What in the World

This week, the BBC’s Green Sport Awards celebrated athletes from around the world who are using their sporting profile to make change towards a more sustainable future. We hear from BBC Sport journalist Nicola Pearson who tells us about the awards and who won.We also speak to Maddy Orr, an author and assistant professor at Toronto University in Canada, who specialises in the connection between sport and climate change. She explains how climate change is affecting sport and what sports fans can do to reduce their environmental footprint.Olympic shooter Kishmala Talat from Pakistan and Paralympic swimmer Malak Abdelshafi from Egypt tell us how they try to help the environment in their sports. Plus, young athlete and activist Innes FitzGerald tells us why she chose to turn down racing in Australia, and the difficult decision to fly to Peru to compete this year.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, María Clara Montoya, Adam Chowdhury and Hayley Clarke Editor: Verity Wilde

One year ago, Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an cross-border attack on Israel. It was the deadliest day in Israel’s history: Around 1,200 people were killed, and another 250 people were taken as hostages. Israel began a massive campaign of air strikes on Gaza, which has killed 41,000 people according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Tensions have escalated across this region, with Israel launching a military campaign in Lebanon.BBC’s Shaina Oppenheimer in Jerusalem explains how life has changed for Israelis, the impact of the attacks on the 7th October and the ongoing hostage crisis.Israel does not allow the BBC - or other international media - to report independently from inside Gaza. We speak to Kristina Völk, a BBC journalist in London, who has been speaking to Palestinians in Gaza for over a year. She tells us their account of how life has changed in Gaza. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Emily Horler, Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Moo Deng, a two-month-old baby pygmy hippo, is Thailand’s unexpected new it girl. She’s now a viral sensation and is attracting huge queues at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province and even has her own 24-hour livestream.The zoo says visitor numbers have doubled since her birth in July, boosting revenue that can be used for animal conservation efforts. But Moo Deng’s fame comes at a price: videos have emerged showing visitors throwing food at the plump hippopotamus so she’ll squeal for their cameras.BBC Thai reporter Panisa Aemocha explains Moo Deng’s rise to fame — and criticisms that have been levelled at the Thai zoo. We also hear from Simon Watt, author of the book “We Can’t All Be Pandas, the Ugly Animals”. He discusses the link between cuteness and conservation — and how less attractive species are being left behind. And Moo Deng superfan Ashley Calloway, a teacher from Atlanta, explains why her students can’t get enough of the adorable hippo. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Zofia Louise and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

On Tuesday night, Iran fired 180 ballistic missiles at Israel. The Iranian military said it was in response to Israel’s assassinations of the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, both whom had links to Iran.What’s behind this long standing conflict between Iran and Israel? Who is in charge there? And what do Iranian people think about their leaders’ actions? Ghoncheh Habibiazad, a journalist from BBC Monitoring, gives us a basic guide to Iran, to understand what’s happening in the Middle East right now.We also break down the different military capabilities of Iran and Israel, including nuclear and cyber warfare. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Benita Barden Editor: Rosanna La-Falce

You’ve probably seen people drinking matcha everywhere lately. It really seems to be a case of matcha this, matcha that. But does all the hype match what’s actually in your mug? Is it that healthy? And does this boom impact Japan at all?BBC reporter Megan Lawton tells us why she started looking into this matcha trend and we hear some of her interview with Max Ando, a Japanese model who set up his own matcha brand. We also hear from Emma Beckett, a food and nutrition scientist, looks into how healthy the tea really is.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams with Benita Barden Producers: Emily Horler and Zofia Louise Editor: Rosanna La-Falce

According to the International Labour Organisation around 1 in 150 people globally, are trapped in modern slavery.While some may think of slavery as a faraway evil from our past, a recent BBC investigation discovered a gang operating in the UK that forced people to live in an unheated attic and work up to 100 hours a week at a McDonald’s.As global crises like COVID-19, conflict, and climate change fuel the rise of modern slavery, we’re asking what forms it takes today – and how you can spot it.BBC Investigations reporter Jon Ironmonger details the findings of the UK operation and Chloe Cranston from the charity Anti-Slavery International tells us which sectors are most guilty of exploitation.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Kevyah Cardoso and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

