Beijing sees 2,719 fined over smoke ban

More than 2,700 people in Beijing have received fines for illegal public smoking since the city introduced China's toughest tobacco control regulation 18 months ago.

Beijing issues first protection order for husband

A court in Beijing on Sunday handed down its first protection order for a husband who had been repeatedly beaten by his wife.

Troops ready for S. Sudan

China dispatched the first 120 members of its 700-strong peacekeeping infantry battalion to Juba, capital of South Sudan, on a 12-month United Nations mission on Sunday.

Blue skies return after smoggy weekend

Residents of the country's northern regions embraced blue skies on Monday following thick smog that smothered more than 60 cities on the weekend, which was the first time different regions have issued alerts jointly.

Efforts made to curb pollution

In addition to regular controls on production and vehicle use, some cities have tightened restrictions to reduce emissions of airborne pollutants.

Volunteer group helping to reduce trash along Yangtze River

Every morning at 7 am, Li Shuangxi and his wife can be seen bending over, standing up and bending over again on the marshlands of the Yangtze River in Yichang, Hubei province.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Frugality campaign tames corruption, cools extravagance

The Chinese central leadership's frugality campaign, which was launched in December 2012, features the "eight-point rules", which aim to curb extravagance and improve officials' work style.

Refund of taxes to lure visitors

Overseas tourists bound for the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region can obtain a refund for value-added taxes paid during their trip, as local authorities try to increase the lure of the region.

Draft law outlines appropriate use of guns by police officers

China is soliciting public opinion about a draft law that would give police more authority to use guns, as well as outline the circumstances when such use would be inappropriate.

Spring Festival to see 3 billion trips made by road, rail, airplane

Nearly 3 billion trips are estimated to be made by Chinese during the upcoming Spring Festival travel rush, authorities said on Monday.

Suspects detained over mine explosion

People suspected of being responsible for Saturday's coal mine explosion that killed 32 people in Chifeng, in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, have been detained, according to authorities.