SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2024

SAT 00:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbd8ws)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 00:06 The Real Story (w3ct4q85)
Should we be afraid of TikTok?

The US House of Representatives has passed a landmark bill that could see TikTok effectively banned. It would give the social media giant's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, six months to sell its controlling stake or the app would face blocks in the US. Supporters of the bill say the app’s links with China make it a national security risk. Opponents argue that tens of millions of Americans rely on the platform and that the real problem isn’t with TikTok, but with a lack of regulation of social media and technology giants in general. So, what should the United States do about TikTok? Celia Hatton is joined by a panel of expert guests.

Jeremy Goldkorn - Editorial Fellow at the Asia Society's ChinaFile website, founding editor-in-chief of The China Project and cofounder of the Sinica Podcast.

Lindsay P. Gorman - Head of Technology and Geopolitics Team at the transatlantic, non-partisan Alliance for Securing Democracy.

Louise Matsakis - A freelance journalist covering technology and China. She writes ‘You May Also Like’, a newsletter about e-commerce and Chinese tech giants.

Image: TikTok app logo. Reuters/Dado Ruvic


SAT 01:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbddmx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 01:06 Business Matters (w172yzs2r4zpy17)
US Opioid epidemic

The United States is warning the rest of the world that the US is the canary in the coalmine when it comes to the global opioid crisis. Our presenter Will Bain will be hearing what the US plans on doing.

We look at the challenges of exporting through the Red Sea during the holy month of Ramadan.

And St. Patricks Day is happening this weekend but how much of a boost will it bring to the US and Irish economy?

We will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite side of the world: Takara Small technology journalist based in Toronto, Canada and Rachel Pupazzoni, national business reporter and presenter for ABC News in Perth, Australia.

(Picture: Prescription bottle for Oxycodone tablets and pills on glass table with reflections. Credit: Getty Images)


SAT 02:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbdjd1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 02:06 The Newsroom (w172z2tw139yv17)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky2wnf)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 02:32 Stumped (w3ct4tlt)
Jimmy Anderson: The David Bowie of cricket

Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell and Sunil Gupta celebrate England fast bowler Jimmy Anderson. Anderson has become the first fast bowler to take 700 Test wickets and reached the milestone in 187 Tests. He is only the third bowler in all of Test cricket to reach this milestone, with only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne ahead of him in the all-time list.

We are joined by Maccabees and 86TVs guitarist Felix White, who also co-hosts the Tailenders podcast with Anderson. He shares what it is like to share a stage at the London Palladium with the bowler and what makes him so special.

Plus with four new players reaching one hundred Test appearances, we debate the value of reaching the century milestone and ask if it still has the same significance as it used to?

Photo: James Anderson and Felix White (Credit Gregg James)


SAT 03:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbdn45)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 03:06 The Fifth Floor (w3ct4v1f)
Israel’s Orthodox Jews and the army

The war in Gaza is forcing Israeli society to confront a long-standing conflict over who serves in the army. Ultra-Orthodox Jews enjoy an exemption, but many Israelis now say this should end. Both sides took to the streets to protest, while the Israeli Supreme Court hears a case related to this matter, as BBC Arabic’s Michael Shuval reports.

Ukraine's Ushanka hat sell off
The Ukrainian government plans to auction 40,000 ushanka hats it bought in the early 2000s. The warm winter hats became popular after the 1917 Russian revolution and spread across the Soviet Union for leaders and civilians alike. BBC Ukrainian's Dmytro Vlasov explores the history of the hat, and why they're being sold now.

Thailand's cannabis law reversal
Thailand’s new government plans to reverse a law decriminalising the recreational use of cannabis which was passed only 18 months ago. BBC Thai’s Tossapol Chaisamritpol explains the societal pressures behind the switch, and met some of the growers who will be affected if the ban goes ahead.

China’s looming pension crisis
As China’s birthrate declines and a growing number of people reach old age and retirement, the country faces a looming crisis – the labour force will be smaller, and the cost of caring for the elderly will be higher. For BBC Chinese, Chen Yan explores the potential impact on the economy – and, in the words of one expert, on China’s destiny.

Observing the 'Day of Silence' and Ramadan in Indonesia
Nyepi or 'Day of Silence' is an important Indonesian public holiday, mainly observed in Bali. It's a day reserved for quiet self-reflection, and this year, the Hindu celebration coincided with the first day of Ramadan. BBC Indonesian's Amahl Azwar met some of those making sure the two forms of worship can run smoothly together.

(Photo: Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protest against proposed end to military conscription exemption. Credit: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)


SAT 03:50 Witness History (w3ct4x8t)
The last eruption of Mount Vesuvius

The Mount Vesuvius eruption that buried Pompeii in 79AD is well known, but far fewer people know about the last time the volcano erupted in 1944.

It was World War Two, and families in southern Italy had already lived through a German invasion, air bombardment, and surrender to the Allies.

And then at 16:30 on 18 March, Vesuvius erupted. The sky filled with violent explosions of rock and ash, and burning lava flowed down the slopes, devastating villages.

By the time it was over, 11 days later, 26 people had died and about 12,000 people were forced to leave their homes.

Angelina Formisano, who was nine, was among those evacuated from the village of San Sebastiano. She’s been speaking to Jane Wilkinson about being in the path of an erupting volcano.

(Photo: Vesuvius erupting in March 1944. Credit: Keystone/Getty Images)


SAT 04:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbdrw9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 04:06 The Real Story (w3ct4q85)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:06 today]


SAT 05:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbdwmf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 05:06 The Newsroom (w172z2tw139z68m)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 05:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky37wt)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 05:32 Dear Daughter (w3ct6nwt)
Making amends

Namulanta’s father Musikari Kombo is a politician – he’s an anti-corruption campaigner in Kenya, and before that he was a successful businessman. But what that meant for his children was that when they were growing up, he wasn’t around much, because he was so busy. Now he comes into the studio to read Namulanta a letter about family values, the importance of friendship - and how he’s making up for lost time with his grandchildren.

Letter writer: Musikari Kombo

Namulanta Kombo is creating a "handbook to life" for her daughter, with letters of advice and stories to help her navigate her life ahead. If you’ve got something you’d like to share with your daughter or daughters everywhere, please send Namulanta your letter: email us at deardaughter@bbc.co.uk, send us a Whatsapp on +44 800 030 4404, or go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”.

#DearDaughter


SAT 05:50 More or Less (w3ct5b7v)
Does the Russian government really spend 40% of its budget on the military?

According to the head of the British military, the Russian government spends 40% of its budget on its war machine. But is it true?

With the help of Professor Bettina Renz from Nottingham University and Dr Richard Connolly from The Royal United Services Institute, Olga Smirnova investigates the figure.

Presenter: Tom Colls
Producer: Olga Smirnova
Production Co-ordinator Katie Morrison
Series Producer: Tom Colls
Sound: Graham Puddifoot
Editor: Richard Vadon

(Photo: Russian military perform Victory Day parade night rehearsal in Moscow. Credit: Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)


SAT 06:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbf0ck)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 06:06 Weekend (w172z37rvf2h7m5)
US urges global action to tackle Fentanyl crisis

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has called for urgent international cooperation to fight the huge rise in trafficking of synthetic drugs such as fentanyl.
Also today: the conflict in Sudan has led some eight million people to flee their homes and there are warnings of growing hunger; we hear from the US's newly-appointed Sudan Envoy, Tom Perriello, who has just completed a tour of the region.
Today’s guests are the author and historian Shrabani Basu, and Henry Chu, former LA Times editor and bureau chief in Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, New Delhi, London.
PICTURE: Nasal spray for a patient suffering an opioid overdose in Garcia, Mexico February 13, 2024. REUTERS.


SAT 07:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbf43p)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 07:06 Weekend (w172z37rvf2hcc9)
Can police in Haiti tackle armed gangs?

Police in Haiti have reportedly launched an operation to arrest Jimmy Cherizier - the leader of the coalition of gangs controlling most of the capital, Port au Prince.
Also today: why are French political leaders getting younger?
Today’s guests are the author and historian Shrabani Basu, and Henry Chu, former LA Times editor and bureau chief in Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, New Delhi, London.
PICTURE CREDIT: A street in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince / EPA.


SAT 08:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbf7vt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 08:06 Weekend (w172z37rvf2hh3f)
Second day of voting in Russia's presidential election

It's the second of three days in which Russians go to the polls to elect the next president. Vladimir Putin is the only significant candidate and certain to win.

Also today: the first ship towing a barge of humanitarian aid to Gaza has unloaded supplies on to the shore.

Today’s guests are the author and historian Shrabani Basu, and Henry Chu, former LA Times editor and bureau chief in Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, New Delhi, London.
PICTURE CREDIT: People vote in Russia's presidential election in Donetsk / REUTERS.


SAT 09:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbfcly)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 09:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct5b38)
Haiti: Gangs and stray bullets

Haiti is facing its most most acute humanitarian crisis for more than a decade. There’s been a surge in violence with armed gangs in control of most of the capital. The prime minister has resigned, there’s a month long state of emergency and a curfew has been extended. The gangs have destroyed police buildings and, after storming a prison in the capital Port-au-Prince, thousands of escaped prisoners are back on the streets.

In this edition, hosted by Lukwesa Burak and Luke Jones, we hear from Haitians caught up in this latest violence. “Sometimes you find bullets on the bed everywhere because those people, they are shooting without control,” says Bernado. “Sometimes you see them walking around the street, close to your house, and shooting.”

More than 15,000 people have been displaced in the past two weeks but not everyone can or wants to escape. “I don’t feel like I should have to leave my country because I haven’t not done anything wrong,” says headteacher Tatiana from Port-au-Prince. “This is the only place that’s home.”

We also hear how aid agency workers are coping with a population in crisis. “People are tired,” says Kwanli Kaldstrup from Concern Worldwide. “You can see the trauma. They don’t know when their neighbourhood is going to be attacked, when they’re going to have to pick up and just leave without any of their belongings.”

A Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC OS team.

(Photo: Tatiana packed some food and left for the mountains when the fighting broke out. Credit: Tatiana)


SAT 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky3qwb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 09:32 Pick of the World (w3ct5bb3)
Football's top scorer is a she - Temwa Chawinga

Malawi's Temwa Chawinga notched up 63 goals last year, which is nine more than Cristiano Ronaldo, making her the most successful forward in the world. Plus, why your dog might be genetically overweight, the artist who makes the tiniest sculptures on Earth - and what is going on with Egypt's pyramids?


SAT 09:50 Over to You (w3ct4rqr)
Exposing little known atrocities in Bengal

How historical documentaries can expose little known atrocities on a grand scale. The series Three Million tells of how during World War Two, at least three million Indians - who were British subjects - died in the Bengal Famine. We hear your comments and talk to presenter, Kavita Puri.

Presenter: Rajan Datar
Producer: Howard Shannon.
A Whistledown production for BBC World Service


SAT 10:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbfhc2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 10:06 Sportshour (w3ct4sbj)
The photo that changed my life

Racing Louisville FC defender Carson Pickett was born without part of her left arm and Pickett went viral in 2019 after she was pictured giving an arm-bump with a young fan who was also missing part of his left arm. In 2022, Carson Pickett became the first player with a limb difference to play for the United States women's team and she told BBC Sportshour's Caroline Barker how her life has changed since that photo went viral.

Where to start with Merle Liivand? A friend of the show, she spoke to us last year about how she combines her sports career as an open water swimmer with her environmental campaigning. Something she is about to be honoured for by the Estonian government. She's known as "The Mermaid" because she picks up rubbish when she's swimming at sea. Check out the Sportshour archive for more about that, but for now she is simply the latest in our series "Olympic Hopefuls" as we hear about her attempts to make it to Paris in July.

Baseball's MLB season gets underway on Wednesday, but the first game between the San Diego Padres and the LA Dodgers isn't in California, it's in South Korea. The league are keen to develop an ever growing passion for baseball in East Asia fuelled in no small part by Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese super star whose switch to the LA Dodgers in the close season created the biggest contract in sports history. Sportshour's Adam Samuel reports.

Sport and art are often at the leading edge of breaking down barriers and changing ill-conceived stereotypes of people and communities. Last week "Killers of the Flower Moon" actor Lily Gladstone just missed out on becoming the first Indigenous or Native American person to win an Oscar for acting, but her nomination will inspire many to pursue careers in a field they thought might not be for them. Same with sport, from Jim Thorpe to Ryneldi Becenti... We hear about how the next generation of Indigenous athletes is being nurtured

Photo: Carson Pickett pictured giving an arm-bump to Joseph Tidd, the then 2-year-old who was also missing part of his left arm. (Credit: @tiddbit_outta_hand/Instagram)


SAT 11:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbfm36)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 11:06 The Newsroom (w172z2tw139zxrd)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky3zcl)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 11:32 Unspun World with John Simpson (w3ct67kq)
Has Russia turned the tide in its war in Ukraine?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Russia has turned the tide in its war in Ukraine, looks at the situation in Haiti in the wake of the gang violence sweeping the country, and examines whether in the future oceans will be navigated by unmanned ships.

(Photo: Ukrainian servicemen of the 126th Separate Territorial Defence Brigade fire a D-30 howitzer towards Russian troops at a position in a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kherson region, Ukraine March 12, 2024. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty/Serhii Nuzhnenko via REUTERS)


SAT 12:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbfqvb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 12:06 The Documentary (w3ct6p3g)
Running out of sand

It’s hard to believe but the world is running out of sand. Our insatiable appetite for the substance that makes everything from skyscrapers to smartphones has led to environmental destruction in countries like Cambodia, where experts warn all the usable sand will have been dredged from the river Mekong within 10 years.