On Friday, Israeli fighter jets dropped dozens of bombs on Lebanon’s capital Beirut, killing Hezbollah’s long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Other key figures in the militant group have also been killed in recent weeks. Officials in Lebanon say more than 1,000 people have been killed there in the past two weeks and a million could now be displacedHamas says the leader of its Lebanese group has also been killed by Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon.Our BBC Monitoring reporter, Hesham Shawish, explains what’s been happening and what it means for Lebanon. Also, BBC Persian Correspondent, Jiyar Gol, takes us through how the wider Middle-East region is reacting and Iran’s relationship with Hezbollah.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Emily Horler and Zofia Louise Editor: Verity Wilde

More than 2,700 stars are embedded into the pavement on the Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, in Los Angeles in the US. Marilyn Monroe, Zac Efron, Scarlett Johansson, Ludacris and (just very recently) Batman are all part of the Walk of Fame. Thousands of tourists visit it daily, but there have been questions about who is and isn’t included and if this star-studded road is diverse enough.BBC reporter Sam Granville speaks to us from the Walk of Fame and explains what it takes to get a star and whether it’s still regarded by celebrities as an important legacy. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Gabriela Boccaccio and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Verity Wilde

An indigenous red-feather cloak was recently returned to Brazil from a museum in Denmark - where it had been on display for hundreds of years. There are other examples of historic and precious artefacts being returned to their countries of origin. And this is leading to a growing pressure to return more, like the Hoa Hakananai'a, originally taken from Rapa Nui (Easter Island).The BBC’s Zeinab Dabaa in Cairo talks us through Egypt’s calls for the repatriation of three items: Queen Nefertiti’s bust, the Rosetta Stone and the Dendara Zodiac. Ashley Lime, a BBC journalist in Nairobi, explains the significance of the Benin Bronzes - and why some museums are reluctant to let them go.Alongside the campaigns to get valuable and historic items returned, there are also efforts to digitise treasures. Chidi Nwaubani is the founder of Looty, a radical art collective which wants to use augmented reality to create digital versions of artefacts and, in their words, “loot back” treasures. He was speaking to BBC Click. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Mora Morrison Editor: Emily Horler

Twenty-four-year-old Yu Hyuk is a North Korean defector who is about to make his debut as an idol in 1VERSE, the first K-pop band to include North Korean members. Before defecting to South Korea at the age of 13, Hyuk was so poor that he had to beg on the streets to survive. He initially had a hard time adjusting to the new environment but eventually found solace in music and song-writing. Can music bridge the divide between North and South Korea for defectors like Yu Hyuk? He shares his journey into the competitive K-pop industry. And Yuna Ku, our reporter in Seoul, explains the challenges defectors face in their new country.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Kevyah Cardoso and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Emily Horler

Anura Kumara Dissanayaka has just been elected as president in Sri Lanka’s first election since its economy collapsed in 2022. The National People's Power, the coalition alliance he ran for, drew support by promising to stamp out corruption and improve living conditions. But he faces the challenge of trying to sort out the country’s $92 billion debt.We speak to the BBC’s South East Asia Regional Editor, Anbarasan Ethirajan about what shape the Sri Lankan economy is in and what challenges Dissanayaka’s incoming government may face.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Time capsules preserve artefacts and memories so that people in the future can learn about a particular time in the past. Now scientists at the University of Southampton in the U.K. have come up with an innovative memento: a “memory crystal” that fits in your hand and contains the entire human genome. It’s essentially a manual that defines what makes us human. How could future generations use the genetic information in the crystal? Nimesh Pinnamaneni, the CEO of Helixworks, the company behind this technology, explains. We also hear from the founder of Memory of Mankind, an archive of human memories that’s located in a salt mine in Austria. It aims to preserve a back-up of human civilisation, including the crystal, in case we disappear. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Verity Wilde

Two years ago, rapper and music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs threw a lavish 53rd birthday party at his $61m mansion in Beverly Hills. A host of stars lined up to toast his career with a guest list that included Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Mary J Blige, Kehlani, Tinashe, Chris Brown and Machine Gun Kelly.The party coincided with his 30th year in the music industry - three decades in which he formed his own entertainment empire and changed the sound of hip-hop, both as an artist and a producer for the likes of Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and The Notorious B.I.G. Fast-forward to 2024, and everything has changed.This week, P Diddy was arrested and charged with sex trafficking and racketeering. He’s pleaded not guilty. The BBC’ Sam Granville explains the case, and if this could be hip-hop’s #MeToo moment. And William Lee Adams from the What in the World team reminds us of Diddy’s career and dominance. This episode contains discussion about sexual assault and harassment. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this episode please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

