What in the World

South Africa’s government is warning young women not to fall for social media recruitment drives promoting job opportunities abroad. That’s after a number of online videos by South African social media influencers advertising jobs for young women in Russia went viral.There have been allegations that some of those recruited to work in Tatarstan have ended up working in a weapons factory, making drones that have been used in Russia's war in Ukraine.BBC reporter Danai Nesta Kupemba walks us through the allegations and explains why young women may be particularly vulnerable to the scam. She also discusses Cyan Boujee, an influencer who has apologised after advertising the recruitment drive. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Abiona Boja and William Lee Adams Editor: Verity Wilde

Toxic masculinity can be seen online - and IRL. Chads, Alphas and Stacys are some terms that are used in an online space known as the ‘manosphere’. In this space men often share content that can be toxic, misogynistic, and, in extreme cases, lead to real-world violence. In this episode the BBC’s global disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield unpacks how people can become part of the ‘manosphere’, and how it connect to incels - young men describing themselves as "involuntarily celibate". And we also hear from Will Adolphy, a British psychotherapist who experienced the ‘manosphere’ himself and now mentors men on healthy masculinity and mental health. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Mora Morrison and Maria Clara Montoya Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

A chunk of the planet Mars - the largest ever found on Earth - recently sold for $4.3 million at Sotheby’s auction house in New York City. A meteorite hunter first discovered the massive rock in the Sahara desert in Niger in 2023. So how did the meteorite end up at an auction in New York City and why would anyone pay millions of dollars for it? BBC reporter Damian Zane walks us through the rock’s mysterious journey — from Mars to New York, via Niger and Italy. He also shares the concerns that Niger’s government has about the sale and how Sotheby’s has responded. We also hear from Julia Cartwright from the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester. She explains how the market surrounding meteorites can lead to even more discoveries. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Rosabel Crean Editor: Verity Wilde

It’s a question artists have been racking their brains over for years: how long is the perfect pop song? The rise of streaming platforms meant that for a while, the answer was to keep it short and snappy, so listeners would be less likely to hit the skip button. After the launch of TikTok, pop songs shrank even more, with the average song in the charts lasting only three minutes and twelve seconds. But BBC News analysis shows that song lengths are creeping back up, with some of the biggest hits in the last few years - like Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club - crossing over the four minute line. So, how has TikTok affected how artists make music? And are we about to see pop songs get even longer - despite the popularity of the platform?BBC music correspondent Mark Savage explains why the length of pop songs has changed over the years - and what royalties have to do with it. And we hear from TikTok musicians Queen Ife and Fiona Kida, who tell us how the platform has changed how they create and share their music.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Ghana has been described as the fashion industry’s dumping ground. Around 15 million second-hand garments arrive every week, making Ghana the world’s largest importer of used clothing. Many of the garments are re-sold and re-purposed at Kantamanto Market in the capital Accra. But estimates suggest that 40% of these garments are too damaged to be sold or upcycled, so much of it ends up as waste on Ghana’s beaches and lagoons. Young people are working to solve the problem. One organisation trying to address the environmental impact of fast fashion is The Or Foundation. We attend a beach clean-up led by Joseph Shaw Ayesu, an ecological research manager, to find out how discarded garments end up on the beach. Then Sammy Oteng, a community engagement manager, explains why Ghana imports so much second-hand clothing in the first place. And finally Nutifafa “Fafa” Mensah gives us a tour of Kantamanto Market, where imported textiles are upcycled and re-purposed to extend their lifespan. Ruth, an upcycler, discusses the difficulties she faces working with bales filled with synthetic and severely worn textiles. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

In the UK, if you want to watch pornography or see content on sites like X, Reddit and Discord that is deemed only suitable for people over 18 years old, you now need to provide your identification to prove you are old enough to access this material. The UK government says its Online Safety Act aims to make the internet safer, especially for children. However, some are concerned about their online privacy.BBC technology reporter Liv McMahon explains the new law and how the age verification works plus what the rules are in some other countries. We also hear from people in Egypt and Switzerland and how they feel about online age checks.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

