BEIJING

Illegal online payment platforms busted

Chinese police have cracked several cases of illegal online payments and busted several platforms engaged in the business, the Ministry of Public Security said. The platforms, unlicensed for payment services, were found to have set up their own payment channels, received money paid by customers to businesses, and later settled the accounts with businesses after levying service charges averaging around 1 percent, the ministry said. The platforms also became breeding grounds for transactions involving gambling and pornographic material.

TIBET

Remains of Neolithic crops found in region

Archaeologists have discovered mixed crops believed to have been grown during the Neolithic period, about 1000 BC to 2000 BC, in the Tibet autonomous region. A scientific team found the crops at the Luding relics site. The site came to light when multiple archaeological agencies conducted surveys at the point where the Nyangchu and Yarlung Tsangpo rivers meet.