This week thousands of pagers and walkie talkies exploded all at once in Lebanon. Dozens were killed and thousands injured. These gadgets were used to communicate by members of Hezbollah, a designated terrorist group in Lebanon. Israel is widely believed to be behind these attacks, but Israel has not confirmed or denied its involvement. There are fears this could make the ongoing conflict in the Middle East even worse. Speaking from Beirut, the BBC’s Rami Ruhayem talks us through the aftermath of the attack and explains what Hezbollah is and how it started. He also discusses why Israel may have done this. Why was Hezbollah using these old-fashioned devices and how did they explode? The BBC’s cyber correspondent Joe Tidy tells us more (and explains what a pager is). And Gordon Corera, the BBC’s security correspondent, gives us a short summary of other covert operations - and why this one is different. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Verity Wilde

Sex education is a hot topic around the world. In Hong Kong, the Education Bureau has released teaching materials that suggest teenagers who want to have sex with each other should “go out to play badminton together” instead. The materials also encourage students to “resist” pornography and exercise self-control. That’s opened a discussion about sex education and whether officials understand the needs and concerns of young people.Koey Lee, a BBC journalist in Hong Kong, explains how young people have reacted to the guidance.We also hear from Yuri Ohlrichs - a certified sexologist and expert in sex education at Rutgers. That’s an organisation in The Netherlands that works to improve sexuality education and information for young people. And Yeside Olayinka-Agbola, a sexual health educator in Lagos, Nigeria, explains how she is using apps like Instagram to help young Nigerians get sexual health information they’re struggling to find elsewhere. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and William Lee Adams Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

On Sunday authorities say a second attempt was made on the life of Donald Trump. A gunman was allegedly hiding in the bushes on one of Mr Trump’s golf courses just 500 yards from the US presidential candidate. He was spotted by a Secret Service agent who opened fire at the suspect and whisked Mr Trump to safety. The alleged gunman was later arrested. On this episode we go through the latest about what happened over the weekend, the gunman’s identity and what motivations he might have had. Plus Alex from the What in the World team goes into detail about who the Secret Service are and what we know about how they work. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Alex Rhodes and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

American entrepreneur and billionaire Jared Isaacman has become the first non-professional astronaut to walk in space. According to Time magazine, he paid $200million for the privilege. Georgina Rannard, a BBC climate and science reporter, talks us through the mission, including his super suit, and the risks involved. Georgina also updates us on those two NASA astronauts stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) following technical difficulties. Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore spoke at a press event on Friday, where they appeared upbeat and optimistic. We hear about how they’re keeping busy, and the challenges of living in a zero-gravity environment for so long. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: William Lee Adams and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde

Huge parts of Brazil are on fire. And it’s not just the drier areas. It’s the wetlands and the rainforests, too. Smoke from the fires can even be seen from space. Brazil has long struggled with wildfires, but they’re getting harder to control. And on top of this, Brazil is also experiencing its worst drought since records began 70 years ago.Leandro Prazeres, a BBC reporter in the capital, Brasilia, explains how bad it is right now and what’s caused the fires. BBC Brasil reporter Giulia Granchi tells us about the wildlife in the affected areas; the Amazon rainforest, the Cerrado savannah and the Pantanal wetlands. And Patricia Zanella, a gender activist who represented the Brazilian government’s youth delegation at COP last year tells us what she wants to see from her leaders to tackle these wildfires.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Gabriela Boccaccio Editor: Verity Wilde

Sickle cell is an inherited blood disorder caused by abnormal red blood cells. It can cause sudden bouts of severe pain, as well as fatigue, a stroke, even death. It’s one of the most common genetic disorders in the world, but there’s still some stigma and a lot of misunderstanding around the condition.We hear from Dunstan Nicol-Wilson, who was born with the condition, about what it’s like to grow up with sickle cell, and whether people’s attitudes are changing.Around 80% of sickle cell cases worldwide are in sub-Saharan Africa. Makuochi Okafor, BBC Africa health reporter, tells us how it is inherited and what the symptoms can be. Nigeria has the largest population of individuals with sickle cell in the world, so he tells us how sickle cell is treated there.Also last year the UK became the first country in the world to license a new gene-editing tool known as Crispr, as a treatment for sickle cell disease. Kesewaa Browne, a journalist in the U.K. tells us what treatments are already available and how Crispr could change things.nstagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

