What in the World
A daily news podcast from the BBC World Service that helps you make sense of what's happening in your world. It covers big stories, small stories, and everything in between, aiming to help listeners understand more and feel better. New episodes are released Monday to Friday.
Episodes
The Biggest Wedding of the Year: Taylor’s Version
Are those wedding bells we’re hearing? If the rumours are true, pop star Taylor Swift could get married this Independence Day weekend to NFL star Travis Kelce…in Madison Square Garden arena in the middle of New York City. It’s one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the year - but is any of the speculation actually true? The BBC’s music correspondent Mark Savage joins us to chat through
Does lifting weights help you live longer?
Not to sound like a gym bro…but the science is clear: more of us should start lifting. Strength training is when you lift weights or use your own body weight to build muscle — and it’s not just about toning up or getting ripped. A new study found it can actually help you live longer. So why is it so good for your health - and how can you start doing more of it?Health correspondent Melissa Hogenboo
Flag-switching: Why more World Cup footballers aren’t playing for their birth nations
The 2026 Fifa Men's World Cup has the highest proportion ever of players representing countries they were not born in - almost a quarter of all the participating players. Several squads, including those from DR Congo, Morocco and Bosnia & Herzegovina, have a team made up mostly of foreign-born players. Of the 26 players who represented Curaçao, only one was born on the Caribbean island. Fernan
Biohacking:The men trying to supercharge their sperm count
When you think of fertility, you might automatically think of women’s fertility. But there are men online doing something called ‘fertilitymaxxing’ - it’s all about young men trying a bunch of unproven hacks in hopes of improving their sperm health. Content with these hacks are often pushed by male wellness and manosphere influencers online - but is this really about raising more awareness of male
Venezuela earthquake: How long can trapped victims survive under rubble?
After a devastating double earthquake in Venezuela, tens of thousands of people are still believed to be missing, with many trapped under rubble. Nearly 1,500 people have been confirmed dead and the death toll is expected to rise. Aid agencies say the first 72 hours after a disaster are the most critical to finding people alive. But there is a lack of heavy machinery and specialised equipment need
GTA 6: What we know so far
Buzz around the GTA 6 pre-order is building fast. After two trailers and a 13-year wait, fans can finally play the latest instalment of the game on 19 November when it’s released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. Priced at $79.99 and $100 for its standard and premium versions in the US, it’s expected to generate billions for its developer Rockstar Games. BBC technology reporter Laura Cress
PMDD: How it's affecting women around the world
For some women, the two-week luteal phase of their menstrual cycle can be extremely disruptive and life altering. PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is mental health disorder directly linked to regular hormonal fluctuations that take place during a cycle. People living with PMDD can experience anger, anxiety, severe depression, and even suicidal thoughts which then stops shortly after menstru
How cities around the world are adapting to extreme heat
A heatwave across Western Europe has left tens of millions of people coping with record temperatures. France endured its hottest day since records began, with temperatures reaching 44.3C in Pissos, and it’s estimated that nearly 100 million people will endure temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Temperatures can feel particularly extreme in cities, where buildings trap heat and wh
Why mangrove forests are healing after decades of human destruction
For decades, mangrove forests were disappearing at an alarming rate. Now, new satellite data reveals a hopeful shift. After years of decline, these vital coastal ecosystems are making a comeback. In this episode, BBC environment correspondent Matt McGrath explains what mangrove forests are, why they suffered such significant losses from the 1980s through the 2010s and how advances in technology ar
Can AI griefbots help us cope with death?
If someone you loved died, would you want to keep chatting to them? Now you can - with an AI griefbot. The idea is you use their texts, emails and voice notes, as well as photos and videos, to train AI to reply in the dead person’s tone and style. It can be through text-based conversation or even an AI-generated voice. The "digital afterlife" industry is now worth more than $130 billion. Is this j
Why are smart glasses so controversial?
