Trending across China

(chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2013-12-31 09:55

An unmanned survey plane disrupts flights at Beijing's airport, non-existent Harvard mottos inspire Chinese students, and the latest antics from Chen Guangbiao - it might involve buying the New York Times.

Pollutants identified

Fossil fuel has been the largest source of PM2.5, or fine particles of2.5 micrometers or smaller, which is to blame for Beijing's frequent smoggy weather, said a study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics under the Chinese Academy of sciences. Sand storms intensify pollutants in spring, while dust from construction sites and streets are to blame in fall and winter, the study said. Inorganic aerosol, a fine solid particle comprising sulfate and nitrate, ranked first by contributing 26% of all pollutants.

Airport disruption

A UFO was intercepted at Beijing Capital International Airport on Sunday, causing flight disruptions. The unexpected visitor turned out to be an unmanned plane on its pilot flight for a surveying mission. Ten flights were delayed, while two aircraft detoured to avoid a collision. Four people were detained on suspicion of disturbing public security.

Fake Harvard mottos

Chinese students who find inspiration in the widely circulated "mottos" of Harvard University might be disheartened as a librarian from the Ivy League school said they were just part of a "rumor that is prevalent on the Internet." A question was posted on the university library's website, asking where they can see the mottos on the wall. "We found no trace of any mottos on a Harvard library wall," the librarian replied, which made it clear that the mottos were just a hoax.

Related: Make school mottos count

Chinese NY Times?

High-profile Chinese businessman Chen Guangbiao made headlines again, saying he is planning to acquire the New York Times, a move that was described as an illusion. Chen made the remarks when he was awarded the title of "Outstanding Chinese" in the "2013 International Chinese Media Awards" co-organized by the Overseas Chinese Media Cooperation Organization and Hong Kong's Wen Hui Po in Shenzhen on Monday.

In August 2012, Chen spent $30,000 for a half-page advertisement in the newspaper, declaring that the Diaoyu Islands are Chinese territory. In August 2011, Chen had bought a half-page advertisement in the newspaper asking Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe not to visit the Yasukuni Shrine.

Tax payments due

Real estate developers Vanke failed to pay the land appreciation tax (LAT) for its projects in Jilin and Guangdong provinces, China Central Television reported. The total amount of LAT reached 4 billion yuan ($660 million), the report said. Last month, CCTV also accused 44 real estate developers of being behind on their tax payments, but the report was criticized as "unprofessional".

Lost iPad found

A woman surnamed Liu in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, was happy to get back the iPad she lost while traveling in Europe, but she was angry that the Chinese customs office required her to pay a tariff of 200 yuan ($32).

A Norwegian man found the iPad in the flight that Liu was on and sent it to Liu at his own expense, Southern Metropolis Daily reported. When Liu tried to pick up the iPad from the post office, she was asked to pay 10 percent of the value of the imported secondhand product.

Train crash kills 3

A cargo train hit railway maintenance workers in Zhejiang province, killing three and injuring two. Railway authorities played down the accident without any written explanation, Caixin.com said.

Local debt

The National Audit Office (NAO) said Monday in a statement that governments at various levels in China were liable for a total direct debt of 20.7 trillion yuan ($3.4 trillion) as of the end of June 2013. Total debt guaranteed by governments at various levels amounted to 2.93 trillion yuan at the end of June, NAO said.