We are in the rapidly developing city of Phnom Penh to hear from the people whose lives and livelihoods have been threatened by the struggle for sand. Those who have fished the river for decades are finding that their nets are empty as the sand miners move in. People living alongside the Mekong have seen their houses crumble into the water as the riverbanks collapse. Meanwhile Cambodia’s capital is changing rapidly as the city’s lakes are filled in with sand to make more land for the construction boom. We examine the environmental impact and meet those left behind as the drive to develop Cambodia accelerates.

Presenter: Robin Markwell
With extra production by Andy Ball, University of Southampton

(Photo: Sand in Phnom Penh. Credit: Andy Ball)


SAT 13:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbfvlg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 13:06 Newshour (w172z09ys5jbhtw)
Haitian police target top gang leader

Police in Haiti are reported to have launched an operation to arrest the leader of the coalition of gangs which now control most of the capital. Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier is seen as the main instigator of the protests which forced the Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, to resign last week. We hear from a former US diplomat to Haiti.

Also in the programme: People in Russia are casting their ballots on the second day of a vote; and Mad Women- a new play about three women artists, living with bipolar disorder.

(File Photo: Former police officer Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier and leader of an alliance of armed groups, speaks to a news outlet on a mobile phone during a news conference, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 11, 2024. Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol/File Photo)


SAT 14:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbfzbl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 14:06 Sportsworld (w172z1l8h9dg99t)
Live Sporting Action

Sportsworld brings full live commentary of Luton Town versus Nottingham Forest from Kenilworth Road at 1500 GMT. Lee James is joined by the former Fulham, Everton, Liverpool and England striker Natasha Dowie and the former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha to discuss Saturday’s two FA Cup quarter finals and three Premier League games.

We’ll also discuss Saturday’s final round of action in rugby union’s men’s Six Nations, as Ireland look to retain their title, as well as the third round of golf’s Players Championship and the women’s tennis final at Indian Wells.

Plus, over the next two weekends on Sportsworld, Steve Crossman and Guillem Balague explore the life and career of Pep Guardiola. Told from the perspective of former Barcelona teammates Ronald Koeman, Albert Ferrer, Jordi Cruyff and eventual Director of Football Txiki Begiristain.


In the first of a four-part series, we chart his journey from the streets of Santpedor to Barcelona’s world famous La Masia academy and Camp Nou and find out how Pep’s playing days almost ended prematurely and how the legendary Johan Cruyff shaped his footballing philosophy.

Photo: Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest heads the ball during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Luton Town at City Ground on October 21, 2023 in Nottingham, England. (Credit: MB Media/Getty Images)


SAT 18:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbggb3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 18:06 The Newsroom (w172z2tw13b0rz9)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 18:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky4tlh)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 18:32 Dear Daughter (w3ct6nwt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 today]


SAT 18:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct4sk9)
Rajeev Bagga: Deaflympic badminton champion

The badminton champion Rajeev Bagga grew up in India, winning deaf and hearing competitions in his home country and abroad.

He has won 14 gold medals at the Deaflympics, which is the second oldest multi-sport and cultural festival in the world after the Olympics.

In 2001, he was named ‘Deaflympian of the Century’. At the 2005 Melbourne Deaflympics, he was given the ‘Champions Award’.

Rajeev won the 1991 and 1992 national badminton championships in India.

He’s been sharing his experiences with Laura Jones, through a BSL Interpreter.

(Photo: Rajeev Bagga with some of his medals. Credit: BBC)


SAT 19:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbgl27)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 19:06 The Evidence (w3ct5l4l)
The Evidence

The science of the menopause

Millions of women around the world experience the menopause each year; it’s an important milestone, which marks the end of their reproductive years.

But every individual's experience of it is personal and unique. In some cultures, there's a stigma about this life stage – it's viewed with trepidation and as something to be dreaded. In other cultures, it's considered to be a fresh start - a time of greater freedom when women no longer have to worry about their menstrual cycles.

In this edition, recorded at Northern Ireland Science Festival in Belfast, Claudia Hammond and her expert panel take a global look at the science of the menopause and debunk some myths along the way.

As Claudia and her guests navigate their way through the menopause maze, they look at the most recent academic research in this area. They also discuss the physical and psychological symptoms, the lifestyle changes women can make and the different treatments available, including Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Claudia also speaks to the American biological anthropologist who has dedicated an impressive 35 years of her life to studying the average age of the menopause in different countries - and finds out how hot flushes vary in different cultures. She also speaks to a doctor who is working hard to make women’s health less of a taboo subject in the community where she works. And she hears from a Professor of Reproductive Science who is setting up the UK's first menopause school.


Producer: Sarah Parfitt
Co-ordinator: Siobhan Maguire
Editor: Holly Squire
Sound engineers: Andrew Saunderson and Bill Maul
Mix engineer: Bob Nettles

Image used with permission of the Northern Ireland Science Festival


SAT 20:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbgptc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 20:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct4vmh)
Romanian director Radu Jude

Nikki Bedi is joined in the studio by Golden Bear-winning Romanian director Radu Jude and cultural critic Anna Bogutskaya.
They discuss filmmaker Ethan Coen and his wife Tricia Cooke talking about their road movie Drive-Away Dolls.
German director Wim Wenders on why his latest film Perfect Days is about a Japanese toilet cleaner.
American author Kiley Reid on why her latest novel focuses on money.
Actor Peter Sarsgaard on why artificial intelligence will never match human performances.
And Radu Jude talks about his extraordinary new film Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World.

Presenter: Nikki Bedi
Producer: Oliver Jones

(Photo: Radu Jude at the 76th Locarno Film Festival. Credit: Alessandro Levati/Getty Images)


SAT 21:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbgtkh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 21:06 Newshour (w172z09ys5jcgsx)
Haiti on the brink of disaster, aid agencies warn

Aid agencies warn that the humanitarian situation in the country is deteriorating amid gang warfare and lawlessness. Police have launched an operation to wrest control of the capital from gang leader Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier.

Also on the programme: history is made in Wales as Vaughan Gething is set to become the first black national leader in Europe; and part of a historic Egyptian TV and film studio goes up in smoke.

(Picture: Police officers take part in an operation on the surroundings of the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince following a fire March 14, 2024. Credit: REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol/File Photo)


SAT 22:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbgy9m)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 22:06 The Newsroom (w172z2t1lcqbyjj)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 22:20 Sports News (w172z1kg1ksszqn)
BBC Sport brings you all the latest stories and results from around the world.


SAT 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky59l0)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 22:32 Assignment (w3ct4m8h)
Border Stories, part 1: Zero Tolerance

In 2018 the US government under President Trump introduced a policy of “zero tolerance” at its border with Mexico. Anyone attempting to enter the US without documentation would be prosecuted, even if it was a first offence. If they were travelling with children, their children would be taken from them. The policy was cancelled within weeks but not before thousands of families had been separated. Six years on, several hundred are still to be reunited.

Migration is perhaps the most important battleground in this year’s presidential election. Both President Biden and his challenger, Donald Trump, have made recent visits to the border. And Zero Tolerance still resonates.

Linda Pressly hears about the pain of separation as experienced by a man from Guatemala; speaks to the people still trying to put families back together; and asks if a new administration might turn again to Zero Tolerance in an attempt to deter would-be migrants to the United States.

Presenter: Linda Pressly
Producer: Tim Mansel
Sound: Neil Churchill
Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Penny Murphy

(Image: An arm round her shoulder. Credit: Tim Mansel/BBC)


SAT 23:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbh21r)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 23:06 Music Life (w3ct4mh8)
Everything's a drum with Ane Brun, Amelia Meath and Linden Jay

Ane Brun, Linden Jay and Sylvan Esso's Amelia Meath discuss collaboration, navigating between genres and lyrical inspirations.

Ane Brun is a musician hailing from Norway but based in Sweden, who also runs the label Balloon Ranger. Her music is rooted in folk pop and she's released 11 studio albums; her most recent is Portrayals, which came out last year. It is a collection of covers, including a previously unheard version of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s Blue Moon, to celebrate 20 years since her debut album Spending Time with Morgan.

Linden Jay is a Grammy-nominated musician and producer from London. In addition to releasing music as a soloist, he is one half of the band FARR, a transatlantic duo described as a crossover between soul and alternative pop. As a producer and songwriter, he has also worked with artists including Stormzy, Sampha, Kelis and Loyle Carner.

Amelia Meath is a Grammy-nominated musician and dancer based in North Carolina. She sings in the electronic pop band Sylvan Esso and alt-folk group Mountain Man, and has collaborated with the likes of Real Estate and John Cale.

SUNDAY 17 MARCH 2024

SUN 00:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbh5sw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 00:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct5b38)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:06 on Saturday]


SUN 00:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky5k28)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 00:32 Dear Daughter (w3ct6nwt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 on Saturday]


SUN 00:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct4sk9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:50 on Saturday]


SUN 01:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbh9k0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 01:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct4wky)
Fandom: The next generation

Passionate K-Pop fans send us on a journey into the science of fandom. Panellists Andrada Fiskutean in Bucharest, Romania and Tristan Ahtone in Helsinki, Finland bring us stories of Star Trek’s sci-fi utopias, why allegiances affect our behaviour and how a cunning sea creature chooses which side of itself to reveal.

Presenter Marnie Chesterton meets one of her heroes - American theoretical cosmologist and particle physicist Dr Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, who helps Marnie understand the universe with lyrical beauty.


SUN 02:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbhf94)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 02:06 The Newsroom (w172z2tw13b1qyb)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky5skj)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 02:32 Health Check (w3ct4pff)
A promising new cancer treatment

The toxic mineral asbestos is still mined across the world, despite it’s much documented links to cancer. Now there are promising results from a new global study into one of the most aggressive types of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

Also on the programme, we receive an exciting update from Mike, who has gotten a long-awaited kidney transplant, and we discuss new treatment protocols for Hepatitis B and how they could better serve people in southern and eastern Africa.


SUN 03:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbhk18)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 03:06 The Documentary (w3ct6p3g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbhnsd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 04:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct4nvc)
DRC: Life after the Lord's Resistance Army

Pascale Harter introduces correspondents' and reporters' stories from the D R Congo's remote jungle, the Panama Canal, the beaches of northern France and the DJ booths of Iran.

The notorious Lord's Resistance Army, led by Joseph Kony, once imposed a reign of terror across a swathe of eastern Central Africa, and drove hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. It was the stuff of international headlines and global campaigning. But since then the world's attention has moved on. What happened to the communities which once had to face the rebel army? Hugh Kinsella Cunningham travelled to the remote Haut-Uele province to find out.

One crucial measure for global trade is measured not in dollars, euros or percentage points - but in feet. The level of water in the Panama Canal can have a drastic knock-on effect on shipping costs - the current drought raises concerns for the canal's future. Michelle Fleury saw just how narrow the its operating margins can be.

France and the United Kingdom have wrangled for decades over how to stop small boats carrying migrants to British shores. As many other ways to cross the Channel illegally have been fenced or blocked off, the profits of people-smuggling networks using small craft have ballooned. Andrew Harding traces how the criminal traffic in migrants has evolved - and reshaped the landscape of Northern France's coastline.

And Faranak Amidi talks to women who have truly had to fight for their right to party: the female DJs running the risk of arrest, police repression and public harassment to ply their trade playing electronic music.

Producer: Polly Hope
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Production Co-Ordinator: Katie Morrison


(Image: Convent provides long-term care for victims of the Lord's Resistance Army Credit: (Photo by Hugh Kinsella Cunningham/Getty Images)


SUN 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky611s)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 04:32 The Global Jigsaw (w3ct5hld)
Contested waters: Crimea

How water is used as a weapon of war following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. An irrigation system, once created at Stalin’s order as a project of grand Soviet social engineering, is now running dry. We dig into the history of the Crimean water dispute - the surprising twists and turns and the narratives constructed by both Russia and Ukraine.

Presenter: Krassi Twigg
Producer: Kriszta Satori


SUN 04:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct4sk9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:50 on Saturday]


SUN 05:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbhsjj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 05:06 The Newsroom (w172z2tw13b235q)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 05:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky64sx)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 05:32 The Documentary (w3ct6p3h)
Diving With a Purpose

Diving With a Purpose is a collective of Black scuba divers who search for long-lost slave wrecks. They are on a mission to raise the silent voices of the captive Africans who went down with those vessels and bring them back into our collective memory.

We join their youth diving program - YDWP - in Biscayne National Park, Florida Keys, as they head out onto the ocean in search of the Guerrero. With them is poet and professor Jason Vasser-Elong who has designed a creative writing course to help them articulate their feelings about the Atlantic slave trade as they uncover its legacy. The Guerrero was a pirate ship being chased by a British ship HMS Nimble when it ran aground in 1827. It had 561 captive Africans on board, of which 41 drowned.

The programme is the brainchild of Mr Kenneth Stewart who was named Sea Hero of the Year by Scuba Diving Magazine in 2018. We follow the group’s first attempt at “anomaly hopping”.

Producer: Victoria Ferran
A Just Radio production for BBC World Service

(Photo: Young black diver underwater. Credit: Vando Rogers)


SUN 06:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbhx8n)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 06:06 Weekend (w172z37rvf2l4j8)
Israel-Gaza war: will ceasefire talks resume?

Talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages could resume on Sunday in Qatar as fears remain over the prospect of an Israeli offensive in southern Gaza. Hamas has presented a new proposal for a three-stage plan to end the fighting, but the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the proposal unrealistic.
And Sunday is the last of three days for Russians to vote in the country's presidential election; opponents of President Putin plan to gather at polling stations at noon.
Today’s guests are Stephanie Baker, a senior writer at Bloomberg News in London. and Christopher De Bellaigue, a historian and journalist.
PICTURE CREDIT: Protest against Israeli PM Netanyahu's government and for release of Gaza hostages in Tel Aviv / REUTERS.