Last week in the US State of Georgia 14-year-old Colt Gray allegedly walked into his Apalachee High School, took out a gun and shot two students and two teachers dead. It’s the 45th school shooting to happen in America this year. With an upcoming election taking place in November is there any desire from the country’s top politicians for change? We speak to the BBC’s North America Correspondent Anthony Zurcher about the complicated laws around gun ownership. And we also hear from campaigner Zoe Touray, who survived the Oxford High School shooting in Michigan in 2021.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Alex Rhodes, Benita Barden and Josh Jenkins Editor: Verity Wilde

YouTube might seem like an easy way to make money, but hungry algorithms and nasty comments are leading to fatigue and depression. Hannah chats to William from the What in the World team about his pretty successful side hustle as a YouTuber. He explains why more and more content creators are leaving the platform due to “burnout” and the pressure content creators feel under to pander to the algorithm. We also hear from Roly West, a queer British YouTuber specialising in piercings, tattoos and body modifications and Eugoson Quorch, a tech Youtuber from Nigeria.And Robyn Caplan, Assistant Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, explains how YouTube makes money from its content creators. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with William Lee Adams Producers: Kevyah Cardoso, Julia Ross-Roy and Imogen James Editor: Verity Wilde

Venezuela’s opposition candidate, Edmundo González, has arrived in Spain after being granted asylum. He’d spent weeks in hiding following a disputed election which erupted into unrest across the country. He’s said he will continue to fight from the outside. Many believe González is the rightful president, however the official result gave the incumbent Nicolás Maduro another term. With González in exile, what will happen now? The BBC’s Mimi Swaby brings us up to speed and talks us through crackdowns on political opposition in Venezuela.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler and Shiler Mahmoudi Editor: Verity Wilde

A lot of films and TV shows like Game of Thrones, Dune, and Shadow and Bone have their own languages, and some are so complex that they have lore and history. But have you ever wondered how languages like Dothraki are created, or if the actors are just making it up as they go along?We take our questions to married couple Jessie and David Peterson whose shared love of linguistics and making up languages has led to them working for some very famous shows. They talk us through how they come up with languages.And the BBC’s resident gamer, Mel Ramsey, takes us on a journey into gaming and the role that languages like Skyrim's Dovahzul play in bringing games to life for fans.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden, Adam Chowdhury and Shiler Mahmoudi Editor: Rosanna La-Falce

Some university students in Kenya have been protesting a new funding model which, they say, favours the rich. The government says the changes are needed to help with funding issues. The BBC’s Anita Nkonge, based in Nairobi, explains. Many universities around the world are struggling with the cost of living, and this burden is often felt most sharply by students. We know that students have been questioning if university is worth the cost for a while, but now it feels like this debate is hotter than ever. We chat through why uni can be so expensive, as well as the pros and cons of going.Ishan Sharma, a YouTuber from India, dropped out of studying engineering and is now living his best life with no regrets. He shares his story, and tips for people considering a life without a degree. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenters: Alex Rhodes and Zofia Louise Producer: Mora Morrison Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Chappell Roan has posted on TikTok about "creepy behaviour" she's experienced in person and online. She’s one of this year’s most successful popstars with a growing fanbase, but are some of those fans starting to overstep the mark?Pete Allison, our BBC Newsbeat reporter, tells us what Chappell has been saying.We also look at K-pop fandoms with our Bilingual Reporter, Julie Yoonnyung Lee. There’s even a word in Korean to describe an obsessive fan who invades the privacy of a star - sasaeng.And Veronica Lamarche, a psychologist who has done studies on parasocial relationships, tell us what signs to look out for that your interest in a celeb has turned into an obsession.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Emilia Jansson Editor: Simon Peeks

