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Here are today's picks from our editors. 

Xi urges major risk prevention to ensure healthy economy, social stability

President Xi Jinping on Monday told senior officials to strengthen their ability in preventing and defusing major risks to ensure sustained and healthy economic development and social stability.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of a study session at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee attended by senior provincial and ministerial officials.

In his speech, Xi analyzed and raised specific requirements on the prevention and defusion of major risks in areas including politics, ideology, economy, science and technology, society, the external environment and Party building.

Priority should be given to strengthening the ideological and political education among the young, building up their full confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics so as to nurture a generation of capable young people who are well-prepared to join the socialist cause, Xi said. (Xinhua) 

World economy forecast to slow in 2019 amid trade tensions

The International Monetary Fund has cut its forecast for world economic growth this year, citing heightened trade tensions and rising US interest rates.

The IMF expects global growth this year of 3.5 percent, down from 3.7 percent in 2018 and from the 3.7 percent it had forecast for 2019 back in October.

Unveiling its forecasts at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the fund left its prediction for US growth this year unchanged at 2.5 percent. But it trimmed that for the 19 countries that use the euro to 1.6 percent from 1.8 percent. (AP) 

China's Xuelong collides with iceberg in Antarctic research mission

China's Xuelong, polar icebreaker, collided with an iceberg on its 35th Antarctic research mission due to thick fog, said China's Ministry of Natural Resources Monday on its website.

The collision happened at around 11 a.m. (BJT), on January 19 at 69.59 degrees south latitude and 94.04 west longitude. The ship was traveling at a speed of three knots (5.56 km/h).

The crewmembers were reported safe following the collision and the Xuelong remains in good condition. (CGTN) 

EU places 9 people, 1 entity under new sanctions regime for chemical weapons

Council of the European Union (EU) imposed on Monday sanctions on nine persons and one entity under the new regime of restrictive measures against the use and proliferation of chemical weapons.

The designations include the two GRU officials, and the Head and Deputy Head of the GRU responsible for possession, transport and use in Salisbury (UK) of a toxic nerve agent on the weekend of Mar. 4, 2018.

Sanctions consist of a travel ban to the EU and an asset freeze for persons and entities. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed. (Xinhua) 

British PM refuses to back no deal Brexit or delay EU departure

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday that she would not back a no-deal Brexit or delay the country's departure from the European Union (EU).

May made the remarks while addressing lawmakers in the House of Commons to outline her latest proposals for Britain's departure from EU.

May said in parliament on Monday that she did not believe a delay to Brexit or a no deal would command a majority in the House of Commons.

May was critical of Labour's Jeremy Corbyn, the main opposition leader, for refusing to take part in talks to find a way forward. (Xinhua) 

Beijing authorities approve arrest of Xicheng school attacker

The prosecutor in Beijing's Xicheng District has decided to arrest a 49-year-old male who injured 20 primary school students in a hammer attack on January 8.

The arrest was approved.

Prosecutors said the suspect would be charged with intentional homicide.

The 49-year-old, surnamed Jia, was a maintenance worker at the Beijing Number 1 Affiliated Elementary School at Xuanwu Normal and carried out the attack after learning his employment contract would not be renewed.

19 of the injured students were discharged from the hospital late Sunday, Xicheng government said, adding that they were provided with proper physical and mental aftercare.

The remaining student still undergoing treatment is gradually recovering. (CGTN) 

Kremlin says no quick progress expected in peace talks with Japan

As the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe nears, the Kremlin said Monday that a peace treaty is unlikely to be signed over a territorial dispute between the two countries.

To reach a peace treaty with Japan may take a considerable time, but Moscow will do everything possible to make it happen, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Moscow and Tokyo have failed to sign a post-World War II peace treaty due to their rival claims to four Pacific islands, which are called Southern Kurils in Russia and Northern Territories in Japan, the pre-war owner. (Xinhua) 

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

Which country does opera singer Pavarotti come from?

(Answer: Italy.)

Today's quote is from American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882).

"We aim above the mark to hit the mark."

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Lance Crayon, and Elaine Yue Lin.)