SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2025

SAT 00:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7w6t6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 00:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct5q35)
Let’s talk about love

Valentine’s Day is here - the one day of the year where you can be unashamedly romantic and splash out on posh dinners, flowers and chocolates for your beloved. So we dig into the science of love.

First, we find out about a monogamous rodent that has a special way of forming lifelong bonds with its partner. Next, we discover how to apply maths to your love life, before delving into the technology behind AI chatbots, and find out if a new dating app can help shine a light on the science of compatibility.

Plus, we are joined by Bianca Acevedo, a research scientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who studies the neuroscience of love. She reveals what’s going on in our brains when we are infatuated with someone and what purpose love serves.

Presenters: Marnie Chesterton, with Tristan Ahtone and Edd Gent
Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell,nWilliam Hornbrook, Debbie Kilbride, Imaan Moin and Noa Dowling


SAT 01:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7wbkb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 01:06 Business Matters (w172zbfyhfl6lq6)
Tariffs: How is the world reacting?

We delve into how the world is reacting to Trump's tariff announcement and what leaders from around the world have to say.

Ukraine's President Zelensky, meets US Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference to discuss the future of the war in Ukraine.

There's also been talk of the Trump administration closing the Department of Education.

Additionally, we hear how an NYU student managed to attend college without having to pay.

Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Asia and the USA.


SAT 02:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7wg9g)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqs5x6nnps)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvktkv)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 02:32 Stumped (w3ct5wj0)
Mumbai Indians: Jhulan Goswami and Charlotte Edwards on return of the WPL

Ahead of the third season of the Women's Premier League, Alison Mitchell, Jim Maxwell, and Charu Sharma hear from former England captain Charlotte Edwards and former India fast bowler Jhulan Goswami on what it’s like working together as coaches at Mumbai Indians after being great rivals in their playing days.

Edwards, currently head coach at MI, also says she wants to ‘help’ English cricket and has urged the ECB to ‘get in touch’. It comes as the organisation conducts a review into the Ashes defeat to Australia.

Following the recent success of India’s U19 side at youth level, Jhulan gives her opinion on whether she thinks that victory in Malaysia can help lead the senior team to victory at the Women’s World Cup in Autumn.

Image: Jhulan Goswami and Charlotte Edwards laughing whilst talking to each other on the field. (Credit: Mumbai Indians)


SAT 03:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7wl1l)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 03:06 Outlook (w3ct69b3)
Outlook Mixtape: First loves and first dates

In 2003, Rachel Colenso and her partner Jeremy went on a first date climbing Piz Badile in the Swiss Alps. But what was meant to be a romantic getaway ended up being a disaster when they were engulfed in a fierce electrical storm and trapped on a narrow, icy ledge with little food and water for three days. The pair narrowly escaped with their lives, so why did Rachel agree to return to the mountain with Jeremy?

When Syrian Tamim Kbarh did a call-out on social media offering to help people improve their curriculum vitae, he had no idea it would change the entire course of his life. An impressive CV from Rahaf Al Iymoni dropped into his inbox and it was love at first resume. But he was in Turkey and she in Syria. It would take a challenging three year journey and a virtual wedding before they finally had their first face to face date.

Jeanne Gustavson met Steve Watts as an undergraduate at university in Chicago in 1971, but her family disapproved of their interracial relationship. The pressure became too much, and Jeanne broke up with Steve, but she never forgot him, and four decades later she tracked him down. Steve was living with disabilities in a nursing home, but they knew immediately that they were still in love. They finally got married in 2022 and are raising funds to make the home and garden they share accessible. This interview was first broadcast in November 2021.

Francesco Pannofino and Emanuela Rossi fell in love across a microphone in an Italian recording studio. The dub artitsts have become famous for providing the voices for George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer to name but a few. They featured in a documentary called Being George Clooney, and are currently appearing in a comedy play in Italy with their son Andrea.

The film clips used in the last story were from:
Ocean's Eleven/Warner Bros./Steven Soderbergh
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown/El Deseo, S.A/Pedro Almodóvar
The Age of Innocence/Columbia Pictures/Martin Scorsese

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

(Photo: Cassette tape. Credit: Getty Images)


SAT 03:50 Witness History (w3ct5yfw)
Eva Peron: Argentina’s Evita

Eva Peron – otherwise known as Evita - became an icon in 1940s Argentina, famous for her passionate speeches and populist rhetoric.

Born into poverty, she moved to Buenos Aries at the age of 15 to become an actress, and was soon starring in radio soap operas.

In 1945, she married Colonel Juan Peron, a rising figure in the Argentinian military, and supported his campaign to become president.

After he won the election, she set up the Eva Perón Foundation, to distribute money, food and medicines to the poor. It won her the adulation of Argentina’s working classes, although some believed she exploited her position for personal gain.

Eva fell ill with cancer, and on 17 October 1951, she made her last major public appearance from the presidential palace balcony. It was to be her most famous speech, later inspiring the award-winning song, Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, from the musical Evita.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Eva Peron in 1951. Credit: Bettmann/Getty Images)


SAT 04:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7wpsq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 04:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct5q35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:06 today]


SAT 05:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7wtjv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 05:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqs5x6p0y5)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 05:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvl5t7)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 05:32 Diddy On Trial (w3ct7m4t)
What’s life like for Diddy in prison?

What’s life like for Diddy in the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in New York?

He’s awaiting trial for federal charges of sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution and racketeering with conspiracy. Diddy denies them all.

Catana Yehudah served a sentence in the MDC for fraud and federal public defender Andrew Dalack has represented people who have been detained there. They tell Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty about life inside.

The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need.

We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any burning questions about the cases or the upcoming trial? Heard a theory that doesn’t sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: +44330 123 555 1.

Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty
Series Producer: Laura Jones
Sound Design: Richard Hannaford
Editor: Clare Fordham

Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts


SAT 05:50 More or Less (w3ct5trh)
Has the US sent $50 million worth of condoms to Gaza?

On the 25th January, the US Press Secretary announced that in their bid to stop ‘fraud’ and waste DOGE had cancelled $50 million worth of condoms being sent to Gaza by the United States Agency for International Development (aka USAID).

President Trump later repeated this claim, adding on that Hamas were using said condoms to make bombs to fire at Israel.

On the 7th of February the USAID website was taken down.

We fact check this claim and find out how much of the US budget was spent on USAID programmes.

Presenter: Charlotte McDonald
Producer: Lizzy McNeill
Research: Josh McMinn
Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound Mix: David Crackles
Editor: Richard Vadon


SAT 06:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7wy8z)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 06:06 Weekend (w172zcxg3tvw65t)
More work needed to stop Putin, Zelensky says at summit with Vance

Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky met with US Vice-President JD Vance on the side lines of the Munich security conference. He said that the talks between the two were "good", but also that any peace agreement with Russia must include real security guarantees for his country. We speak to Alina Frolova, a former deputy defence minister of Ukraine.

Also in the programme: As part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, three more Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip are to be released today. In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are to be released from Israeli prisons.

And to Hollywood, the centre of the global entertainment industry where wildfires in LA have destroyed thousands of homes. Many now say a boost in local TV and film production should be part of the fire recovery effort.

PHOTO CREDIT: US Vice-President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Zelensky attend a bilateral meeting in Munich / REUTERS


SAT 07:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7x213)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 07:06 Weekend (w172zcxg3tvw9xy)
Zelensky said he doesn't see a 'ready US plan' to end the Ukraine war

The first day of the Munich Security Conference was dominated by talks on the future of the war in Ukraine. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says previous discussions with US President Donald Trump so far are "definitely not enough to form a plan" for peace.

Also in the programme: Three Israeli hostages were released by Hamas in exchange for more than 360 Palestinians held in Israeli custody, the sixth such swap of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire.

And the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo have entered Bukavu, the eastern region's second-largest city.
The militants' progress comes despite international calls for a ceasefire and a resumption of peace talks.

To discuss this and more, Georgina Wright is the Resident Senior Fellow and Deputy Director for International Studies at Institut Montaigne in Paris and Aanu Adeoye is the West and Central Africa correspondent for the Financial Times based in Lagos.

PHOTO CREDIT: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visits Ukraine, Kyiv, 12 Feb 2025 / EPA


SAT 08:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7x5s7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 08:06 Weekend (w172zcxg3tvwfp2)
Three Israeli hostages arrive in Israel

Alexander Troufanov, Yair Horn and Sagui Dekel-Chen have been released on Saturday morning by Hamas in exchange for more than 360 Palestinians held in Israeli custody, the sixth such swap of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire. The three men released are dual foreign-nationals from Russia, America and Argentina.

Also in the programme: Victoria Amelina was a well-known Ukrainian novelist and children's writer - until Russia's full-scale land invasion in 2022. She was killed by a Russian missile that hit a pizzeria in Kramatorsk in Donetsk in June 2023. Her friends and colleagues have helped to finish the book she was writing at the time of her death.

And The New Yorker magazine is turning 100 years old this month. It's a mixture of political deep dives, profiles and essays, art and even poetry.

To discuss this and more, Georgina Wright is the Resident Senior Fellow and Deputy Director for International Studies at Institut Montaigne in Paris and Aanu Adeoye is the West and Central Africa correspondent for the Financial Times based in Lagos.

CREDIT PHOTO: Hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel / Reuters


SAT 09:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7x9jc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 09:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct5rcy)
How AI is changing our lives

Thousands of people from all around the world came to Paris this week to talk about the impact of artificial intelligence in society.

The rapidly growing technology can emulate a human response and has the potential to learn quickly. This allows it to generate images and words, for example, and do a range of jobs faster and cheaper than humans.

We hear from three tech entrepreneurs in Ghana, Denmark and Nigeria where AI is making a positive impact on their businesses - from the music industry, preserving indigenous languages and healthcare.

“It has infinite memory. It never needs coffee. It never needs sleep and it’s capable of taking fantastic notes, comparing those notes to other patients,” says Andreas, the co-founder of a Danish medical AI firm. “Then it will write your summary, so you can review it as a doctor afterwards.”

There are other industries, however, where workers fear losing jobs due to AI. Two writers from the UK and the United States share how the technology has reduced some of their work prospects and is forcing them to think of other ways to develop their businesses and careers.

Conversations hosted by Luke Jones and Mark Lowen.

A Boffin Media production with producer Sue Nelson in partnership with the BBC OS team and producers Laura Cress and Angela Sheeran.

(Photo: Katie Thompson. Credit: Katie Lingo)


SAT 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvlnsr)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 09:32 Pick of the World (w3ct5v1v)
How China made itself the global leader in tech

Drones, electric cars, batteries, quantum computing: how China made itself the global leader in tech and AI. Plus, the outdoor playground in Finland that helps children learn about the inside of computers, the "flying housewife" who changed perceptions of female athletes in the 1940s - and can people with ginger hair really take more pain?


SAT 09:50 Over to You (w3ct5tv2)
Why eight BBC World Service shows face the axe

Last weekend we aired your comments on news that the BBC World Service was axing a number of shows later this year.
This week we have the boss of the WS English Jon Zilkha in the studio to answer your questions and explain why it’s happening and the criteria behind which shows have been chosen to end.

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


SAT 10:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7xf8h)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 10:06 Sportshour (w3ct5qc0)
Nada Hafez and her ‘baby Olympian'

Paris 2024 was Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez's third Olympic Games, but Paris was made extra special by the fact she was not competing alone – she was seven months pregnant. Six months on from the Olympics, and with her daughter now four months old, Nada tells Sportshour’s Nishat Ladha about her Olympic experience and what life has been like post Paris and becoming a mum.

From the last Olympic Games to the next - as the countdown continues to lacrosse’s Olympics debut in 2028, a new professional women's lacrosse league is taking place in Washington this week. Sisters Meaghan and Emma Tyrrell are New York Charging teammates and Emma explains what it was like joining a Zoom call to find out whether they will be teammates or opponents.

Nine-year-old climber Veronica Chik shares how she overcame her own fears to become the youngest Hong Kong climber to climb the 31-metre “China Climb” before winning gold at her first national championships.

Team UK captain Stephen 'Hoops' Hooper joins from Canada where he’s competing at the Invictus Games where winter sports are part of the multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick armed forces personnel for the first time.

And to celebrate World Radio Day, Ian Dennis, John Murray and Alistair Bruce-Ball, all familiar voices on Sportsworld tell us what makes radio football commentary so special.

Image: Nada Hafez of Team Egypt applauds fans after her victory against Elizabeth Tartakovsky of Team United States (not pictured) in the Fencing Women's Sabre Individual Table of 32 on day three of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Grand Palais on July 29, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)


SAT 11:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7xk0m)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqs5x6prdy)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvlx90)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 11:32 Unspun World with John Simpson (w3ct5ycc)
Is Western support for Ukraine holding firm?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines whether western support for Ukraine is holding firm, analyses Donald Trump’s plan for a Middle East Riviera in Gaza and looks at whether Artificial Intelligence is still a danger to us.


SAT 12:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7xnrr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 12:06 The Documentary (w3ct7mcg)
Ukraine: The architects' plan

As the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches, we explore how the country will be rebuilt, who is coming up with the redesign of damaged cities and what they might look like in the future.

Surprisingly, despite the war still ongoing, reconstruction is already well under way in some towns and cities. But what are the priorities and are there risks in rebuilding too fast?

We hear from Lord Foster, the famous British architect who is working on a masterplan for the city of Kharkiv and look at rebuilding projects in the towns near Kyiv.

We also ask what lessons can be learnt from other post-war cities, such as Warsaw and Sarajevo.

Presenters: Zhanna Bezpiatchuk and Caroline Bayley

(Photo: Damaged block of flats in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Credit: Vitalii Hnidyi/Reuters)


SAT 13:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7xshw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 13:06 Newshour (w172zb9cr2svmzv)
Zelensky says time has come for European army

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has said that Europe can no longer depend on the United States for military support. We hear from Europe's top foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.

