The Global Story

Journalist and filmmaker Amitab sheds light on the dark issue of female infanticide in India, revealing how midwives in Bihar have historically participated in this tragic practice. He discusses the deep-rooted cultural biases and socio-economic pressures that lead families to reject baby girls. Amitab also highlights initiatives by NGOs to shift societal attitudes and the critical role of midwives in raising awareness. The conversation touches on personal stories of adoption, as well as the ongoing fight for gender equality amidst these distressing realities.

Courtney Subramanian, a BBC political journalist, and Bernd Debusmann, a seasoned BBC reporter, dissect the fiery first debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. They delve into the heated exchanges over immigration, abortion rights, and economic policies. Personal attacks added spice to their clash, raising questions about voter impact as election day approaches. They also explore the candidates' contrasting international views, particularly on the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas situation, highlighting the stakes for national security.

Daniel Gallas and Leandro Prazeres from BBC Brazil delve into Brazil's controversial ban on X, sparking a heated debate on free speech versus disinformation. They discuss how this ban impacts Brazilian discourse and its significance for political communication. The pair examine the potential ripple effects for other countries, as well as Elon Musk's confrontational stance on free speech and his influence on Brazilian politics. The conversation highlights the intricate power dynamics between governance and wealth, particularly in the context of recent social media regulations.

Democrats and Republicans are donating billions to back candidates in November’s election. So far, the 2024 US election has been defined by surprises and unprecedented moments. But if one thing is certain, it's that the election will cost a lot of money. Donors from both major parties are donating billions of dollars in the hopes of seeing their candidates win the White House and hundreds of local races. So, what is all that money spent on? And what impact is it having on US politics?Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s correspondent in Washington DC, Anthony Zurcher, and Matt Foster from American University, also in the capital. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Producers: Richard Moran and Alix Pickles.Sound Engineer: Hannah Montgomery.Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas.Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Mass protests erupt in Israel following the tragic deaths of hostages, igniting public outrage over Netanyahu's handling of negotiations with Hamas. Tensions mount as international allies urge restraint amid rising casualties in Gaza. Insightful analysis reveals the precarious balance of power Netanyahu maintains amidst dissent and how U.S. relations factor into this complex scenario. The podcast delves into the implications of military policies and regional politics, all while questioning if public outcry will shift the government's course.

The podcast delves into the troubling landscape of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Almost 200 outposts, identified as illegal, rapidly expand and often lead to violence against local Palestinians. Personal stories, like that of farmers Aisha and Nabil, highlight the profound impact of these displacements. Discussions revolve around the complexities of laws, international reactions, and the roles of various organizations in both supporting and challenging these settlements. It paints a stark picture of a region grappling with deep-seated conflict.

In this discussion, Nick Thorpe, a seasoned BBC Central Europe correspondent with deep insights into Hungarian politics, explores Viktor Orban's polarizing legacy over 14 years in power. He delves into Orban's embrace of nationalism, controversial media interactions, and stance on democracy amidst rising opposition. Thorpe examines Orban's anti-migration policies and cautious approach to the Ukraine conflict, showcasing how these have attracted admiration from right-wing figures, including Donald Trump, thus reshaping global conservative politics.

Shawn Yuan and Ankur Shah from the BBC's Global China unit delve into China's ambitious plan to provide free satellite TV to 10,000 remote African villages. They discuss how this initiative, linked to China's soft power strategy, is transforming lives through improved access to education and media in rural areas. The conversation highlights the challenges faced, including affordability and logistical issues, as well as the evolving dynamics of sports broadcasting in Africa. The duo critically assesses whether this initiative truly enhances China's influence on the continent.

Theo Leggett, a BBC business correspondent, and Georgina Rannard, a climate and science reporter, delve into the crises facing Boeing amidst its Starliner spacecraft malfunctions. They discuss the implications for NASA astronauts stranded in space and explore Boeing's turbulent history, including safety concerns from whistleblowers. The conversation touches on emotional testimonies from victims' families during congressional hearings and emphasizes the urgent need for cultural shifts in safety practices within the aerospace industry.

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, is under investigation for alleged criminal activity after his recent arrest in France. He discusses the challenging balance between free speech and content moderation amid rising scrutiny of tech companies. Joe Tidy, BBC's Cyber Correspondent, highlights the implications for digital platforms, especially regarding child protection and security features. The duo dives into Russian reactions to Durov’s situation, revealing the potential impact on social media control and information sharing in the region.