Russia has been trying to grow its influence in Africa for years, with Russian paramilitary groups operating in countries such as Mali and Niger and Africans being recruited to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine.

But it’s not just through soldiers and paramilitaries - Russia has now announced plans to open eight new cultural centres across Africa. The new centres are expected to open in countries such as Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal, and they will offer locals the opportunity to learn Russian, find out about Russian culture, and get help applying to study there.

So, why is Russia opening more of them? And are more young Africans interested in learning Russian?

The BBC’s West Africa Reporter Makuochi Okafor explains why Russia is keen to build more influence on the continent - and the other countries it’s competing with. We also hear from Raphael, a student based in Lagos who’s learning Russian, about whether he’s seen more people wanting to learn the language.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates and William Lee Adams Editor: Verity Wilde

A series of recent studies suggests that drug use is increasing among Gen Z. Some young people are taking prescription anti-anxiety medications — such as propranolol and pregabalin — without a prescription. They’re buying them online or on the black market, exposing themselves to additional risks.

Jacqui Wakefield, our Global Health Reporter, explains why some young people see these drugs as an alternative to alcohol. They want to reduce social anxiety on a night out and experience a feeling of euphoria, but without the calories and hangover that can come with heavy drinking. We discuss the risks associated with using these drugs without medical supervision, and the potential consequences for young people’s health.

Warning: This episode includes references to suicidal thoughts.

If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, or are experiencing 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

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Tim Hodges Editor: Verity Wilde

In the current global economic environment, youth unemployment is higher than the national average in many countries, as companies are reluctant to take on new staff. According to the United Nations, the global youth unemployment rate rose to 12.4 per cent last year, meaning around 67 million people under 24 can’t find jobs.

Now some companies are staging less conventional recruitment processes that are attracting job applicants and buzz.

We speak with journalist MaryLou Costa about L'Oreal’s Brandstorm competition, which turns recruitment into an X Factor-style competition, with jobs as the prize. The process starts with domestic competitions around the world and culminates in a grand final in Paris.

For the young people involved, is it exciting - or unfair? We hear from Allodya Arofa, a final-year university student who won the national competition in Indonesia, about her experience.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates and William Lee Adams Editor: Verity Wilde

From memes to movies, we’ve all seen vultures getting a bit of a bad rep! The bird of prey is often linked to death and decay, but some people are trying to fight back and try and give them a bit of a rebrand.

Kojo Baidoo is a vulture fan and birder in the US. He tells us about how he’s trying to rehab the vulture brand through social media and why we should have some more love for these feathered friends.

Plus, Makuochi Okafor our West Africa reporter, explains how vultures are disappearing in Nigeria, but a man called the ‘Vulture King’ is trying to save them.

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

After a record 250 consecutive days at sea, the USS Abraham Lincoln finally docked in Thailand last week. Half of the 5,000 crew members are under 24 years old and they’ve been on board since December, as part of the US-Israel war with Iran.

There have been reports of difficult conditions on board, with food shortages, broken plumbing and concerns about the crew’s morale and mental health, but the US Navy says there haven't been severe problems on board. So how can spending months at sea impact your mental health?

We speak to Dr Harold Kudler, a psychiatrist and former head of mental health policy for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about the toll this can take. We also hear from Joe Franta, a merchant mariner and YouTuber who documents his experiences working on cargo ships. He shares what it’s like to be at sea for long periods of time.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Editor: Harriet Oliver

A floating island that appeared in a Canadian reservoir and seemed to vanish has returned. Officials at Williston Reservoir in British Columbia spent months tracking it through satellite imagery and discovered it had drifted 30 kilometres away. The island made international headlines and gained a loyal fan base on social media. Jake Horton from BBC Verify has been looking at the data and gave us an overview of what we can confirm about the island’s story. Plus, Jon Dickson, who specialising in marine wood and sea restoration tells us all about floating islands, and what it’s like to be on one.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mollie Perella and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Imagine you’ve just started a new job or it’s your first day at uni. You’re talking to your boss or teacher, someone who’s much older, much richer, or much more powerful than you. Do you call them by their first name? Or do you go with Mr, Mrs, Professor, Doctor?

In Nigeria, a video of a young woman being corrected for calling a billionaire businessman, Tony Elumelu, by his first name has sparked a conversation about respect, age and power.

We speak to three Nigerians to get their take on the story and how you should refer to your boss.

Plus our reporter Basma El Atti in Nairobi, Kenya, tells us about the unwritten rules elsewhere in the world.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Mollie Perella and Stefania Okereke Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editors: Verity Wilde

Aura farming has left your phone screen and landed in public squares all over Latin America. Hundreds of people are attending ‘aura battles’ - high-energy public competitions where the only way to win is show just how much raw charisma you have. Laura Garcia from BBC Mundo tells us exactly what it takes to prove your aura. Dani San, who’s been organising aura battles in Chile, tells us what it’s like to watch one unfold.

Plus Mollie Perella from the What in the World team gets a lesson in ‘aura farming’ from Ava Arabian, a content creator from New York.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Mollie Perella Editor: Verity Wilde