Also on the programme: Hamas has released another three Israeli hostages from captivity in Gaza in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails; and why President Trump wants to get rid of the penny.

(Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 61st Munich Security Conference on 15 February. Credit: RONALD WITTEK/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


SAT 14:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7xx80)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 14:06 Sportsworld (w172zbn9vqdn6cg)
Live Sporting Action

Sportsworld has live Premier League commentary from the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City host in form Newcastle United. Lee James will be joined by the former Cameroon and Newcastle defender Sébastien Bassong, and Washington Spirit and England defender Esme Morgan to preview that match and all the other Premier League action.

There will also be a preview to Bayern Munich against Bayer Leverkusen in a crucial game in the Bundesliga.

Away from football, the Sportsworld team will discuss the start of cricket’s Women’s Premier League in India and the 74th NBA All-Star game.

Photo: Erling Haaland of Manchester City battles for possession with Dan Burn of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Manchester City FC at St James' Park on September 28, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Credit: Getty Images)


SAT 18:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7yd7j)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 18:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqs5x6qlmv)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 18:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvmrhx)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 18:32 Diddy On Trial (w3ct7m4t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 today]


SAT 18:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct5wfr)
The woman who sailed solo around the world

In 1978, Naomi James became the first woman to sail single-handedly around the world via Cape Horn.

At the time, Naomi had had only six weeks of sailing experience and had never been on her own on a boat. She also suffered seasickness, and struggled with navigation.

But with the encouragement of her husband Rob James, a professional sailor, she set off from Dartmouth, England, in her yacht, the Express Crusader.

During the 43,000km journey, the boat capsized and she had to sail through a hurricane. But after 272 days, she arrived back in Dartmouth to a hero’s welcome. In 1979, she was given a damehood. She tells Jane Wilkinson about her epic adventure.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Naomi James checks the rigging. Credit: Evening Standard/Getty Images)


SAT 19:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7yhzn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 19:06 The Inquiry (w3ct5xjm)
How can Panama satisfy President Trump?

The Panama Canal, a crucial artery for global trade, is at the centre of growing tensions between the United States and China. Donald Trump has claimed that Chinese companies exert undue influence over the waterway, accusing Panama of overcharging US businesses. But does the US still have a legitimate stake in the canal?

With Trump demanding action, Panama faces a difficult choice. Could a renegotiation of tolls or a review of Chinese port contracts ease US concerns?

Contributors:
Will Freeman, Fellow for Latin American studies at the Council on Foreign Relations
Andrew Thomas, Academic and Author of The Canal of Panama and Globalisation
Dr Yu Jie, Senior Research Fellow on China in the Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House
 David Young, President of the Committee for Economic Development

Presented by Gary O’Donoghue
Produced by Louise Clarke
Researched by Katie Morgan
Technical producer Matthew Dempsey
Production Coordinator Liam Morrey
Editor Tara McDermott

Image credit: Getty Images via MARTIN BERNETTI


SAT 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvmw81)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 19:32 Happy News (w3ct5sqw)
The Happy Pod: From rescue to romance

How a plea to fly an elderly dog to the US led to marriage, when the owner and the pilot who came to their rescue fell in love. Also, a son who saved his dad's life, twice.

Presenter: Bernadette Kehoe
Music: Iona Hampson


SAT 20:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7ymqs)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 20:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct5qks)
Writer directors Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane

Nikki Bedi talks to writer/directors Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane about their film Grand Theft Hamlet

And with cultural critic Jordan Erica Webber, they discuss Robert de Niro’s TV series Zero Day…

Reese Witherspoon on the success of her book club and becoming an author herself
And British director Asif Kapadia’s drama/documentary hybrid sci-fi film 2073.

Also Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain discusses his latest film Maria starring Angelina Jolie as opera singer Maria Callas.

American singer songwriter Gigi Perez on dealing with grief through her music


SAT 21:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7yrgx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 21:06 Newshour (w172zb9cr2swlyw)
US envoy says Europe will not be part of Ukraine peace talks

During the second day of the Munich Security Conference in Germany, there’s been debate about President Zelensky’s proposal that Europe should create its own army. We get a response from a European defence minister.

Also in the programme: More Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are released as part of the phased Israel-Hamas ceasefire; and as US TV show Saturday Night Live celebrates its 50th anniversary, Kate Pierson from the pop band the B-52s offers her thoughts on why the programme has lasted.

(Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives to meet with the German Chancellor at the Munich Security Conference, 15th February 2025. Credit: Sean Gallup/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


SAT 22:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7yw71)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 22:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqs5x6r2mc)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvn7hf)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 22:32 This Is Africa (w3ct5y68)
Bebe Cool

Bebe Cool has dominated airwaves and playlists in Uganda for 30 years. His best known hits include Fire, Africa Unite and his remix of Born in Africa, which BBC World Service listeners voted one of Africa’s greatest songs of all time in 2014.

But his latest body of work, Break the Chains, embraces Afrobeats and adds a whole new sound to his usual reggae and ragga style tunes.

For the first time, we hear Bebe Cool’s side of the story about the time in 2020 when he was accused of being behind the arrest of Nigerian superstars Tems and Omah Lay, after he publicly opposed them being let into Uganda to perform during the Covid lockdown.


SAT 23:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7yzz5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 23:06 The Documentary (w3ct7mch)
World Wide Waves '25: Whispers in the air

The Nuxalk people of Canada's Pacific north-west were almost wiped out by colonisation. Now a community radio station is reviving their language and culture. Nuxalk Radio came on air 10 years ago, inspired by the indigenous Idle No More movement. For World Radio Day 2025, we celebrate this tiny outfit broadcasting from a trailer in the town of Bella Coola, British Columbia, to help an ancient nation recover its mother tongue, supressed for decades by the Canadian government, as well as its identity and self-respect.

Teaching the language through playful lessons, bilingual weather forecasts and recordings of Nuxalk elders, the station's young staff are immersing themselves in a culture their grandparents were too traumatised to pass on, and bringing the community with them. For Slts'lani, Qwaxw, Tatala and their colleagues, "broadcasting the laws of the lands and the waters" is much more than a linguistic exercise. It is the recovery of a resilient way of living shaped over centuries to withstand catastrophes and dedicated to the health of future generations. Their mission to build a bridge from the past to the future sings out through their music too. An album of new songs made by the radio station blends old and new musical forms, deer hooves and saxophones, antlers and synthesisers.

Presenter: Maria Margaronis
Producer: David Goren
A Storyscape production for BBC World Service

(Photo: Tatala and Ximximana. Credit: Slts'lani Banchi Hanuse/Nuxalk Radio)


SAT 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvnc7k)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 23:32 Assignment (w3ct5mv2)
Ghana: Militants in the Sahel

For years now, an Islamist insurgency in the Sahel region has been claiming thousands of lives and displacing millions of people. There are fears that it’s spreading to one of West Africa’s most stable countries. For Assignment, Ed Butler investigates some new and disturbing indications that fighting on Ghana’s northern border with Burkina Faso has the potential to spread south as well. It’s not just the Islamist insurgency, but homegrown conflicts inside Ghana that have the potential to spread. And we hear accounts of smuggled livestock, fuel and weapons, as well as stories of Ghanaian fighters joining the Islamist uprising in the north.

Producer and presenter: Ed Butler
Studio Manager: James Beard
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Penny Murphy

(Image: Saafiya Karim, a refugee from Burkina Faso now living in Ghana. Credit: Ed Butler/BBC)

SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2025

SUN 00:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7z3q9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 00:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct5rcy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:06 on Saturday]


SUN 00:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvngzp)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 00:32 Diddy On Trial (w3ct7m4t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 on Saturday]


SUN 00:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct5wfr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:50 on Saturday]


SUN 01:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7z7gf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 01:06 The Inquiry (w3ct5xjm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:06 on Saturday]


SUN 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvnlqt)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 01:32 The Fifth Floor (w3ct69jw)
What the US left behind in Afghanistan

When the American troops withdrew from Afghanistan, they left behind $7bn of military supplies. Where are they now? Hafizullah Maroof from BBC Afghan will take us inside the Kabul flea market that sells second-hand military equipment to the Taliban. Plus: the origin story of capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian sport that blends dancing and martial arts, with Joao Fellet from BBC Brazil and Debula Kemoli from BBC Africa; and how the BBC's Pronunciation unit works with Language Service journalists to make sure we get international names right, with Martha Figueroa-Clark and Jo Kim.

Presented by Faranak Amidi. Produced by Alice Gioia and Caroline Ferguson.

(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)


SUN 02:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7zc6k)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqs5x6rklw)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvnqgy)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 02:32 Health Check (w3ct5t9y)
The psychology of nostalgia

Do you look back on the past with rose-tinted spectacles, memories of the good old days accompanied by warm, fuzzy feelings? Or when you reflect on the past is it hard to do so without a tinge of sadness? Whether you fall on the more bitter or more sweet side, this is the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia.

But nostalgia was not always just a feeling. Historian Agnes Arnold Forster tells Claudia and the panel that once it was viewed as a disease so deadly that it appeared on thousands of death certificates. And now this poignant emotion stirs political action, bonds us to others, and guides our very understanding of ourselves.

Our expert panel of psychologists; Peter Olusoga, senior lecturer in psychology at Sheffield Hallam University, Daryl O’Connor, professor of psychology at the University of Leeds, and Catherine Loveday, professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Westminster, join Claudia in the studio to discuss how leaning into nostalgia can help us feel better, reduce pain, and even inject a bit of romance into life.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Lorna Stewart
Assistant Producer: Katie Tomsett


SUN 03:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7zgyp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 03:06 The Documentary (w3ct7mcg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7zlpt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 04:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct5sk2)
Young Germans and the far right

Pascale Harter introduces stories from Germany, Afghanistan, Malaysia and Morocco.

Germany goes to the polls next weekend, with the conservative CDU party showing a strong lead. But the far right AfD party is consistently polling in second place - with the biggest rise in support being among young voters. Jessica Parker travelled to Saxony to find out why.

Mahjooba Nowrouzi recently returned to Afghanistan for the first time in nearly 30 years, having fled the Taliban regime as a young student. She describes how, despite initial first impressions, not much has changed with the Taliban back in control of the country once more.

A recent survey in Malaysia revealed more than 70 per cent of young Malaysians are in debt. Officials says this is down to a ‘shopping addiction’ and the growth of ‘flex culture’ on social media. Hannah Gelbart went to find out more.

Morocco has long been the film location of choice for many a Hollywood director, with its array of studios and versatile backdrops. But as John Kampfner discovered, a combination of tight budgets and new technology means the good times might be coming to an end for the ‘Hollywood of Africa.’

Series Producer: Serena Tarling
Producer: Farhana Haider
Editor: Bridget Harney
Production coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill

Supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) political party gather with German flags at the final AfD Saxony election rally prior to state elections back in August 2024 (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)


SUN 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvnyz6)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 04:32 Trending (w3ct5y9w)
Quadrobic panic in Russia over craze to dress and walk on all fours like animals

There’s a moral panic in Russia and several former Soviet states about a craze in which teenagers and children dress up as animals and walk on all fours like their favourite animals. In one TikTok video, a group of youngsters are seen scampering across Moscow’s Red Square wearing fox masks and tails.

Politicians and religious leaders have warned the trend is a threat to civilised values and a cover for LGBT and western ideology. Legislation is now being considered to ban quadrobics and fine or arrest parents of enthusiasts. But quadrobics has a longer history as a form of exercise. We speak to the pioneering Japanese athlete who holds the world record for covering 100m on all fours in 15.7 seconds, which he set in 2015.

Producer/presenter: Ed Main
Reporter: Fridon Kiria
Additional reporting: Emi Jozuka
Editor: Flora Carmichael


SUN 04:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct5wfr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:50 on Saturday]


SUN 05:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7zqfy)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 05:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqs5x6rxv8)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 05:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvp2qb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 05:32 The Documentary (w3ct7mch)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:06 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7zv62)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 06:06 Weekend (w172zcxg3tvz32x)
European leaders to hold emergency summit on Ukraine

European leaders are set to gather next week for an emergency summit on the war in Ukraine, in response to concerns the US is moving ahead with Russia on peace talks that will lock out the continent.

Also in the programme, the Rwandan backed M23 rebel group is continuing its offensive in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, including in the city of Bukavu. And it is Britain’s biggest night of the year in film tonight, when the stars from the movie world turn out on the red carpet at the BAFTA film awards in London.

Host Rebecca Kesby is joined by guests Lucy Claridge, an international human rights lawyer, and Sadakat Kadri, a London-based barrister and author.

(Photo: France's President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, on 24 December 18, 2024. Credit: REUTERS)


SUN 07:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v7zyy6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 07:06 Weekend (w172zcxg3tvz6v1)
Saudi Arabia to host Arab countries on Gaza plan

Saudi Arabia will host the leaders of neighbouring Arab countries at a summit this week to talk about their plan for the future of Gaza for an alternative to US President Donald Trump's ambition for a Gaza strip cleared of Palestinians. We speak to former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy.

Also in the programme: French President Emmanuel Macron called on European leaders to convene an emergency summit on the war in Ukraine as concerns grew over Donald Trump’s attempts to seize control of the Ukraine peace process; and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the American TV series about a Californian high school pupil given supernatural powers to fight vampires, is about to get a major reboot.

Host Rebecca Kesby is joined by guests Lucy Claridge, an international human rights lawyer, and Sadakat Kadri, a London-based barrister and author.

(Photo: Palestinians mourn at a hospital after an Israeli strike killed three policemen, according to the Hamas-run interior ministry, in Khan Younis. Credit: Reuters)


SUN 08:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v802pb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 08:06 Weekend (w172zcxg3tvzbl5)
US and Russia to meet in Saudi Arabia over Ukraine war

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia in coming days to begin peace talks on the war in Ukraine. Neither Europe nor Ukraine have been invited.

Also on the programme, the Polish capital has been ranked among the top vegan cities in the world by Happy Cow, a vegan food website, for the past six years. And a study that found that middle children are considered more co-operative than the first-born or the youngest.

