What in the World

Russia has been trying to grow its influence in Africa for years, with Russian paramilitary groups operating in countries such as Mali and Niger and Africans being recruited to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine. But it’s not just through soldiers and paramilitaries - Russia has now announced plans to open eight new cultural centres across Africa. The new centres are expected to open in countries such as Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal, and they will offer locals the opportunity to learn Russian, find out about Russian culture, and get help applying to study there. So, why is Russia opening more of them? And are more young Africans interested in learning Russian? The BBC’s West Africa Reporter Makuochi Okafor explains why Russia is keen to build more influence on the continent - and the other countries it’s competing with. We also hear from Raphael, a student based in Lagos who’s learning Russian, about whether he’s seen more people wanting to learn the language. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates and William Lee Adams Editor: Verity Wilde

A series of recent studies suggests that drug use is increasing among Gen Z. Some young people are taking prescription anti-anxiety medications — such as propranolol and pregabalin — without a prescription. They’re buying them online or on the black market, exposing themselves to additional risks. Jacqui Wakefield, our Global Health Reporter, explains why some young people see these drugs as an alternative to alcohol. They want to reduce social anxiety on a night out and experience a feeling of euphoria, but without the calories and hangover that can come with heavy drinking. We discuss the risks associated with using these drugs without medical supervision, and the potential consequences for young people’s health. Warning: This episode includes references to suicidal thoughts. If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, or are experiencing distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Tim Hodges Editor: Verity Wilde

In the current global economic environment, youth unemployment is higher than the national average in many countries, as companies are reluctant to take on new staff. According to the United Nations, the global youth unemployment rate rose to 12.4 per cent last year, meaning around 67 million people under 24 can’t find jobs. Now some companies are staging less conventional recruitment processes that are attracting job applicants and buzz. We speak with journalist MaryLou Costa about L'Oreal’s Brandstorm competition, which turns recruitment into an X Factor-style competition, with jobs as the prize. The process starts with domestic competitions around the world and culminates in a grand final in Paris. For the young people involved, is it exciting - or unfair? We hear from Allodya Arofa, a final-year university student who won the national competition in Indonesia, about her experience. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates and William Lee Adams Editor: Verity Wilde

From memes to movies, we’ve all seen vultures getting a bit of a bad rep! The bird of prey is often linked to death and decay, but some people are trying to fight back and try and give them a bit of a rebrand. Kojo Baidoo is a vulture fan and birder in the US. He tells us about how he’s trying to rehab the vulture brand through social media and why we should have some more love for these feathered friends. Plus, Makuochi Okafor our West Africa reporter, explains how vultures are disappearing in Nigeria, but a man called the ‘Vulture King’ is trying to save them. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editors: Verity Wilde

After a record 250 consecutive days at sea, the USS Abraham Lincoln finally docked in Thailand last week. Half of the 5,000 crew members are under 24 years old and they’ve been on board since December, as part of the US-Israel war with Iran. There have been reports of difficult conditions on board, with food shortages, broken plumbing and concerns about the crew’s morale and mental health, but the US Navy says there haven't been severe problems on board. So how can spending months at sea impact your mental health? We speak to Dr Harold Kudler, a psychiatrist and former head of mental health policy for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about the toll this can take. We also hear from Joe Franta, a merchant mariner and YouTuber who documents his experiences working on cargo ships. He shares what it’s like to be at sea for long periods of time. Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Editor: Harriet Oliver

A floating island that appeared in a Canadian reservoir and seemed to vanish has returned. Officials at Williston Reservoir in British Columbia spent months tracking it through satellite imagery and discovered it had drifted 30 kilometres away. The island made international headlines and gained a loyal fan base on social media. Jake Horton from BBC Verify has been looking at the data and gave us an overview of what we can confirm about the island’s story. Plus, Jon Dickson, who specialising in marine wood and sea restoration tells us all about floating islands, and what it’s like to be on one. Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mollie Perella and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Imagine you’ve just started a new job or it’s your first day at uni. You’re talking to your boss or teacher, someone who’s much older, much richer, or much more powerful than you. Do you call them by their first name? Or do you go with Mr, Mrs, Professor, Doctor? In Nigeria, a video of a young woman being corrected for calling a billionaire businessman, Tony Elumelu, by his first name has sparked a conversation about respect, age and power. We speak to three Nigerians to get their take on the story and how you should refer to your boss. Plus our reporter Basma El Atti in Nairobi, Kenya, tells us about the unwritten rules elsewhere in the world. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Mollie Perella and Stefania Okereke Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editors: Verity Wilde

