What in the World cover art

What in the World

What in the World

By: BBC World Service
Listen for free

About this listen

Helping you make sense of what’s happening in your world. Big stories, small stories and everything in between. Understand more, feel better. Five days a week, Monday to Friday.

(C) BBC 2026
Politics & Government
Episodes
  • How big a deal is Andrew being arrested?
    Feb 20 2026

    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor - formerly known as Prince Andrew - has now been released under investigation, after he was arrested on Thursday (on his birthday!) on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

    Police are looking into allegations that the former prince shared official documents with the late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Police have been searching his properties, but this arrest is not related to any sexual offences and Andrew has always denied all wrongdoing. It’s still a significant moment, as the first time in modern history that a senior member of the British Royal Family has been arrested. His brother, King Charles, has said in a statement, “the law must take its course”.

    In this episode, we explain what Andrew is being investigated for, what it might mean for the future of the British Royal Family - and the effect it could have on the ongoing calls for accountability for people with links to Epstein.

    We also have two past episodes you might want to listen to. One where we explain why why Andrew was stripped of his title: The Andrew Formerly Known as Prince https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct73mj

    And another all about the final drop of the Epstein files: Who and what are in the Epstein files https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct73y0

    Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Why is the gold price so high right now?!
    Feb 19 2026

    What’s going on with the price of gold? The precious yellow metal is super important to lots of cultures across the world. In China, its a big part of the Lunar New Year, while in India, gold gifts are linked to marriage traditions. And of course - most of us have dreams of getting our hands on some gold jewellery!

    So in this episode, William Lee Adams, from the What in the World team and former host of Marketplace Morning Report, will give us all the deets on those rising rates. We’ll chat the changing value of gold, spot price vs bullion, what’s behind it and why you should care.

    Plus, Anahita Sachdev, a reporter in the US, takes us through India’s relationship with gold.

    Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Emilia Jansson Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • It’s the year of the Fire Horse!
    Feb 18 2026

    We’re talking about Lunar New Year - it’s the year of the fire horse and it’s the first time this particular combination of Chinese zodiac sign and element has rolled around in 60 years, and the hype is real.

    The story, myth and legend of the animals of the Chinese New Year calendar comes from an ancient Chinese poem telling the story of 12 mythical animals who ended up racing each other to decide which order they would appear in the Chinese zodiac.

    We’re gonna get into how the Lunar New Year is celebrated across the world, hear from some BBC pals about how they’re celebrating and also from some of you guys about your traditions and why this year is special.

    Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.