Republican donors pledge millions after Trump guilty verdict

The South African election is moving ever closer to a result, and it looks like the ANC will have to start talking to potential coalition partners.

What could that mean for the economy there?

Plus, we're getting reports of another major cyber-attack, this time affecting a major bank.

And how does it feel when your niche web project becomes the focus of a trademark claim from a very large company with a very large legal budget?

Donald Trump becomes the first former or sitting US president to be convicted of a crime. Presenter Devina Gupta examines what this will mean for his bid to become President again.

Plus, extreme heat is causing chaos in South Asia. What does this mean for businesses and workers in Pakistan and India?

(Picture: Donald Trump Credit: Eduardo Muñoz/Reuters)

There's confusion today surrounding a claim by a notorious hacking group that they have accessed personal details of more than half-a-billion people who use the US website Ticketmaster – but is it true?

Two months after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge cut off the port of Baltimore, transportation businesses are counting the days until it can reopen.

Plus David Harper finds out how Thailand is trying to encourage Digital Nomads to travel there to work.

Finally, we explore whether having a famous resident can be a blessing or a curse for your town?

Provisional reports say that Temperatures have reached fifty-two degrees centigrade in the Indian capital, Delhi, as an intense heatwave sweeps across the north and west of the country. Rahul Tandon looks at how it’s affecting the lives of people there - and the economy.

The price of heavily subsidised bread in Egypt is to quadruple from June. The BBC’s Sally Nibil explains just how significant the news is and why the subsidy is such an important source of government support for the less well off.

Unionised workers of Samsung Electronics in Seoul are to strike next week in what will be the first-ever strike in the tech giant’s five decades of history - we look at the reason why.

Record breaking heat in northern India as temperatures hit 52 degrees.

It's election day in South Africa and it's a crucial vote because the ANC could lose its majority for the first time since 1994 so could this call have a lot to do with the country's economy?

Find out why Union workers at Samsung Electronics say they're going to hold the first ever strike since the company was founded over five decades ago...

And one billionaire is making waves as he plans to travel down to the Titanic wreck in a submersible. Yes, we've got questions too…

We speak to the founder of Argentina's top start-up about the country's tech scene as its president, Javier Milei, meets with the CEOs of Google, OpenAI, Meta and Apple.

Elsewhere, Rahul Tandon looks into what the latest disruption in the Red Sea means, and he looks ahead to the South African elections.

In Sri Lanka, tea pickers have received a pay rise mandated by the Government, and, a BBC investigation reveals child labour in beauty industry supply chain.

Also, Sam Fenwick discovers whether new EU border controls will improve security, or lead to travel chaos?

Plus, a discussion on the challenges of running a small business in South Africa – is it worth the investment?

South Africa's economy is under the spotlight, ahead of the elections there this week. The vote could see the ruling party ANC win less than 50% for the first time in its history. Elsewhere, Rahul Tandon looks at the AI battle heating up, with Elon Musk's new company raising $6 billion. And he goes inside the disruption facing business in Iceland, amid rising volcanic activity.

Africa's wrestling with a $1.2tn debt, while global interest rates are at a 40-year high. This week’s African Development Bank summit is focusing on this debt crisis. What solutions are on the horizon, and how are businesses coping?

Elsewhere, Sam Fenwick is looking at the global cost of shipping containers. They are on the rise again this month causing European retailers to order now to make sure stuff arrives in time for Christmas.

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

Eli Lilly announced investing another $5.3 billion in a manufacturing plant in Lebanon, Indiana. It will help company to expand the supply of its highly popular weight loss drug Zepbound, diabetes treatment Mounjaro and other medicines in its pipeline. How will it affect the local economy?

Devina Gupta finds out why electricity prices are gone up in Texas and how the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which governs university sports in the US, has reached a deal that could lead to college athletes getting paid.

We take a look at the Ukrainian economy as G7 leaders meet to discuss how to finance the recovery of the war-torn nation. Elsewhere, Rahul Tandon explores the key issues at stake ahead of South Africa's election next week, and looks at the new deal that could lead to U.S college athletes finally getting paid.

US regulators have sued Live Nation, accusing the entertainment giant of using illegal tactics to maintain a monopoly over the live music industry. The lawsuit from the Department of Justice said the firm's practices had kept out competitors, and led to higher ticket prices and worse service for customers.

Also, Devina Gupta finds out how Russian president Vladimir Putin could use US property in the country to compensate for frozen Russian assets. And why one of Australia’s biggest banks, the Commonwealth, is predicting the country will become cashless by 2026.

Germany's post-Covid recovery has not gone as planned, according to a damning new report by the country's commerce chamber.

Elsewhere, Roger Hearing looks at news reports that the US is planning to sue Ticketmaster-owner Live Nation over anti-competitive practices. And we look inside the first state visit by an African leader to the US in over 15 years.

UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has defended his political and economic record in the wake of some relatively positive inflation numbers. So, is this the right moment for a General Election?

Find out how Brazil's farmers are adapting to climate change. While Ugandan farmers are adapting to elephants trespassing from South Sudan.