Millions of students around the world will be starting a new term of school or university this month. And one thing they might notice is more conversations around how education is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. Some people think ChatGPT is a way to cheat and bypass proper learning, while others are excited about how it could make education more efficient. Tech journalist Rhiannon Williams talks us through both sides of the debate.We also hear from Grace Kejo, a 17-year-old student based in Tanzania, who shares how she uses the tool. And Daniel Herman, a high school English teacher in Berkeley, US, explains how he teaches his students to use it responsibly. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Mora Morrison and Zof Hare Editor: Rosanna La-Falce

The market for men’s beauty and grooming is blowing up, with more masculine beauty products on the shelves than ever before. It’s not uncommon to see men with manicures. And people like Harry Styles, Pharrell Williams and Idris Elba have even launched luxury product lines. It’s estimated that the global male grooming market will be worth $115 billion by 2028. It’s fair to say male beauty standards are changing. We hear from Enioluwa Adeoluwa, a Nigerian influencer known as ‘Lipgloss Boy’, about how practices have changed globally and in Nigeria. We also brush up on make-up for men, and speak to Adrián Ríos about how American beauty influencers are shaking up global standards. Plus if you’re a bloke wanting to change up your look we’ve got some tips for you. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Editor: Rosanna La-Falce

Pavel Durov’s arrest could impact free speech, and the war between Russia and Ukraine.Over the last few years the social media and messaging app Telegram has become increasingly popular. It’s different from other apps, like WhatsApp and Facebook, partly because it allows you to create massive groups, of up to 200,000 people. But the app has also faced criticism relating to disinformation, and the sharing of conspiracist, neo-Nazi, paedophilic, or terror-related content.On Wednesday Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, was placed under formal investigation in France as part of a probe into organised crime on the app. BBC tech reporter Graham Fraser tells us what we need to know about Telegram, and this investigation. Telegram has often been used by pro-democracy protesters, including in Hong Kong. The BBC’s Fan Wang explains. And there has been a massive reaction to Durov’s arrest in Russia. The BBC’s Karine Mirumyan tells us why the Russian military, and government, use the app - and whether this arrest could impact the war in Ukraine. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Mora Morrison and Zofia Louise Editor: Verity Wilde

For the past 100 years diamonds have been the ultimate symbol of love, luxury and opulence. But then, a darker side to them was exposed. Diamond mining was shown to have links to conflict, human rights abuses and state corruption, putting off a lot of consumers. Lab-grown diamonds then appeared on the market as a more eco-friendly, ethical and cheaper alternative, but do they have the same appeal?We speak to Caroline Steel, a BBC Science presenter, about what makes the gems so precious and the science behind how diamonds are formed.We also hear from Shingai Nyoka, a BBC Africa reporter, about Africa’s relationship to diamond production, and the discovery of the second-largest mined diamond in Botswana in August.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

The war in Gaza has lead to a surge in settler violence. Extreme Israeli settlers are the perpetrators behind the attacks. Not only have they become more aggressive, Israeli settlers have also seized more and more land. One spokesperson from Peace Now, an Israeli organisation that monitors settlement growth, says Jewish extremists in the West Bank are exacerbating an already tense and volatile situation, and making it harder than ever to end the Israel-Palestinian conflict. So will these settlements will permanent? The BBC’s Middle East correspondent Yolande Knell explains.On Wednesday Israeli forces launched a "counterterrorism operation" in the occupied West Bank which includes air strikes and ground troops in several Palestinian towns and cities - including in Jenin and Tulkarm.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Emilia Jansson Editor: Verity Wilde

With the Olympics over the eyes of the sporting world are back on Paris once again ahead of the start of the Paralympic Games. More than 4000 athletes will be competing for 549 medals over the next two weeks in sports such as Boccia, Swimming and Wheelchair Rugby. We hear from Egyptian swimmer Malak Abdelshafi on what it means to represent her country at the games. And BBC Sport’s Peter Harding tells us what sports and which athletes to watch out for.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Josh Jenkins, Adam Chowdhury and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Last week the newly announced CEO of Starbucks landed in hot water when it emerged that he’d be commuting from his home in California to the Starbucks headquarters in Washington using a private jet. The 1,600 km, three-hour commute stoked a wave of criticism online. It’s not the first time a public figure has come under fire for their eye-watering air mileage; earlier this year media outlets began scrutinising Taylor Swift's carbon footprint after a student began posting her flight information online by using publicly available data to track the take-offs and landings of privately owned planes belonging to the rich and famous. Her lawyers threatened to sue him, saying that the tracking amounted to "stalking." In 2022, Twitter banned the same student’s profile after Elon Musk accused him of sharing his "assassination coordinates".But when a four-hour private flight emits as much as the average person does in a year, climate campaigners say that the cost to the planet is not worth the convenience. BBC business reporter Charlotte Edwards unpacks the Starbucks CEO’s controversial commute and lifts the curtain on the business of luxury air travel. And our climate and science reporter Esme Stallard explains the environmental cost of the industry.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Kevyah Cardoso and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde

This week we’ve had the release of what is, right now, the most popular game in the world - but it’s not a new version of GTA or Minecraft - this one is from China and it’s called Black Myth: Wukong. There are predictions it’s going to make hundreds of millions of dollars - and it now has more than two million active online players. It’s been made by a relatively small Chinese company called Game Science and it’s the first time a game from the country has managed to break through internationally on this scale.The BBC’s Kerry Allen, a China media analyst, describes the gaming industry in China - and the various restrictions gamers there face. And Mel Ramsay, a BBC journalist and video games expert explains why the game has become so popular inside and outside China - and some of the controversies around it.Also, Kirk McKeand, a video games journalist in the UK who has played Black Myth: Wukong, gives us his take. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Emily Horler, Emilia Jansson and Alex Rhodes Editor: Verity Wilde

The Somali Parliament recently passed the National Disability Act. Twelve percent of the population in Somalia are estimated to be living with a disability. People with disabilities in Somalia have less access to formal education and higher rates of unemployment. This new law aims to protect their rights, make sure they get equal opportunities in jobs, education, and healthcare, and help reduce the stigma they face.Fardowsha Hanshi, a BBC journalist from Somalia, explains what life is like in Somalia for people living with a disability and talks about her own experience of disability. She tells us what activists hope this new law will achieve. BBC journalist Ellis Palmer describes where the first disability legislation came from - and why implementation and individual advocacy is key.And we hear from Kenyan Wilson Macharia, who is visually impaired and sued a company in Kenya for discrimination. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Emilia Jansson and Lizzy Bella Editor: Verity Wilde

A legal battle has been raging after a woman suffered a severe allergic reaction and died at Disney World Orlando in Florida. The restaurant she ate at isn’t owned by Disney itself but her husband believes the entertainment giant does have some liability as well and tried to sue the company. But here’s the catch - Disney’s lawyers said he couldn’t take the company to court because of terms in a Disney+ free trial contract he signed up to years before. Disney has since backtracked on this argument after the case blew up on social media. But what are we really agreeing to when we tick the box on a terms and conditions document? Graham Fraser from the BBC’s tech team takes us through the story at Disney World. Plus Alex from the What in the World team goes into other weird clauses in contracts you might have signed. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Alex Rhodes Editor: Verity Wilde

Research shows that people in Africa are disproportionately rejected for visas over other nationals. While passport holders from Singapore can sail straight past immigration in many countries they visit. To understand the unfair disparities that exist between passport holders, we speak to Stephanie Hegarty, the BBC’s global population correspondent. We learn about the new version of the Henley passport index (which lists the strength of passports), and why nationality plays a huge role in shaping the outcome of a person’s visa application, especially to countries in the West.The BBC’s Tessa Wong, a Singaporean national, explains why her passport ranks the strongest in the world. And Daniel Dadzie, a BBC reporter, tells us about his personal experience of applying for a student visa to study in the UK from Ghana. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden, Mora Morrison and Claudia Efemini Editor: Verity Wilde

After the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor in India, there have been protests across the country. She was killed at work. Doctors held a national strike over the weekend.Protesters want a stronger law to better protect medical staff against violence, increasing the level of security at hospitals and the creation of safe spaces for rest.More incidents of rape have made headlines in India since the trainee doctor was killed.Bebika Dhurve, a dentist who has worked in hospitals, tells us her reaction to what’s been happening.And Arunoday Mukharji is our correspondent in Delhi. He takes us through the story and what challenges female medical professionals face. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Alex Rhodes and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde

MrBeast is the world's biggest YouTuber with more than 300 million subscribers. He’s built an empire partly through so-called “stunt philanthropy,” where he surprises people with large sums of money or gifts. MrBeast has given waiters thousand-dollar tips, gifted people new cars and houses, and even paid for surgery to help 1,000 deaf people hear for the first time. The recipients’ reactions are then filmed and put on his channel.Tom Gerken, a BBC technology reporter, explains why some people don’t consider MrBeast’s stunt philanthropy particularly philanthropic and how he — and other YouTubers — make money through advertising and brand sponsorships. He also briefly explains the allegations facing MrBeast and some of his colleagues. We also hear from Makuochi Okafor, a BBC reporter in Lagos, to find out how the trend is taking off in Nigeria. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

A school girl in Zimbabwe was recently killed in a road accident which involved a US diplomat. Ruvarashe Takamhanya’s family are calling for the person involved to apologise to them in person. The US diplomat has now left Zimbabwe, and is back in the US. Danai Nesta Kupemba, a BBC Africa journalist, has spoken to the family. She talks us through the case. All diplomats have diplomatic immunity, which means they are protected from being arrested or prosecuted for alleged crimes. Alex Rhodes from the What in the World team explains why diplomatic immunity exists and who gets it. We also discuss prominent cases where diplomacy has been key - including with Julian Assange. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Sharks off the coast of Brazil recently tested positive for cocaine in lab research by The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. It was the first study to detect cocaine in the species. It’s not yet known how the drug affect the predators. It’s not just sharks ingesting man-made substances. Marine experts have found traces of painkillers, contraceptive pills, anti-depressants and MDMA in other aquatic creatures. Crabs and fish have demonstrated significant behavioural and psychical differences as a result. We get a round up of the research from Alex Ford, a professor of biology at the University of Portsmouth. He explains how recreational drugs and medicines have been found in seawater samples in the U.K. and how that could impact animal behaviour and development. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

For the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago, Ukrainian soldiers have advanced 30km inside Russia. President Zelensky says Ukraine is pushing the war onto "the aggressor's territory" in the Kursk region. What could this mean for the war? Vitaly Shevchenko, one of the hosts of Ukrainecast and the Russia editor of BBC Monitoring, explains. We also discuss a recent fire at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and why Ukraine and Russia have blamed each other for starting it. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Alex Rhodes and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris have officially come to an end. Among the memorable moments are things like: that outstanding 100m photo finish, the debut of Olympic breakdancing, the refugee collecting their first medal and Snoop Dogg. To mark the occasion, we asked you what questions you had about the Olympic games - and reached out to two BBC journalists who’ve been in Paris: Isaac Fanin from the BBC World Service and Laura Garcia from BBC Mundo.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Emily Horler

IITERNITI, formerly Eternity, is a South Korean pop group created entirely by artificial intelligence. The group first launched back in 2021, and now has millions of views online. And they’re not the only ones. There are other AI K-pop groups around too. BBC reporter Iqra Farooq has been looking into how AI could change the genre; from ChatGPT messaging fans, to VR concerts. She talks us through her findings. We’re also joined by Jieun Park, the CEO behind IITERNITI, Taiwanese artist KIRE, and Felix from K-pop mega group Stray Kids. Plus, we hear why some fans love AI in music, and others find it ‘terrifying’. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde

There are loads of podcasts about entrepreneurship, setting up a business or start-up, being your own boss and making money. According to the American business magazine Forbes, up to 9 in 10 start-ups fail, and the number is thought to be even higher in Africa.BBC Africa’s business reporter in Lagos, Nigeria, Nkechi Ogbonna, explains what a start-up is and some of the reasons why start-ups fail. We also hear about some of the sectors where start-ups are doing well. African entrepreneur and YouTuber, Joseph Don, from The Entrepreneurs Connect Show, sets out the challenges some businesses in Africa face - and gives his top tips for starting and maintaining a successful business. And Nic Rawhani, the South African founder of Vula.VC, a company that uses AI to help start-ups find and apply for funding, tells us how people can pick themselves up and learn from their mistakes if their business doesn’t work out. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden, Mora Morrison, Kevyah Cardoso and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student, has been facing online abuse since becoming a finalist in Miss South Africa 2024. Chidimma is South African and grew up in Cape Town to a Nigerian father and South African mother with Mozambican roots. Some people think she shouldn’t compete because of this - even though she is eligible. BBC Africa journalist Danai Nesta Kupemba talks us through the details, and what this says about xenophobia and ‘afrophobia’ more generally in South Africa.This isn’t the first time there have been issues over the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. Melissa Nayimuli - whose father is Ugandan - competed last year and also faced online abuse. She joins us to share her experience. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler Editor: Verity WildeThis podcast was recorded on Wednesday lunchtime in the UK. On Wednesday evening, the South African government released a statement saying there was an ongoing investigation into fraud and identify theft involving Chidimma Adetshina’s mother, in order to become a South African citizen. On Thursday, Ms Adetshina announced she was withdrawing from the contest “for the safety and well-being” of herself and her family. She did not refer to the investigation.

