From Our Own Correspondent

Kate Adie introduces stories from Iran, Myanmar, China, South Africa and Lithuania.The number of Iranian people killed by government forces in the crackdown on recent protests is now estimated to be at least 6000, with thousands more deaths being investigated by human rights groups. BBC Persian’s Parham Ghobadi has been speaking to people in Tehran about their experience of the protests.The final round of elections took place in Myanmar last weekend, five years after a coup returned the military junta to power - though many observers regard the whole affair as a sham. Jonathan Head was given rare permission to report from within Myanmar - though found fear and surveillance at every turn.Sir Keir Starmer’s trip to Beijing was the first by a UK Prime Minister since 2018 and has been seen as a critical moment in the British government’s attempt to reboot its relationship with China. Laura Bicker reflects on what's in it for President Xi - and how he is looking to take advantage of Donald Trump's rocky relationship with the world.Over the last decade South Africa has made steady progress on bringing down the infection and mortality rates of Tuberculosis. However, that progress is now under threat as foreign aid cuts begin to bite. Sandra Kanthal reports from Cape Town.Lithuania's Jewish community numbers just a few thousand, though prior to World War Two the population was around 200,000 - the majority of whom were murdered in the Holocaust. Today Lithuania is home to several memorial sites remembering those who died and Max Eastermann recently visited to trace the homes - and graves - of his recently discovered ancestors.Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Wyre Davies, reporting from Ukraine, shares on-the-ground nuclear safety fears and blackout hardships. Steve Rosenberg, BBC Russia editor in Moscow, decodes Kremlin media reactions to Western moves. Carolyn Lamberley, feature reporter, recounts her personal experience with France’s egg-freezing law. Sami Awami, Kampala correspondent, explores youth voting under Museveni. Tim Hartley, football reporter, examines Morocco’s AFCON spending and youth protests.

Katya Adler, BBC correspondent, shares insights from Nuuk, highlighting Greenland's cultural heritage and strong Inuit rejection of Trump's takeover proposal. Ione Wells discusses the strained US-Colombian relations post-military actions, revealing fishermen's fears in the Caribbean. James Innes-Smith tackles Japan's tourism surge and its impact on local communities, contrasting successful preservation efforts with areas suffering from neglect. Lastly, Tim Whewell covers the trial and acquittal of aid workers in Lesbos, showcasing local solidarity amid the migrant crisis.

Will Grant, an experienced BBC correspondent, shares his insights on Nicolás Maduro's controversial leadership in Venezuela and the implications of his recent capture by US forces. Ben de Boosman captures the celebratory atmosphere among the Venezuelan community in Miami following the operation. Mahshid Hosseini discusses the wave of protests in Iran, where economic grievances have morphed into calls for political change. Meanwhile, Simon Broughton reports on the cultural significance of a stone-pulling festival in Nagaland, India, and Lucy Ash investigates Germany's controversial shift back to arms production.

Lyse Doucet, a Senior BBC correspondent, shares poignant stories from Ghouta, highlighting efforts to rebuild homes and lives in the aftermath of war. Laura Bicker sheds light on China's ambitious tech and military advancements, alongside its domestic challenges impacting public confidence. Tom Bateman explores shifting sentiments among Republican voters regarding Trump's policies. Hester Underhill reports on the devastating sheeppox outbreak in Greece affecting farmers, while Justin Rowlatt provides insights on Amazon deforestation and the soy moratorium's risks.

Faranak Amidi, a journalist passionate about women's rights, reports on a recent marathon in Iran where women defied hijab laws. She shares powerful stories of everyday acts of resistance following the 2022 protests. Beth Timmins delves into the plight of polar bears in Svalbard, discussing wildlife conservation amid climate threats. Julius Purcell highlights chestnut farmers in the Cévennes battling droughts while preserving tradition. Jordan Dunbar traces the resurgence of Irish whiskey, revealing its turbulent history and modern challenges. Imogen Foulkes examines Switzerland's complex neutrality during wartime.

Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, Hong Kong, Australia, the USA and Laos.Russian forces have tried to capture the city of Pokrovsk for nearly two years as it seeks to control Eastern Ukraine, but Ukrainian forces have continued to resist the advance, helped by Ukraine's innovative arms industry. Jonathan Beale met battle-scarred troops at a command centre and visited a secret missile factory.The Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been convicted of ‘colluding with foreign forces’ under the Beijing-imposed national security law. Mr Lai had been accused of violating the law for his role in pro-democracy protests and through his newspaper, Apple Daily. Danny Vincent has been following the case.Last weekend, two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi beach in Sydney. 15 people were shot dead and dozens more were injured in the worst mass shooting in Australia in nearly three decades. Katy Watson has been speaking to members of Sydney's Jewish community.In the 'Yellowstone' state of Montana the prospect of a public land sell-off has brought together unlikely allies, as cowboys and environmental activists, conservatives and progressives, have all joined forces to protect their way of life. Ellie House reports from Montana.And we’re travelling through rural Laos where people hold a deep spiritual connection to the land, where spirits are believed to inhabit all elements of the natural world. Sara Wheeler heard how the Khmu people have held fast to their ancient beliefs in the face of a repressive government.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Kate Adie introduces stories from Syria, Ukraine, the USA, China and Germany.Syrians took to the streets to celebrate one year since the fall of the Assad regime, but in the background post-war reconstruction has been slow and sectarian violence is on the rise. Lina Sinjab has been travelling the country and reflects on the challenges ahead.Despite the constant threat of drones and missiles, many Ukrainians are finding ways to carry on with their lives - including the country's artists and musicians. Marcel Theroux recently visited Chernivtsi in western Ukraine, to attend the opening night of an unexpected musical gem.Just a few years ago, the city of El Paso in Texas declared a state of emergency as local shelters struggled to cope with the influx of migrants crossing the border from Mexico. Today, the picture is very different with the flow of migrants now a trickle. Bernd Debusmann looks at the impact of Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.China's mighty Yangtze river is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, but the wildlife living in the river is struggling for survival with many native species already extinct. Stephen McDonell met a team of scientists trying to save the endangered finless porpoise.The German city of Chemnitz is currently a European Capital of Culture, and among the celebrations is an exhibition of a cultural icon - the Trabant. Adrian Bridge explores the history of East Germany's car culture - and how it provided some welcome respite from the spying eyes of the Stasi.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Lucy Williamson, a BBC correspondent, delves into the conscription crisis in Israel's ultra-Orthodox community, revealing rising tensions and the potential political fallout. Will Grant discusses the surprising pardon of former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández and the mixed reactions in Tegucigalpa. Aleem Maqbool shares insights from the Pope's inaugural overseas trip, focusing on themes of interfaith dialogue. Rayhan Demytrie highlights ongoing protests in Georgia against government actions, reflecting public desires for EU integration amid fears of Russian influence.

Anna Foster and some of the BBC’s best-known foreign correspondents are joined by an audience of Radio 4 listeners to celebrate 70 years of ‘From Our Own Correspondent’. Since the first episode was broadcast on 25th September 1955, FOOC – as it’s affectionately known – has reported from almost every country in the world. Anna’s guests for the event, recorded in the Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House in London, are Kate Adie, the presenter of FOOC and a former BBC Chief News Correspondent, Jeremy Bowen, the BBC’s International Editor, Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, and Steve Rosenberg, the BBC’s Russia Editor. They discuss what the job of a foreign correspondent is these days when anyone can get on a plane, take a mobile phone and broadcast to the world. They reflect on how to report on a more hostile world. Together, they offer insights into the world of the foreign correspondent - including the time Jeremy Bowen once told the Mujahideen in Afghanistan that he was Lyse Doucet - and Steve Rosenberg takes to the piano to explain why his hopes for Russia rest with a newspaper vendor in Moscow. Producers: Adele Armstrong, Serena Tarling and Polly Hope. Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith