SATURDAY 11 MAY 2024

SAT 00:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs52xfq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 00:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct5q1q)
Unexpected birthday party

It’s time for an unexpected celebration and we look to science for advice on clothes, cake and how presenter Marnie and panellists Christine and Candice can improve their singing. We also hear about the sleuths who have tracked down an animal that’s been presumed extinct for almost a century, we help a listener find the answer to whether using sunscreen is stopping him from getting vitamin d and Marnie talks to the Dog Aging Project to ask why studying healthy ageing in our canine companions can lead to better health for people too.

Presenter: Marnie Chesterton
Panellists: Christine Yohannes and Candice Bailey
Guests: Bryan Nichols, Pennsylvania State University and Matt Kaberline, founder of the Dog Aging Project.
Producer: Tom Bonnett with Dan Welsh, Emily Knight, Julia Ravey and Noa Dowling


SAT 01:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs5315v)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 01:06 Business Matters (w172zbff4chf9bq)
US Consumer sentiment sags to a six-month low

US Consumer sentiment sags to a six-month low. Americans cite high inflation and fears around unemployment

A free bottle of wine has finally been claimed after being hidden in the privacy policy of a tax-focused think tank's website for three months. We hear more from the Director of consumer protection for Consumer Federation of America

The Oscars have launched a global fund raising campaign to boost its finances following a decade long decline in its viewership

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Adam Davis/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock (14441942o)
A customer walks past the fresh fruit section at a H-E-B supermarket in Austin, Texas, USA, 19 April 2024


SAT 02:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs534xz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq7tv3wcb9)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrsj6c)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 02:32 Stumped (w3ct5wgk)
Meet the Italian International who has never set foot in the country

Alison Mitchell, Clint Wheeldon and Charu Sharma debate whose responsibility is player welfare? Is it the players themselves, coaches, individual clubs or their countries? This comes after former England captain Joe Root has called the domestic cricket schedule “not fit for purpose”. The Professional Cricketers’ Association has found 81% of players have expressed concerns about the physical toll of the fixture list.

Plus we are joined by Australian born Italian international Ben Manenti. He tells us how he was selected for the team, his dreams to play at a World Cup and the love of playing the sport alongside his brother.

And we hear from France cricketer Poppy McGowan on allegations of “ghost matches” and players being banned by the national team for speaking out. She’s calling for the ICC to make their investigation public. France Cricket strongly deny the claims.

Photo: Ben Manenti of the Redbacks appeals for lbw not given during the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales at Karen Rolton Oval, on March 14, 2023, in Adelaide, Australia. (Credit: Getty Images)


SAT 03:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs538p3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 03:06 Outlook (w3ct698n)
Outlook Mixtape: Lollywood star; country singer; taekwondo

In the 1950s, Deeba was an orphaned child who would make it big as a leading lady in Lollywood, Pakistan's film industry. But behind the success was a cruel deception.

Taekwondo, a sport that involves kicking and punching was a natural fit for Olympian-to-be, Marzieh Hamidi who spent her teens fending off men on the streets of Kabul. As she gets ready to represent the Refugee Team at this year's Paris Olympics, she tells the story of her fight for freedom and belonging.

In the 1950s and '60s Mimi Roman had been a queen of country music. She opened for Johnny Cash and toured the US but when she married and had a child she walked away and focused on being 'Mom' and never spoke about her past. Fifty years later, when her daughter Eden was opening boxes in their house she started pulling out old demos, photos of Mimi with music icons like Elvis, and newspaper articles about her. Slowly the past was revealed and for the last two years, mother and daughter have been getting to know each other all over again.

Kenyan photographer and artist Thandiwe Muriu's work Camo melds traditional, patterned Ankara fabrics with everyday household items and a modern take on African portraiture. Thandiwe reflects on how she sees herself as an African woman and how the wider world perceives beauty.

Presenter: Emily Webb
Producer: Julian Siddle

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

(Photo: Cassette tape. Credit: Getty Images)


SAT 03:50 Witness History (w3ct5ydf)
Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal

In 1992, a photograph of Princess Diana alone on a bench in front of the Taj Mahal became one of the most famous photos in the world.

Anwar Hussein was a photographer who documented the lives of the British royal family. His first visit to the Taj Mahal was to photograph Prince Charles in 1980.

He tells Gill Kearsley about his relationship with the royal family and about taking the iconic photograph.

(Photo: Princess Diana alone outside the Taj Mahal. Credit: Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)


SAT 04:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs53df7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 04:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct5q1q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:06 today]


SAT 05:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs53j5c)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 05:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq7tv3wqkp)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 05:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrswfr)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 05:32 Dear Daughter (w3ct6nx2)
My daughter, who I thought was my son

Gretchen’s daughter is transgender. When she first told her parents, it came as a shock – but Gretchen wants to tell her daughter she’ll always be on her side.

But she worries that the outside world might be hostile. How can she protect her daughter, while also helping her grow?

Letter writer: Gretchen

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 bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter
And please leave ratings and reviews.


SAT 05:50 More or Less (w3ct5tq1)
Is reading for pleasure the single biggest factor in how well a child does in life?

If a child loves reading, how big a difference does that make to their future success?

In a much-repeated claim, often sourced to a 2002 OECD report, it is suggested that it makes the biggest difference there is – that reading for pleasure is the biggest factor in future success.

But is that true? We speak to Miyako Ikeda from the OECD and Professor Alice Sullivan from University College London.

Presenter / series producer: Tom Colls
Reporter / producer: Debbie Richford
Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound mix: Graham Puddifoot
Editor: Richard Vadon


SAT 06:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs53mxh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 06:06 Weekend (w172zcwxrrs2wtb)
US says Israel may have breached international law

A State Department report says Israel may have used American-supplied weapons in breach of international humanitarian law in some instances during the war in Gaza.

Also on the programme: Sweden is hosting the final of the Eurovision Song Contest; and the most powerful solar storm in two decades.

(Picture: Destruction in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Credit: MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


SAT 07:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs53rnm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 07:06 Weekend (w172zcwxrrs30kg)
Russia launches fresh attack in the Kharkiv region

The Ukrainian defence ministry in Kyiv said the Russian attack started with the heavy bombing, followed by “scouting groups” moving in across the border.

Also on the programme: The US State Department releases a report saying Israel may have used American-supplied weapons in breach of international humanitarian law during the war in Gaza. And a new documentary on the American band The Beach Boys.

Our presenter Krupa Padhy is joined by Jacquelin Magnay, European Correspondent for The Australian newspaper, and German journalist and commentator Alen Posener.

(Picture: A man prepares to evacuate from Kharkiv region in Ukraine. Credit: Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy, REUTERS)


SAT 08:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs53wdr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 08:06 Weekend (w172zcwxrrs349l)
Rafah evacuation continues

Thousands of Palestinians look for safe space as Israel targets areas in Rafah.

Also on the programme: Violence against women in Australia; and the night train to Odessa.

Our presenter Krupa Padhy is joined by Jacquelin Magnay, European Correspondent for The Australian newspaper, and German journalist and commentator Alen Posener.

(Picture: Internally displaced Palestinians leave with their belongings following an evacuation order issued by the Israeli army, in Rafah. Credit: MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


SAT 09:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs5404w)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 09:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct5rbh)
Mass tourism

The pandemic stopped most of us travelling anywhere but now the United Nations predicts that international tourism will soon return to pre-Covid levels.

While that might be welcome if you’re making money from tourism, the number of visitors can also cause problems. Some top tourist spots are even taking action to address this and people who live there are taking to protest.

Hosts James Reynolds and Lukwesa Burak discuss how you balance the tourist dollar.

Residents of Venice, Bali and Spain’s Canary Islands discuss their concerns rising from the huge numbers of visitors, ranging from a lack of infrastructure and non-tourist housing to cultural insensitivity and the distribution of tourism income.

“Tenerife has about one million residents and six million tourists visit every year,” says Brian. “With over 36% of the population living in or at risk of poverty, it’s obvious that mass tourism has failed the islanders.”

We also discuss the role of travel influencers who share videos and photos with a mass audience on social media. This can then lead others wanting to recreate the same experience.

One of those in our discussion is Kristen Sarah in Costa Rica, who runs @Hopscotchtheglobe vlog. “As influencers, it’s our messaging that encourages and inspires others to follow in our footsteps,” she says. “A photo is just a photo. But if you don’t take in the place that you’re visiting, then what’s the point of even going?”

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

(Photo: Tourists walk in St Mark's Square on the day Venice municipality introduces a new fee for day trippers in a move to preserve the lagoon city often crammed with tourists in Venice, Italy, April 25, 2024. Credit: Manuel Silvestri/Reuters)


SAT 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrtcf8)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 09:32 Pick of the World (w3ct5v0d)
Smile. Give praise. The secrets to social success (still!)

Which self-help book do you think everyone should read? Oliver Burkeman - author of Four Thousand Weeks - chats about Dale Carnegie, who wrote How to Win Friends and Influence People in 1936. Plus the super-rich Swedes, the reconstructed Neanderthal woman giving clues to our past - and the keeper who let in 31 goals.


SAT 09:50 Over to You (w3ct5tsm)
Putting the focus on reporting China’s role

The BBC World Service has launched its Global China Unit, a new team that will focus on reporting stories on the country’s role in the world. Listeners say its opening is vital but also ask if coverage of China will be fair and balanced. We speak with the BBC executive who will help run the team.

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


SAT 10:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs543x0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 10:06 Sportshour (w3ct5q9k)
New York’s Living Room Sumo Dohyo

Would you move heaven and earth to change your life? No? Well how about just your living room? When times got tough, New Yorker James Grammer found solace in sport, in particular the ancient Japanese sport of Sumo. But initially there was nowhere local to compete. While the parks were fine in the summer, the traditional sumo loincloth would be a bit chilly in winter ! So James turned his apartment into a Beya, the name for where Sumo wrestlers train. He’ll tell us the joys and drawbacks of sumo wrestling at home and his ambitions going forward as well as why he has been so keen on big contact sports growing up.

Iranian born film director Milad Alami moved to Sweden as a child refugee and his latest movie OPPONENT uses the sport of wrestling to highlight the challenges encountered by refugees across Europe. Milad draws on his own experiences to tell the story of an Iranian wrestler who worn down by the asylum process seeks out the one thing he knows and starts to train with the Swedish wrestling team. He tells us why he chose wrestling, why he wanted to highlight the challenge of refugees fitting into a new country and how important it was for him to cast real refugees in the film.

We’ll get the inside track on horse racing’s oldest racecourse, the Roodee – more commonly known as Chester Racecourse. Sportshour reporter Richard Padula finds out why former Ballon d’or winner Michael Owen is so enamoured with the sport and the course.

On Eurovision Grand Final day, BBC Sport’s music aficionado Pat Nevin casts his ear across the fancied songs for this year’s competition. Croatia are strong favourites but are they Pat’s?

Plus, what links American footballer Brandon Mebane, Footballer Douglas Luiz and Formula One Driver Daniel Ricciardo? The answer – Bellydancing and to mark World Bellydancing Day, we’ll get a tutorial from Heather Eggins from Belly Dance Heaven.

Photo: Sumo wrestlers practice in James Grammer's apartment turned sumo Beya in New York. (Credit: James Grammer)


SAT 11:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs547n4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq7tv3xg1g)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrtlxj)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 11:32 Unspun World with John Simpson (w3ct5ybq)
What is Israel's plan for Gaza?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines what Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan for Gaza is now, looks at the mood on the Ukrainian frontline ahead of the arrival of US military aid, and analyses what is at stake in the South African general election.


SAT 12:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs54cd8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 12:06 World Questions (w3ct5yyd)
Spain

Is Spain’s unity under threat? Could a new amnesty law on Catalan independence pave the way for regions to breakaway from the kingdom? Spain is also facing complaints about corruption, a critical water shortage and a growing inequality between the old and the young. Jonny Dymond asks Spanish people how they see the future of their country.

On the panel:
Juan Fernando López Aguilar, MEP for the Socialist party which leads the government.
Javier Zarzalejos, MEP from the People’s Party.
Alfred Bosch, writer, historian and a long term member of the pro Catalan independence party Esquerra Republicana.
Gabriela Bustelo, writer and political columnist.

Producer: Steven Williams

(Photo: Protesters from the Partido Popular carry Spanish flags and placards while demonstrating against plans to grant amnesty to Catalan separatists. Credit: Guillermo Gutierrez Carrascal/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)


SAT 13:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs54h4d)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 13:06 Newshour (w172zb8vd0q2bmc)
Israel orders another evacuation of people from Rafah

The Israeli military has ordered another evacuation of tens of thousands more Palestinians from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Residents of eastern districts of the city were told to go to al-Mawasi, a narrow coastal area designated as a humanitarian zone by Israel. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, told the BBC that the area had no running water or proper sanitation.

Also in the programme: More than 150 people killed in flash floods in the north of Afghanistan; and a solar storm produces spectacular lightshows in many parts of the world.

