Fresh Start: Podcast News (5/1/2019 Wed.)
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Welcome to Fresh Start.

This is People's Daily app.

Here are today's picks from our editors. 

Xi urges patriotism among youth, striving for brighter China

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on the country's young people to be patriotic and strive for the bright prospect of national rejuvenation.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a gathering held at the Great Hall of the People to mark the centenary of the May Fourth Movement.

Xi said the May Fourth Movement was a great patriotic and revolutionary campaign pioneered by advanced young intellectuals and joined by people from all walks of life to resolutely fight imperialism and feudalism.

With its mighty force, the movement inspired the ambition and confidence of the Chinese people and nation to realize national rejuvenation, Xi added.

The essence of patriotism is having unified love for the country, the Party and socialism, Xi added, urging young Chinese to follow the instructions and guidance of the Party, and remain dedicated to the country and the people. (Xinhua) 

2.2 mln daily entry, exit trips expected for May Day holiday

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The upcoming May Day holiday is expected to see an average of 2.2 million inbound and outbound trips made by Chinese and foreign tourists per day, up 5.9 percent year on year, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA) Friday.

This year's holiday, from May 1 to 4, is a day longer than previous years and suitable for outbound long-distance trips, said the NIA, adding that passenger volumes at major airports in places such as Beijing and Shanghai would increase notably.

It anticipates that the average daily tourist flow at the Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport will reach 79,000 and 107,000 respectively. (Xinhua) 

China-Russia joint exercise holds marines contests

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The China-Russia "Joint Sea-2019" military exercise Tuesday held contests between the two countries' naval marine contingents.

Contestants on both sides took part in competitions including riflery, sniping and steeplechase.

Chen Weidong, vice chief of staff of the Chinese Navy's marines forces, said the contests provided opportunities for mutual learning and exchanges between the two sides, noting that the events also enhanced friendship.

The "Joint Sea-2019" exercise runs from April 29 to May 4 and focuses on joint sea defense. (Xinhua) 

Naruhito becomes emperor of Japan, new 'Reiwa' era begins

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Naruhito became Japan's new emperor local time Wednesday, taking over the head of the world's oldest monarchy after his father Akihito's historic abdication.

Japan also kicks off the new imperial era of "Reiwa", meaning "beautiful harmony", that will endure as long as the 59-year-old Naruhito sits on the Chrysanthemum Throne. (AFP) 

Sri Lanka maintains high alert for attacks ahead of Ramadan

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Sri Lankan security forces maintained a high level of alert on Tuesday after the Easter Sunday bombings, officials said, amid intelligence reports that Islamist militants were planning fresh attacks before the start of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is scheduled to begin in Sri Lanka on May 6.

"Security will stay tight for several days because military and police are still tracking down suspects," a senior police intelligence official said on Tuesday. (CGTN) 

Boeing close to complete update to 737 MAX flight control software to make flight safer

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Boeing Company CEO and chairman Dennis Muilenburg told shareholders Monday that the company is close to completing an update to a flight control software of 737 MAX aircraft.

Muilenburg said the update will prevent 737 MAX from reading erroneous signals from the aircraft's sensors to trigger an anti-stall event caused by activation of MCAS, which was blamed in an initial investigation as one of the factors for the fatal crashes of Indonesia Lion Air Flight 610 in Oct. 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 on March 10 this year.

The Boeing CEO promised to hold "the highest standards of safety, quality and integrity in our work," which are the core values of the world's largest aircraft manufacturer. (Xinhua) 

Lippi close to return China as national team coach, fans divided

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Italian coach Marcello Lippi was close to starting his second spell as China's national soccer coach, sources said on Tuesday.

The source said the "four-year deal was almost done" and China set a target for Lippi to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

"The negotiations went smoothly and the two sides almost reached agreement despite a few details," the source said.

Chinese fans were divided on Lippi's possible return. Some believe the Italian could lead China into the World Cup, but others said Chinese Football Association had made another wrong decision. (Xinhua) 

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

What is the Scottish drink made from whisky and heather honey called?

(Answer: Drambuie.)

Today's quote is from British author A. C. Benson (1862-1925).

"People seldom refuse help, if one offers it in the right way."

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Brian Lowe, and Elaine Yue Lin. Music by Eugene Loner.)