What in the World

Boyan Slat, founder of The Ocean Cleanup, shares his mission to remove plastic from the oceans. Giri Winckler, a local activist, talks about picking up plastic piece by piece. They discuss the sources of plastic pollution, efforts to remove it, and solutions like banning single-use plastics and improving waste management systems.

Our phones are powered by teeny tiny semi conductors. Taiwan produces over 60% of them. Huawei recently unveiled a phone with a chip made in mainland China. Chris Miller is an expert on this subject. He tells us why the United States is wary of this move.We know our phones have a chip in them, but what’s it made of? And what else is in our phones? They’re built with metals and materials from some of the poorest countries in the world. They’re also designed to be difficult to recycle, leading to lots of technology waste. The BBC’s Science Correspondent, Victoria Gill, explains why our phones are made this way and what their life cycle is.Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

After nearly five months, Hollywood writers have ended their strike, which brought the American film and TV industry to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement that union leaders ‘voted unanimously’ in favour of a deal - which some writers have called ‘exceptional’. It’ll now be voted on by union members.Some of the main sticking points included payments for reruns (known as residuals), and AI. The BBC’s Vivienne Nunis talks us through the detail. But the actors’ strike continues. The BBC’s Regan Morris is at the picket line in Los Angeles where she’s been speaking to actors, including stunt performer Max Calder and Frances Fisher from the film Titanic. Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: William Lee Adams and Mora Morrison Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

A content creator, a clinical psychologist, and a professor discuss loneliness in your 20s, exploring brain changes, media influences, and the importance of social connections. The podcast offers insights and tips on combating loneliness and finding social fulfillment in this defining decade.

Alex and Jordan Dunbar, climate change experts, discuss net zero and the progress of major polluters. NASA scientist Dr Jason Dworkin explains the significance of the Bennu asteroid sample return mission and its potential impact on understanding life on Earth.

In this podcast, BBC reporters from Nigeria, South Korea, Indonesia, and Brazil discuss why international stars often skip Africa during their world tours. They explore the impact on fans and the reasons behind this exclusion, including geographic limitations and legal constraints. The podcast also highlights the growing trend of international artists performing in South Korea, particularly in Seoul.

A Canadian citizen's murder allegedly involving Indian government agents has strained relations between India and Canada. This podcast explores India's spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), comparing it to global counterparts and its portrayal in popular culture. The founding of RAW in 1968 and its focus on Pakistan, China, and South Asia are discussed, along with its efforts to contain violent movements like the Sikh separatists and the Pakistan-Kokalistan movement. Recent protests in Nigeria are also mentioned.

BBC reporters Katie McEvinney and Dorcas Wangira discuss the impact of false online rumors about birth control on abortion rates in Scotland and attitudes towards contraception in Africa. They highlight the responsibility of social media platforms, the effectiveness and safety of hormonal contraceptives, and the challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. Seeking advice from reliable sources is crucial for choosing the right contraception method.

This podcast explores the widespread use of palm oil and its negative impact on the environment and endangered species. It discusses efforts to find alternatives and regulate the palm oil industry. Additionally, the podcast touches on the controversy surrounding drag queen events and the resilience of drag performers.

A billion dollar haul of illegal Captagon pills was intercepted in the UAE, revealing Syria's strong involvement in the drug trade, potentially linked to the highest levels of the government. The popularity and effects of Capne-Gon, a party drug in the Middle East, are explored. The podcast also discusses the suspension of women's tennis tournaments in China due to sexual assault allegations against a former vice premier.