SUN 07:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbj10s)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 07:06 Weekend (w172z37rvf2l88d)
Final day of voting in Russia

Russia is holding the third and final day of voting in a presidential election that's expected to keep Vladimir Putin in power for another six years. Moscow has accused Ukraine of trying to disrupt the election with drone and missile attacks inside Russia and in Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine.
And people are living longer, but are societies ready to accept the contributions made by those who are well past the usual retirement age?
To discuss those topics and more, today’s guests are Stephanie Baker, a senior writer at Bloomberg News in London, and Christopher De Bellaigue, a historian and journalist.
PICTURE CREDIT: Elderly woman casting her ballot. MAXIM SHIPENKOV/EPA-EFE/Getty


SUN 08:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbj4rx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 08:06 Weekend (w172z37rvf2ld0j)
Russia says multiple drone attacks repelled

On the final day of voting, Moscow has accused Ukraine of trying to disrupt the presidential election with drone and missile attacks inside Russia and in Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine.
And in Israel, families of the remaining hostages from the October 7th attacks by Hamas are urging the government to do a deal to secure their release from Gaza, before it’s too late.
To discuss those topics and more, today’s guests are Stephanie Baker, a senior writer at Bloomberg News in London, and Christopher De Bellaigue, a historian and journalist.
PICTURE CREDIT: Members of a local election commission in the city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on far eastern Sakhalin Island on March 17, 2024. Photo by Vladislav Kharvin / AFP.


SUN 09:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbj8j1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 09:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct4nvc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 today]


SUN 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky6msf)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 09:32 The Documentary (w3ct6kn3)
Three Million: The f-word 3/5

Colonial authorities wanted to censor the famine. They were worried that Britain’s wartime enemies - the Germans and the Japanese - would use it as propaganda against them.

But as more and more starving people arrive in cities across Bengal, it becomes harder to suppress. Indian writers, photographers and artists document the humanitarian catastrophe, but it was risky as the censor forbade mention of the famine. A British journalist and editor of the English language Statesman newspaper, in Calcutta, decides to challenge the censor and begins publishing photographs and scathing editorials about what was really going on in Bengal. It shocks the world. In London, the BBC reports on “famine conditions” and, as we uncover, the British government tries to pressurize the broadcaster to tone down its coverage.


Presenter: Kavita Puri
Series Producer: Ant Adeane
Editor: Emma Rippon
Sound Design and Mix: Eloise Whitmore
Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele
Original Music: Felix Taylor

With thanks to Dr Janam Mukherjee, Professor Joya Chatterji and Dr Diya Gupta.

Interviews with Damodar Ramchandra Gole and Alan McLeod courtesy of the University of Cambridge


SUN 10:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbjd85)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 10:06 Music Life (w3ct4mh8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:06 on Saturday]


SUN 11:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbjj09)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 11:06 The Newsroom (w172z2tw13b2tnh)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky6w8p)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 11:32 The Global Jigsaw (w3ct5hld)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


SUN 11:50 More or Less (w3ct5b7v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:50 on Saturday]


SUN 12:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbjmrf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 12:06 The Evidence (w3ct5l4l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:06 on Saturday]


SUN 13:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbjrhk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 13:06 Newshour (w172z09ys5jfdqz)
Protesters arrested on final day of Russian vote

Around 50 protesters have been arrested in Russian cities on the final day of a vote set to confirm Vladimir Putin in office. Long queues formed outside polling stations, heeding a call to gather in protest. The call came from the wife of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died suddenly last month at a penal colony above the Arctic Circle. We hear from a member of President Putin's United Russia party.

Also on the programme: One resident's story of living in Iceland's volcano zone; and how the tiny island nation of Palau sees its place among the big powers in the Pacific.

(Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin. Credit: Sputnik/Kremlin)


SUN 14:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbjw7p)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 14:06 Music Life (w3ct4mh8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:06 on Saturday]


SUN 15:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbjzzt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 15:06 Sportsworld (w172z1l8h9dk9z1)
Live Sporting Action

Delyth Lloyd presents on a busy day of football. We’ll have second half commentary of West Ham versus Aston Villa in the Premier League and have updates of the FA Cup quarter-final tie between Manchester United and Liverpool.

We’ll get the latest ahead of the men’s final at Indian Wells and we’ll also be chatting about the future of tennis, following reports that Saudi Arabia have tried to take over the running of the tennis calendar.

One of the biggest golf tournaments, the Players Championship will be entering its final round, so we’ll head to the US for that, and preview the Women’s Champions League which returns next week with the quarter finals.

Plus, we’ll have part two of Sporting Giants: Pep Guardiola.

Photo: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa scores his side's third goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Villa Park on October 22, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Credit: Danehouse/Getty Images)


SUN 19:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbkgzb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 19:06 The Newsroom (w172z2tw13b3smj)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky7v7q)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 19:32 Unspun World with John Simpson (w3ct67kq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:32 on Saturday]


SUN 20:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbklqg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 20:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct4wky)
[Repeat of broadcast at 01:06 today]


SUN 21:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbkqgl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 21:06 Newshour (w172z09ys5jgcq0)
Putin wins election with 88% of vote as expected

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been handed a landslide victory in an election his opponents condemned as a sham. The last day of voting was marked by silent protests at polling stations.

Also on the programme: We speak to the prime minister of the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and Grenadines about the political plan for Haiti; and the Moroccan police seized more than ten tonnes of cannabis resin from a fishing boat in Agadir.

(Photo: Journalists stand in front of the screen with preliminary results of the presidential elections during a briefing at the Central Election Commission in Moscow. Credit: MAXIM SHIPENKOV/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


SUN 22:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbkv6q)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 22:06 The Newsroom (w172z2t1lcqfvfm)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 22:20 Sports News (w172z1kg1kswwmr)
BBC Sport brings you all the latest stories and results from around the world.


SUN 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky86h3)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 22:32 The Documentary (w3ct6kn3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:32 today]


SUN 23:00 BBC News (w172z2rc7vbkyyv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 23:06 The Climate Question (w3ct5blh)
Your questions answered: reversing climate change, eating avocados, electric vehicles and more

You asked, we answered. This week our expert panel dive into your questions. Can climate change cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions? How bad are avocados for the environment? Is climate change reversible?

Send your questions to: theclimatequestion@bbc.com

Plus, a look at biofuels and vertical farming, China’s electric vehicle boom, and the apparent contradiction between more renewable energy and the continuing rise in planet-warming gases

Join Graihagh Jackson and our expert panel:

- Dr Akshat Rathi, Senior Reporter for Climate, Bloomberg
- Justin Rowlatt, Climate Editor, BBC News
- Prof. Tamsin Edwards, Climate scientist, Kings College London


SUN 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s5pky8b77)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 23:32 Pick of the World (w3ct5bb3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:32 on Saturday]


SUN 23:50 Over to You (w3ct4rqr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:50 on Saturday]

MONDAY 18 MARCH 2024

MON 00:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mpxz4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 00:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct4nvc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 on Sunday]


MON 00:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7d97j)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 00:32 The Global Jigsaw (w3ct5hld)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 on Sunday]


MON 00:50 More or Less (w3ct5b7v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:50 on Saturday]


MON 01:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mq1q8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 01:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcm8ccg)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7ddzn)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 01:32 Happy News (w3ct5hw0)
Happy News

Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, Jordan Davis tells us how the need for more positive and uplifting stories inspired his latest song, Good News Sold. Also: the school children surfing the web without internet access; a rare, bright orange baby monkey; and the doctor who helped a woman give birth on an aeroplane.


MON 02:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mq5gd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 02:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcm8h3l)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7djqs)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 02:32 CrowdScience (w3ct4y5j)
Is the BMI fatphobic?

Crowd Science listener Maik wants to know what the BMI is and what his BMI score says about his body. He trains dogs for a living and wonders if, like different breeds of dog, we simply have different body types?

Marnie Chesterton comes up with some answers, talking to doctors about how the BMI is used and misused in clinical practice, and looks at some alternative methods for measuring our body composition. She also sits down with philosopher Kate Manne to discuss the realities of living in a fat-phobic world.

We hear from Tonga in the South Pacific, where high BMI scores have labelled the country highly obese. But this is not necessarily how Tongans see themselves.

And Marnie finds out if the BMI will continue to be used across the world as an important health marker or whether it is destined for the scrap heap of medical history.

Contributors:
Professor Kate Manne
Dr Francesco Rubino
Dr Naveed Sattar
Professor Brendon Noble
Technician Leah Siegel
Fononga Pulu
Sela Latailakepa

Presenter: Marnie Chesterton
Producer: Richard Walker
Editor: Cathy Edwards
Production co-ordinator: Connor Morgans
Studio manager: Emma Harth


MON 03:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mq96j)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 03:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct4y10)
Speaking up at work

Whistleblowers - they're the good guys right? The ones who speak truth to power and have films made about the heroic stands they took? Sometimes. Often the people who speak up in the workplace are ignored or shut down. Worse still they're often bullied or harassed or end up losing their jobs. They're the ones you never hear about.

This week we hear about two projects that are encouraging people to speak up about wrongdoing at work and how they're improving people’s work environment, saving time, money and even saving lives.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Reporter/producer: Claire Bowes
Series Producer: Jon Bithrey
Editor: Penny Murphy
Sound Mix: Annie Gardiner

(Image: Hear Me play performed in front of Australian medical staff, Hear Me)


MON 03:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7dngx)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 03:32 Pick of the World (w3ct5bb3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:32 on Saturday]


MON 03:50 Over to You (w3ct4rqr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:50 on Saturday]


MON 04:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mqdyn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 04:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcm8qlv)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7ds71)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 04:32 The Conversation (w3ct4tww)
Planet of the puppeteers

Datshiane Navanayagam speaks to two women about the magic of storytelling through puppetry.

From the moment she played the part of a clock in a school play, Heather Lai from Hong Kong knew she wanted to go to drama school. It was there she fell in love with puppetry. After completing her training at The Curious School of Puppetry, she's performed on both the stage and in the television studio. Heather's currently starring in the award-winning My Neighbor Totoro at the Barbican Theatre.

Ana Crăciun-Lambru is an award-winning theatre director and puppeteer from Romania. Her one-woman show 'Dust' uses puppetry to tell the stories of the Romanian women who emigrated to the US. Ana has performed worldwide and has also featured on Romania’s Got Talent with her puppet troupe.

(Image: (L) Ana Crăciun-Lambru, credit Cristian Vasile (R) Heather Lai, credit Ori Jones.)


MON 05:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mqjps)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 05:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80k8nb)
Newly re-elected Putin vows to prioritise the war in Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin has vowed to press on with his war in Ukraine after claiming victory in Russia's presidential elections - with all opposition in effect banned, his fifth term on office was virtually guaranteed.

We have a report into the treatment of Malawian women working in Oman who tell us how they've been abused and prevented from leaving their employers.

Even as Israel has reiterated its plans to launch a military assault on Rafah in Gaza, diplomatic talks are continuing with the hope of securing a ceasefire deal and hostage releases.


MON 06:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mqnfx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 06:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80kddg)
President Putin wins fifth term in office, as widely expected

Vladimir Putin has secured a fifth term as Russian president with more than 80 percent of the vote - critics say the election was a sham, with virtually no credible opponent contesting at the poll.

Israel says civilians will be allowed to leave Rafah in Gaza before a planned military operation on the town - we look at what further fighting would mean for the humanitarian situation in the territory.

We speak to the government of Malawi about a BBC investigation into the exploitation of its citizens working in Oman - testimony of female domestic workers allege rape and abuse at the hands of their employers.


MON 07:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mqs61)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 07:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80kj4l)
The election in Russia has been widely condemned as a sham

Vladimir Putin is set to become Russia's longest serving leader since the days of the Russian empire, as preliminary election results give him a fifth term as president; the US has described the election as "obviously not free nor fair”.

The Israeli military says it's taken control of al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza following a night time operation - we'll turn to our correspondent for the latest.

We have a report into the abuse of domestic workers in Oman - women from Malawi have been telling the BBC about their ill treatment by employers - we speak to someone who helped one of the women.


MON 08:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mqwy5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 08:06 HARDtalk (w3ct4p4f)
Jan Egeland: Is the international community failing to protect the most vulnerable?

Stephen Sackur speaks to Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council. He’s just back from Gaza; before that, he was on the Chad/Sudan border. Hundreds of thousands of people are in life threatening danger. Is the international community failing to protect the most vulnerable?


MON 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7f86k)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct4mw1)
Would green hydrogen be a drain on Uruguay's water sources?

The government of Uruguay has launched ambitious plans to make hydrogen and green fuels.

The country generates far more of its electricity from renewables than most countries - Uruguay produces more than 90% of its electricity from sustainable resources, like wind. And that, the government says, puts it in a good position to start producing green hydrogen.

Proponents of green hydrogen production in Uruguay say it will be good for the planet and the country's economy, but could it use too much water?

(Picture: Mauricio Caro, a farmer in Uruguay. He worries that if water is taken from the local aquifer to make green fuels, farmers will run short. Credit: Grace Livingstone/BBC)

Presented and produced by Grace Livingstone


MON 08:50 Witness History (w3ct4xc3)
Pinyin: The man who helped China to read and write

In 1958, a brand new writing system was introduced in China called Pinyin. It used the Roman alphabet to help simplify Chinese characters into words.

The mastermind behind Pinyin was a professor called Zhou Youguang who'd previously worked in the United States as a banker.