Smart glasses are big business, Meta, one of the leading manufacturers of the glasses say that last year they sold seven million pairs globally. But new designs that resemble regular sunglasses or reading frames mean they can be difficult to spot. Users can make phone calls, follow maps, and use AI assistants completely hands free. They can also use the built in camera to take photos and record vi
Horror goes from YouTube...to Hollywood
Backrooms. Obsession. Bring Her Back. These are some of the biggest Hollywood films from the past 12 months and they have one thing in common: they are all horror movies directed by YouTubers.What’s behind this new wave of directors coming from YouTube and why is horror becoming more and more popular? BBC journalist and horror obsessive Mel Ramsay explains how the likes of Kane Parsons and Curry B
Why is Starbucks Korea temporarily closing all of its stores?
People in South Korea have been smashing their Starbucks mugs with hammers, a CEO has been fired and there have been protests on the streets, but why? Starbucks is the number one coffee chain in South Korea with over 2000 branches. Recently they launched a marketing campaign for a new reusable tumbler "SS Tank" and they've faced huge backlash. The release was on the same day as the anniversary of
India’s cheap weight-loss drugs are going global
For millions of people living with obesity, weight loss drugs have been hailed as a game changer.They’re known as GLP-1s but are more commonly known by their trade names: Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. So far they’ve only been made by two companies in Denmark and the US and they’re pretty expensive. But now the patents for these drugs have expired in China and India, which means pharmaceutical comp
Fans react to their team’s World Cup debut
This year’s Fifa World Cup is the biggest yet. The football tournament is being co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States and has a record 48 teams taking part. Four of those teams have qualified for the first time ever: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. In this episode, we get familiar with the debuting nations on and off the pitch with some of our BBC reporters, including Paul
Why does President Trump want Iran’s Kharg Island?
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump threatened to take “total control" of Iran's oil and gas markets, and to seize Kharg Island. Just hours later though, he claimed an agreement to end the war with Iran was on the horizon and cancelled a third consecutive night of strikes.Mixed messaging from the US President on this conflict is nothing new - but the island at the centre of this latest dispute
Will the PCOS name change help young women get treatment?
PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women globally; affecting roughly 13% of women who have a menstrual cycle. The World Health Organization has estimated that up 70% of women with PCOS worldwide do not know they have this condition. Symptoms can include irregular periods, fertility issues, weight gain, acne, excess hair growth and insulin resistance. There is no cure. And
Why is Russia cutting the internet and blocking apps?
Since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been banning social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X. Recently the government also extended the ban to Telegram, one of Russia’s most popular messaging apps. It’s cracking down on VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and it’s introduced a new state-backed app called Max, which comes downloaded on any new phone. Authorities say these int
Can AI help us save endangered languages?
Around half of the world’s languages are in danger of disappearing, according to UNESCO. Languages often become endangered when parents stop talking in them to their children, when schools no longer offer them on the curriculum - or when governments don’t recognise them as official languages that need to be protected. Campaigners are calling for more efforts to preserve them - and the history, her
Google wants to release millions of mosquitoes in the US
Mosquitoes are frequently called the world's deadliest insect. They kill more people every year than any other creature by spreading diseases like malaria, West Nile virus and Zika. In an effort to combat the disease carrying-bug in the U.S., Google is creating an army of sterile male mosquitoes by infecting them with bacteria. It’s hoped that over time these mosquitoes will lower the population o
Protests against illegal migrants in South Africa: What’s going on?
South Africa has seen weeks of protests against illegal immigrants. Some of these protests have turned violent and people have been killed. The country is grappling with deep tensions around immigration and identity.Houses have been burned, shops damaged and looted, and people have been forced to leave their homes. There have been reports of vigilante groups checking the documentation of foreign n
Job hugging: Why nobody wants to quit their job
Work feels more uncertain than it has in years. Layoffs, AI disruption, hiring freezes and a tough job market are leaving many people out of work or stuck.So instead of hopping jobs for better pay or new opportunities, more people are doing the opposite. They’re staying put, even if they’re unhappy. It’s called “job hugging”. But is it a smart move in an unstable world, or could it hold you back i
Can Serena Williams beat younger tennis players?