The big fat 'fake' Indian wedding is social media’s latest party trend. Fake wedding parties have taken the world and social media by storm with people getting together to enjoy all the fun of a wedding party: the food, Bollywood music, dancing and glamorous outfits. But there aren't any of the rules on how to dress or act and none of the nagging questions from nosey relatives.We speak to Devina Gupta, a BBC journalist in Delhi, about how these fake parties are contributing to India’s $130bn wedding industry, and how venues are optimising the trend to make up for lost profits in the quiet season. We get all the goss on Dubai’s very own fake wedding party from pals Tanisha Dhawan, Laveena Barathi and Mihika Asrani who attended. Plus, they tell us whether they’re ready to splash the cash on a big fat wedding of their own.Thumbnail credit: ThirdPlaceInstagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Abiona Boja and Mora Morrison Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Life is full of plastic, but it’s not always fantastic. We know that plastic is super useful: it helps keep food fresh and lets medicines, like vaccines, be delivered at scale to billions of people. But the world is drowning in it. In fact, the amount of plastic on our planet now weighs more all the land and sea creatures currently alive. Last week countries from around the world gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, to try to come up with a plan to tackle plastic pollution. But they once again failed. That’s because there is a split between those calling for curbs on the production of plastic, and oil states pushing for a focus on recycling.BBC climate correspondent Georgina Rannard talks us through the problem, the conference, and potential solutions to plastic waste. And we also hear from 24-year-old conservationist Sri Mauliani about how plastic pollution impacts Indonesia. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison, Benita Barden and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde

North Korea is one of the world’s most secretive nations. For years it’s been almost entirely closed to foreign visitors (apart from a few highly-controlled tours each year). But in July the state opened the luxury Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, which was promoted as an attraction for both locals and foreigners. It has hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and a water park, with a capacity of 20,000 people, according to state media.Since the resort began construction in 2018, human rights groups have protested the alleged mistreatment of its workers. According to early planning documents seen by BBC Verify, the initial goal was to attract more than a million visitors, with foreign tourists expected to mainly come from China and Russia.But now, a notice on North Korea's tourism website says that foreigners are "temporarily" not allowed to visit. Russian tourists appear to be the exception. We speak to Rachel Lee, a BBC reporter in South Korea about why North Korea is trying to boost its tourism. And we hear from Anastasia Samsonova, a Russian tourist who visited the resort.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Abiona Boja Additional reporting: Yaroslava Kiryukhina Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Jamestown in Accra, Ghana, is famous for producing boxing world champions like Azumah Nelson. However, it wasn't until last year that a female boxer brought back a historic new title. Abigail Kwartekaa Quartey defeated British boxer Sangeeta Birdie, making her Ghana's first female boxing champion and Jamestown's newest boxing prodigy.Abigail tells us how the journey to victory was a difficult one. We hear about the social and financial challenges she faced in detail.Plus, Isaac Fanin, a sports reporter from BBC Newsday gives us a crash course on what it takes to become a world champion boxer.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Benita Barden, Beryl Richter Editor: Verity Wilde

Mexico's president is among those who have criticised Adidas for perceived cultural appropriation. The brand's Oaxaca Slip-On was inspired by traditional leather sandals known as huaraches made by Indigenous artisans in Mexico. But with its slip-ons, Adidas and its designer Willy Chavarria didn’t work with the original designers and there are some reports that the sandals were made in China. We unpack the controversy with Jennifer Meierhans, a BBC business reporter. Plus: Javier Uhthoff, an intellectual property lawyer, explains the rights that designers and artisans in Mexico have when it comes to their creations. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Maria Clara Montoya and William Lee Adams Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Costa Rica is known as a world leader in eco-tourism. It has lush rainforests, tranquil beaches and protected wildlife and is famous for sustainable travel. It’s part of a growing market that promises to protect nature, support local economies and let people explore the world without harming it.But can tourism ever really be eco-friendly? Or is the very act of getting on a plane, staying at a resort or hotel, and taking selfies in pristine places fundamentally at odds with sustainability?Graihagh Jackson, a BBC journalist who also presents the Climate Question Podcast, takes us through what eco-tourism is and what issues tourism can cause for local communities. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Emily Horler Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Players on Nigeria’s female basketball team will receive a cash reward of $100,000 each and a three-bedroom apartment following their win at the Fiba Women’s AfroBasket Championship. That comes just weeks after Nigeria’s women’s football team, the Super Falcons, were promised a similar award after winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.President Bola Tinubu says the women are deserving of the recognition because they have inspired Nigerians to dream big and brought honour to the West African country. But reaction to the cash prize has been mixed, with some saying such rewards are unsustainable given the country’s economic difficulties. Mansur Abubakar, a BBC reporter in Abuja, tells us about the government’s promises and describes the apartments in more detail. We also get reactions from Nigerian basketball fans. And William from the What in the World team tells us about the various incentives — from cash to cows — that other countries have offered athletes. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Editor: Harriet Oliver