Host Rebecca Kesby is joined by guests Lucy Claridge, an international human rights lawyer, and Sadakat Kadri, a London-based barrister and author.

(Photo: British's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron attend the EU leaders' informal retreat at the Palais d'Egmont in Brussels, Belgium, February 3, 2025. Credit: Reuters)


SUN 09:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v806fg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 09:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct5sk2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 today]


SUN 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvpkpv)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 09:32 The Food Chain (w3ct5xp4)
How to make a TV cooking show

We find out the secret recipe that goes into some of the TV food shows watched by millions around the world.

From hiring snake wranglers in South Africa to fending off flies in Sweden, three top producers lift the lid on what it takes to serve up a feast of culinary entertainment.

Seasoned professionals Avril Beaven (Great British Menu), Irene Wong (Man Fire Food) and Jane Kennedy (Masterchef South Africa and My Kitchen Rules South Africa) explain the people skills needed to manage big personalities. And open up about the gruelling schedule that goes into creating televised cooking shows.

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

Presenter: Ruth Alexander

Producers: Sam Clack and Hannah Bewley



(Image: Jane Kennedy, Irene Wong and Avril Beaven)


SUN 10:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v80b5l)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 10:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct5txb)
Making money go further

Billions of people struggle to make ends meet a lot of the time. We look at ways in which people who don’t have much money or are in financial distress can make what they do have go further. We visit savings and credit groups which are helping women to start businesses in Guatemala and see how a cooking at home scheme is helping to save cash - and improve diets - among some of the most vulnerable people in the UK.

People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Producer: Claire Bates
Editor: Jon Bithrey
Sound mix: Hal Haines

(Image: Glendy Mendez and her food stall, Jane Chambers/BBC)


SUN 10:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvppfz)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 10:32 The Fifth Floor (w3ct69jw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 01:32 today]


SUN 11:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v80fxq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqs5x6snb1)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvpt63)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 11:32 Trending (w3ct5y9w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


SUN 11:50 More or Less (w3ct5trh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:50 on Saturday]


SUN 12:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v80knv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 12:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct5rcy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:06 on Saturday]


SUN 12:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvpxy7)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 12:32 Assignment (w3ct5mv2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 23:32 on Saturday]


SUN 13:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v80pdz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 13:06 Newshour (w172zb9cr2syjwy)
US envoy to meet Russian officials for Ukraine talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to meet Russian officials in Saudi Arabia in the coming days for talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. European states concerned about being sidelined are to hold an emergency summit on Monday.

Also on the programme: the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group is continuing its offensive in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and we look at what to expect at Britain’s biggest night of the year in film, the BAFTAs.

(Photo: Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar welcomes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as he arrives in Israel, on the first leg of his Middle East trip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, February 15, 2025. Credit: Reuters)


SUN 14:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v80t53)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 14:06 The Climate Question (w3ct5wt1)
Who wins in the electric vehicle's transition?

Across the world vehicle manufacturers are racing to make zero emission cars in the move away from fossil-fuel powered vehicles. It’s a huge market which could reach 9 trillion dollars worldwide by 2030. One small country which is grabbing this opportunity is Hungary. Located in the heart of Europe but with a population of under 10 million, it’s becoming one of the top battery producers globally for electric cars.

This transition is bringing billions of euros of investment into the Hungarian economy and creating tens of thousands of jobs. One city in particular – Debrecen – the country’s second biggest, is becoming an epi-centre for battery production. The Climate Question’s Jordan Dunbar has been to Debrecen to find out who’s benefitting from the green gold rush. He speaks to local people and businesses about their hopes and fears as their city is transformed.

Presenter: Jordan Dunbar
Producers in Hungary: Ellie House and Balint Bardi
Producer in London: Caroline Bayley
Sound Designer: Tom Brignell
Editor: Simon Watts

If you have a question, email us at the climatequestion@bbc.com or leave a WhatsApp message at +44 8000 321 721


SUN 14:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvq5fh)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 14:32 Happy News (w3ct5sqw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:32 on Saturday]


SUN 15:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v80xx7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 15:06 Sportsworld (w172zbn9vqdr70p)
Live Sporting Action

Sportsworld has full commentary of two teams in desperate need of a lift as Tottenham Hotspur take on Manchester United. There will also be updates and reaction from Liverpool against Wolves, while former Spurs defender Stephen Caulker joins Delyth Lloyd to look back over all the weekend’s action.

Italy’s Serie A is the focus of this week’s EuroStars, and the team will also look at the state of play after the first leg of the Champions League playoffs.

Away from the football, the Sportsworld team look ahead to the start of cricket’s Champions Trophy as Pakistan prepares to host its first global tournament in 28 years. Plus, we’ll be in the US for the NBA All-Star weekend.

Photo: Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United runs with the ball under pressure from Pape Matar Sarr of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 19, 2024 in London, England. (Credit: Getty Images)


SUN 19:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v81dwr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqs5x6tm92)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvqs54)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 19:32 In the Studio (w3ct5tlz)
Bárbara Sánchez-Kane: Re-imagining men's fashion

Bárbara Sánchez-Kane is a Mexican fashion designer with eclectic influences: from quinceañera dresses to BDSM harnesses, Jesus's loincloth to lucha libre wrestlers in lingerie. Bárbara revels in the camp and complexity of everyday gender performance. Resisting traditional notions of masculine and feminine, Bárbara creates spaces of tension between these contrasting costumes.

We join Bárbara in Mexico City to follow the creation of her next line, from studio sketches to final fittings.

Producer: Alice McKee

(Photo credit: Fabián Martínez)


SUN 20:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v81jmw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 20:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct5q35)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:06 on Saturday]


SUN 21:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v81nd0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 21:06 Newshour (w172zb9cr2szhvz)
US and Russia preparing for peace talks in Saudi Arabia

US and Russian negotiators are planning to meet for discussions in Saudi Arabia next week about the war in Ukraine. The US envoy to Russia-Ukraine suggested yesterday that Europe would not be involved in peace talks. We speak to a European foreign minister who met with the envoy earlier today.

Also in the programme: the city of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo is confirmed to have fallen to M23 rebels; and we reflect on the winners at Britain’s annual film awards, the BAFTAs.

(Photo: Steve Wikoff, US Special Envoy to the Middle East and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House in Washington DC, USA, 11th February 2025. Credit: Aaron Schwartz/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


SUN 22:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v81s44)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 22:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqs5x6tzjg)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvr4dj)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 22:32 The Fifth Floor (w3ct69jw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 01:32 today]


SUN 23:00 BBC News (w172zgfl8v81ww8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 23:06 The Climate Question (w3ct5wt1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 today]


SUN 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggdqkvr84n)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 23:32 Pick of the World (w3ct5v1v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:32 on Saturday]


SUN 23:50 Over to You (w3ct5tv2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:50 on Saturday]

MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2025

MON 00:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k5vwk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 00:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct5sk2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 on Sunday]


MON 00:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4w74y)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 00:32 Trending (w3ct5y9w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 on Sunday]


MON 00:50 More or Less (w3ct5trh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:50 on Saturday]


MON 01:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k5zmp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 01:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5hz610)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4wbx2)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 01:32 Discovery (w3ct5rnz)
Uncharted: A different kind of justice

A small, informal survey leads to shocking revelations about the US justice system, with its truths only uncovered decades later. Meanwhile, an ambitious portfolio manager discovers a perfect graph outlining eye-watering profits. But something does not seem right. Could the graph be accurate, or is it hiding a far more sinister truth? This story delves into the power of data, the hidden forces behind it, and the unexpected revelations that can change everything


MON 02:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k63ct)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5hz9s4)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4wgn6)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 02:32 CrowdScience (w3ct5rjg)
Is anything truly random?

CrowdScience listener Dorit has a problem. She wants the tiles in her new bathroom to be arranged randomly but, no matter what she does, it still looks like they form some kind of pattern.

This has got Dorit thinking about randomness – what is it, how do you create it, why do we find it so hard to recognise, and is anything really random at all? And if nothing is truly random, does it mean that everything is theoretically predictable? Tiling your bathroom is a much more existential problem than you might have thought.

Never afraid of a question, whether big (is everything pre-determined?) or small (how do I tile my bathroom?), CrowdScience is on the case.

Anand Jagatia heads to Switzerland to meet Hugo Duminil-Copin, a mathematician at the University of Geneva who specialises in probability theory. On the top floor of an old bank, Hugo has Anand flipping an imaginary coin in a random order. Hugo explains that randomness is something that cannot be predicted by any means – so why is it so easy for Hugo to guess what Anand’s next move is?

Meanwhile, at the National Institutes of Mental Health in Maryland USA, Susan Wardle is a cognitive neuroscientist who researches how the human brain processes visual information. Can neuroscience help Dorit with her tiling problem, and is there a reason why the human brain likes to put random objects into some kind of order?

Geneva is also the birthplace of the first Quantum Random Number Generator for smartphones, and CrowdScience has persuaded some of the University of Geneva’s finest quantum physicists to hook a photon detector up to a synthesiser. Thanks to Tiff Brydges and Nicolas Brunner, we can actually hear quantum particles behaving randomly. But is quantum randomness truly random, or just a pattern that we can’t see? And could quantum physics help Dorit tile her bathroom?

Presenter: Anand Jagatia
Producer: Ben Motley
Editor: Cathy Edwards
Production co-ordinator: Ishmael Soriano
Technical producer: Jackie Margerum


MON 03:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k673y)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 03:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct5txb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Sunday]


MON 03:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4wldb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 03:32 Pick of the World (w3ct5v1v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:32 on Saturday]


MON 03:50 Over to You (w3ct5tv2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:50 on Saturday]


MON 04:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k6bw2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5hzk8d)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4wq4g)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 04:32 The Conversation (w3ct5x0v)
Teaching consent in relationships

Datshiane Navanayagam hears from two women in Nigeria and Denmark to discuss how they teach consent as part of sex education.

Mette Øyås Madsen is an award-winning Danish sexual health educator and author. She has incorporated sexual education into the Danish folk high school system for the past ten years. Mette is passionate about promoting topics such as consent, sexuality and gender identity in both educational and workplace settings. She's written a book called Seksuel Dannelse (sexual education).

Oladele Ogunmayi from Nigeria is an advocate for youth empowerment, gender equality, and violence prevention. She has worked with organisations such as the Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative and the Women At Risk International Foundation, where she trained youths and women on critical issues including consent, HIV/AIDS prevention and gender-based violence. Oladele is now a Lead Trainer at No Means No Worldwide, a global rape prevention organisation whose mission is to end sexual violence against women and children.

Produced by Emily Naylor

(Image: (L) Oladele Ogunmayi courtesy Oladele Ogunmayi . (R) Mette Øyås Madsen credit Mette Mørk.)


MON 05:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k6gm6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 05:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs0l8s)
Paris hosts Ukraine crisis summit

France will host talks about ending the war in Ukraine as the US seeks to reassure Ukraine and Europe that they will be involved in negotiations to end the war.

We'll hear about US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's tour of the Middle East.

We'll have the latest on the fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

And the biggest water reservoir in Johannesburg, South Africa's biggest city, is running out of water.

(Photo: Ukrainian 3rd Separate Tank Brigade in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine, 6 February 2025; Credit: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


MON 06:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k6lcb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 06:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs0q0x)
US team travels to Saudi Arabia for Russia talks

The Munich Security Conference concluded over the weekend. But what did it achieve? We'll be speaking to a top Lithuanian politician who was at the summit.

American and Russian top officials are meeting in Saudi Arabia ahead of an intense week of peace negotiations to find a way to end the war in Ukraine. However, Ukrainian officials will not attend the talks.

On Sunday Germans will go to the polls in the country's general election to choose their next leaders. One topic on many people's minds is immigration. We return to a town in the west of Germany to see how attitudes have changed in the last ten years since the huge 2015 European migration crisis.

We'll go back to Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as it becomes the second city to fall to the M23 rebels.

(Photo: Fire breaks out at private factory after Russian drone strike in Ukraine's Kharkiv, 28 January 2025; Credit: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


MON 07:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k6q3g)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 07:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs0ts1)
European leaders to hold Ukraine summit

European leaders are gathering in Paris for an emergency summit later today on Ukraine, after the United States said it was opening talks with Russia on ending the war without a European presence. We’ll speak to a Ukrainian member of parliament.

We'll have the latest as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins his tour of the Middle East after his first stop in Israel over the weekend.

We’ll hear about a new BBC documentary on what it’s like for children in Gaza trying to survive the Israel-Hamas war.

And the Democratic Republic of Congo says Rwanda is ignoring its pleas for a ceasefire, after M23 rebels took another city.

(Photo: Soldiers from 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, 27 January 2015; Credit:
EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


MON 08:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k6tvl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 08:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5t0y)
Tom Fletcher: What is the impact of US foreign aid cuts?

Sarah Montague speaks to the UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher. As President Trump pulls almost all America’s foreign aid spending, what will the impact be on those around the world who most rely on it?


MON 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4x63z)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct5z7s)
Are electric planes the future?

How to make a battery powered plane that can fly long distances, whilst carrying passengers, is a key challenge facing the aviation sector.

As the world tries to reduce its consumption of fossil fuels, researchers are looking to make flight more sustainable to deal with ever growing demands.

We hear about some pioneering projects in the Netherlands which are trying to do all of this, whilst still being commercially viable.

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

Produced and presented by Matthew Kenyon

(Image: A render of Dutch start up Elysian's fully electric regional aircraft, which it says will have a range of 500 miles. Credit: Elysian)


MON 08:50 Witness History (w3ct5yj5)
The world's longest kiss

In 2013, Guinness World Records deactivated the record for the longest kiss after 15 years, saying it had become too dangerous and some of the rules conflicted with their current updated policies.

It means Thai couple Ekkachai, and his wife Laksana, still hold the title, after first breaking it in 2011, with a time of 46 hours and 24 minutes, then again in 2013 with 58 hours and 35 minutes.