(Photo: A Palestinian boy sits atop a vehicle loaded with belongings as he flees Rafah, after Israeli forces launched a ground and air operation in the eastern part of the southern Gaza City, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, May 11, 2024. Credit: Reuters/Hatem Khaled)


SAT 14:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs54lwj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 14:06 Sportsworld (w172zbmshn9vwzz)
Live Sporting Action

Sportsworld Saturday will have commentary of West Ham United versus Luton Town in the Premier League. Joining Lee James will be the former West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker and former Tottenham Hotspur defender Sebastien Bassong.

There will also be updates of the early kick off as reigning Premier League champions Manchester City travel to Fulham. It’s also a huge day of football in Asia as Harry Kewell’s Yokohama F. Marinos take on Hernan Crespo’s Al Ain FC in the first leg of the Asian Champions League and Sportsworld’s Mani Djazmi will be following the game.

Plus, we’ll get the latest from cycling’s Giro d’Italia, the NBA playoffs, Doha Diamond League athletics and preview the Women’s FA Cup final.

Photo: West Ham United's Michail Antonio vies with Luton Town's Amari'i Bell and Marvelous Nakamba during the English Premier League football match between Luton Town and West Ham United at Kenilworth Road in Luton, north of London on September 1, 2023. (Credit: AFP)


SAT 18:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs552w1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 18:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq7tv3y98c)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 18:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrvg4f)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 18:32 Dear Daughter (w3ct6nx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 today]


SAT 18:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct5wd9)
Ghana's 'Baby Jet'

Alice Annum is Ghana's original 'Baby Jet'.

She gained the nickname after winning two silver medals at the 1970 Commonwealth Games, for the 100m and 200m sprint races.

Alice was also the first woman to represent Ghana at the Olympics. Throughout her career, not only did she compete as a runner, she also competed in long jump.

In more recent years the name 'Baby Jet' has been taken on by former footballer, Asamoah Gyan.

But Alice knows that she is the original. She tells Gill Kearsley the story of how she got the nickname.

(Photo: Alice Annum in 2024. Credit: Sally McBratney. Photo: Alice Annum the finish line of the Women's 100-metre event of the 1970 Commonwealth Games. Credit: Daily Express/Archive Photos/Getty Images)


SAT 19:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs556m5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 19:06 The Inquiry (w3ct5xh5)
Has US military aid come in time for President Zelensky?

The war in Ukraine has reached a pivotal moment.

After months of an apparent stalling on the frontlines, Russia has recently made a series of critical breakthroughs.

Now the race is on for Kyiv to get newly approved military aid to the front line before Russian forces attack Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv.

The 60 billion dollar bill passed in America’s congress at the end of April allows for Ukraine to push back against Russian forces and prepare to mount an offensive next year.

But a gap in the supply of missiles has left Kyiv dangerously exposed and huge questions remain about how Ukraine’s President will act next.

So, on this week’s Inquiry, we’re asking ‘Has US military aid come in time for President Zelensky?’

Contributors:

Gustav Gressel, senior policy fellow with the Wider Europe Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations’ Berlin office. Max Bergmann, Director, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Stuart Center, at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in the US. Dr Marina Miron, post-doctoral researcher in the War Studies Department and an honorary researcher at the Centre for Military Ethics and the Department of Defence Studies, Kings College, London. Professor Olga Onuch, Professor (Chair) in Comparative and Ukrainian Politics at the University of Manchester, UK.

Presenter: Tanya Beckett
Producer: Lorna Reader
Researcher: Matt Toulson
Production Co-ordinator: Liam Morrey

Image credit: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via Reuters via BBC Images


SAT 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrvkwk)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 19:32 Happy News (w3ct5spf)
The Happy Pod: From pollution to paradise

The volunteers restoring the beautiful beaches of Bali and beyond by clearing plastic pollution from Indonesia's rivers, and upcycling it into chairs. The profits are used to fund more river clean ups. The deaf toddler who has near normal hearing after groundbreaking gene therapy. Why are hundreds of sea lions gathering at Pier 39 in San Franscisco? After seagull boy, we bring you lion girl - the five year old whose amazing lion roar has been viewed millions of times. We chat to two old friends who reconnected -- and then studied why old friends find it hard to reconnect. And we meet the football fan who moved to a new country to support his team in the English Premier League.
Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world.

Presenter: Jannat Jalil. Music produced by Iona Hampson.


SAT 20:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs55bc9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 20:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct5qjb)
Actor Olivia Williams on this week’s cultural highlights

Actor Olivia Williams is sitting in for presenter Nikki Bedi and with her in the studio are the Syrian film-maker Soudade Kaadan and the cultural critic Rhianna Dhillon.

They discuss actor Rebel Wilson’s early dog training career, sculptor Sir Antony Gormley on the power of public art, Sir Salman Rushdie deconstructing the attempt on his life in 2022, and actor and martial artist Katy O Brian reflecting on the world of bodybuilding.

They also discuss Soudade Kaadan’s delightful film Nezouh, as well as the wider Syrian film industry. And there’s live music from Jembaa Groove.

Presenter: Olivia Williams

(Photo: Olivia Williams at the 74th Berlinale International Film Festival Berlin. Credit: Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Image)


SAT 21:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs55g3f)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 21:06 Newshour (w172zb8vd0q39ld)
Israel orders more evacuations in Rafah

Israel has told tens of thousands more Palestinians to leave Rafah, as it intensifies military operations in southern Gaza. Flyers dropped from the air and posts on social media told residents in the city’s eastern districts go to al-Mawasi, a narrow coastal area which Israel calls an ‘’expanded humanitarian zone’’. We hear from Jerusalem and Rafah.

Also on the programme: Flash floods in Afghanistan claim the lives of hundreds; and reflections on the illustrious career of The Beach Boys.

(Picture: Internally displaced Palestinians leave Rafah after Israeli evacuation order Credit: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


SAT 22:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs55kvk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 22:06 The Documentary (w3ct6qtv)
Twin towns

The small rural town of Igbo-Ora, in southwestern Nigeria, proclaims itself to be the “twin capital of the world". It has an astonishingly high twin birthrate. Everyone here wants to have twins, because in Yoruba culture they are believed to bring good fortune and are celebrated almost as deities.

And yet, in another part of Nigeria, near the capital Abuja, a different community once viewed twins as the manifestations of evil spirits. There were even reports that some twins were killed as infants. For the past 30 years, a local Nigerian orphanage has been rescuing unwanted babies, while working with local people to change their minds.

Peter Macjob visits both communities to hear about the lives of twins and explore the power of traditional beliefs in these “twin towns”.

Photo: A woman in Igbo-Ora carries wooden carved figurines representing twin deities, known as Ibeji

Reporter: Peter Macjob
Producer: Alex Last
Editor: Penny Murphy
Sound mix: Rod Farquhar
Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman


SAT 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrvy3y)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 22:32 This Is Africa (w3ct5y4t)
Zanda Zakuza in session

Zanda Zakuza is back. The South African singer’s amazing voice featured on club bangers including the 2018 hit Skeleton Move by Master KG, and Prince Kaybee's 2019 hit Club Controller. Zanda became a star almost overnight, but, as she tells This Is Africa, she felt completely unprepared and found the pressures of celebrity and international touring too much.

She took a break from music, but now, with renewed confidence, she is about to drop an EP, and in this episode gives exclusive acoustic performances of two unreleased songs, as well as her first ever acoustic rendition of the classic that made her name – Skeleton Move.


SAT 23:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs55plp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq7tv3yx00)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrw1w2)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 23:32 Assignment (w3ct5msm)
Italy's mafia whistleblower

Last year in Italy the biggest anti-mafia trial in 30 years reached a climax. On the stand were the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta: they are estimated to run 80 percent of Europe’s cocaine and to make more money in a year than McDonalds and Deutsche Bank put together.

With access to mafioso-turned-collaborator Emanuele Mancuso, journalist Francisco Garcia looks at why Emanuele testified against his powerful family. What has this trial meant for the 'Ndrangheta? And has it changed life for Calabrians today?

Producer: Ant Adeane
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Studio Manager: Neil Churchill
Editor: Penny Murphy

(Image: Emanuele Mancuso. Credit: Police handout)

SUNDAY 12 MAY 2024

SUN 00:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs55tbt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 00:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct5rbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:06 on Saturday]


SUN 00:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrw5m6)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 00:32 Dear Daughter (w3ct6nx2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 on Saturday]


SUN 00:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct5wd9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:50 on Saturday]


SUN 01:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs55y2y)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 01:06 The Inquiry (w3ct5xh5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:06 on Saturday]


SUN 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrw9cb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 01:32 The Documentary (w3ct6qtm)
Things Fell Apart: We're coming after you, honey

Jon Ronson explores how a chance encounter in a yacht club in the early 2000s, between a bartender and a very wealthy couple whose daughter was sick with a mystery disease, ended with the creation of the first great Covid conspiracy theory.

To listen to the full-length story, search for Things Fell Apart wherever you get your BBC podcasts.


SUN 02:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs561v2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq7tv3z87d)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrwf3g)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 02:32 Health Check (w3ct5t8h)
Conflict's impact on a neglected disease

A research center in Sudan had brought hope for neglected disease mycetoma, we hear from a mycetoma expert how the conflict has affected research. Also on the show, have researchers discovered a genetic form of Alzheimer’s, and for the first time an orangutan is seen making a medicine to treat its own wound – what can this tell us about the history of human medication?


Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins


SUN 03:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs565l6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 03:06 World Questions (w3ct5yyd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs569bb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 04:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct5shm)
Uproar over a "foreign agents" bill in Georgia

Max Pearson introduces correspondents' and writers' stories from Georgia, Colombia, Panama, Serbia and the Philippines.

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, has been convulsed by mass protests since April, as crowds turned out to express their rejection of a proposed law on "foreign agents" which would impose new controls on NGOs and the media. Rayhan Demytrie took to the streets to see riot police confront the demonstrators - and talked to other Georgians who back the bill.

The migrant route through the Darien Gap covers more than 100 kilometres of extremely difficult terrain on the Colombia/Panama border. The climate is hostile, the landscape perilous and criminals prey on travellers. Still, more people than ever before are using this path trying to get to the United States. Peter Yeung walked alongside them and saw its dangers.

Serbia rolled out the red carpet - and a huge number of red flags - for Xi Jinping's official visit in the past week. Guy Delauney looks at the global dimensions of Belgrade's welcome for the Chinese leader.

And in Manila, Hannah Gelbart meets a boy band from a whole new school: Alamat, like many others in a new wave of "P Pop" groups, hopes to teach the world about the history and culture of the Philippines.

Producer: Polly Hope
Editor: Bridget Harney
Production Co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge


SUN 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrwnlq)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 04:32 The Explanation (w3ct5yzm)
What is the dark web?

The secret club which keeps illegal content hidden, using encryption and anonymisation tools. But can it also be a force for good? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet, giving a cloak to crime. But defenders argue it also keeps activists and whistle blowers safe. Host Claire Graham talks to the BBC Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman about the origins of the dark web, cyber crime and internet censorship across the world.


SUN 04:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct5wd9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:50 on Saturday]


SUN 05:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs56f2g)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 05:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq7tv3zmgs)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 05:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrwsbv)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 05:32 The Documentary (w3ct6qtv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 22:06 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs56jtl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 06:06 Weekend (w172zcwxrrs5sqf)
EU official condemns Rafah evacuation orders

Israel has been mounting airstrikes on several parts of Gaza Strip as it issued further mass evacuation orders to Palestinians. Meanwhile, a top EU official, Charles Michel, has condemned Israel's evacuation orders, saying people are being directed towards unsafe areas.

Also on the programme: Switzerland wins Eurovision; and fighting gets close to Ukraine's second city, Kharkiv.

Host Krupa Padhy is joined by historian Natalya Benkhaled-Vince, and journalist Paul McNamee.

(Picture: Internally displaced Palestinians arrive to Khan Younis from Rafah. Credit: MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


SUN 07:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs56nkq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 07:06 Weekend (w172zcwxrrs5xgk)
Israel carries out fresh air strikes over Gaza Strip

Israel has told tens of thousands more Palestinians to leave Rafah, as it intensifies military operations in southern Gaza. The civil defence agency in Gaza says two doctors were killed in the airstrikes.

Also on the programme: The Eurovision song contest ends with Switzerland clinching the top spot; and a new exhibition explores the connection between Japanese folklore and technological designs.

Host Krupa Padhy is joined by historian Natalya Benkhaled-Vince, and journalist Paul McNamee.

(Picture: Israeli soldiers with an armoured personnel carrier (APC) operate near the Israel-Gaza border. Credit:REUTERS/Amir Cohen)


SUN 08:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs56s9v)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 08:06 Weekend (w172zcwxrrs616p)
IDF might order more Palestinians to evacuate

The Israeli military says it has ‘eliminated terrorists’ in the north of Gaza and says at least 100,000 Palestinians will need to be evacuated in the north of the enclave following mass evacuation orders in the south.

Also on the programme: As the Sudanese civil war enters its second year, we will hear about the latest fighting in Darfur; and a scientists take on how to clean up world’s oceans.

Host Krupa Padhy is joined by historian Natalya Benkhaled-Vince, and journalist Paul McNamee.

