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What in the World

Latest episodes

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Nov 28, 2024 • 14min

Is borderless travel in Africa possible?

Intra-continental travel in Africa is evolving, but challenges remain. Experts discuss the complexities of visas, contrasting them with more seamless travel in other regions. Kenya's recent removal of visa requirements is a bold move towards borderless tourism. Personal experiences reveal the frustrations and costs of travel across the continent. The African Union's initiatives highlight the potential for economic growth and cultural exchange if barriers can be overcome. The future of travel in Africa sparks hope and debate.
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Nov 27, 2024 • 14min

The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal explained

There has been intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah for over a year. More than 3,500 people have been killed in Lebanon, over a million people displaced, and many homes destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. Israel says 60,000 of its citizens will now be able to go back to their communities along its northern border, safe from Hezbollah rocket fire from Hezbollah.In this episode, we speak to Carine Torbey, our BBC correspondent in Beirut, who explains the basics on Hezbollah, why it has been fighting Israel and what this ceasefire means.We hear from other BBC correspondents on the ground in the region to get a sense of how the ceasefire deal is being received. And Jeremy Bowen, the BBC’s International Editor explains what might happen to Hezbollah now - and whether a ceasefire in Gaza could be next. Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Hayley Clarke Editor: Julia Ross-Roy
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Nov 26, 2024 • 12min

Laos tourist deaths: How dangerous is fake alcohol?

The town of Van Vieng in Laos is a popular stop for backpackers traveling through Southeast Asia. But after six tourists died earlier this month following suspected methanol poisoning, many tourists are re-thinking their itineraries and how they drink. We hear from some of them. Also: William from the What in the World team tells us about the victims in Laos and looks at alcohol poisoning around the world. And BBC Digital Health Editor Michelle Roberts explains how methanol affects the body and what symptoms people my experience after consuming it. Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Benita Barden Editor: Rosanna La-Falce
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Nov 25, 2024 • 16min

COP29 was all about the money

The annual United Nations climate change conference ended on Sunday but not everybody was happy. This year, the main focus was on getting richer countries, who have contributed more to climate change, to pay poorer, developing countries so that they can better deal with the impacts of climate change.COP29 was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the talks were meant to end on Friday. The negotiations ran over into the weekend and a deal for $300 billion was finally agreed on Sunday at 3am.However, the African Group of Negotiators described the final pledge as "too little, too late" and India said that “the amount that is proposed to be mobilised is abysmally poor. It's a paltry sum.”BBC climate reporter Georgina Rannard was in Baku and takes us through the final deal. Georgina also speaks with two climate activists who were campaigning at COP29.Plus, Jordan Dunbar from the BBC’s Climate Question podcast gives us three success stories of how climate change is being tackled around the world.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Rosanna La-Falce
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Nov 22, 2024 • 14min

Flex culture: Is shopping addiction driving Malaysia’s youth debt crisis?

According to a major government survey, more than 70% of young people in Malaysia are in debt. Officials say shopping addiction is the number one reason why. Social media feeds that addiction by promoting “flex culture” — the desire to flash your wealth in person and online. Leeloo Larcombe, a fashion and lifestyle influencer, tells us about Malaysia’s shopping culture and her complicated relationship with it. Bryan Chen, the co-founder of Malaysia's biggest streetwear convention, Sneaker-LAH, explains how his shoe addiction has at times left him in debt. The rise of buy now, pay later (BNPL) schemes also encourages people to live beyond their means. Doris Lieu, an economist at the IDEAS Malaysia think tank, explains how these schemes grew in popularity during the pandemic and why young people are attracted to them. Finally, Pete Yong, the financial literacy expert behind the popular Mr Money TV YouTube channel, offers some practical tips to help people pull themselves out of debt.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Julia Ross-Roy
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Nov 21, 2024 • 12min

How Thailand’s same-sex marriage law could impact South East Asia

Panisa Aemocha, a BBC Thai journalist based in Bangkok, sheds light on Thailand's groundbreaking legalization of same-sex marriage, the first in Southeast Asia. She discusses the rights now granted to LGBTQ+ couples, including adoption and inheritance. The cultural significance of boy love and girl love series in Thai media is explored, alongside the activism that spurred this change. Aemocha also examines how this milestone could influence LGBTQ rights in neighboring countries, considering both supportive and conservative reactions.
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Nov 20, 2024 • 14min

Why does Iran call women protesting the hijab ‘mentally ill’?

Faranak Amidi, a BBC journalist and presenter, shares powerful insights into the struggles of Iranian women fighting against oppressive norms. She discusses the shocking story of Ahoo Daryaei, who, in a bold act of defiance, challenged hijab mandates at a university. The conversation delves into societal attitudes that label protestors as 'mentally ill' and the harsh realities of gender segregation in Iran. Amidi emphasizes the impacts of systemic discrimination and the international response to these brave acts of resistance.
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Nov 19, 2024 • 13min

Māori rights protests in New Zealand

A young MP's haka in parliament sparked discussions on Māori rights and cultural expression. Over 40,000 people protested against a controversial bill that could reshape the Treaty of Waitangi, highlighting unity among diverse communities. The episode delves into the historical impact of colonization on Māori culture and the ongoing disparities they face. Insights from BBC reporters reveal the emotional intensity of the protests and the implications of potential changes to indigenous rights, emphasizing the fight to preserve Māori heritage.
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Nov 18, 2024 • 13min

Elon Musk: From tech billionaire to Donald Trump adviser

Natalia Jimenez, a BBC journalist and expert on Elon Musk, dives into the tech mogul's rise from a challenging upbringing to leading companies like Tesla and SpaceX. She discusses Musk's surprising alignment with Donald Trump, examining how their relationship reflects his influence on both politics and technology. Jimenez also unpacks Musk's personality traits that shape his leadership style, while exploring how he both conforms to and diverges from typical 'tech bro' stereotypes. Buckle up for an engaging look at a transformative figure!
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Nov 15, 2024 • 16min

Is Korea’s Suneung the world’s most stressful exam?

Dive into the intense world of South Korea's Suneung exam, where students face an eight-hour marathon of tests all in one day. Discover the skyrocketing numbers of students resitting this grueling exam and the cultural pressures that lead to mental health challenges. Learn about community support, from adjusted transport to cheer squads on exam day. A glimpse into personal experiences reveals the emotional toll on students, making it clear that academic pressure is a universal issue, with comparisons to China's equally daunting Gaokao.

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