Modest targets set for easing congestion

Expanding the subway and bike lane networks should help reduce gridlock in downtown Beijing, but authorities do not expect to see major improvements in traffic flow in 2018, information released over the weekend suggests.

Adviser suggests giving new mums 1-year leave

Beijing has been urged to extend maternity leave to one year, to benefit both the recovery of the mother and the healthy development of the newborn.

Extra places to lift kindergarten sector

An additional 30,000 preschool places will be added in Beijing to meet the rising demand, while supervision of kindergarten management will be improved to provide a safer environment for pupils, acting Mayor Chen Jining said on Wednesday.

CHINA RELEASES ITS POLICY ON ARCTIC REGION

The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China

Poorly run State parks face censure

National parks under poor management or with illegal projects and activities being conducted in them will be kicked off the national parks list, according to the State Forestry Administration.

14 trains canceled after fire on high-speed line

Dozens of trains were delayed and 14 southbound trains departing from Beijing South Station were canceled due to a fire on a train traveling on the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail.

China to train 500,000 GPs in 12 years

China will train about half a million general practitioners over the next 12 years to help improve healthcare and control rising medical expenditure, according to the country's top health authority.

Chengdu panda base slams online claims of cruelty

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan province denied on Wednesday that pandas at the base had been mistreated.

Joint investigation to start on sunken oil ship

China, Iran, Panama and Hong Kong signed an agreement on Thursday to investigate the sinking of an oil tanker in the East China Sea, the Ministry of Transport said.

IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Better housing plan to help attract talent

Shanghai will enhance its effort to foster the residential leasing market this year by accelerating real estate development as well as offering support for professional home leasing companies and institutions, said Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong during the ongoing annual session of the city's People's Congress

City has 'red culture' in its genes

Shanghai, the birthplace of the Communist Party of China, should take full advantage of its rich history associated with early CPC activities, serving not only as the country's economic center but also as one of the centers of "red culture", local political advisers said during their annual gathering, which began on Monday.