As we get a clearer idea about just how dangerous plastic pollution is for the environment, the race is on to find ecological replacements for everyday plastic objects, especially those intended to be used only once. China, the world's largest polluter, is the latest country to get in on the act.

As ties between the two Koreas improve, a group of elderly South Koreans have met long-lost family members in North Korea. This after being separated by the war that broke out 68 years ago. But it was a bittersweet moment as the brief meetings are likely the last and only time many will see each other. Erin Ogunkeye explains.

China has seen an alarming spike in HIV cases, with the infection rate among those between the ages of 15 and 19 tripling over the past decade. The upturn comes as young people have become increasingly liberal in regards to sexuality while safe-sex education has lagged behind in many parts of the country.

Japan is dealing with record-breaking high temperatures as an intense heatwave sees over 9,000 people hospitalised with heatstroke. It's prompted concerns about how Tokyo will deal with the weather during the 2020 Summer Olympics. Officials say they are examining solutions for tackling the heat during the Games.

In Indonesia, zombies are on the rise! Zombie impersonators are becoming a common sight on Jakarta streets, as hit TV shows such as “The Walking Dead” fuel their popularity. At least one company now pays zombie enthusiasts to take part in commercial events. Participants say scaring people is fun and good for self-esteem. Emerald Maxwell explains.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees have been living in Bangladesh for months, following the army crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state last August. An estimated 700,000 Rohingya fled the region and a majority have settled in refugee camps. Some ordinary Bangladeshis, however, have stepped in to provide a helping hand. We bring you the story of one farmer who chose to come to their aid.

In the Indian state of Rajasthan, several NGOs are fighting against the tradition of child marriage. The practice is most often seen in families keen to marry off their daughters to ease economic burdens. The untimely unions often see children forced to leave school. Despite efforts from both teachers and families, old traditions die hard.

In Singapore, a doppelganger of North Korea's Kim Jong-un has tourists doing double takes. Between selfies, the Chinese-Australian impersonator said he was there to encourage successful relations between the real Kim Jong-un and US president Donald Trump. Selina Sykes has the story.

China has begun a controversial experiment to get to know its people better. The government is tracking its citizens' behaviour, from smoking on a train to jaywalking. If a person's score drops low enough, he or she could be banned from travelling or taking out a loan. Our team on the ground reports.

Uzbekistan isn't high on many holidaymakers' lists of must-see destinations. But its reform-minded government is opening up the country, easing travel restrictions for dozens of nationalities. This "openness" policy aims to bring in more tourists to the once repressive and isolated former Soviet state. Ivana Scatola reports.