What in the World

As India votes in the general election, it is impossible to avoid the wealth of AI-generated content being created - from campaign videos, to personalised audio messages in a range of Indian languages, and even automated calls made to voters in a candidate's voice.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also already made the best of the emerging technology to campaign effectively - addressing an audience in Hindi which, by using the government-created AI tool Bhashini, was then translated into Tamil in real time.But as the tools get more sophisticated, experts worry about its implications when it comes to making fake news appear real. In April, two viral videos showed Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and Aamir Khan campaigning for the opposition Congress party. Both filed police complaints saying these were deepfakes, made without their consent.The BBC’s Meryl Sebastian, who is based in Kochi in southern India, explains how the election is playing out amidst the wave of AI and deepfake content.Plus we get advice on how to deal with AI and deepfake material as a voter from Divyendra Jadoun, founder of The Indian Deepfaker, who creates this exact content.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Josh Jenkins and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, and several other officials, including the foreign minister, have died in a helicopter crash. Mr Raisi was widely tipped to eventually become Supreme Leader, the most powerful role in the country.The BBC’s Shayan Sardarizadeh explains who Mr Raisi was, how power works in Iran, what the reaction has been, and what this could mean for the future of the regime. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Mora Morrison and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Simon Peeks

The Premier League may vote to scrap the use of video assistant referees (VAR) from next season. Adam Chowdhury, from the What in the World team, explains how VAR works, why the technology is so controversial (including THAT Luis Diaz disallowed goal), and how it’s used in major leagues, including the Bundesliga and La Liga. BBC Africa Sport Mimi Fawaz also shares how VAR is used in Africa, and AFCON. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Mora Morrison and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

The electric car industry is sending mixed signals. On one hand, sales of electric vehicles in Europe overtook diesel vehicles for the first time last year and annual sales of electric vehicles in China now make up 30% of total car sales in the country.On the other hand, Elon Musk’s company Tesla and Chinese manufacturer BYD, two of the biggest electric vehicle makers, have both reported significant drops in sales this year. Plus, industry heavyweights General Motors, Nissan, Hyundai, Volkswagen and Ford have all revealed that as a result of a loss in momentum for electric cars, they are increasing their investment in hybrid vehicles, which partly use fossil fuels like petrol or diesel that harm the environment.Confused? BBC business correspondent Erin Delmore explains what exactly is going on.Plus, we take a closer look at how the electric vehicle industry is doing in Africa - and why the future is all about e-motorbikes instead of cars. Prosper, a 24 year old courier in Uganda tells us why she likes using an electric motorbike to get around. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Daniel Dadzie Producers: Josh Jenkins and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Open AI has just revealed the latest version of the AI chatbot ChatGPT. It’s called GPT-4o and is faster, more friendly, and even flirtatious. Tech journalist Rhiannon Williams explains how it differs from previous versions, and what this means for the future of AI technology. But not everyone has equal access to ChatGPT. Grace Kejo, a 17-year-old student in Tanzania, shares why. Plus, Maria Clara Montoya describes how AI voices have changed over time: from the 1950s speech recognition systems to Siri and Alexa, and the present day. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Laura Cress Producers: Mora Morrison and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Several nations have suffered flooding in just the last few months. Brazil, Kenya, Indonesia and China are just some of those that have been hit. Many people have died and thousands have been forced to move away from their homes.Floods are common and can happen at any time during the year. However, are we seeing more than usual these days? And how much impact is the El Nino weather system having? BBC Climate Reporter Georgina Rannard explains what’s been happening and why.We hear from listener Leandro who sent us a voice message from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, where more than half a million people have been displaced from their homes.And eight months on from floods which hit Eastern Libya, the nation is continuing to rebuild from its catastrophic event. The BBC’s Amira Fathalla describes what it’s like on the ground today.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Beverly Ochieng Producers: Josh Jenkins and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Simon Peeks

