC can range from minor inconveniences to significant social embarrassment. Thu Huong recalls a recent incident where she confidently directed her husband to turn right at a three-way intersection, despite the GPS clearly showing a left turn. The error resulted in a 20-minute delay and a tense ride home. For others, like Quoc Tuan, the stakes were even higher; during university military training, a wrong turn caused him to accidentally strike a fellow soldier with his rifle, leading to a punishment for his entire platoon.

Social milestones are not immune to these struggles either. At his wedding in late 2024, Tuan faced a wave of laughter from guests when he reached for his bride’s left hand after the officiant asked him to place the ring on her right. He even struggled with his driving test in 2025, failing to follow a simple directional command from the instructor. These moments often leave those with LRC feeling like "malfunctioning machines" in a world that takes basic navigation for granted.

To navigate daily life, many people with LRC have developed ingenious coping mechanisms. Some use the "L-shape" trick, where holding up the thumb and index finger creates a literal letter "L" on the left hand. Others rely on tactile anchors, such as wearing a watch or a ring on one specific side. For Thu Huong, the solution is non-verbal; she now signals directions by tapping her husband’s shoulder rather than risking a verbal mistake that could lead to another five-kilometer detour.

In recent years, some have turned to more permanent solutions. A growing trend on social media shows people getting small tattoos on their wrists or hands to act as a constant visual guide. Truc An, a 28-year-old in Ho Chi Minh City, has a star on her left wrist and a heart on her middle finger. She says these markings have made her life "much easier," allowing her to orient herself instantly while driving or typing without the paralyzing split-second of doubt.

Ultimately, experts like Professor Gerard Gormley hope for a shift in public perception. By recognizing that Left-Right Confusion is a legitimate cognitive hurdle, society can become more patient with those who need an extra moment to verify their orientation. Greater understanding can reduce the stigma and "directionless" nicknames, allowing people with LRC to navigate their environments with confidence rather than fear.

A prominent TikTok influencer with over one million followers has been fined following a high-speed jet ski stunt on a public beach in Nha Trang. The incident, which was filmed and uploaded to the creator's "Bap Kimochi" account, triggered a swift response from Khanh Hoa provincial waterway traffic police for violating maritime safety laws and a long-standing local ban on motorized watercraft in swimming zones.

The 33-year-old man from Dak Lak Province was fined VND 5 million ($190) on March 29. Authorities cited multiple violations, including operating an unregistered vessel and failing to produce the required operator's license. The TikToker admitted to police that he had recently purchased the jet ski for VND 400 million ($15,200) and took it to the waters near the Thanh Nien football field at 11 p.m. on March 27 to "test the engine."

Although the driver claimed the beach was deserted and that he saw no prohibitory signage, the Nha Trang Bay Management Board clarified that a total ban on jet skis and parasailing at public beaches has been in effect for over a decade. According to Director Dam Hai Van, these recreational activities are strictly limited to designated, licensed tourist islands and offshore areas to ensure the safety of public swimmers.

The 54-second video clip of the ride garnered more than 500,000 views before it was deleted. The influencer has since posted a formal apology, acknowledging that his actions violated inland waterway traffic laws. The incident has drawn significant scrutiny as Nha Trang remains on high alert following a series of recent drowning incidents, prompting officials to reiterate the importance of following safety warnings in popular coastal zones.

Under current Vietnamese regulations, operating a jet ski for recreation requires more than just ownership; the craft must pass safety inspections and carry formal registration. Furthermore, operators are legally required to hold professional certifications and must remain within state-designated zones, staying far clear of restricted areas, marine conservation sites, and public swimming sectors.