What in the World

Nuclear power counts for just ten percent of the world’s total power supply and only 33 countries currently have nuclear power stations. But those numbers could soon change as China rushes to build new nuclear facilities and as African countries consider building their own. Jordan Dunbar from the BBC podcast The Climate Question explains how nuclear power works, describes its benefits and drawbacks, and assesses whether it could ever be seen as a green form of energy. Many people are nervous about leveraging nuclear power, partly because of the infamous disasters at nuclear sites like Three Mile Island and Fukushima. Alex from the What in the World team runs us through what happened at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine in 1986. South Africa is the only country in Africa with a nuclear power plant — the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station near Cape Town. But ten other African countries — including Nigeria and Uganda— are looking into getting a plant of their own. Kevyah from the What in the World team explains why some African nations are considering a nuclear future. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producer: Alex Rhodes and Kevyah Cardoso Editor: Emily Horler

South Korea’s Buldak noodles are super spicy - and Denmark’s food regulator has now recalled some types of them, saying they could cause "acute poisoning". The company behind the noodles says there are no quality issues. They’re used in extreme food challenges that often go viral online. So we decided to try them ourselves and they were FIERY!The BBC’s Health and Science Correspondent, James Gallagher, explains why spicy food can make us feel all hot and bothered, how to combat the side effects, and takes us through some common myths about spice.And one of our BBC colleagues, Akwasi Sarpong, tells us how a tiny bit of extremely hot sauce caused some drama at work.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams with Benita Barden Producer: Emily Horler Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

She may be one of music's biggest stars, but it turns out even Billie Eilish is not immune to being ghosted. The ‘Bad Guy’ singer recently opened up about her experience on a BBC podcast, and it got us thinking about why ghosting feels so pervasive and hurtful. So, in this episode, we’re chatting about all things ghosting: where the term came from, what it means, and why it makes us feel so bad. We hear from listeners in Colombia, Nigeria, the United States and France who have been ghosted - or done the ghosting. And Sylvia Anim - a psychosexual therapist in London - shares tips on how to look out for yourself if it happens to you. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with William Lee Adams Producer: Mora Morrison Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Despite the latest data showing fewer women are dying in childbirth globally, maternal mortality remains a huge issue for women across Africa. The World Health Organization says that more than two thirds of maternal deaths across the world happen in the continent. Chad and South Sudan rank the highest for maternal mortality, followed by Nigeria, one of the richest countries in Africa.Dorcas Wangira, the BBC’s Africa Health Correspondent, explains the major causes of maternal death and what efforts are being made towards prevention and reducing rates. She also tells us about the specific issues faced by Nigeria and Kenya.Plus, we speak to Isata Dumbuya, a trained midwife who moved back to Sierra Leone from the UK to improve maternal healthcare. Sierra Leone successfully reduced their maternal mortality rate by 60% and she describes exactly how they achieved this.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Being a feminist in South Korea is often associated with being a man-hater. And people who are thought to look like feminists - by for example having short hair or not wearing makeup - can be ridiculed, or even attacked. Rachel Lee, a journalist based in Seoul, explains why anti-feminist sentiment is growing among young men, how this plays out online, and what the government is doing to protect women. Investigative journalist Chloe Hadjimatheou talks us through the Burning Sun scandal - which saw some K-pop stars imprisoned for crimes against women. And we unpack the 4B movement, which is currently doing the rounds on TikTok. Note: This episode mentions sexual abuse.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Kevyah Cardoso Editor: Emily Horler

Similar to the viral image "All Eyes on Rafah," the image "All Eyes on Papua" has been spreading across social media. It’s turning attention to Papua, a province of Indonesia. The slogan refers to the campaign of the indigenous people of Awyu and Moi in Papua, whose forest is at risk of being cleared for palm oil plantations.Abraham Utama, a BBC journalist based in Jakarta, explains how the campaign started and what it hopes to achieve. We also hear how it has sparked a wider conversation about other issues Papuans face.Plus, Deffe Wabiser, an indigenous Papuan campaigner shares her reaction to the "All Eyes on Papua” picture going viral. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Editor: Emily Horler and Simon Peeks

In April, a top Nollywood star, Junior Pope, was killed in a boat crash, while being transported from a film set. He starred in more than a hundred Nigerian-produced films and his death has got the people who work in the industry asking questions about its safety record. We speak to Ruth Kadiri, an actor and screenwriter who knew Junior Pope. She tells us about her own experiences with dangerous situations in moviemaking. She also talks about the big changes to Nollywood and how some producers are putting their films straight on YouTube, racking up millions of view in the process. Plus we speak to Chidi Dike, a star who’s only recently burst onto the scene. He shares his advice for other young actors and tells us what it’s like to suddenly find yourself in the limelight. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Chimezie UcheAgbo Producers: Emily Horler and Alex Rhodes Editor: Simon Peeks