The Eurovision Song Contest is the biggest music competition in the world. Countries from all over Europe, and some from outside (we’re looking at you Australia), compete to reach the Grand Final and win the iconic glass microphone trophy. The winner also gets the honour of hosting next year’s event, which brings big crowds and parties galore to the host city.This year’s event was held in Malmö, Sweden on the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s victory in the event. This year Switzerland’s Nemo won with their song ‘The Code’. They are the first non-binary artist to win the competition. However, there was plenty of controversy beyond the celebrations.In the build-up to Saturday’s Grand Final, there were protests against Israel’s inclusion because of the war in Gaza. Eden Golan performed the song ‘Hurricane’ which earned fifth place for Israel. Several acts ended their performances with messages such as "love will triumph hate" and "peace will prevail."What in the World’s William Lee Adams was in Malmö reporting from the event and tells us everything we need to know about Eurovision 2024.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Adam Chowdhury with William Lee Adams Producer: Mora Morrison Editor: Simon Peeks*This podcast was amended on 16th May 2024 to remove a reference to Celine Dion being Swiss at 00:33. Celine Dion is Canadian but won Eurovision for Switzerland.*

If you’ve been scrolling on TikTok recently, you might have come across the viral song out of North Korea called ‘Friendly Father’. It’s been released by the country’s leader Kim Jong Un. Frances Mao, from the BBC’s bureau in Singapore, explains why this song went viral, and what it tells us about the regime. Over in Russia, the nation’s annual Victory Day has taken place, partly to show off Russia’s military capacity. We talk to the BBC Monitoring’s Alistair Coleman about what message these parades send. Plus, the BBC’s China analyst Kerry Allen describes China’s propaganda methods.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Mora Morrison and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

We throw tonnes of rubbish away and globally we’re throwing away more than ever. But what happens to it? Well, that depends on where in the world you live. Some gets recycled, some gets burned and some ends up in dumps or landfill. British author Oliver Franklin-Wallis has written a book all about rubbish (Wasteland: The Dirty Truth About What We Throw Away, Where It Goes, and Why It Matters). He explains where some of it ends up - and why he’s hopeful about the global waste situation. The BBC’s Duc Ha tells us about the impact of imported waste and recycling on Vietnam. Also we hear about the UN’s Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution; the BBC’s Esme Stallard breaks down what it is and whether it’ll make a difference. Betty Osei Bonsu, 26, from the Green Africa Youth Organisation, has been attending UN summits where this treaty has been discussed. She describes what it was like and what her organisation is doing to try to reduce plastic pollution in Ghana and Uganda. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Two of the biggest names in hip-hop right now, Drake and Kendrick Lamar, are certainly not friends anymore. Their beef is escalating as they release diss track after diss track. Lamar has dropped the likes of ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Meet the Grahams’ whilst Drake has released ‘Family Matters’ and ‘Push Ups’.The musical feud is spilling into real life as well. On Tuesday, police say a security guard was shot outside Drake’s home in Toronto, Canada. They’ve added that it’s too early to say who exactly was involved in the incident and that the victim is in a serious condition in hospital.Music journalist Nicolas-Tyrell Scott tells us everything we need to know about Drake v Kendrick.The beef isn’t just happening in hip-hop. Afrobeat stars Davido and Wizkid are clashing too. Culture journalist Nelson CJ explains the battle and what beef is like in the Afrobeat world.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Josh Jenkins and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde

Social media platforms, like Instagram and Xiaohongshu, are full of shopping tips to help you spend. But they can also help you save, partly by providing support and advice through groups of like-minded individuals - or, in China, da zi. This is a growing trend, especially among young women.The BBC’s Sylvia Chang explains why they’re joining, and how this could impact China’s economy. We also hear from Anita Nkonge, in Kenya, about a popular saving challenge there.Plus, if you’re currently on a budget we’ve got five top tips on how to save from Ashley Lee (@hermoneymastery on TikTok). Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison, Maria Clara Montoya and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

Challengers. Poor Things. Saltburn. Three Hollywood movies released in the last six months which haven't held back on sex. However, the stats tell us movies in America are actually getting less steamy…A study from The Economist suggests that sexual content in movies has dropped by 40% since 2000. BBC Culture reporter, Annabel Rackham, explains what’s behind this Hollywood trend.Intimacy co-ordinators are a more regular sight on sets these days, helping people in front of the camera and behind it to navigate their way through a sensitive scene. Alicia Rodis, an intimacy co-ordinator who’s worked on Watchmen, And Just Like That and The Deuce, explains what the job entails.Plus, BBC Asian Network’s Haroon Rashid describes how sex and romance is treated in Bollywood. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler, Baldeep Chahal and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde

Epic Games. Microsoft. Riot Games; owners of the biggest computer game titles in the world and part of a gaming industry which has been valued at $200 billion. That’s more than the music and entertainment industry combined. It’s not all plain sailing though.Epic Games, which created Fortnite, recently cut 870 jobs. Microsoft, which now owns Activision-Blizzard; famous for the Call of Duty and Red Dead Redemption series, announced 1,900 job losses earlier this year. League of Legends maker Riot Games reduced their workforce by 10%, which meant 530 job cuts. It’s estimated that 18,000 jobs have been lost over the past couple of years. BBC gaming expert Mel Ramsay explains what’s going on. Also, Harriet in the UK and Francis from Canada share their experiences of being laid off. They give their views on the impact on the gaming sector and how to improve things for employees. And we take a quick look at the computer game sector in Nigeria, where the demand for home grown mobile gaming is taking off. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Josh Jenkins and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde

Zimbabwe has a brand new currency; it’s called the ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold) and it’s backed by the country’s gold reserves. This is the third time they’ve launched a new currency in ten years and 80% of transactions in the country are now carried out in US dollars. Can the government persuade its citizens that this one will remain stable and not deflate?The BBC’s Zimbabwe correspondent Shingai Nyoka explains how people pay for stuff in the country and why the government has brought in a new currency. Two guys in Harare tell us what they make of the ZiG, and whether they’re using it instead of the US dollar. Also Baldeep Chahal from the What in the World team brings us some other examples of countries changing their currency and chats about whether it ever works. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Demonstrations over the war in Gaza have taken place at several universities in the US over the past few weeks. They have spanned from Columbia University in New York, to universities in Chicago, Texas and California.In the last month, more than a thousand people have been arrested. The BBC’s North America Correspondent Nomia Iqbal explains what has been happening and how this might affect the upcoming US election. And Bernd Debusmann Jr tells us about the history of student demonstrations in America.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Maria Clara Montoya, Josh Jenkins and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde

Nature conservation is effective at protecting animals and plants - and we’re getting better at it. That’s according to a new major study published in the journal Science. Esme Stallard, a BBC climate and science reporter, explains what conservation is, where it’s worked (including for humpback whales), and why we need it. Plus, we hear from two people who work in conservation. Charles Emogor has a PhD in pangolins and is from Nigeria. He shares why he loves them and how he’s saving them from being hunted. And Aiita Joshua Apamaku, from Uganda, tells us why he finds conservation so exciting. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison, Baldeep Chahal and Sophie Smith Editor: Verity Wilde

Modest fashion has been steadily gaining more global recognition over the past decade, with longer hemlines spotted on the runway. It’s now estimated to be worth around $300 billion. But modest fashion isn’t just religious coverings, loose dresses, or even your grandmother’s cardigan. At Modest Fashion Week in Istanbul there was everything from faux fur, to gold silk and platform heels. Megan Lawton, a BBC reporter in Toronto, has been looking into how modest fashion has shifted outside the leading markets in Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia to the US and Australia. She’s spoken to the founders of Reflective - an online marketplace for modest clothes.We also hear from Nawal Sari, a Muslim model and content creator in Australia, about how the modest-friendly options have shifted over the years - and how authentic some marketing of the clothing is.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown and other cities have been suffering blackouts for weeks. It’s disrupted hospitals and daily life for many. Most of Freetown’s power comes from a Turkish ship floating off the country’s coast - and they’ve massively reduced electricity supply to the city because of unpaid bills. Karpowership is one of the world's biggest floating power plant operators, with several African states relying on it for electricity.BBC journalist Chimezie UcheAgbo explains where Sierra Leone gets its power and what’s causing the blackout. Fatmata Gassim (19), an engineering student in Freetown, tells us how the blackout has affected her. We also hear about power outages in Ghana (from the BBC’s Favour Nunoo in his car) - and the rocketing cost of electricity in Nigeria. Irene Leigh (23) sends us a message about how her company, EasySolar, is helping people in Sierra Leone find alternative ways to get their power. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Emily Horler and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde

President Biden has just signed a law that says TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance has nine months to sell the app or it will be blocked in the US. We hear what TikTok users in the US think about the ban - and how it would affect them. Liv McMahon from the BBC tech team explains why the US government has done this, how TikTok has responded - and why it won’t be easy to sell the app. And the BBC’s Kerry Allen describes the origins of TikTok in China and the Chinese reaction to the ban.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Benita Barden and Mary Isokariari Editor: Verity Wilde

Nuclear weapons have been back in public conversation recently - partly due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel. Outside of the news, they have also been featured a lot in films and TV shows. (Think Oppenheimer and Fallout). But, what are nuclear weapons? And is it likely they’ll be used again? Or, have we learnt from what happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki?The BBC's security correspondent Gordon Corera explains. We also hear from a nuclear studies student in Islamabad, Pakistan, about why young people should care about them. Plus, Alex Rhodes from the team talks us through some nuclear close calls. This includes how the actions of one Stanislav Petrov could have saved us all. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison, Alex Rhodes and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Verity Wilde

There’s been massive flooding in Dubai, with twice the annual amount of rain in a single day. Roads, runways and shopping malls were flooded. Meanwhile, West Africa has been dealing with one of its worst heatwaves. Late March and early April saw consistent temperatures above 40 degrees centigrade, sometimes even at night. We know a warming atmosphere caused by climate change makes extreme weather events more likely - but are the freak events going to be the new normal? Three BBC reporters take us through the facts. Abdirahim Saeed looks at the infrastructure in Dubai and our Climate Disinformation reporter, Marco Silva, explains what conspiracies around cloud-seeding were doing the rounds after the floods. We go to Lagos to speak to Makuochi Okafor, a BBC Health Correspondent for West Africa, and we also hear from three people in their early twenties about how they’re coping in the heat and trying to limit the effects of climate change.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Adam Chowdhury, Alex Rhodes, Emily Horler and Mary Isokariari Editor: Verity Wilde

The metaverse has been talked about as the next big thing in technology: a virtual world which will become a part of our daily lives (think Ready Player One). Mark Zuckerberg even changed his company’s name from Facebook to Meta in 2021, such was his commitment to building his own metaverse.But what actually is a metaverse? And how close is it to becoming a reality? Technology reporter Omar Mehtab explains. He also answers questions from two guests who want to know more about the metaverse. Yusaira, a college student in Bangladesh, and professional racing gamer Karl Etyemezian, who plays for the Veloce Esports team, and competed for Lebanon at the first ever Olympic Esports event in 2023. They discuss its real-life potential and their reservations.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Emily Horler

Korean shamans hold significant cultural importance in Korean society. They are often shown in Korean dramas and films, adorned in shiny and colourful traditional attire, dancing on sharp knives, summoning spirits, and banishing demons. They offer fortune telling services and perform rituals to help people with their personal issues. In South Korean media, shamans are often portrayed as deceitful characters who misuse their status to manipulate people and profit from others… but that negative image is slowly changing as young shamans are modernising their approach. They now have shrines in the busy centre of Seoul and they've become big on social media, even offering consultations online. BBC journalist Soo Min Kim has been speaking to shamans and their customers about why people go to see them and how social media is making them more accessible.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Soo Min Kim Producers: Emily Horler and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

India’s live music scene is thriving with higher ticket sales and more concerts from international artists. To meet demand, the country is renovating old venues. And the government has simplified tax rules to encourage more stars like Ed Sheeran to perform. Megan Lawton, a BBC reporter in Toronto, has been speaking to fans in India and people who work in India’s live music industry. Among other things, she explains how streaming is boosting the demand for live music events and why music promoters see India as an important market to target. Plus, BBC reporter Trisha Husada in Jakarta, explains what Indonesia is doing to entice more global musicians. That’s after Taylor Swift snubbed most of Southeast Asia during her recent Eras tour.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Megan Lawton Producers: William Lee Adams and Mora Morrison Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

