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Here are today’s picks from our editors.

China plays constructive role in safeguarding peace, security in Africa: Chinese FM

China has played a unique and constructive role in safeguarding peace and promoting security in Africa, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday during a joint press conference with his Burkina Faso counterpart Alpha Barry.

Wang said that peace serves as the prerequisite and guarantee for the development of the African continent, adding that China has long been mediating in hot-spot issues in Africa and encouraging Africans to solve their problems in their own way.

China consistently supports the United Nations' (UN) peacekeeping operations in the region and has recently called for an open debate over the issue as the Security Council's rotating president, aiming to bring more global attention to the peace and security of the continent. (Xinhua)

China demands stricter rules for university independent enrollment

China's Ministry of Education has asked universities to adopt stricter rules in enrolling students on their own to ensure a sound and fair process.

In a recent circular, the ministry asked universities to avoid over-reliance on criteria such as research papers, patents and competition results; limit quotas and disciplines open for independent enrollment; scrutinize application materials; conduct stricter material reviews; make the procedure more transparent and results more open and severely punish document frauds.

Independent enrollment is considered a worthy complement to Gaokao. But the rise of fraud cases in recent years has tainted the practice's reputation and caught the authorities' attention. (Xinhua)

Three dead, four injured in California shooting: police

Police in California on Saturday said three people were killed and four were injured in a shooting at a bowling alley near Los Angeles.

Sergeant Ronald Harris of the Torrance Police Department confirmed to AFP that officers responded just before midnight Friday to reports of gunfire at Gable House Bowl.

He added all seven victims were male. Three were pronounced dead at the scene, with two others taken to hospital.

Witnesses said it stemmed from a fight between two groups. (AP-AFP)

Indian court declares tycoon Mallya a 'fugitive economic offender'

Billionaire tycoon Vijay Mallya was declared a "fugitive economic offender" by an Indian court Saturday, the first businessman to be indicted under the country's new anti-money laundering law.

The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act approved in August targets suspects who flee abroad or ignore warrants and allows the government to confiscate assets of those accused of financial frauds and crimes.

The 62-year-old liquor baron fled the country in 2016 after failing to repay state-owned banks more than $1 billion in loans that prosecutors say was diverted to other businesses.

Known for his lavish lifestyle, Mallya made Kingfisher beer a global brand. (AFP)

16 members of China's 35th Antarctic expedition team arrive at Kunlun station

China’s 35th Antarctic expedition team arrived at the Kunlun station Friday after covering more than 1,250 kilometers in 18 days.

The members are in good health and are carrying out equipment maintenance and preparations for scientific research.

They plan to work for 20 days at the station, said Shang Zhaohui, captain of the Kunlun team. They will conduct maintenance on telescopes and undertake other projects as in the past years including data collection, equipment installation and operation, sample collection and gravity measurements. (People's Daily app)

Heavy snow in Germany, Austria causes chaos for travelers

Heavy snow caused travel chaos in parts of Germany and Austria as authorities closed roads and train routes because of avalanche danger and airports reported weather-related cancelations Saturday.

Munich Airport, Germany’s second biggest, said 120 flights were canceled and others were delayed while workers cleared runways of snow and removed ice from planes.

In Austria, training and the qualification stage for the annual Four Hills ski jump tournament was canceled after more than 50 centimeters (20 inches) of fresh snow fell overnight. (AP)

Federer wins Hopman Cup with Switzerland for record 3rd time

Roger Federer won the Hopman Cup for a record third time after defending champion Switzerland beat Germany 2-1 on Saturday.

Switzerland took its fourth Hopman Cup title overall when Federer and Belinda Bencic beat Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber 4-0, 1-4, 4-3 (4) in the Fast4 format in the mixed doubles decider.

In the men's singles, Federer defeated fourth-ranked Zverev 6-4, 6-2. (AP)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

How many human chromosomes are there?

Answer: Forty-six (labelled A-G and then X and Y).

Today’s quote is from French poet Andre Breton (1896-1966).

"Love is when you meet someone who tells you something new about yourself."

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Brian Lowe, and Chelle Wenqian Zeng.)