Asia

World News

Hong Kong Authorities Clear Area In Protest Zone

5:25pm November 18, 2014

by Frank Langfitt

Police carried out a court order and peacefully cleared a small section of democracy protesters in downtown. But the bulk of the protest camp remains. The city's protests are nearly 2 months old.

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Only some of these officers, seen in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on Jan. 13, are exempt from a "virginity test." Human Rights Watch wants Indonesia to scrap the practice for its female police recruits.

World News

Indonesia Urged To Stop 'Virginity Tests' For Female Police Recruits

2:22pm November 18, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

Human Rights Watch says the test is discriminatory and "harms and humiliates women." The test is listed as a requirement for female applicants, and the group said it is widely applied.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a press conference Tuesday at his official residence in Tokyo.

With Japan In Recession, Prime Minister Calls For Snap Elections

12:07pm November 18, 2014

by Eyder Peralta

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for an election two years ahead of schedule, and he also delayed an increase in sales tax.

Women who underwent sterilization surgery at a government-run camp were hospitalized in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh after 13 patients died following the procedure.

Why Sterilization Is The Most Popular Form Of Family Planning

10:30am November 18, 2014

by Eleanor Klibanoff

The tragic news from India of women dying after being sterilized is not the norm. More than 200 million women a year rely on this procedure. Under proper conditions, complications are minimal.

Sports

Diplomacy Through Cricket? It's All In How You Spin It

9:59pm November 17, 2014

by Philip Reeves

Many attempts have been made by India and Pakistan to ease regional tensions through cricket. But the sport's reputation as the "Gentlemen's Game" is a lie: deceit, betrayal and bare-faced criminality abound.

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Policemen show pictures of body parts found in parcels as they address reporters in Bangkok on Monday. Thai police said two Americans who had tried to send the parts to the U.S. had fled the country.

World News

U.S. Tourists Accused Of Trying To Ship Human Parts Out Of Thailand

8:00pm November 17, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

The parts, including an infant's head, a baby's foot and an adult heart, were allegedly stolen from a medical museum. The Americans said they bought the parts at a Bangkok market, according to police.

Federation of Students representatives Alex Chow Yong-kang (second left), Eason Chung Yiu-wa (second right) and Nathan Law Kwun-chung (right) talk to the media before trying to board a plane to Beijing on Saturday. They were told that Beijing authorities

World News

Hong Kong Democracy Leaders Barred From Traveling To Beijing

1:10pm November 15, 2014

by Scott Neuman

Three student activists, including Alex Chow, were stopped at the airport as they sought to board a flight in hopes of meeting with Chinese leaders.

Success Record is Mixed For Global Climate Deals

11:18am November 15, 2014

As China and the U.S. strike a landmark climate change deal, NPR's Scott Simon asks science correspondent Christopher Joyce how effective these climate targets have been historically.

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North Korean medical workers wore protective suits at Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport this week.

Why Is North Korea Freaked Out About The Threat Of Ebola?

5:40pm November 14, 2014

by Hannah Bloch

Fear of the virus has prompted Pyongyang to ban tourism and quarantine all foreigners. It's a curious stance since the Hermit Kingdom has plenty of other, more pressing health woes.

Floor traders study stock prices in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2013.

To Lure Investors And Move Money, China Links Two Stock Markets

5:14pm November 14, 2014

by Frank Langfitt

Chinese investors will now be allowed to directly buy stock in Hong Kong and foreign investors will be able to do the same in Shanghai. Its a small move with big implications.

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