UK inflation hit its lowest in 3 years, but was still hotter than analysts expected. In this special episode, we record live from a Manchester food hall to talk to businesses and their customers about the price changes they're seeing. they're seeing.

We also speak to experts about what this means for central bank rate cuts, and how the UK is faring compared to major global economies.

As EU countries adopt a plan to use profits from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine defences and rebuilding, Ed Butler, looks at how the scheme might work and whether the idea risks undermining the rule of law. Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson is taking legal advice after a new version of the AI bot, Chat GPT, was released with a voice she claims is eerily similar to her own - how can AI seek to develop while staying on the right right side of copyright laws? And, Red Lobster, was once one of the world's largest seafood chains but as it files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, how did the once successful seafood franchise end up in such deep water?

European Union’s landmark rules on artificial intelligence will enter into force next month

The AI Act imposes strict transparency obligations on high-risk AI systems while such requirements for general-purpose AI models will be lighter.

growing speculation over who will eventually replace President Raisi begins as Iran enters 5 days of mourning.

Plus, could Saudi Arabia’s largest aviation deal signal a snub to Boeing?

Also, the ship that destroyed the bridge in Baltimore back in March is finally on the move.

And we have a special look at the economies of Latin America with our reporter Gideon Long.

Taiwan's newly inaugurated president William Lai has called on China to stop threatening the island and accept the existence of its democracy.

But Taiwan’s relationship with China is not the only thing that William Lai has to tackle. there are a number of economic challenges ahead of him like rising property prices and encouraging young Taiwanese people to stay and work in the country instead of heading to other prosperous Asian cities.

Shareholders of plane maker Boeing approved a pay package of nearly $33 million for outgoing CEO Dave Calhoun - the highest ever agreed by the company - at its AGM on Friday. Mr Calhoun was also re-elected to stay on the troubled company’s board.

Cubans are enduring some of their bleakest economic times since the Cold War – amid worsening inflation, a scarcity of basic goods and a decades-long US economic embargo. The BBC’s Correspondent, Will Grant, looks at how the situation has impacted on one of Cuba’s most quintessential industries – sugar – to see how tough the situation has become.

China's real estate industry is facing major financial problems, leaving many empty or half-finished unused buildings. One of China’s largest real-estate companies, Country Garden of the verge of liquidation.

Also, Roger Hearing finds out what's happening with businesses in New Caledonia. And we hear how the economic growth in India affecting people's life.

Two months after a container ship crash saw the collapse of a road bridge in Baltimore, killing six workers, Rahul Tandon speaks to the Executive Director of the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Centre about why staff on the ship are still stuck aboard.

As the Dow Jones hits a record high we look at how a strong stock market is helping some to retire earlier than expected and on the day that Singapore Airlines announces staff bonuses worth nearly eight months' salary we look at how they came to receive such a generous payout.

Chines leader Xi Jinping has been rolling out the red carpet for the Russian President Vladimir Putin during his two days visit. A Large portion of the meeting focused around the two countries' trade relationship. What do these two huge economies want from each other?

Also, in the programme, Sam Fenwick looks at Kenya where the government announced a new tax policy that will increase the price of staples like bread, mobile phone data and money transfers.

What’s the importance of the Russian President Vladmir Putin’s visit to China? Rahul Tandon explores the possible economic benefits to both countries.

We hear how Russia is still managing to export oil via other countries around the world, and in effect making the sanctions ineffective.

The Ambassador-at-Large with Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chan Hen Chee, talks to us about the country’s future direction after its long serving Prime Minister steps down.

In a BBC exclusive, Latvia's central bank governor, Mārtiņš Kazāks, highlights how the interest from frozen Russian assets could help finance Ukraine’s army. EU ambassadors have already agreed this in principle.

Also, Will Bain finds out why foreign investors in Georgia might reconsider their future after a controversial funding law was passed in the country. And we hear from an autoworker in Alabama as workers vote on unionisation.

Presenter Sam Fenwick assesses the impact of US tariffs on Chinese goods. Joe Biden is putting them on imports, including electric cars and semiconductors.

We hear from the business community in Georgia worried a new law will put off foreign trade. It requires organisations which receive more than 20 per cent of funding from abroad to declare themselves as illegal.

We examine sports betting in the US. States have been after states were allowed to legalise the industry. Betting on sports is part of the sports fan experience in many countries around the world but it's a relatively new thing in the US.

The White House has confirmed the United States is putting tariffs on 18 billion dollars worth of imports from China. They'll target sectors like electric vehicles, batteries, steel and critical minerals. The US government accusing China of "unfair trade practices".

Also, in the programme, we find out why one of the largest mining companies decided to focus the business on copper instead of diamonds. And we will look at Rhodes where the economy is still recovering after wildfires.

Flooding in Brazil continues, bringing despair to residents and businesses alike. Can emergency government funds offer hope of rebuilding? Meanwhile, Sam Fenwick looks at what's expected in the Australian budget, and what Melinda Gates' departure from her namesake foundation means to the world of philanthropy

Hundreds of Georgians joined protest against a foreign influence bill, described by critics as the "Russia law". People are concerned that the new law could be used by the government to clamp down on opponents, and could harm Georgia's hopes of joining the European Union.