Experts have discovered a new small species of dinosaur. It has been named Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, and scientists say it lived around 150 million years ago, during the late Jurassic period. Millions of years following their extinction, how are we still finding new dinosaurs? And how much can we learn from them?BBC Science correspondent Victoria Gill explains the discovery and why we’re fascinated by them. We also hear from two dinosaur experts. Steve Brusatte is a professor of Palaeontology and Evolution at the University of Edinburgh and also consulted on the Jurassic Park movies. And Aswatha Biju is an Indian palaeontologist who has been collecting dinosaur fossils since she was 12 years old.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Mora Morrison and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Back in 2019, Ghana’s then president sent out an invitation to people with African heritage to come to Ghana. It was called the Year of Return - a campaign by Ghana's tourism board to mark 400 years since the first documented African slaves were taken to America. The campaign built on ideas of Pan-Africanism, a movement to promote unity and liberation on the continent. So five years on, how is it going? We hear from Lakeshia Ford, Rowena Habadah, and Mama Kexornyi, three women who made the decision to relocate and live in Ghana. They tell us about the challenges they faced and how life in Ghana altered their perspective on life. Plus, Kobby Mensah, chief executive of Ghana Tourism Development Company, discusses whether the Year of Return has benefited Ghana's tourism industry and led to increased investment in the country. We also question him about some of the tensions resulting from rising costs.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Benita Barden, Beryl Richter Editor: Verity Wilde

If you’re a Barca fan, you might want to look out for a small change to the players’ kits that’s coming soon. The Democratic Republic of Congo has struck a four-year sponsorship deal with FC Barcelona, that will see “DR Congo - Heart of Africa" emblazoned on the back of their training shirts from the start of next season. The deal reportedly cost the country around 50 million dollars and includes a training camp in Spain for 50 young Congolese players, according to the Sports Minister. But it’s also faced criticism at home and abroad, as the DRC continues to struggle with poverty and political instability.BBC journalist Emery Makumeno joins us from Kinshasa to explain the reasons the country has given for making the deal and the issues its own football league is facing. BBC sports journalist Daniel Austin explains how sports sponsorship works and what it reveals about money, image, and influence in sport. And we hear from football fans in the DRC, who share what they think of the deal.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

At least 30,000 of the 350,000 known plant species on our planet are edible, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, but only 170 species of plant are cultivated for food on a large scale. As climate change affects plant yields and disease threatens some of our most popular crops (bananas, we’re looking at you), scientists say we need to explore so-called “forgotten foods” to diversify the crops we grow. But what are they — and what are some of the opportunities and challenges of growing them at scale?BBC Climate and Science correspondent Georgina Rannard explains why food security is such an important issue - and the solutions scientists are finding to tackle this. Kew Gardens ethnobotanist Philippa Ryan, from the UK, tells us about some examples of forgotten foods. And BBC Africa business correspondent Jewel Kiriungi explains why seed sharing - a practice to help preserve crop diversity - is banned in Kenya.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates and Julia Ross-Roy Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

If you look at the list of box office hits from the past year, you’ll see lots of live action versions of children’s and young adult films, and even film adaptations of video games. Films like A Minecraft movie and Lilo and Stitch.Last year Inside Out 2 led the global box office earning $1.69 billion, and 6 out of the top 10 movies were animated - it’s a big jump up from the year before. Previously action and comedy films seem to dominate, but this year, ‘The Naked Gun’ is only the second big-screen comedy to hit cinemas.Why are kids films and remakes of familiar films are doing so well at the moment? Megan Lawton chats to us about why this might be and what it might say about Hollywood.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde

Botox - or Botulinum toxin injections - has become mainstream. It’s no longer for the super-rich and A-list celebrities. As it’s become cheaper and more beauticians on the high street are offering it, its use is starting to become more widespread and normalised. Influencers are open about (some of) the non-surgical procedures they’ve had done. Why has it become so popular? BBC Health and Wellbeing reporter Annabel Rackham explains how these anti-wrinkle injections work (the most common of which is the product Botox) and how they differ from other “tweakments” like filler. We also discuss the potential risks of getting these injections as well as a recent case of hospitalisations after fake Botox was used. And what to be aware of if you’ve decided you want to get it done. BBC Africa Health correspondent Dorcas Wangira explains the rising demand for non-surgical beauty procedures in Kenya and why the authorities there are trying to crack down on unlicensed clinics and spas and practitioners with no registration. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Maria Clara Montoya and Julia Ross-Roy Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

A growing number of countries have said they could recognise Palestine as a state. What does a Palestinian state mean? And why is this one of the most divisive issues on the planet? In recent weeks France has joined the list of countries that think that a Palestinian state should be recognised. Canada and the UK say they may do it the same, if conditions aren’t met by Israel.The BBC’s Chief International correspondent Lyse Doucet explains some of the issues involved and why the situation is so complex.Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Mora Morrison Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Albinism is a rare genetic condition that reduces melanin; that’s the pigment that gives colour to your skin, eyes, and hair. The condition can make people more vulnerable to skin cancer and it can also cause problems with vision. There’s a history of discrimination and stigma. Journalist and disability advocate Teejay Ameen talks about his experience of growing up in Nigeria with albinism and how it compares to the UK, where he lives now. Makuochi Okafor, BBC Africa Health reporter, explains what support exists in Nigeria for people with albinism and whether attitudes are changing. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Stefania Okereke, Benita Barden, Chelsea Coates and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

Agronejo is a relatively new genre of Brazilian music. It draws on Brazil’s ever-popular traditional country music, sertanejo but adds a modern twist adding pop, electronic, funk or hiphop. Crucially agronejo, like sertanejo, celebrates the Brazilian rural and farming lifestyle. The music videos - with farmers in cowboy hats, bling watches, and expensive tractors - are getting millions of views online. Some of the most famous artists are Us Agroboy, Ana Castela, Luan Pereira and DJ Chris no Beat.But critics say the agricultural industry, or “agrobusiness”, is using the genre to sell an idealised vision of the sector and distract from its environmental impact. The musicians and the industry reject this. Marco Silva, a BBC journalist specialising in climate disinformation, who has made a documentary about this, explains the inspiration behind agronejo. We hear some of his interview with Us Agroboy. And we discuss the environmental impact of Brazil’s agriculture sector and whether this music gives an accurate portrayal of the industry.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Maria Clara Montoya and Julia Ross-Roy Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

In June 2025, a Europe-wide law enforcement operation shut down Archetyp Market, the longest-running illegal drug marketplace on the dark web. 300 officers were involved and assets worth €7.8 million were seized. It’s estimated that Archetyp had over 600,000 users worldwide, with a total transaction volume of at least €250 million, mainly offering illegal drugs for sale, like cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.BBC Cyber correspondent Joe Tidy explains how the dark web and these marketplaces work as well as what we know about how the police were able to track down Archetyp’s vendors and moderators. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emilia Jansson and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

Sinkholes are holes that suddenly appear in the ground. They can be any size but some are enormous. Some have swallowed cars, parts of buildings and even people. There are terrifying videos online of football pitches being sucked into the ground, or the resulting huge circular chasms in the middle of cities. They are found all over the world but some parts of the world are more prone to them than others.In this episode BBC climate and science reporter Esme Stallard answers our questions about what causes them - and whether you can predict if one is going to happen. In China, the sink holes there are actually different from the rest of the world. Devra Willingham, from the National Cave and Karst Research Institute in the US, tells us why and what it’s like to go into one.And we examine if climate change is making sinkholes more common. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Chelsea Coates and Mora Morrison Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Outer space is starting to get crowded. Private companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin are launching rockets regularly, thousands of satellites now orbit Earth, and celebrities like Katy Perry are signing up for space tourism. There’s talk of more missions to the Moon, and Elon Musk is even hoping for human landings on Mars, within the next decade. But while space tech is racing ahead, the laws that govern it are lagging behind. In fact, there’s only one major international law, the Outer Space Treaty - but that was made ages ago in 1967. In this episode we hear from three people studying space law; Andre Kwok, a recent graduate at the Australian National University, and Judith Jahnke from Sweden and Martina Elia Vitoloni from Argentina, both at McGill University in Canada. And BBC journalist Freya Scott-Turner explains what laws we already have and why it’s been difficult to agree on more. Archive material provided by British Pathé.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Freya Scott-Turner and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