In this episode we chat with someone who just LOVES steak, and eats it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But Eric’s not the only one who loves beef: its consumption is going up around the world. But many people are also concerned about its huge carbon footprint - and how it impacts climate change.BBC climate reporters Georgina Rannard and Marco Silva explain why cows are so bad for the environment, what misinformation exists online, and what alternatives are out there (if you’re looking to cut down). Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Women’s basketball is more popular than ever. Ratings for the WNBA are growing and the professional league has plans to increase its number of teams. Monday was a huge day for the sport, as the best college players in the United States gathered for the WNBA draft. The professional teams picked the college players who will join them for the next season. Dozens of women, including Caitlin Clark - who’s drawn comparisons to NBA legend Steph Curry - are now headed to the professional league and bringing their fans with them.So what’s behind the success of women’s basketball? Shavonne Herndon, a sideline reporter for the Dallas Wings, explains. And Adam Chowdhury from the What in the World team shares some of the highlights from Monday’s draft. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Baldeep Chahal Editors: Emily Horler and Simon Peeks

Iran has carried out direct strikes on Israel for the first time. It’s believed to be a retaliation for a deadly strike on its consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus. The bad blood between both countries goes back many years. And it’s involved several countries in the region, including Lebanon and Syria. Previously, Israel and Iran had been engaged in a years-long shadow war - attacking each other's assets without admitting responsibility.The BBC’s Shayan Sardarizadeh tells us why they are enemies, what’s lead to Iran’s recent airstrikes, who has nuclear weapons, and what the attack could mean for the rest of the world. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Baldeep Chahal Editors: Emily Horler and Simon Peeks

P-pop, or Pinoy pop, is a growing genre of music in the Philippines. It stems from OPM (Original Pilipino Music). You may be more familiar with K-pop, which is a multibillion-dollar industry. P-pop is hoping to get a slice of that global success. One of P-pop’s biggest groups is Alamat. Each member comes from a different region of the Philippines and sings in their local language. In Manila, Hannah meets them and learns why spreading Filipino culture is so important to them, and what sets them apart. We’re also joined by Camille Elemia, a Manila-based journalist, who explains P-pop’s origins and popularity. Plus, YouTuber Sylvia Kim tells us how P-pop compares to K-pop, and if it’s taking off in Korea. (Music in episode: Dayang by Alamat) Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde and Julia Ross-Roy

Famine is imminent in northern Gaza, according to the United Nations. There is some aid going into Gaza, but it’s severely limited and aid workers face dangerous, sometimes deadly conditions. Last week there was widespread international criticism after seven people from World Central Kitchen died in an Israeli airstrike. Israel has said the attack was due to “grave mistakes”. The UN says over 200 humanitarian workers have now been killed in Gaza.The BBC’s Hugo Bachega, a Middle East correspondent, explains how much aid is entering Gaza and the challenges of getting aid in and distributing it. We hear what kind of aid is being delivered, from Karyn Beattie, the team leader for Save the Children’s program in Gaza.And we ask - is Israel starting to allow more aid in?Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

When it comes to elephant conservation, Botswana is the world leader. It is now home to more than 130,000 elephants — or around a third of the world's elephant population. But this growing number poses major problems for humans: the animals destroy homes and crops, and even injure and kill people.To manage its elephant population, Botswana allows so-called “trophy hunting”. Hunters from abroad pay for permits to shoot and kill elephants — and can then take a piece of the elephant home. Botswana then re-invests this income into conservation efforts.It’s a controversial practice. Animal rights activists want Botswana’s government to seek alternatives to trophy hunting, which they deem as cruel. And in Germany — Europe’s biggest importer of African elephant trophies — the government has suggested there should be stricter limits on importing them. The president of Botswana recently threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany as part of the dispute. Shingai Nyoka, a BBC reporter in neighbouring Zimbabwe, explains the laws that govern trophy hunting and why they’re up for debate. And John Murphy, a BBC News reporter in London, recounts his experience visiting an “elephant corridor” — regular routes taken by elephants in their daily commute between their feeding grounds on one side and water on the other. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Shingai Nyoka Producers: Alex Rhodes and William Lee Adams Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

On Monday, millions of people across Mexico, the US and Canada saw a total solar eclipse. That’s when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking its light. But it’s not just eclipse-chasers who are excited. Scientists are too. They’re using the opportunity to study the Earth's upper atmosphere (known as the ionosphere), the Sun’s corona, and even animal behaviour. So, could this solar eclipse could help unlock some of the secrets of our universe? Astronomer Jimena Stephenson and the BBC’s Laura Garcia explain. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde*In this episode Laura says Mexico last witnessed a solar eclipse in 1999. But it was in fact 1991.*