Phone theft is really common - but what happens to your phone after it’s stolen? Nowadays it’s not just about taking the phone to sell on, or strip for parts. Now thieves will try to scam you afterwards to get your data or bank details. BBC Journalist Zofia Louise’s phone was stolen in London and ended up in Dubai. She talks Hannah through her experience.Nigeria and Brazil also see a lot of phone robberies - BBC journalist Makuochi Okafor tells us what it’s like in Lagos and Jessica Cruz, from the BBC bureau in Sao Paolo, describes how people there try to avoid being a victim of phone theft. Lots of stolen phones seem to turn up in Shenzhen in China. Shawn Yuan from the BBC Global China Unit explains why. And we get tips on how to keep your phone and data safe from British cybersecurity expert Jake Moore.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenters: Hannah Gelbart and Zofia Louise Producers: Alex Rhodes and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

For many, it’s a dream to fly to Nepal and reach the top of the highest peak in the world. But climbing Mount Everest is considered extremely risky even for experienced climbers and it can be deadly. On top of this, climate change is making the conditions even more dangerous. It’s thought that the bodies of nearly 200 of the 330 climbers who have died on the peak are still there, in hard-to-reach areas. The BBC’s Navin Singh Khadka gives us an overview of the facts about the giant and takes us through some of the problems climbing Mount Everest.We hear from two people who have been to the summit - Prakriti Varshney who climbed it in 2022 and Kami Rita Sherpa, who has summited Everest 30 times. That’s the most summits that anyone has ever done! He has been a guide there for 20 years. His son Lakpa Tenzing Sherpa tells us about the dangers of his dad going up the mountain.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Alex Rhodes, Benita Barden, Baldeep Chahal and Mimi Swaby Editor: Verity Wilde

Female genital mutilation affects around 230 million women and girls globally, with rates highest in Africa. FGM is considered a human rights violation and has no health benefits. That’s according to World Health Organisation. Hibo Wardere, a survivor from Somalia, recounts her ordeal and discusses the importance of education in ending the practice. The Gambia banned FGM in 2015, but it could be about to reverse this. BBC journalist Esther Ogola, who’s based in Nairobi, explains why. We also hear how Kenya has more than halved its victims - and discuss the likelihood of the practice ending by 2030, which is the UN’s goal. Note: This episode contains some graphic descriptions of FGM.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Imogen James Editor: Verity Wilde

South African politics faces a big change for the first time in 30 years, after its election results. The ruling African National Congress party lost its majority and won’t be able to govern alone. Rival parties will have to find common ground in preparation for a possible coalition to work out next steps. BBC’s Southern Africa correspondent, Nomsa Maseko, explains why the party is falling out of favour despite its anti-apartheid history and what comes next.We also speak to two people who voted in the election - Darren Campher, a socio-political content creator and Zulaikha Patel, an activist and award-winning author. They tell us about what changes they’d like to see from a new government.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler, Julia Ross-Roy and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in his historic criminal trial in New York. It is the first time a former or serving US president has been convicted of a crime. The court heard from 22 witnesses over six weeks, including the porn actor Stormy Daniels. Trump called the verdict a "disgrace". It’s an unprecedented situation, which leaves a lot questions. Can Donald Trump still run for president? Could he go to prison? And what happens next? There’s loads of contrasting opinions online, so we break down exactly what Donald Trump was found guilty of and we hear from BBC journalists Nomia Iqbal, John Sudworth, Nada Tawfik and Kayla Epstein. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler, Julia Ross-Roy and Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

The slogan “All Eyes on Rafah” has been trending on social media. One image in particular, of white tents spelling out that phrase, has gone viral on Instagram with around 40 million shares. The picture is AI generated. Shayan Sardarizadeh from BBC Monitoring’s disinformation team tells us where the image came from and why so many people have posted it.Rafah is a city in the south of Gaza and it’s been in headlines since the Israeli military began what it calls “targeted” ground operations against Hamas fighters and infrastructure in early May. The UN says around a million people have now fled the fighting in Rafah, but several hundred thousand more could still be sheltering there. Israel has insisted that victory in its seven-month war with Hamas in Gaza is impossible without taking Rafah and rejected warnings that it could have catastrophic humanitarian consequences.Yolande Knell, a BBC Middle East correspondent in Jerusalem, describes what’s happening in Rafah. We also ask her to explain the different efforts to achieve a ceasefire, via negotiations between Israel and Hamas, draft resolutions at the United Nations, and applications to the International Court of Justice. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Two flights have made the headlines recently after being hit by severe turbulence. Early investigations into a Singapore Airlines flight say that the plane dropped around 54m over 4.6 seconds. One passenger died of a suspected heart attack and dozens were injured.Injuries from turbulence is pretty rare but scientists think that climate change could be making severe turbulence more likely in the future. The BBC’s climate and Science reporter, Esme Stallard, joins us to explain what causes severe turbulence and what scientists are doing to limit it.It’s not just planes that fly, birds also have to deal with stormy weather. Researchers are now studying our feathered friends to better understand and predict turbulence. Emily Shepard, a researcher in bird flight and air flow, tells us how this might help.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

In June Europeans will go to the polls to decide the make-up of the next European Parliament. Far-right parties are expected to make significant gains in several countries, including Germany — the most populous country in the European Union. Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) — Germany’s most popular far-right party — have been using social media, especially TikTok, to appeal to younger voters. Their political rivals, including Chancellor Olaf Sholz and his Social Democratic Party, are now playing catch-up when it comes to TikTok.The BBC’s Kristina Volk explains who the AfD are and describes some of the controversies surrounding them during the current election campaign. TikTok specialist Marcus Bösch describes the growth of the AfD on the platform. And we hear from Maggy Hess, who started the #ReclaimTiktok campaign, which makes viral content to counter the influence of the AfD. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Maria Clara Montoya, William Lee Adams and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde

China and South Korea are arguing on social media. This time it’s over K-pop group IVE’s new video for HEYA: some people in China claim that the group is passing off Chinese culture as Korean.This isn’t the first time the neighbouring countries have had disputes about the origin of certain cultural things. There have been spats involving BTS, Squid Game, fashion, and - one that’s still fermenting - kimchi. The BBC’s Kerry Allen and Fan Wang talk us through the what and why. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Emily Horler and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde

Coral around the world is turning white and even dying as recent record ocean heat takes a devastating toll. It has triggered the fourth “global mass coral bleaching event”. Hannah chats to What in the World producer Kevyah Cardoso about the magical life of coral. BBC climate reporter Georgina Rannard explains what’s causing this bleaching and whether the coral can recover from it. And we hear from two parts of the world where people are trying to monitor and revive their coral reefs. The BBC’s Alfred Lasteck in Tanzania tells us about his visit to the Mnemba Island, Zanzibar where they are restoring the coral reefs. And 19 year old environmental activist and divemaster Emma Batty Sukerta, whose family are from Bali, Indonesia, talks about why she is recording the sounds of the coral reefs there. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Kevyah Cardoso & Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

Thousands of young people have been out protesting in Georgia. But this isn’t organised by the opposition or a political party - these demonstrations are being driven by the 20 year olds themselves. It’s all because of a “foreign agents” law the government there is trying to bring in. There’s a fear that this law will suppress dissent and prevent Georgia from eventually joining the European Union. This law will require non-governmental organisations and media outlets that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as an "organisation serving the interests of a foreign power". Don’t worry, we’ll go through it all in the episode.The government says the law aims to increase transparency. Critics refer to it as the “Russian law” because it mirrors similar legislation introduced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his country.Nutsa Dzandzava (22) and Dato Dolaberidze (23) have been spending their spare time on the streets of Georgia’s capital Tblisi. We hear why they’re protesting and what they hope to achieve. The BBC’s Rayhan Demytrie explains a bit about Georgia’s history with Russia - and the details of the controversial law that started the protests. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Maria Clara Montoya, Julia Ross-Roy & Alex Rhodes Editor: Emily Horler

This year’s Olympics will, for the first time, feature breaking – a style of street dance that originated in 1970s New York City. It’s characterised by acrobatic movements, speedy footwork and a hip-hop soundtrack. More than 30 breakers from all over the world will compete. Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun, from Australia, is one of them. Raygun explains the rules and tells us what she loves about the sport, and why it’s so physically demanding. William Lee Adams from the What in the World team chats about the sport's history. And BBC Sport Africa reporter Isaiah Akinremi explains what else to look out for this year — including an Opening Ceremony on the River Seine. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: Adam Chowdhury Producers: William Lee Adams and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde

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.*