Monday was the deadline to register for China's civil service exams, drawing more than 1 million applications, according to state media. The candidates have to pick the jobs they're interested in when they sign up for the annual exams. Central government positions in China -- often described as the "golden rice bowl" -- are popular because of their stable income and generous benefits. They can also lead to membership of the Chinese Communist Party, which brings additional status. But the most sought-after job among this year's exam applicants is more obscure. By late Sunday, a record-breaking 7,727 people had expressed interest in the position of head of the reception office of the China Democratic League in Beijing. Read more
