Sound of Hope Radio allowed me to upload some of their Radio broadcasts. Their english program is actually quite broad and they have many news broadcasts. I can only upload a little, so check out their website: http://sohnetwork.com
In this Bulletin:

- China bans appeals in Beijing;
- Nanoparticles linked to health dangers; and
- Nearly half of India has been affected by drought.

But first, heres our SOH focus on China
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Chinas communist regime has issued a new ban on petitioners seeking justice who travel to the capital, Beijing.

Masses of petitioners flock to Beijing daily with complaints about land grabs, police beatings, human rights abuses and other legal abuses committed. It is a practice attributed to Chinas imperial past, when people seeking justice sought the emperor.

Reflecting a profound distrust of local courts and officials, the huge numbers of petitioners have always been an embarrassment to the authorities.

Petitions can now be filed online and legal officials from Beijing will now visit areas with large amounts of complaints to review their cases.

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In an unprecedented case which links health problems in humans and nanoparticles, seven young women suffered permanent lung damage and two of them died after working with paint containing the particles at a factory in China.

Sporadically using cotton gauze masks, the workers developed itchy eruptions on their arms and faces, as well as breathing problems after working without proper protection at the factory.

Nanoparticles, which can be as tiny as one-billionth of a meter, or one nanometer have shown in lab tests that they can damage rats lungs, but researchers say this is the first time they have found proof that nanotechnology threatens human health.

Nanoparticles may pose a danger, due to their ability to slip through skin and be easily eaten or inhaled.

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And now for the rest of todays Asia Cast

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North Korea says it is ready to restart negotiations over its nuclear program, however it will only deal directly with the U.S. saying they want a new forum only with the United States, said U.S. New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson.

Richardson, a veteran North Korea negotiator said the release of two American journalists from Pyongyang was a signal the communist state is ready to return to the negotiating table.

He spoke after a U.S. sanctioned meeting with Kim Myong-Gil and Paek Jong-Ho, two high-ranking diplomats who represent North Korea at the United Nations. A meeting the White House made clear had been initiated by Pyongyang.

He also said North Korea will deal only with the U.S. because they do not like the six-party talks and fear more sanctions.

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Youre listening to Asia Cast on the SOH Radio Network

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Military-ruled Myanmar is urging Western nations to lift economic sanctions and allow the country to modernize and achieve its democratic goals.

Commentary in three state-run mouthpiece newspapers praised visionary United States officials who were critical of sanctions, which it said would not bring the downfall of the government.

It said the more anti-government groups exercised economic sanctions as a means to put pressure on the government, the more distant the goal of democracy became.

The United States and European Union have used sanctions to try to force the regime to carry out reforms, but critics say Myanmars thriving trade with China, India and Thailand have limited their effect.

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Indias agriculture minister, Sharad Pawar said that nearly half of Indias districts have been hit by a drought that could affect the production of rice drastically.

Considered the worst drought in 80 years, some 600 districts in India, 246 have been declared as drought affected.

This monsoon season has brought 29 per cent less rainfall than normal and rice production in the country could decline by 10 million tons this year because of the drought, said Pawar.

Up to 70 per cent of Indians are dependent on farm incomes, and about 60 per cent of Indias farms depend on rains.

Food prices are going up in India as its stocks are forecasted to fall. In short term, Indias drought is expected to force it enter the world grain market to feed its people.

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Asia Cast keeping you across the top headlines from Asia and the World.