This week, the popularity of two leaders is on the line. BBC presenter Jonathan Charles and correspondent James Rodgers lead live coverage from Moscow, with all the latest election news and interviews with the movers and shakers. They will be asking whether the parliamentary elections can give President Putin and his party enough control of the Duma so that he still wields influence after giving up the presidency. Also, BBC World is live in Caracas, Venezuela, where the BBC's James Ingham will report on the results and aftermath of President Chavez's referendum to change the constitution and transform the country. Plus, this week King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand (pictured) – the world's longest-reigning monarch – celebrates his 80th birthday.

The Doha Debates this week broadcasts from the world-famous debating chamber at Cambridge University. This is only the second time the debate, which is moderated by the former HARDtalk presenter Tim Sebastian, will have been held outside Qatar. The motion, 'This House believes Britain's role in the Middle East is in terminal decline', is supported by Israeli diplomat, politician and historian, Shlomo Ben-Ami (pictured). Other speakers include former UK Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind.

(Duration: 50 minutes)

 Saturday 1st December at 1010

Repeated: Saturday 1st December at 1610; Saturday 1st December at 2210;Sunday 2nd December at 0310;

Sunday 2nd December at 1010; Sunday 2nd December at 2210

According to the latest UNAIDS/WHO statistics, 25 million people have died of AIDS since 1981. It's estimated that 39.5 million people are living with HIV, including almost two-and-a-half million children. To mark World Aids Day on 1 December, this special documentary looks at the terrible impact the disease has on ordinary lives. It tells the story of one family devastated by AIDS and how they have coped with their pain and loss.

(Duration: 30 minutes)

 Saturday 1st December at 1130

Repeated: Saturday 1st December at 2330; Sunday 2nd December at 0530; Sunday 2nd December at 1530;

Sunday 2nd December at 2030

For nearly nine years, the Serbian province of Kosovo has been run by the United Nations. Now both the US and the Kosovans want full independence, something Serbia says it will never accept. Then in September, Russia stepped in - drawing a "red line" on Kosovo saying it would not tolerate independence. BBC foreign correspondent Humphrey Hawksley reports on a new high-stakes issue right at the heart of Europe's future.

(Duration: 30 minutes)

 Wednesday 5th December at 2230

Repeated: Thursday 6th December at 1230; Friday 7th December at 1730; Saturday 8th December at 0430~+;

Saturday 8th December at 0930; Monday 10th December at 1030

World Business Report delivers the latest business, economic and market news from the world's leading financial capitals.  This week, the programme will be reporting from the OPEC meeting in Abu Dhabi, and asks if oil producing nations will raise production to lower record oil prices? Also this week, the Gulf States are holding a summit in Doha to discuss whether to cut the links their currencies have with the US dollar. Plus, World Business Report's Nick Thorpe reports on Gabriel Resources' plans to develop Europe's largest open face gold mine. In the process it will demolish one mountain and parts of two others. While the mountain villages need the work, is the cost too high?