Fresh Start: Podcast News (8/6/2019 Tue.)
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Welcome to Fresh Start.

This is People’s Daily app.

Here are today’s picks from our editors.

US accusations against China regarding purchase of agricultural products 'groundless': official

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In response to US accusations that China lacks concrete action in purchasing US agricultural products, an official with the country's top economic planning agency said, "such accusations are groundless."

Cong Liang, secretary general of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) made the remarks in an interview with reporters on Monday.

China has actively displayed sincerity in cooperation and has made good progress in purchasing US agricultural products after the Osaka meeting between the two heads of state, Cong said Monday.

From the Osaka meeting through July, $2.27 million tons of US soybeans were shipped to China, and another 2 million tons are expected to be loaded in August, said Cong.

Cong also said the reason that some US products, including ethyl alcohol and corn, failed to clinch a deal in the Chinese market is because their prices are less competitive. (Xinhua)

420 people arrested during recent protests, clashes: Hong Kong police

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Hong Kong police said on Monday they have so far arrested 420 people during the protests since June.

Yu Hoi-kwan, acting chief superintendent of police public relations, said at a press briefing on Monday the 420 people arrested between June 9 and August 5, comprise of 347 males and 73 females, aged between 14 and 76.

For those who were arrested, they were charged with participating in a riot, unlawful assembly, assaulting police, and other offenses. (Xinhua)

India issues presidential order revoking special status to Indian-controlled Kashmir

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An official notification was issued in the name of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday, revoking special status to Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The presidential order was released simultaneously as the country's Home Minister Amit Shah proposed in parliament the revocation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

As per Article 370, the Indian-controlled Kashmir is accorded a special status which means that all provisions laid down in the Indian Constitution are not applicable there, except for areas such as defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications. (Xinhua)

Trump vows action after shootings, but gives few details

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US President Donald Trump on Monday condemned weekend shootings in Texas and Ohio as barbaric crimes “against all humanity” and called for bipartisan cooperation to respond to the gun violence epidemic.

Trump blamed mental illness and video games but made no mention of limiting firearm sales.

Trump said he wanted legislation providing “strong background checks” for gun users, though he has reneged on previous promises made after mass shootings but offered few details.

“We vow to act with urgent resolve,” Trump said, speaking from the White House about the shootings that left 31 dead as the count rose on Monday. (AP)

South Korea reviews military pact with Japan amid trade row

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The South Korean Defense Ministry said Monday that it was reviewing whether to maintain a military intelligence-sharing pact with Japan amid an escalating trade row.

"Regarding the renewal of GSOMIA, the government is reviewing whether it is right to continue exchanging sensitive military intelligence with a country that takes issue with the lack of trust and the security-related problems," said Defense Ministry spokesperson Choi Hyun-soo at a press briefing.

It was the reiteration of an announcement by the presidential Blue House, which was made on Friday after Japan's removal of South Korea from its whitelist of trusted trading partners that are given preferential treatment for exports. (Xinhua)

Restored World War II Spitfire begins round-the-world trip

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A restored World War II Spitfire has taken off from an English aerodrome on the first leg of a planned 27,000-mile trip around the globe.

Pilots Steve Brooks and Matt Jones hope to circle the world in about four months with stops in 30 countries.

They will take turns flying the single-seat Mk IX Spitfire, originally built in 1943, while the other follows in a chase plane.

The lightweight fighter plane helped defeat the German Air Force in the Battle of Britain and the Spitfire has become an icon of World War II. (AP)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

What does a cartographer make?

(Answer: Maps.)

Today’s quote is from French philosopher Blaise Pascal (1623-1662).

"Little things console us because little things afflict us."

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