Aura farming has left your phone screen and landed in public squares all over Latin America. Hundreds of people are attending ‘aura battles’ - high-energy public competitions where the only way to win is show just how much raw charisma you have. Laura Garcia from BBC Mundo tells us exactly what it takes to prove your aura. Dani San, who’s been organising aura battles in Chile, tells us what it’s like to watch one unfold. Plus Mollie Perella from the What in the World team gets a lesson in ‘aura farming’ from Ava Arabian, a content creator from New York. Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Mollie Perella Editor: Verity Wilde

Investing used to be seen as something that was for older people in suits, but now more young people are getting into it, thanks to the rise in online investing apps that have made it more accessible, and a growing awareness of how stocks and shares work. But data suggests that despite being less likely to start investing, women often make higher returns than men when they do. So, why are women often better at investing? And how does it work? BBC business reporter Emer Moreau unpacks the data on how women and men invest differently, what investing is and why it can be risky. We also chat to Viktoriia and Gabriella, two women in their 20s, about why they started investing and how they are finding it. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Chelsea Coates, Emily Horler and Emma-Louise Amanshia Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Videos from the second edition of the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing have been going viral. Two thousand robots from 16 countries took part and the robots seem more human-like than ever. They dance, compete in boxing matches, sprint faster than Usain Bolt, and even lift weights (not always successfully). BBC China Analyst Kerry Allen explains how the Games relate to China’s international and domestic goals. Among other things, China’s leaders want to show the world how advanced their robotics industry is and demonstrate advances that will allow robots to strengthen China’s workforce. We also hear reactions from content creators Christina Ernst in the United States, Uchechukwu Ololo in Nigeria and Cheryl Liu in China. Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Benita Barden and Mollie Perella Editor: Harriet Oliver

Rockstar — the developer behind Grand Theft Auto 6 — has released the “extended look” trailer ahead of the game’s November release. The 26-minute preview offers fans the first detailed footage from the game. Among other things, the trailer showcases the relationship between protagonists Jason Duval and Lucia Camino and some very impressive chase scenes. The extended look premiered following a week of leaks. We get reaction from some popular gamers and content creators: Alogirlx in Canada, ColdJinn in India, Knightenator in the UK, and Nixstah in the United States. Plus BBC reporter Tom Richardson explains why people have been leaking content from the game and what the potential impact could be. Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Chelsea Coates and William Lee Adams Editor: Verity Wilde

Tradwife content is everywhere - you’ve seen it on your feed. Influencers showing off their sourdough loaves while talking about how lucky they are to be stay-at-home wives, mothers, and girlfriends. For some, it looks like an aspirational lifestyle - fairy-tale wealth, a beautiful home, family and no 9-5 job. One of the biggest accounts like this is Nara Smith. And although she’s often seen as the face of the movement, she’s now said she doesn’t identify with the label. Others using the hashtag on their content say the same. We chat to Crystal Gorsuch, who is 20 and a stay-at-home mum. What does she think of the label and how has her content been received by people online? Plus, Chelsea from the team talks to us about how this trend is changing and where it might go next. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

Dolly Parton was a country music star like no other. Following her death from cancer on Tuesday, everyone from President Donald Trump to Beyoncé has expressed condolences online. But the public mourning isn’t just about Dolly’s catalogue of hits like “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” or her nearly 50 studio albums like “Backwoods Barbie.” William Lee Adams, a BBC culture reporter, explains why Dolly’s legacy has only grown with time. We discuss her uplifting personality, endlessly quotable quotes, and philanthropic endeavours — from donating a million dollars to help fund the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine to the Imagination Library, her charity that has gifted children more than 200 million free books. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Mollie Perella Editors: Verity Wilde

