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Here are today’s picks from our editors.
China plans to add 128 drugs to basic healthcare insurance
China plans to add 128 medicines to the list of those that are covered by basic healthcare insurance, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA).
The new drugs are 109 modern medicines and 19 traditional Chinese medicines used in treating cancer, rare diseases, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and chronic illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes, the NHSA said Tuesday. (Xinhua)
US envoy for DPRK says US ready to engage in working-level talks with DPRK
Stephen Biegun, US special representative for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) affairs, said Wednesday that his country was ready to engage in working-level talks with Pyongyang for the Korean Peninsula's denuclearization.
Biegun made the remark after a meeting in Seoul with Lee Do-hoon, South Korea's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, according to local media reports.
Kim and Trump held an impromptu meeting at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom on June 30, agreeing to restart a working-level dialogue to implement the Singapore agreement. (Xinhua)
Italian president begins political talks after PM resignation
Italian President Sergio Mattarella began talks with political parties on Wednesday, a day after Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's populist government collapsed.
The prime minister resigned late on Tuesday, and was asked by Mattarella to remain in office as caretaker of current affairs.
The fresh crisis in the eurozone's third-largest economy was ignited by tensions within the coalition supporting Conte's cabinet, made of far-right, anti-immigrant League party and anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S). (Xinhua)
Russia to strengthen defense in western, eastern borders
Russia will strengthen defense in its western and eastern military districts due to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ramping up activities near its borders, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday.
Russia will take measures this year in its western military district to improve the preparedness of troops, including its coastal forces, the air defense forces and logistics, Shoigu said.
In the eastern military district, measures will also be taken "to adequately respond to the existing and potential challenges," including the formation of a mixed aviation division and an anti-aircraft missile brigade, he said. (Xinhua)
China to impose year-round fishing ban in its largest freshwater lake
China's largest freshwater lake, Poyang Lake in eastern China's Jiangxi Province, will ban fishing year-round from 2021, local authorities said Wednesday.
The 10-year fishing ban will take effect from Jan. 1, 2021, which is a key measure to prevent the decline of biological resources and diversity, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Jiangxi Province.
Poyang Lake is renowned for its rich fishing resources. However, due to persistent drought and over-exploitation, the ecosystem has degenerated. (China Plus)
Elkeson named in China squad for World Cup qualifiers
Guangzhou Evergrande striker Elkeson has been named in Marcello Lippi's latest China squad, becoming the first player without Chinese heritage to be called up for international duty.
Brazil-born Elkeson has played in the Chinese Super League since 2013, and is eligible to play for China after meeting FIFA's five-year residency requirement. (Xinhua)
'Matrix 4' announced with Keanu Reeves to return as Neo
Sci-fi franchise "The Matrix" will return for a fourth film with Keanu Reeves reprising his role as kung fu-kicking, shades-wearing hero Neo, studio Warner Bros said on Tuesday.
Lana Wachowski will helm the project, returning to write, direct and produce the latest installment of the hugely popular series.
The original films followed a band of rebels who battled intelligent machines in a future where humans are enslaved within the Matrix – a virtual reality that resembles the contemporary world.
Reeves' Neo was a hero on a mission to save mankind. (AP)
Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.
And now for the Question of the Day:
According to the ancient Egyptians, who is the god of fertility, life and death?
(Answer: Osiris.)
Today’s quote is from French writer Voltaire (1694-1778).
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease."
(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Brian Lowe, and Elaine Yue Lin. Music by Eugene Loner.)