Fresh Start: Podcast News (7/8/2019 Mon.)

Welcome to Fresh Start.

This is People’s Daily app.

Here are today’s picks from our editors.

More Chinese engage in online charity: report

Chinese are increasingly ready to engage in charity as digital technologies make philanthropy easier and more fun, according to tech giant Tencent.

Established 12 years ago, Tencent Foundation had received over 230 million donations worth almost $790 million, the foundation said in a report.

People born between 1980 and 1999 make up the majority of the donors, while women donors outnumbered their male counterparts, accounting for 55 percent of the total.

Guangdong, Beijing, Jiangsu, Shanghai and Zhejiang were the five top sources of donors. (Xinhua)

Chinese scientist wins highest award in stratigraphy

Chinese scientist Shen Shuzhong has won the ICS Medal, becoming the first Asian to win the world's highest award in stratigraphy.

Shen, a professor at Nanjing University and also an academician at the China Academy of Sciences, was presented the medal and certificate by the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) on Thursday at the third International Congress on Stratigraphy in Milan.

The ICS Award, established in 2004 and awarded to only one person every four years, and honors high-quality research in stratigraphy by recognizing a single major achievement in advancing stratigraphical knowledge. (CGTN)

Netanyahu calls for European action against Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged European leaders on Sunday to reimpose sanctions on Iran, hours after Tehran said it will enrich uranium beyond the nuclear deal's limits.

Speaking at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, the Israeli leader said Tehran's announcement is "very dangerous."

He accused Iran of enriching uranium to "build nuclear weapons."

He called on the leaders of France, Britain, and Germany, who signed the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, to take actions against Iran. (Xinhua)

World's largest unofficial hospital ship undocks from Tianjin

A Chinese-built unofficial hospital ship, the newest and largest of its kind in the world, has set sail from a port in northern China's Tianjin Municipality, the ship manufacturer said.

Powered by a full-circle-swinging electric propulsion system, the 174-meter-long and 28-meter-wide hospital ship was built for the US by the Tianjin Xingang Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Company.

The vessel can sail around the world and provide free medical service and professional training to poor areas. (Xinhua)

Tokyo to test commuter ships to ease congestion

The Tokyo metropolitan government said on Sunday it plans to test commuter ships to ease rush-hour congestion.

The move comes as Tokyo officials are dealing with concerns over traffic congestion for next year's Olympics and Paralympics. The trial will run from July 24 through August 2.

The planned route connects two districts in Tokyo's Chuo Ward, taking about 30 to 40 minutes for a one-way trip. (Xinhua)

‘Spider-Man’ soars with $185.1 mln over six-day holiday weekend

“Spider-Man: Far from Home,” the first Marvel movie after “Avengers: Endgame,” swung past any franchise fatigue to dominate the July 4th holiday weekend, raking in an estimated $185.1 million since opening Tuesday and earning $93.6 million from Friday to Sunday in North American theaters.

The opening gave Sony Pictures one of its best weeks ever.

After two weeks atop the box office, “Toy Story 4” slid a modest 43 percent to second place, with $34.3 million. It has now taken in $650 million globally. (AP)

US wins 4th Women’s World Cup title

The US retained the FIFA Women's World Cup title in France 2019, beating the Netherlands 2-0 in the final on Sunday.

It is the fourth World Cup crown for the US.

In the final, US co-captain Megan Rapinoe's 61st-minute penalty goal opened the scoring and midfielder Rose Lavelle's searing individual effort doubled the lead in the 69th minute. (Xinhua)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

What is the name of the tree that produces acorns?

(Answer: Oak.)

Today’s quote is from Chinese philosopher Mencius (372 BC - 289 BC).

"Only when a man will not do some things is he capable of doing great things."

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Lance Crayon, and Chelle Wenqian Zeng. Music by Eugene Loner.)