(Picture: Internally displaced Palestinians leave with their belongings following an evacuation order issued by the Israeli army, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 10 May 2024. Credit: Mohammed Saber/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


SUN 09:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs56x1z)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 09:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct5shm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 today]


SUN 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrx8bc)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 09:32 The Food Chain (w3ct5xmp)
Eat with your hands

Why eat with your hands?

Many food cultures around the world eat using hands, and most of us use our hands some of the time. Do we really need cutlery or chopsticks to eat a salad, peas or rice? And if you were to tackle soup or stew with your hands, how would you go about it?

Michael Kaloki reports from Nairobi, Kenya, where the staple dish ugali, made from maize flour, is traditionally eaten by hand. Michael has observed that people increasingly use cutlery to eat the dish, and he speaks to restaurateurs and customers about why that might be, and what might be lost.

Ruth Alexander learns about the etiquette of eating by hand with food writer and consultant Karen Anand in India. And Ruth explores whether food might be more enjoyable, and even taste better, when eaten by hand. Psychologist Professor Charles Spence from Oxford University, and chef Jozef Youssef of Kitchen Theory in the UK share their research.

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

Presented by Ruth Alexander.

Produced by Beatrice Pickup.

Reporting by Michael Kaloki in Nairobi, Kenya.

(Image: a man’s hands, pulling apart a sweet cake wrapped in dough, with sauce on his hands. Credit: Getty Images/ BBC)


SUN 10:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs570t3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 10:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct5tvw)
Fighting sexism in society

Across the world millions of women and girls face discrimination and worse because of their gender. On this edition of People Fixing The World we look at projects designed to change attitudes. In India we visit workshops aimed at recruiting younger men as allies in the fight against sexism and gender inequality. And we speak to the founder of Chalk Back, a street art initiative that encourages women to write sexist remarks they’ve been the target of onto pavements in chalk to highlight the problem of street harassment.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Reporter: Chhavi Sachdev
Series Producer: Jon Bithrey
Editor: Tom Bigwood
Sound mix: Hal Haines

(Image: Harish Sadani of MAVA with college students, MAVA)


SUN 10:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrxd2h)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 10:32 The Fifth Floor (w3ct69hf)
China’s global mining for green tech

The BBC's new Global China Unit tell Faranak Amidi about their investigation into Chinese mines overseas, and what it's like to work in them and live near them.

Produced by Caroline Ferguson and Alice Gioia

(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich)


SUN 11:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs574k7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq7tv40byk)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrxhtm)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 11:32 The Explanation (w3ct5yzm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


SUN 11:50 More or Less (w3ct5tq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:50 on Saturday]


SUN 12:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs5789c)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 12:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct5rbh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:06 on Saturday]


SUN 12:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrxmkr)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 12:32 Assignment (w3ct5msm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:32 on Saturday]


SUN 13:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs57d1h)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 13:06 Newshour (w172zb8vd0q57jg)
UK arms ban for Israel would strengthen Hamas: Cameron

The British Foreign Secretary David Cameron says restricting arms deliveries to Israel because of its war in Gaza would strengthen Hamas and make a deal to free Israeli hostages less likely. Lord Cameron told the BBC the Israeli army should not go into the city of Rafah, unless there is a plan to protect civilians.

Also in the programme: We're at Everest Base Camp, speaking to the friend of a Nepali man who has just broken the world record, climbing Everest 29 times; and a deaf man tells us how groundbreaking new gene therapy could help him.

(Photo: The British Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Credit: Jeff Overs/BBC)


SUN 14:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs57hsm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 14:06 Sportsworld (w172zbmshn9ysx2)
Live Sporting Action

Sportsworld Sunday has a double bill of commentary featuring Manchester United. Delyth Lloyd will be live at Wembley Stadium for live commentary of the Women’s FA Cup final as United take on Tottenham Hotspur at 13:30 GMT.

Then at 15:30, Nishat Ladha introduces a key game from the Premier League as title-chasers Arsenal take on United’s men at Old Trafford.

We’ll also have the latest from the Italian Open tennis, cycling’s Giro d’Italia and the NBA playoffs.

Photo: General View of the Women's FA Cup trophy prior to the Vitality Women's FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 14, 2023 in London, England. (Credit: Manchester United via Getty Images)


SUN 19:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs583j8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq7tv419xl)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrygsn)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 19:32 World Of Secrets (w3ct6r2n)
Season 2: The Disciples

Special: World of Secrets live

Inside the investigation – the story of the journalism behind The Disciples. Hear from the journalists and the whistleblowers about the investigation into TB Joshua. A special episode with season 2 presenters Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke, producer Rob Byrne, and whistleblowers Rae and Ajoke.

Hosted by Hannah Ajala, presenter of "Love, Janessa", and recorded in front of an audience at “World Service Presents” in London.

Plus we hear from the presenter of the first season of World of Secrets, Rianna Croxford, about how she investigated allegations of sexual exploitation made against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie and Fitch.

Season 2 of World of Secrets is a story of miracles, faith and manipulation – the cult of Nigerian prophet, TB Joshua. Watch the Africa Eye TV documentaries about the investigation: https://bit.ly/BBCDisciples

Content warning: This episode contains references to sexual, physical and psychological abuse.

If you've been affected by any of the issues in this podcast, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline
If you are suffering distress and need support, details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org


SUN 20:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs5878d)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 20:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct5q1q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:06 on Saturday]


SUN 21:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs58c0j)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 21:06 Newshour (w172zb8vd0q66hh)
Putin to replace long-time ally Shoigu as defence minister

Russia's President Putin removes his long-standing ally Sergei Shoigu as his defence minister. What does it mean for the war in Ukraine?

Also on the programme: Israel marks memorial day for its fallen soldiers as the war in Gaza grinds on; and a prominent Tunisian lawyer has been arrested in the latest move of a presidential administration that has shown little tolerance for criticism.

(Photo: Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Credit: MAKSIM BLINOV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


SUN 22:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs58grn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 22:06 The Climate Question (w3ct5wrl)
Can we build better cities for mental health and the climate?

Today, more than half the world’s population live in cities – and as our numbers swell, so will our cities, especially those around the Pacific Rim, where it’s predicted our largest megacities of 10 million plus will be situated. And herein lies an opportunity: 60% of the buildings needed for 2050 are not yet built.

Could we shape our cities into places that are good for the climate and also good for our mental health? Can we design buildings and infrastructure that make green decisions easier and also help us deal with stress or depression?

Jordan Dunbar hears about examples in the Netherlands and Egypt. Are there win-win options out there that can help the world deal with two of its biggest challenges?

Contributors:
Houssam Elokda -Urban Planner, with Happy Cities, Vancouver
Sally Nabil - BBC Arabic Egypt Correspondent, Cairo
Anna Holligan - BBC Correspondent, The Hague, Netherlands

Production Team: Graihagh Jackson, Octavia Woodward, Brenda Brown, Simon Watts
Sound Design: Tom Brignell

email theclimatequestion@bbc.com


SUN 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchryv11)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 22:32 Pick of the World (w3ct5v0d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:32 on Saturday]


SUN 22:50 Over to You (w3ct5tsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:50 on Saturday]


SUN 23:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs58lhs)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq7tv41sx3)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchryys5)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 23:32 The Fifth Floor (w3ct69hf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:32 today]

MONDAY 13 MAY 2024

MON 00:00 BBC News (w172zgf1xs58q7x)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 00:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct5shm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 on Sunday]


MON 00:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwchrz2j9)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 00:32 The Explanation (w3ct5yzm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 on Sunday]


MON 00:50 More or Less (w3ct5tq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:50 on Saturday]


MON 01:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gdp86)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 01:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863f5wnj)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs231jl)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 01:32 Discovery (w3ct5rmj)
Obsessed with the Quest: Humpback Heat Run

Underwater cameraman Roger Munns set himself and his team an incredible challenge. In 2008, they visited Tonga to film the biggest courtship ritual of the animal kingdom, the humpback heat run, for the very first time underwater and up close.

In the first few days, Roger had intimate encounters with the whales but most of the time, he was sat on the back of the boat, waiting to find a heat run. After two unsuccessful weeks, he started to wonder whether they would ever see one.

But a few days later somebody spotted a heat run, and everything sprang into action. Roger got in position and dove down ten meters underwater on a single breath. From then on, his job was just to wait and hold his camera ready. In a moment that seemed to stretch out time, he waited, nervously, for a group of 40-ton bus-sized whales to speed past him…

And Victor Vescovo describes his adventures into the deep, diving to the deepest parts of all five oceans.

Victor's longest dive was solo to the lowest point on Earth - the Challenger Deep at the bottom of the Marianas trench in the western Pacific. On reaching the bottom, some 35,853 feet below the ocean surface, should something have gone wrong, there was no hope of rescue.

Victor describes his feelings before making this historic descent and on the way down. Touching down on the sea bed, he was astounded by the abundance of marine life. Victor describes how he hopes that the mapping, observations and sample collections he has made on his dives will advance scientific understanding of the deep oceans, and where his eternal quest to explore might take him next.

Produced by Florian Bohr and Diane Hope



Credits:

Humpback whale mother and calf sounds - Acoustic Communications CNRS team & CETAMADA

Humpback whale calf sounds - Lars Bejder (MMRP Hawaii), Peter T. Madsen (Aarhus University) & Simone Videsen (Aarhus University)


MON 02:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gdt0b)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863f60dn)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2358q)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 02:32 CrowdScience (w3ct5rh0)
Why are people still dying from malaria?

Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal. These tiny creatures transmit many diseases, but the most devastating is malaria. It kills over half a million people every year, most of them children.

So why are people still dying of malaria in such large numbers, when so much time and money has been invested in trying to eradicate it? What do we know about mosquitoes and malaria, and what do we still need to learn? CrowdScience visits Malawi, one of the African countries leading the way against malaria, with the rollout of the world’s first malaria vaccine programme.

Presenter Caroline Steel is joined by a live audience and a panel of experts: Wongani Nygulu, Eggrey Aisha Kambewa and Steve Gowelo. Together they explore questions from our listeners in Malawi and around the world, like why female mosquitoes feed on blood while males drink nectar; why some people are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes than others; and how we might modify the insects’ DNA to stop them spreading diseases.

About half a million children across Malawi have been vaccinated since 2019. We visit a clinic in nearby Chikwawa to meet the staff involved in the vaccination programme there, and the mothers embracing the opportunity to protect their babies against this deadly disease.

Recorded at Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi.

Contributors:
Dr. Wongani Nygulu, Epidemiologist, Malaria Alert Centre
Eggrey Aisha Kambewa, MLW entomologist, MLW
Dr. Steve Gowelo, University of California San Francisco Malaria Elimination Initiative

Presenter: Caroline Steel
Producer: Jeremy Grange
Researcher: Imaan Moin
Additional Recording: Margaret Sessa Hawkins & Sophie Ormiston
Editor: Cathy Edwards
Production Co-ordinator: Liz Tuohy

(Photo: A mosquito, that is silhouetted against the moon, bites a human arm. Credit: LWA/Getty Images)


MON 03:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gdxrg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 03:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct5tvw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Sunday]


MON 03:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2390v)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 03:32 Pick of the World (w3ct5v0d)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:32 on Saturday]


MON 03:50 Over to You (w3ct5tsm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:50 on Saturday]


MON 04:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gf1hl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863f67wx)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs23drz)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 04:32 The Conversation (w3ct5wzd)
Pioneering women in neurosurgery

Datshiane Navanayagam speaks to two female neurosurgeons to hear about the pressures and rewards that come from working in their intense and male-dominated medical field.

Dr. Lola Chambless is an American neurosurgeon based in Nashville. She is passionate about medical education and serves as the Residency Program Director in Neurological Surgery.

Dr. Giselle Coelho is an award-winning paediatric neurosurgeon from Brazil who has a PhD from Harvard. She is currently the Scientific Director of the EDUCSIM Institute and works at Sabará Hospital.

Produced by Emily Naylor

(Image: (L) Dr. Lola Chambless, credit Vanderbilt University Medical Center. (R) Dr. Giselle Coelho, credit Trianon Clinic.)


MON 05:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gf57q)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 05:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fp78x9)
Putin set to remove Russian defence minister

Russia's defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, is being removed from his post and will be replaced by an economist. We'll ask what the move could mean for the war in Ukraine.

Rescue efforts continue in northern Afghanistan after flash floods killed more than 300 people and destroyed more than a thousand homes. We'll go there live.

The US Secretary of State has again warned of the disastrous consequences of a full-scale Israeli assault on the Gazan city of Rafah. We'll speak to a retired Israeli military colonel.

And as South Africa's murder rate hits a 20-year high, we'll be out on the streets of two parts of the country with the volunteer patrols trying to bring order where the police have not.


MON 06:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gf8zv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 06:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fp7dnf)
Georgia: Riot police face off against demonstrators

Riot police in Georgia have moved in against protesters outside Parliament in the past hour. Thousands are demonstrating against plans for a new law which they say would be repressive. We will be hearing form our correspondent who is there.

As fighting in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza intensifies and with more people fleeing, United Nation's largest aid agency there says food and other assistance are drying up. We will speak to a journalist who's travelled north from Rafah to Khan Younis.

Rescue efforts continue in northern Afghanistan after flash floods killed more than 300 people and destroyed more than a thousand homes.


MON 07:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gfdqz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 07:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fp7jdk)
Georgia: Thousands protest against 'foreign influence' bill

Several thousand people are gathered outside the parliament in Georgia, continuing their protest against a new law that they say is a crackdown on civil society. The government wants to push through the bill today.

Hundreds of people are feared dead after flash flooding hit northern Afghanistan on Friday night; there are also warnings the death toll could rise after further storms across the region.

As fighting in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza intensifies and with more people fleeing, United Nation's largest aid agency there says food and other assistance are drying up. We will go live to Rafah.

And Arsenal are back to leading the table in the English Premier League after beating Manchester United 1-0. Can they stay top and clinch the title?


MON 08:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gfjh3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 08:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5szh)
Bill Blair: Canada's defence strategy

Stephen Sackur speaks to Canada’s defence minister Bill Blair. When it comes to military spending, Canada lies well short of Nato’s target. But with fears of Russian aggression on the rise, not least in the Arctic region, are Canadians changing their attitude to defence strategy?


MON 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs23wrh)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct5z6b)
Uganda's refugee women turned entrepreneurs

Stella, Dawa and Salome arrived at the Bidi Bidi refugee camp in north-western Uganda with little more than the clothes they were wearing.

Now, all three are entrepreneurs and businesswomen, running thriving businesses and earning enough money to clothe, feed and send their children to school.

Can their stories help development agencies and governments deliver support to those most in need?

(Picture: Salome, picking crops in a field in Uganda. Copyright: Village Enterprise)

Presented and produced by Sam Fenwick


MON 08:50 Witness History (w3ct5ygq)
The ‘Catastrophe’ for Palestinians

In 1948, tens of thousands of Palestinians left their homes in the Middle East, never to return.

The period after World War Two in the region was tense, at times violent and politically complex.

For Israeli Jews it was finally a chance to build their own nation after the genocide of the Holocaust. But for Arab Palestinian Muslims and Christians it was a time of loss.

Some sold their land, some were evicted - many felt intimidated by the violence and changing demographics.

Rebecca Kesby speaks to Hasan Hammami who was 15-years-old when his family felt ‘pushed out’ of Palestine.

The interview was recorded before the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023 and subsequent Israeli military operation.

(Photo: Palestinians leaving their homes in 1948. Credit: Getty Images)


MON 09:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gfn77)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863f6vmk)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs240hm)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 09:32 CrowdScience (w3ct5rh0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


MON 10:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gfrzc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 10:06 The History Hour (w3ct5n1m)
India’s ambitious ID scheme and the iconic Princess Diana photo

This week, how more than one billion people living in India were given a unique digital ID during the world's largest biometric project. The Aadhaar scheme was launched in 2009 but it wasn't without controversy. Our guest, digital identity expert Dr Edgar Whitley, tells us about the history of ID schemes around the world.

Plus, the Spanish doctor whose pioneering surgery helped millions of people to get rid of their glasses and see more clearly. And why East Germany's thirst for caffeine in the 1980s led to an unusual collaboration with Vietnam.

Also, the story behind one of the most famous royal photographs ever taken – Princess Diana sitting alone on a bench in front of the Taj Mahal in 1992. The man who took the image tells us more.

And finally, how a Ghanaian athlete, Alice Annum, earned the nickname ‘Baby Jet’ after her medal-winning success in the 1970 Commonwealth Games.

Contributors:
Nandan Nilekani - former chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India
Dr Edgar Whitley - digital identity expert at the London School of Economics
Dr Carmen Barraquer Coll – daughter of ophthalmologist Jose Ignacio Barraquer Moner
Siegfried Kaulfuß – East German official in charge of coffee production in Vietnam
Anwar Hussein – royal photographer
Alice Annum – retired Ghanaian athlete

(Photo: Scanning fingerprints for Aadhaar registration. Credit: David Talukdar/NurPhoto via Getty Images)


MON 11:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gfwqh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863f733t)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs247zw)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct6dl4)
Domestic violence: How does Australia fix its 'national crisis'?

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the rise in domestic violence and violence towards women has become a "national crisis".

Katya Adler speaks with our Sydney correspondent Katy Watson and BBC journalist Tiffanie Turnbull about how Australia has responded to this growing violence and what can be done to stop it.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory.

The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app.

This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts. The technical producers were Emma Crowe and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.


MON 12:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gg0gm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 12:06 Outlook (w3ct5npz)
Through a lens, darkly: capturing war, drugs and neo Nazis

Award winning film-maker and Irish photographer Leo Regan spent his early years as an outsider. Experiencing sexual violence and homelessness after moving to London as a teenager, Leo struggled to make connection with others - until he discovered the camera. It gave him the opportunity to see the world through a different lens and drew him to another budding photographer, Lanre Fehintola.

Starting their careers on the streets of London and travelling across the UK, they sought to find humanity and beauty in the harshest of settings. Together they would create a film trilogy documenting Lanre's deathly descent into an underworld of drugs and criminality, a project that would define their lives and friendship forever.

Their latest film is called My Friend Lanre.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Tommy Dixon

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

(Photo: Leo Regan and Lanre Fehintola Credit: Leo Regan)


MON 12:50 Witness History (w3ct5ygq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


MON 13:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gg46r)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863f7bm2)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs24hh4)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 13:32 The Conversation (w3ct5wzd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


MON 14:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gg7yw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 14:06 Newshour (w172zb8vr90d3fv)
EU condemns Georgian police action against protesters

The European Commission has condemned Georgian police action against protesters outside the parliament in Tbilisi. Newshour hears from an MP with the governing Georgian Dream party -- Nikoloz Samkharadze -- who voted for the controversial new "foreign influence" law.

Also in the programme: on the front line in eastern Ukraine; and on patrol with South Africa's anti-crime volunteers.

(Picture: Demonstrators take part in a rally to protest against a bill on "foreign agents" in Tbilisi, Georgia, May 13, 2024. Credit: Reuters)


MON 15:00 BBC News (w172zgf291ggcq0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 15:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5szh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


MON 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs24qzd)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct5zxx)
Georgia protests: Will the new law harm the economy?

Hundreds of Georgians joined protest against a foreign influence bill, described by critics as the "Russia law". People are concerned that the new law could be used by the government to clamp down on opponents, and could harm Georgia's hopes of joining the European Union.

Also, Will Bain finds out why Russia's new Defence Minister is an economist and he hears about the project helping people escape extreme poverty by equipping them to start small businesses in Uganda.

(Picture: Georgians protest against the 'foreign agents' draft bill outside the Parliament, Tbilisi, Georgia. Picture credit: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


MON 16:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gghg4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 16:06 BBC OS (w172zbj0ghk34jh)
Floods around the world

Our reporter explains what's happening in southern Brazil where water levels have been rising again. We also hear from Afghanistan where at least 300 people have been killed in flash floods. In Kenya some schools have reopened following the devastating floods two weeks ago. We speak to a teacher about concerns over student safety amid fears of more flooding. Our expert with BBC Weather explains how recent weather events relate to climate change.

We hear from people in Georgia who are taking part in mass protests. They oppose a controversial bill that is targeting civil society organisations and media that receive foreign funding.

Efforts continue to rescue and recover people who remain under the rubble of a collapsed building in the city of George in South Africa. We hear from somebody who was rescued.

Russian forces have intensified their attacks in northeastern Ukraine, with fighting reported in the border town of Vovchansk. We speak to our Ukraine correspondent and to a colleague from BBC Russian.

Presenter: Luke Jones.

(Photo: An Afghan boy walks along a flooded street in Sheikh Jalal, Baghlan province, Afghanistan May 12, 2024. Credit: Sayed Hassib/Reuters)


MON 17:00 BBC News (w172zgf291ggm68)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 17:06 BBC OS (w172zbj0ghk388m)
Trump hush money trial: Michael Cohen testifies

Donald Trump's former personal lawyer has told a court in New York that he lied to get jobs done for his former boss, when required. Testifying at the former president's criminal trial, Michael Cohen also said that as part of his personal legal work he intimidated reporters whose coverage Mr Trump disliked. We get more details from our correspondent who is following the trial.

We hear from people in Georgia who are taking part in mass protests. They oppose a controversial bill that is targeting civil society organisations and media that receive foreign funding.

Human rights campaigners have expressed concern for an independent journalist in China who made a name for herself covering the first Covid outbreak in Wuhan. Our East Asia expert explains.

With murder rates at a 20-year high in South Africa, BBC Africa Eye had exclusive access to the frontline communities who are fighting back. We speak to our reporter.

Presenter: Luke Jones.

(Photo: Michael Cohen departs home to testify in Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York. Credit: Mike Segar/Reuters)


MON 18:00 BBC News (w172zgf291ggqyd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 18:06 Outlook (w3ct5npz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


MON 18:50 Witness History (w3ct5ygq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


MON 19:00 BBC News (w172zgf291ggvpj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863f822v)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs256yx)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct5w39)
2024/05/13 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 (w172zgf291ggzfn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 20:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct5shm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 on Sunday]


MON 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs25bq1)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 20:32 Discovery (w3ct5rmk)
Unstoppable: Hedy Lamarr

Dr Julia Ravey and Dr Ella Hubber both have a love of science, but it turns out there’s a lot they don’t know about some of the leading women at the front of the inventing game. In Unstoppable, Dr Julia and Dr Ella tell each other the hidden, world-shaping stories of the engineers, innovators and inventors they wish they’d known about when they were starting out as scientists. This week, the story of the Hollywood starlet whose brilliant ideas would go on to revolutionise the way we live.

Known as the ‘most beautiful woman in film’ during the 1940s, Hedy Lamarr was one of the most in demand Hollywood actresses of her time. But she wasn’t just a movie star. From a young age, she also had a knack for inventing – she liked to take her toys apart just to see how they worked. And she carried this passion into her adult life – creating an invention that laid the groundwork for technology many of us couldn’t live without: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

But it didn’t come without struggle. Dr Julia and Dr Ella take us through Hedy’s remarkable journey, and we get a first-hand look into Hedy’s life from her daughter Denise Loder-DeLuca.

Presenters: Dr Ella Hubber and Dr Julia Ravey
Producers: Ella Hubber and Julia Ravey
Assistant producer: Sophie Ormiston
Editor: Holly Squire


MON 21:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gh35s)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 21:06 Newshour (w172zb8vr90dynr)
Key witness testifies at Trump hush money trial

Donald Trump's former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen testifies in the case against his former boss, but is he a credible witness? We hear from a former US federal prosecutor.

Also in the programme: Kharkiv fighting intensifies as Russia troops advancing in north-east Ukraine; and how an Italian opera house is trying to convert children?

(Photo: Michael Cohen is questioned by prosecutor as former U.S. President Donald Trump sits with his eyes closed. Credit: Reuters)


MON 22:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gh6xx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 22:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5szh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


MON 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs25l69)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 22:32 The Conversation (w3ct5wzd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


MON 23:00 BBC News (w172zgf291ghbp1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863f8k2c)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs25pyf)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct6005)
Brazilian floods show little sign of slowing

Flooding in Brazil continues, bringing despair to residents and businesses alike. Can emergency government funds offer hope of rebuilding?

Meanwhile, Sam Fenwick looks at what's expected in the Australian budget, and what Melinda Gates' departure from her namesake foundation means to the world of philanthropy

(Photo: A drone view shows cars under water during floods in Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Credit: Reuters)

TUESDAY 14 MAY 2024

TUE 00:00 BBC News (w172zgf291ghgf5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 00:06 The History Hour (w3ct5n1m)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 BBC News (w172zgf291ghl59)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 01:06 Business Matters (w172zbffhmstvb5)
Melinda Gates leaves her namesake foundation - what's next for her?

Sam Fenwick dives deep into the philanthropic world - and how it's changing - amid the news that Melinda Gates is leaving the Gates Foundation. Why has she made the decision? And what's next for this philanthropic giant?

Elsewhere, we explore the resurgence of "meme stocks", the science behind work rituals, and what to expect from the Australian budget


(Photo: Polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan, Peshawar, where the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have worked. Credit: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


TUE 02:00 BBC News (w172zgf291ghpxf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863f8x9r)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2625t)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 02:32 Assignment (w3ct5msn)
Return of the Benin Bronzes

In 1897 British colonial forces attacked and looted the ancient Kingdom of Benin in what is now southern Nigeria. Thousands of precious objects were taken, including stunning sculptures made of bronze, brass, ivory and terracotta. Some were decorative, some were sacred. Known collectively as the Benin Bronzes, they were famed for their craftsmanship and beauty. The majority ended up in museums around the world. But ever since, Nigerians have been demanding their return. The Bronzes became symbols of the wider global campaign for restitution by former colonial powers. Now finally, some have been handed back. Peter Macjob travels to Nigeria to track the return of the Bronzes, and find out what it means for Nigeria to have these lost treasures come home.

