Factory fire probe

THE Work Safety Committee of China’s State Council will supervise the investigation into a factory fire that occurred in Jinhua, East China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 17, the Ministry of Emergency Management said yesterday.

The fire broke out in a building in an industrial area of Wuyi County and killed 11 people.

Cold snap

A RARE strong cold front has put the brakes on spring warmth, with most parts of China seeing the mercury drop sharply since Thursday.

Temperatures dropped by as much as 20 degrees Celcius in parts of Gansu, Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces, which were hit by heavy snow, the National Meteorological Center said.

Long periods of rain and snow are rarely seen in April, the center said, adding that some areas had experienced their latest spring snowfall since records began.

Illegal fundraising

CASES of illegal fundraising have decreased in China for three consecutive years, and so has the amount of money and people involved, according to a recent cross-ministry meeting.

The meeting ascribed the progress to the country’s continued efforts in cracking down on related crimes, in particular those concerning elderly care. It warned of growing risks as online cases, which are murkier and more hazardous, are causing greater difficulties for regulators.

The country must remain iron-fisted in dealing with illegal fundraising crimes, especially those involving amounts over 100 million yuan (US$14.52 million) or lasting for more than five years, according to the meeting.