World Business Report BBC

Car and electronic device makers sound alarm bells amid a global microchip shortage. Russ Mould of stockbrokers AJ Bell is a former semiconductor analyst, and explains the background and implications. Also in the programme, the BBC's Richard Collings examines the USA's relationship with Mexico as Donald Trump's presidency comes to an end. We hear from ski journalist Robert Stewart why whilst it is largely shut to skiers, the resort of Courchevel in France is marketing itself as an alternative location for people to work from home. Plus our regular workplace commentator, Pilita Clark, considers how best to go about being efficient with tasks, without risking being given more work.

US president-elect Joe Biden sets out his first set of executive orders as inauguration nears. He plans to reverse some of the controversial decisions taken during the Trump administration; We will consider what impact the new president will be able to have in his first few days in office. We will also look at his plans to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic as well as possible changes to the minimum wage and childcare support. With demand for electric cars continuing to grow - We'll hear whether a microchip shortage could disrupt production. Plus the BBC's Richard Collings takes a look at the future of US/Mexico relations fter four years of Donald Trump's presidency.

US President-Elect pledges to ramp up vaccination availability

Concern grows over a Brazil coronavirus variant as the UK blocks South America visitors. Camilla Mota from the BBC's Brazilian service tells us how the new variant is spreading in the country. And we ask University of Reading microbiologist Dr Simon Clarke whether it is likely to be prevented by existing vaccines. Also in the programme, as German chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party meets to elect a new leader, the BBC's Marie Keyworth asks what is next for Germany in the post-Merkel era.
Plus, there's new evidence that bees are gathering pollen and nectar from different kinds of flowers. Dr Natasha de Vere, head of conservation and research at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, explains the implications.

India's Kumbh Mela religious festival attracts millions who want to cleanse their sins, but the crowds of pilgrims are also good business for traders

US president-elect Joe Biden is expected to unveil economic stimulus proposals today. We consider his options with Ken Rogoff, professor of economics at Harvard University, who is a former economist at the International Monetary Fund. Also in the programme, as budget airline Norwegian announces it is axing its long-haul network, John Strickland of air transport consultancy JLS Consulting tells us whether it marks the end of an era of airlines trying to do transatlantic flights on the cheap. Electric car maker Tesla has been asked by US regulators to recall 158,000 cars because of touchscreen problems. The BBC's Theo Leggett brings us the details. Plus we ask whether when it comes to work, it's more important to keep your head in the clouds, or your feet on the ground, with Scott Galloway, professor of marketing at New York University Stern School of Business.