Photo: One of the repatriated Benin Bronzes currently held at a secret location in Nigeria (BBC)

Reporter: Peter Macjob
Producer: Alex Last
Sound mix: Neil Churchill
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Series Editor: Penny Murphy


TUE 03:00 BBC News (w172zgf291ghtnk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 03:06 Outlook (w3ct5npz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Monday]


TUE 03:50 Witness History (w3ct5ygq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 BBC News (w172zgf291ghydp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863f94t0)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs269p2)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 04:32 In the Studio (w3csww6p)
How to Train Your Dragon: Author Cressida Cowell

Enter the magical world of children’s writer Cressida Cowell. She created the hugely successful How to Train Your Dragon series, which continues to excite children across the globe and has been turned into Oscar nominated animated films.

For her latest series, Cressida explores teenage magic and Iron Age warriors. As she works on the illustrations for the second book in this new trilogy, The Wizards of Once: Twice Magic, she gives fellow children’s author Michael Rosen an insight into how she creates these worlds.

From enchanted keys and philosophical giants to unlikely friends coming together to defeat evil witches, she explains what continues to inspire her about the legends and ancient sites of the British Isles, why creating maps of her imagined lands are vital to her writing and the importance of having a bed in her writing shed.

(Image of author Cressida Cowell)


TUE 05:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gj24t)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 05:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fpb5td)
Antony Blinken makes a surprise visit to Ukraine

The US Secretary of State arrives in Ukraine on a surprise visit just as the country is struggling to hold back invading Russian forces in the north east.

The star witness in the criminal trial of Donald Trump repeatedly tied the former US president to a 2016 hush-money arrangement to an adult-film actress. Jill Abramson, the former executive editor of the New York Times and author of Merchants of Truth: Inside the News Revolution, joins us.

Georgia's parliament is due to hold its final vote today on a controversial bill that has seen thousands of protesters fill the streets.

Also in the programme, the White House has told a Chinese-linked company to sell property it had bought near a US Air Force base.


TUE 06:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gj5wy)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 06:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fpb9kj)
Antony Blinken arrives in Kyiv to assure Ukraine of US support

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived on an unannounced visit to Ukraine just as the country struggles to fend off heavy Russian bombardment on its northeastern border.

Rivers keep rising and more rains are expected in the south of Brazil as flood rescue efforts intensify. We are joined by Brazilian entrepreneur Felipe Beck who has been volunteering on rescue missions in Porto Alegre, the capital - worst hit by the floods.

Indonesia has also been affected by extreme weather aggravated by a volcanic eruption. We'll get an update from the ground in Sumatra.

More than 70 million people have been displaced from their homes in the last year - the main reason is war, but there's been a sharp increase in climate refugees too.


TUE 07:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gj9n2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 07:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fpbf9n)
Israel deepens Rafah offensive as Gaza refugees forced to flee again

Israeli troops have continued their offensive against Hamas militants across Gaza, and now medical staff at the Kuwaiti hosptital in the sourthern city of Rafah are being asked to evacuate. We'll speak to the charity, Medical Aid for Palestinians.

The US Secretary of State has arrived on a surprise visit to Ukraine just as the country is struggling to hold back invading Russian forces in the north east. We ask what the US is hoping to achieve with the visit.

Also in the programme, Aradhna Tripati, a climate scientist at the University of California, warns that there might be more than a billion climate refugees in the future due to extreme weather events.


TUE 08:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gjfd6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 08:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct5tvx)
The school run by kids

If you could invent a new kind of school what would it look like? What skills would you teach children, and how would the school be run?

On this edition of People Fixing The World we visit the Mechai Pattana School in Thailand which was founded by the campaigner Mechai Viravaidya in 2008, on principals of charity and leadership. Children are responsible for every aspect of running the school, from buying food for the kitchens to disciplining fellow students and even recruiting new staff.

The children also run their own businesses, and perform several hours of community service every week. Many of the students come from underprivileged backgrounds, but their school fees are “paid” by planting 800 trees a year, together with their families.

The idea is for the school to produce “change-makers” – could it be a model for others to follow?

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Producer/reporter: William Kremer
Series Producer: Jon Bithrey
Editor: Tom Bigwood
Sound mix: Annie Gardiner


TUE 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs26snl)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct5zhc)
Is the US bet on sports gambling paying off?

Sports betting is a relatively new industry in the US.

Until 2018 you could only legally bet on sports in the state on Nevada, the home to Las Vegas.

New Jersey was the first state to legalise sports betting six years ago and since then, a total of 38 states across America have done the same.

Hannah Mullane looks at how the industry has grown so rapidly and discusses the consequences of the industry which has been allowed to evolve with very little regulation.

(Produced and presented by Hannah Mullane)

(Image: Detroit Lions fans pose prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. Image credit: Getty)


TUE 08:50 Witness History (w3ct5ym7)
The creation of the state of Israel

On 14 May 1948, the state of Israel was proclaimed.

Tears and applause met the declaration, witnessed by 200 dignitaries, but fighting intensified in the days that followed.

In 2010, Arieh Handler and Zipporah Porath spoke to Lucy Williamson about that day and its fallout.

(Photo: Young Jewish people celebrate the new state. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)


TUE 09:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gjk4b)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863f9rjn)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs26xdq)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 09:32 Assignment (w3ct5msn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


TUE 10:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gjnwg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 10:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct5qjb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:06 on Saturday]


TUE 11:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gjsml)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fb00x)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs274wz)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct6f9q)
Georgia protests: Is 'Russia law' a threat to democracy?

For weeks, tens of thousands of Georgians have been protesting against a new law that they say threatens democracy and freedom of speech. It targets civil society organisations and independent media that receive foreign funding. But its opponents say it is an attempt by the Georgian government to mimic Russian policy.

Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s Nina Akhmeteli who is in Tbilisi and Politico’s reporter in the region Gabriel Gavin.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory.

The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app.

This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Peter Goffin and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Emma Crowe and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.


TUE 12:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gjxcq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 12:06 Outlook (w3ct5p4j)
My fight for the reburial of enslaved Africans on St Helena

Fresh out of university in 2012, Annina van Neel sought employment and adventure. She found both when she was hired as an environmental officer for an aiport construction project on the tiny South Atlantic island of St Helena. Like many doing a first job out of university, Annina was eager to be helpful. But when excavators uncovered the remains of more than three hundred formerly enslaved Africans, victims of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, she fought for a worthy memorial for all formerly enslaved Africans buried on the island - more than 8000 in total. It was a campaign that would force her to reassess her relationship to her own heritage.

Presenter: Emily Webb
Producer: Eric Mugaju

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

Photo: Annina van Neel in A Story of Bones Credit: Joseph Curran and Dominic De Ver


TUE 12:50 Witness History (w3ct5ym7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


TUE 13:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gk13v)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fb7j5)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs27dd7)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 13:32 In the Studio (w3csww6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


TUE 14:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gk4vz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 14:06 Newshour (w172zb8vr90h0by)
Blinken in Kyiv promises US weapons are "on the way"

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, with the promise that US weapons are "on the way". But with towns in the north east around Kharkiv under constant Russian bombardment - will they arrive in time?

Also in the programme: scuffles in Georgia's parliament over a proposed new law that's also triggered mass protests - we hear from President Salome Zourabichvili, who has the power to veto it; and the sister who fought off a crocodile to save her twin.

(IMAGE: Ukraine"s President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomes US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, 14 May 2024 / CREDIT: EPA/UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE HANDOUT)


TUE 15:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gk8m3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 15:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct5tvx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


TUE 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs27mwh)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct606y)
Biden calls for raising tariffs on Chinese imports

The White House has confirmed the United States is putting tariffs on 18 billion dollars worth of imports from China. They'll target sectors like electric vehicles, batteries, steel and critical minerals. The US government accusing China of "unfair trade practices".

Also, in the programme, we find out why one of the largest mining companies decided to focus the business on copper instead of diamonds. And we will look at Rhodes where the economy is still recovering after wildfires.

(Picture: U.S. President Biden delivers remarks at reception celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, at the White House. Picture credit: Reuters)


TUE 16:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gkdc7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 16:06 BBC OS (w172zbj0ghk61fl)
Georgia passes "foreign agents" bill

Georgia's parliament has voted through a divisive "foreign agent" law that has sparked weeks of mass street protests. Critics say the bill could be used to threaten civil liberties and could jeopardise hopes of Georgia joining the EU. Thousands of people are protesting at the Georgian parliament in Tbilisi in opposition to it, and riot police are moving in to arrest people. We hear from our reporter on the ground and reaction from people to the passing of the bill.

Also on the programme, Internet users in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda have been experiencing poor internet connectivity for days. We hear from people affected by the problem.

And we go to Brazil where devastating floods in the south of the country has caused more than half a million people to be displaced from their homes. We hear from residents who have forced to move somewhere else for safety.

Presenter: James Reynolds

(Photo: Demonstrators gather at the fence protecting the gates of the parliament building during a rally to protest against a bill on "foreign agents" in Tbilisi, Georgia May 14, 2024. Credit: Reuters/Irakli Gedenidze)


TUE 17:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gkj3c)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 17:06 BBC OS (w172zbj0ghk655q)
Weight loss jab 'could reduce heart attack risk'

A new study has found that a weight loss drug used by loads of celebrities - including Oprah - can cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes even if they fail to lose much weight. We ask a medical doctor about the drug's pros and cons. We also hear from people who have actually been using the drug.


We hear from a lawyer who has joined street protests in Georgia after parliament passed a law requiring civil society groups to declare foreign funding. We will also be joined by our reporter in Tbilisi

And we go to Brazil where devastating floods in the south has displaced more than half a million people. We hear from residents who were forced to move to safer areas.

Presenter: James Reynolds

(Photo: Boxes of Ozempic and Wegovy made by Novo Nordisk are seen at a pharmacy in London March 8, 2024. Credit: REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo)


TUE 18:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gkmvh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 18:06 Outlook (w3ct5p4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


TUE 18:50 Witness History (w3ct5ym7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


TUE 19:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gkrlm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fbyzy)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs283w0)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct5w7t)
2024/05/14 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 (w172zgf291gkwbr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 20:06 Assignment (w3ct5msn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


TUE 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs287m4)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 20:32 Tech Life (w3ct5wm3)
Help for cancer patients

Blood tests are part of the process of receiving cancer treatment. But they can be time-consuming and require visits to hospital. A new blood test machine is changing this. The Liberty is a small device that allows patients to take blood tests and upload the results from home without supervision. Lynn Thompson took part in the trial, and she tells Tech Life it's made a huge difference to her life. Also this week, we answer a listener's question about smart glasses. We learn about a project, involving electrolysers and hydrogen cooking stoves, which could improve the health of villagers in rural Nepal. And cutting down on e-waste - we speak to Tech for Troops.

Presenter: Shiona McCallum
Producer: Tom Quinn

(Photo: A still photo of Lynn Thompson with the Liberty blood test device. Credit: BBC)


TUE 21:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gl02w)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 21:06 Newshour (w172zb8vr90hvkv)
Thousands protest against Georgia's new controversial law

Riot police have been confronting protesters in Georgia's capital after the parliament passed a law forcing civil society and media organisations to register if they receive foreign funding.

A former deputy US trade representative explains what's behind US President Joe Biden imposing fresh tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles.

And the Canadian author, Nobel prize winner and exponent of the short story, Alice Munro has died at the age of 92. Her lifetime editor Douglas Gibson talks about what made her style distinctive.

(Photo: Demonstrators hold a rally to protest against a bill on "foreign agents" in Tbilisi, Georgia, May 14, 2024. Credit: REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze)


TUE 22:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gl3v0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 22:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct5tvx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


TUE 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs28h3d)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 22:32 In the Studio (w3csww6p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


TUE 23:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gl7l4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fcfzg)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs28lvj)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct6096)
US announces tariffs on a range of Chinese imports

Presenter Sam Fenwick assesses the impact of US tariffs on Chinese goods. Joe Biden is putting them on imports, including electric cars and semiconductors.

We hear from the business community in Georgia worried a new law will put off foreign trade. It requires organisations which receive more than 20 per cent of funding from abroad to declare themselves as illegal.

We examine sports betting in the US after states were allowed to legalise the industry. Betting on sports is part of the sports fan experience in many countries around the world but it's a relatively new thing in the US.

(Picture: President Joe Biden speaks during an event at the White House Credit: Mandatory Credit: Photo by Samuel Corum/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2024

WED 00:00 BBC News (w172zgf291glcb8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 00:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct5qjb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:06 on Saturday]


WED 01:00 BBC News (w172zgf291glh2d)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 01:06 Business Matters (w172zbffhmsxr78)
US President Joe Biden puts tariffs on Chinese-made products

Presenter Sam Fenwick discusses the impact of the tariffs on US China relations with guests from Canada and China. Analysts said the tariffs were largely symbolic and intended to shore up votes in a tough election year.

Protests are taking place in Georgia over a new bill which requires organisations receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to declare themselves as “foreign agents”, or face hefty fines and possible imprisonment. We hear how this could affect businesses in the country.

