What in the World

Mimi Swaby, a BBC Global Affairs reporter, delves into the tragic case of 14-year-old Paloma Nicole, who died following cosmetic surgery in Mexico. She discusses the public outrage that ensued, fueled by social media trends like #Lasniñasnonecesitanimplantes. Mimi examines societal pressures and the concept of 'aesthetic violence' impacting youth. The conversation highlights the need for stricter regulations on cosmetic procedures for minors, contrasting Mexico's lax rules with those in other countries.

In this engaging discussion, Paul Njie, a Yaoundé-based BBC journalist, delves into the upcoming presidential elections in Cameroon. He highlights the extraordinary 43-year rule of 92-year-old Paul Biya and the impact of opposition disunity on his potential victory. Njie sheds light on pressing voter concerns, especially among the youth, like education and employment. The conversation also covers the sensitive topic of Biya’s health and public debate over age in politics, comparing elder leaders across Africa and globally.

Afghanistan recently emerged from a significant internet blackout that disrupted businesses and cut off communication for many. The shutdown's severe impact on women and girls, who faced barriers to education and income, was highlighted. Experts discussed the reasons behind the Taliban's decision to switch off the internet, claiming it was to prevent immorality. Additionally, the podcast explored how common such blackouts are globally, citing political motives and the methods governments use to impose them. The return of connectivity sparked celebrations, symbolizing a regained sense of freedom.

In 2017 a cruise ship called the Caledonian Sky was sailing near the Raja Ampat islands in Indonesia when it ran aground in the shallow waters and got stuck. The coral reef was severely damaged. Raja Ampat is one of the world’s most popular dive sites and a national park. The accident caused a serious loss of marine diversity and affected the livelihoods of the islanders, who rely on fishing and tourism. After a long investigation, an out of court settlement was reached, worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And this money has been used to repair the coral reefs, with the indigenous population playing a crucial role. Normally coral can take years and years to grow back, but this project is already yielding results, after just a few months. We chat to Lesthia Kertopati, a BBC journalist in Jakarta, about this multi-million dollar coral reef restoration project.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Julia Ross-Roy Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editors: Verity Wilde and Harriet Oliver

Nathalie Jimenez, a BBC reporter based in New York, discusses Bad Bunny's monumental rise and cultural impact. She details his record-breaking streaming success and the significance of his Spanish-language music. Jimenez also explores his bold decision to headline the Super Bowl halftime show while skipping a U.S. tour due to immigration concerns. The conversation highlights how his San Juan residency revitalized the local economy and underscores Puerto Rico's intricate relationship with the U.S. Bad Bunny's influence amplifies Puerto Rican culture on the global stage.

Explore the troubling tradition of bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, where women are abducted and pressured into marriage. Hear personal stories from victims, highlighting the fear and economic pressures behind this practice. Discover the origins from the 18th century and the stark reality of underreporting and legal challenges in prosecuting offenders. Learn about high-profile cases that sparked public protests and legal reforms aiming to eliminate this practice. Hope for change emerges through activism and renewed societal attitudes.

Adam Chowdhury, a producer and reporter who dives into music culture trends, shares insights on the no-phone policies popping up at concerts worldwide. He discusses how artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish advocate for live experiences over screens. DJs from Berlin talk about their strict camera bans, while others argue that fan filming boosts their visibility. Adam highlights a variety of global venues supporting or opposing these rules, and he suggests a balanced approach to capturing memories without losing the moment.

Makuochi Okafor, a BBC reporter, dives into the recent social media frenzy surrounding Rapture predictions, shedding light on a viral claim by a South African preacher. He discusses the Rapture’s contested meaning among Christians and its cultural impact across Africa and the US. Personal stories emerge, including Hannah's fear of being left behind. Makuochi explains how doomsday beliefs often offer comfort, while addressing the emotional fallout after failed predictions. He also highlights the lack of direct biblical references to the Rapture.

Sofia Bettiza, the BBC's Global Health reporter, dives into the fascinating realm of the four-day work week. She discusses how a recent study reveals significant wellbeing improvements, sparking debates over its adoption. Bettiza explores cultural differences in work hours, from the grueling 996 schedule in China to innovative trials in countries like Iceland and France. Additionally, she examines the challenges of implementing this model in various job sectors and how the pandemic has reshaped worker expectations toward a greater work-life balance.

PLAVE is your average hit-making K-pop group, but with a twist: its members are virtual avatars. There are real-life performers behind the characters, who control their voices and dance moves using motion capture technology, but their identities are kept secret. Despite their anonymity, a South Korean court has sided with the group after they sued a social media user for insulting comments they posted online about the avatars. Each member was only awarded around $70 US dollars, but the case is one of the first of its kind and sets an important precedent. So what does this mean for how we interact with virtual bands online in the future? The BBC’s Rachel Lee, based in Seoul, breaks down everything you need to know.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Pria Rai Producers: Maria Clara Montoya and Chelsea Coates Editor: Harriet Oliver