蜜芽传媒

Alan Johnson introduces the stories behind the headlines from correspondents around the world. In this edition, we take the view from the villages of two Asian giants, India and China. Craig Jeffrey, in Uttar Pradesh, hears how locals joke about - and deal with -endemic corruption; while Liz Leonard, on a visit to a village shrine in Hebei, finds she's almost gained superstar status.

"Jugaar" makes the world go round

In many ways India has been very busy recently transforming itself. A new, more modern, and much more confident nation is beginning to realise its vast potential. But a lot of the old India remains too - not least the scourge of corruption.

Housing, health and education are all affected as corruption continues to rot the fabric of everyday life. Craig Jeffrey has been finding out how people cope with this in the rural heartlands.

My unexpected entourage

China is increasingly reaching out to the rest of the world, in all areas of life. More and more Chinese businessmen, athletes, artists and tourists are making their presence felt abroad. But back at home, for countless millions in sleepier parts of the Chinese countryside, there's still very little contact with anyone from beyond the nation's borders.

As Liz Leonard found out, in those remote places, the arrival of a foreigner can still cause quite a stir.