Google is introducing AI-generated answers to search engine queries from US users in one of the biggest updates in years. We examine what this all means for Google and it’s rivals Microsoft's CoPilot and Open AI. (Picture: Credit


WED 02:00 BBC News (w172zgf291glltj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fct6v)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs28z2x)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 02:32 The Climate Question (w3ct5wrl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 22:06 on Sunday]


WED 03:00 BBC News (w172zgf291glqkn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 03:06 Outlook (w3ct5p4j)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Tuesday]


WED 03:50 Witness History (w3ct5ym7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Tuesday]


WED 04:00 BBC News (w172zgf291glv9s)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fd1q3)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs296l5)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 04:32 The Documentary (w3ct6qtn)
Things Fell Apart: Tonight's the night, comrades

Jon Ronson tells the story of how a family on a Twilight-themed lockdown-escaping camping trip ended up getting barricaded in the woods by armed, hostile townspeople.

To listen to the full-length story, search for Things Fell Apart wherever you get your BBC podcasts.


WED 05:00 BBC News (w172zgf291glz1x)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 05:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fpf2qh)
Canadian wildfires

More than a hundred fires in Canada are out of control - and they're threatening a number of large towns.

The US's top diplomat makes a surprise visit to Ukraine - and promises more weapons are on their way. We'll hear from a former Ukranian minister who has a tough message for him

We find out about the Sudanese refugees fleeing to Chad as the war intensifies in El Fasher.

And look at all the major protests in Georgia.


WED 06:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gm2t1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 06:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fpf6gm)
Boeing may face criminal prosecution

The US Justice Department says Boeing could be criminally prosecuted for two deadly crashes of its 737 Max aircraft after it breached a settlement.

The United Nations says more than 400,000 Palestinians have now fled from Rafah as Israeli tanks move further into the southern Gaza city

We will speak to an evacuated resident of Porto Alegre as river levels in flooded areas of Brazil's state of Rio Grande do Sul have continued to rise, hampering rescue efforts and delaying the return of residents to their homes

More protests in Georgia as parliament votes to approve the controversial 'foreign agent' law, which critics say could be used to threaten civil liberties


WED 07:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gm6k5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 07:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fpfb6r)
New laws in Georgia

Georgia's parliament has voted in a divisive law that's sparked weeks of mass street protests.

A manhunt continues in France after a dramatic escape of a convict, in which two prison wardens died.

The US Justice Department says Boeing can be criminally prosecuted for two deadly crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft - a relative of one of the crash victims says their muffled screams have been heard.


WED 08:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gmb99)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 08:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5t40)
Sir Ron Dennis: The need for speed

Stephen Sackur speaks to Sir Ron Dennis, founder of the McLaren Group and one of the most successful team leaders ever in Formula 1 racing. He was known as a technical innovator and perfectionist focused on marginal gains in every aspect of race car design. Sir Ron and his McLaren team won a host of F1 constructors' and drivers' world championships with some of greats of motor racing: Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton. What fuelled his drive to win?


WED 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs29pkp)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct5zmw)
Does the guitar have an image problem?

Picture a rock 'n' roll icon like Jimmy Page, or Jimmy Hendrix, and they've probably got an electric guitar in their hands.

But, as classic rock - and classic rockers - continue to age, is the guitar industry struggling to attract younger customers?

In six years, electric guitar company Gibson has gone from filing for bankruptcy to opening its first flagship store outside the US.

We hear from Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, Grammy nominated singer James Bay, and one of the world's foremost female luthiers to find out whether the guitar's association with rock 'n' roll has become bad for business.

Produced and presented by Will Chalk.

(Image: Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin performing on stage at Earl's Court, London, May 1975. Jimmy Page is playing a Gibson EDS-1275 double necked guitar. Credit: Getty Images)


WED 08:50 Witness History (w3ct5yph)
How nuclear testing changed politics in French Polynesia

It's 20 years since elections in French Polynesia in 2004, where the independence movement stunned the France-aligned government of the day, propelling pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru to the presidency.

It was a landmark in the country's politics, where protests against French rule had increased due to the practice of using Polynesian islands for nuclear tests.

Antony Geros, who helped lead the independence movement, recounts that night to Lizzy Kinch.

This is a Whistledown production for BBC World Service.

(Photo: Antony Geros. Credit: Getty Images)


WED 09:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gmg1f)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fdnfr)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs29t9t)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 09:32 The Climate Question (w3ct5wrl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 22:06 on Sunday]


WED 10:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gmksk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 10:06 World Questions (w3ct5yyd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


WED 11:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gmpjp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fdwy0)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2b1t2)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct6dqn)
Neom: Can Saudi Arabia afford to build the futuristic mega-city?

Neom, Saudi Arabia's ambitions city of the future, promises a car-free, carbon-free space open to all. At the heart of the plans are two skyscrapers as tall as the Empire State building, carved into the desert in a straight line for more than 100 miles. But can this dream ever become a reality?

BBC Verify's Merlyn Thomas has been investigating allegations that Saudi security forces were permitted to use lethal force while clearing inhabitants from the vast building site. Our Middle East Business Correspondent, Sameer Hashmi, tells us that Saudi Arabia is banking on Neom to help future proof its economy, but that they might struggle to cover the rising costs of the project.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory.

The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app.

This episode was made by Richard Moran. The technical producers were Gareth Jones and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.


WED 12:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gmt8t)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 12:06 Outlook (w3ct5pc9)
I discovered I was indigenous and made history in Argentina

Moira Millán is an indigenous Mapuche activist who has led her people's struggle for rights and representation. But as a child she had no idea of her ancestral roots. She was sent to a Christian missionary training school, but an encounter with a stranger challenged the very core of who she thought she was.

She returned to found her own Mapuche community, and ended up travelling the length and breadth of Argentina for almost three years to bring 36 indigenous groups together for the first ever indigenous women's march on the capital.

Presenter: Asya Fouks
Producer: Louise Morris

Clips are from Télam, FM La Tribu, Movimiento de Mujeres Indígenas por el Buen Vivirand
Canal4ETC

The interpreter was Vilma Díaz y Zárate and Moira was voiced in English by Regina Brandolino

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

(Photo: Moira Millán (centre) with other indigenous activists. Credit: Roxana Sposaro)


WED 12:50 Witness History (w3ct5yph)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


WED 13:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gmy0y)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863ff4f8)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2b99b)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 13:32 The Documentary (w3ct6qtn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


WED 14:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gn1s2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 14:06 Newshour (w172zb8vr90kx81)
Slovak PM in 'life-threatening condition' after being shot

The Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, is in hospital after being shot multiple times. He is now in a life-threatening condition, according to an update on his official social media account. Slovakia's President-elect Peter Pellegrini has said he is horrified by the attack. We'll get the latest.

Also in the programme: Police scour northern France for a gang that killed two prison officers in an ambush; and we hear from the Ukrainian guitarist who played on stage with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

(Photo: Security officers move Slovak PM Robert Fico into a car after the shooting which happened after a government meeting in Handlova, Slovakia, May 15, 2024. Credit: Reuters/Radovan Stoklasa)


WED 15:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gn5j6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 15:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5t40)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


WED 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2bjsl)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct60cg)
Latvia banking chief: frozen Russian assets could help Ukraine

In a BBC exclusive, Latvia's central bank governor, Mārtiņš Kazāks, highlights how the interest from frozen Russian assets could help finance Ukraine’s army. EU ambassadors have already agreed this in principle.

Also, Will Bain finds out why foreign investors in Georgia might reconsider their future after a controversial funding law was passed in the country. And we hear from an autoworker in Alabama as workers vote on unionisation.

(Picture: Many national flags of Latvia waving on public holidays in the city square - stock photo. Picture credit: Getty Images)


WED 16:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gn98b)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 16:06 BBC OS (w172zbj0ghk8ybp)
Slovak PM in hospital after being shot

The PM was shot in front of a building in the central Slovak town of Handlova, where a government meeting had been held. Robert Fico has been taken to hospital and his alleged assailant detained by police. We hear from eyewitnesse and speak our Europe regional editor and to a local journalist in Slovakia.

We also get an update from France on the manhunt for a prisoner who escaped during a deadly ambush.

We continue to hear from Brazilians affected by the worst floods in the country for 80 years.

Five days after the flash flooding in Afghanistan, families are still searching the debris and mud for the bodies of their loved ones. Our correspondent Caroline Davies and her team have reached one of the villages hit by the flood waters.

Presenter: James Reynolds.

(Photo: Security officers move Slovak PM Robert Fico in a car after a shooting incident, after a Slovak government meeting in Handlova, Slovakia, May 15, 2024. Credit: Radovan Stoklasa/ Reuters)


WED 17:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gnf0g)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 17:06 BBC OS (w172zbj0ghk922t)
Slovak PM shot and in 'life-threatening' condition

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is in hospital after being shot a number of times in what officials are calling an assassination attempt. We speak to a local journalist and to our Europe regional editor.

We continue to hear from Brazilians affected by the worst floods in the country for 80 years. We speak to those who stepped in to rescue people from their homes and from the water.

South Africa's main opposition party, alongside a number of labour and business groups, have said they will take legal action against a bill aimed at providing universal health coverage. We get some reaction.

Presenter: James Reynolds.

(Photo: Members of the law enforcement work at the scene where Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot, in Handlova, Slovakia, May 15, 2024. Credit: Radovan Stoklasa/Reuters)


WED 18:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gnjrl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 18:06 Outlook (w3ct5pc9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


WED 18:50 Witness History (w3ct5yph)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


WED 19:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gnnhq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863ffvx1)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2c0s3)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct5wb2)
2024/05/15 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 (w172zgf291gns7v)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 20:06 The Climate Question (w3ct5wrl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 22:06 on Sunday]


WED 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2c4j7)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 20:32 Health Check (w3ct5t8j)
Whooping Cough On The Rise

We look at the reasons behind a recent surge in Whooping Cough cases in Europe and Asia. Also on the program: why are women more susceptible to heat-related mortality, the small patches that could revolutionize vaccines, and the recent Norther Lights sightings have us looking at the psychology of awe.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Panellist: Smitha Mundasad
Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins


WED 21:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gnwzz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 21:06 Newshour (w172zb8vr90lrgy)
Slovak Prime Minister 'fighting for his life'

The Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico was shot several times after leaving a government meeting in what the interior minister described as a politically motivated attack. He has been in surgery in hospital for at least three and a half hours. His alleged attacker has been arrested. We have the latest from inside Slovakia and reaction across Europe.

Also in the programme: the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has insisted that Ukraine will prevail against the Russian invasion; and Beijing is set to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin who arrives in China on a state visit.

(Picture: Medical personnel carry Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico to hospital after being transported in a helicopter. Credit: JOJ TV/Handout via Reuters)


WED 22:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gp0r3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 22:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5t40)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


WED 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2cd0h)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 22:32 The Documentary (w3ct6qtn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


WED 23:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gp4h7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fgbwk)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2chrm)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct60fq)
President Putin in China to boost strategic ties

What’s the importance of the Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China? Rahul Tandon explores the possible economic benefits to both countries.

We hear how Russia is still managing to export oil via other countries around the world, and in effect making the sanctions ineffective.

The Ambassador-at-Large with Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chan Hen Chee, talks to us about the country’s future direction after its long serving Prime Minister steps down. (Picture: File Photo Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping Credit: Sputnik/Sergei Guneev /Pool via REUTERS

THURSDAY 16 MAY 2024

THU 00:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gp87c)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 00:06 World Questions (w3ct5yyd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


THU 01:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gpczh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 01:06 Business Matters (w172zbffhmt0n4c)
President Putin in China for two-day state visit

President Putin’s visit comes as Russia has become more economically dependent on China following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago; Rahul Tandon examines the economic benefits for both nations.

The Ambassador-at-Large with Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chan Hen Chee, talks to us about the country’s future direction after its long serving Prime Minister steps down.

India and Iran have signed a deal allowing a company to develop and control the management of an Iranian port for 10 years. We look at this will potentially bring new economic benefits to India.
(Picture: Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on development of Russia's military industrial complex .Credit: Sputnik/Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool via REUTERS)


THU 02:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gphqm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fgq3y)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2cw00)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 02:32 The Documentary (w3ct6r07)
Crime and punishment in South Africa

Outside of a war zone, South Africa is one of the most dangerous places in the world. The country’s murder rate is now at a 20-year high. With trust in the police falling, communities say they have no option but to defend themselves. BBC Africa Eye’s Ayanda Charlie joins two volunteer units, a team of farmers near Pretoria, and a group in Diepsloot, a poor township near Johannesburg. We see the risks they take, and ask who holds patrols accountable.


THU 03:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gpmgr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 03:06 Outlook (w3ct5pc9)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Wednesday]


THU 03:50 Witness History (w3ct5yph)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Wednesday]


THU 04:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gpr6w)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fgym6)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2d3h8)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 04:32 The Food Chain (w3ct5xmq)
Can beef be carbon neutral?

Cows emit greenhouse gases when they eat, which contributes to global warming. But is it possible to produce meat in a climate-friendly way?

Grace Livingstone visits a carbon neutral certified ranch in Uruguay, where farm manager Sebastian Olaso shows her around. She also meets Javier Secadas, a small farmer who raises cattle on natural grasslands, and agronomist Ignacio Paparamborda, from the University of the Republic in Montevideo.