Scientists have snapped some shiny new pictures of the Sun in the most detail we’ve ever seen. They used a super powerful solar telescope to show "whirlpools" of activity which are the Sun’s magnetic field being twisted and moved by the motion of hot gas. Victoria Gill, our Science Correspondent chats to us about how the pictures were taken by the Inouye Solar Telescope and what they tell us about the universe. Plus, we hear from three space photography enthusiasts and science content creators. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Chelsea Coates and Adam Chowdhury Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Divine, a short-form video-sharing app, lets users create and share videos which are just six seconds long and repeat on a loop. It’s inspired by Vine, an app founded in 2012 that, at its peak, had more than 200 million monthly active users. It helped launch the careers of some of the internet's biggest stars, including Jake Paul and Lele Pons. Laura Cress, a BBC tech reporter, explains how the app plans to shake up social media by banning AI and moving away from an algorithm that feeds people videos specific to their taste and browsing habits. Instead it uses an open, decentralized design that encourages people to engage with similar videos as other users. Plus: Chelsea and Baldeep from the What in the World team re-enact some of the most iconic moments from the Vine era. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Chelsea Coates and William Lee Adams Editors: Verity Wilde

Niu Lai, a low-budget Chinese animation film about a cow in a dream sequence, is going viral. Released on August 5, it earned less than $1,500 in its first ten days. But then — following snarky comments, bad reviews and widespread mockery by Gen-Z — the film found a larger audience and has now brought in more than $1.6 million dollars. We speak with William Lee Adams, a BBC culture reporter, and Mengchen Zhang from the BBC’s Global China Unit. They discuss the film’s plot, its rudimentary animation and how bad publicity has helped it go viral at home and abroad. We also hear about the origins of the film, which was made by a mother and son over the course of five years. Plus: Chinese content creator Marcelo Wang offers his hot take, and Utah-based content creator Cameron Cowley shares three of his favourite “so bad they’re good” films. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Benita Barden and William Lee Adams Editors: Verity Wilde

Do you run without a a shirt on ever? Lots of people have opinions on this topic and in some parts of the world it’s something you’re just not allowed to do. We hear from runners around the world for their take on the decision to run without a shirt one - for both men and women. And Yijin Shim from BBC Korean tells us about how in South Korea “no shirtless running” signs have been popping up after more runners have been going shirtless in a heatwave. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Chelsea Coates and Adam Chowdhury Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editors: Verity Wilde

Across social media young women are discussing the "luteal uglies." These are changes in appearance and mood that women experience during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. We hear from women in Vietnam, the Philippines, and the UK about the symptoms they experience, from acne and bloating to fatigue and brain fog. But what’s behind these changes? Dr Helen O'Neill, an associate professor in reproductive and molecular genetics at University College London, explains how changing hormone levels impact women’s bodies and their brains. She also offers some tips and coping strategies. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Emma-Louise Amanshia Editors: Verity Wilde

AI isn’t just occasionally going rogue…(Open AI and Meta we’re looking at you) it’s also changing the world of work. Nearly 70% of college students in the US said they thought AI would make it harder to find a job in a recent survey - and 22% said that they’ve changed what they’re deciding to study at university because of this. They’re not the only ones… students all over the world are thinking about how to AI-proof their future careers. In this episode, we go to the University College London campus to speak to three students: Omer, who’s studying French and German, Zahra, who’s studying entrepreneurship, and Allie, who’s just graduated from Kings College after completing her law studies. They tell us how they think AI could change the course of their careers, how they’re adapting to the new technology, and if their degrees will still be helpful in the face of AI. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Chelsea Coates and Benita Barden Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editors: Verity Wilde

Rapper Tupac Shakur is one of the most influential music artists ever - with musicians such as Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber and Drake citing him as a major inspiration. His career was cut short in 1996 when he was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas - but now, nearly three decades later, a man is going on trial, accused of his murder. He’s called Duane "Keffe D" Davis - he has pled not guilty and denies all allegations. So, what we can expect from the trial? And how is Tupac’s music continuing to influence hip-hop, decades after his murder? We speak to culture journalist Ivie Ani, who’s based in New York, to learn more about the impact Tupac has had on music today. We also hear from Tupac fans that have discovered his legacy in the years since his death - and from Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, host of the BBC’s Fame Under Fire podcast. She is in Las Vegas covering the rapper’s murder trial. You can follow the trial by listening to the Fame Under Fire podcast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0030zm4 Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Chelsea Coates and Emma-Louise Amanshia Editors: Verity Wilde