Pinyin helped to rapidly increase literacy levels in China. When it was introduced, 80% of the population couldn't read or write. It's now only a couple of percent.

Despite being responsible for such an important tool in China's development, Zhou was subjected to re-education as part of Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. He was forced to work on a farm in rural China.

In 2017 Zhou Youguang died aged 111. Matt Pintus has been going through archive interviews to piece together Zhou's life.

This programme contains archive material from NPR and the BBC.

(Photo: Zhou Youguang. Credit: Bloomberg/Getty Images)


MON 09:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mr0p9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 09:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcm9bbh)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7fcyp)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 09:32 CrowdScience (w3ct4y5j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


MON 10:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mr4ff)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 10:06 The History Hour (w3ct4w6k)
Finding early vertebrate’s footprints and the Deaflympic badminton champion

First, we go back to 1992, when off the coast of Ireland, a Swiss geology student accidentally discovered the longest set of footprints made by the first four-legged animals to walk on earth.

They pointed to a new date for the key milestone in evolution, when the first amphibians left the water 385 million years ago.

Dr Frankie Dunn, who is a senior researcher in palaeobiology at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History in the UK, then dives into landmark discoveries in geological history.

Plus, the story of Winifred Atwell, a classically-trained pianist from Trinidad who was admired by Queen Elizabeth II and Sir Elton John. She became one of the best-selling artists of the 1950s in the UK.

Then, how the Guarani, an indigenous language of South America, was designated an official language in Paraguay’s new constitution, alongside Spanish.

Also, the lesser known last eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1944.

Finally, Indian badminton player Rajeev Bagga who has won 14 gold medals at the Deaflympics. In 2001, he was given the ‘Deaflympian of the Century’ award.

Contributors:
Iwan Stössel - Swiss Geologist.
Dr Frankie Dunn - Senior Researcher in Palaeobiology at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History in the UK.
David Olivera - Paraguayan Linguist and Anthropologist.
Angelina Formisano - Evacuated from the village of San Sebastiano during the 1944 eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Rajeev Bagga - Indian Badminton Player.

(Picture: Illustration of a tetrapod from the Late Devonian period. Credit: Christian Jegou/Science Photo Library)


MON 11:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mr85k)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 11:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcm9ktr)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7fmfy)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 11:32 The Conversation (w3ct4tww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


MON 12:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mrcxp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 12:06 Outlook (w3ct4qhd)
Discovering my film-making grandfather, Emeric Pressburger

Andrew MacDonald grew up in Scotland being visited by his mysterious and extravagant grandfather. He would tell enthralling stories of his life in Europe, surviving as an immigrant after escaping from the Nazi Regime. Then, by chance, a rented VHS tape revealed a massive secret. Andrew's grandfather was the famous writer Emeric Pressburger, ½ of the Powell and Pressburger film-making duo who blazed a unique trail in British cinema during the 1940s and 50s. Inspired by Emeric, Andrew took his own steps into the movie industry, going on to produce cult classic films like Trainspotting, 28 Days Later and more, and to work alongside Oscar winner Danny Boyle.

Garry Fraser is a former heroin addict from Edinburgh who was picked by film director Danny Boyle to help direct his new movie, T2 Trainspotting. (This Interview was first broadcast on the 13th February 2017)


Film Clips: The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp, I Know Where I’m Going!, courtesy of the Rank Group.
Trainspotting courtesy of PolyGram Filmed Entertainment.
Metropolis courtesy of Parufamet
1946 Royal Command Film Performance courtesy of British Pathe

Presenter: Emily Webb
Producer: Tommy Dixon

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

Photo Andrew MacDonald on the set of Trainspotting. Credit: Courtesy of the Andrew Macdonald


MON 12:50 Witness History (w3ct4xc3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


MON 13:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mrhnt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 13:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcm9tb0)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7fvy6)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 13:32 CrowdScience (w3ct4y5j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


MON 14:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mrmdy)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 14:06 Newshour (w172z09z4ftn8nc)
Gaza: Israel raids al-Shifa hospital

Israel launches overnight raid on al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City and tells civilians to evacuate. And as aid agencies warn of imminent famine in northern Gaza, the EU's foreign policy chief says Israel bears responsibility.

Also in the programme: we hear from Haiti where the security crisis continues and the US has been airlifting its citizens out; and an extreme heatwave forces schools to close in South Sudan.

(IMAGE: Palestinians gather to receive aid outside an UNRWA warehouse as Gaza residents face crisis levels of hunger, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City March 18, 2024 / CREDIT: Reuters / Mahmoud Issa)


MON 15:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mrr52)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 15:06 HARDtalk (w3ct4p4f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


MON 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7g3fg)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct4zfq)
A big week for central banks around the world

As investors wait to see if Japan’s central bank will bring to an end eight years of negative interest rates, Rahul Tandon speaks to a former economist at the Bank of Japan about whether the policy has worked - and what would they do in the current economic climate.

China's industrial production picked up in the first two months of 2024, accompanied by faster growth in the high-tech manufacturing and the consumer goods manufacturing sectors - so is the economy getting back on track?

The number of watches recorded as lost or stolen has more than tripled over the last year reaching $1.9 Billion Dollars - according to the world's largest watch database - The Watch Register. We speak to their boss about why and what can be done to help recover stolen goods.
(Image credit: Getty Images/Bloomberg.)


MON 16:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mrvx6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 16:06 BBC OS (w172z0wc579pxkt)
Famine imminent in Gaza, warns UN

Israel says it now controls the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, after launching an overnight raid. Meanwhile, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees says famine is "imminent" in the northern Gaza Strip. We hear from residents and aid workers in Gaza.

Anna Foster is presenting from Jerusalem and will also speak to the relative of an Israeli hostage who remains in Hamas captivity, while our correspondents will explain what is going on with the talks aimed at securing a temporary ceasefire.

We’ll look at what is expected from President Putin’s fifth term in Russia after he vowed to press on with the invasion of Ukraine.

And music fans in India give their reactions to Ed Sheeran's concert in Mumbai where he sung in Punjabi for the first time

Presenters: Anna Foster and Joe Inwood

(Photo: Germany and France joint Gaza aid airdrop operation, Jordan - 15 Mar 2024. Credit: SHERIFA KAESTNER/GERMAN ARMED FORCES/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


MON 17:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mrznb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 17:06 BBC OS (w172z0wc579q19y)
Haiti unrest causing record hunger

Haiti continues to face its biggest humanitarian emergency in many years as weeks of coordinated gang attacks on key facilities in the capital Port- Au- Prince continue. The country's Prime Minister was forced to resign last week. In London, co-presenter Joe Inwood will hear from a resident and an independent correspondent in the suburbs

Israel says it now controls the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, after launching an overnight raid. Meanwhile, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees says famine is "imminent" in the northern Gaza Strip. We hear from a woman who's teenage son was hospitalised following last night's raid on the Al Shifa health facility.

In Jerusalem, presenter Anna Foster speaks to the relative of an Israeli hostage who remains in Hamas captivity.


And we’ll look at what is expected from President Putin’s fifth term after he vowed to press on with the invasion of Ukraine.

Presenters: Anna Foster and Joe Inwood

(Photo: Twelve bodies found in the Haitian capital amid a spiral of violence, Port Au Prince, Haiti - 18 Mar 2024. Credit: JOHNSON SABIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


MON 18:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3ms3dg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 18:06 Outlook (w3ct4qhd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


MON 18:50 Witness History (w3ct4xc3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


MON 19:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3ms74l)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 19:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmbjss)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7gldz)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct4svc)
2024/03/18 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


MON 20:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3msbwq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 20:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct4nvc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 on Sunday]


MON 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7gq53)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 20:32 Discovery (w3ct4npw)
Uncharted: The gossip mill

Hannah Fry explores two more tales of data and discovery.

Gossip and rumour are plaguing a tile manufacturing company. The chatter is pulling morale to new lows, and amid it all, a question hangs in the air: who is spreading it? Can the science of networks find out?

And, what is the secret to ageing well? One man believes he may have found the beginnings of an answer, and it is hiding in a convent.

Produced by: Ilan Goodman and Lauren Armstrong Carter


MON 21:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3msgmv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 21:06 Newshour (w172z09z4ftp3w8)
Evacuation flights to US begin as Haiti deteriorates

Dozens of US citizens have fled the chaos and violence of Haiti on a government-chartered plane. More than 10 bodies were removed on by ambulance on Monday from Petion-Ville on the outskirts of the capital. The BBC’s Will Grant reports from the port city of Cap-Haitien.

Also in the programme, the Israeli military says it has taken control of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City in what it called an operation to "thwart terrorist activity"; and the Gambia considers repealing a ban on female genital mutilation.

(Picture: People gather on a street where several bodies were found in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 18 March 2024. Credit: Johnson Sabin/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


MON 22:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mslcz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 22:06 The Newsroom (w172z2t1yn0nllw)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 22:20 Sports News (w172z1kgdv33mt0)
BBC Sport brings you all the latest stories and results from around the world.


MON 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7gync)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 22:32 World Business Report (w3ct4zhz)
Electricity and food shortages lead to rare protests in Cuba

The island is experiencing one of its worst crisis in the last three decades, with people struggling to get staples like milk and bread. Presenter Sam Fenwick examines the difficulties the Cuban economy is facing.

Former US President Donald Trump hasn't been able to find a private company to guarantee the $464m million he's been ordered to pay in a New York civil fraud case. We hear about the consequences this could have for the former US president.

And --why the number of stolen luxury watches has surged in the past year.

(Picture: People walk on the street in downtown Havana, Cuba. Picture credit: REUTERS)


MON 23:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3msq43)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 23:06 HARDtalk (w3ct4p4f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


MON 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7h2dh)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 23:32 The Conversation (w3ct4tww)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]

TUESDAY 19 MARCH 2024

TUE 00:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mstw7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 00:06 The History Hour (w3ct4w6k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3msymc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 01:06 Business Matters (w172yzs33f93h0p)
Will Japan end its negative interest rate regime?

The country has had negative rates since 2016. Now, the central bank could raise them for the first time in 17 years. We find out what consequences this could have.

Rare protests have emerged in Cuba over electricity and fuel shortages. We get the latest.

And Uber will pay $178m as part of a settlement to end a lawsuit filed on behalf of thousands of taxi operators and drivers. We look into the detail.

Sam Fenwick discusses this and more business news with two guests on opposite sides of the world: Oliver Stuenkel, an associate professor of International Relations at the Vargas Foundation in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Rebecca Choong Wilkins, senior Asia correspondent for Bloomberg in Hong Kong.

(Picture: Japanese national flag waves at the Bank of Japan building in Tokyo. Picture credit: REUTERS.)


TUE 02:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mt2ch)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 02:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmcd0p)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7hfmw)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 02:32 The Documentary (w3ct6q7y)
Trapped in Oman

A story of humanity in the face of inhumanity.

It starts with women from Malawi who travel to Oman in the hope of improving their lives. Instead, they find themselves trapped in servitude as domestic workers. BBC Africa Eye has spent months uncovering evidence of physical and sexual abuse through voice notes, videos, and texts. But as reporter Florence Phiri reveals, there’s a network of women working across continents, fighting to try to bring them home.

Warning: Some people may find details in this story distressing.

Presenter: Florence Phiri
Producers: Nicky Milne and Rob Wilson
Editors: Tom Watson and Rebecca Henschke
Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar


TUE 03:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mt63m)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 03:06 Outlook (w3ct4qhd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Monday]


TUE 03:50 Witness History (w3ct4xc3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mt9vr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 04:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmcmhy)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7hp44)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 04:32 In the Studio (w3ct3jhs)
Colm Tóibín: A life of writing

Irish author Colm Tóibín is among the world’s most celebrated contemporary writers. His works includes novels such as Nora Webster and The Blackwater Lightship, but also journalism, criticism, drama and more. His book Brooklyn was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film starring Saoirse Ronan, and his writing has been translated into over 30 languages.

Colm has explored the experiences of other novelists and creative thinkers in his writing. His recent title, The Magician, traced the life of German writer Thomas Mann, and his book The Master, an international literary sensation, told the story of the novelist Henry James.

Alongside the release of his debut collection of poems, Vinegar Hill, Colm gives fellow Irish writer Helen Cullen an insight into how he works, taking her through his writing process, how he gathers his ideas and his approach to refining his work.

They explore the differences and similarities in techniques of writing prose and poetry, and how influence can be drawn from outside the literary world. Helen discovers what it is like to immerse oneself in the creative of mind of figures such as Henry James, and how it shaped Colm as a writer.

Presenter: Helen Cullen
Readings: Matthew Durkan
Producer: Sam Peach
Executive producer: Rebecca Armstrong


TUE 05:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mtflw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 05:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80n5kf)
Maduro critic says July presidential election could spark emigration

Japan has raised interest rates for the first time in 17 years, ending the central bank's stimulus programme.

The Venezuelan opposition leader has told us that Latin America should prepare for the biggest wave of mass migration yet if President Nicolas Maduro is re-elected later this year - but the man many call authoritarian is blocking her from standing against him.

The synthetic opioid drug Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and much easier to obtain - we look at the impact the drug is having on the streets of the United States.


TUE 06:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mtkc0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 06:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80n99k)
Millions will flee if Maduro wins July election, says Venezuela opposition

A Venezuelan opposition leader says millions more will flee her country if President Nicolas Maduro is re-elected in July.

An air bridge has opened between Haiti and the neighbouring Dominican Republic, as efforts to get aid into Haiti gather pace - the UN says the first helicopter flights have begun.

We visit the streets of San Francisco which is seeing record numbers of death from Fentanyl drug overdoses.


