Asia

It's cricket fighting season in China, so NPR went ringside to learn about the centuries-old sport. Turns out, the bugs are really high maintenance, big money's involved and big mandibles matter.

India is celebrating its 1 billionth COVID-19 vaccination. But only a third of its population is fully-inoculated, and export orders are backed up.

The U.S. and China are rushing to develop hypersonic weapons. Critics worry it's turning into a race without end.

Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter waded into an especially sensitive subject for the NBA with his comments advocating for a free Tibet, as China is by far the league's largest foreign market.

The Sleeping Bus Tour is a 5-hour, 47-mile ride to nowhere on a double-decker bus. It's designed for people who are easily put to sleep on moving vehicles. Passengers can bring pillows and blankets.

The Russian government has been holding a conference in Moscow for the Taliban, China, Pakistan and other states concerned with the future of Afghanistan. The U.S. in not participating.

The FDA authorizes Moderna and J&J COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Attempts by Democrats to shore up protections for voting rights have hit a wall. Russia hosts a delegation from Afghanistan.

In the show Squid Game, the poor compete to the death for money to pay their debts. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with L.A. Times reporter Victoria Kim on the underground world of South Korea's loan sharks.

Two key Biden administration ambassador nominees, Rahm Emanuel and Nicholas Burns, face the Senate to answer questions about U.S. policy in Asia.

Women's equality has made slow progress in South Korea. Some South Koreans want to bring about change starting at the country's cultural roots by reinterpreting Confucius.

The test appears to be its first submarine-launched ballistic missile in two years. It comes as the U.S. and Asian allies are meeting to discuss how to get North Korea back to the negotiating table.

The country's transportation minister says he will introduce a measure to replace all vehicle horns with the sounds of traditional Indian musical instruments. He's also looking into changing sirens.