Asia

— Both mainland China and Hong Kong reported fewer new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday as strict measures to contain new infections appear to be taking effect. Mainland China announced 36 new cases across the country, down from 43 the previous day. Of those, 28 were in the northwestern region of Xinjiang and two in Liaoning province in the northeast. Another six cases were brought by Chinese arriving from overseas. Hong Kong reported 78 new cases, the first time in almost two weeks that new cases had fallen into double-digits. Authorities ordered mask wearing in public places, restrictions on indoor dining and increased testing to contain the city's outbreak. … [Read more...] about Asia Today: Manila back under lockdown as virus cases surge

Abrahamian recalls there had been cautious optimism that North Korea would begin to open when Kim assumed power after the December 2011 death of his father, Kim Jong Il. In subsequent years, he oversaw numerous educational initiatives, including holding business and trade workshops that focused on female entrepreneurship and in another, a presenter introduced participants to the Big Mac Index, which measures the purchasing power of world currencies. … [Read more...] about New Book Offers Insider’s Glimpse Into Life in North Korea

So-called "apex predators" sit at the top of the food chain, and play a crucial role in keeping their ecosystems healthy. When stable predator populations hunt prey, they keep the food chain in balance, without any one species becoming overpopulated or creating too much strain on the habitat's resources. When predator populations decline, it will affect the size and behavior of all other populations -- as well as the health of the environment. … [Read more...] about China saved the giant panda, but conservation efforts ignored other species says new study

Since the 1970s, it has been the focus of one of the most intensive, high-profile campaigns after a census by China found around 2,459 pandas in the world -- proof of its precarious position. … [Read more...] about China plans massive reserve for giant pandas

India has recorded the third-highest number of coronavirus cases worldwide, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, and several high profile politicians in Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have tested positive for the virus, including Home Minister Amit Shah, who was set to appear on stage Wednesday with the Prime Minister. … [Read more...] about India’s Narendra Modi to lay foundation stone at divisive Ayodhya temple despite rise in coronavirus cases