There are celebrations in Bangladesh following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation after weeks of violent unrest. Many have described the past month as one of the worst periods of violence seen in Bangladesh since the country formed five decades ago. Student protests against quotas in government jobs escalated into an anti-government movement after a violent crackdown by security forces and pro-government student groups have seen around 400 people killed. The country remains in a state of chaos after the Prime Minister hastily fled the country before protestors stormed her official residence. Until recently, 30% of civil service roles in Bangladesh were reserved for the children and grandchildren of people who fought for the country’s independence back in 1971, a system protestors said benefitted those close to the ruling party. Protestors share their experiences and our BBC reporter in Dhaka, Akbar Hossain, explains how the student protests changed course and dramatically ended the 76 year-old leader’s 15 year reign. We also hear from Rani Singh, who previously interviewed Sheikh Hasina at her palace.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Kevyah Cardoso and William Lee Adams Editor: Emily Horler and Rosanna La-Falce

Animals are essential in maintaining ecosystem balance, but in some cases they can have the opposite effect. In the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, authorities are looking to cull 1 million Indian house crows. Conservationists say they are becoming a nuisance and have significantly reduced the number of small indigenous birds in the region. So how will they be dealt with? The BBC’s Dorcas Wangira, an Africa health correspondent, explains. Pest are an issue in New York too. There’s estimated to be 3 million rats scurrying around the Big Apple and the city’s mayor has made it his mission to deal with the rocketing number of rodents by hiring a ‘rat tsar’. Sam Cabral, a BBC reporter in New York, tells us more. Finally, we hear from Predator Free Wellington, an organisation in New Zealand, which is hoping to completely remove predators (like rats and possums) by 2050. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Mora Morrison and Baldeep Chahal Editor: Emily Horler

Leg-lengthening surgery was once reserved for people with a serious injury or physical deformity. But now more people are undergoing the procedure simply because they want to be taller. BBC journalist Tom Brada explains what the operation entails, the risks it carries, and the costs that patients incur. We also hear from Daniel, a man who underwent the procedure. He describes why he wanted to be taller, what his surgery and recovery were like, and whether it was worth it.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Baldeep Chahal and William Lee Adams Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Thousands of Venezuelans have been protesting after President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in the country's disputed election. The opposition says the results were fraudulent.There are reports of at least 11 deaths in protest-related violence, with lots more people injured.Our South America correspondent, Ione Wells, explains why the results are disputed and what protesters in Caracas have been saying.BBC Mundo’s Jorge Perez gives us the background on Venezuela, including who Hugo Chávez was and why the country is in such economic turmoil, despite having the biggest proven oil reserves in the world. Also, young Venezuelans tell us about their hopes for their futures.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Shiler Mahmoudi Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Dearest gentle listener: It’s our first birthday! To celebrate one year of our What in the World podcast, we asked you what burning questions you had — and we turned to the BBC’s global network of experts to get the answers. In this episode, you’ll hear…Digital health editor Michelle Roberts on how vaccines train the body’s immune system.Seoul correspondent Jean Mackenzie on what tourists in North Korea can actually do.Correspondent Samira Hussain on how the electoral college decides the U.S. presidential election.Climate and environment researcher Mark Poynting on the role of hydrogen in the green energy transition.Plus Mora from the What in the World answers Alex’s question, “How do fringes happen?” We said no question was too stupid. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Alex Rhodes and William Lee Adams Editor: Julia Ross-Roy