IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Some grads decide to delay job search

With the job market becoming increasingly competitive every year, a growing number of fresh university graduates are opting for "delayed employment".

Unisex restroom slow to gain popularity; smoking a problem

Shanghai's first unisex public restroom, designed to help reduce waiting times for women, is failing to woo users, especially females.

Beijing moves to protect children at risk

Beijing prosecutors are working with the municipal government and education institutes to set up a system to better protect children against abuse.

Preserving the Great Wall no easy task

Meandering on mountain ridges across northern China, the Great Wall, one of the world's man-made wonders, has for thousands of years protected residents from invasion. Gone are the beacons and soldiers on the mountaintops, but another group of rangers has appeared, protecting the ancient landmark from a new kind of invasion.

Scams net millions of yuan intended for projects to raise living standards

Hundreds of millions of yuan have been stolen or held in local government bank accounts, rather than being used for poverty-alleviation projects, according to a wide-ranging probe conducted by the National Audit Office.

Recent malpractice uncovered by auditors

In 2012, 30 families in a village in Heyang county, Shaanxi province, who were living below the poverty line were forced to "donate" 5,000 yuan ($726) to apply for money from a poverty-alleviation fund. The committee of Shenli village applied on behalf of the families for funds to develop local tourism. However, the committee misused its authority by charging the villagers for services that should have been provided free of charge.

Living standards rise as efforts continue

The central government's large-scale efforts to alleviate poverty began in May 1986, with the founding of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development.

Bringing modern living to rural villages

Some people see retirement as a chance to put their feet up - but not Liu Zhengrong.

Around China

Hubei

Shows are cutting back on scenes that depict smoking

Smoking scenes have been significantly reduced in Chinese films and TV series in the past decade thanks to increasing awareness by the industry and the public, according to a new survey by the Chinese Association on Tobacco Control.

TV, movie deal-makers descend on China

China's burgeoning entertainment market has attracted more foreign players seeking partnerships with Chinese companies, according to some industry insiders in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Tuesday.