Also, Will Bain finds out why Russia's new Defence Minister is an economist and he hears about the project helping people escape extreme poverty by equipping them to start small businesses in Uganda.

The UK has emerged from recession – but can it hold its ground? And how does it compare to the rest of the world?

Elsewhere, Emily Thomas digs into the agricultural impact of the floods in Brazil, and looks back at Chinese president Xi Jinping's visit to Europe.

The tech giant Apple has faced an online backlash in response to an advert featuring books and musical instrument being crushed, to demonstrate how their creativity has been compressed into the latest iPad.

Also, with music catalogue company Hipgnosis facing a takeover, is it worth a price tag of $1.6 billion?

And we hear from one of the Eurovision song contest’s most successful songwriters.

Almost three-thousand cabin crew members in India have taken part in a mass sick leave in protest for better working conditions. Air India have cancelled 85 flights while travel disruption continues for hundreds of passengers.

Also, on the show – find out why Korean women are reluctant to have children.

Plus, you can hear how Euro Vision song writers are earning a living for the annual singing competition.

A former employee of Boeing's biggest supplier has claimed that sections of 737 Max aircraft regularly left its factory with serious defects.

Spirit Aerosystems builds fuselages for the 737 Max, which are then shipped to Boeing’s own plant for final assembly.

Speaking publicly for the first time, former quality inspector Santiago Peredes told the BBC that some managers actively tried to discourage him from flagging up flaws in half-finished planes.

Also, Rahul Tandon, finds out why there are a lot of concerns about whether the plan to use Russian assets for weapons is legal and why not everyone was keen to see the Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Hungary.

We speak to the head of Sweden’s central bank, after it voted to cut interest rates; making it one of the first to do so in the region. The bank moved ahead of the U.S Federal Reserve for the first time this century.

Elsewhere, Ed Butler looks at why Ghana could face issues with the World Bank over its LGBT policies, and why the rising prices of doner kebabs in Germany is becoming a political issue.

TikTok has filed a lawsuit aiming to block a US law that would ban in the video app in the country unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company.

In the filing, the social media company called the act an "extraordinary intrusion on free speech rights" of the company and its 170 million American users.

Also, Rahul Tandon, looks at the Disney financial results and finds out what can you buy with Argentina's new 10 000 pesos banknote.

Saudi’s state-oil company Aramco saw profits drop this week, but its payout to the government will still reach an eye-watering $31 billion. We see if the Saudi economy can cope with all its expensive mega projects.

Also, Ed Butler explores the latest issues at Boeing, and finds out why India is becoming a hot new destination for big concerts.

On his first visit to Europe since 2019, president Xi Jinping has been talking about trade ties. The West is worried about cheap Chinese imports of electric cars.

Also, Rahul Tandon finds out why global petrol demand growth could halve in 2024 and what impact the shutdown in Israel would have on Al Jazeera's business operations.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping chooses France for his first visit to the continent after a five-year absence. We get the latest. Kosovo is home to Europe’s largest zinc, lead and silver mine. We visit it to know a bit more about central Europe’s smallest economy per capita. And we hear about a new form of ghost flights and the fine that the Australian airline Qantas has just received for using them.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry is to reduce Turkish imports both to Israel and to the occupied Palestinian territories. It’s also appealing for sanctions against Turkey for violating existing trade agreements.

Also, in the programme, we look at Brazil’s plans to propose a global annual tax for billionaires at the G20 in July

The big event of 2021 that will shape economies all over the world for decades to come was the COP 26 climate conference in Glasgow in November. The meeting saw a deluge of promises, but what was actually achieved? Martin Webber speaks to Tim Gould, chief energy economist at the International Energy Agency and economist Irwin Stelzer, from the Hudson Institute in the United States.

It was another boom year for the pharmaceutical industry as it crafted the vaccines that have saved so many lives. Of the 8 billion coronavirus vaccinations worldwide, one billion have been delivered by the US logistics company, UPS. We hear from Wes Wealer, President of UPS healthcare.

And small business owners have had a bleak time for much of the past year. But many of those that have survived now feel optimistic. We hear from the owner of the Aroma speciality coffee shop in Bologna in Italy, Cristina Caroli, about her year.

Covid-19 is set to prompt radical long term changes to how we live and work, so what lessons can be learnt when we eventually emerge from the pandemic? Could the changes in the way we work herald higher productivity and happier people in the future?

We hear the stories of the people who managed to thrive during a very difficult year, including the milkman who saw a boom in deliveries and the dancer who found work in South Korea when the London stage went dark.

Martin Webber is joined by Professor Devi Sridhar who holds the Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh; economist Roger Bootle, of Capital Economics; Robert Reich, former Labour Secretary under President Clinton; Tomas Philipson, who was Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors under Mr Trump; and actor Thomas Inge who is currentl starring in the musical Cats in South Korea.