Drive to encourage sales of NEVs in rural areas

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, together with four other central government departments, has launched a nationwide campaign, which will run until December, to boost purchases of new energy vehicles in rural areas.

According to a statement issued on the ministry's website, the five departments have made a list containing 99 NEV models for the campaign and will put them on display and offer test drives.

They also plan to provide services such as battery charging and swapping, car insurance, financing and car maintenance, and implement the policies that encourage the trade-in of cars and the construction of battery charging and swapping facilities, the statement said.

The campaign should focus on counties where there is a large potential for NEV consumption, the statement said, encouraging NEV manufacturers and sellers, manufacturers of battery charging and swapping facilities, financial institutions and car maintenance companies to take part.

Campaign to ease use of technologies by seniors

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched a campaign lasting until December to make digital technologies easier to use for the elderly.

The campaign will be carried out both online and offline, the ministry said in a statement.

It asks relevant local authorities and associations, as well as major telecommunication service providers, to step up efforts to explain to the public laws and policies, including China's law on building a barrier-free environment.

They should also train companies and public institutions on standards for senior-friendly internet and telecommunication services to promote the idea of universal design, the ministry said.

The ministry asked them to visit companies, neighborhoods and townships to conduct research and come up with reports of what senior people need and the challenges companies are facing in terms of digital inclusion for the elderly.

It also requires them to update websites to meet the needs of senior people and improve their skills in using senior-friendly digital technologies by offering training sessions and making pamphlets and videos.

Team inspects Yellow River flood, drought response

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has dispatched a team led by its Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Minister of Emergency Management Wang Xiangxi to inspect flood and drought response along the Yellow River in Henan and Shandong provinces, which are in the lower reaches of the river, the ministry said.

During the inspection last week, the team emphasized that it has been an utmost priority to ensure the safety of the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River against floods, according to a statement issued on the website of the ministry, which estimated that the regions likely will see a significant increase of rainfall this year.

It called on local authorities to conduct a comprehensive examination of the Yellow River embankment running across Henan and Shandong provinces to root out hidden dangers, and improve their response plans for floods and droughts, among other requirements.