The couple are no longer together but Ekkachai looks back at breaking the records with Megan Jones.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Thai couple kiss during a competition. Credit: Pornchai Kittiwongsakul/AFP via Getty Images)


MON 09:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k6ylq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j0501)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4x9w3)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 09:32 CrowdScience (w3ct5rjg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


MON 10:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k72bv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 10:06 The History Hour (w3ct5n32)
Great speeches from around the world

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History interviews from the BBC World Service. We discuss the 1992 speech given by Australian Prime Minister, Paul Keating, in which he acknowledged the moral responsibility his government should bear for the horrors committed against Indigenous Australians, with our guest Dr Rebe Taylor from Tasmania University.

We also look at two female orators from opposite ends of the political spectrum: Eva Peron, also known as Evita, from right-wing Argentina and Dolores Ibárruri, who was a communist and anti-fascist fighter in the Spanish Civil War.

There are also two speeches from the USA, one which is remembered as one of the great presidential speeches of all time and another which help to change the view of AIDS in the country.


Contributors:
Don Watson - who wrote Paul Keating's Redfern speech in 1992.

Dr Rebe Taylor - Australian historian from the University of Tasmania.

Archive of Eva Peron - former first lady of Argentina.

Mary Fisher - who addressed the Republican Party convention in 1992.

David Eisenhower and Stephen Hess - Dwight Eisenhower's grandson and former speechwriter.

Archive of Delores Ibárruri - former anti-fascist fighter in the Spanish Civil War.

(Photo: Paul Keating Credit: Pickett/The Sydney Morning Herald/Fairfax Media via Getty Images)


MON 11:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k762z)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j0dh9)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4xkcc)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct6dml)
War through the eyes of a child

Gaza has an incredibly young population, with pre-war estimates suggesting around half of those living in the territory are under 18, according to health ministry figures. When the conflict began in October 2023, Israeli authorities told civilians to move to a 'humanitarian zone' to ensure their safety. But, BBC analysis shows that this area was targeted almost 100 times in an eight-month period last year - the Israel Defence Forces say Hamas fighters were operating there. Now, a new BBC documentary filmed in the zone shows what civilian life in the midst of war is really like, as three children fight to survive.

Jonny Dymond is joined by Jamie Roberts, a co-director of the film. He introduces us to Zakaria, an 11-year-old living alone at one of Gaza's few functioning hospitals, al-Aqsa.

Listeners in the UK can see the full documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, on BBC iPlayer.

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 You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Producers: Laurie Kalus, Eleanor Sly and Richard Moran

Sound engineers: Ben Andrews and Dafydd Evans

Assistant editors: Alice Aylett Roberts and Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: China Collins


MON 12:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k79v3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 12:06 Outlook (w3ct5nrf)
Rebel gunmen in Ugandan skies

Pilot Firoz Khimji witnessed his country's wars from above. Then conflict came for him.

For most of his life, Uganda had been unstable, but he'd been able to train as a commercial pilot despite the violence. When qualified, Firoz took a job with Ugandan Airlines. This was the 1980s, and he had to routinely fly between territories controlled by different armed groups. War was ever-present, but Firoz would always emerge unscathed, until a routine flight went badly wrong. (This interview was first broadcast in February 2023)

Presenter: Asya Fouks
Producer: Eric Mugaju and Harry Graham

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

(Photo: Firoz Khimji in the cockpit. Credit: Firoz Khimji)


MON 12:50 Witness History (w3ct5yj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


MON 13:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k7fl7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j0mzk)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4xsvm)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 13:32 The Conversation (w3ct5x0v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


MON 14:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k7kbc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 14:06 Newshour (w172zb9d3c35dtb)
European leaders hold emergency summit on Ukraine

European leaders hold an emergency summit on Ukraine, as direct talks get under way between the US and Russia. The Russian foreign minister says Europe should mind its own business.

Also in the programme: as the US Secretary of State tries to persuade the Saudis of Donald Trump's vision for a Gaza without Palestinians, we have a Gazan child's-eye view of the war; and we hear from the writer whose novel has been turned into the award-scooping movie about a papal election.

(IMAGE:The presidential Elysée Palace in Paris, where European leaders are meeting to discuss the crisis over Ukraine / CREDIT: Daniel.Wittenberg / BBC)


MON 15:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k7p2h)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 15:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5t0y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


MON 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4y1bw)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct5zzc)
EU leaders gather to discuss defence

EU leaders meet to discuss defence spending. Funding could be increased if the US withdraw support to Ukraine
But does Europe have the capacity to build up its armaments production?
In China President Xi meets with Chinese tech giants including Jack Ma
And American small business owners are trying to keep up with the latest tariffs announcements coming out of Washington


MON 16:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k7stm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 16:06 BBC OS (w172zbjjtkmwfwz)
European leaders host Ukraine summit

European leaders are meeting in Paris for an emergency summit on Ukraine with reports that some leaders would be ready to put peacekeeping troops in Ukraine if and when the war ends. We get reaction from Ukrainians on the ground and from people elsewhere in Europe.

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other key US officials are travelling to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin's aide, Yuriy Ushakov. Ukrainian MPs share their views on the developments and on the fact that Kyiv has not been invited.

The Chinese President Xi Jinping has held a rare high-profile meeting with private business leaders in Beijing, as concern grows over China's slowing economic growth and increasing competition with the United States. Our Asia Pacific editor explains.

The Vatican says Pope Francis faces a complex clinical situation and will remain in hospital. Our correspondent gives the latest from the Vatican.

The BBC's marking five years since starting the Indian Sportswoman of the Year. Our colleague in Delhi joins us to talk about the winner and achievements in women's sport in India.

Presenter: Luke Jones.

(Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as she arrives for a meeting with European leaders on Ukraine and European security at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 17, 2025. Credit: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters)


MON 17:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k7xkr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 17:06 BBC OS (w172zbjjtkmwkn3)
Ukraine summit: Poland calls for defence spend rise

A core group of European leaders are discussing how they hope to reach a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk says he will urge officials to "immediately" boost defence spending. US officials are preparing for a meeting with a Russian delegation on Tuesday in Saudi-Arabia. We speak to our chief international correspondent and to our correspondent covering this week's gathering in Saudi-Arabia.

Some European leaders have indicated that they would be ready to put peacekeeping troops in Ukraine if and when the war ends. We get reaction from Ukrainians on the ground and speak to our colleague with BBC Ukraine.

We also go to Germany where immigration is a big issue in this week's election. Ten years ago, at the height of Europe’s migration crisis, the BBC visited Oberhausen in west Germany. Our Berlin correspondent has returned to the city to find out how the area is coping.

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio is already in Saudi Arabia where he's discussing Donald Trump's proposal to move millions of Palestinians out of Gaza to neighbouring countries while the US takes over the territory. Our correspondent in Jerusalem explains.

Presenter: Luke Jones.

(Photo: Ukrainian 3rd Separate Tank Brigade on the frontline in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine - 10 Feb 2025. Credit: SERGEY KOZLOV/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


MON 18:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k819w)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 18:06 Outlook (w3ct5nrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


MON 18:50 Witness History (w3ct5yj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


MON 19:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k8520)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j1cgb)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4yjbd)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct5w4r)
2025/02/17 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 (w172zgfln3k88t4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 20:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct5sk2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 on Sunday]


MON 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4yn2j)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 20:32 Discovery (w3ct5rp0)
The Life Scientific: Bill Gates

Bill Gates is one of the world's best-known billionaires - but after years at the corporate coalface building a software empire and a vast fortune, his priority now is giving that wealth away. And his ethos for doing it has been shaped by science.

Famed for co-founding Microsoft, in recent decades Bill’s attention has turned to philanthropy via The Gates Foundation: one of the largest charities in the world. Since its inception in 2000, the organisation has helped tackle issues around health, education, inequality and climate change in some of the world’s poorest countries, with an undeniable impact, from contributing to the eradication of wild poliovirus in Africa, to helping halve global child mortality rates within 25 years.

But, as Jim al-Khalili discovers, for a man with lofty ambitions and an even loftier bank balance Bill has surprisingly humble tastes.


MON 21:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k8dk8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 21:06 Newshour (w172zb9d3c36817)
European leaders say they are united on security of the continent

Today, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in Riyadh ahead of Russia talks . Simultaneously, European leaders have met in Paris, to discuss Ukraine and defence spending. We hear from Dimiti Trenin a Russian foreign policy expert and former military intelligence officer, on what Russia hopes to achieve from a potential deal. We also hear what role Saudi Arabia is playing in negotiating with the USA on the future of Gaza.

Also on the programme: why some scientists have suggested the reintroduction of wolves to the Scottish Highlands to combat climate change and; a new BBC documentary has spent the last nine months following the lives of four young people in Gaza.

Image: French President Emmanuel Macron, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen react following a meeting with European leaders on Ukraine and European security at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 17, 2025. (Credit: Abdul Saboor via Reuters)


MON 22:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k8j9d)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 22:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j1qpq)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4ywks)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 22:32 World Business Report (w3ct601m)
Who’s spent what on the war in Ukraine?

European leaders have been meeting in Paris to discuss military support for Ukraine. The United States has demanded that Europe increases defence spending and sends troops to Ukraine if there is a ceasefire in the war with Russia.

Also, are Canadians boycotting US goods in shops after President Trump’s tariff threats?

And Ed Butler reports from one of Africa’s biggest e-waste dumps in Ghana.


MON 23:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k8n1j)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 23:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5t0y)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


MON 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4z09x)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 23:32 The Conversation (w3ct5x0v)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]

TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2025

TUE 00:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k8rsn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 00:06 The History Hour (w3ct5n32)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k8wjs)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 01:06 Business Matters (w172zbfyvpwm4pn)
Who’s spent what on the war in Ukraine?

European leaders have been meeting in Paris to discuss military support for Ukraine. The United States has demanded that Europe increases defence spending and sends troops to Ukraine if there is a ceasefire in the war with Russia.

Also, are Canadians boycotting US goods in shops after President Trump’s tariff threats?

And Ed Butler reports from one of Africa’s biggest e-waste dumps in Ghana.

Also, Meta, Facebook’s parent company, says it plans to build the world’s longest undersea cable, to bring industry-leading connectivity to five continents.

We will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Sushmar Ramachandran, who is Independent journalist and columnist with the Tribune newspaper based in Delhi and Oliver Stuenkel, an associate professor of International Relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Sao Paulo, Brazil.


TUE 02:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k908x)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j26p7)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4zck9)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 02:32 Assignment (w3ct5mv3)
The village that came back from the dead

In Germany some 300 villages have been destroyed since the Second World War because of the coal that lay beneath them. Villagers have grown up in the knowledge that one day their house will be torn down and generally they’ve accepted the deal on offer: the mine buys their house and they build a new one in a brand-new village. But the demands of climate change and the need to curb CO2 emissions has changed attitudes to fossil fuels. In one region west of Cologne all mining activity will cease by 2030, 15 years earlier than planned. Which means that villages designated for demolition are now going to survive. That news isn’t always welcome. Tim Mansel has visited one of them.

Produced and presented by Tim Mansel
Studio Manager: Rod Farquhar
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Penny Murphy
The programme includes music composed and performed by Bernd Servos

(Image: Bürgewald, once doomed to demolition, now the “village of the future. Credit: Tim Mansel/BBC)


TUE 03:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k9411)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 03:06 Outlook (w3ct5nrf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Monday]


TUE 03:50 Witness History (w3ct5yj5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k97s5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j2g5h)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v4zm1k)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 04:32 In the Studio (w3ct5tm0)
Jennifer Walshe: Zero-gravity opera

Dublin-born Jennifer Walshe is one of the world’s most bold and imaginative contemporary classical composers, and holds the prestigious post of professor of composition at Oxford University. Whether it is Barbie dolls or recipe books, the mundane and strange materials of life are central to Walshe’s work. Now, for the Irish National Opera, she is developing a major new work set on Mars.

Walshe’s opera will respond to astrophysics data, Martian meteorites, trashy sci-fi, eco-anxiety in young people, and tech billionaires’ obsession with conquering space. Broadcaster Katie Derham tracks Walshe as she launches into the project, with months of immersive intergalactic research. Derham then finds Walshe in her North London home studio, trying to turn Mars into music.

This creative journey is a long one. Expect some bumps on the ride.

Producer: Jude Shapiro
Executive producer: Jack Howson
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC World Service

Image: Jennifer Walshe (Credit: Michèl Schiwôn)


TUE 05:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k9cj9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 05:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs3h5w)
Saudi Arabia to host US-Russia talks on Ukraine

The US and Russia are due to talk about ending the war in Ukraine. We'll go live to Finland for a European perspective on the talks. We'll also hear from the frontline on the border between Ukraine and Russia where the fighting continues.

The Israeli military has started to pull its forces out of southern Lebanon, as part of the ceasefire deal to end the fighting with Hezbollah.

We've the latest on the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the M23 rebels have seized the city of Bukavu.

Nick Marsh has our business headlines from Singapore and Isaac Fanin has the morning sport.

(Photo: Marco Rubio meets with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, in Riyadh, February 17, 2025; Credit: Reuters)


TUE 06:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k9h8f)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 06:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs3ly0)
US and Russia hold face to face talks

In what could be a defining week for the war in Ukraine, with European leaders meeting in Paris on Monday and Russian and American officials in Riyadh today, none of which Ukrainians have attended. We'll assess what the key players want from these talks.

The Israeli military is reported to have begun withdrawing from southern Lebanon, in line with a ceasefire deal brokered last year to end its war with Hezbollah. However the Israeli army has said some troops would remain at five outposts on hills near the Lebanese border.

We'll go back to the Democratic Republic of Congo where the situation remains tense as fighting rages on in the east.

We'll bring you the latest on the health of Pope Francis as the Vatican says he will stay in hospital for as long as necessary.

