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Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them into short, accessible links so you can easily keep up with current affairs.

Hanoi

- Rich-poor gap in Vietnam epitomised by Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where people live in poverty next to banks and boutiques. [SCMP]

- No more roadworks after January 10: Hanoi authorities. [Vietnam Plus]

Vietnam

- Vietnam approves Japan’s opening of consular office in Da Nang. [Tuoi Tre]

- $3mn in damage after wind turbine catches fire in south-central Vietnam. [Tuoi Tre]

- Air pollution alarming, electric motorbike market heats up. [VietnamNet]

- Vietnam to start plastic waste reduction action plan. [Dan Tri]

Other

- Australia strengthens bushfire defenses as economic, environmental costs mount. [Reuters]

- What the world could lose in an Iran conflict. [National Geographic] 

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