China launched its sixth navigation satellite early in the morning from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The "Beidou," or compass navigation satellite will form part of China's indigenous satellite-navigation and positioning network, reported Xinhua. The network will eventually consist of 35 satellites and be operational for Asia-Pacific by 2012 and globally by 2020.
Oil, wine and noodles prices rise
The price-rising pressure of international agricultural products affected China's products recently, reported the Guangzhou Daily. Edible oil price rose 10 percent at the end of October. Gujing Group decided to raise the price of original Chinese spirits by 5 to 20 percent from Oct 29. Four large Chinese spirits groups, Maotai, Wuliangye, Gujiao 1573 and Shuijingfang, already raised their prices in August. The biggest instant noodle group, Masterkong, raised the price of its classic instant noodles by 10 percent from Nov 1.
Sea burial in Qingdao controversial
Qingdao started free sea burials from Oct. 1, and the first occurred in Shandong Province. The sea-burial ceremony was held at the open-water area of Damaidao on Oct 23. 427 boxes of bone ashes were spilled into the sea, and their 1,200 relatives joined in the ceremony. The supporters think sea-burial is green and economical. However, some oppose it. They think the dead can only receive peace after being buried. There are also some people who think bone ash pollutes the sea, but the professionals disagree.
Police advise silent alarm
The Beijing News reports that police have advised citizens in Beijing to repeatedly dial the 110 emergency number in situations where they're unable to speak. The police will locate the source of the alarm with the help of telecom companies and take action.
Pay rise and tax reduction an urge
A survey by All China Federation of Trade Unions shows that a total of 23.4 percent of the working population had no salary increase during the past five years, the People's Daily reported. The income disparity between different industries is also becoming alarmingly polarized. Meanwhile, the working middle class in most Chinese cities are suffering from a relatively high income tax rate, which cancels whatever income increases they received, if any. Tax reduction for the middle class is being urged to increase the wealth of this social stratum.