Asia

Godzilla was back on the streets of Tokyo — this time for a good cause

5:56am March 20, 2024

The kaiju was on a mission to encourage people to observe traffic safety laws. Godzilla's appearance was part of a campaign using other famous Japanese movie characters to promote traffic safety.

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Authorities in Hong Kong crack down even more on perceived threats to their power

5:12am March 20, 2024

by John Ruwitch

Lawmakers in Hong Kong have passed new national security legislation that carries severe punishment for a broad range of offenses, including life imprisonment for acts deemed to be insurrection.

World News

The Philippines' top defense secretary talks about tensions in the South China Sea

6:41pm March 19, 2024

by Emily Feng

Amid tensions in the South China Sea, NPR sat down with Philippines' Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro. He has accused China of "gutter talk" and "propaganda" in its territorial claims.

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U.S. officers recall the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal in hearing on Capitol Hill

6:07pm March 19, 2024

by Tom Bowman

On Capitol Hill, two retired senior officers recalled the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the advice they gave and the advice that was rejected by the Biden administration.

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World News

Hong Kong's new national security law might further erode civil liberties, some worry

4:56pm March 19, 2024

by John Ruwitch

Lawmakers in Hong Kong passed a new national security law. The government casts it as a bid to make the territory safer but some think it may erode Hong Kong's standing as a global financial hub.

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Lawmakers vote for Article 23 legislation in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

World News

Hong Kong passes a new security law that toughens punishment of dissent

12:22pm March 19, 2024

by Emily Feng

Pro-Beijing lawmakers fast-tracked the legislation, with tough punishment for acts considered "external interference," insurrection and other offenses.

Acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-wai has a hit television show

5:15am March 19, 2024

Based on a best-selling book, Blossoms Shanghai is Wong Kar-wai's first foray into television, and it's taken China by storm. Why has the 30-part series become such a hit?

Rahima Banu had the last recorded case of naturally occurring variola major smallpox, a deadly strain of the virus, in 1975. At left: Banu in her mother's arms as a small child. At right: Banu today, close to 50 years old, lives in a small village in Bangladesh with her husband, Rafiqul Islam, and their children.

The improbable victory over smallpox holds lessons for health threats in 2024

3:33pm March 18, 2024

by Dr. Céline Gounder

Physician Céline Gounder traveled to India and Bangladesh to bring back unheard stories from the eradication of smallpox, many from health workers whose voices have been missing from the record.

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters hold cutout pictures of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public meeting in Barasat on the outskirts of Kolkata on March 6. In India, Modi's face is everywhere as the country heads to elections.

World News

What to know as India sets elections for April

5:00am March 18, 2024

by Omkar Khandekar

India goes to polls in a month in the world's largest elections. Here are three things to know about the contest that could see Prime Minister Narendra Modi winning a third term.

The FBI Boston Division recovered 22 artifacts stolen from Japan, including the artwork above. During World War II, various treasures from the Ryukyu Kingdom were stolen.

A family found centuries-old Japanese art stolen during WWII in their attic

2:43pm March 17, 2024

by Juliana Kim

Troves of artifacts were stolen from Japan during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. Over 20 pieces of looted items were found in the attic of a Massachusetts home.