Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
All quiet in North Korea for Kim's big day
The birthday of North Korea's new leader Kim Jong-un (pictured) is tomorrow, but celebrations may be muted in light of the recent death of his father. Since Kim Jong-il died of a heart attack on December 17, state media have launched campaigns to idolise the new leader in a similar way to his late father and his grandfather Kim Il-sung. The birthday of Kim Jong-il on February 16 and of Kim Il-sung on April 15 are two of the country's most important holidays, often marked by fireworks and extra food rations.
Many apply, few will be chosen
More than 1.6 million candidates will start the mainland's three-day national entrance examination for the postgraduate education programme. The government said the number of candidates rose by 9.6 per cent from 2011. But state media report that the chances of these candidates - many from mediocre colleges - to get into top-notch schools are getting slimmer.
Lunar New Year travel rush begins
The 40-day Lunar New Year travel rush begins tomorrow. For many migrant workers, this is their only chance to visit their families. Mainland railways are expected to carry an estimated 235 million passengers, and state planners estimate that total public transport volumes will rise by 9.1 per cent from last year to 3.16 billion trips.