What in the World

Loneliness is a feeling lots of us face from time to time… and it might be more common than you think. A new study from the World Health Organisation suggests that between 2014 and 2023, one in six of us were feeling lonely - and teenage girls reported feeling this way the most. Apps like Bumble BFF or Meetup and social media groups dedicated to meeting new people are also on the rise. So why are so many of us feeling lonely? And what can you do to feel more connected?BBC journalist Emilia Jansson takes us on a friendship date, sharing her experience of using social media to make new friends and helping us to unpack the data on loneliness. We also hear from teenagers around the world who describe when they've felt lonely. And Dr Laurie Santos, a psychologist professor at Yale University in the US, tells us her top tips for tackling loneliness.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Mora Morrison and Chelsea Coates Editor: Emily Horler

Tension is rising in Kenya after a new wave of anti-government protests against alleged government corruption and police brutality. Dozens have been killed and many have condemned the words of President William Ruto, who's said that protesters targeting businesses should be shot in the legs. Anita Nkonge, a BBC reporter in Nairobi, explains what has been happening; plus we hear from young Kenyans who have attended the protests. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emilia Jansson, Josh Jenkins, Emily Horler and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Water pistols have become a symbol of resistance against overtourism in several cities around the world. This summer local residents in Barcelona, Spain, have been using them again to show their frustration at how mass tourism is impacting their city; from housing to overcrowding. BBC journalist Laura García joins us to explain why there is so much anger directed towards tourists, as well as host websites such as Airbnb. We also hear which strategies governments in Spain and elsewhere are adopting to deal with the issue. Plus, travel influencer Joy Malonza shares tips about how we can all be more conscientious travellers. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emilia Jansson and Mora Morrison Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Rare earth minerals are vital to modern human life - but you probably haven't heard of them. They're in our phones, computers and cars. These minerals aren't actually that rare, but they're difficult to extract - and this process can be pretty damaging to the environment. Mining just one tonne of rare earth minerals creates 2,000 tonnes of toxic waste. China has been mining rare earths since the 1950s and now the rest of the world is scrambling to find their own reserves.The BBC's Climate and Science reporter Esme Stallard explains what rare earths are, and why they matter. And BBC China correspondent Laura Bicker has been to visit two of the most important rare earth mining sites in the country. She tells us about the visit and the pollution their extraction has caused.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producer: Josh Jenkins and Emilia Jansson Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

From drafting emails to planning trips, AI has become like a personal assistant for lots of people around the world. Now, the technology is playing a new role: therapist. Rather than waiting for an appointment or paying to see a professional, thousands of people are turning to AI bots like ChatGPT or DeepSeek for emotional support and advice on their mental health. But is AI up to the job - or could it risk making things worse?BBC journalist Jordan Dunbar talks us through the different AI therapy apps that are out there, how they work and whether they come with data privacy concerns. We also hear from BBC reporter Kelly Ng, who tells us why more young people in China are using DeepSeek for therapy. And psychologist Maytal Eyal tells us about the pitfalls of swapping professional therapists for AI chatbots.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Emily Horler, Julia Ross-Roy, Adam Chowdhury and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Tim Hodges Editor: Verity Wilde

The Velvet Sundown have become a viral hit. The band have over a million streams on Spotify and are generating much discussion across the music community. Except the band and its members don't actually exist. After weeks of speculation about whether they were real or not, the band have confirmed that they were AI. This has raised many questions about the ethics around AI and music, and whether it actually matters if an artist and their work is human or not. BBC journalist Tamzin Kraftman talks us through the story and discusses the development of AI in the music industry. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Josh Jenkins and Emilia Jansson Editor: Emily Horler

Ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama has finally put an end to years of speculation over what will happen after his death. The head of Tibetan Buddhism confirmed that he will have a successor, who will be chosen by a board he has set up. But the Chinese government says that only they have the authority to appoint the next Dalai Lama. So who will decide how the next Dalai Lama is chosen - and why is the position so significant?Shawn Yuan from the BBC's Global China Unit explains how the process of finding the next Dalai Lama has changed over the years and talks us through the strained relations between the Chinese government and the spiritual leader. And the BBC's China Correspondent, Laura Bicker, tells us about her recent visit to a monastery in China's south-western Sichuan province, which has been at the heart of Tibetan resistance for decades.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Chelsea Coates and Josh Jenkins Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

