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Here are today's picks from our editors. 

Xi stresses stronger cultural confidence

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on writers, artists and theorists to strengthen cultural confidence, serve the people with fine works, and guide the public with high moral standards.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when joining a joint panel discussion attended by political advisors from the sectors of culture and art, and social sciences.

They are here for the second session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

"A country, or a nation, cannot be devoid of soul," Xi said, adding that the mission of workers in culture, literature, art and philosophy and social sciences is to nurture the root and soul of the nation. (Xinhua) 

China launches nationwide inspection on food safety at schools

The Ministry of Education announced Monday it will launch a nationwide inspection on school food safety for the new spring semester.

Local education departments and market watchdogs were ordered to screen loopholes in food safety control at schools to ensure a notable reduction in food poisoning incidents.

It demanded the schools to conduct an internal inspection on food safety management, sanitation, facilities, raw ingredients, along with the health conditions and practices of those who have direct access to the school’s food.

Local authorities should conduct spot checks over schools and inspections over suppliers, diners and groceries near the schools, it said. (Xinhua) 

China to spend up to $220+ billion on 5G by 2025

China is forecast to spend $134 to $224 billion dollars on 5G network construction from 2020 to 2025, a think tank affiliated with the country's top industry regulator said Monday.

China's telecom carriers are expected to generate $284 billion dollars in total revenue from 5G-related business during the same period, according to an article published by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology. (China Daily) 

Putin signs decree suspending Russia's participation in INF Treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree suspending Russia's compliance with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with immediate effect, the Kremlin said Monday.

The decree instructs Russia’s Foreign Ministry to inform the US about Russia's suspension of the treaty.

Last month, Putin said Russia would follow the example of the US and withdraw from the nuclear arms control deal within six months.

On February 2, the US administration announced they would withdraw from the INF Treaty within six months. (Xinhua) 

Pakistan, India restart cross-border train service suspended over tensions

A key train service, Samjhauta Express between India and Pakistan resumed Monday, an Indian official said.

The rail service between Lahore and Delhi was suspended in the wake of the recent tension between the two neighboring countries.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced the suspension of the train service on February 28 "in view of the prevailing tensions between Pakistan and India".

The Pakistan army said Sunday there had been calm along the Line of Control, the de-facto border between the two in Kashmir, after a heavy exchange of shelling on March 1st and the 2nd. (Xinhua) 

GM restructuring: Production ending at Ohio plant this week

General Motors will end production this week at the first of five North American plants it wants to close by early next year as part of a companywide restructuring.

The last American-made Chevrolet Cruze will come off the assembly line Wednesday at GM’s sprawling Ohio assembly plant near Youngstown, GM spokeswoman Kim Carpenter said Monday.

The plant closings come as the Detroit-based automaker moves toward shifting its focus to making trucks, SUVs and electric and autonomous vehicles.

The plant employed more than 4,000 people just a few years ago, but it has been down to 1,400 hourly employees in recent months. (AP) 

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

What is the triangular muscle of the shoulder called?

(Answer: Deltoid.)

Today's quote is from German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900).

"The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude."

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