(Photo: Russian delegation arrives in Riyadh, 17 February 2025; Credit: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


TUE 07:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k9m0k)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 07:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs3qp4)
Lavrov meets Rubio in Saudi Arabia

Russian and US officials are meeting in Saudi Arabia today to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, but without Ukrainian participation. We'll head to Kyiv to speak to a former Ukrainian Defence Minister .

The Israeli military has started to pull its forces out of southern Lebanon, as part of the ceasefire deal to end the fighting with Hezbollah. We'll speak to a former Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister.

Opposition politicians in Argentina have called for the impeachment of President Javier Milei after he touted a cryptocurrency whose price soared then collapsed, reportedly leading to millions of dollars in losses.

We'll go back to the Democratic Republic of Congo where the situation remains tense as fighting rages on in the east.

(Photo: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Tel Aviv, February 17, 2025; Credit: Reuters)


TUE 08:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k9qrp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 08:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct5txc)
How to have better sex

Sex is one of the few things in life that is available to everyone and is free. But achieving enjoyable sex is not possible for many. Some people are held back by fear, ignorance or culture - others don’t know or understand their rights around sex. For years public health campaigns focused on warning people about the downsides of sex - danger, disease and death - but increasingly the work is focused on the reasons people have sex. We're in Brazil where we meet Ana Autoestima. She’s a ‘virtual friend’ who provides positive advice about sex to women living some of the poorest neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro. We also visit Iraq to find out how a project is helping women who’ve suffered from female genital mutilation or FGM to enjoy their bodies and sexuality. And we’ll hear from Kenyan celebrity and musician Kaz Karen Lucas whose mission is to change the way Kenyans think about sex.

This programme contains adult themes.

People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Producer: Claire Bowes
Editor: Jon Bithrey
Sound mix: Gareth Jones

(Image: Podcaster Kaz recording The Spread with guests, Kaz Karen Lucas)


TUE 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v50312)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct5zjt)
India's $30bn festival

The festival of Kumbh Mela is estimated to attract 400 million Hindus and other visitors from around the world.

The 45-day festival is a massive economic engine, injecting billions in the economy of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, which is hosting the event. And this year, it is a Grand Mela, which only happens once every 144 years.

From big businesses to street vendors and hotel owners, to major brands and digital entrepreneurs, all are looking to cash in on the influx of visitors.

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

Presented and produced by Devina Gupta

(Image: Shoppers next to a toy stall at Kumbh Mela in 2023. Credit: Getty Images)


TUE 08:50 Witness History (w3ct5ynp)
Bo: The death of a language

In 2010, one of the oldest languages in the world died after the death of its last remaining speaker.

For 40 years, Boa Senior from the Indian Andaman Islands was the only person who spoke the Bo language. She died, aged 85.

Leading up to her death, linguist Professor Anvita Abbi spent years attempting to learn the dying language.

Without family or friends who understood her, Boa took to speaking to birds – she said they were her ancestors. Eventually she opened up to Anvita, singing songs and sharing ancient tales.

Anvita was the first and last person to record Boa’s voice.

She talks to Natasha Fernandes about her death and how it changed a whole way of life.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Boa Senior in a tsunami relief camp in 2005. Credit: Anvita Abbi)


TUE 09:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k9vht)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j31x4)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v506s6)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 09:32 Assignment (w3ct5mv3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


TUE 10:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3k9z7y)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 10:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct5qks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:06 on Saturday]


TUE 11:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kb302)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j39dd)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v50g8g)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct6fc5)
How can Europe defend itself without the United States?

With the Trump administration threatening to redirect America's foreign defence spending from Ukraine and Europe to other parts of the world, European leaders are grappling with what the future of their security could be without US support.

Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC's diplomatic correspondent James Landale. They discuss the threat of Russia and how Europe could defend its borders if the United States were to withdraw its money and manpower from the continent.

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 You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Eleanor Sly and Laurie Kalus

Sound engineer: Gareth Jones

Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: China Collins


TUE 12:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kb6r6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 12:06 Outlook (w3ct5p5z)
I created Africa's largest ever photo library

Paul Ninson grew up hearing traditional stories about Ghana's Ashanti people from his grandparents. He became a self-taught photographer, committed to capturing and preserving African culture. While studying in New York he had a chance encounter with Humans of New York photoblog creator Brandon Stanton. With his help, Paul founded the Dikan Centre, Ghana's first photo library and now the largest in Africa with over 30,000 books and 25 million archival items.

Award-winning Haitian photographer Dieu Nalio Chery came face to face with a bullet while on assignment. He managed to capture the astonishing moment of being shot at on camera, and it was part of a set of photographs nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News Photography. He told Outlook's Anu Anand about the moment the gunman pulled the trigger. (This interview was first broadcast in October 2020)

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producers: Emily Naylor, Tommy Dixon and Hetal Bapodra

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


TUE 12:50 Witness History (w3ct5ynp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


TUE 13:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kbbhb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j3jwn)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v50prq)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 13:32 In the Studio (w3ct5tm0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


TUE 14:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kbg7g)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 14:06 Newshour (w172zb9d3c389qf)
US-Russia talks in Riyadh on Ukraine war

The US and Russia have met in Saudi Arabia to begin negotiations on ending the Ukraine war. The high level meeting, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, was the first since Moscow's full-scale invasion three years ago.

Also in the programme: Israel pulls out of villages in southern Lebanon as part of its ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, but leaves some hilltop outposts in a move the UN says violates the deal; and as the first legal challenge to an action by the Trump administration reaches the US Supreme Court - will it shift the limits of the president's powers?

(IMAGE: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (R) and Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov (2-R) attending a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (2-L), US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz (3-L) and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff (L), Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Saudi National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad Al-Aiban at Diriyah Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 18 February 2025. / CREDIT: Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


TUE 15:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kbkzl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 15:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct5txc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


TUE 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v50y7z)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct608d)
Does Russia’s economy need a peace deal?

Does Russia’s economy need a peace deal? Western sanctions, inflation soaring, and businesses under strain, Russia’s economy faces serious headwinds
Argentina’s President Javier Milei, is in trouble over an obscure cryptocurrency he shared a link to
Could restoring Syria’s heritage sites help the economic development of the country?


TUE 16:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kbpqq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 16:06 BBC OS (w172zbjjtkmzbt2)
US-Russia talks on Ukraine war

The US and Russia will appoint teams to negotiate ending the Ukraine war, the US State Department says, following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia. No Ukrainian officials were invited to the talks, and Ukraine has criticised them. We speak to our correspondents across the region to hear how these talks might play out.

It's been almost three years since Russia invaded Ukraine. We connect with three people we spoke to at the start of the invasion to hear how their lives have changed and how they feel about the future.

Lebanese residents are returning to their empty villages in the south following Israel's military withdrawal have found scenes of widespread destruction. The Lebanese army warned people not to step on the rubble for fear of unexploded ordinance. We speak to our correspondent in Lebanon.

Presenter: Luke Jones

Photo: Russian delegation arrives for Russia-USA negotiations in Riyad, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh - 18 Feb 2025

Photo credit: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock


TUE 17:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kbtgv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 17:06 BBC OS (w172zbjjtkmzgk6)
DRC conflict: What's happening in Goma?

In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, M23 rebel fighters are continuing their advance amid a growing humanitarian crisis. Three weeks ago they took control of the city of Goma, thousands of people died in the process. Our senior international correspondent Orla Guerin has been to Goma to see what's happening there now.

The US and Russia will appoint teams to negotiate ending the Ukraine war, the US State Department says, following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia. No Ukrainian officials were invited to the talks, and Ukraine has criticised them. We speak to our correspondents across the region to hear how these talks might play out.

It's been almost 3 years since Russia invaded Ukraine. We connect with three people we spoke to at the start of the invasion to hear how their lives have changed and how they feel about the future.

Presenter: Luke Jones

Photo: M23 rebels stand guard near civilians during a meeting organised by the M23 at the Stade de l'Unite, after the town of Goma was taken by the M23 rebels, in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, February 6, 2025.

Credit: REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi


TUE 18:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kby6z)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 18:06 Outlook (w3ct5p5z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


TUE 18:50 Witness History (w3ct5ynp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


TUE 19:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kc1z3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j48cf)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v51f7h)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct5w98)
2025/02/18 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 (w172zgfln3kc5q7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 20:06 Assignment (w3ct5mv3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


TUE 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v51jzm)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 20:32 Tech Life (w3ct5wnk)
Human life under the oceans

Planet Earth's oceans remain relatively unexplored. Now one company has a bold plan to build habitats for humans to live and work underwater for long spells of time. We hear about the tech challenges of life on the seabed.

Also on Tech Life, we speak to a Californian TikTok content creator, and a company benefiting from being on TikTok, as the future of the video-sharing platform in the United States remains uncertain. And who needs big crowds and long queues ? Is the future of gaming expos virtual ?

We are always keen to hear from you. You can email us: techlife@bbc.co.uk, or send us a text message or voice note on Whatsapp: +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Chris Vallance
Producer: Tom Quinn
Editor: Monica Soriano

(Image: An illustration of an underwater human habitat known as a Sentinel. Credit: Deep.)


TUE 21:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kc9gc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 21:06 Newshour (w172zb9d3c394yb)
US and Russia agree to work on ending the war in Ukraine

Diplomats from Moscow and Washington agree to press ahead with negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. The talks, which are taking place in Saudi Arabia, are underscored by the absence of any Ukrainian representative. We talk about the latest diplomatic developments and the role of sanctions in the conflict.

Also on the programme: we hear from the patients in Nigeria who are affected by cuts in USAID’s HIV care; and Britain’s new National Poetry Centre.

(Photo: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attending a press conference after negotiations with US officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Credit: Shutterstock)


TUE 22:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kcf6h)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 22:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j4mlt)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v51sgw)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 22:32 World Business Report (w3ct60bn)
The future of US-Russia economic relations

The US and Russia have outlined their intention to build relations far beyond a deal over Ukraine—extending to cooperation on other global issues and developing sizeable economic and investment links.

Argentine President Javier Milei has denied promoting a newly launched cryptocurrency that collapsed shortly after he mentioned it in a social media post on Friday.

And Ed Butler hears about a rare and original painting by the mysterious, UK-based artist Banksy that is up for sale and is set to raise millions at auction.


TUE 23:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kcjym)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 23:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct5txc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


TUE 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v51x70)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 23:32 In the Studio (w3ct5tm0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]

WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2025

WED 00:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kcnpr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 00:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct5qks)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:06 on Saturday]


WED 01:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kcsfw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 01:06 Business Matters (w172zbfyvpwq1lr)
What is the future of US-Russia economic relations?

The US and Russia have outlined their intention to build relations far beyond a deal over Ukraine—extending to cooperation on other global issues and developing sizeable economic and investment links.

Argentine President Javier Milei has denied promoting a newly launched cryptocurrency that collapsed shortly after he mentioned it in a social media post on Friday.

And Ed Butler hears about a shocking revelation from Nasa that a large asteroid could be on course to hit earth. Although the space agency does go on to say, don't panic, it almost certainly won't.

We’ll be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Amita Arudpragasm, who's an Independent policy analyst based in Sri Lanka, and Sergio Guzman, the Director of Colombia Risk Analysis, which advises local and global companies looking to invest in Colombia and the region.


WED 02:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kcx60)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j53lb)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v528gd)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 02:32 The Climate Question (w3ct5wt1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 on Sunday]


WED 03:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kd0y4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 03:06 Outlook (w3ct5p5z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Tuesday]


WED 03:50 Witness History (w3ct5ynp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Tuesday]


WED 04:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kd4p8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j5c2l)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v52hyn)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 04:32 Good Bad Billionaire (w3ct6xl0)
Jerry Seinfeld: The World’s Richest Comedian

Jerry Seinfeld has a life-long obsession with jokes, but his smash hit sitcom turned the New York stand-up into the richest comedian of all time. Seinfeld was the most watched programme in America when it ended in in 1998, but it’s what came next that made the real Jerry Seinfeld mega rich – streaming and syndication. Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng find out how transcendental meditation, a top Hollywood agent, the unexpected death of a parent and an “inability to act” all helped drive his spectacular success, before deciding if they think he’s good, bad, or just another billionaire.

We’d love to hear your feedback. Email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or drop us a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176.

To find out more about the show and read our privacy notice, visit www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire


WED 05:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kd8fd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 05:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs6d2z)
Trump more confident of a peace deal in Ukraine

The meeting in Riyadh was the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that Russian and American delegations are known to have met face-to-face.

President Trump's been on tv with Elon Musk to talk about cutting government spending... we've been watching it for you...

We'll hear from an HIV patient in Nigeria who's directly affected by cuts to USAID

(Picture: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida; Credit: Reuters)


WED 06:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kdd5j)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 06:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs6hv3)
Trump 'disappointed' by Ukraine's reaction

Speaking to reporters at Mar-a-Lago, President Trump was asked by the BBC what his message was to Ukrainians who might feel betrayed. "I hear that they're upset about not having a seat, well, they've had a seat for three years and a long time before that. This could have been settled very easily," he said. In a meeting in Saudi Arabia, Russia and the US said they had agreed to appoint teams to start negotiating the end of the war.

We'll also look into what we learned from Donald Trump and Elon Musk giving their first interview together.

Two months since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria - many people are still looking for their loved ones who disappeared during his time power. We'll hear a report from Damascus as the BBC finds evidence some children were transferred to orphanages by order of the security apparatus.

(Pic: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks, as he sits to sign an executive order, in the Oval Office; Credit: Reuters)


WED 07:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kdhxn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 07:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs6ml7)
US Special Envoy Kellogg heads to Kyiv

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump was asked by the BBC what his message was to Ukrainians who might feel betrayed.

"I hear that they're upset about not having a seat, well, they've had a seat for three years and a long time before that. This could have been settled very easily," he said.

M23 rebels continue their advance in DRC. We bring you a report from our correspondent

Hamas says it's ready to release all the hostages due to be freed in phase two of the ceasefire deal with Israel in one go.... but with conditions.

