China tests new engine for its long March-5 carrier rocket
China on Sunday successfully conducted tests on its new 120-tonne-thrust liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene engine for its new generation carrier rocket, the Long March-5.
The test was conducted in Xi'an, capital city of northwest China's Shaanxi province, according to a CCTV report.
The report says the liquid oxygen and kerosene engine underwent a test of a high rotational speed of nearly 20,000 revolutions per minute and a high temperature test of 3,000 degrees Celsius that lasted for 200 seconds.
The large-thrust carrier rocket under development is hoped to make its maiden voyage in 2014. Ahead of that, several limit-determining tests will be conducted to ensure the engine's stability and reliability.
China regulates charity foundations to boost transparency
The Chinese government has publicized a set of regulations asking charity foundations to regularly publish financial reports and tighten internal management.
The regulations require charity foundations to regularly publish detailed reports on donations and expenditures after a charity project starts.
If the project operates for over three months, financial reports should be published quarterly and a comprehensive report should be released for public scrutiny at the conclusion of the project, according to the regulations.
The regulations acknowledge the donors' rights to know how their money will be spent and make it clear that foundations must "give truthful answers in a timely manner."
Those who violate these rules can be disqualified in their annual appraisal or receive administrative punishment.
China's biggest freshwater lake exceeds warning level
Part of Poyang Lake, China's largest freshwater lake, has seen its water level exceed the warning level, as flooding on the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River has been pushing up the water level of the lake.
Affected by the rise of the Yangtze River and the rainfall that has increased runoff from local rivers in Jiangxi, the water level of Poyang Lake, located on the southern bank of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze, has been continuously rising.
The provincial flood control and draught relief headquarters have tightened up monitoring efforts on the lake shore and are preparing emergency rescue measures to ensure people's safety.
China launches its largest patrol vessel
China has launched its largest and most advanced patrol vessel Haixun01 in Wuhan, a city in central China's Hubei province, in a move to maintain its marine sovereignty and enhance its rescue efficiency.
Haixun01 is the first Chinese patrol vessel to simultaneously incorporate marine inspection and rescue functions. It will carry out missions regarding maritime inspection, safety monitoring, rescue, oil spill detection and handling.
The vessel is expected to be put into service by the end of this year.
One dead, four injured in Xi'an blast
One person died and four sustained minor injuries after an explosion rocked a residential building Sunday morning in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province.
A preliminary investigation shows that the accident was triggered by improper use of natural gas.
A comprehensive safety check on the building's facilities is being carried out.
Romanians to vote Sunday in presidential impeachment referendum
Over 18 million Romanian voters turn up on Sunday, in the referendum on ousting suspended President Traian Basescu.
This is the second time that Traian Basescu goes through an impeachment referendum, after he survived the popular consultation organized on May 19, 2007.
According to the referendum law, the president is dismissed with 50 percent plus one vote of those voting and the referendum is considered valid if the turnout is 50 percent plus one citizen from the permanent electoral lists.
Annan voices concern over military built-up in Aleppo
The UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy for Syria Kofi Annan has expressed his concern over reports of the concentration of troops and heavy weapons around Aleppo, in anticipation of an imminent battle in Syria's largest city.
Annan reminded the parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law, and urge them to exercise restraint and avoid any further bloodshed.
He said the escalation of the military build-up in Aleppo and surrounding area is further evidence of the need for the international community to come together to persuade the parties that only a political transition, leading to a political settlement will resolve this crisis and bring peace to the Syrian people.
Gun men shot dead district governor in Afghan town, Taliban claim responsibility
Unidentified gun men have shot dead the district governor of Chak district in Wardak province 35 km west of capital city Kabul.
A local official says the governor of Chack district, Mohammad Ismael Wafa was on way to office Sunday morning when unidentified armed men opened fire on his vehicle killing him on the spot and injuring his son.
Taliban has claimed of responsibility for the attack.
China to hold its first Super Pick-up Challenge
The first China Super Pickup Challenge is going to be held in Zhongwei city of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from Aug 8-10.
According to the organizers, this is the first time to hold auto competition on full-size pick-up truck in China. It will attract about 200 vehicles, some of which have competed in Dakar Rally.
During the three-day competition will feature pick-up cruise, 400m drag racing, track-skill race and super pick-up challenge. And the 100-meter-route for the super pick-up challenge which covers wilderness, mud, and desert is very challenging to drivers.