Beijing - At least 43 people were killed and 88 injured in a nightclub fire in southern China that was apparently started by fireworks early Sunday, the government said.

Five of the injured were in serious condition after the fire broke out as hundreds of people were watching a performance at the Wu Wang nightclub in Shenzhen city, Guangdong province, the State Administration of Work Safety reported on its website.

Beijing - A sudden escape of gas and coal killed 37 at a mine in the central Chinese province of Henan on Sunday, one day after a fire killed at least 19 and left 12 missing at another coal mine, the government said.

The accident occurred at the privately operated Xinfeng No. 2 coal mine in Henan's Dengfeng city at about 1:30 am, the State Administration of Work Safety reported.

Rescue workers had confirmed the death of 31 miners by mid-morning and were searching for 13 others still missing underground, the administration said.

The official Xinhua news agency said 108 workers were underground, with 64 escaping and rescuers pulling out seven others.

Taipei - Taiwan will amend a law to allow Chinese students attend universities in Taiwan in line with President Ma Ying-jeou's plan to ease tension with Beijing, a newspaper said on Sunday.

The United Daily News quoted said the Mainland Affairs Council has submitted the revised bill on cross-strait ties to parliament, hoping it can be passed in the current session.

Under the revised bill, Taiwan will recognize China's diplomas and will allow Chinese students study to in Taiwan, the paper quoted council spokesman Liu Teh-hsun as saying.

Beijing - A sudden escape of gas and coal killed at least 31 people and left 13 missing at a mine in the central Chinese province of Henan on Sunday, the government said.

The accident occurred at the privately operated Xinfeng No. 2 coal mine in Henan's Dengfang city at about 1:30 am, the State Administration of Work Safety reported.

Rescue workers had confirmed the death of 31 miners by mid-morning and were searching for 13 others still missing underground, the administration said.

Kolkata-based Himadri Chemicals, a leading maker and exporter of chemical products, has annunciated that the company through its wholly owned subsidiary named Himadri Global Investment (HGIL) has inked a joint venture pact with a chinese company.

Under the terms of the deal, the company will acquire existing coal tar distillation plant in Xiaoyi, Shanxi. 

According to the sources, HGIL will be the owner of 90% equity interest in the JV company and the balance 10% will be owned by the Chinese conglomerate.

Beijing  - At least 43 people