TUE 07:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mtp34)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 07:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80nf1p)
Famine looms in the north of the Gaza Strip, says report

Humanitarian groups have warned of famine coming to Gaza as continued fighting and limited aid supplies mean that people are facing real hunger in the coming weeks - we speak to the World Food programme.

Another place with a looming humanitarian crisis is Haiti where an air link has now opened with neighbouring Dominican Republic; the UN says the first helicopter flights have begun - we get an update from the capital.

And in Japan the central bank has raised the cost of borrowing for the first time in 17 years, ending its policy of negative interest rates.


TUE 08:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mtsv8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 08:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct4y11)
Magic mushrooms and mental health

Could psychedelic drugs help in the treatment of mental health conditions? We look at pioneering research into psilocybin, the active ingredient in so-called magic mushrooms. We visit a clinic in Oregon, the only state in America where the use of psilocybin in therapeutic sessions is legal, and hear from one patient who says it's the only treatment she's ever had that makes a difference to her depression. And we hear about some of the widespread concerns that widening access to such drugs could have.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Reporter: Ben Wyatt
Series Producer: Jon Bithrey
Editor: Sam Bonham
Sound mix: Annie Gardiner

(Image: Creative image of an hallucinogenic mushroom, Getty Images)


TUE 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7j53n)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct4n52)
Why is Temu so cheap?

The Chinese-owned online store has exploded in popularity in the past year, shipping to customers in 49 countries around the world. And its advertising has taken centre stage at one of the world’s most watched events: the Super Bowl.

So why is Temu so cheap? And how can it afford to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising to take on its rivals?

We hear from experts, politicians and shoppers in China, the US, and the UK about how the company operates, as it seeks to out-pace the competition.

(Picture: The Temu logo displayed on the screen of a mobile device. Credit: Getty Images)

Presented and produced by Sam Gruet


TUE 08:50 Witness History (w3ct4xhn)
Surviving re-education in China’s Cultural Revolution

In 1968, Jingyu Li and her parents were among hundreds of thousands of Chinese people sent to labour camps during Mao Zedong’s so-called cultural revolution.

The aim was to re-educate those not thought to be committed to Chairman’s Mao drive to preserve and purify communism in China.

Jingyu’s parents – both college professors - were put to work among the rice and cattle fields, and made to study the works of Chairman Mao. Fearful for their daughter’s safety, they disguised six-year-old Jingyu as a boy.

Over the next six years, the family were sent to four different camps. Not everyone could cope, as Jingyu tells Jane Wilkinson.

(Photo: Reading Mao's little red book in 1968. Credit: Pictures from History/Getty Images)


TUE 09:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mtxld)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 09:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmd77l)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7j8vs)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 09:32 The Documentary (w3ct6q7y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


TUE 10:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mv1bj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 10:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct4vmh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:06 on Saturday]


TUE 11:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mv52n)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 11:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmdgqv)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7jjc1)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 11:32 In the Studio (w3ct3jhs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


TUE 12:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mv8ts)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 12:06 Outlook (w3ct4qxy)
Searching for belonging in Wordsworth’s Lake District

In her twenties Esther Rutter suffered an acute mental breakdown while living in Japan. After being sectioned, her recovery began when she took a job in the Lake District at Dove Cottage, the home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth. As her connection with the Wordsworths grew, so did her hopes for her own life.

Esther has now written a memoir about this time, her book is called All Before Me: A Search for Belonging in Wordsworth's Lake District.

This programme contains references to suicidal thoughts. If you are struggling emotionally, support is available internationally at https://www.befrienders.org and in the UK at bbc.co.uk/actionline

We also heard from Dr Mike Burbridge, who told us about the music of Fritz and Paul Kalkbrenner and how it changed his life. If you have a song that has shaped you, or reminds you of an important moment in your life, we would love to hear your story. Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

Presenter: Emily Webb
Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

Photo: Esther Rutter Credit: Chris Scott


TUE 12:50 Witness History (w3ct4xhn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


TUE 13:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mvdkx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 13:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmdq73)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7jrv9)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 13:32 Discovery (w3ct4npw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Monday]


TUE 14:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mvjb1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 14:06 Newshour (w172z09z4ftr5kg)
Israeli negotiators hold talks in Qatar

LONG: Both sides face increasing pressure to halt the fighting to allow urgently needed aid into the territory, and the safe evacuation of Israeli hostages. We get the latest on these talks and hear about the situation on the ground in Gaza.

Also on the programme: the head of the European Council calls on EU countries to shift their economies to a war footing; and how the architecture known as tropical modernism developed in Africa.

(Picture: Pictures of hostages kidnapped in the deadly October 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas from Gaza. Credit: REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins)


TUE 15:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mvn25)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 15:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct4y11)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


TUE 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7k0bk)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct4zqr)
Bank Of Japan ends negative interest rates

Japan’s central bank brings the era of negative interest rates to an end with its first rate rise in 17 years. Rahul Tandon looks at why and what this might mean for global markets.

As the government in Pakistan continues to limit access to social media sites, we hear from a digital marketing boss in the country, about the effect on their company.

And as Unilever announces plans to create a stand-alone business for its ice cream products, including Ben & Jerry's and Magnum, we speak to one former Unilever executive about what this could mean for business on both sides of the deal.
(Image credit: SOPA Images/Getty Images.)


TUE 16:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mvrt9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 16:06 BBC OS (w172z0wc579stgx)
Weight-loss drugs

In a new TV special, US broadcaster Oprah Winfrey has spoken about her struggle with weight, and how she's lost a significant amount through medication and weight-loss drugs. We hear a conversation between two people who take different kind of weight loss drugs for their experiences - and from a doctor on how they work.

With the show co-presented by Anna Foster in Jerusalem and Joe Inwood in our London newsroom, we'll hear from residents in Jerusalem Anna has spoken to with about their thoughts on Ramadan this year. We also hear interviews from Sam Rose, the director of planning at UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) who is currently based in Rafah, and Dahlia Schniedlin, an Israeli political analyst based in Tel Aviv.

School girls in Afghanistan send us their thoughts through voice message, amidst concerns that more than 330,000 girls will be prevented from continuing their education at secondary level this year when the school term start this Thursday.

(Photo: A person with an Ozempic injection needle. Credit: Reuters/ Lee Smith).


TUE 17:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mvwkf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 17:06 BBC OS (w172z0wc579sy71)
Delivering aid in Gaza

With this programme co-presented by Anna Foster in Jerusalem and Joe Inwood in our London newsroom, we hear from residents in Jerusalem Anna has spoken to with about their thoughts on Ramadan this year. We also hear from truck drivers who are facing difficulties delivering vital supplies to civilians in Gaza

A bill seeking to decriminalise Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia has passed its latest parliamentary stage, known as the second reading. An NGO organisation for women's empowerment based in the Gambia gives us their thoughts, and our correspondent explains the latest on what the next stage for the bill will be.

In a new TV special, US broadcaster Oprah Winfrey has spoken about her struggle with weight, and how she's lost a significant amount through medication and weight-loss drugs. We hear a conversation between two people who take different kind of weight loss drugs for their experiences - and from a doctor on how they work.

(Photo: A truck carrying humanitarian aid bound for the Gaza Strip. Credit: Reuters/Carlos Garcia Rawlins)


TUE 18:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mw09k)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 18:06 Outlook (w3ct4qxy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


TUE 18:50 Witness History (w3ct4xhn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


TUE 19:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mw41p)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 19:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmffpw)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7khb2)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct4szw)
2024/03/19 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


TUE 20:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mw7st)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 20:06 The Documentary (w3ct6q7y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


TUE 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7km26)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 20:32 Tech Life (w3ct4trc)
Tech Life meets Spot the robot

There are hundreds of former nuclear reactors around the world, which are harmful for those trying to decommission them. That's where a four legged robot called Spot comes in and Tech Life have been to meet it. Also in this episode; the impact of auto-correct constantly misspelling names and how scientists are using AI and tourist boats to learn more about whales.

Presenter: Shiona McCallum
Producer: Alasdair Keane

(Picture: Spot the robot at a decommissioned nuclear plant /BBC)


TUE 21:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mwcjy)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 21:06 Newshour (w172z09z4fts0sc)
Haiti engulfed in further violence

Haiti's powerful gangs which control more than 80 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince have already voiced their opposition to the transitional presidential council. They warned they will continue to attack government targets unless an interim administration acceptable to them is created. We ask a former minister recently appointed by the council how the country can be saved from collapse.

Antony Blinken has warned that Gaza's entire population is facing acute food insecurity. We hear from one of the aid agencies and an Israeli spokesperson about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Also in the programme: we speak to the singer of the anarchist band Chumbawumba who refuses his music to be associated with right-wing political parties; and we ask the mayor of Yellowknife in Canada how she is preparing for wildfire season.


(Photo: Haiti's National Penitentiary on fire, in Port-au-Prince Credit: REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol)


TUE 22:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mwh92)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 22:06 The Newsroom (w172z2t1yn0rhhz)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 22:20 Sports News (w172z1kgdv36jq3)
BBC Sport brings you all the latest stories and results from around the world.


TUE 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7kvkg)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 22:32 World Business Report (w3ct4zt0)
Hong Kong passes controversial security law

Hong Kong lawmakers have passed a security law that critics fear will further erode civil liberties in the city. Will tougher restrictions scare away foreign investors? We find out.

Bangalore, home to some of the biggest IT companies in India, is battling an acute water shortage. We get the latest from our correspondent.

And Star Wars creator George Lucas steps into the boardroom power battle at Disney to support the firm's CEO, Bob Iger. Will the Force be with him? Presenter Sam Fenwick finds out.

(Picture: Lawmakers raise their hands to vote. Picture credit: DANIEL CENG/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


TUE 23:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mwm16)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 23:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct4y11)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


TUE 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7kz9l)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 23:32 In the Studio (w3ct3jhs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]

WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH 2024

WED 00:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mwqsb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 00:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct4vmh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:06 on Saturday]


WED 01:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mwvjg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 01:06 Business Matters (w172yzs33f96cxs)
Hong Kong's lawmakers pass tough security bill

The new law broadens the definition of state secrets in a way that could scare away investors. Will the city be able to maintain its place as a top financial hub?

The British band Chumbawamba is trying to prevent its biggest hit from being used by a politician in New Zealand. The lead singer tells us why.

And Star Wars creator George Lucas steps into the boardroom power battle at Disney to support the firm's CEO, Bob Iger. Will the Force be with him?

(Picture: Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu. Picture credit: DANIEL CENG/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock.)


WED 02:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mwz8l)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 02:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmg8xs)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7lbjz)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 02:32 The Climate Question (w3ct5blh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:06 on Sunday]


WED 03:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mx30q)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 03:06 Outlook (w3ct4qxy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Tuesday]


WED 03:50 Witness History (w3ct4xhn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Tuesday]


WED 04:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mx6rv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 04:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmgjf1)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7ll17)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 04:32 Hollywood Exiles (w3ct6d1g)
5. Billy's list

Rumours of communist infiltration in the movie business had circulated for years. Showbiz insider Billy Wilkerson is the first to publicly name alleged Tinseltown “communists”, including Dalton Trumbo, in his paper, the Hollywood Reporter. William R. Wilkerson III speaks about his father’s friendship with billionaire producer Howard Hughes, a rabid anti-communist. He describes how his mostly apolitical father’s anti-communist stance was shaped by a visit to the Soviet Union. Wilkerson III recalls how his father’s close connections with stars like Jimmy Cagney gave him political influence in Hollywood. Oona Chaplin learns how future president Ronald Reagan operated as an FBI informant.

Archive

Ronald Reagan’s 'evil empire' speech, 1983, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library


WED 05:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mxbhz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 05:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80r2gj)
Senegal's President says he did nothing wrong

On Sunday the people of Senegal will elect a new president - tensions have been high after sitting leader Macky Sall postponed the election, but speaking to the BBC he committed to a smooth transition.

Palestinian reports say that dozens of people in Gaza have been killed in air strikes - we hear from the north of the Gaza Strip about the renewed fighting and the humanitarian crisis there.

Nowruz is the Persian New Year festival celebrated today, we hear how it's kept alive despite opposition from Iran's Islamic regime.


WED 06:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mxg83)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 06:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80r66n)
Outgoing president denies he tried to mount a coup in Senegal

Senegal President Macky Sall provoked controversy when he delayed the vote to choose his replacement - now ahead of the re-scheduled election on Sunday, he talks to us about the prospects for a smooth transition.

We hear from a celebrated Palestinian poet about his experience of life in Gaza before he was forced to flee.

If you were to pick a rock and roll super group, who'd be in the line up... Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Slash, Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Star? Well, those legends and more have all come together for a charity song.


WED 07:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mxl07)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 07:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80r9ys)
US pushes for Gaza ceasefire amid famine warnings

America's top diplomat Antony Blinken is yet again crossing the Middle East to try to secure a Gaza ceasefire deal - we look at what needs to happen for an agreement to be reached.

The US also has its eye on the conflict in Ukraine with defence secretary Lloyd Austin reiterating support for Kyiv - but with US funding currently blocked, what can Europe do to deter Russia?

And the political and economic crisis in Venezuela continues, so what are the implications for the country's future.


WED 08:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mxprc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 08:06 HARDtalk (w3ct4p8y)
Chris Mullin: Have lessons been learned from the Birmingham Six injustice?

Stephen Sackur speaks to the former politician and justice campaigner Chris Mullin. He did much to expose the miscarriage of justice which saw six men wrongly convicted of IRA bombings in Birmingham 50 years ago. Were the right lessons learned from that grave injustice?


WED 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7m20r)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct4n9l)
Is Saudi Arabia softening its alcohol ban?