Grace hears from Pete Smith, Professor of Soils and Global Change at the University of Aberdeen, and Dominik Wisser, Livestock Policy Officer, from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation.

She tries to find out if it is possible to produce meat in a way that is both good for nature and the climate. Or whether we need to stop eating meat to cut emissions.

Presenter/Producer: Grace Livingstone
(Image: Cows grazing in Uruguay. Credit: Getty Images)


THU 05:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gpvz0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 05:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fphzml)
Putin visits China

President Vladamir Putin has arrived in Beijing for a two-day state visit to strengthen relations between China and Russia, and has begun a meeting with President Xi Jinping.

There's been widespread international condemnation of the attack on the Slovak prime minister, after he was shot and wounded on Wednesday.

We'll get the latest on Ukraine's attempts to fight off a new Russian offensive

And we visit the aftermath of flood areas in Afghanistan this week.


THU 06:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gpzq4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 06:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fpj3cq)
Russia China visit

China has rolled out the red carpet for Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who's on a two day visit.

A man in his seventies has been arrested after a gun attack left the prime minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, in a critical condition.

And what is the link between climate change and artificial intelligence?


THU 07:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gq3g8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 07:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fpj73v)
Afghanistan floods

We'll speak to our reporter in Afghanistan about recent floods in the country and how people are coping in the aftermath.

A manhunt is still underway in France after the prisoner escaped while being taken from court to prison. Investigations suggest the prisoner might have links to criminal gangs operating in the city of Marseille - so we'll head there to find out more

And Manchester United keep their dream of Europe alive with their win last night.


THU 08:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gq76d)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 08:06 The Inquiry (w3ct5xh6)
Is Turkey getting more dangerous for women?

Historically, Turkey has always had a strong women’s rights movement, stemming from the days of the Ottoman Empire through to the emergence of the Republic of Turkey into the present day.

At the top of the movement’s agenda now is the fight to protect women against violence from men. It’s three years since Turkey pulled out of the Istanbul Convention, the Europe wide treaty on combatting violence against women and girls. The Turkish Government has its own version of domestic violence law, but there are concerns that this doesn’t offer the same protection as the Convention.

Campaigners say that femicide and violence against women continues to plague society and that there is an increasingly anti-gender rhetoric within mainstream politics.

So, this week on The Inquiry, we’re asking ‘Is Turkey getting more dangerous for women?’

Contributors:
Dr. Sevgi Adak, Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, The Aga Khan University.
Professor Seda Demiralp, Işık University, Turkey.
Dr. Ezel Buse Sönmezocak, International Human Rights Lawyer, Turkey
Dr. Hürcan Aslı Aksoy, German Institute for International and Security Affairs, Berlin.

Presenter: Emily Wither
Producer: Jill Collins
Researcher: Katie Morgan
Production Co-ordinator: Liam Morrey

Image credit: Cagla Gurdogan via REUTERS from BBC Images


THU 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2dlgs)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct5zbv)
Crypto and football: Uneasy team mates

Where next for the sometimes tricky relationship between football and crypto companies?

We look at how some of the biggest clubs, and players, have embraced crypto products, and what that means for supporters.

From fan engagement tokens to NFTs, advertised by the world’s biggest stars, to deals with Premier League clubs which turned out to be fraudulent. Is it putting fans in a potentially difficult financial position?

Or just giving them another way to support the team they love?

Produced and presented by Imran Rahman-Jones

(Referee Arda Kardeşler performs the pregame toss with a coin bearing the Bitcoin logo for a match between Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe on May 8, 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey. Credit: Getty Images)


THU 08:50 Witness History (w3ct5yjz)
Baghdad heavy metal

In the late 1990s, a heavy metal band called Acrassicauda formed in Iraq, when the country was under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein.

Over the next decade, the pioneering band found themselves on a collision course with the dictatorship militants and the west.

The band was able to get inspiration from various bootleg tapes of heavy metal's greatest acts.

Acrassicauda performed under Saddam's regime, but because of censorship restrictions, they had to write a song that praised the dictator.

Johnny I'Anson speaks to bass player, Firas Al-Lateef.

(Photo: Acrassicauda perform in Iraq in 2004. Credit: Getty Images)


THU 09:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gqbyj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fhkbv)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2dq6x)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 09:32 The Documentary (w3ct6r07)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


THU 10:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gqgpn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 10:06 The Explanation (w3ct6plh)
The Media Show: Netflix and the Baby Reindeer Fallout

Baby Reindeer is the Netflix drama that purports to be a true story – but a woman has come forward to say it’s based on her, and that she’s been totally misrepresented. Meanwhile, Piers Morgan has done an interview with her that itself has been called exploitative. Also in the programme, how AI generated news stories have been passed off as the work of human journalists, and the secret to a hit TV news theme tune.


THU 10:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2dtz1)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 10:32 Happy News (w3ct5spf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:32 on Saturday]


THU 11:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gqlfs)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fhsv3)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2dyq5)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct6dsx)
Trump on trial: The star witness speaks

What Michael Cohen’s testimony means for the case and the US election. The former president’s lawyer once said he’d take a bullet for Donald Trump. Now, he’s trying to sink the knife as the prosecution’s key witness.

Caitriona Perry in Washington talks to Madeline Halpert, who has been in court covering the trial from the start, and our North America Editor Sarah Smith.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com, or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story makes several other podcasts, including Americast and Ukrainecast. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app.

This episode was made by Neal Razzell, Rachel Hagan and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.


THU 12:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gqq5x)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 12:06 Outlook (w3ct5nxr)
How I convinced police my dad was a murderer

On the day his mother disappeared in December 1989, 11-year-old Collier Landry started looking for evidence. He suspected his father, a rich and well-respected town doctor, had something to do with it. This is the story of Collier's fight to get justice for his mother, and the detective who believed him. Collier's film is called A Murder in Mansfield.

Presenter: Asya Fouks
Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

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

(Photo: Collier Landry giving evidence in his father's trial. Credit: Collier Landry)


THU 12:50 Witness History (w3ct5yjz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


THU 13:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gqty1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fj1bc)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2f66f)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 13:32 The Food Chain (w3ct5xmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


THU 14:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gqyp5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 14:06 Newshour (w172zb8vr90nt54)
Xi and Putin strengthen strategic ties at summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping praised their friendship and deep ties in a joint appearance in Beijing.

Also on the programme: World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director, Cindy McCain, speaks about the agony of Gazans and the frustration of humanitarian aid agencies; and the Estonian foreign minister responds to the claims of the Georgian government that he’s acting like an old-school Soviet.

(Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) attends a welcome ceremony with Chinese President Xi Jinping outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. Credit: SERGEY BOBYLEV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


THU 15:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gr2f9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 15:06 The Inquiry (w3ct5xh6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


THU 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2ffpp)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct602f)
How close is the friendship between Russia and China?

Chines leader Xi Jinping has been rolling out the red carpet for the Russian President Vladimir Putin during his two days visit. A Large portion of the meeting focused around the two countries' trade relationship. What do these two huge economies want from each other?

Also, in the programme, Sam Fenwick looks at Kenya where the government announced a new tax policy that will increase the price of staples like bread, mobile phone data and money transfers.


(Picture: Russian President Vladimir Putin visits China, Beijing - 16 May 2024. Picture credit: SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


THU 16:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gr65f)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 16:06 BBC OS (w172zbj0ghkcv7s)
Putin in China

We answer listener questions about China-Russia relations amid President Vladimir Putin's trip to China. President Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping praised their friendship in a joint appearance. This is Putin’s first international visit since the start of his fifth presidential term.

Kansas City Chiefs player Harrison Butker is facing backlash after he made a speech where he seemed to demean the idea of women in the workforce. We're getting the latest reaction in the US.

Torrential rains have been battering the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul for almost three weeks. We're hearing from people whose lives have changed due to the floods as well as Brazilian journalists who've been covering the impact of climate change across Brazil.

Presenter: James Reynolds

(Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend the gala event celebrating 75th anniversary of China-Russia relations in Beijing, China May 16, 2024. Credit: Sputnik/Alexander Ryumin/Pool via REUTERS)


THU 17:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gr9xk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 17:06 BBC OS (w172zbj0ghkcyzx)
Israel sends more troops to Rafah

As fighting intensifies, Israel's Defence Minister sends more troops to Rafah, a city along Gaza's southern border with Egypt. We're hearing from 16 year old Sanabel who is in Gaza City and reflects on how her nearing birthday will be different this year.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin is in China, marking his first international visit since the start of his fifth presidential term. As both leaders declare the importance of their close friendship, we're putting listener questions to the experts about the significance of the meeting.

No more VAR? The Premier League in England faces a vote to scrap the use of video assistant referees (VAR) from next season. We're hearing the mixed fan views in the VAR debate.

Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen is back on the stand for another day of testimony at court in New York, as part of the former President's hush-money trial. We get the latest from our correspondent at the New York courthouse.

Presenter: James Reynolds

(Photo credit: ABIR SULTAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock. Photo shows Israeli soldiers with military vehicles gather at an undisclosed position near the border fence with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, May 2024)


THU 18:00 BBC News (w172zgf291grfnp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 18:06 Outlook (w3ct5nxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


THU 18:50 Witness History (w3ct5yjz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


THU 19:00 BBC News (w172zgf291grkdt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fjrt4)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2fxp6)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct5w5k)
2024/05/16 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 (w172zgf291grp4y)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 20:06 The Documentary (w3ct6r07)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


THU 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2g1fb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 20:32 Science In Action (w3ct5vcq)
Aurora Bore-WOW-lis

They were the best northern and southern lights in decades, but why? And what’s next? We hear from astrophysicist Steph Yardley about the solar maximum, geomagnetic storms and atmospheric spectaculars.

Also, the impossible heatwave in the Philippines made possible by global warming – the analysis of a continent-spanning climate extreme by the World Weather Attribution collaboration.

Getting close up to raging tornadoes in order to fill in the big gaps that remain in the science of their development.

And the tale of the lizard’s tail, and how it could lead to safer buildings in the future.

(Photo: The aurora borealis, also known as the 'northern lights’, are seen over The Roaches near Leek, Staffordshire, Britain, May 10, 2024. Credit: Carl Recine/Reuters)

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Jonathan Blackwell


THU 21:00 BBC News (w172zgf291grsx2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 21:06 Newshour (w172zb8vr90pnd1)
Suspect charged with attempted murder of Slovak PM

A man has been charged with the attempted murder of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico after the politician was seriously hurt in a shooting attack. Mr Fico is in a serious but stable condition.

Also on the programme: the president of Georgia tells the BBC why a controversial law just passed by the government is a move in the wrong direction; and the musician Elton John on his love of photography.

(Credit: Reuters)


THU 22:00 BBC News (w172zgf291grxn6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 22:06 The Inquiry (w3ct5xh6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


THU 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2g8xl)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 22:32 The Food Chain (w3ct5xmq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


THU 23:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gs1db)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fk7sn)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2gdnq)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct604p)
Baltimore Bridge Collapse Update

Two months after a container ship crash saw the collapse of a road bridge in Baltimore, killing six workers, Rahul Tandon speaks to the Executive Director of the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Centre about why staff on the ship are still stuck aboard.

As the Dow Jones hits a record high we look at how a strong stock market is helping some to retire earlier than expected and on the day that Singapore Airlines announces staff bonuses worth nearly eight months' salary we look at how they came to receive such a generous payout.
(Picture credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images.)

FRIDAY 17 MAY 2024

FRI 00:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gs54g)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 00:06 The Explanation (w3ct6plh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Thursday]


FRI 00:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2gjdv)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 00:32 Unspun World with John Simpson (w3ct5ybr)
Why are US-Israel relations at an historic low?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's range of experts across the world, analyses why Israel’s government is deliberately flouting the wishes of its closest ally, the United States. Plus, the extent of China’s infiltration into western countries, and why there have been mass protests in Georgia over a new law.

(Photo: Israeli PM Netanyahu attends Memorial Day state ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem - 13 May 2024 - GIL COHEN-MAGEN/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


FRI 01:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gs8wl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 01:06 Business Matters (w172zbffhmt3k1g)
Dow Jones hits record high

As the Dow Jones hits a record high Rahul Tandon looks at how a strong stock market is helping some people retire earlier than expected.

Two months after a container ship crash saw the collapse of a road bridge in Baltimore, killing six workers, we explore the reasons why 21 seamen are still stranded on the vessel.

And on the day that Singapore Airlines announces staff bonuses worth nearly eight months' salary we examine how they came to receive such a generous payout. (Picture credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images.)


FRI 02:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gsdmq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fkm11)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2grx3)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 02:32 Tech Life (w3ct5wm3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Tuesday]


FRI 03:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gsjcv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 03:06 Outlook (w3ct5nxr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Thursday]


FRI 03:50 Witness History (w3ct5yjz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Thursday]


FRI 04:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gsn3z)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fkvj9)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2h0dc)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 04:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct5tf1)
Glorifying God through wine

When Father Père Basile was 12 years of age, he started thinking of a religious life. But it never crossed his mind that he would someday be living in a cloistered abbey in the south of France producing wine.