Over the last few decades, most countries in Europe have abolished compulsory military service. But following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the debate around conscription has returned. Last year Latvia restarted mandatory military service for men between 18 and 27. And now other countries are expanding their policies on conscription and encouraging their allies to follow suit. Last month Denmark proposed extending mandatory military service to women.BBC Europe correspondent Nick Beake explains why countries are bringing back conscription and how changing rules are affecting young people. We also hear from two young conscripts in Estonia . They describe their training and the mental toll it can take. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Mora Morrison, Alex Rhodes, William Lee Adams Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Vinícius Júnior is one of the top footballers in the world but recently he broke down in tears when asked about the racist abuse he’s suffered from fans while playing for Spanish side Real Madrid. It’s sparked a fierce debate about racism in the sport and in Spain itself. The Brazilian has said that La Liga “belongs to racists”, so what can be done about the problem?We’ve got BBC Sport presenter Isaac Fanin and the What in the World team’s Maria Clara Montoya in the studio with Hannah to break down the issue. And we hear how a small team in Madrid, Dragones de Lavapiés, is trying to tackle racism and prejudice at a community level. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Alex Rhodes and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

Welcome to the future. There are some people who already live with an implant inside their head. Noland Arbaugh is one of them - he’s paralysed but can now work a computer with his mind. There could be more people with brain chips if Elon Musk's hopes for his company, Neuralink, come true. He wants humans to merge with artificial intelligence to stop AI from taking over the world. That’s not happening any time soon, but there are lots of questions around how brain implants are used at the moment. How are they helping people? Are they ethical? Could we all have one at some point?Wired's biotech reporter, Emily Mullin, tells us more about how these brain interface devices work. And neuroethicist Laura Cabrera reflects on the moral implications of these implants. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Baldeep Chahal, Benita Barden and Emily Horler Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Senegal's democracy was put at risk earlier this year when former president, Macky Sall, tried to hold onto power by delaying elections and putting political opponents in prison. But the election went ahead and Senegal now has a new president. Who is Bassirou Diomaye Faye and with him in charge, what’s the future for the country?From Dakar, BBC correspondent Thomas Naadi tells us more about Faye's road to the Senegalese presidency.And BBC journalist Natasha Booty gives us some details about Faye's personal life, which has attracted much attention now he’s the first president in Senegal in a polygamous marriage with two wives. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Maria Clara Montoya and Benita Barden Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

You may have started seeing adverts on your social media feed for a website called Temu. Its motto is “shop like a billionaire” and it sells… well, pretty much everything. The only thing the products in its marketplace have in common is that they’re dirt cheap and made in China.It’s the global wing of a Chinese e-commerce shopping company and burst onto the scene in 2022. It’s now worth just under 150 billion dollars. It’s aggressively marketed itself, releasing glossy adverts during the Superbowl, cultivating an army of influencers and offering promotions that encourage users to sign up other shoppers for cash giveaways. But the small print details of these deals got some experts worried about data and privacy protection. Alex chats to BBC Business and Tech reporter Sam Gruet talk about the origins of the company and how it manages to make money when its products are so cheap. Hannah speaks to BBC journalist Tom Espiner about the giveaway promotion and why users may have signed away more than they’d bargained for. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworldWhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Email: [email protected]: Hannah Gelbart and Alex Rhodes Producers: Baldeep Chahal and Maria Clara Montoya Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

The cost of cocoa - the key ingredient for making chocolate - has reached an all-time high. In fact, the price has roughly doubled over the past year. The soaring cocoa prices are squeezing major chocolate makers and filtering through to consumers who are paying more for their sweet treats.Nkechi Ogbonna, the BBC’s Senior West Africa Business Correspondent, explains how climate change, irregular rainfall and crop infestations are contributing to the price hike. It’s a similar story for coffee, as producers face growing demand and environmental challenges. Vanusia Nogueira, the executive director of the International Coffee Organization, tells us more.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: William Lee Adams, Baldeep Chahal and Mora Morrison Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Marina Summers is one of the top drag queens in the Philippines and she was one of the finalists on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World. Her drag embraces her Philippine identity, with looks on the show inspired by rice farming and even the national fish. Drag culture in the Philippines is becoming more mainstream but it’s not completely easy for all drag queens - one queen, is facing prison time for ‘offending religion’, after dressing up as Jesus in a show. So what is life like for a Filipino drag queen? Plus we hear from two young LGBT people about what drag and being LGBT means to them.Also, William Lee Adams, from the What in the World team, takes us through what LGBT rights are like across Southeast Asia. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde

Beyoncé has released her highly anticipated new album, Cowboy Carter. It is a deep dive into the country-western genre. Some critics have questioned why one of the biggest R'n'B vocalists in the world would experiment with country. But others say it is her right as a Texas-born singer. Regardless, there is a strong sense that she is helping black artists take up more space in a genre long associated with white Americans. Sophie Williams, a BBC reporter, explains how black artists have often felt excluded from the country music industry. We also hear the from two black women working in country music: Holly G, the founder of Black Opry, an organisation that connects black artists in the country and Americana genres, and Tiera Kennedy, a singer-songwriter from Alabama who appears on Beyoncé’s tracks Blackbird, which is a cover of The Beatles’ original song, and Tyrant.We also hear from Dr Emmett G Price III, dean of Africana Studies at Berklee College of Music & Boston Conservatory. He explains how African-American history influenced the development of country music. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Sophie Williams Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Flying cars are something that’s straight out of sci-fi films and novels. But despite predictions in the past that we’d all be driving/flying one by now, they’ve always been confined to visions of the future. But could all that be about to change? A Chinese firm has bought a European company who’ve made a working flying car and has got permission to fly them in an unspecified location in its home country. China is a huge driving force behind the adoption of electric vehicles - can it do the same for flying cars? The BBC’s Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman takes us through the story. Plus Alex from the What in the World team drops in to talk about other predictions and whether they came true. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Alex Rhodes, Adam Chowdhury and Baldeep Chahal Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

More than two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western countries have ramped up their attempts to stifle Russia’s economy using sanctions. These are economic penalties imposed by one country on another to stop them acting aggressively or breaking international law. There are now around 16,500 sanctions against Russia that target sectors from energy to finance to aviation. However, Russia’s economy has proven resilient. Vitaly Shevchenko, Russia editor at BBC Monitoring, explains the ways Moscow has managed to evade sanctions. He also assesses whether sanctions can work long-term. Plus, Dr Thomas Withington, an expert on electronic warfare, discusses how Russia uses ‘ghost ships’ to trade sanctioned goods without being caught.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

All of these African countries have suffered major internet disruption this month: Ivory Coast, Liberia, Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Burkina Faso. This meant people couldn’t do everyday things like post on social media, send money to each other or order taxis. It’s because of damage to some of the underwater cables off the coast of west Africa. These cables, some only as thick as a garden hose, span thousands of miles and are responsible for most of the earth’s internet access. BBC Africa business reporter Jewel Kiriungi tells the affected countries are dealing with being knocked offline.And internet infrastructure expert Doug Madory explains how exactly this vast network of cables works and what might have happened to cause the online blackout. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross Roy, Alex Rhodes and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Havana Syndrome has confused scientists ever since it first emerged in Cuba in 2016. The mystery illness mostly affects American officials working in embassies abroad. They report symptoms like hearing buzzing and screeching noises, and often experience pulses of pain and intense pressure in their skulls.Among other theories, people have suggested it’s a side effect from some unknown surveillance technology or the result of microwave weapons deployed by foreign enemies. Others argue it’s likely a mass psychogenic illness — so one that’s all in the mind — resulting from stress.But some scientists think it might be physical, so there have been studies that look for signs of damage in the brains of people experiencing symptoms. Two of the most recent studies in the U.S. failed to detect any. So what or who is causing this illness?We hear from Gordon Corera, the BBC’s Security Correspondent, who talks us through the some of the theories.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Gordon Corera Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Simon Peeks

