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How many new stories are there in the world?

At least 5.6 billion, according to the world's most popular search engine.

That's the number of online searches they record every day.

For the uninitiated, a search is a question or query you might tap into the browser of your mobile or computer.

Search engines add up and publish these searches for all to see.

And yes, yours are in there too, didn't you know?

You're listening to what are we searching for on the BBC World Service.

I'm Ben Agondade, journalist, author and book publisher.

And in the next half hour of this two-part series, I'll be transporting you across the globe

in pursuit of the most fascinating stories behind popular internet searches within the world's major conflicts zones.

Although today's headlines are firmly focused on Ukraine,

there are also conflicts raging across other parts of Europe,

as well as in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, that often don't make the news.

Personally, I want to know how ordinary people living in extraordinary situations

use search to help them cope with challenging and potentially life-threatening conditions.

In the midst of death and destruction, what do they seek the most?

Is it practical help? Or something else? Something surprising perhaps?

...