MUMBAI: In order to provide an in-depth perspective of the current issues affecting our lives, BBC World will debut The Talk Show from 5 June.
 

This is a series of thought-provoking discussion programmes on the big ideas and issues of the moment. Guests on the programme will debate the world economy; the role of empires in the present day; the future for Islamic women; the rise of Al Qaeda; and whether scientific progress will end up destroying humanity in the 21st century.

During the first three weeks, Charles Wheeler will present the shows and during the next two show, Jonathan Freedland will be the host presenter. In the first week, the show tackles the issue Reviving the world economy. Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel prize winner and controversial former World Bank chief economist, discusses President Bush's impact on the United States of America and the world economy.

The subsequent week will look at women, democracy and Islam. This will examine whether reconstruction in Afghanistan and Iraq bring opportunities for women. Or will fundamentalists keep women sidelined in Islamic countries? These questions will be answered by Isobel Coleman and Deniz Kandiyoti.