The monastery is the site of the oldest papal vineyard in the world, dating back to the 14th Century. When Pope Clement V moved the papal capital from Rome to Avignon in France, his palace needed a steady stream of wine and so the vineyard was planted in Le Barroux.

Abandoned for decades, the monks restarted the vineyard to produce a new wine called Via Caritatis (Through Charity) a number of years ago. They wanted to bring business back to the area where small winemaking families have been struggling to survive.

Presenter Colm Flynn travels to the south of France to meet Fr Père Basile, and hears his amazing story of growing up as the son of wealthy, world-travelling diplomats, and turning his back on that to pursue a deeper calling in life.

Producer/presenter: Colm Flynn
Series producer: Rajeev Gupta and Robert Cave
Editor: Dan Tierney
Production co-ordinator: Mica Nepomuceno


FRI 05:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gsrw3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 05:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fplwjp)
Georgia's Russian style law

We speak to Georgia's President about the foreign agent law that was passed by her parliament this week and why she'll veto the vote.

The Arab League has called for a United Nations peacekeeping force to be based in the Palestinian territories

We go to the Philippines where a flotilla of small boats has just returned from a disputed area of the South China Sea


FRI 06:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gswm7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 06:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fpm08t)
Floods in northern Afghanistan

Families in northern Afghanistan continue to search for the bodies of their loved ones days after the devastating floods that killed hundreds of people

Tensions remain in Georgia after parliament voted through a divisive foreign agent law that has sparked weeks of mass street protests - we speak to the Latvian foreign minister who was recently there.

Taiwan’s outgoing President has told the BBC she does not believe an attack from China is imminent...


FRI 07:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gt0cc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 07:06 Newsday (w172zbjz8fpm40y)
Georgia's Russian style law

We speak to the Geogian President about the country's controversial "foreign agent" law. It was voted in by parliament this week and she tells us why she will veto it.

A former Egyptian Foreign Minister tells us why the Arab League wants a United Nations International force to be deployed in the Palestinian territories.

And we hear from the International Court in the Hague where the South African government is challenging the Israeli offensive in the Gazan city of Rafah.


FRI 08:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gt43h)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 08:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5stz)
Alexander Stubb: Has Nato membership left Finland stronger?

Stephen Sackur is in Helsinki to speak to the President of Finland Alexander Stubb. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted Finland to take the strategically significant step of joining Nato. But is it wise for Finland to pick sides in the deepening conflict between Russia and the west?


FRI 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2hhcw)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct5z1t)
Business Daily meets: Robot inventor Sandy Enoch

We head to the robot workshop home of Marty the robotical.

Sandy Enoch founded the Scottish tech firm Robotical which creates educational robots.

Produced and presented by Dougal Shaw.

(Image: Marty the robot)


FRI 08:50 Witness History (w3ct5ydg)
When Cuban spy Ana Montes was caught

In 2001, the American Ana Montes, who was working for the United States Defense Intelligence Agency was arrested for espionage.

Although the FBI knew that there was a spy they didn't know who it was. The Cubans always referred to Ana by a man's name.

Former FBI agent, Pete Lapp, tells Gill Kearsley the fascinating story of how he and his team tracked down and arrested Ana, who is known as ‘Queen of Cuba’.

(Photo: Ana Montes in 2001. Credit: FBI )


FRI 09:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gt7vm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863flg7y)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2hm40)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 09:32 Science In Action (w3ct5vcq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Thursday]


FRI 10:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gtclr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 10:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct5q1r)
Winning Losers

In a competitive world, is it always best to finish first? A tribute to second place, second thoughts, and second opinions.

You might assume that Olympic gold medallists have more successful lives than their silver-placed competitors. A study shows that on average winners die a year younger than the runners up, and earn less money.

In the invasive jelly-fish wars of the Black Sea of recent years, it seems the second-comers prevailed over the voracious first-timers.

And what about siblings? Does the first-born in a family really have any discernible advantage in life?

Also, the potential perils of cutting-edge wearable medi-tech, the value of second opinions, and the chemical benefits of silver itself.

Presented by Marnie Chesterton, with Godfred Boafo and Andrada Fiscutean
Produced by Alex Mansfield, with Dan Welsh, Julia Ravey and Noa Dowling
Sound by Gwynfor Jones


FRI 11:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gthbw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863flpr6)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2hvm8)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct6dw5)
Drake v Kendrick: The biggest rap feud of all time?

Over recent months rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been exchanging diss tracks in a bitter lyrical battle which has caught the attention of fans and media alike. Characterised by scathing personal attacks and incredibly serious allegations, their beef has divided the industry, with some members of hip-hop royalty suggesting they took things too far.

Now the furious jibes have stopped, how will this chapter in music history be remembered? To discuss the fallout, Sumi Somaskanda is joined by BBC Radio 1 & Radio 1Xtra's Kenny Allstar, and Billboard's Carl Lamarre, who consider whether this will go down as the greatest rap feud of all time.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory.

TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app.

This episode was made by Laurie Kalus. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.


FRI 12:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gtm30)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 12:06 Outlook (w3ct698p)
Outlook Mixtape: Hidden roots; island reburial; boy witness

Moira Millán is an indigenous Mapuche activist who has led her people's struggle for rights and representation. But as a child she had no idea of her ancestral roots until an encounter with a stranger challenged the very core of who she thought she was. She ended up travelling the length and breadth of Argentina for almost three years to bring 36 indigenous groups together for the first ever indigenous women's march on the capital.

In 2012, Annina van Neel travelled to the tiny South Atlantic island of St Helena to work as an environmental officer for an airport construction project. After excavators uncovered the remains of more than 300 formerly enslaved Africans, victims of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, Annina turned her attention to the fight for their proper reburial. It was a campaign that would force her to reassess her relationship to her own heritage.

On the day his mother disappeared in December 1989, 11-year-old Collier Landry started looking for evidence. He suspected his father, a rich and well-respected town doctor, had something to do with it. This is the story of Collier's fight to get justice for his mother, and the detective who believed him.

Award-winning filmmaker Leo Regan forged a close bond with his friend Lanre Fehintola after meeting on a photography course in London. Together they sought to find humanity and beauty in the harshest of settings. Their most personal project became a trilogy of films documenting Lanre's descent into an underworld of drugs and criminality, a project that would define their lives and friendship forever.

Presenter: Asya Fouks
Producer: Thomas Harding Assinder

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

(Photo: Cassette tape. Credit: Getty Images)


FRI 12:50 Witness History (w3ct5ydg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


FRI 13:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gtqv4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fly7g)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2j33j)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 13:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct5tf1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


FRI 14:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gtvl8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 14:06 Newshour (w172zb8vr90rq27)
US confirms first aid trucks via Gaza pier

A temporary pier built by American troops has been used for the first time to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The first consignments were brought ashore a few hours ago. The development follows a call by the US State Department on Thursday for Israel to do more to get aid into Gaza where conditions are deteriorating. The UN has said there will soon be no food left in the territory and warned that although the newly completed pier will help, re-opening land crossings is still the most effective way to get supplies into Gaza.

Also, the UN humanitarian aid chief has defended the organisation's use of casualty figures during the war in Gaza after criticism by Israel. We have an interview with Martin Griffiths.

We will hear from the frontline of the war in Ukraine. And did the Egyptians use waterways to construct the Pyramids?

Also, we will speak to the Nigerian Minister for Women's Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who's trying to ban mass weddings to protect young girls.


(Photo: The aid will be collected from a floating base before being transported to Gaza. Credit: Reuters)


FRI 15:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gtzbd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 15:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5stz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


FRI 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2jbls)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct5zsd)
Country Garden: can the company survive?

China's real estate industry is facing major financial problems, leaving many empty or half-finished unused buildings. One of China’s largest real-estate companies, Country Garden of the verge of liquidation.

Also, Roger Hearing finds out what's happening with businesses in New Caledonia. And we hear how the economic growth in India affecting people's life.

(Picture: Garden Center in Shanghai, China August 9, 2023. Picture credit: Reuters)


FRI 16:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gv32j)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 16:06 BBC OS (w172zbj0ghkgr4w)
Israel's response at ICJ

Israel has told the UN's highest court (the International Court of Justice) that accusations of genocide brought by South Africa are a distortion of facts. South Africa has asked judges to issue an emergency order stopping Israel's offensive into Rafah. We explain the arguments from boths sides.

The English Premier League title will be decided on Sunday, on the season’s last day, and either Manchester City or Arsenal will be crowned Champions. We speak to Arsenal and City fans around the world.

We speak to our reporter in Nigeria about a mass wedding planned for 100 orphans that has sparked widespread public outrage.

The Iranian football Federation has ruled that only female fans will be allowed into matches between two local men's teams next season. Our colleague with BBC Persian explains.

Presenter: James Reynolds.

(Photo: Israeli delegation members sit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in The Hague Netherlands May 17, 2024. Credit: Yves Herman/Reuters)


FRI 17:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gv6tn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 17:06 BBC OS (w172zbj0ghkgvx0)
Israel recovers bodies of three hostages

Israel says its forces in Gaza have recovered the bodies of three young Israelis abducted from a music festival during the Hamas attacks last October. Israel's military's chief spokesman has identified them as Shani Louk, Amit Buskila and Itzhak Gelerenter. We speak to our correspondent In Jerusalem.

We hear a report from the frontline in Ukraine where Russian forces are making advances close to the city of Kharkiv.

We bring together portrait artists to discuss their experiences of criticism after a row erupted over a portrait of Australia’s richest woman who is upset at how she has been depicted.

A tiny taco stand in Mexico city with just four items on its menu has been awarded a Michelin star. We speak to local journalist about the stall and their tacos.

The world's top male golfer, Scottie Scheffler, has been released by police after being detained outside a major tournament in Kentucky. Our sports reporter has more details.

Presenter: James Reynolds.

(Photo: A woman walks past posters of hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 17, 2024. Credit: Nir Elias TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY/Reuters)


FRI 18:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gvbks)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 18:06 Outlook (w3ct698p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


FRI 18:50 Witness History (w3ct5ydg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


FRI 19:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gvg9x)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fmnq7)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2jtl9)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct5w11)
2024/05/17 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 (w172zgf291gvl21)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 20:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct5rbj)
The floods in Brazil

Vast areas of the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul remain under water after the worst flooding in 80 years. Homes have been destroyed, thousands are without power or drinking water, and entire towns remain cut-off.

The torrential rains began in Rio Grande do Sul at the end of April, saturating the ground and bursting the banks of the Taquari and Caí rivers. Those rivers flow into the Guaíba, which has led to severe flooding in the state capital, Porto Alegre.

Six hundred thousand people have been displaced from their homes and more than 150 are confirmed to have died. Rescue workers continue to search for people who are missing.

We bring together three residents of Porto Alegre to share their experiences of the flooding, including Renata whose apartment was under water.

“I had these diaries that I write since I was a kid and when I got in my apartment to try to save a little bit of the things I have, everything was just turned down,” she tells us. “All those memories only exist in my mind, because I couldn’t save all those histories that I had with my family and my grandma.”

We also bring together volunteer rescue workers. They share their stories of sailing along flooded streets, helping people escape the rising water, as well as their hopes to rebuild, no matter how long it takes.

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

(Photo: People being rescued in Brazil. Credit: Beto Bordasch)


FRI 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2jybf)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 20:32 CrowdScience (w3ct5rh1)
What does prayer do to my brain?

Prayer and meditation are key features of religious and spiritual practices around the world, suggesting they’re intimately linked to the human condition. But what is going on in the brain during prayer? And is praying beneficial for our mental health?

CrowdScience listener Hilary is keen to find answers to such questions. She’s a counsellor with a strong Christian faith, and is curious to know whether science can illuminate religious and spiritual practices.

Presenter Caroline Steel talks to neuroscientists researching how our brains respond to prayer and meditation; and practices mindfulness herself to explore its similarities to prayer. She discovers that having a relationship with God may depend on more than religious practice. And is there a ‘spiritual part’ to our brains? Or is prayer just one activity among many - like going for a walk or playing music - that can have similar effects on our state of mind?

Featuring:
Professor Andrew Newberg, Director of Research Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital, USA
Tessa Watt, mindfulness teacher
Ven. Hin Hung Sik, Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong
Dr Junling Gao, Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong
Dr Blake Victor Kent, Westmont College, USA

Presenter: Caroline Steel
Producer: Jo Glanville
Editor: Cathy Edwards
Studio Manager: Tim Heffer
Production Co-ordinator: Liz Tuohy

(Photo: A crowd of people praying. Credit: Digital Vision/Getty Images)


FRI 21:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gvpt5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 21:06 Newshour (w172zb8vr90sk94)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


FRI 22:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gvtk9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 22:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5stz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


FRI 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2k5tp)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 22:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct5tf1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


FRI 23:00 BBC News (w172zgf291gvy9f)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zbq863fn4pr)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zgfwqs2k9kt)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct5zvn)
First broadcast 17/05/2024 21:32 GMT

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.