What if countries could sue each other for wrecking the climate? Well, that’s now a real possibility after a decision by the UN’s top court, the International Court of Justice (the ICJ). The court made the decision after a group of young law students from low-lying Pacific islands on the frontlines of climate change started a campaign in 2019. But critics say it will be hard to untangle who caused what when it comes to climate change — and that they’re already making good progress when it comes to reducing harm to the environment.BBC Climate and Science Correspondent Georgina Rannard talks us through what this decision means and how it could impact future climate cases. And we hear from two of the young campaigners who helped bring this case to the ICJ, who tell us what this decision means to them and their communities.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

Period tracking apps help you track your menstrual cycle, so you know when to expect your period. They’re growing in popularity worldwide, with the three most popular ones racking up over 250 million downloads between them. But studies show that some women might also be using them to avoid getting pregnant. One of the apps, Natural Cycles, has been approved in the US to be used as a contraceptive. The company claims it is 93% effective at preventing pregnancies, when used perfectly. So why are more people turning to these apps? Are they safe to use as a contraceptive and what are the risks?Sexologist Rayka Kumru from Turkey explains why these period tracking apps are becoming so popular and the privacy concerns around using them. Dr Francesco Rampazzo, a lecturer in Demography at the University of Oxford, tells us more about where period tracking apps are getting the most downloads. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates, Benita Barden and Emilia Jansson Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Harriet Oliver

Violence has flared up again in Syria, this time in the southern province of Suweida. Fighting has broken out between the government forces and two minority groups: the Druze and the Bedouins. It’s not the first time that the stability of the country has been shaken since the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad last December. But it signals the challenges the new government faces - not just from internal violence, but from its neighbours. Israel launched air strikes on Suweida and the Syrian capital, Damascus, and says it will only hold a US-backed ceasefire if the Druze are protected. So, what’s behind this conflict - and what does it mean for the future of Syria?We speak to BBC Monitoring journalist Tess Mallinder Heron, to explain who the different groups involved in the fighting are and what’s behind the dispute. And we hear from our BBC Middle East Correspondent in Damascus, Lina Sinjab, who tells us what life has been like for people in Syria since the fall of Assad’s regime - and how the new government is trying to maintain control in Syria.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

Dozens of coastal cities — from Jakarta to Manila — are sinking at a worrying speed. Climate change, too much water being pumped out of the ground for drinking and the type of land cities are built on all contribute to the problem. But people around the world are coming up with innovative ways to tackle this.Aghnia Adzkia, a BBC journalist based in Jakarta, shares why Indonesia’s capital is particularly vulnerable, and how people there are trying to protect themselves. BBC climate correspondent Georgina Rannard explains the link between climate change and rising sea levels. And we hear from people helping their local communities to adapt, such as architect Kunlé Adeyemi, who designed a floating school in Lagos. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Chelsea Coates, Mora Morrison and Maria Clara Montoya Video Journalist: Adam Chowdhury and Jem Westgate Editor: Verity Wilde

Wafcon — or the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations — is heating up. Ahead of the final this Saturday in Morocco, only four teams out of twelve remain: Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco and Ghana. The tournament first took place in 1991 and since then, it’s taken off, with the Confederation of African Football reporting that more that more people are tuning in to watch every twist and turn of the competition. It’s given football stars from across the continent a chance to show off their skills on the world stage - and put the spotlight firmly on the women’s game.So which team will get to hold up the cup this year? And how is the tournament changing attitudes to women’s football across Africa?BBC Africa sports reporter Celestine Karoney explains how the tournament has changed over the years and what challenges female players still face. And the BBC’s Sara Menai updates us on the latest from the tournament as the last four teams battle it out for the cup.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Mora Morrison and Chelsea Coates Editor: Emily Horler

If someone talks about Cuba does it make you think of cigars and classic cars? Or maybe you think of limited freedom of speech and Che Guevara?We’re talking about Cuba because its minister for Labour, Elena Feitó Cabrera, was forced to resign after she said there was no such thing as ‘beggars’ on the island. What’s the situation with homelessness?We’re running through some of the top claims we’ve seen about Cuba online with Will Grant, our Cuba Correspondent, and break down how much truth there is behind them.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Do you find yourself tossing and turning for hours whilst struggling to fall asleep? Or are you out like a light the minute your head touches the pillow? Genetics and environment can play a big part in how easy (or not) you find sleeping. BBC science journalist Caroline Steel tells us more about what happens to our brains when we sleep and what exactly happened when she visited a sleep lab for a BBC documentary. Medical doctor and sleep expert Dr Jonathan Tham gives us his top tips on getting a good night’s sleep.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emilia Jansson, Josh Jenkins and Julia Ross-Roy Video Journalist: Jem Westgate Editor: Verity Wilde

Oceans make up more than 99% of the Earth’s habitats by volume — yet less than 20% of them have been explored. Some even say it’s easier to send astronauts into space than it is to reach the ocean floor. Only a handful of people have ever reached the deepest part of the ocean - known as the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. So, why is it so difficult to get there? And what new tech is helping us uncover the ocean’s secrets? The BBC’s Climate and Science correspondent Georgina Rannard explains why we know so little about what’s going on in the deepest parts of the ocean and some of the discoveries that have been made about this mysterious part of our world. Archive courtesy of British Pathé.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Baldeep Chahal, Julia Ross-Roy, Emily Horler and Emilia Jansson Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Across cultures, weddings are usually a big event. Lots of us look forward to dressing up and dancing the night away with the person we love — but what if you kept all the festivities and got rid of the romance? Well, some young people in China are doing exactly that, by looking online for a ‘marriage buddy’. They pretend to be together to please their families, but aren’t actually legally married. So, why are they willing to go to such lengths to meet societal expectations? And how does it all work? Wanqing Zhang from the BBC’s Global China Unit talks us through the process — and explains the pressure put on young people in China to tie the knot. And we hear from Linda, a young woman in China who tells us why she’s decided to find a marriage buddy.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Chelsea Coates, Mora Morrison and María Clara Montoya Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal and Jem Westgate Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Loneliness is a feeling lots of us face from time to time… and it might be more common than you think. A new study from the World Health Organisation suggests that between 2014 and 2023, one in six of us were feeling lonely - and teenage girls reported feeling this way the most. Apps like Bumble BFF or Meetup and social media groups dedicated to meeting new people are also on the rise. So why are so many of us feeling lonely? And what can you do to feel more connected?BBC journalist Emilia Jansson takes us on a friendship date, sharing her experience of using social media to make new friends and helping us to unpack the data on loneliness. We also hear from teenagers around the world who describe when they’ve felt lonely. And Dr Laurie Santos, a psychologist professor at Yale University in the US, tells us her top tips for tackling loneliness.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Mora Morrison and Chelsea Coates Editor: Emily Horler

Tension is rising in Kenya after a new wave of anti-government protests against alleged government corruption and police brutality. Dozens have been killed and many have condemned the words of President William Ruto, who’s said that protesters targeting businesses should be shot in the legs. Anita Nkonge, a BBC reporter in Nairobi, explains what has been happening; plus we hear from young Kenyans who have attended the protests. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emilia Jansson, Josh Jenkins, Emily Horler and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Water pistols have become a symbol of resistance against overtourism in several cities around the world. This summer local residents in Barcelona, Spain, have been using them again to show their frustration at how mass tourism is impacting their city; from housing to overcrowding. BBC journalist Laura García joins us to explain why there is so much anger directed towards tourists, as well as host websites such as Airbnb. We also hear which strategies governments in Spain and elsewhere are adopting to deal with the issue. Plus, travel influencer Joy Malonza shares tips about how we can all be more conscientious travellers. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emilia Jansson and Mora Morrison Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Rare earth minerals are vital to modern human life - but you probably haven’t heard of them. They’re in our phones, computers and cars. These minerals aren’t actually that rare, but they’re difficult to extract - and this process can be pretty damaging to the environment. Mining just one tonne of rare earth minerals creates 2,000 tonnes of toxic waste. China has been mining rare earths since the 1950s and now the rest of the world is scrambling to find their own reserves.The BBC’s Climate and Science reporter Esme Stallard explains what rare earths are, and why they matter. And BBC China correspondent Laura Bicker has been to visit two of the most important rare earth mining sites in the country. She tells us about the visit and the pollution their extraction has caused.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producer: Josh Jenkins and Emilia Jansson Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