(Pic: U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg salutes; Credit: Reuters)


WED 08:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kdmns)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 08:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5t5g)
Laila Soueif and Sanaa Seif: Hunger for freedom

Stephen Sackur speaks to Laila Soueif, mother of Alaa Abdel Fattah, a political prisoner in Egypt and Alaa’s sister Sanaa Seif. Laila is into the fifth month of a hunger strike in a desperate bid to win her son’s freedom. Alaa is a dual British-Egyptian citizen – should the UK be doing more to help?

(Photo: Egyptian activist Laila Soueif gives a statement to the media outside Downing Street about her son, Alaa Abdel Fattah, in London, 10 February 2025. Credit: Tolga Akmen/EPA)


WED 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v52zy5)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct5zpb)
How 'cosplay' became big business

Cosplay is the ultimate form of fancy dress – with fans of graphic novels and video games doing everything they can to emulate their favourite fictional characters. And it's a big money-spinner globally.

We find out why the hobby has grown so much over the past two decades – and meet those who’ve turned their passion for cosplay into a career.

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

Presented and produced by Will Chalk

(Picture: Cosplayers pose as Star Wars characters during New York Comic Con 2024, in New York City. Credit: Getty Images)


WED 08:50 Witness History (w3ct5yqy)
Bolivia’s first indigenous president

In December 2005, Evo Morales made history in Bolivia when he became the country’s first indigenous president.

The country is one of the poorest in South America and has the highest proportion of indigenous people on the continent – they had been marginalised for centuries.

His election came after years of protests over the destruction of coca leaf crops and the privatisation of the country's oil and gas reserves.

Tim O’Callaghan speaks to Bolivia’s former Vice President Álvaro García Linera.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Evo Morales. Credit: Reuters)


WED 09:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kdrdx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j5yt7)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v533p9)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 09:32 The Climate Question (w3ct5wt1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 on Sunday]


WED 10:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kdw51)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 10:06 The Documentary (w3ct7mcg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


WED 11:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kdzx5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j669h)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v53c5k)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct6ds3)
Is Rwanda backing rebels in the DRC?

The mineral-rich east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been dogged by conflict for more than 30 years, since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Violence has once again seen an uptick in recent months as the M23 rebel group has captured a number of key cities and towns. Led by ethnic Tutsis, the militia has long been associated with the Rwandan government by the UN and others, but President Paul Kagame has consistently dismissed the links. But, as international attention on the humanitarian situation in the eastern DRC grows, is this a line he can sustain?

On this episode, Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC's Deputy Africa Editor, Anne Soy. They track the origins of the conflict, and consider the incentive behind Rwanda's alleged involvement.

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 You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Producers: Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins

Sound engineer: Dafydd Evans

Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: China Collins


WED 12:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kf3n9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 12:06 Outlook (w3ct5pdr)
'Kids of the Colony': YouTubers exploring their homelands

Londoner Abu Finiin was studying at Oxford University when he began pitching a documentary series he thought could be the next big thing. But when no production companies took it on, he decided to go it alone with his best friends Zak Hajjaj and Kayum Miah. The three friends, who call themselves Kids of the Colony, travelled to Bangladesh, Morocco and the self-declared republic of Somaliland to learn about their cultural heritage and showcase their experiences on their YouTube channel – racking up millions of views on social media.

As the son of conservative Chinese parents Tony Wu never felt like he fitted in growing up in the US. He loved everything about the ocean but his parents discouraged any connection to it and Tony pursued a successful career in finance. But in every spare moment Tony immersed himself in the ocean, especially diving and underwater photography. After a near-death encounter with a sperm whale, Tony took an award-winning photo and left his corporate job to become a full-time photographer, conservationist and National Geographic Explorer. Tony Wu spoke to Outlook's Emily Naylor.

Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: May Cameron


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

(Photo: Kids of the Colony. Credit: Henry Harte)


WED 12:50 Witness History (w3ct5yqy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


WED 13:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kf7df)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j6fsr)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v53lnt)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 13:32 Good Bad Billionaire (w3ct6xl0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


WED 14:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kfc4k)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 14:06 Newshour (w172zb9d3c3c6mj)
Zelensky says Trump is living in a Russian ‘disinformation space’

President Volodymyr Zelensky has hit back at US President Donald Trump's suggestion that Ukraine started the war and that his popularity ratings are low. In forthright comments from a former close US ally, Mr Zelensky said Mr Trump was trapped in a disinformation bubble created by Russia. It comes as he is due to have talks with US envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg. We get the reaction of a Ukrainian MP and hear from the city of Odesa.

Also in the programme: Hamas says it’s willing to release all remaining hostages in one go in exchange for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza; and the discovery of the first ancient Egyptian pharaoh’s tomb in more than a century.

(Picture: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky gives a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 19, 2025. Credit: Tetiana Dzhafarova/Pool via REUTERS)


WED 15:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kfgwp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 15:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5t5g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


WED 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v53v52)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct60dx)
Will fresh EU sanctions on Russia work?

The European Union has announced plans for further sanctions against Russia. Brussels intends to target aluminium exports, add more banking restrictions, and ban further Russian state media outlets from operating in the EU.

Ahead of the German election we hear what economic issues voters are considering.

And, why in an unprecedented move, has South Africa delayed its budget?


WED 16:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kflmt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 16:06 BBC OS (w172zbjjtkn27q5)
Trump calls Zelensky a 'dictator'

President Zelensky has said Donald Trump is living in a Russian disinformation space -- after the US leader suggested Ukraine was to blame for Moscow's invasion. Donald Trump has responded to President Zelensky by describing him as a dictator without elections. We bring together Ukrainian journalists to discuss this week's developments and the growing rift between Zelensky and Trump.

It’s three years this week since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Three Ukrainian refugees share how they have coped with shifting their life.

We speak to our reporter in the Syrian capital about the BBC investigation into the missing children who were detained with their families and transferred to orphanages during the Assad rule.

We speak to people whose pets have gone viral on social media.

Presenter: Luke Jones.

(Photo: Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meet at Trump Tower in New York City, U.S., September 27, 2024. Credit: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)


WED 17:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kfqcy)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 17:06 BBC OS (w172zbjjtkn2cg9)
Trump launches fresh attack on Zelensky

Donald Trump has posted a stinging denunciation of Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky in a growing war of words sparked by Washington's thaw in relations with Moscow. He claimed Mr Zelensky had talked the US into spending hundreds of billions of dollars for a conflict he could not win. Mr Trump called him "a dictator without elections" who had better move fast or he would not have a country left.

We get reaction from Ukrainian MPs and others inside the country. We also ask our correspondent in Washington how President Trump's comments are likely to go down there.

It’s three years this week since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Three Ukrainian refugees share how they have coped with shifting their life.

Presenter: Luke Jones.

(Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 18, 2025. Credit: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)


WED 18:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kfv42)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 18:06 Outlook (w3ct5pdr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


WED 18:50 Witness History (w3ct5yqy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


WED 19:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kfyw6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j758j)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v54b4l)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct5wcj)
2025/02/19 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 (w172zgfln3kg2mb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 20:06 The Climate Question (w3ct5wt1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 on Sunday]


WED 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v54fwq)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 20:32 Health Check (w3ct5t9z)
The global oxygen crisis

The global need for medical oxygen is high, but there are huge gaps in safe and affordable access. The first report of its kind identifies not only who is most vulnerable, but how the world can strengthen the supply of medical oxygen to improve public health and pandemic preparedness.

We hear first-hand the impact of the USAID freeze on health clinicians in practice. And we learn how health systems are rebuilt after conflict, integrating resilience to protect them against future shocks.

Also on the show, can weight-loss drugs curb alcohol addiction? Plus, scientists discover it is not just your tongue that can taste sweetness - sweet taste receptors have been found on the heart, and they could play a role in heartbeat regulation.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Katie Tomsett


WED 21:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kg6cg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 21:06 Newshour (w172zb9d3c3d1vf)
Trump calls Zelensky a 'dictator'

Donald Trump has stepped up his verbal attacks on Volodymyr Zelensky, branding him a dictator who could lose his country, after the Ukrainian leader said the US president had been taken in by Russian disinformation.

Also in the programme: The Netherlands is to return more than a hundred Benin bronze sculptures to Nigeria, where they were looted by British forces in the nineteenth century; Microsoft has unveiled a chip powered by a new state of matter, which it says shows a quantum computing revolution is only years away; and two months after a failed coup, we hear from supporters of South Korea's impeached and imprisoned president.


(Photo credit: Getty Images)


WED 22:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kgb3l)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 22:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j7jhx)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v54pcz)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 22:32 World Business Report (w3ct60h5)
What could quantum computing mean for the business world?

Microsoft has unveiled a new quantum chip called Majorana One, which it says will help the company create computers able to solve meaningful industrial-scale problems in years, not decades.

The US president, Donald Trump, moves to revoke the approval of New York City’s congestion pricing programs. We hear from one of the architects of the congestion charge policy in the city.

And Roger Hearing discusses how a local government in the Philippines has come up with an unusual way of combating dengue fever by announcing a payment for every five mosquitoes caught and brought in.


WED 23:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kgfvq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 23:06 HARDtalk (w3ct5t5g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


WED 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v54t43)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 23:32 Good Bad Billionaire (w3ct6xl0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]

THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2025

THU 00:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kgklv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 00:06 The Documentary (w3ct7mcg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


THU 01:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kgpbz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 01:06 Business Matters (w172zbfyvpwsyhv)
Trump slams brakes on New York congestion charge

The US president, Donald Trump, moves to revoke the approval of New York City’s congestion pricing programs. We hear from one of the architects of the congestion charge policy in the city.

Microsoft has unveiled a new quantum chip called Majorana One, which it says will help the company create computers able to solve meaningful industrial-scale problems in years, not decades.

And Roger Hearing discusses how a local government in the Philippines has come up with an unusual way of combating dengue fever by announcing a payment for every five mosquitoes caught and brought in.

We will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Karen Percy, Senior freelance reporter in Melbourne, Australia, and Emily Peck, Axios Markets Correspondent and co-host of the Slate Money podcast, who's in New York.


THU 02:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kgt33)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j80hf)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v555ch)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 02:32 The Documentary (w3ct7nf3)
Saudi and trans: Eden’s final message

In March 2023, the "final message" from Eden Knight, a young Saudi transgender woman, went viral on Twitter. It was viewed more than 35 million times. It laid bare Eden’s journey from the US back to Saudi Arabia, and the betrayal she claimed to have suffered. BBC Eye investigates the events that led up to Eden’s death, and those she claims were responsible for her return to Saudi Arabia where she tragically took her own life.


THU 03:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kgxv7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 03:06 Outlook (w3ct5pdr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Wednesday]


THU 03:50 Witness History (w3ct5yqy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Wednesday]


THU 04:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kh1lc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j87zp)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v55dvr)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 04:32 The Food Chain (w3ct5xp5)
Masters of the craft

What motivates someone to dedicate years of their life to learning one skill?

Ruth Alexander finds out what it takes to master a craft, the exacting standards one must meet, and why it's all worth it.

Sushi chef Eddie Chow tells us how it took more than ten years to achieve the title of 'master sushi chef', and the pain of getting there.

What does it take to become an illustrious master butcher in Germany? Claus Bobel explains the importance of tradition, and his daughter Yulia tells us why she's following in his footsteps.

And 'Lady of the Ham' Cati Gomez describes the process of becoming a cartadora, and why ham carving is getting more and more popular around the world.


THU 05:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kh5bh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 05:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs9902)
Trump calls Zelensky a 'dictator'

The American president also complained that President Zelensky had rejected proposals to give the US full access to Ukraine’s mineral resources as a way of repaying American military aid. We'll hear from a Ukrainian MP as we look at what position it leaves the country in - nearly three years since Russia invaded.

While in South Korea - the first criminal trial for a sitting president has started. Yoon Suk Yeol faces charges after his short-lived bid to impose martial law at the end of last year.

No more Champions League football for Manchester City this season.

(Pic: U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as he speaks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach; Credit: Reuters)


THU 06:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kh92m)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 06:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs9dr6)
Rift between US and Ukraine widens

Donald Trump says he also believes Russia "have the cards" in any peace talks to end the war in Ukraine because they have "taken a lot of territory".

President Zelensky's five-year term was due to end in May 2024, but elections have been suspended since martial law was declared after Russia's invasion.
European allies of Mr Zelensky are rallying around him.

The first dead hostages will be returned by Hamas to Israel in their next few hours, as part of the ceasefire deal... a psychologist who works with the hostage families will be live with us.

(Pic: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington in 2024; Credit: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


THU 07:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3khdtr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 07:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhs9jhb)
Trump: Zelensky has done a terrible job

President Trump's attacks come after Zelensky, reacting to US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia from which Kyiv was excluded, said the US president was "living in a disinformation space" governed by Moscow.

Hamas says it will hand over the bodies of four hostages , including the two youngest people held by the Palestinian armed group.

Myanmar begins sending back hundreds of foreign nationals who've been working in internet scam centres.

(Pic: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at the White House in Washington; Credit: Reuters)


THU 08:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3khjkw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 08:06 The Inquiry (w3ct5xjn)
Are we ready for the new male contraceptives?

Women have been using the female contraceptive pill for over 60 years, and many other options have followed. Yet, after decades of research, there is still no male version of a birth control pill.

Male options for contraception are limited to the condom, vasectomy or withdrawal. However, clinical trials are underway around the world testing new innovations in male contraception. New options may be less than a decade away but, when they arrive, will people want to take them? In this edition of the Inquiry Sandra Kanthal asks: Are we ready for the new male contraceptives?

Contributors:
Allan Pacey, Professor of Andrology, University of Manchester
Dr Diana Blithe, Chief of the Contraceptive Development Programme, National Institutes of Health
Dhananjay Vaidyanathan Rohini, Founder and Partner, Alstonia Impact
Logan Nickels, Chief Research Office, Male Contraceptive Initiative


Presenter/Producer: Sandra Kanthal
Production Co-ordinator: Liam Morrey
Technical Producer: James Beard
Editor: Tara McDermott


THU 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v55wv8)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct5zd9)
Can Germany's auto industry be revived?

