Plan in place to ensure harvest this summer

The central government will step up efforts to combat drought and ensure the successful summer harvest of grain and rapeseed, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Thursday.

All localities are required to implement preventive measures to ensure water is available for irrigation, according to a plan issued by the ministry and three other government agencies.

As precipitation has been low since winter began, drought may occur in some areas this spring, which could have an impact on summer harvests.

The plan called for the early implementation of preventive measures to ensure the normal growth of both crops.

Furthermore, water sources should be identified for drought relief, and water conservancy facilities should be built or repaired promptly, the plan stated, adding that efforts should also be made to stockpile and distribute supplies for agricultural production such as seeds and fertilizers.

Judicial campaign gives assistance to rural poor

The Supreme People's Procuratorate and the National Rural Revitalization Administration have decided to carry out a joint campaign to help advance rural vitalization by providing legal assistance, according to a notice issued on Feb 24.

The campaign, which started in February, will run through the end of 2025. It aims to provide greater assistance to poor rural residents as cases are handled to prevent those involved from experiencing further financial hardship.

According to the notice, the assistance will cover six categories of rural residents, including veterans, children, and women living in poverty.

Thousands arrested for wildlife-related crimes

Chinese police arrested over 90,000 suspects in the course of handling 70,000 wildlife-related cases between 2020 and 2022, a public security official told a news conference on Friday.

Approximately 1.37 million wild animals have been rescued and 180,000 kilograms of wildlife products have been seized during the period, according to Lyu Wuqin, head of the food and drug crime investigation bureau under the Ministry of Public Security.

The official said 150 cases were major, and all had been resolved.

Among the animals rescued, 120,000 had nationally protected status, according to Li Jiantao, deputy head of the food and drug crime investigation bureau.

The figures were reported following a three-year nationwide campaign launched by the ministry in 2020 to crack down on wildlife crimes.

The campaign targeted primary areas, including national parks, nature reserves, and key venues such as zoos and circuses.

School-related criminal cases continue to decline

Last year, the number of school-related criminal cases was 30.7 percent lower than in 2021, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

A notice published on the ministry's website on Thursday said it was the 10th consecutive year in which there was a decline in cases.

In 2022, public security authorities made special efforts to ensure campus security. As a result, 720,000 hidden risks were eliminated, and 22,000 school-related disputes were resolved.

According to the notice, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Education jointly conducted a 100-day special campaign last summer to crack down on school bullying. Those involved were held accountable.