Mid-and-low speed maglev sample train developed

The mid-and-low speed maglev sample jointly developed by CNR Tangshan Locomotive and Rolling Stock Works, National University of Defense Technology as well as Zhuzhou Electronic Locomotive Research Institute has passed all the tests and various data of the train have met the initial demands. With the successful development of the train, China has grasped various key techniques in manufacturing mid-and-low speed maglev train.

China building its first FM radio station abroad in Nairobi

Workers with China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television install radio equipment in Nairobi, Jan. 7, 2006. China is stepping up building its first FM radio station abroad in Nairobi. The station is expected to open at the end of January. Programs of 20 hours made by China Radio International (CRI) will be broadcast to the city in both English and Swahili.

Mascots for Int'l Animation Festival unveiled

Duo Duo (L) and Dian Dian, mascots for the International Animation and Cartoon Festival, are shown at the mascots unveiling ceremony of China International Animation and Cartoon Festival in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province January 7, 2005.

Bush forest fires near Mt. Qomolangma put out

Policemen try to extinguish bush forest fires in Tingri County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Jan. 7, 2005. Bush forest fires were put out in the county by the morning of Jan. 8, seven days after the fires broke out. Investigation is undergoing for the cause of the fires.

Beijing Olympic mascots embroidered in 56 colors

Hu Huiqin (C), a famous handcrafts master in embroidery, teaches students to embroider the set of five doll mascots for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, in Chongqing, southwest China, on Jan. 8, 2006. The students, with good wishes to the 2008 Olympic Games, embroidered the Olympic mascots with 56 kinds of colors, which stand for the 56 ethnic groups in China.

China opens conference on science and technology

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C), who is also general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a photo with Ye Duzheng (R) and Wu Mengchao, winners of China's 2005 national science and technology awards, at the Fourth National Conference on Science and Technology held in Beijing, on Jan. 9, 2006. China's Fourth National Conference on Science and Technology opened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday.

Shenyang International Snow & Ice Festival

Visitors look at snow sculptures at the Shenyang International Ice and Snow Festival in Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning Province January 8, 2005. The event opened Sunday and lasts until February 12. (newsphoto)

Eight killed in Philippine dormitory fire

Fire raced through a dormitory in Manila's congested university district on Sunday, killing at least eight people, including some clustered near a second-floor exit.

Fire kills 13 children in Tajikistan

Workers clear debris while police inspect the ruins of a burned down orphanage in Tajikstan's capital Dushanbe January 8, 2006. Thirteen children died when a fire swept through a home for mentally disabled children in the capital of Tajikistan Dushanbe on early Sunday.

Indians rehearse for National Day parade

Indian students rehearse for the parade during the forthcoming National Day in New Delhi, capital of India, Jan. 7, 2006. As India's National Day, which falls on Jan. 26, approaches, the capital has witnessed a series of parade rehearsals.

Federer wins Qatar Open again

World number one Roger Federer of Switzerland holds the Qatar Open winner's trophy after beating his French opponent Gael Monfils at the final match in Doha January 7, 2006. Federer won 6-3 7-6.

Iraqi Muslims to celebrate Eid al-Adha

An Iraqi cuts mutton in a shop in Baghdad, capital of Iraq, Jan. 8, 2006. Iraqi Muslims are to celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) on Jan. 10.

Doctors to bring Sharon out of medically induced coma

Shlomo Mor-Yosef, director of Hadassah Hospital, speaks to journalists in Jerusalem, Jan. 8, 2006. Mor-Yosef said that after reviewing the latest CT scan on Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's brain, doctors have decided to reduce the dosage of medicine which keeps Sharon in coma and to bring him out of a medically induced coma on Jan. 9.