The Debate

This programme is dedicated to the people of Morocco in mourning right now for the more than 2,000 people killed in the earthquake. We examine what happened, why it proved so devastating and take a look at the difficult rescue effort which includes recovering and getting aid to those in need.

It's India's moment. New Delhi is welcoming the world for the G20 summit at a time of unprecedented clout on the world stage. From its rivalry with China and its ever-warming ties with the United States to its calculated neutrality on Russia and its stated aim to champion the Global South, what kind of a difference will the world's most populous nation and its populist leader make going forward? Join us for this special edition of The Debate from New Delhi.

Which way for India and its democracy? As Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes the world for the G20 summit, he’s basking in the glow of a decade of development. But at what cost? From poverty reduction and digitalisation to bitter identity politics and curbs on civil liberties, François Picard’s panel offers differing perspectives on a pivotal moment for both the nation and the model it represents for the rest of the world.

African nations reached a consensus on climate change action as the first Africa Climate Summit drew to a close on Wednesday in Nairobi, Kenya. Hosted by President William Ruto, African leaders discussed how to harness the continent's potential to tackle global warming.

Ukraine is fighting a war against an invader, Russia. But it’s also battling an internal enemy. Corruption has long been a problem plaguing Kyiv and is one of the principle criticisms of the country when it comes to joining blocs such as the European Union.

France's 12 million pupils are back at school after the summer break. In a nation that prides itself on its state education system, hot topics include a lack of teachers, exam reform, the skyrocketing cost of supplies for parents and how to tackle bullying. But the education ministry's ban on the abaya, the loose-fitting dress worn by some women in Muslim countries, dominated headlines in the buildup to this first Monday of September.

How a scandal can steal the spotlight from a remarkable achievement. When the Spanish women won the World Cup on August 20, they would have been forgiven for thinking their names would be making headlines for weeks, months or even years. That is the case, but now because of the scandal over the unwanted, unsolicited kiss that was forced on star player Jenni Hermoso by the head of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales. What does this scandal say about the casual sexism in sport and more broadly, the sinister attitude of men who abuse their power in this way?

Soldiers in Gabon popped up on television in the pre-dawn hours to announce they had overthrown President Ali Bongo, just one hour after election results in the dead of night gave him a third term in office. We ask about the latest developments and who's in charge in Libreville.

After Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso, this time it feels like it's personal. France's president took on all-comers in his annual address on Monday to his ambassadors in Paris: insisting his man in Niamey is staying put, defying an ultimatum from Niger's coup leaders and ruing what Emmanuel Macron sees as wavering on the part of European and US allies.

Will Wagner outlive its founder? Russian authorities have confirmed the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin and his number two in the downing of their private jet on a flight to his native St Petersburg. We ask about the downing of the plane on the two-month anniversary of his aborted march on Moscow and the thousands of irregulars on three continents who still answer to the private military company.