An alcohol shop for diplomats has opened in Saudi Arabia. It’s a significant move in a country that has banned alcohol for over 70 years.

Some believe in order to transform the tourism economy it is a sign of things to come. In the meantime, Riyadh has become known for making some of the best non-alcohol cocktails in the world.

Is this a small policy change, or does it signal a wider relaxation of the rules? We hear from young Saudis about the generational divide in a country trying to change its image.

(Picture: A bartender prepares a non-alcoholic cocktail in a bar in Riyadh. Credit: Getty Images)

Presented and produced by Rick Kelsey


WED 08:50 Witness History (w3ct4xkx)
The 'comfort women' of World War Two

Between 1932 and 1945, hundreds of thousands of women and girls across Asia were forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army.

Referred to as "comfort women", they were taken from countries including Korea, China, Taiwan, the Philippines and Indonesia to be raped by Japanese soldiers.

Today, the issue remains a source of tension between Japan and its neighbours, with continuing campaigns to compensate the few surviving victims.

Dan Hardoon speaks to Chinese survivor Peng Zhuying who, along with her elder sister, was captured and taken to a "comfort station" in central China.

This programme contains disturbing content.

(Photo: People visit a museum dedicated to the victims, on the site of a former comfort station in China. Credit: Yang Bo/China News Service/VCG/Getty Images)


WED 09:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mxthh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 09:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmh44p)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7m5rw)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 09:32 The Climate Question (w3ct5blh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:06 on Sunday]


WED 10:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mxy7m)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 10:06 The Documentary (w3ct6p3g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


WED 11:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3my1zr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 11:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmhcmy)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7mf84)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 11:32 Hollywood Exiles (w3ct6d1g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


WED 12:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3my5qw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 12:06 Outlook (w3ct4r4q)
Going cold turkey in a Bangkok prison

Australian Holly Deane-Johns had a complicated childhood. Her parents ran an escort agency from their home, and heroin addiction later took over the whole family. She was first given heroin by her mother, aged just 15. Holly ended up dealing to feed her habit, and in her early 30s was sentenced to 31 years in a notorious Thai prison, convicted of drug smuggling.

Presenter: India Rakusen
Producer: Mary Goodhart

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: Holly Deane-Johns. Credit: Kate Ferguson)


WED 12:50 Witness History (w3ct4xkx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


WED 13:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3my9h0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 13:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmhm46)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7mnrd)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 13:32 Tech Life (w3ct4trc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Tuesday]


WED 14:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3myf74)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 14:06 Newshour (w172z09z4ftv2gk)
Famine looms in Sudan as a result of its "forgotten war"

Famine looms in Sudan as a result of what has been called 'a forgotten war'. Our reporter gains rare access to the front line city of Omdurman near the capital Khartoum, and we hear from the UN's humanitarian coordinator in Port Sudan.

Also in the programme: a senior Haitian journalist tells us Haiti may need to engage with gang leaders to achieve any lasting peace; and a visibly emotional Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announces he is stepping down.

(IMAGE: People hold pots as volunteers distribute food in Omdurman, Sudan, September 3, 2023 / CREDIT: REUTERS / El Tayeb Siddig)


WED 15:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3myjz8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 15:06 HARDtalk (w3ct4p8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


WED 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7mx7n)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct4zw8)
EU imposes tariffs on Ukrainian produce

The European Union has agreed to extend duty free imports of Ukrainian produce, which have been a lifeline for its war-torn economy. But to ease farmer’s concerns about being undercut, price caps have been brought in on some Ukrainian items, including oats, eggs, poultry and sugar. Will Bain looks at why - and what impact it could have on the Ukrainian economy.

Microsoft has hired DeepMind co-founder, Mustafa Suleyman, to lead its new AI division. What does this tell us about the company’s plans for AI - and why hiring the right people is as important as the money you invest when it comes to new tech.

And as Ethiopia's biggest commercial bank seeks to recoup large sums of money withdrawn by customers after - what is being called - a 'systems glitch' - how does a bank recoup such losses?
(Picture credit: SOPA Images/Getty Images.)


WED 16:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mynqd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 16:06 BBC OS (w172z0wc579wqd0)
Famine looms in Sudan

Civilians caught up in Sudan's civil war have given graphic accounts to the BBC of rape, ethnic violence and street executions. Our journalists have managed to make it to the front line of the fighting close to the capital, Khartoum. We speak to one of them and also discuss warnings that Sudan’s civil war could soon become the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world.

We hear about conspiracy theories being shared on social media about Princess of Wales during her absence from public life following abdominal surgery. We also speak to foreign correspondents in London who are covering the story.

We explain why the late Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala's parents have become a trending story in India.

The school year in Afghanistan has started but girls are barred from attending classes beyond the sixth grade. We hear from a teacher and a young woman.

Presenter: Luke Jones.

(Photo: Three-year-old Manasek is suffering from severe malnutrition - her mother Ikram says food prices have soared. Credit: DANY ABI KHALIL / BBC)


WED 17:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mysgj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 17:06 BBC OS (w172z0wc579wv44)
Scientists say they can cut HIV out of cells

Scientists say they have successfully eliminated HIV from infected cells, using Nobel Prize-winning Crispr gene-editing technology. Working like scissors, but at the molecular level, it cuts DNA so "bad" bits can be removed or inactivated. The hope is to ultimately be able to rid the body entirely of the virus, although much more work is needed to check it would be safe and effective. We hear from an HIV expert and from people living with HIV.

With warnings that Sudan’s civil war could soon become the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world, we hear a report about gender-based violence against Sudanese women and girls who have fled the war.

We find out about conspiracy theories being shared on social media about Princess of Wales during her absence from public life following abdominal surgery. We also hear from foreign correspondents in London who are covering the story.

We speak to our correspondent about a controversial immigration law in Texas.

Presenter: Luke Jones.

(Photo: Lab image. Credit: Getty Images)


WED 18:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3myx6n)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 18:06 Outlook (w3ct4r4q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


WED 18:50 Witness History (w3ct4xkx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


WED 19:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mz0ys)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 19:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmjblz)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7nd75)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct4t24)
2024/03/20 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


WED 20:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mz4px)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 20:06 The Climate Question (w3ct5blh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:06 on Sunday]


WED 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7nhz9)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 20:32 Health Check (w3ct4pfg)
Should we stop talking about long COVID?

Most people with COVID-19 make a full recovery within 12 weeks, but some patients have experienced ongoing symptoms for much longer. This has become known as ‘long COVID’. However, new research suggests that the rates of ongoing symptoms and functional impairment after COVID are indistinguishable from other post-viral illnesses, and that long COVID may have appeared to be a distinct and severe illness because of high volumes of COVID-19 cases during the pandemic. Presenter Claudia Hammond is joined in the studio by BBC Health reporter Philippa Roxby to discuss the findings. If long COVID is not unique, could this new spotlight encourage research that would help sufferers of other post-viral conditions?

The use of heart pacemakers have become a standard procedure in many countries. Pacemakers are small electrical devices implanted in the chest that send electrical pulses to the heart to keep it beating regularly and not too slowly. The devices can be lifesaving for some people. But devices can malfunction, there can be problems with leads and the batteries in them don’t last forever. Over half of all pacemaker patients live long enough to require a battery replacement operation, which carries a risk of serious complications including life-threatening infection. This can have big cost implications for health systems and devastating consequences for patients. Reporter Hannah Fisher attends one of these operations to find out more.

An initiative to make the right to abortion part of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights has been introduced to the European Parliament. This comes on the heels of France making abortion a constitutional right earlier this month, in stark contrast to the removal of abortion as a constitutional right in the USA in 2022. We assess the initiative’s chances of success and discuss the ripple effect of US politics on abortion rights across the rest of the world.

Amputees who use prosthetic limbs have to get used to the fact that they do not experience the sensations that they were previously used to. But now researchers in Italy and Switzerland have developed a temperature-sensitive robotic hand that allows amputees to discriminate between objects of different temperatures and sense bodily contact with other humans. Solaiman Shokur of École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne tells Claudia how it works.

And Philippa brings the story of Paul Alexander, a polio survivor who spent most of his life inside an iron lung. An iron lung is a metal cylinder enclosing the body up to the neck, with bellows to force the lungs to inflate and deflate. The device has been obsolete since the 1960s, but he continued to use his until he died recently. 72 years after Paul contracted polio, we look at how the disease has nearly been eradicated worldwide.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Ben Motley & Margaret Sessa-Hawkins

(Photo: Man in bed. Credit: Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images)


WED 21:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mz8g1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 21:06 Newshour (w172z09z4ftvxpg)
Sudan: who is fuelling the war?

Almost a year after the civil war broke out, we speak to the former UN Special Envoy to Sudan about who is fuelling the war, as famine looms over the country.

We also look into the the plan presented to EU member states to use Russian assets in Europe to finance weapons for Ukraine.

Also in the programme: Irish Prime Minister steps down for political and personal reasons; and will San Marino's national football team break its twenty-year losing streak?

(Photo: A Sudanese family fleeing the conflict sits with their belongings at the border with Chad, Credit: Reuters, Z. Bensemra)


WED 22:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mzd65)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 22:06 The Newsroom (w172z2t1yn0vdf2)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 22:20 Sports News (w172z1kgdv39fm6)
BBC Sport brings you all the latest stories and results from around the world.


WED 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7nrgk)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 22:32 World Business Report (w3ct4zyj)
Fed signals three interest rate cuts in 2024

The US central bank left interest rates unchanged at a range of 5.25% to 5.5%, a 23-year-high. We look into the details.

Tech firms in Denmark have come together to develop and roll out a new computer game intended to engage girls in science and technology outside of the classroom. We get the latest from our correspondent.

And the world's most expensive drug will soon be available in the US at a price of $4.25m. We hear about the rare disease it treats and the high cost of developing medicine to battle it.

(Picture: US Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell. Picture credit: SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock.)


WED 23:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mzhy9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 23:06 HARDtalk (w3ct4p8y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


WED 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7nw6p)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 23:32 Hollywood Exiles (w3ct6d1g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]

THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2024

THU 00:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mzmpf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 00:06 The Documentary (w3ct6p3g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


THU 01:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mzrfk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 01:06 Business Matters (w172yzs33f998tw)
Federal Reserve sees three rate cuts this year

The US central bank has left interest rates unchanged this month but says they will be cut three times before the end of the year. We look into the details.

The world's most expensive drug will soon be available in the US at a price of $4.25m. We hear about the rare disease it treats and the high cost of developing medicine to battle it.

Sam Fenwick discusses these and more business stories with two guests on opposite sides of the world: Kristina Hooper, Chief Global Market Strategist at New York-based Invesco, and Yoko Ishikura, Professor Emeritus at Hitotsubashi University.

(Picture: US Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell. Picture credit: SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock.)


THU 02:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mzw5p)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 02:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmk5tw)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7p7g2)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 02:32 Assignment (w3ct4m8j)
Border Stories, part 2: Coyotes and kidnap

Thousands of people every day are on the move across Mexico towards the border with the US. But for migrants, this is one of the most perilous journeys in the world: land routes are dominated by powerful drug cartels and organised crime groups.

In this episode of Border Stories, Linda Pressly hears terrifying stories of kidnap and extortion from those who have risked everything to enter the United States.

The US/Mexico border has become the most important battleground for Americans in this year’s presidential election, but it seems no one can stop the men with guns who operate with impunity south of the border in Mexico.

Producer/presenter: Linda Pressly
Producer: Tim Mansel
Producer in Mexico: Ulises Escamilla
Sound: Neil Churchill
Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Penny Murphy

(Image: Eduardo at a migrant shelter in San Luis Rio Colorado in the state of Sonora in northern Mexico. Credit: BBC/Tim Mansel)


THU 03:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3mzzxt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 03:06 Outlook (w3ct4r4q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Wednesday]


THU 03:50 Witness History (w3ct4xkx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Wednesday]


THU 04:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n03ny)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 04:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmkfb4)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7pgyb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 04:32 The Food Chain (w3ct4v87)
Fasting and feasting

Fasting has been a religious and cultural practice for thousands of years, why do people do it? What happens to your body when you fast? The Food Chain speaks to a British family breaking their fast during Ramadan, a woman in India completing a day long fast for Mahashivratri and explores why the practices around Lent have changed over the years. An expert on intermittent fasting talks us through what is happening to our bodies, and why it might have hidden benefits.

In this programme, Rumella Dasgupta explores the tradition of religious fasting with what to eat and what not to eat in three major faiths.

If you would like to get in touch with the programme, email thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk.

Presented by Rumella Dasgupta.

(Image: a family in Manchester breaks their fast together with dishes spread out on a cloth on the floor. Credit: BBC)


THU 05:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n07f2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 05:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80tzcm)
Israel’s PM Netanyahu approves military plan for Rafah ground offensive

Israel's prime minister says he has approved the military's plan for a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and will soon approve a proposal to evacuate the civilian population there - we'll speak to a senior United Nations worker near Rafah. Ukrainians were woken up overnight to the sound of dozens of explosions caused by missiles and drones launched by Russia. Why climate change is a greater risk to pregnant women than almost anyone else. And our health correspondent travels to India to hear from pregnant women working in the fields.


THU 06:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n0c56)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 06:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80v33r)
US calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

In the last couple of hours, the US has said it has submitted a resolution to the United Nations calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Ukrainians were woken up overnight to the sound of dozens of explosions caused by missiles and drones launched by Russia. We’ll take a look at how gang violence in Haiti is impacting the aid coming into the country. And there has been another setback for Boeing after all the safety concerns around its planes following that mid-air door plug blowout earlier this year.