From drafting emails to planning trips, AI has become like a personal assistant for lots of people around the world. Now, the technology is playing a new role: therapist. Rather than waiting for an appointment or paying to see a professional, thousands of people are turning to AI bots like ChatGPT or DeepSeek for emotional support and advice on their mental health. But is AI up to the job - or could it risk making things worse?BBC journalist Jordan Dunbar talks us through the different AI therapy apps that are out there, how they work and whether they come with data privacy concerns. We also hear from BBC reporter Kelly Ng, who tells us why more young people in China are using DeepSeek for therapy. And psychologist Maytal Eyal tells us about the pitfalls of swapping professional therapists for AI chatbots.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Emily Horler, Julia Ross-Roy, Adam Chowdhury and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Tim Hodges Editor: Verity Wilde

The Velvet Sundown have become a viral hit. The band have over a million streams on Spotify and are generating much discussion across the music community. Except the band and its members don’t actually exist. After weeks of speculation about whether they were real or not, the band have confirmed that they were AI. This has raised many questions about the ethics around AI and music, and whether it actually matters if an artist and their work is human or not. BBC journalist Tamzin Kraftman talks us through the story and discusses the development of AI in the music industry. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Josh Jenkins and Emilia Jansson Editor: Emily Horler

Ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama has finally put an end to years of speculation over what will happen after his death. The head of Tibetan Buddhism confirmed that he will have a successor, who will be chosen by a board he has set up. But the Chinese government says that only they have the authority to appoint the next Dalai Lama. So who will decide how the next Dalai Lama is chosen - and why is the position so significant?Shawn Yuan from the BBC’s Global China Unit explains how the process of finding the next Dalai Lama has changed over the years and talks us through the strained relations between the Chinese government and the spiritual leader. And the BBC’s China Correspondent, Laura Bicker, tells us about her recent visit to a monastery in China's south-western Sichuan province, which has been at the heart of Tibetan resistance for decades.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Chelsea Coates and Josh Jenkins Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

After seven weeks of trial and 34 witnesses, a verdict has been reached: Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of transportation for prostitution of ex-girlfriends Cassie and an anonymous “Jane” and not guilty on the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The rapper had admitted to domestic violence, but always denied any non-consensual sexual encounters or a larger racketeering scheme. He has been denied bail and is expected to be sentenced on 3 October. He still faces multiple civil lawsuits, covering a wide range of offences, including alleged drugging and sexual assault. Some of the allegations date back to the 1980s. Combs denies the allegations.In this episode we explain who Diddy is and the key moments of the trial. We unpack the verdict and ask, what is going to happen to Diddy now? Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Emilia Jansson Editor: Verity Wilde

Recent data from the United States shows there’s a big political divide between Gen Z American men and women. For decades young Americans have mostly voted for the Democrat party. But in last year’s Presidential election, that trend was reversed. Gen Z voted for President Donald Trump and his Republican party, but young men a lot more so - one analysis found that 18-year-old men were 23 percentage points more likely to support President Trump than 18-year-old women. That’s more than double the gender gap in other generations. So is this a problem for our romantic relationships? Is it possible to date someone across the political divide?BBC journalist Jasmine Boykin explains the latest data. We hear from people who’ve dated across the divide - did it work out for them? And Maria Avgitidis, matchmaker and CEO of Agape Match, a matchmaking service based in New York City, tells us why this is a bigger issue for Gen Z compared to previous generations.How can you make a relationship work if you have opposing political views? Jennie Rosier, a professor of communication in interpersonal relationships at James Madison University in the US, and the host of the Love Matters podcast, gives her advice.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Jasmine Boykin, Chelsea Coates, Emily Horler and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde

The United Nations Population Fund World has described the low fertility rates around the world as a ‘crisis’ . Their newest report shows that many people do want to have more children but the cost of raising them and not having enough time are bigger barriers than before. Finding an appropriate partner to have a child with is a struggle too.The BBC’s Population Correspondent Stephanie Hegarty breaks down what’s in the recent UNFPA report. Plus she explains why it’s easier for countries to stop people from having babies, rather than helping them have more.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee-Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

