Erinome: Hello everyone, welcome back to our daily news chat! I'm Erinome.
Enceladus: And I'm Enceladus. Let's see what's happening around the world today, you know that?
Erinome: Sure. First, about short online dramas in China. The National Radio and Television Administration says the market for these micro-dramas will be worth over 100 billion yuan by 2025. Wow, that's double the size from 2024!
Enceladus: That's a lot of growth, haha. People really love watching short videos. Next, about taxes. The State Taxation Administration says the 2025 personal income tax settlement will start on March 1st. People can make an appointment from February 25th.
Erinome: Oh, important date to remember. Now, some news from Shanghai. They will start a pilot program with prize-winning invoices for the first time. They are also continuing subsidies for people to buy new home appliances and cars, to replace old ones.
Enceladus: That's good for shopping. But here is some sad news. In Shanxi province, a workshop at a company in Shanyin county had an explosion. It has caused 7 deaths and 1 person is missing. The cause is still under investigation.
Erinome: Oh no, that's terrible. I hope they find the missing person soon. Now, a different story from Hunan. Two Indian "flying pancake" chefs in Shaoyang were recognized as "foreign experts" and got a subsidy of over one thousand yuan. The restaurant involved said they were hired through a labor agency.
Enceladus: Interesting, um, flying pancake is a special skill. Next, in Guangzhou, a man put out a mix of rat poison and minced pork in his community. This caused 3 pet dogs to die. He was sentenced to one year and ten months in prison.
Erinome: That's a serious crime against pets. Now, some science news. China successfully launched a reusable experimental spacecraft. Also, Chinese scientists found for the first time an important natural source of hydrogen gas on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Enceladus: Wow, that's cool for space and energy. For sports fans, the Asian Cup table tennis singles semi-finals are set. Players like Wang Chuqin, Sun Yingsha, Kuai Man, and Wang Manyu are in the list.
Erinome: Great players! On money matters, China's foreign exchange reserves have stayed above 3.3 trillion U.S. dollars for six months in a row. And the central bank has been buying more gold for 15 months.
Enceladus: Strong reserves. Now, about TikTok. The European Union says TikTok has "addictive" design. If they don't change it, they could face a fine of 6% of their global revenue. But TikTok says the investigation result is completely wrong.
Erinome: Big problem for TikTok. Next, Japanese media reports that in Japan's TV sales ranking, brands with "Chinese capital" now hold half of the market. You know that?
Enceladus: Yes, that's a big share. Foreign media also says Cuba is using fuel rationing to deal with U.S. oil restrictions. State companies will now work four days a week.
Erinome: Tough situation. In the U.S., the Defense Department says Harvard University no longer meets military needs. They will stop all military training, scholarship, and certificate programs with Harvard.
Enceladus: Hmm, that's a change. Also, foreign media reports that former U.S. President Trump signed an order to add a 25% extra tax on countries that trade with Iran. And a U.S. aircraft carrier has moved into a "position" to launch strikes against Iran.
Erinome: That sounds serious. Lastly, on the Ukraine conflict. Ukraine says the U.S. gave both Russia and Ukraine a deadline to reach a ceasefire agreement by June. Ukraine also says Russia launched a large-scale attack on its energy facilities. Ukraine has asked Poland for emergency electricity help.
Enceladus: So much news today, some good, some sad. Let's hope for peace.
Erinome: Okay, that's it for today. Let's talk again next time. Bye everyone!