After seven weeks of trial and 34 witnesses, a verdict has been reached: Sean “Diddy” Combs has been found guilty of transportation for prostitution of ex-girlfriends Cassie and an anonymous “Jane” and not guilty on the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The rapper had admitted to domestic violence, but always denied any non-consensual sexual encounters or a larger racketeering scheme. He has been denied bail and is expected to be sentenced on 3 October. He still faces multiple civil lawsuits, covering a wide range of offences, including alleged drugging and sexual assault. Some of the allegations date back to the 1980s. Combs denies the allegations.In this episode we explain who Diddy is and the key moments of the trial. We unpack the verdict and ask, what is going to happen to Diddy now? Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Emilia Jansson Editor: Verity Wilde

Recent data from the United States shows there's a big political divide between Gen Z American men and women. For decades young Americans have mostly voted for the Democrat party. But in last year's Presidential election, that trend was reversed. Gen Z voted for President Donald Trump and his Republican party, but young men a lot more so - one analysis found that 18-year-old men were 23 percentage points more likely to support President Trump than 18-year-old women. That's more than double the gender gap in other generations. So is this a problem for our romantic relationships? Is it possible to date someone across the political divide?BBC journalist Jasmine Boykin explains the latest data. We hear from people who've dated across the divide - did it work out for them? And Maria Avgitidis, matchmaker and CEO of Agape Match, a matchmaking service based in New York City, tells us why this is a bigger issue for Gen Z compared to previous generations.How can you make a relationship work if you have opposing political views? Jennie Rosier, a professor of communication in interpersonal relationships at James Madison University in the US, and the host of the Love Matters podcast, gives her advice.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Jasmine Boykin, Chelsea Coates, Emily Horler and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde

The United Nations Population Fund World has described the low fertility rates around the world as a ‘crisis' . Their newest report shows that many people do want to have more children but the cost of raising them and not having enough time are bigger barriers than before. Finding an appropriate partner to have a child with is a struggle too.The BBC's Population Correspondent Stephanie Hegarty breaks down what's in the recent UNFPA report. Plus she explains why it's easier for countries to stop people from having babies, rather than helping them have more.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee-Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

For centuries, Indigenous people around the world have been fighting to reclaim lost land. In most instances, the term Indigenous is used to refer to the people who lived somewhere before colonisers and settlers from a different place arrived. In North America, nearly 99% of Indigenous land has been seized since European colonisers arrived.These days, an online movement using the hashtag #LandBack is supporting Indigenous people who want to take back their ancestral land. BBC journalist Vanessa Igoe explains what the movement is and talks us through the arguments for and against it. Marika Sila, an Indigenous Inuit in Canada, explains what the landback movement means to her. Ailsa Roy, a Wunna Nyiyaparli woman, tells us about the challenges they've faced trying to reclaim ancestral lands in Western Australia. And Vanessa Racehorse, a Law professor in the US, looks at the impact on the environment when indigenous people reclaim their land. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Vanessa Igoe, Julia Ross-Roy, Maria Clara Montoya and William Lee Adams Editor: Verity Wilde

The women's football European Championship kicks off next week in Switzerland. The Euros have thrust a recurring issue into the spotlight: ACL injuries. Female footballers suffer tears to their anterior cruciate ligament, also known as the ACL, more frequently than male footballers. Kesewaa Browne from the What in the World team explains some of the theories on why injury rates are so high.Research has lagged behind for years, but with the sport becoming more high-profile, focus has shifted to what can be done to prevent these types of injuries: from the shape of the football boot to the frequency of international breaks. We speak to Manchester United player Gabby George who has suffered two ACL injuries on the pitch. She tells us about the emotional impact of being forced to watch from the bench rather than playing. And James Brouner from Kingston University in the UK, tells us what research has found so far on the risk factors for female footballers.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee-Adams Producers: Kesewaa Browne, Josh Jenkins and Emilia Jansson Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

