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What in the World

What in the World

Written by: BBC World Service
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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.

(C) BBC 2026
Daily Politics & Government
Episodes
  • How flamingos in Albania sparked massive protests
    Oct 16 2026

    What began as a peaceful protest in Albania turned violent in October, as students took the lead, setting buildings on fire and clashing with police. They are demanding better university conditions, greater opportunities for young people – and an end to what they describe as a corrupt government.

    This all goes back to a proposal to build a huge, luxury tourist resort in Zvërnec, where there’s a flamingo reserve. US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is among the investors. But locals were unhappy at the impact the proposals would have on the flamingos and the nature in the area. So, they began to protest.

    The Flamingo Movement has grown, and crowds are now chanting not just about the environment, but schools, jobs and living standards. We hear from some protesters, including 23 year old activist, Brunela, who’s become known as “the girl who started the revolution”. And Rita Behadini from the What in the World breaks down the political landscape of Albania.

    Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mollie Perella, Baldeep Chahal and Rita Behadini Editor: Verity Wilde

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    10 mins
  • Can airport scanners see you naked?
    Oct 15 2026

    Shoes on or off? Laptops in or out? And don’t get us started on the rules around liquids! Getting through airport security never seems to be simple. It’s there for a reason, of course. But there are so many rules and why do they seem to be different everywhere you go?

    We’re joined by science journalist and presenter Caroline Steel to talk about everything from the miles long luggage belts our suitcases travel on, how x-ray scanners work, what they’re looking for and whether or not they can ACTUALLY see us naked.

    Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mollie Perella and Baldeep Chahal Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Emily Horler

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    14 mins
  • How fires in Indonesia are impacting Singapore’s air
    Oct 14 2026

    Singapore’s got a reputation for being one of world’s cleanest cities. But right now, it’s covered in a thick blanket of smog. And it’s recently seen its worst air quality levels for the year. The reason? Fires in nearby Indonesia.

    Indonesia’s seen its worst wildfire season in years. Huge areas of land have been burning for weeks. Fires are sometimes lit as a way to illegally clear land to make room for plantations - a process known as ‘slash and burn’. Hot and dry conditions caused by extreme weather mean the fires grow and spread easily.

    We hear from people in Singapore and Indonesia about how the fires and resulting haze are affecting their daily lives. Plus, BBC reporters Tessa Wong in Singapore and Liza Tambunan in Indonesia explain how both countries are responding.

    Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Baldeep Chahal and Mollie Perella Editor: Verity Wilde

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    12 mins
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