The Beijing News
December 10, 2007

The Beijing News announces that more than 80,000 people in Beijing, and 640,000 nation-wide, sat for the 2008 civil service examination. With an average of one placement for every sixty test-takers, this year's exam is more competetive than last year's, which averaged 1:50. The hottest position, that of a clerk in the Ministry of Agriculture, has 3592 competitors per opening.

The front page photo shows people testing fireworks for the coming New Year season. Fireworks salesmen are required to pass a qualifying exam; this year, no make-up exams will be given.

Other headlines:

• The government of Shanxi Province conducted a self-criticism during an inspection meeting, part of a probe into the gas explosion at a Shanxi coal mine last Wednesday that killed 105 people;
• The second round of Olympic tickets sales begins today. Individuals are limited to one order of at most eight tickets. Unlike the first-come, first-served system that was in place during October's aborted sale, the revamped procedure will choose successful purchasers by lottery. See the Beijing 2008 website for details.