logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2023
29m 59s

Russian rouble hits symbolic low

Bbc World Service
About this episode
The central bank in Moscow prepares to hold a special meeting as the currency falls sharply against the US dollar. Also: The US, UN and West African leaders condemn threats by Niger's coup leaders to prosecute the ousted president. And 200 people follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, setting sail on the same route he took around the world. 
Up next
Today
EU and Mexico hit back at Trump's tariff threat
The EU and Mexico criticise Donald Trump after he says he will impose 30% tariffs on their exports to the US. Also: why Nicaragua is replacing pavements with concrete, and the British habit of saying sorry. 
31m 30s
Yesterday
The Happy Pod: The trio bringing countries together with music
The trio hoping to soothe global tensions through musical collaboration. They mix Chinese and American songs to focus on similarities not differences. Also: helping disadvantaged teens go to the prom; and a K-pop first.Presenter: Valerie Sanderson. Music composed by Iona Hampson 
27m 19s
Jul 11
Air India crash report: fuel switches cut off after takeoff
A first report into the Air India crash finds fuel switches were in cut off position just after takeoff. Also, President Trump visits flood victims in Texas, and how emergency vaccines have saved thousands of lives. 
29m 24s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2023
Chaos over currency in Nigeria continues
The state of the Nigerian nation ahead of elections, as tensions over the shortage of new currency continue.Also, the M23 rebel movement rejects a new report accusing it of perpetrating rape in the eastern DRC.And South Africa begins ten days of naval training exercises with Russ ... Show More
19m 51s
Feb 2023
Nigeria’s naira crisis overshadows presidential campaign
Nearly 100 million Nigerians are preparing to go to the polls for Saturday's presidential election but it is the economic woes and the lack of currency, rather than the presidential hopefuls, that are taking centre stage. Comoros will assume the chairmanship of the African Union ... Show More
34m 33s
Mar 2024
How the US Dollar Became an International Weapon of War
After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US took a number of extraordinary steps to cut Moscow out of the international financial system. The country immediately was hit with a slew of sanctions. It was cut off from the SWIFT payment system and it even had its dollar reserves seiz ... Show More
46m 59s
Aug 2023
What can Africa get out of the BRICS summit?
For the next two days, South Africa will host world leaders including Xi Jinping of China, Brazil’s Lula da Silva and Narendra Modi of India. Russia’s Vladimir Putin was initially invited, but couldn’t travel to Johannesburg due to a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC. It relate ... Show More
15m 52s
Jul 2023
Niger coup: West African leaders threaten military action
The leaders of the block of West African nations, ECOWAS, threatens to take military action if Niger’s military junta does not end their coup in seven days’ time. In the meantime, economic sanctions have been immediately put in place. Also on the programme: Kenya’s Minister of Fo ... Show More
49m 8s
Aug 2023
Why a Coup in Niger Has the World’s Attention
In a region of Africa where authoritarianism has been rising, Niger seemed to be on a different path of democracy and partnership with the United States.Declan Walsh, chief Africa correspondent for The Times, explains how a military coup has now put all of that in jeopardy and wh ... Show More
26m 3s
May 2024
Ukraine Tries To Halt Russian Advance, Biden Woos Kenya, the Fate of Assange, and More
Ukraine rushes to push back against a new Russian offensive in its northeast Kharkiv region; U.S. President Joe Biden invites Kenyan President William Ruto for a state visit, the first U.S. state visit for an African leader since 2008; London’s High Court decides on whether to ex ... Show More
29m 24s