Germany's once mighty motor industry is losing momentum, as high costs, low demand and competition from Chinese firms take a heavy toll on company profits.

With elections in a few days' time, we ask, what do Germany's politicians need to do to put the industry on the road to recovery?

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

Presented and produced by Theo Leggett

(Picture: View of the production plant of the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany. Credit: Getty Images)


THU 08:50 Witness History (w3ct5ylf)
Murder at the Berlin Wall

On 29 March 1974, Czesław Kukuczka stormed into the Polish embassy in East Berlin, threatening to detonate a bomb unless he was allowed to escape to the West.

Shot at point-blank range while trying to cross the Berlin Wall, the identity of Kukuczka's killer remained a mystery for decades - until archive documents led investigators to former Stasi officer Martin Naumann.

Naumann's historic trial made him one of the first former Stasi officers to be convicted of murder.

Dan Hardoon speaks to Dr Filip Gańczak, the historian whose work helped bring Kukuczka’s killer to justice.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: The Berlin Wall. Credit: Owen Franken/Corbis via Getty Images)


THU 09:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3khnb0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j8vqb)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v560ld)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 09:32 The Documentary (w3ct7nf3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


THU 10:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3khs24)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 10:06 The Explanation (w3ct6pmy)
The Media Show: Diplomacy and the media and 100 years of The New Yorker

The future for Ukraine is fought not just on the battlefield but in the media. Governments carefully craft messages to influence global opinion, and media access is a crucial tool in shaping narratives. Former Nato spokesperson Oana Lungescu and The Times defence editor Larisa Brown, explore how Ukraine, Russia, and Western nations use diplomatic messaging to project power and control perceptions.

David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, reflects on the magazine’s 100-year legacy. From long-form, investigative pieces to cultural criticism, The New Yorker has defined literary journalism. Remnick shares insights on the magazine’s fact-checking process, its role in shaping public discourse, and why deeply reported journalism remains crucial in the digital age.

Presenter: Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant producer: Lucy Wai


THU 10:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v564bj)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 10:32 The Global Jigsaw (w3ct7mw0)
Life in occupied Ukraine: Crimea

Russia’s land grab playbook aimed at erasing local identity and Russifying “liberated” territories. Three years into the full scale invasion of Ukraine, we ask what life is like in areas under Russian control. Part one looks at “ripe for Russification” Crimea, which was annexed 11 years ago. Part two focuses on Moscow’s subsequent efforts to assert itself in the separatist East. And in part three we explore the Kremlin’s challenges in subjugating parts of the newly occupied Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. As time passes, the uncertainty over the future of what Ukraine calls “temporarily occupied territories” grows bigger.

Producer: Kriszta Satori
Presenter: Krassi Twigg


THU 11:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3khwt8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j936l)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v5682n)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct6dvc)
From welcome to wary: Europe's divide on migration

A decade of migration through the eyes of a German city. Ten years ago Germany opened its borders to more than a million people at the height of Europe’s so-called migrant crisis. A decade later, that warm welcome has cooled as issues of culture, integration and national identity spark fierce debate across the continent. With German elections just days away, the BBC has revisited one migrant family and the city they landed in, to see how life has changed since 2015 – and what their experience says about the way Europeans now view migration.

On this episode, Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC’s Berlin correspondent Jess Parker, and Mark Lowen, the BBC’s former southern Europe correspondent who covered the refugee crisis for years.

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 You can also message us or leave a voice note via Whatsapp on +44 330 123 9480.

Producers: Peter Goffin and Mhairi MacKenzie

Sound engineers: Hannah Montgomery and Mike Regaard

Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: China Collins


THU 12:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kj0kd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 12:06 Outlook (w3ct5nz6)
A secret music video shot in Iran: My punk family adventure

How many of us would take our dads along with us on our biggest act of punk rebellion? In 2014, Swedish-Iranian artist Nadia Tehran did just that. They recorded an attitude-packed, punk-laden music video with their dad that brought the two even closer together.

Nadia grew up in Sweden to parents who were born and bred in Iran. In 2010 when a far-right anti-immigration group rose to prominence in Sweden Nadia turned to music. In response, she wrote a song called Refugee. And Nadia wanted the video for their protest anthem recorded on the streets of Tehran, where performing music in public is forbidden for women. Nadia’s father, Toomaj, said he would come along for protection and support. There were many brushes with security officials but the video was made and received international acclaim. Later, Nadia’s debut album was nominated for Nordic Album of the Year.

The success had its challenges, and in the heady aftermath, Nadia experienced a mental health breakdown. After coming out as non-binary, with their dad’s unwavering support, Nadia began to recover. They have now written a new album called Husqvarna that is out this year.

If you've been affected by any of the issues in this programme, help is available at Befrienders.org or at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

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

Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: Sarah Kendal

(Photo: Nadia Tehran and their dad Toomaj. Credit: Courtesy of Nadia Tehran)


THU 12:50 Witness History (w3ct5ylf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


THU 13:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kj49j)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5j9bpv)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v56hkx)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 13:32 The Food Chain (w3ct5xp5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


THU 14:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kj81n)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 14:06 Newshour (w172zb9d3c3g3jm)
Hamas hands over first dead hostages

Forensic medical experts in Tel Aviv are trying to confirm the identities and cause of death of four Israeli hostages handed over by Hamas. It is the first time Hamas has returned captives dead since the ceasefire began last month,

The bodies, taken by convoy from Gaza earlier, are believed to be those of a mother and her two young children and an elderly peace activist.

Also in the programme: As the rift deepens between the US and Europe over whether the Ukrainian president is a dictator or a democrat, how should the British prime minister handle his visit to the White House next week? and the former boss of Spanish football is found guilty of kissing a player without her consent.

(Photo shows a young woman holding an Israeli flag reacting as a convoy transports the bodies of deceased hostages Oded Lifschitz, Shiri Bibas and her two children Kfir and Ariel Bibas nearby in Tel Aviv, Israel on 20 February 2025. Credit: Nir Elias/Reuters)


THU 15:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kjcss)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 15:06 The Inquiry (w3ct5xjn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


THU 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v56r25)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct603w)
Students protest in Indonesia over government budget cuts

Hundreds have taken part in ‘Dark Indonesia’ demonstrations critical of policies which will see substantial changes in education and health spending.



Plus, as Apple launches a new iPhone, we ask what is ‘budget friendly’?



And as North Korea opens its borders to western travellers, we hear from one ‘extreme tourism’ business


THU 16:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kjhjx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 16:06 BBC OS (w172zbjjtkn54m8)
US envoy in Ukraine

President Zelensky has been meeting with the US envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellog in Kyiv. Their earlier joint press conference was cancelled. We speak to our colleagues who are covering the story, and we get reaction from Ukrainians to this week's developments.

Germany’s election campaign is into its closing days, overshadowed by Donald Trump’s upending of US foreign policy on Europe and Ukraine. Our Berlin correspondent has been talking to some voters at election rallies.

A month into President Trump’s second term, we speak to people about their experiences of deportations from the US.

Spain's former football chief, Luis Rubiales, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting Jenni Hermoso for kissing the World Cup player without her consent. We speak to our sports reporter.

Presenter: Andrew Peach.

(Photo: U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, n Kyiv, Ukraine, February 20, 2025. Credit: Thomas Peter/Reuters)


THU 17:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kjm91)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 17:06 BBC OS (w172zbjjtkn58cd)
Hamas hands over first dead hostages

Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says he's enraged by what he called the "monsters of Hamas", and has vowed to eliminate the group after they handed over the bodies of four hostages. We hear from hostage families and speak to our correspondent in Jerusalem.

A planned press conference involving Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump's Ukraine envoy has been cancelled. Sources in Kyiv have told the BBC that Keith Kellogg appears to have been sidelined by the Trump administration. We get reaction from Ukrainians and speak to our regional expert.

A month into President Trump’s second term, we bring together Americans who voted for him to discuss what they think about his performance so far. We also speak to people about their experiences of deportations from the US.

Presenter: Andrew Peach.

(Photo: Bodies of four Israeli hostages released by Hamas arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel - 20 Feb 2025. Credit: ABIR SULTAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


THU 18:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kjr15)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 18:06 Outlook (w3ct5nz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


THU 18:50 Witness History (w3ct5ylf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


THU 19:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kjvs9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5jb25m)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v5771p)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct5w70)
2025/02/20 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 (w172zgfln3kjzjf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 20:06 The Documentary (w3ct7nf3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


THU 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v57bst)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 20:32 Science In Action (w3ct5vf5)
Who runs science?

The Lancet this week features a paper calling for a financially sustainable network of influenza labs and experts across Europe. Marion Koopmans was one of the 32 expert signatures, and she describes how Europe needs to learn some lessons from the model developed previously in the US. The ongoing worries around avian H5N1 would be a great example of why funding for that sort of frontline strategic science needs not to be reliant on ad-hoc, potentially political, funding grants.

This weekend, a conference is taking place in Asilomar, CA, to mark 50 years since the 1975 conference there at which scientists developed some rules and guidelines around the future practice of genetic science. The historic Asilomar conference is celebrated by many as the moment scientists first demonstrated that they could spot risks, and self-regulate their activities, around novel and disruptive technologies. Author and scientist Matthew Cobb of the University of Manchester, and Shobita Parthasarathy of the University of Michigan discuss how perhaps other perspectives on the Asilomar legacy should be considered.

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Alex Mansfield
Production Coordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth

(Image: Herbert Boyer (UCSF) and Paul Berg (Stanford) at a conference at Asilomar, February 26, 1975. Credit: Peter Breining/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)


THU 21:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kk38k)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 21:06 Newshour (w172zb9d3c3gyrj)
Zelensky and US Ukraine envoy's news conference cancelled

The news conference with General Keith Kellogg and President Volodymyr Zelensky was due to take place in Kyiv, where they met on Thursday; the cancellation followed a heated exchange between the Ukrainian leader and President Trump.

Also on the programme: Spain's former football federation boss Luis Rubiales has said he'll appeal after a court found him guilty of sexual assault for kissing football player Jenni Hermoso without her consent; and we hear from Martin Campbell, the director of two James Bond films, about Amazon taking full creative control of the franchise.

(Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the US chief envoy for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, attend their meeting in Kyiv Ukraine on 20 February 2025. Credit: SERGEY DOLZHENKO/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


THU 22:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kk70p)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 22:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5jbff0)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v57l92)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 22:32 World Business Report (w3ct6064)
Mexico vs US: guns, drugs and trade

President Trump designated Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups. But Mexico's president said they will never tolerate an "invasion" of it's national sovereignty.

And the James Bond film franchise will no longer be controlled by the Broccoli dynasty. Creative control will now be given to Amazon MGM Studios.

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.


THU 23:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kkbrt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 23:06 The Inquiry (w3ct5xjn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


THU 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v57q16)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 23:32 The Food Chain (w3ct5xp5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2025

FRI 00:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kkghy)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 00:06 The Explanation (w3ct6pmy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Thursday]


FRI 00:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v57tsb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 00:32 Unspun World with John Simpson (w3ct5ycd)
Where do the US-Russia talks leave Ukraine?

This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses exactly what’s at stake following talks between the US and Russia over the Ukraine war, examines whether a second Trump presidency has opened new avenues for China abroad, and looks at the new challenges Syrians are facing following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.


FRI 01:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kkl82)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 01:06 Business Matters (w172zbfyvpwwvdy)
Mexico drugs vs US guns

President Trump says Mexican drug cartels are terrorists groups. And Mexico is accusing the US of facilitating terrorism by putting guns into the cartels hands.

And the James Bond film franchise will no longer be controlled by the Broccoli dynasty. Creative control will now be given to Amazon MGM Studios.

How has life changed since the LA firestorms? LA resident and Business Matters regular Allie Garfinkel tells us what life in the city is like now.

Also why is the comfy sandal brand Birkenstocks being told they are not a work of art in a German court?

Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Asia and the USA.


FRI 02:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kkq06)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5jbxdj)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v5828l)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 02:32 Tech Life (w3ct5wnk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Tuesday]


FRI 03:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kktrb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 03:06 Outlook (w3ct5nz6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Thursday]


FRI 03:50 Witness History (w3ct5ylf)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Thursday]


FRI 04:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kkyhg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5jc4ws)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v589rv)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 04:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct5tgh)
The only thing certain in life

In 2019, performer and writer Rochi Rampal found herself attending 10 funerals in one year. To contend with this, she embarked on her own “crash course” to better deal with death, and felt she had found a new attitude to both grief and dying. But Rochi was then given a new diagnosis that forced her to face the threat to her life that she thought she was ready for and the composure she thought she had was shaken. So Rochi wants to begin again and turns to faith and spirituality for answers while looking back on her personal connection to faith.

If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide, www.befrienders.org

Presenter: Rochi Rampal
Producers: Silvia Malnati and Jesse Lou Lawson
Consultant: Dermot Daly
Executive producer: Anishka Sharma

(Photo: Rochi Rampal with her mother and father. Credit: Rochi Rampal)


FRI 05:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kl27l)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 05:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhsd5x5)
Body returned from Gaza not Bibas mother

One of four bodies returned from Gaza to Israel on Thursday is not hostage Shiri Bibas, as claimed by Hamas, the Israeli military say.

We'll look at a meeting of Arab Leaders in Riyadh who are to discuss a counter proposal to Donald Trump's plan to take control of Gaza and remove palestinians from it.

More American pressure on Ukraine's Zelensky as he's urged to sign away 500 billion dollars worth of his country's mineral wealth:

And we preview the German Federal elections that get underway this weekend.