THU 07:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n0gxb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 07:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80v6vw)
US submits draft resolution to UN calling for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

The United States says it's submitted a resolution to the United Nations calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We'll speak to a senior United Nations worker near the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Ukrainians were woken up overnight to the sound of dozens of explosions caused by missiles and drones launched by Russia. We'll turn to our correspondent in Kyiv for the latest. A rare and endangered pygmy hippo is born at a zoo in Athens. We'll speak to the zoo's head keeper. And why Easter eggs will be more expensive this year.


THU 08:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n0lng)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 08:06 The Inquiry (w3ct4wfd)
Will neighbouring countries follow El Salvador's lead on crime?

In February this year, El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele won re-election with nearly 85% of the vote. His flagship policy after he came to power in 2019 has been the mass arrest of thousands of alleged gang members, mainly young men.

It is estimated that over 100,000 people are now behind bars as part of his crime crackdown. The round-ups have been hugely popular with El Salvador's people as it has improved security and neighbouring countries are taking note.

But critics say following Bukele's approach could threaten democracy, not just in El Salvador but across the continent.

So on this week’s Inquiry, we’re asking: Will neighbouring countries follow El Salvador's lead on crime?

Contributors:
Carlos Dada, director of El Faro, an online newspaper based in El Salvador
Katherine Saunders-Hastings, a lecturer in Latin American Studies at the University of London's Institute of the Americas.
Will Freeman, Fellow for Latin American Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York.
Monica Pachon , a political scientist and professor at the University of the Andes in Bogotá, Colombia.

Presenter: David Baker
Producer: Farhana Haider
Journalism Researcher: Matt Toulson
Editor: Tara McDermott
Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards
Production Co-ordinator: Tim Fernley and Liam Morrey

Image Credit:
Alex Peña / Stringer via Getty Images


THU 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7pyxv)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct4n0k)
Selling Sark: Can a property deal save an island economy?

Small islands around the world face many economic challenges – population decline, remoteness, a small market, high prices, and lack of resources.

To explore a possible solution, we travel to the tiny island of Sark, in the southwestern English Channel, off the coast of northern France, where a group of entrepreneurs wants to attract investment by selling shares in the place they call home, to boost its ailing economy.

Dr Michael Holmes, from Florida State University, explains how this type of investment works in the US.

And we also hear how another strategy, in the Galápagos Islands, helped boost its economic fortunes.

But what do islanders make of these types of interventions?

(Picture: The island of Sark, with a sunset in the background.)

Presented and produced by John Fernandez


THU 08:50 Witness History (w3ct4xfd)
Discovering the Terracotta Army

It's 50 years since a chance find by Chinese farmers led to an astonishing archaeological discovery.

Thousands of clay soldiers were uncovered in the province of Shaanxi after being buried for more than 2,000 years.

They were guarding the tomb of the ancient ruler Qin Shi Huang, who ruled the Qin Dynasty.

In 2013, archaeologists Yuan Zhongyi and Xiuzhen Li told Rebecca Kesby about the magnitude of the dig, and how unearthing the incredible statues shaped their careers.

(Photo: Terracotta soldiers stand to attention. Credit Marica van der Meer/Arterra/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)


THU 09:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n0qdl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 09:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcml11s)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7q2nz)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 09:32 Assignment (w3ct4m8j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


THU 10:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n0v4q)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 10:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct4wkz)
Ancient water, modern solutions

In a week of headlines about water shortages slowing ships in the Panama Canal and drought in India's Silicon Valley, we look at unexpected ways to manage the world’s water.

Presenter Marnie Chesterton and panellists Chhavi Sachdev in Mumbai, India, and Meral Sachdev in Nunavut, Canada, tell stories of innovative ideas being tried in their parts of the world.

Then Marnie meets water detective Barbara Sherwood Lollar, professor in earth sciences at the University of Toronto, to hear how ancient water can help us plan for the future. Plus, how submersible speakers can help corals, and stories of living underground.

Produced by Dan Welsh with Tom Bonnett, Harrison Lewis, Jack Lee, Katie Tompsett and Emily Preston


THU 11:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n0ywv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 11:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcml8k1)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7qb57)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 11:32 The Food Chain (w3ct4v87)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


THU 12:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n12mz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 12:06 Outlook (w3ct4qq5)
The lawyer, the chemical giant, and the contaminated water

Robert Bilott is an American lawyer who in the 1990s defended large corporations, including chemical companies. Then he got a call from a farmer called Wilbur Earl Tennant, whose cattle were dying. Mr Tennant thought something was wrong with their drinking water. Robert took on what he thought would be a simple case. But what he uncovered was an environmental crisis affecting thousands of people. It became a fight against one of the world’s biggest chemical companies. This interview was first broadcast in June 2020.

Presenter: Emily Webb
Producer: June Christie

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: Robert Bilott. Credit: Getty Images)


THU 12:50 Witness History (w3ct4xfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


THU 13:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n16d3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 13:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmlj19)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7qknh)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 13:32 Health Check (w3ct4pfg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Wednesday]


THU 14:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n1b47)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 14:06 Newshour (w172z09z4ftxzcn)
US ready to try a new Gaza ceasefire at the United Nations

America's top diplomat says Washington has submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza linked to the release of hostages.

Also in the programme: in Haiti, hunger and malnutrition stalk the population as aid can’t be delivered whilst the country grapples with gang violence; and what is like to wake up one day and discover that famous artist Banksy has painted a mural outside your window?

(Photo: Blinken is visiting Saudi Arabia and Egypt to discuss efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire. Credit: EFE)


THU 15:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n1fwc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 15:06 The Inquiry (w3ct4wfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


THU 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7qt4r)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct4zl7)
US sues Apple over iPhone 'monopoly power'

The US Justice Department alleges Apple used its control of the iPhone to illegally limit competitors and consumer options.
Also in the programme: The Biden administration unveils the strictest ever US car emission limits to boost EVs; and why a Swedish pharmacy chain is banning the sale of anti-ageing skincare to children.


THU 16:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n1kmh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 16:06 BBC OS (w172z0wc579zm93)
Extreme heat can double stillbirth risk

Working in extreme heat can double the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage for pregnant women, according to new research from India. The study found that the risks to mothers-to-be are significantly higher than previously thought. We hear from some of those women.

The situation in Haiti continues to worsen amid widespread gang violence. Many people are without food, and there's huge concern over the spread of diseases. We speak to a doctor in a Haitian hospital.

We hear the latest from Gaza and Israel as hopes for a ceasefire continue.

A baseball reporter in Los Angeles explains why Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter has been fired.

After Oprah Winfrey opened up about her struggle with weight loss, we bring together three people to share what it is like living with obesity.

Presenter: Luke Jones.

(Photo: Cucumber picker Sumathy lost a baby 12 weeks into her pregnancy. Credit: BBC)


THU 17:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n1pcm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 17:06 BBC OS (w172z0wc579zr17)
Haiti: Millions in need of food aid

The situation in Haiti continues to worsen amid widespread gang violence. Many people are without food, and there's huge concern over the spread of diseases. We speak to a doctor in a Haitian hospital.

Working in extreme heat can double the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage for pregnant women, according to new research from India. The study found that the risks to mothers-to-be are significantly higher than previously thought. We hear from some of those women.

The US is accusing Apple of monopolising the smartphone market in a landmark lawsuit against the tech giant. Apple denies the claims and says the lawsuit threatens its ability to create a superior product. We speak to our correspondent in New York.

Presenter: Luke Jones.

(Photo: People fleeing violence receive food outside a Haitian National Police station, following a shootout between rival gangs, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, February 12, 2024. Credit: Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters)


THU 18:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n1t3r)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 18:06 Outlook (w3ct4qq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


THU 18:50 Witness History (w3ct4xfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


THU 19:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n1xvw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 19:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmm7j2)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7r948)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct4sxm)
2024/03/21 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


THU 20:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n21m0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 20:06 Assignment (w3ct4m8j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


THU 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7rdwd)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 20:32 Science In Action (w3ct4sdt)
Out of Africa

The last great "out of Arica" movement of our ancestors swept out of the northeast of the continent 74,000 years ago. Archaeologist John Kappelman of the University of Texas brings us an update to this complex tale in the form of animal carcasses.

We take a trip to Oxford to meet some of postgraduate researcher Ally Morton-Hayward's archive of preserved brains. Not only is Ally shining a light on these underappreciated brains, she is also using them to unlock a rich treasure-trove of information about our ancestors and how they were preserved.

How do you develop and promote a vaccine against a widespread but neglected parasite? Maria Elena Bottazzi from Baylor College of Medicine is in India promoting their latest development in creating a hookworm vaccine that works against these life-limiting childhood parasites.

And, is the Chandra X-Ray Observatory at risk? In a decision that has shocked astronomers, the functioning telescope is on the chopping block because of NASA budget cuts. We hear from Belinda Wilkes of Bristol University about Chandra’s impressive history and why it should keep going.

Presenter/producer: Roland Pease
Researcher: Katie Tomsett
Production co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth

(Image: Sunset in savannah of Africa. Credit: Anton Petrus via Getty Images)


THU 21:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n25c4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 21:06 Newshour (w172z09z4ftytlk)
Man receives first kidney transplant from genetically-modified pig

A 62-year-old man in Boston in the United States has received a kidney from a genetically-engineered pig in the first transplant of its kind. Surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital say if such procedures are carried out on a large scale, dialysis could become obsolete. Richard Slayman - whose previously transplanted human kidney began to fail last year - is recovering well after the four-hour surgery last week. His surgeons say they stand on the brink of a "monumental breakthrough".

Also in the programme: we get an update from Haiti as we ask how the gangs are supplying themselves with sophisticated weapons; and celebrating World Poetry Day, we hear from Mary Jean Chan whose poetry collection "Bright Fear" has been nominated for the prestigious Dylan Thomas Prize.

(Photo Credit: Massachusetts General Hospital)


THU 22:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n2938)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 22:06 The Newsroom (w172z2t1yn0y9b5)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 22:20 Sports News (w172z1kgdv3dbj9)
BBC Sport brings you all the latest stories and results from around the world.


THU 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7rncn)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 22:32 World Business Report (w3ct4znh)
US Department of Justice and 16 other states sue Apple

The US has filed a landmark lawsuit against Apple in which they are accused monopolising the smartphone market and crushing competition. Roger Hearing will be looking at what this means for the company going forward.

Turkey has raised interest rates to 50% to fight inflation at 67%, we find out how it affects ordinary citizens.

And as the EU moves to close unpaid internships but unions say it's not enough.

(Picture: The Apple Inc. logo is seen in the lobby of New York City's flagship Apple store. Credit: Reuters)


THU 23:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n2dvd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 23:06 The Inquiry (w3ct4wfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


THU 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7rs3s)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 23:32 The Food Chain (w3ct4v87)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]

FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2024

FRI 00:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n2jlj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 00:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct4wkz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Thursday]


FRI 01:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n2nbn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 01:06 Business Matters (w172yzs33f9d5qz)
Apple's latest lawsuit

The US has filed a landmark lawsuit against Apple in which they are accused monopolising the smartphone market and crushing competition. Roger Hearing will be looking at what this means for the company going forward.

Turkey has raised interest rates to 50% to fight inflation at 67%, we find out how it affects ordinary citizens.

And as the EU moves to close unpaid internships but unions say it's not enough.

Roger will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite side of the world: Diane Brady, Executive Director of Fortune Live Media and Editorial Director of the Fortune CEO Initiative in New York City. And James Mayger, China Economics Reporter for Bloomberg based in Beijing.


(Picture: Women uses her iPhone mobile device as she passes a lighted Apple logo at the Apple store in New York. Credit: Reuters)


FRI 02:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n2s2s)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 02:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmn2qz)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7s4c5)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 02:32 Tech Life (w3ct4trc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Tuesday]


FRI 03:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n2wtx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 03:06 Outlook (w3ct4qq5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Thursday]


FRI 03:50 Witness History (w3ct4xfd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Thursday]


FRI 04:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n30l1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 04:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmnb77)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7scvf)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 04:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct4pkz)
How the Church’s role in Argentina’s dictatorship shook the nation’s faith

Next Year will mark 50 years since the start of a seven-year violent military dictatorship in Argentina. During this period, many who opposed the fascist regime were detained, kidnapped, tortured – and in some cases they disappeared never to be seen again.
The Catholic church has always been very powerful in Argentina, and closely linked to the state. While some in the church were victims themselves, the hierarchy of the Church has been accused of playing a role in the dictatorship.
At best, it has faced allegations of knowing what was going on and not doing enough to stop it. At worst, it has faced allegations of being actively complicit in some of the abuse the military was perpetrating.
A group of mothers and grandmothers during this period set up a campaign to try and find their missing children. The ‘Madres’ and ‘Abuelas’ of Plaza de Mayo movement started on a pilgrimage in 1977, where the women wore the white cloth of their missing children’s diapers on their heads to identify themselves. Today, many of them are still looking for their children, and still identifiable by the white headscarves they wear to campaign each week.
In this episode of Heart and Soul, the BBC’s Ione Wells and Jessica Cruz travel to Argentina to speak to some of the victims of the dictatorship. These include people who were kidnapped, detained and in some cases tortured themselves – sometimes in the presence of Church officials. And one of the ‘Madres’, aged 93, who still hopes to find her missing son before she dies. How did this affect their relationship with the Church? And how did witnessing atrocities like this impact their faith?


Presenter: Ione Wells
Producer: Jessica Cruz / Ione Wells
Researcher: Emma Smith
Series Producer: Rajeev Gupta


FRI 05:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n34b5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 05:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80xw8q)
Senegal gears up for its delayed presidential vote

Newsday is coming live from London and Dakar where Senegal is gearing up for a crucial and controversial election - seen as a democratic powerhouse in the region, James Copnall hears if that is still the case after the president tried to delay the poll, and who is likely to succeed Macky Sall as the country's next president?

Also can Donald Trump find half a billion dollars by Monday?

And European leaders get together to discuss stepping up the supply of weapons to Ukraine - at a crucial time in the war with Russia.


FRI 06:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n3829)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 06:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80y00v)
Senegal prepares for crucial poll on Sunday

We're in Senegal as the country gears up for a crucial and controversial election to find out who is likely to succeed Macky Sall as the country's next president - we hear from politicians and the public as well as our live guest in the studio.

As the US piles more pressure on Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire on Gaza we take a look at the latest diplomatic efforts in the region.

And we go to Belgium for the world's first nuclear energy a summit.


FRI 07:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n3ctf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 07:06 Newsday (w172z07ht80y3rz)
Newsday is in Senegal for its delayed election

Senegal is getting ready to go to the polls this Sunday in a delayed presidential election that tested its democratic credentials - something the country has prided itself on for years - and Newsday's James Copnall is there to find out what people are looking for and what they're hoping to change.

Also we take a look at the latest diplomatic efforts to bring peace in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostage as the US top diplomat returns to the Middle East.

And why did the Biden administration lodge an antitrust case against Apple?


FRI 08:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n3hkk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 08:06 HARDtalk (w3ct4nzx)
Luis Abinader: Will the Dominican Republic help Haiti?

Stephen Sackur speaks to the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader. His country’s economy is growing fast, as neighbouring Haiti sinks deeper into an economic and security crisis. Will the Dominican Republic help a neighbour in need, or put self-interest first?


FRI 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7svty)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct4mqj)
Business Daily meets: Leigh Steinberg

Lawyer Leigh Steinberg had no big dream to become a sports agent. He was a huge sports fan, but the job was not something he was aspiring to – more something that he stumbled across.

Today, he's built up a career representing more than 300 professional athletes across a range of disciplines: from big money-making sports like football and basketball, to Olympic gymnastics; building sporting careers worth billions of dollars.

His influence in sport is so influential that he's often credited as the real-life inspiration for the sports agent in the film Jerry Maguire, starring Tom Cruise.

We speak to Leigh Steinberg about how he started his career as an agent, how he builds a brand around a sports star, and how he's succeeded in such a competitive environment - overcoming some personal struggles along the way. And - how he responds when members of the public approach him with the famous phrase, "Show me the money".

(Picture: Leigh Steinberg. Credit: Getty Images)

Presenter: Roger Hearing
Producers: Matt Lines and Hannah Mullane


FRI 08:50 Witness History (w3ct4x8v)
Wham! in China

In 1985, the British band Wham! became the first Western pop act to play in China.

Around 12,000 fans packed into the Worker’s Gymnasium in Beijing to hear such hits as Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Freedom.

Wham!’s manager Simon Napier-Bell tells Vicky Farncombe how the strangeness of the event affected singer George Michael’s nerves.

(Photo: Wham! perform in China. Credit: Getty Images)


FRI 09:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n3m9p)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 09:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmnxyw)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7szl2)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 09:32 Science In Action (w3ct4sdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Thursday]


FRI 10:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n3r1t)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 10:06 The Real Story (w3ct4q86)
How can Boeing win back trust?

The plane maker’s safety record is in the spotlight after a series of incidents. In January an unused door blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines shortly after take-off. An initial report from the US National Transportation Safety Board concluded that four bolts meant to attach the door securely to the aircraft had not been fitted. Prior to the incident, there had been other serious problems on the 737 Max production line, including the discovery of manufacturing defects affecting key parts of the planes, as well as a part protecting the central fuel tank against lightning strikes. A version of the 737 Max was also involved in two major accidents in late 2018 and early 2019, in which 346 people were killed. Those crashes were attributed to badly-designed flight control software. After the most recent incident, Boeing’s president Dave Calhoun said the company would be "implementing a comprehensive plan to strengthen quality and the confidence of our stakeholders.” So, what does Boeing need to do to win back trust? Celia Hatton is joined by a panel of expert guests.

David Soucie - A former top flight accident inspector with the US Federal Aviation Administration (the FAA) and author of "Why Planes Crash".

Oriana Pawlyk - Aviation reporter for Politico.

Sally Gethin - An independent global aviation and travel analyst.

Also in the programme:

Captain Dennis Tajer - Lead spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association and a pilot for American Airlines.

John Strickland - Aviation analyst and director of JLS Consulting.

Image: The Boeing logo as seen at the Farnborough International Airshow. Credit: Reuters/Peter Cziborra.


FRI 11:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n3vsy)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 11:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmp5g4)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7t72b)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 11:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct4pkz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


FRI 12:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n3zk2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 12:06 The Fifth Floor (w3ct4v1g)
Women's radio in Afghanistan

As a new school year starts in Afghanistan, 330,000 more girls will be excluded from secondary education, one of the ways in which women and girls are increasingly confined to their homes under the Taliban regime. In light of this, BBC Media Action is running the Women’s Voice radio project, training women to make programmes for other women on vital topics like health, work and education. Getti Sediqi is one of the trainers in Kabul.

Isabel, the giant armadillo
The giant armadillo, found only in Latin America, has been called a "ghost species" because it's so rarely seen. But thanks to one particular armadillo in Brazil, called Isabel by researchers, many discoveries have now been made, as BBC Brasil’s Giulia Granchi reports.

Haji Firouz: Nowruz controversy in Iran
Iran traditionally heralds its New Year with a festive figure known as Haji Firouz. The jester-like character sings and dances through the streets but has become controversial because performers blacken their faces and hands, a practice many find highly offensive. Now the character is being used as a form of protest to highlight the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Iran, as BBC Monitoring's Sarbas Nazari explains.

No bidders for Aung San Suu Kyi's iconic house
A failed attempt was made this week to auction the lakeside home of the detained Burmese leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. A court had ordered its sale after a long drawn-out legal battle between Suu Kyi and her brother Aung San Oo. BBC Burmese editor Soe Win Than explains the significance of this house, and the possible reasons why no bidders showed up.

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia's money glitch
Ethiopia's largest commercial bank is trying to recoup millions of dollars' worth of currency after a 'system problem' allowed customers to withdraw unlimited funds. It's been reported that a large portion of the cash was withdrawn by students as news of the banking glitch spread around universities. Kaleb Moges tells us about developments.

(Photo: Nadia Shekib, journalist, producer and news editor at Radio TV Oboor. Credit: BBC Media Action)


FRI 12:50 Witness History (w3ct4x8v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


FRI 13:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n4396)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 13:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmpdyd)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7tgkl)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 13:32 Science In Action (w3ct4sdt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Thursday]


FRI 14:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n471b)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 14:06 Newshour (w172z09z4fv0w8r)
Russia and China block US call for Gaza ceasefire

Russia and China have vetoed a draft resolution put forward by the United States at the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, linked to the release of hostages. Russia's ambassador called the US move a hypocritical initiative.

More than 13,000 children have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s bombardment, there, began five months ago, according to UNICEF. Since then, many children in Gaza have lost their entire families, in Israeli attacks. We hear the story of one little girl, Alma, who lost her family.

Also in the programme: UNICEF on the chaos in Haiti; and Japan schools move to protect cheerleaders from upskirting at sporting events.


(Photo: UN Security Council fails to pass US-drafted ceasefire resolution for Gaza, New York, USA - 22 Mar 2024. Credit: EPA)


FRI 15:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n4bsg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 15:06 HARDtalk (w3ct4nzx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


FRI 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7tq1v)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct4z96)
Media merger could provide $3bn windfall for Trump

Donald Trump’s social media company, Truth Social, has been given the go-ahead to go public in a vote by shareholders. The deal could provide a $3bn windfall as the ex-president fights legal penalties.

Hundreds of doctors in Kenya are striking today demanding better pay and conditions - we speak to one medic who is taking part.

And as the Indian Premier League gets underway, we look at how much more the world's richest cricket league could grow as a business.
(Image credit: SOPA Images/Getty Images.)


FRI 16:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n4gjl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 16:06 BBC OS (w172z0wc57b2j66)
Gaza ceasefire resolution vetoed

Russia and China have vetoed a US draft resolution that tied an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to the release of hostages held by Hamas. It was the first time the US has supported calls for an immediate ceasefire in the region, having previously blocked such demands at the UN. We get more details from our correspondent and hear a story of Alma, who lost her entire family in Gaza.

We talk to people about their struggles to pay student debt, after the BBC revealed that the highest outstanding debt in the UK is about $290,000.

We speak to our reporter in Senegal where people will go to the polls this weekend to elect a new president. The run-up to the election has been marred by violent protests following a controversial decision by outgoing President Macky Sall to delay the vote.

The new school year has started in Afganistan but girls beyond 6th grade are barred. We hear a story of one young woman who used to go to school in Afghanistan but has now left the country.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy.

(Photo: UN Security Council fails to pass US-drafted ceasefire resolution for Gaza, New York, USA - 22 Mar 2024. Credit: SARAH YENESEL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


FRI 17:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n4l8q)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 17:06 BBC OS (w172z0wc57b2myb)
Trump media merger approved

Trump Media, which runs the social media platform Truth Social, is poised to become a publicly listed company, after a majority of shareholders of Digital World Acquisition Corp voted on Friday to acquire it. Our business correspondent in New York explains what this could mean for Mr Trump's future finances.

Our Senior Internatonal Correspondent Orla Guerin has been hearing a story of one young girl who lost her entire family in Gaza.

We speak to our correspondent in Haiti where reports suggest that rival groups have finally selected the members of a transitional presidential council.

An Italian man who lived at an airport has been taken in by social services. We speak to a man who lived in an airport for seven months.

Schools in Japan have taken action to tackle upskirting of cheerleaders. We speak to one cheerleader in the US about her experiences.

Presenter: Krupa Padhy.

(Photo: Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump hosts a campaign rally at the Forum River Center in Rome, Georgia, U.S. March 9, 2024. Credit: Alyssa Pointer/File Photo/Reuters)


FRI 18:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n4q0v)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 18:06 The Fifth Floor (w3ct4v1g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


FRI 18:50 Witness History (w3ct4x8v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


FRI 19:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n4trz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 19:06 The Newsroom (w172z2twdcmq4f5)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7v61c)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct4ss3)
2024/03/22 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


FRI 20:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n4yj3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 20:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct5b39)
Protesting farmers

Long lines of tractors have become an increasingly common site in recent months on the streets of many European cities. In Poland, farmers blocked roads this week in protest at rising costs and competition from cheaper imports from Ukraine. Farmers have also been protesting in the UK, Hungary, Belgium, Spain, Greece and Italy on a range of issues from fuel prices to new environment rules.

Given that more and more of us now live in cities, we wanted to understand the challenges farmers are facing – but also get an insight into their lives. Farmers in the UK, France and an aspiring farmer in Germany share their experiences, including Morgan, a farmer in the Brittany region of France:

“I love my life, I love my job as a farmer, it’s one of the most beautiful jobs in the world because we take care of the nature, we produce good food for our communities,” she tells us. “But we deserve a decent living and we’re not getting it anymore.”

We also bring together three farmers in India. With a forthcoming national election, thousands recently marched – once again – on the capital Delhi. They tell us why they farm and share with us their emotional connection to the land.

A Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC OS team.

(Photo: Morgan Ody. Credit: Morgan Ody)


FRI 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7v9sh)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 20:32 CrowdScience (w3ct4y5k)
Do animals have anxious habits like us?

Many of us have habits that calm us down in times of stress. Things we find deeply comforting, like sucking our thumb or biting our nails. We might not even be aware we’re doing them, but they play a fundamental role in helping us regulate our emotions.

Our question this week comes from CrowdScience listener and nail-biter, Ash. He wants to know where these habits come from. And since his pet dog is also a nail-biter: do we share these traits with other animals?

Recently, a video of a mouse cleaning up a man’s shed took the internet by storm. Was this a house-proud mouse, or was it the animal's way of making sense of a frenetic environment? An emerging field of scientists focusing on animal behaviour and emotions help us shed some light on such questions.

Along the way we meet a dog training specialist, learn what a sniffari is, go for playtime with a thumb-sucking otter, and visit an OCD clinic. We’ll also be getting tips on how to give your pets the best home environment, and meet an animal enrichment officer in South Africa, who knows how to spot the signs of an unhelpful habit developing.

Contributors:
Karolina Westlund, Ethologist, Stockholm University and ILLIS
Ben Terry, CBT Therapist, Priory Hospital North London
Karin Pienaar, Animal Behaviourist, COAPE International
Candice Ward, Animal Behaviourist, Johannesburg Zoo

Jaak Panksepp clip: The science of emotions: Jaak Panksepp at TEDxRainier

Producer: Robbie Wojciechowski
Presenter: Alex Lathbridge
Editor: Cathy Edwards
Production co-ordinator: Connor Morgans
Additional recording by Elna Schutz

(Photo: Portrait of border collie puppy biting a curtain. Credit: Rawlstock/Getty Images)


FRI 21:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n5287)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 21:06 Newshour (w172z09z4fv1qhn)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


FRI 22:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n560c)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 22:06 The Newsroom (w172z2t1yn11678)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 22:20 Sports News (w172z1kgdv3h7fd)
BBC Sport brings you all the latest stories and results from around the world.


FRI 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7vk8r)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 22:32 World Business Report (w3ct4zcg)
First broadcast 22/03/2024 22:32 GMT

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.


FRI 23:00 BBC News (w172z2rcm3n59rh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 23:06 HARDtalk (w3ct4nzx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


FRI 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172z2s61v7vp0w)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 23:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct4pkz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]