For centuries, Indigenous people around the world have been fighting to reclaim lost land. In most instances, the term Indigenous is used to refer to the people who lived somewhere before colonisers and settlers from a different place arrived. In North America, nearly 99% of Indigenous land has been seized since European colonisers arrived.These days, an online movement using the hashtag #LandBack is supporting Indigenous people who want to take back their ancestral land. BBC journalist Vanessa Igoe explains what the movement is and talks us through the arguments for and against it. Marika Sila, an Indigenous Inuit in Canada, explains what the landback movement means to her. Ailsa Roy, a Wunna Nyiyaparli woman, tells us about the challenges they’ve faced trying to reclaim ancestral lands in Western Australia. And Vanessa Racehorse, a Law professor in the US, looks at the impact on the environment when indigenous people reclaim their land. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Vanessa Igoe, Julia Ross-Roy, Maria Clara Montoya and William Lee Adams Editor: Verity Wilde

The women’s football European Championship kicks off next week in Switzerland. The Euros have thrust a recurring issue into the spotlight: ACL injuries. Female footballers suffer tears to their anterior cruciate ligament, also known as the ACL, more frequently than male footballers. Kesewaa Browne from the What in the World team explains some of the theories on why injury rates are so high.Research has lagged behind for years, but with the sport becoming more high-profile, focus has shifted to what can be done to prevent these types of injuries: from the shape of the football boot to the frequency of international breaks. We speak to Manchester United player Gabby George who has suffered two ACL injuries on the pitch. She tells us about the emotional impact of being forced to watch from the bench rather than playing. And James Brouner from Kingston University in the UK, tells us what research has found so far on the risk factors for female footballers.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee-Adams Producers: Kesewaa Browne, Josh Jenkins and Emilia Jansson Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

You might have come across ads on your TikTok or Instagram feed for Chinese micro-dramas: short episodes lasting only a few minutes with highly addictive plots. Think scandalous affairs, hot vampires and over the top acting (and lots of slapping). They might be a little cheesy, but they’re big business, with China’s micro-drama market expected to be worth $14bn by 2027. The apps like ReelShort or DramaBox, that produce the dramas are racking up downloads around the world - but what does this mean for the TV and film industry as a whole? And what does it say about the effect our phones are having on our attention spans?BBC Global China Unit journalist Mengchen Zhang joins us for a special micro-drama screening - and explains how they’re behind a growing multi-billion dollar industry.Get out the popcorn and put up your feet!Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

After twelve days of intense fighting, Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire that, for now, seems to be holding.Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is the man in charge in Tehran. His current whereabouts are a mystery. As we wait to see what’s next in this conflict, we look into his leadership and how power works in Iran with the help of Ghoncheh Habibiazad from the BBC Persian team. Plus we explain what role President Masoud Pezeshkian plays in all of this too.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: [email protected] Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Benita Barden and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas as been used as a recreational and medical drug since the late 1700s. Dentists often use it as an anaesthetic. It’s been linked to hippie, festival and rave culture for decades. And in the last few years, American rappers like Kanye West, Young Thug and Gunna have been open about using it. You might have seen the little metal cannisters, that people use to dispense the drug, littering the streets. But now, manufacturers of nitrous oxide are producing bigger cannisters with different flavours and bright packaging and in the US, they are being stocked in smoke and vape shops. Experts say this is contributing to a rise in the drug’s misuse. Using nitrous oxide can have harmful effects. Inhalation of nitrous oxide can lead to hypoxia, where the brain does not get enough oxygen. This can result in death. Regular inhalation can also lead to a Vitamin B12 deficiency which can cause nerve damage, degradation of the spinal column and even paralysis. The number of deaths attributed to nitrous oxide poisonings rose by more than 110% between 2019 and 2023, according to the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention.In this episode BBC journalist Eve Webster explains how the use of nitrous oxide has changed recently, especially in the US. We hear about the risks of using it and where bans are in place. Ezra Marcus, an American investigative journalist, tells us how nitrous has become so popular in the US since the pandemic - and its links to American rappers. And BBC journalist Chigozie Ohaka sets out the current situation with nitrous oxide in Nigeria, where authorities tried to clamp down on it in 2023. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Whether you’re struggling to write an email, planning a holiday, or wondering what to cook for dinner: increasingly more and more of us are turning to AI for the answer. But some experts have raised concerns that people are becoming too reliant on the new technology - and that this will have implications for how we learn and communicate with each other offline. So what’s the best way to use AI, and what alternatives are out there?Our BBC Tech reporter, Liv McMahon, debunks some of the myths around AI chat bots and talks us through what you should consider when using them regularly. And Antonio Weiss, an AI & Digital Expert, shares his top tips for how to get the most out of your AI chatbot.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden, Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde