In this week’s special edition of Access Asia, we focus on India as the country's record-breaking election gets under way. In the past few years, India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has plummeted. With the country’s independent media increasingly under threat, YouTube has become a key medium to fact-check trending topics. Twenty-nine-year-old Dhruv Rathee has been using the platform to fact-check issues and hold the Indian government to account. He spoke to FRANCE 24's Delano D'Souza.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this week’s special edition of Access Asia, we focus on India as the country's record-breaking election gets under way. In the past few years, India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has plummeted. With the country’s independent media increasingly under threat, YouTube has become a key medium to fact-check trending topics. Twenty-nine-year-old Dhruv Rathee has been using the platform to fact-check issues and hold the Indian government to account. He spoke to FRANCE 24's Delano D'Souza.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Indian elections: Dhruv Rathee, the YouTube sensation holding the government to account

Troops in Myanmar have confirmed they've withdrawn from their positions in a trade hub near the border with Thailand. Fighting between the army and armed resistance groups has been flaring for months, with the ruling junta facing heavy losses. As a result, many Burmese are now fleeing to Thailand. We take a closer look.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Troops in Myanmar have confirmed they've withdrawn from their positions in a trade hub near the border with Thailand. Fighting between the army and armed resistance groups has been flaring for months, with the ruling junta facing heavy losses. As a result, many Burmese are now fleeing to Thailand. We take a closer look.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Myanmar's war on rebels: Junta loses key town on Thai border

China's best-selling sci-fi novel "3 Body Problem" has been adapted into a Netflix series. We look at how Chinese people have reacted online and why the adaptation has stirred up some anger. But first, aftershocks continue to rattle Taiwan after it experienced the strongest earthquake in 25 years. Our team reports from a town near the epicentre. Plus, we see how Russia has recruited hundreds of Nepalese men to fight on the front line in Ukraine, in exchange for the promise of lucrative pay and citizenship.

<description>&lt;p&gt;China's best-selling sci-fi novel "3 Body Problem" has been adapted into a Netflix series. We look at how Chinese people have reacted online and why the adaptation has stirred up some anger. But first, aftershocks continue to rattle Taiwan after it experienced the strongest earthquake in 25 years. Our team reports from a town near the epicentre. Plus, we see how Russia has recruited hundreds of Nepalese men to fight on the front line in Ukraine, in exchange for the promise of lucrative pay and citizenship.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

But have you read the book? TV series '3 Body Problem' divides China

Arvind Kejriwal, an Indian opposition leader and the chief minister of Delhi, remains in custody following his arrest last week. We take a look at what this means ahead of India's general elections that begin in April. Next, we head to South Korea, where campaigning has begun for parliamentary elections. Politicians are on high alert after two political figures were attacked at the start of the year. Finally, we see how some young people in China are turning to artificial intelligence to find their perfect partner.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Arvind Kejriwal, an Indian opposition leader and the chief minister of Delhi, remains in custody following his arrest last week. We take a look at what this means ahead of India's general elections that begin in April. Next, we head to South Korea, where campaigning has begun for parliamentary elections. Politicians are on high alert after two political figures were attacked at the start of the year. Finally, we see how some young people in China are turning to artificial intelligence to find their perfect partner.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Kejriwal arrest: How will India's opposition respond?

Earlier this week, it was "play ball" for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome. The two teams kicked off a new season of Major League Baseball, winning one each of the two-game opening series. FRANCE 24's Leo McGuinn tells more about the event and the popularity of baseball in South Korea.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Earlier this week, it was "play ball" for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome. The two teams kicked off a new season of Major League Baseball, winning one each of the two-game opening series. FRANCE 24's Leo McGuinn tells more about the event and the popularity of baseball in South Korea.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Major League Baseball 2024 kicks off in South Korea

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