Presenters: Luke Jones and Lukwesa Burak

(Photo:Shiri Silberman Bibas with her son Kfir. Credit:family handout/PA)


FRI 06:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kl5zq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 06:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhsd9n9)
The hostage body handed over not Bibas mother

The Israeli military has said that the body of a hostage that Hamas handed over from Gaza yesterday is not that of Shiri Bibas - and it has also said that her two young boys - whose bodies were also returned - were murdered by terrorists.

United in opposition to Donald Trump - but what agreement is there amongst Arab leaders gathering in Saudi Arabia, on what happens next in Gaza? We'll be hearing the proposal being put forward by Egypt.

US and Ukrainian leaders continue their war of words over how to bring peace in the war with Russia. We'll be bringing you the view from America on this escalating diplomatic feud.

Also today, Germany heads to the polls this weekend - with concerns of a potential breakthrough for the hard right, AfD party and their so-called 're-migration' policy of mass deportations.


Presenters: Luke Jones and Lukwesa Burak

(Photo:Israeli soldiers salute as they receive the coffins with the bodies of deceased hostages, identified at the time by Palestinian militant groups as Oded Lifschitz, Shiri Bibas and her two children, Kfir and Ariel Bibas. Credit:Handout via Reuters)


FRI 07:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kl9qv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 07:06 Newsday (w172zbkhmhsdfdf)
Hostage body handed over not Bibas mother

The Israeli Prime Minister says Hamas will pay a full price, after accusing them of not handing over the body of mother Shiri Bibas yesterday. We'll have reaction live in Jerusalem.

The US say Ukraine needs to "tone down" its criticism of America and sign a proposed minerals deal - a payment for US defence aid, they say. An MP from President Zelensky's party will tell us what they think.

And with elections in Germany this weekend....how much will immigration feature, and could a hard-right national party come second?

Plus the former boss of Spain's football team is guilty of sexually assaulting a player

Presenters: Luke Jones and Lukwesa Burak


(Photo:A man walks past pictures of Yarden Bibas, Shiri Bibas and Kfir Bibas. Credit: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)


FRI 08:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3klfgz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 08:06 HARDtalk (w3csvpq1)
Poet and playwright: Lemn Sissay

It is dangerous to generalise about the human impulse to create art, but it does often seem to be linked to the experience of dark and painful places Stephen Sackur speaks to Lemn Sissay - a renowned poet and playwright whose writing and performances lay bare his own intimate wounds. He was abandoned as a baby, rejected by his foster family and abused in public institutions of care. He has since been on a quest to understand his past and piece together his identity. Along the way how did he find a remarkable poetic voice?

Image: Lemn Sissay, Credit: BBC


FRI 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v58src)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct5z38)
Where does the Mittelstand stand?

Could Germany benefit from drastic Javier Milei-style reforms?

One business owner in Berlin thinks so, and many others want a reduction in the amount of bureaucracy bosses are responsible for.

As a federal election takes place in Germany, members of the Mittelstand, Germany’s famous small and medium-sized businesses known as the “backbone” of the country's economy, tell Business Daily what a new government could do for them.

Theo Leggett travels to a science and research park on the outskirts of Berlin where the boss of an underwater robot company and other tech businesses are based. There's a lot of innovation happening in the buildings, but confidence in politics is low.

And Anouk Millet looks at the Hamburg businesses trying to modernise and forge a path towards an uncertain future.

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

Presenter: Theo Leggett
Producer: Hannah Bewley
Reporter: Anouk Millet

(Image: Fabian Bannasch, CEO of Evologics,holding a robotic "penguin". Credit: BBC)


FRI 08:50 Witness History (w3ct5yfx)
Assassination of Malcolm X

Sixty years ago, on 21st February 1965, the controversial black leader, Malcolm X, was assassinated in Harlem, New York as he was preparing to speak there.

In 2011, Simon Watts spoke to Herman Ferguson who was one of the people who was in the audience that day.

This programme contains outdated racial language that may offend.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.

(Photo: Malcolm X speaks in Harlem six days before he was shot to death. Credit: Bill Quinn/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)


FRI 09:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3klk73)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5jcrmf)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v58xhh)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 09:32 Science In Action (w3ct5vf5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Thursday]


FRI 10:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3klnz7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 10:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct5q36)
Standing on the shoulders of giants

Monty the giant schnauzer won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. And rather than thinking of all things canine, this week the Unexpected Elements team turn their attention to all things giant.

First, we find out how a giant virus could help keep our planet cool.

Next up, we discover the origins of enormous Greek characters, such as the Titans and the Cyclops.

We then find out how giant clams put solar panels to shame.

Plus, we’re joined by Professor Shinobu Ishigaki, director of the Museum of Dinosaur Research at the Okayama University of Science. He tells us about the ginormous footprints he found in the Gobi Desert, and what they could teach us about herbivorous dinosaurs.

That, plus many more Unexpected Elements.

Presenters: Caroline Steel, with Chhavi Sachdev and Camilla Mota.
Producers: William Hornbrook, with Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, Debbie Kilbride, Imaan Moin and Noa Dowling.


FRI 11:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3klsqc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5jd03p)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v594zr)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct6dxm)
Bolsonaro: Is it all over for the 'Trump of the Tropics'?

With President Trump back in the White House, his Brazilian former counterpart Jair Bolsonaro is attempting his own return to high office. Bolsonaro has been nicknamed the 'Trump of the Tropics' but he is facing a lot of hurdles to reclaim his position. He has been barred from standing in the next election by the courts and he has been charged with planning a coup.

Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC's South America correspondent Ione Wells. They discuss the close relationship between Trump and Bolsonaro and ask whether or not Brazil’s former president might ever be able to return to office.

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 You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins

Sound engineer: Mike Regaard

Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: China Collins


FRI 12:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3klxgh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 12:06 Outlook (w3ct69b4)
Outlook Mixtape: The smelly edition

It's a smell bonanza with people's noses as the centrepiece.

British perfumer Jo Malone has the most incredible sense of smell and it has turned her into a very wealthy woman. She has built up a business empire called Jo Malone London, selling scented products, things like candles, and perfume and skin creams. She sold the company for undisclosed millions in the 1990s, and now has a new business, Jo Loves. She spoke to Jo FIdgen in 2016.

When Alix Fox was 17 years old she had an extreme allergic reaction. She was rushed to hospital, but never experienced anything like it again. However, after that, something changed. It's unclear if it was caused by the allergic reaction, but Alix started to smell things that didn't exist. The scents would be triggered by certain emotions or locations. Alix believes she has something called olfactory synaesthesia. She spoke to Saskia in 2018.

Cecilia Bembibre is an olfactory heritage specialist who uses innovative means to collect and preserve smells that might be in danger of dying out. In 2016 Emily Webb went to meet her to find out how she does it.

Professor Luca Turin has always been interested in how perfumes smell. But he’s also interested in how we smell perfumes. Because how we are able to experience smell is still unknown. In the 90s, there was one prevailing theory: that our noses have a way to sense the shapes of molecules and therefore we experience their scent. Luca didn’t think this theory made sense and then revived an old and unpopular idea: that the nose detects smells through the vibration of molecules. Because of his unorthodox beliefs, Luca has faced opposition in the olfaction community.

Presenter: Saskia Edwards

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

(Photo: Cassette tape. Credit: Getty Images)


FRI 12:50 Witness History (w3ct5yfx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


FRI 13:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3km16m)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5jd7ly)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v59dh0)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 13:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct5tgh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


FRI 14:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3km4yr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 14:06 Newshour (w172zb9d3c3k0fq)
Body returned 'not hostage', Israeli military says

Israel has accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire deal after forensic testing revealed the body returned from Gaza on Thursday was not that of Shiri Bibas.

The three other bodies handed over have been identified as her sons, Ariel and Kfir, who would have been aged five and two, and peace activist Oded Lifschitz, 84, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. Hamas have said Shiri's remains seem to have been mixed up with other bodies under the rubble of a structure after an Israeli air strike.

Also in the programme: Can Arab countries come up with a plan to change Donald Trump's mind on Gaza?; and a BBC investigation looks into the companies fuelling West Africa's opioid epidemic.

(Photo shows Israeli soldiers carrying the coffins of deceased hostages on 20 February 2025. Credit: Handout via REUTERS)


FRI 15:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3km8pw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 15:06 HARDtalk (w3csvpq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


FRI 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v59mz8)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 15:32 World Business Report (w3ct5ztv)
Germany heads for crucial election

As Germany heads for a crucial election, we hear from businesses and economists on the most pressing issues

The Trump administration wants a deal from Ukraine over its mineral rights, thought to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars

And Ed Butler hears about a new Chinese film called Ne Zha which has grossed some 1.7 billion dollars since its release last month - making it the highest grossing animation of all time


FRI 16:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kmdg0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 16:06 BBC OS (w172zbjjtkn81jc)
Ukraine war: Your questions answered

The US envoy to Ukraine calls Volodymyr Zelensky a "courageous leader" and says the pair had "positive discussions" in Kyiv yesterday. Our chief international correspondent and our correspondent in Ukraine answer audience questions about Ukraine and Donald Trump’s clash with President Zelensky this week. What does it mean for the future of any peace talks?

Singer Ne-Yo’s polyamorous lifestyle has become a viral story this week. We hear a conversation with people who have open intimate or romantic relationships with more than one person at a time.

The aunt of the two young children returned in coffins by Hamas says the family does not seek revenge even as the Israeli prime minister has accused Hamas of a cruel and evil violation of the ceasefire in Gaza. Our correspondent joins from Jerusalem.

Presenter: Andrew Peach.

(Photo: US Special Presidential Envoy for Russia and Ukraine Keith Kellogg visits Ukraine, Kyiv - 20 Feb 2025. Credit: SERGEY DOLZHENKO/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)


FRI 17:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kmj64)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 17:06 BBC OS (w172zbjjtkn858h)
Who is flooding West Africa with opioids?

An Indian pharmaceutical company is manufacturing unlicensed, highly addictive opioids and exporting them illegally to West Africa where they are driving a major public health crisis in countries including Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote D'Ivoire, a BBC Eye investigation has revealed. We speak to our colleagues who have been investigating.

We speak to Canadian and American ice hockey fans about the 4 Nations Face Off final last night. Canada beat the United States in a match that also had become a political rivalry because of the looming threat of trade war.

Australian soap drama Neighbours has been cancelled again, two years after it was saved by Amazon MGM Studios. We hear from Neighbours fans and speak to a reporter.

A cult-like US group known as Zizians has been linked to a string of murders, sparking several arrests. We speak to our correspondent who has been investigating.

Presenter: Andrew Peach.

(Photo: The task force in Tamale believe this man had taken Tafrodol, which was found in the raid)


FRI 18:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kmmy8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 18:06 Outlook (w3ct69b4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


FRI 18:50 Witness History (w3ct5yfx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


FRI 19:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kmrpd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5jdz2q)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v5b3ys)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct5w2h)
2025/02/21 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 (w172zgfln3kmwfj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 20:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct5rcz)
Ukraine: Three years of war

The past week has seen talks between the United States and Russia – without Ukraine. This was followed by what seems to be a deepening rift between US President Trump and Ukrainian leader President Zelensky. Meanwhile, the war on the ground grinds on and Russia continues to bombard Ukraine with drones and missiles.

In our conversations we bring together three people who we first met on the programme shortly after the full-scale invasion of the country in 2022.

“The war completely permeates our lives,” Ludmyla tells us. “Even when we meet with friends, we still talk about the war but at the same time we talk about the value of life and its fragility because every moment can be the last.”

More than three million people have been displaced to other parts of the country and 6.7 million Ukrainians live abroad as refugees. We catch up with two of them.

We also hear from two women involved in a project to rebuild Ukraine to the sound of rave.

“You have a DJ playing, you have destroyed buildings that need restoration, and you have people who are volunteers,” Darka explains. “Instead of dancing to the music of the DJ, they’re actually building the house or clearing up the debris.”

Presenter: Luke Jones
BBC OS producer: Iqra Farooq
Boffin Media producer: Richard Hollingham

An EcoAudio certified Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC OS team.

(Photo: Sasha in Ukraine helping to restore destroyed buildings. Credit: Sasha)


FRI 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v5b7px)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 20:32 CrowdScience (w3ct5rjh)
Why isn't the sky green?

Vermillion red, vibrant orange, golden yellows, even violet – we're enchanted by the colours that make up a stunning sunset or sunrise. CrowdScience listener Paulina, a lighting designer from Chile, often uses the sunsets she sees from her balcony as inspiration for her designs. And during the day and night, the sky can be all sorts of shades of blue. But Paulina wonders why, in the colour palette of the sky, she never sees any green.

CrowdScience gazes skywards to investigate. Presenter Caroline Steel travels to the Arctic Circle to meet atmospheric physicist Katie Herlingshaw. Katie explains why we usually see the sky as blue, and what makes it transform into fiery reds and oranges at sunrise and sunset. We also peer into the science of perception, as neuroscientist Bevil Conway tells us what’s going on in our eyes (and brains) to make the colours we see in the sky.

But there are some rare occasions when the sky can appear to be green, such as in a rainbow or a green flash at sunset. And then there is the spellbinding green glow of the aurora - the Northern and Southern Lights. We visit the northernmost aurora observatory in the world to try to understand this phenomenon. Are green skies more common than we think?

Presenter: Caroline Steel
Producer: Hannah Fisher
Editor: Cathy Edwards
Production Co-ordinator: Ishmael Soriano
Studio Manager: Sarah Hockley

(Photo: View of sunset in Santiago, Chile. Photo montage courtesy of Paulina Villalobos)


FRI 21:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kn05n)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 21:06 Newshour (w172zb9d3c3kvnm)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


FRI 22:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kn3xs)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 22:06 The Newsroom (w172zbqsk5jfbb3)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v5bh65)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 22:32 World Business Report (w3ct5zx3)
First broadcast 21/02/2025 22:32 GMT

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.


FRI 23:00 BBC News (w172zgfln3kn7nx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 23:06 HARDtalk (w3csvpq1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


FRI 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zggf2v5bly9)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 23:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct5tgh)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]