Serena Williams is making a comeback to tennis at 44 years of age. She is one of the greatest players of all time. She’s won 23 Grand Slam titles - the second highest tally by a woman in the sport’s history. She’s the highest earning female athlete of all time. She was world number one for 319 weeks. And the stats go on and on. Now, she wants to add to them.Four years after leaving the sport and a
What Is El Niño? And why it could cause chaos this year
New forecasts show that the developing El Niño in the tropical Pacific Ocean could be one of the strongest on record. The weather phenomenon could be so strong, scientists and the UN are describing it as a “Super El Niño” or “Godzilla El Niño.” And with that comes warnings of record global temperatures and huge potential humanitarian impacts.
But what exactly is El Niño and its sister phenomenon
Is the manosphere growing in Kenya and Mexico?
Influencers like Andrew Tate popularised the so-called manosphere — the network of websites, forums and social media influencers that promote "traditional" masculinity. In their thinking, men hold a dominant role in a relationship and women are subservient. BBC World Service Disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield recently spent a year following El Temach and Andrew Kibe — two of the most influen
Why more women in China are buying men’s clothes
Some women in China are unhappy with how brands are making women’s clothing. Posts on the social media site Xiaohongshu show just how awkward the sizing can be. A video of a tiny dog squeezed into a size L women top went viral as proof that brands label tiny clothes as much bigger than they actually are. Now many women are turning to menswear for its durability, quality and low cost. BBC Chinese
Why are more young people being diagnosed with cancer?
According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 5 people will develop cancer during the course of their lifetimes. We usually associate the disease with getting older - but doctors are warning that some cancers are becoming more common in people in their 20s and 30s too. Data shows that bowel and breast cancer are the most common cancers for young adults, with others such as thyroid and ov
Why India's Cockroach Janta Party has got people talking
The cockroach has become an unlikely symbol for millions of Gen-Zs in India, thanks to the Cockroach Janta Party - a satirical collective posting online. Nearly 40% of graduates aged 15-25 in India are jobless and many of them are frustrated or disillusioned with politics. So, it didn’t land when India's Chief Justice Surya Kant compared the unemployed to “parasites and cockroaches”. He later clar
How Asia is adapting to getting less oil from Iran
The war in Iran is doing something years of climate summits haven’t managed to - pushing some countries towards renewable energy, fast.That’s because ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz have been pretty much blocked for months, since the war began. Thousands of oil tankers are stranded near the Strait, which is one of the world’s most important channels.And it’s particularly affecting Asia.
Trump says yes to psychedelic drug research
President Trump has issued an executive order to speed up reviews into psychedelic drugs like psilocybin, LSD, and Ibogaine. Psychedelics are banned in the US in the vast majority of circumstances, but scientists are looking at the drugs and their possible therapeutic benefits for serious mental health conditions. Ibogaine comes from a shrub native to west Africa and is used ceremonially in Gabon.
Wish you weren’t here! How tourism is impacting Caribbean beaches
Tourism is a vital part of the economy for many Caribbean nations, from Jamaica to Grenada to the Bahamas. In fact, the United Nations says the Caribbean is the region of the world that’s most dependent on tourists. The sector supports millions of jobs — from barmen and waiters to cab drivers and chefs — and many of these roles go to women and young people. But what happens when developers close o
Should people be allowed to bet on war?
Prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket allow people to make trades against future events - which can range from when the US and Iran might sign a permanent peace deal and sports results, to whether a politician will mention a certain phrase in a speech. These sites have surged in popularity over the past year, hosting more than $44 billion in trades.But they bring up all sorts of ethical questio
Ebola outbreak: How dangerous is the new strain in DR Congo?
The World Health Organisation has declared an outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern. Officials say there are now over 600 suspected cases, and over 139 suspected deaths. This latest outbreak presents a series of difficulties for health officials. The outbreak is driven by a new strain of the virus called Bundibugyo, for w
Meet the call centre workers dealing with your complaints
Most of the world’s call centres are based in India and the Philippines, but major hubs are also on the rise in other regions - especially in Latin America. In countries like Colombia, Brazil and Mexico, thousands of young people work in this industry to earn money while they’re studying. They mainly answer customer services calls coming from the US, trying to solve their problems and dealing with
Why did Drake release three albums at the same time?
After an explosive public feud with Kendrick Lamar, Drake is back with a triple-solo album release. The three albums - Iceman, Habibti and Maid of Honour - contain a blend of music genres across 43 different songs. The albums have sparked a mixed reaction from fans and critics, but they have already helped Drake become the most streamed Spotify artist of 2026. BBC Newsbeat’s Peter Gillibrand expla
President Trump in China: Deal or no deal?
For the last few days, international headlines have been dominated by stories about Donald Trump's visit to China, to meet Xi Jinping. The trip featured marching bands, red carpets, photocalls, big smiles and many, many handshakes. Now that President Trump has left the country, we ask what actually happened below the surface level. Was it all just superficial pageantry or did the leaders of the wo
Jet fuel shortages explained - in under 10 minutes
Since the Iran war broke out, the Strait of Hormuz has effectively been blocked. The Strait is one of the world's busiest oil shipping routes - leading to fears about shortages of jet fuel. Prices for aviation fuel more than doubled after the war began, and the cost of some plane tickets has gone up dramatically. In May 13,000 flights were cut from schedules. And European travel operator Tui says
The rise of the rambling voice note
Where do you stand on voice notes? In some places, sending a three minute - or even 20 minute(!) voice memo is totally normal and actually seen as much more personal than texting. It started back in 2013 on WhatsApp but now you can send voice messages on Instagram as well as some dating sites. Lots of people love them as you can send messages on the go and don’t have to worry about typos. BUT is i
Are social media comments just bots?
Chappell Roan recently faced backlash amid online chat that falsely claimed her bodyguard left a young fan in tears. But reports now suggest the entire online drama could have been driven by bots programmed to spread misinformation.The BBC’s disinformation reporter Jacqui Wakefield explains what bots are, how they work, and what the people who operate them stand to gain. State actors and governmen
Instagram can now read your DMs
Instagram has switched off one of its privacy policy options - end‑to‑end encryption.If an app has it, it means your messages can only be read by the sender and the recipient.But now Meta, who owns Insta has turned off that option. And it doesn’t just own Instagram - it’s also in charge of Facebook and WhatsApp, so people are worried about what could happen on those platforms in the future. Joe Ti
How Sir David Attenborough inspired me to protect our planet
You’ve probably grown up hearing his unmistakable voice in some of your favourite nature documentaries…we’re of course talking about Sir David Attenborough, who turns 100 this Friday. He’s been making wildlife films for more than 70 years, turning nature documentaries into must-see TV and inspiring people all over the world to learn more about the wonders of our planet.But he hasn’t just changed t
Are saunas and cold plunges actually good for you?
Saunas and cold plunges are getting really popular and people say they can boost your mood and come with all sorts of health benefits. So we sent Hannah off to try them out and see what she thought… In this episode we talk about why so many people are into saunas and cold plunges with Emilia Jansson, a BBC journalist and our resident Finn. Plus we’ll hear if there’s evidence that they’re actually
Hantavirus: How worried should we be?
A cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic ocean has been hit by an outbreak of hantavirus. A number of passengers on the MV Hondius have been infected with the virus, and three have died. Some passengers have been evacuated from the ship and it’s currently anchored off Cape Verde, off the West coast of Africa. Spain had agreed to let it dock in the Canary Islands. But now, as we’re recording thi
Does rejection therapy actually work?
What if the best way to stop fearing rejection is to seek it out? Rejection therapy - the idea of deliberately putting yourself in situations where you might be rejected - has exploded on social media. From asking strangers for favours to dancing on trains, people are documenting their experiences online. Supporters say it helps people build resilience, reduce anxiety and stop taking rejection per
Your guide to this year’s Met Gala
The Met Gala is the super bowl of fashion. It’s a relatively small event, only open to a small number of invited guests - usually around 450. Tables cost upwards of around $350,000 , while individual tickets are reported to go for about $75,000. And every invitee has to be signed off by ex-Vogue editor Anna Wintour.Celebs go out of their way to impress on the red carpet. Think Rihanna’s legendary
Can you steal another country’s rain clouds?
Tensions are high in the Middle East, not just because of the US-Israeli war with Iran but also because the region has been dealing with a long period of severe drought. The social and economic consequences of these events has fuelled a lot of online misinformation. It’s led some people to speculate that the extreme weather is being caused by foreign interference. This theory has spread all the wa
Should schools ditch screens?
After literacy levels started to fall in Sweden, the country’s government is cutting down on tablets and laptops…and bringing back good old pens and paper. Not everyone thinks this is the right approach though. Some tech bosses say limiting technology in classrooms will leave pupils less prepared for an increasingly digital world - and make it harder for them to find jobs in the age of AI.So - sho
Footballers banned from covering their mouths at the World Cup
Under new rules brought in by Fifa, footballers who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations will be sent off at this year’s World Cup. It’s hoped that these measures will help prevent abusive behaviour.Some critics of the rule say that footballers speaking with their shirts raised or hands covering their mouths is a habit they’ve adopted to protect their privacy when they’re surrounded by
Is Ube the new matcha?
Ube — a vibrant purple yam indigenous to the Philippines — has been a staple of Filipino cuisine for thousands of years. But only recently has it surged in popularity abroad. It is now appearing as an ingredient and flavouring in desserts, pastries and coffees, from small independent cafés to global chains. BBC reporter Becca Johns explains how social media is helping drive the trend and turning u
Who is the suspected Washington dinner gunman?
The White House Correspondents' Dinner is a swanky event - the famous journalists and politicians that go are all dressed in their best tuxes and gowns. Donald Trump and his wife Melania were sat on the very long top table. But on Saturday night’s event, a gunman tried to get into the ballroom at the Washington Hilton hotel. He was stopped by officials after an exchange of gunfire and since then m
D4vd murder charge: What we know so far
American singer D4vd has been arrested and charged with the murder of a 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her body was found in his Tesla in Los Angeles in September last year. Prosecutors allege D4vd repeatedly sexually abused the teen before killing and dismembering her, but D4vd denies all the charges.He has pleaded not guilty to murder, and his attorneys have said they will "vigorousl
Why your favourite artist isn’t touring in your city
Harry Styles, Bad Bunny and Shakira are just three of the many huge pop acts that have decided to do residencies — turning away from long world tours and performing night after night in one major city instead. Residencies make it easier for artists to build elaborate shows, help them avoid burnout from constantly being on the move, and save them the effort (and money!) of transporting their crew,
Should you trust health advice from an AI chatbot?
People frequently turn to AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok for health advice. Some people argue that using them is similar to an Internet search. But some experts say that chatbots are getting things dangerously wrong.James Gallagher, the BBC’s Health Correspondent, explains how chatbots work, what the risks are and how the technology is evolving. We also hear from young people about how
Why are more couples signing prenups before marriage?
For better for worse, for richer for poorer…but first, can we sign a prenup? You might have heard about them in relation to celebrity divorce scandals, or even in songs, but recent data suggests prenups aren’t just for the rich and famous anymore. A prenup is a legal arrangement made by a couple before they marry or enter into a civil partnership, which sets out plans for how their wealth will be
People in Cuba are living in the dark
For more than three months, Cuba has been struggling under an oil blockade by the United States. It had been getting a lot of its oil from Venezuela, but President Trump put a stop to that.People in Cuba have been living with all kinds of shortages for decades - food, medicine and of course, oil. This blockade though has made things even more tough and people say they’re exhausted. Santiago Vanega
Pope Leo‘s mini African tour
The Pope is on an 11 day trip around 4 African countries - Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. This isn’t the only reason why the Pope is in the news though, there’s also been some drama with President Trump, where they clashed over the war in Iran. A major message from the Pope on this tour (and generally) is “peace”. He’s said “the world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants.” So
Why is talc in my make-up and is it safe?
Today we’re talking talc… that white powder that is sometimes found in make-up. There’s been a lot of chat recently about the safety of talc. So, in this episode we find out why it’s in our make-up and cosmetics, and whether we should be avoiding it.BBC journalist Phoebe Keane, who produced the podcast series Talc Tales, explains what talc is and its link to asbestos, a known carcinogen. We also d
Why are Colombia’s cocaine hippos gonna get killed?
Hippos were first introduced to Colombia by drug lord Pablo Escobar. After his death in 1993, the hippos were left roaming free on his abandoned estate and their population kept on growing. Colombia is the only country outside of Africa with a wild hippo population and they’ve become a tourist attraction there. But like other invasive species, they are an issue - tearing through villages and compe
Why are so many young Indians jobless?
India has the biggest youth population in the world and more and more people are graduating from colleges and universities. 5 million people are coming out of education each year, but nearly 40% of graduates aged between 15-25 can’t get a job. In fact, the unemployment rates are way higher for graduates than for people who are less educated. White-collar job creation - graduate office jobs - has f
Hungary elections: the Orbán era is over
After 16 years in power, Victor Orbán is no longer in charge in Hungary, after losing the election in a landslide vote. He’s friends with President Trump - who sent his deputy JD Vance to support his campaign - and he’s also close to President Putin.The man replacing him as Prime Minister - Péter Magyar - hinted at making big changes during his campaign, including stamping out alleged corruption a
India has a new trans rights law - and it’s sparked protests
India has passed a controversial bill that seeks to change how transgender people are legally recognised and their right to self-identify. The government says this legislation is meant to protect vulnerable groups from being exploited. But it’s caused protests by opposition parties and members of the LGBTQ community.In this episode the BBC’s Anahita Sachdev, based in Delhi, breaks down everything
Artemis II: We put your questions to Nasa astronauts
Four astronauts have travelled further from Earth than anyone ever before. It's part of the Artemis II mission - which saw humans go to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. You’ve been sending us your questions - and in this episode we put them to two former Nasa astronauts, Steve Swanson and Nicole Stott.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 3
What’s in the Iran ceasefire deal?
The US and Iran have agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire, hours after President Trump threatened that "a whole civilisation” would die if the Strait of Hormuz did not reopen.Iran has agreed to open the key shipping route while the US stops its strikes— but it’s also put forward a 10-point plan with several other demands, including compensation for the damage caused by the war.Pakistan has b
Why Christian influencers are spreading their faith online
There’s a growing trend of young people taking to social media to share their Christian faith with the world. These influencers include Bryce Crawford, Redeemed Zoomer and @BreakingInTheHabit. We chat to Adeline in Australia and IBQuake in Nigeria, who both make Christian content online. We hear why they do it and find out why they think faith-based content is becoming more popular. And Chelsea fr
What’s behind the fighting in Lebanon?
Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon this week. It’s as the US-Israel war with Iran also continues. A new front in the war opened in Lebanon on 2nd March when the Iran-backed group Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel. This was in retaliation to the death of Iran’s supreme leader and ceasefire violations. More than a million people in Lebanon - roughly one in every six - have been displaced
The campaign to scrap period tax in Pakistan
Lebanon, Kenya and Jamaica are among the handful of countries that have gotten rid of the ‘period tax’ - the additional charge the government adds to the retail price of sanitary products like pads or tampons. Now, a new campaign has started to scrap the tax in Pakistan. According to UNICEF, the tax can add up to 40% to the retail price of sanitary pads in the country, making them out of reach for
How unregulated peptides became the latest health trend
From boosting muscle mass to improving metabolism and skin, there’s now tonnes of claims about what peptides can do on social media. Peptides are short amino acids produced by our bodies naturally, and they aren’t a new concept, they’ve been used in medicine for centuries, Insulin, used to treat diabetes being the most common one.But the peptide wellness shot craze has led to growing amount of peo
Artemis II: How long will it take to get to the moon?
For the first time in more than 50 years, NASA is taking humanity back to the moon with its Artemis II mission. The crew is made up of four astronauts, including the first woman astronaut and the first black astronaut to travel to the moon. They will blast off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, in a spacecraft never used by humans before, and begin their journey to orbit around the moon. Th
Can we talk to animals?
Imagine being able to understand what animals are saying - and potentially even talking back. Animal-to-human communication is a subject which has garnered a lot of attention in recent years. And now artificial intelligence (AI) is turbo charging the conversation. The BBC’s Caroline Steel chats us through the basics of animal communication, how technological advancements have helped humans underst
The UN recognises slave trade as ‘gravest crime’: What now?
The United Nations has voted to recognise the transatlantic slave trade as the “gravest crime against humanity”, after a proposal from Ghana. It comes after years of campaigning from African and Caribbean nations, calling for reparations for the largest long-distance forced movement of people in recorded history.But not all governments supported the vote. The US, Israel and Argentina voted against
The verdict’s in…is social media about to change forever?
A 20 year old woman in the US has successfully sued Meta and YouTube over her childhood addiction to social media, winning $6million in damages. Jurors found that Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, and Google, owner of YouTube, intentionally built addictive social media platforms that harmed her mental health.This result is likely to have implications for hundreds of similar cases
Why are celebrities like KSI buying football clubs?
Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham, Michael B Jordan and AFC Bournemouth, Snoop Dogg and Swansea City FC. And now YouTuber KSI and Dagenham and Redbridge. There’s a growing list of celebrities investing in lower league English and Welsh football clubs. But is this a good thing for the clubs? And how much influence do these celebs actually have? Emma Middleton from BBC Sport explains. We also hear from some
How the Iran war is impacting other places like Dubai
The war in Iran isn't just affecting people in countries directly involved in the conflict. It has driven up oil prices around the world, impacting the lives of people from the Philippines and India to Nigeria. Nick Marsh, our Asia business correspondent, explains how some governments are reacting.Plus we hear from Azadeh Moshiri, our correspondent in Dubai. She explains how Iran’s strikes on the
How gangs are taking advantage of South Africa’s water crisis
South Africa is facing a water crisis. South Africa is one of the driest countries in the world. It relies on its rainwater, levels of which are unpredictable, unevenly distributed, and decreasing as a result of global warming. But the main issue contributing to water shortages is ageing infrastructure; rusting pipes that break and leak. And there are also allegations of theft by “water tanker maf
BTS mark comeback with Arirang album and historic concert
BTS are back! It’s the first time all seven members have been together since completing mandatory military service in South Korea. They’ve returned with a 14-track album titled Arirang and an 82-date world tour. Fans in South Korea were treated with the opportunity to see them for free in a huge opening night show in Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. BBC Korean’s Yuna Ku tells us what it was like be at
How the White House is using hype videos to sell the Iran war
The White House is stepping up their social media promotion on the war in Iran... with memes. Clips from the NFL, Spongebob Squarepants and Call of Duty have all been spliced together with scenes military strike footage from the Iran war, racking up millions of views on TikTok. President Trump’s team say it’s a modern way to get their message across to young audiences and show their military succe
Looksmaxxing: Why men are going to extremes to look good
Looksmaxxing has been all over the internet lately - this is the trend aimed at young men and it’s based on the idea of self-improvement, maximising your physical attractiveness and increasing your sexual market value. It's been part of fringe reddit forums for years now but recently it’s become mainstream, with the hashtag going viral on TikTok, X and Instagram.The trend promotes extreme dieting,
Wait, I thought Senegal won Afcon, now it’s Morocco?!
Senegal has been stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in January's final but Caf (the Confederation of African Football) has changed the result. It’s because Senegal's players walked off the pitch in protest when Morocco was given a penalty.We LOVE a bit of drama on What in the World and this truly feels like something out of our fave reality TV shows (think
Do LED skincare masks work?
LED technology has been used to address a number of skin issues, such as eczema, mild to moderate acne and psoriasis in a medical setting. But now you can buy your own LED mask or device for use at home. Adverts are everywhere on social media, with lots of influencers promoting them. Mask developers make big claims that at-home LED masks can be used to treat acne scars, sun damage and fine lines -
Our Oscars 2026 faves and flops
The 2026 Oscars are over, the red carpet has been rolled up and celebrities are polishing their golden awards at home in the quiet.The big winner of the night was political thriller One Battle After Another, which took home six wins including best picture. Other winners included Sinners star Michael B Jordan, who beat Timothée Chalamet to the best actor award, and Irish actress Jessie Buckley for
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