What in the World

Join BBC reporter Sakshi Venkatraman as she delves into President Trump's controversial East Wing renovation at the White House. She explains the plans for a grand ballroom, the hefty $300 million price tag, and the questions around whether he had the necessary permissions. Sakshi uncovers the motivations of billionaire donors and the public's mixed reactions, while recalling how past presidents have also made alterations. Discover how these changes contrast with the ongoing government shutdown and what they might mean for the future.

In August, China launched a new “K visa”, to attract young science and technology graduates. It came into effect on 1st October 2025 and although there isn’t a lot of information about what the visa will allow people to do, it’s getting a lot of media attention. Many people in China aren’t happy about it. That’s because millions of Chinese graduates can’t find jobs and there are worries over preferential treatment for foreigners. Mengchen Zhang, from the BBC’s Global China Unit, joins Hannah in the studio to explain what we know about the K visa, why the Chinese government has introduced it and why it’s so hard right now for Chinese grads to find work. We also discuss Chinese work culture, including the new concept of 007.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer : Julia Ross-Roy Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Kayla Epstein, a BBC reporter in New York, reveals shocking FBI investigations linking NBA players and coaches to organized crime through illegal gambling. She details how these figures are accused of faking injuries and manipulating game outcomes. Jonty Colman, BBC Sport journalist, explores the implications for the NBA, including fan concerns and potential disruptions to the season. They also discuss the evolution of mafia tactics in modern crime, showing how traditional operations have shifted to cyber fraud and illegal betting schemes.

Antidepressants have been prescribed to help people with depression for decades. While they help millions, they also come with potential side effects. These can include nausea, a change in sleep patterns and low sex drive. But now, for the first time, the side effects of different types of the drug have been compared and ranked in a study. What are the differences? And will it change how people are prescribed the drug? BBC Heath and science correspondent James Gallagher explains. Do antidepressants have a different effect on younger people? We hear from BBC Newsbeat’s Eleanor Shearwood on a different study which has just begun, and is looking into this. And three young people also tell us their experience of being on antidepressants, and how it has changed them. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Imogen James and Emily Horler Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

In this engaging conversation, BBC journalist Chelsea Coates delves into the life of Carlo Acutis, the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. She discusses how Carlo blended his love for gaming and tech with his faith, earning the title of 'God's influencer.' Coates explains the intricate canonisation process, sharing insights on the miracles attributed to Carlo and the burgeoning interest from young Catholics. The dialogue reveals how social media is reshaping modern devotion, making saints more accessible and relatable to today's youth.

Chris Vallance, a BBC technology reporter, unpacks the recent AWS outage that disrupted major apps like Snapchat, Fortnite, and Delta Airlines. He explains how a DNS issue caused widespread service failures, putting a spotlight on our heavy reliance on a few dominant tech firms. Chris discusses the risks of future outages, why startups flock to these services, and the geopolitical implications of this dependency. Listeners also hear how students were personally affected by the downtime, highlighting the vulnerability of our digital lives.

Luiz Fernando Toledo, a reporter for BBC Brasil, dives into the alarming surge of methanol poisoning in Brazil. He explores how counterfeit alcohol is infiltrating the drinking culture, causing fear among locals. Toledo explains the dangers of methanol, describing symptoms that can lead to blindness and death. He shares insights on the proliferation of fake brands and the urgent need for awareness. Young women recount how the crisis has reshaped their social lives, leading many to avoid drinking altogether for safety.

In this engaging discussion, BBC journalist Sammy Awami shares firsthand insights from Madagascar amid recent protests. He highlights how water shortages and power cuts fueled youth mobilization. Sammy details the innovative ways young people organized, using social media to coordinate their efforts. He also addresses the violence during protests and the new president's promise for reform. Voices from the ground, like protester Virgilus, express hopes for change, making it clear that the youth are eager for leaders who listen and provide essential services.

The Nobel Prize is the most prestigious award in the world. Whether you win it for physics, chemistry, literature, medicine, economics - or, the most coveted of all, the peace prize, the process of choosing a winner is extremely secretive. President Donald Trump has been pretty clear he thinks he deserves it. But this year the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Maria Corina Machado, the leader of the opposition in Venezuela.The BBC’s Mark Lowen has been to Oslo in Norway, to get rare access to the room where the Nobel Peace Prize is decided. He explains the history of the awards, who makes the decisions and what you get if you win. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Chelsea Coates and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

Gen Z protests are sweeping across the globe, with a surprising symbol emerging: the One Piece pirate flag. As LaNeysha Campbell explains, this anime series tackles themes of freedom and resistance against oppression. From Madagascar to Southeast Asia, youth are using the flag to demand justice and challenge elite exploitation. The movement reflects a leaderless, digital-savvy approach to activism, where pop culture icons become tools for expressing dissent. Discover how this beloved series has transcended entertainment to become a symbol of global resistance.