Sunday, January 19, 2025, the 20th day of the 12th lunar month, China Briefing

NEWS TODAY

1. The Central Meteorological Observatory: From the 24th to the 27th, a strong cold front is expected to affect most parts of China, bringing a temperature drop of 6 to 10 degrees Celsius, with some areas experiencing a drop of over 12 degrees Celsius.
2. Many places have expressed their commitment to a frugal Spring Festival: no more lanterns hanging on every tree, and the renovation and reuse of old facilities; many places have also advocated for a civilized and healthy Spring Festival: no more than 20 yuan for New Year’s money, and a ban on excessive banquets during the festival.
3. The demand for pet feeding and walking services during the extended Spring Festival holiday has risen: some part-timers can earn nearly 10,000 yuan in over ten days.
4. The overall plan for the spatial development of Suzhou has been approved: it is recognized as an important central city in the eastern region, along with Nanjing and Hangzhou.
5. Shandong has revised its marriage leave regulations: couples can enjoy 15 days of leave upon registration, and an additional 3 days if they undergo premarital health checks. By 2024, China’s elderly population is expected to reach 310 million, and experts say that the aging process has entered its fastest period.
6. The number of births in China rose for the first time in seven years in 2024, with an increase of 520,000 compared to 2023. Experts attribute this to the preference for having children in the Year of the Dragon.
7. A report shows that the number of internet users in China has reached 1.108 billion, an increase of 16.08 million compared to 2023, with an internet penetration rate of 78.6%.
8. In Yunnan, all female students in the first grade of junior high school can receive free domestic HPV vaccinations; the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention: the positive rate of influenza virus detection in most northern provinces has begun to decline.
9. On the 18th, a Boeing aircraft of Hainan Airlines made an emergency landing in Nanchang due to the failure of one of its engines. There were no injuries among the passengers.
10. The suspect in the “female doctor rape and murder case” in India has been found guilty and will be sentenced on the 20th. He may face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
11. French media: A person infected with HIV in France has achieved “functional cure”, with their immune system functioning almost normally. This is the first case of its kind in France.
12. Japanese media: Japan has issued a warning of a “major earthquake”, with the probability of an 8.0 magnitude or higher earthquake rising to 80% in the future. The possibility of a major earthquake along the coast of Miyagi Prefecture is even higher.
13. American media: Trump’s inauguration ceremony will be moved indoors due to severe cold weather; Trump may launch a large-scale immigration raid on the second day of his inauguration, with Chicago being the first target.
14. British media: The UK and Ukraine have signed a 100-year comprehensive partnership agreement, and the UK will continue to provide military support to Ukraine; Ukraine reports that at least three people were killed in a missile attack on Kyiv.
15. Foreign media: The ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza will come into effect at 6:30 AM GMT on the 19th. Israel will release 737 people as per the agreement.
    【Daily Quote】We always think that life owes us a “satisfaction”, but in fact, we owe life an “effort”.