Welcome to Fresh Start.
This is People’s Daily app.
Here are today’s picks from our editors.
2020 Spring Festival Gala sends best wishes for the Year of the Rat
After five rehearsals, the curtain has finally lifted on China Media Group's (CMG) much anticipated 2020 Spring Festival Gala.
After the opening sequence, dancers from five countries along the Belt and Road showcased a grand carnival of dance.
The lively dancing signified best wishes for the future and the Chinese New Year.
CMG anchors Bai Yansong, Kang Hui, Shui Junyi, He Hongmei, Hai Xia and Ouyang Xiadan paid tribute to the medical professionals battling the coronavirus in a special new section called "The Bridge of Love."
They collectively shouted "Go China" as it is the aspiration of all Chinese people to join hands to defeat the virus.
This year, the world's most-watched television program features eight segments and include short sketches and cross talk. Most of the programs are based on people's daily lives. (CGTN)
Coronavirus cases rise to 903; death toll hits 26
Chinese health authorities announced on Friday that 903 confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) had been reported in the country.
The pneumonia situation had resulted in 26 deaths, including 24 in Central China's Hubei Province, one in North China's Hebei Province and one in Heilongjiang Province, according to the commission.
A new case of the novel coronavirus was reported in northern China's Tianjin Municipality at 8 pm Friday. It is the eighth case of Wuhan pneumonia confirmed by the local government.
Experts said the city is facing clustered cases of viral pneumonia. It has sounded an alarm for disease prevention and control systems in the city. (Xinhua)
First image of new coronavirus released
The first electron microscope image and more details about the new coronavirus that has caused a pneumonia outbreak in Central China's Wuhan City has been released by the National Resources Bank for Pathogenic Microorganisms on Friday.
Apart from the high-resolution images, which show the virus spatial variations in chemical compositions, the gene sequence, virus separation source and the source origin were also made public.
Experts and scientists around the world are able to conduct further research based on the shared information. (CGTN)
French gov't adopts pension reform plan as protests continue unabated
Discussed at length with the unions, the French government's pension reform was formally presented during a cabinet meeting on Friday before it was sent to the National Assembly, where President Emmanuel Macron will likely be able to transform the controversial plan into law by the summer.
Challenging a taboo, the government has proposed a point-based pension system with same rules applying to all citizens regardless of profession or sector to replace the current system.
In a move to defuse public anger, Macron has offered concessions, including a temporary removal of the so-called "pivot age" of 64, the most contested issue within the measure. (Xinhua)
Soyuz-2 carrier rocket launch postponed due to technical problems: media
The launch of Russia's Soyuz-2 carrier rocket with a Meridian-M military communications satellite has been postponed indefinitely due to technical problems, Russian media reported on Friday.
A Russian space industry source told media on Friday the problem was discovered in the third stage of the rocket, and "the launch has been postponed indefinitely." (Xinhua)
Spring Festival movie releases canceled due to new virus
Seven highly-anticipated movies including "Boonie Bears: The Wild Life,” which were set to hit Chinese cinemas during the Spring Festival holiday, announced on their official Weibo accounts Thursday that they would withdraw their releases due to the recent pneumonia outbreak
In 2018, a total of 5.6 billion yuan was earned at the Chinese mainland box office during the holiday period, while last year, the total jumped to 5.8 billion yuan. (CGTN)
James, Antetokounmpo to lead NBA All-Star teams again
The NBA on Thursday announced the 10 starting players for the All-Star Weekend on February 14 -16 at the United Center in Chicago.
Representing the west will be LeBron James (captain), Luka Doncic, James Harden, Anthony Davis, and Kawhi Leonard
Representing the east will be Giannis Antetokounmpo (captain), Trae Young, Joel Embiid, Kemba Walker, and Pascal Siakam
LeBron James received the most votes (6,275,459) for the fourth consecutive time, the second-most in league history, after Michael Jordon’s seven consecutive appearances. (CGTN)
Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.
And now for the Question of the Day:
How many years are in one cycle of the Chinese zodiac?
(Answer: Twelve.)
Today’s quote is from Roman writer Seneca.
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Lance Crayon, and Elaine Yue Lin. Music by Eugene Loner.)