Cookies are a way for organisations to collect data from people who visit their site or app. You might see banners popping up on sites you visit asking you to accept or decline them. Maria Clara Montoya from the What in the World team explains how cookies work and why we often see that choice.Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, has rolled out a paid-subscription version of their social media sites for users in Europe. If you pay the subscription you don’t get advertisements and Meta says it doesn’t get your data. If you don’t pay, the sites get your data and you see ads. Meta says they’re doing this to comply with European Union laws on data collection.But some privacy campaigners say people shouldn’t have to pay if they don’t want to share their data. Privacy expert and campaigner Alexander Hanff, known as That Privacy Guy, explains what happens to our data when we browse online.And Bipana Dhakal, founder of “The Learning Fortress” in Nepal, explains how you can keep your online data safe. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Emily Horler, Maria Clara Montoya and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Plane manufacturing giant Boeing has been making the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Videos of a dramatic door blowout onboard an Alaskan Airlines flight swept through social media in January. BBC reporter Thomas Mackintosh tells us about his chat with Cuong Tran, the man who was just inches away from the hole in the plane.We also hear from the BBC’s North America Business Correspondent Erin Delmore, who tells us what might be behind the other incidents involving Boeing this year and how the company has responded.Plus we discuss the allegations of a whistleblower who appears to have taken his own life in between testifying against the company. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Alex Rhodes and Baldeep Chahal Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Some women with afro and curly textured hair use chemicals to straighten their hair. But using these products can lead to burns and skin irritation. And some of the ingredients, like formaldehyde, are carcinogens. Some studies have shown a link between their use and higher rates of some cancers. Kate Holden, a hair and scalp expert, tells us how chemical straighteners work. Dorcas Wangira, the BBC’s Africa Health correspondent, explains the health effects of using these products. Mary Isokariari from the What in the World team discusses why some women feel pressure to straighten their hair. Chinenye Ézémbu in Nigeria tells us why she chemically relaxes her hair and Deborah William shares her health issues, which she thinks are linked to her use of chemical hair straighteners. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mary Isokariari, Emily Horler and Adam Chowdhury Researcher: Jaidaa Taha Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Idris Elba, one of the actors rumoured to be the next James Bond, is leading a project to turn an island in Sierra Leone into an eco-city. The new plans for Sherbro Island include wind-powered renewable electricity, solar farms and a film studio. The hope is that the island will become a tourist destination for people seeking the sun. The BBC’s David Waddell spoke to Elba about his new project. David joins us to explain the actor’s motivations and his vision for the city. But we can’t not mention Akon City! Grammy award-winning artist Akon also has plans to transform a part of Africa. In 2018, the Senegalese-American said he would build ‘Akon City’ on the coast of Senegal. The R&B star said he wanted to create something like Wakanda from Marvel’s Black Panther. However, the project has been hit by delays and has barely got off the ground. Borso Tall, a journalist based in Senegal, takes us though the latest. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: William Lee Adams and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Emily Horler

The Philippines is one of the most at risk countries in the world from the effects of climate change. At the same time, it has some of the most expensive energy in Southeast Asia and relies heavily on imported coal. But a recent report by the NGO Climate Analytics found that, by 2050, the Philippines could get its energy entirely from renewable sources.Is it feasible? Three Filipinos give us their thoughts. Jhesset Enano is a journalist, Mitzi Jonelle Tan is a climate activist and Joshua Miguel Lopez works for Reboot, a youth-led organisation working towards a just energy transition. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Emily Horler

In Cameroon, 62 football players have been suspended from the domestic league for double identification or age fraud. One of them is 17 year old Wilfried Nathan Doualla who was part of the Indomitable Lions squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.There have been claims of age fraud in Cameroonian football for a long time now. Last year, 21 members of their under-17s squad failed age tests. Some of them were found to be in their late 20s and early 30s. But these allegations aren’t just limited to Cameroon - there have also been cases in Ghana and Nigeria. BBC Sport Africa reporter Oluwashina Okeleji explains why some players lie about their age and how clubs use MRI technology to work out if a player is under 18. Former Premier League footballer and Ghana international Kwesi Appiah talks about his experience of how age impacts players on the pitch. And Alex from the What in the World team chats about other cases of age fraud and age controversy outside football, from gymnastics to Mariah Carey. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Josh Jenkins Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

At least six trans people have been killed in Mexico since the beginning of the year. Human rights groups say that Mexico is the second most dangerous country to be trans, after Brazil.One of the women killed was Samantha Gómez Fonseca, a trans activist and politician. She was shot multiple times in a taxi in Mexico City. Miguel Fuentes, from the LGTBQ organisation Yaaj, tells us about her life. Naran Sofia Martin del Campo explains the daily challenges that come with being a trans woman in Mexico. And BBC journalist Marcos Gonzalez talks about the culture in Mexico and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Maria Clara Montoya Researcher: Elena Angelides Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks