What in the World

BBC World Service
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4 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 14min

Thinking Out Loud: What Ed Sheeran’s copyright trial means for the music industry

Mark Savage, BBC's music correspondent with deep knowledge of the music industry, dives into the recent Supreme Court ruling on Ed Sheeran's copyright battle. He unpacks the fine line between inspiration and plagiarism, citing famous cases and emphasizing how copyright law affects songwriters. Savage also explores the complexities of music sampling and the historical context of copyright disputes. Get ready to rethink what it means to create music in a world of legal challenges!
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Jun 17, 2025 • 11min

Why Elon Musk and JD Vance want a US baby boom

There is a small but growing group of people in the US who are concerned that civilisation might collapse if people don’t have enough children. They’re called pro-natalists, and they argue that less children will lead to fewer workers and smaller economies, leading to an eventual collapse. Their solution: to save humanity people simply need to have kids. High-profile supporters of the movement include tech bros like Elon Musk and Donald Trump.The BBC’s population correspondent Stephanie Hegarty tell us more about the movement and how it came about. We are also introduced to the Collins family, one of the leading pro-natalist families who want to have as many children as they can. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producer: Mora Morrison Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde
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Jun 16, 2025 • 13min

What do we know about Iran’s nuclear capabilities?

Israel has launched a huge wave of attacks on Iran. They say the targets of their attacks are Iran’s nuclear facilities and important scientists. Iran has claimed it is not developing any weapons, yet several secret nuclear sites have been uncovered in the past. Iran has responded with drones and missiles. So is Iran developing nuclear weapons? Ghoncheh Habibiazad from the BBC Persian team talks us through Iran’s history with nuclear weapons. She also gives us an insight into what the reaction on-the-ground in Iran has been like since the attacks started.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Julia Ross-Roy, Emilia Jansson Editor: Verity Wilde
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Jun 13, 2025 • 15min

Why was the Indian hip hop star Sidhu Moose Wala murdered?

Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala was at the peak of his fame when he was murdered in 2022. Goldy Brar, a gangster based in Canada, has said that he ordered the killing. But how did one of India’s most popular musical acts become the target of a feared gang?Investigative journalist Ishleen Kaur has spoken to Brar about the murder and his motivations, which she explores in the BBC Eye documentary “The Killing Call.” Ishleen tells us about Moose Wala’s musical origins and his rise to fame. She also explains what his killers stood to gain by killing him. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde
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Jun 12, 2025 • 10min

Degrowth explained: A radical idea for a sustainable future

More money, more growth, more stuff. Can our economies keep on growing forever? And should they? A group of activists and academics are questioning the possibility of endless economic growth on a finite planet and are advocating for a bold solution: degrowth. The movement argues for a 'democratisation of the economy' and for collectively managing key resources, like housing. This, they argue, would also help us to live more sustainably - and help in the fight against climate change. But critics argue that opposing economic growth is impractical and warn of negative consequences, especially for the most vulnerable. BBC journalist Alvaro Alvarez has been reporting on this. He joins us to explain the pros and cons of the theory. We also hear from Oxford university professor Sam Fankhauser, and a TikToker in New Zealand who’s living her off-grid dream. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler Video Journalists: Kesewaa Browne and Baldeep Chahal Editor: Julia Ross-Roy
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Jun 11, 2025 • 12min

Who let the dogs out? Not Iran

Dog walking has been banned in at least 20 cities across Iran, after it was first outlawed in the capital, Tehran, six years ago. It’s the latest restriction to come from the authorities, who argue that dogs are ‘unclean’ and see having pets as a sign of growing Western influence. Despite this, dog ownership has risen in the country in recent years and many owners have started walking their dogs in secluded areas at night to evade detection. Ghoncheh Habibiazad, from the BBC Persian team, explains why the ban has been introduced and how people are defying the strict policies set by the Iranian regime.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison, Chelsea Coates and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde
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Jun 10, 2025 • 14min

Why is protein being added to everything?

Chelsea Coates, a BBC journalist, dives into the surge of high-protein foods, analyzing their appeal and potential health risks. She unpacks why everything from ice cream to pizza is now packing a protein punch. Coates also highlights the need for balanced nutrition, pointing out the often-overlooked importance of fiber. Along with dietician Cara Harbstreet's practical tips, they discuss the real protein requirements for a healthy lifestyle, questioning if we're focusing too much on protein while neglecting other vital nutrients.
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Jun 9, 2025 • 10min

Why Morocco’s king has banned sheep for Eid

For millions of Moroccans, Eid al-Adha means quality time with your family, eating delicious food - and the tradition of sacrificing sheep. But this year, the king of Morocco, Mohammed VI, has banned the practice because of a seven-year drought in the country. Dry pastures have meant that the number of sheep herds has dropped sharply, while the cost of meat rises. King Mohammed says the ban is necessary to prevent “significant harm” to families struggling with high prices - but not all Moroccans are happy with the restriction of their religious practices.Basma El Atti, a Moroccan journalist based in Rabat, explains why Eid al-Adha is such an important festival and talks us through the reasons for the ban. And BBC Monitoring journalist Samia Hosny tells us more about the long-lasting drought in the region and how it’s affecting daily life there. And we hear from young Moroccans celebrating Eid about what they think of the ban.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates, Emilia Jansson, Rosabel Crean and Mora Morrison Editor: Emily Horler
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Jun 6, 2025 • 11min

How to hack your flight luggage allowance

BBC reporter Sam Gruet dives into the world of airline luggage fees, revealing how these charges became commonplace and the significant revenue they generate. He discusses the rising frustration among travelers due to hidden costs and varying baggage policies worldwide. Travel expert Chelsea Dickenson shares clever packing hacks and cost-cutting tips that savvy travelers are using, inspired by viral social media trends. Together, they explore how to navigate the confusing landscape of air travel while keeping your expenses in check.
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Jun 5, 2025 • 12min

Is it possible to end new cases of HIV by 2030?

Makuochi Okafor, a BBC Africa health correspondent, dives into the critical fight against HIV. He explains the ambitious 2030 goal to eliminate new cases and demystifies common misconceptions about the virus. The discussion highlights the impact of funding cuts from USAID on treatment programs in Africa, revealing the challenges ahead. Okafor also emphasizes the significance of PrEP as a preventive tool and addresses the stigma surrounding its use, showcasing the necessary societal shifts for effective health practices.

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