Polluted Dianchi Lake, Yunnan's largest, takes steps toward cleanliness

Dianchi Lake, the biggest lake in Yunnan province, achieved its best water quality in at least three decades last year thanks to the local government's pollution control and ecological restoration efforts.

10 urban areas to pilot China's 'no-waste city' plan

China has published an ambitious "no-waste city" pilot plan that aims to minimize solid waste generation and maximize recycling in urban areas.

Military cemeteries envisioned for those who served

China will set up dedicated cemeteries for military personnel and their relatives as a way to honor their service and enhance national identity and pride, according to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs.

Illegal data collection by apps targeted

Internet watchdogs in China are inspecting smartphone applications to determine if they illegally or excessively collect users' information. The move is expected to better regulate the industry and protect privacy.

Hebei court unveils phone program to expose deadbeats

The top court in Hebei province has released a program on WeChat to expose information about deadbeats to the public, a measure to pressure debtors to repay what they owe.

Prevalence of flu expected to drop this year

China has entered the peak flu season, but the prevalence of the disease will be lower than last year, China's top health authority said on Friday.

Airports, couriers limit pork products during travel peak

Some travelers flying home ahead of the Spring Festival this year may not be able to bring home pork products as New Year gifts as they did in the past.

Man sentenced to death for killing passengers on bus

Xin Haiping, who killed four and injured seven on a bus in June, was sentenced to death for the crime of intentional homicide and deprived of his political rights for life by a court in Xi'an, Shaanxi province on Friday.

IN BRIEF (Page 2)

Airlines told to ban smoking in cockpits

All domestic airlines were ordered to immediately prohibit smoking in the cockpit and to severely punish crew members who violate the ban, a notice issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China said on Tuesday.

Homework pulled over dirty joke

A school that was reprimanded last year for serving students expired food has wound up in the spotlight again after using supplementary material for eighth-graders that contained a sexual joke.

'Toilet revolution' cleans up Shandong

Sanitation in rural areas of Shandong province has been greatly improved through the so-called toilet revolution, the provincial government said.