You might have come across ads on your TikTok or Instagram feed for Chinese micro-dramas: short episodes lasting only a few minutes with highly addictive plots. Think scandalous affairs, hot vampires and over the top acting (and lots of slapping). They might be a little cheesy, but they're big business, with China's micro-drama market expected to be worth $14bn by 2027. The apps like ReelShort or DramaBox, that produce the dramas are racking up downloads around the world - but what does this mean for the TV and film industry as a whole? And what does it say about the effect our phones are having on our attention spans?BBC Global China Unit journalist Mengchen Zhang joins us for a special micro-drama screening - and explains how they're behind a growing multi-billion dollar industry.Get out the popcorn and put up your feet!Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

After twelve days of intense fighting, Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire that, for now, seems to be holding.Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is the man in charge in Tehran. His current whereabouts are a mystery. As we wait to see what's next in this conflict, we look into his leadership and how power works in Iran with the help of Ghoncheh Habibiazad from the BBC Persian team. Plus we explain what role President Masoud Pezeshkian plays in all of this too.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Benita Barden and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas as been used as a recreational and medical drug since the late 1700s. Dentists often use it as an anaesthetic. It's been linked to hippie, festival and rave culture for decades. And in the last few years, American rappers like Kanye West, Young Thug and Gunna have been open about using it. You might have seen the little metal cannisters, that people use to dispense the drug, littering the streets. But now, manufacturers of nitrous oxide are producing bigger cannisters with different flavours and bright packaging and in the US, they are being stocked in smoke and vape shops. Experts say this is contributing to a rise in the drug's misuse. Using nitrous oxide can have harmful effects. Inhalation of nitrous oxide can lead to hypoxia, where the brain does not get enough oxygen. This can result in death. Regular inhalation can also lead to a Vitamin B12 deficiency which can cause nerve damage, degradation of the spinal column and even paralysis. The number of deaths attributed to nitrous oxide poisonings rose by more than 110% between 2019 and 2023, according to the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention.In this episode BBC journalist Eve Webster explains how the use of nitrous oxide has changed recently, especially in the US. We hear about the risks of using it and where bans are in place. Ezra Marcus, an American investigative journalist, tells us how nitrous has become so popular in the US since the pandemic - and its links to American rappers. And BBC journalist Chigozie Ohaka sets out the current situation with nitrous oxide in Nigeria, where authorities tried to clamp down on it in 2023. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Whether you're struggling to write an email, planning a holiday, or wondering what to cook for dinner: increasingly more and more of us are turning to AI for the answer. But some experts have raised concerns that people are becoming too reliant on the new technology - and that this will have implications for how we learn and communicate with each other offline. So what's the best way to use AI, and what alternatives are out there?Our BBC Tech reporter, Liv McMahon, debunks some of the myths around AI chat bots and talks us through what you should consider when using them regularly. And Antonio Weiss, an AI & Digital Expert, shares his top tips for how to get the most out of your AI chatbot.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden, Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

The K-pop industry is known for being super strict and encouraging idols not to share details about their private lives, especially their relationships. For LGBTQ idols, there's an added layer of pressure, where they can't reveal or talk about their sexuality at all, due to the stigma associated with homosexuality in South Korea. The country is deeply divided over LGBTQ acceptance.So what happens if you do mention your sexuality as a K-pop idol? BBC Korean's Juna Moon has been talking to Bain from the boyband JUST B, who came out as gay on stage during a show in Los Angeles earlier this year. We hear some of her interview with Bain, who talks about his fans' reactions. And Juna explains why it's so unusual for K-pop idols to disclose their sexual identity. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia-Ross Roy and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Climate change is one of the biggest issues of our time. Warmer weather and melting ice is forcing people and animals to migrate but it's also threatening traditions. Myths, dances and national dishes - we've all got distinctive, defining customs that we would never want to lose. So what are people across the world doing to keep hold of their identities?BBC journalist Abiona Boja explains how cultural heritage loss is affecting young people across the globe. We hear from Muntadhar Abdul Ali about the droughts in Iraq's marshes. And Maya Natuk tells us how rising temperatures in Greenland are affecting people's sense of identity there. They explain the actions they're taking to save their cultural traditions from extinction.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Abiona Boja, Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Ed Sheeran's long-running copyright battle over his hit Thinking Out Loud is finally over. That's after the US Supreme Court rejected an appeal to revive the copyright trial. It all started back in 2016 when Sheeran and his co-writer Amy Wadge were sued for allegedly copying Marvin Gaye's 1973 classic Let's Get It On. Sheeran, whose subsequent hits include Azizam and Shape of You, ended up winning that case, with the judge saying that lots of songs share similar elements and that Gaye's chord progressions couldn't be copyrighted. But the family of Ed Townsend, who co-wrote the song with Gaye, appealed the case, and it dragged on for nearly ten years.BBC music correspondent Mark Savage breaks down the case and gives a quick rundown of how copyright law works in music. He also discusses other famous plagiarism allegations and the rules around sampling music to create new songs. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Emilia Jansson, Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

There is a small but growing group of people in the US who are concerned that civilisation might collapse if people don't have enough children. They're called pro-natalists, and they argue that less children will lead to fewer workers and smaller economies, leading to an eventual collapse. Their solution: to save humanity people simply need to have kids. High-profile supporters of the movement include tech bros like Elon Musk and Donald Trump.The BBC's population correspondent Stephanie Hegarty tell us more about the movement and how it came about. We are also introduced to the Collins family, one of the leading pro-natalist families who want to have as many children as they can. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producer: Mora Morrison Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Israel has launched a huge wave of attacks on Iran. They say the targets of their attacks are Iran's nuclear facilities and important scientists. Iran has claimed it is not developing any weapons, yet several secret nuclear sites have been uncovered in the past. Iran has responded with drones and missiles. So is Iran developing nuclear weapons? Ghoncheh Habibiazad from the BBC Persian team talks us through Iran's history with nuclear weapons. She also gives us an insight into what the reaction on-the-ground in Iran has been like since the attacks started.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Julia Ross-Roy, Emilia Jansson Editor: Verity Wilde

Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala was at the peak of his fame when he was murdered in 2022. Goldy Brar, a gangster based in Canada, has said that he ordered the killing. But how did one of India's most popular musical acts become the target of a feared gang?Investigative journalist Ishleen Kaur has spoken to Brar about the murder and his motivations, which she explores in the BBC Eye documentary “The Killing Call.” Ishleen tells us about Moose Wala's musical origins and his rise to fame. She also explains what his killers stood to gain by killing him. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

More money, more growth, more stuff. Can our economies keep on growing forever? And should they? A group of activists and academics are questioning the possibility of endless economic growth on a finite planet and are advocating for a bold solution: degrowth. The movement argues for a 'democratisation of the economy' and for collectively managing key resources, like housing. This, they argue, would also help us to live more sustainably - and help in the fight against climate change. But critics argue that opposing economic growth is impractical and warn of negative consequences, especially for the most vulnerable. BBC journalist Alvaro Alvarez has been reporting on this. He joins us to explain the pros and cons of the theory. We also hear from Cambridge university professor Sam Fankhauser, and a TikToker in New Zealand who's living her off-grid dream. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler Video Journalists: Kesewaa Browne and Baldeep Chahal Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Dog walking has been banned in at least 20 cities across Iran, after it was first outlawed in the capital, Tehran, six years ago. It's the latest restriction to come from the authorities, who argue that dogs are ‘unclean' and see having pets as a sign of growing Western influence. Despite this, dog ownership has risen in the country in recent years and many owners have started walking their dogs in secluded areas at night to evade detection. Ghoncheh Habibiazad, from the BBC Persian team, explains why the ban has been introduced and how people are defying the strict policies set by the Iranian regime.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison, Chelsea Coates and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde

‘High' or ‘added' protein foods are popping up everywhere - from ice cream to pizza and even coffee. The nutrient's newfound popularity has a lot to do with the fact that it helps our bodies repair and build up muscle. But could these new snacks come with hidden health risks? And are there other nutrients, like fibre, we should be paying more attention to?BBC journalist Chelsea Coates talks us through why high-protein foods are on the rise and explains how much protein we need to stay fit. Plus, Cara Harbstreet, the dietician behind the YouTube channel Street Smart Nutrition, shares her tips for how you can get enough protein in your diet.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

For millions of Moroccans, Eid al-Adha means quality time with your family, eating delicious food - and the tradition of sacrificing sheep. But this year, the king of Morocco, Mohammed VI, has banned the practice because of a seven-year drought in the country. Dry pastures have meant that the number of sheep herds has dropped sharply, while the cost of meat rises. King Mohammed says the ban is necessary to prevent “significant harm” to families struggling with high prices - but not all Moroccans are happy with the restriction of their religious practices.Basma El Atti, a Moroccan journalist based in Rabat, explains why Eid al-Adha is such an important festival and talks us through the reasons for the ban. And BBC Monitoring journalist Samia Hosny tells us more about the long-lasting drought in the region and how it's affecting daily life there. And we hear from young Moroccans celebrating Eid about what they think of the ban.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates, Emilia Jansson, Rosabel Crean and Mora Morrison Editor: Emily Horler

Baggage fees have become part and parcel of international travel, with charges taking off in recent years. Globally, passengers spent $150 billion USD last year on added ‘extras' such as seat selection and baggage fees - that's 25% more than they spent in 2023. There's also a growing number of ‘packing hacks' videos on social media, with more people looking for ways to avoid paying fees for their bags. BBC reporter Sam Gruet explains why airlines started charging for luggage in the first place and how it varies around the world. And travel expert and content creator Chelsea Dickenson shares her tips on how to cut costs when travelling.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates, Benita Barden and Josh Jenkins Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

World leaders pledged to end the AIDS pandemic as a public health threat by 2030. And the World Health Organisation aims to reduce HIV infections from 1.5 million in 2020 to 335,000 by 2030. The African continent still has the highest number of HIV infections globally.How will cuts to the US government's main overseas aid agency, USAID, affect the treatment and prevention of HIV in Africa? And will it make it harder for countries to end new cases of HIV by 2030? BBC Africa health correspondent Makuochi Okafor explains what HIV is and how it's currently treated and prevented. He also breaks down some of the misinformation around HIV and PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) which stops HIV getting into your body. And we discuss what impact the cuts to USAID are having on HIV treatment and prevention programmes. BBC journalist Nathalia Jimenez also gives us a brief guide to the cuts to USAID.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Adam Chowdhury Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

What do Billie Eilish, Doja Cat and Jennie from Blackpink have in common? They have all been spotted wearing Vietnamese fashion brands. You might have noticed that your clothes and shoes have labels saying "Made in Vietnam". The garment and textile industry in Vietnam is massive - it's the second biggest exporter in the world, after China. And it employs three million people, most of them women. Global brands like Nike and Uniqlo make their clothes there. But recently, Vietnamese brands are being celebrated in their own right and finding new fans. Thuong Le from the BBC Vietnamese Service talks to us about the Vietnamese fashion industry and why their brands are becoming so popular outside the country. What's their appeal? Fashion influencer Joyce Ng from Singapore explains. Vietnamese fashion business consultant Quynh Nguyen, who works for the brand LSOUL, describes the impact foreign buyers have had on the industry. And Professor Kim Myung-hee from South Korea, a former stylist of Rain and Jun Ji-hyun, tells us why Vietnamese fashion isn't just a short term trend. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Thuong Le, Julia Ross-Roy and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Polar bears are the biggest bears in the world and the only marine bear. There are estimated to be around 26,000 globally. They're mostly found in Canada, but also in Russia, the US, Norway and Greenland. Their main prey is seal, specifically seal blubber, as they need a diet high in fat to survive the freezing Arctic conditions. Polar bears are great swimmers but they can't outswim seals. So they hunt them on the Arctic sea ice, waiting for them to come up for air and then pouncing. But as the amount of sea ice decreases due to global warming, the polar bear populations that live in the more southerly, warmer parts of the Arctic are in decline. BBC Science correspondent Victoria Gill explains what it's like to see a polar bear up close and the challenges they're facing. Alysa McCall, a scientist at Polar Bears International, gives us her top facts about polar bears and Arctic sea ice. And we explore whether refreezing parts of the Arctic could be a realistic solution, with Kerry Nickols, from Ocean Visions, a non-profit organisation which looks at ways to protect and restore Arctic sea ice. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Benita Barden and Thuong Le Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

OnlyFans is an online platform where people create content (photos, videos and live streams), which can be monetised. Although it hosts a variety of content across topics like fitness and cooking, OnlyFans is known widely for hosting adult content, much of it explicit. As its popularity has soared, so too has the controversy and stigma surrounding the platform. Last week, Kurts Adams Rozentals, a world-class British canoeist, revealed that he had been banned from competing by Paddle UK — the sport's governing body — after they learned he was an OnlyFans content creator. He told the BBC he started posting content because Paddle UK's annual grant of £16,000 was insufficient to cover rent, travel, food and other expenses associated with full-time training in London.BBC Business Reporter Charlotte Edwards explains exactly how the platform works and who owns it. She also gives us the latest on the embattled British canoer. Plus: Chimgozirim Nwokoma, a senior reporter for Tech Point Africa, tells us about All Access Fans — an African start-up that have taken inspiration from OnlyFans' subscription-based business model — and the reaction to it. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

High school prom may have started off as an American tradition, but now, it's spread across the globe. In Uganda, proms are often a super lavish event, with couples flying in on helicopters or pulling up in expensive cars, before doing multiple outfit changes through the night. But the government says it's gone too far — and it's brought in new rules to curb the celebrations. Uganda's Ministry of Education has banned what it calls “indecent dressing” and has even introduced a 6PM curfew, arguing that extravagant prom parties put unnecessary financial pressure on parents.Gloria Achieng, a BBC reporter in Kenya, tells us more about Uganda's prom culture and what these new rules mean for students. We hear from young people across Uganda, who share their thoughts on the ban with us. And we find out which member of the What in the World team is prom royalty. And how did prom culture start in America?Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates, Emily Horler and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde

The Pyramids of Giza are among Egypt's most famous landmarks. The Great Pyramid is made up of 2.3 million stone blocks, weighing five million tonnes in total. For centuries no one has known precisely how they were built, or how the stones were transported.Using radar satellite imagery, historical maps and geophysical surveys, a research team has mapped a long-lost, ancient branch of the River Nile - which they believe was buried by a major drought and sandstorms thousands of years ago. They think this waterway was used for the transportation of heavier blocks, equipment and people and finally explains how the Pyramids were constructed. So is this mystery finally wrapped up?Rehab Ismail, a BBC journalist in Cairo, describes what it's like to visit the Pyramids of Giza and explains what the Egyptian authorities are doing to preserve the area from over-tourism. Egyptologist Yossra Ibrahim tells us which mysteries have been solved and which still remain. Archive courtesy of British Pathé. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Baldeep Chahal, Julia Ross-Roy and Abiona Boja Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

In South Korea, what presidential candidates are wearing is a hot topic.People use fashion to express themselves. Many of us think carefully about what we put on and how others will view our outfits, whether we choose an iconic hat or a monochrome look. But for politicians and their spouses, every look is carefully calculated to send a specific message.South Korea is having a snap election which means that image consultants are quietly shaping the new public faces of leadership, from tie colours to jumpers to hairstyles. Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office for putting the country under martial law for six hours in December. Polls have placed Lee Jae-myung of the main opposition Democratic Party as the frontrunner among six candidates, followed by Kim Moon-soo from the ruling PPP.We chat with Rachel Lee from our team in Seoul - she's been speaking to some of those image consultants about what they do. Also, Stacy Wasiche, a fashion blogger from Kenya, runs us through the latest political fashion trends and how it's different depending on what country you look at.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler Editor: Harriet Oliver

From Taylor Swift to Michael Jackson, there's been countless superstar musicians who have called out their record labels for how much they're being paid for their music. For musicians at the start of their careers it can be even more challenging to make money. The emergence of streaming sites like Spotify has made understanding publishing a bit more complicated. So how does it all really work?BBC Newsbeat reporter Riyah Collins talks us through how musicians make their money - from royalties, touring and streaming. Mary Spender, a singer-songwriter here in the U.K. shares her experience with earning money from her music.Plus we also hear from Kenyan TV host, KenRelBis, who's launched a free music distribution platform to help local artists.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler and Maria Clara Montoya Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

US president Donald Trump has claimed that white farmers in South Africa are being executed en masse. But this is simply not true. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation went to Washington last week hoping for a boost and a reset after months of bitterness with the Donald Trump administration. Instead they got brutal, high-stakes diplomacy, peppered with insults, which played out to millions across the world in real time. This included Trump showing a video which supposedly proved ‘genocide' was taking place against white farmers. BBC journalist Nomsa Maseko breaks down where this false claim came from, how people in South Africa have responded to it, and what impact it could have on the future of relations between the two countries. We also hear why some white Afrikaners are taking up the offer of refugee status in the US. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Mora Morrison and Emilia Jansson Editor: Verity Wilde

