

What in the World
BBC World Service
Helping you make sense of what’s happening in your world. Big stories, small stories and everything in between. Understand more, feel better. Five days a week, Monday to Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 18, 2023 • 15min
Beauty standards: How far will people go to achieve them?
Botox, tummy tucks, Brazilian butt lifts. You may have seen the posts - and adverts - on your socials.Cosmetic surgery is on the rise globally. Last year there were 33.8 million surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures done worldwide. That’s according to a recent report from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). We chat to Giulia Granchi, our reporter from Brazil, and Hyunjung Kim, in South Korea to find out which procedures are popular where they live. We also hear from Los Angeles-based writer Iris Kim and learn about her complicated relationship to double eyelid surgery.And we check in with Dr Anthony Youn (@doctoryuon on Tik Tok) to ask him about how social media and celeb culture is changing what people ask to get done.Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler
Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Oct 17, 2023 • 14min
India’s Supreme Court rejects petition for same-sex marriage - what’s next?
India’s Supreme Court has rejected a petition seeking to legalise same-sex marriage. Petitioners sought the same rights as heterosexual couples — including the right to adopt children and open joint bank accounts. The petitioners said not being able to marry violates their constitutional rights and makes them "second-class citizens.” The government and religious leaders strongly opposed same-sex unions, saying they are against Indian culture.Umang Poddar, a reporter in the BBC Delhi Bureau, explains the Supreme Court’s ruling and shares some early reactions to the verdict. He also explains how the decision could impact the lives of LBGTQ+ people in the country. (09:50) In music news, British band The 1975 are due to play a series of “carbon-removed” shows next year to counter the environmental impact of touring. Bonnie McLaren from BBC Newsbeat explains how concerts contribute to carbon emissions and tells us how the removal process works. Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Umang Poddar
Producers: Alex Rhodes, Benita Barden, William Lee Adams
Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Oct 16, 2023 • 15min
The Antarctic: The ‘untold’ climate story of the season
Amid a year of heatwaves and wildfires you might have missed that winter sea-ice surrounding Antarctica is at a record low. The BBC’s Georgina Rannard explains why. And we speak to Dr Robbie Mallett who’s in the Antarctic. He talks us through why it’s so important - and underreported. Plus, Tiffanie Turnbull gives us an update on how Australians are feeling after the country voted against a plan to give greater political rights to Indigenous people. Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Georgina Rannard
Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler
Editors: Verity Wilde

Oct 13, 2023 • 14min
Will Australia’s referendum give Indigenous people a Voice?
The podcast explores Australia's referendum on creating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. It discusses the origins, goals, and opposition to the reform, as well as the misinformation and racism surrounding it. Additionally, it touches on Microsoft's approved deal to buy Activision Blizzard and the impact of Microsoft's Game Pass service in the gaming industry.

Oct 12, 2023 • 13min
Why is it dangerous to be a climate activist in Colombia?
Maria Clara Montoya, a BBC journalist, discusses the dangers faced by climate activists in Colombia, the most biodiverse yet dangerous country for activists. The podcast also explores the ongoing issue of violence against activists and the urgent need for increased protection. Additionally, it covers the Escasu Agreement and NASA's recent discovery on Bennu asteroid.

Oct 11, 2023 • 15min
How a deadly scam is costing lives in India
Discover the shocking instant loan scam in India, Africa, and Latin America that leads to blackmail and suicide. Uncover the investigation into loan app scams and the tragic death of Monika. Explore the inspiring DARS program supporting women's education in Afghanistan despite the ban.

Oct 10, 2023 • 14min
How did 6 million people in China buy homes that don’t exist?
Fan Wang, a BBC reporter in Singapore, discusses societal pressures and challenges young people face to be home owners in China. Chen Yen, a journalist at BBC’s Chinese service in Hong Kong, explains the details of the housing market crisis. The podcast explores the implications of a collapse in China's property market and the risks faced by millions who paid for non-existent homes. It also delves into the growth and transformation of China's real estate industry and the role of China's pre-sell system in the crisis.

Oct 9, 2023 • 12min
Israel-Gaza violence: The conflict explained
Recent violence between Israel and Gaza explained, including rocket launches by Hamas and Israel's airstrikes. The impact of the attack compared to 9-11 and the healthcare crisis in Gaza. Overview of Gaza's complexities, including geography, population, living conditions, and Hamas' control. Challenges of the Gaza hostage crisis discussed.

Oct 6, 2023 • 14min
Why has it taken so long to arrest someone for Tupac’s murder?
Suspect Duane 'Keefe D' Davis has been arrested for Tupac Shakur's murder. The podcast explores his links to Tupac and explains what happened that night. It also discusses the impact of Tupac's legacy in hip-hop and Hollywood, as well as the delay in the arrest and the various rumors and conspiracies surrounding his life and death.

Oct 5, 2023 • 15min
Why are young people calling on Ghanaians to #OccupyJulorbiHouse?
Thousands of people have been out on the streets of Ghana and organising protests online, using #OccupyJulorbiHouse. In 2019 - just four years ago - Ghana had the fastest growing economy in Africa. But now it’s in crisis, with high inflation and huge debts. Daniel Dadzie explains what in the world is going on with protests in Ghana?
And from Jakarta, the BBC’s Astudestra Ajengrastri tells us about her trip to Rempang island, where the Indonesian government is planning a huge development called Eco City. It’ll involve a Chinese glass factory and the eviction of 7,500 residents. How Eco is it? Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Mora Morrison, Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy
Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks


