Barriers still exist for women to lead in key research

Women's numbers may have sharply increased on university campuses and in graduate schools in recent years, but they are yet to become a force when it comes to higher studies in science and large government-sponsored research projects.

Enough, or not enough? China's labor question

China still has an abundance of rural work force and has yet to reach a turning point towards a labor shortage, according to a research team from Henan University of Economics and Law.

Broadband connections to boost rural online commerce

Rural areas will be the next battlefield for e-commerce giants as the State Council, China's Cabinet, looks to promote online shopping by providing faster internet connections to remote locations.

China's drinking water not threatened, ministry says

Official: Monitoring shows problems near surface, not in deep underground aquifers

Money incentives used to cut PM2.5

Zhengzhou, Henan province, which is among the 10 Chinese cities with the worst air pollution in 2015, has begun imposing heavy fines on its districts and counties of 500,000 yuan ($77,300) for each unit per cubic meter.

Shanghai toughens rule on auto plates

A ban on temporary out-of-city license plates on cars operating within Shanghai's Outer Ring Road could put drivers who do not have permanent plates off the road, according to auto industry insiders.

After cuts, online tools to aid soldiers' job hunt

An online platform to help ex-servicemen and women find jobs has been created as China prepares to cut 300,000 troops from the 2.3-million-strong People's Liberation Army.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Xinjiang offers big cash rewards for terrorism tips

10,000 people in autonomous region have given information to the authorities since May 2014 CUI

Calling cards are lucrative tool used by pimps

The use of calling cards to promote prostitution in Beijing hotels is an easy and lucrative way to reach clients, a woman engaged in so-called entertainment work was quoted as saying in a report by Beijing News on Monday.

Hong Kong seeks to reverse slide in mainland visitors

A rule limiting visitors from Shenzhen to one trip a week has added momentum to a dive in Hong Kong's visitor numbers - with merchants calling for a review of the measure as the government readies a marketing makeover.

February inflation lower than market expectation

China's consumer price index rose by 2.3 percent in March from a year ago. It was unchanged from February but lower than market expectations. Analysts said prices will not pose a serious challenge to policymakers, and the situation will benefit the country's efforts to keep growth on track.