After cutting off the supply of aid to Gaza for more than two months, Israeli officials have allowed some trucks to enter. But despite over a hundred aid trucks carrying essential products like flour and baby food into Gaza, the United Nations says it's only a “drop in the ocean”. There have also been significant delays to distributing the aid, lasting days in some cases. The UN estimates that one in five Gazans face starvation and that an average of 600 trucks a day are needed to start tackling the humanitarian crisis there.From Jerusalem, the BBC's Middle East Correspondent Yolande Knell explains why Israel has started to allow aid into Gaza and how much has got through so far. We hear what it's like in Gaza right now and aid workers from Médecins Sans Frontières and the International Committee of the Red Cross tell us about the challenges they are facing when distributing aid to Palestinians on the ground.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Chelsea Coates and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde

If so, President Trump thinks you're a “stupid person“.The royal family of Qatar wants to gift America a private jet. Critics say the gift is essentially a bribe to give Qatar influence with the U.S. And they've pointed out that, during his first term, President Trump accused Qatar of funding terror groups. On 21st April, it was formally announced that the US Defence Secretary had accepted the plane. BBC reporter, Nathalie Jimenez breaks it all down for us.It also got us thinking, what are the rules surrounding gift giving to politicians in other countries around the world? We'll hear from five BBC reporters about what the rules are like in the countries they report on.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

One of the biggest unions in the world representing a diverse range of creative professionals, including actors and voice artists, has filed a complaint against the makers of the video game Fortnite over its Darth Vader character. Epic Games used generative AI to recreate the voice of the Star Wars villain, after the late actor who played him in the film franchise signed over the rights in 2022. But Sag-Aftra says the gaming company should have negotiated with them first - and is worried the rise in AI could lead to job losses.BBC tech reporter Liv McMahon tells us more about the row between the union and Epic Games and explains why the growing use of generative AI is being met with backlash in the entertainment industry. We also hear from Larry Cutler, the co-founder of Baobab Studios, a multiple Emmy-award-winning animation studio that has worked on games like Roblox and Fortnite, to find out how voice cloning technology works.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Mora Morrison and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

Skin-lightening is a multi-billion-dollar industry and impacts many women, and men, around the world. Within the African context, women in Nigeria use skin-whitening products the most: according to the World Health Organization 77% of women use them regularly. The situation is so bad that Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (Nafdac) declared a state of emergency in 2023. The BBC's Madina Maishanu has been speaking to a mother who has used skin-whitening products on all six of her children. Madina shares her story, and talks us through the cultural context of why people use these products. We also hear from aesthetician Zainab Bashir about the risks involved with skin-bleaching.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Mora Morrison, Maria Clara Montoya and Elena Angelides Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Hundreds of thousands of students in Nigeria have been told they can retake their JAMB university entrance exam. That's after nearly 80 per cent of them failed the test in March amid power cuts and computer glitches during the exams. The low pass rate sparked a national outcry, especially after the Minister of Education initially claimed it was caused by students cheating. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has now apologised - but what does the incident say about Nigeria's digital infrastructure?The BBC's Madina Maishanu explains what caused the technical issues, and why the exam board has now decided to allow retakes. We also hear from students across Nigeria about the impact the glitches have had on their hopes of getting into university.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Chelsea Coates and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

You might have seen videos on TikTok of guys with shaved heads and black sweatbands walking round Turkish airports, or sitting on planes on the way home. Turkey is becoming one of the most popular destinations to get a hair transplant. Turkish officials estimate the hair transplant market was worth $1billion in 2024. People travel there from all around the world, but especially the US and Europe, because it's so much cheaper than getting it done in their home country. Christopher Mizzoni, 22 (@chrishairjourney), travelled to Turkey in 2024 to get the first of two planned hair transplants. He explains what it was like and what difference it's made to him. Özge Özdemir from BBC Turkish explains why prices are so much lower in Turkey than other countries and sets out some concerns about the industry.And Chris D'Souza, a hair transplant surgeon and President of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery tells us what the procedure involves. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Mora Morrison and Emilia Jansson Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde