Global News Podcast - BBC World Service

Biden prepared to speak to Putin Dec 01, 2022

But only if the Russian President showed a desire to end the war in Ukraine. Also: Further violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has pushed a ceasefire close to collapse, and Harissa is given cultural heritage status by the UN.

China eases Covid restrictions in some cities Dec 01, 2022

It comes after mass protests against its zero-Covid policy. Also: In Afghanistan the Taliban orders Voice of America to stop broadcasting, Spain steps up security after a spate of letter bombs, and New York ties with Singapore to be the most expensive on Earth.

Ramaphosa faces threat of impeachment Nov 30, 2022

Report finds the South African President may have breached anti-corruption law. Also: The Islamic State group has announced the death of its leader, Abu al-Hassan al-Quraishi, and Christine McVie -- who was behind some of Fleetwood Mac's biggest hits -- has died.

Alzheimer's drug hailed as momentous breakthrough Nov 30, 2022

Lecanemab slows damage to the brain in the early stages of the disease. Also: Jiang Zemin, who led China after the Tiananmen Square massacre, has died aged 96, and how bats can outsing humans.

Nato promises Ukraine more weapons and power grid support Nov 30, 2022

Millions of Ukrainians remain without power in freezing temperatures after Russian strikes. Also: jailed Belarus protest leader Maria Kolesnikova is "in intensive care", and China sends astronauts to live on its space station.

Ukraine: Nato discusses support amid power outages Nov 29, 2022

Foreign ministers discuss how best to support Ukraine, as a fresh wave of attacks cut off water and power supplies. Also: China responds to lockdown protests, and a Balenciaga advertising campaign sparks major backlash.

Somali hotel siege ends after lengthy battle Nov 29, 2022

A number of civilians died after al-Shabab militants stormed a hotel near the presidential palace in Mogadishu. Also: demonstrations in China over Covid restrictions appear to have died down, and Nigeria praises UK museum for returning Benin Bronzes.

Europol dismantle massive drugs 'super cartel' Nov 28, 2022

Police say it controlled around a third of Europe's cocaine trade. Also: China seeks to end widespread protests against coronavirus restrictions, and why Bob Dylan is having to apologise to his fans.

China Covid protests spread to major cities Nov 27, 2022

In defiant scenes not usually seen in China, demonstrators have called for President Xi Jinping to stand down. Also: Italy declares a state of emergency on the island of Ischia following a deadly landslide, and a Frenchman who was sacked for refusing to join work parties wins the legal right to be boring.

Pakistan: Imran Khan hosts huge protest rally Nov 26, 2022

The former prime minister greeted hundreds of thousands of supporters in Rawalpindi, weeks after he was shot at a similar event. Also: the US has banned the sale of Chinese technology amid security fears, and 100 years after Tutankhamun's tomb was uncovered, we examine the role that Egyptian archaeologists played in the discovery.

UN urges Russia and Ukraine to protect POWs Nov 25, 2022

Human rights officials raise concerns as evidence emerges of possible summary executions by both sides. Also: Iranian activists say the security forces have opened fire on protesters in the eastern province of Sistan-Balochistan, and a musical based on the life of Nelson Mandela is set to open in London.

Ukraine: Millions face winter without power Nov 25, 2022

First lady Zelenska says Ukraine will endure cold and blackouts caused by Russian bombs. Also: scientists say they have made a breakthrough designing a vaccine against all 20 known types of flu, and is it time to end gender specific categories in film and TV awards?

UN orders investigation into Iran crackdown Nov 25, 2022

Western diplomats say the mission will send a powerful signal of support to Iranian women. Also: Half of Ukraine's electricity needs are now being met, following repairs to infrastructure damaged by Russian missiles, and we meet the world's longest survivor of heart transplant surgery.

Afghans forced to sell organs and sedate hungry children Nov 24, 2022

In the second winter since the Taliban takeover, UN says millions are at risk of famine. Also: China reports highest number of daily coronavirus infections, despite continuing restrictions; and more than 140 people arrested in international police operation targeting scammers.

Zelensky accuses Russia of crimes against humanity Nov 24, 2022

The Ukrainian leader tells the UN Russia offers nothing to the world apart from terror. Also: African leaders declare a cessation of hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the discovery of the world's oldest bread.

Russia launches another wave of missile strikes across Ukraine Nov 23, 2022

Key infrastructure hit, hours after a 2-day old baby was killed in a Zaporizhzhya hospital where his mother survived. We hear about the extent of the damage. Also: In Jerusalem, a teenage boy dies after bus stop bombings - the first such attacks for several years, and we look back at the life of the Dr Feelgood guitarist, Wilko Johnson, who's died aged 75.

Trump loses bid to withold tax returns Nov 23, 2022

The US Supreme Court has approved their release to a Congressional committee, marking a legal defeat for the former Republican President. Also, a national holiday is declared in Saudi Arabia to celebrate a shock win against Argentina in the World Cup, and the Ugandan man appealing for help with the upkeep of his 10 wives and 102 children.

Rescuers in Indonesia battle to find earthquake survivors Nov 22, 2022

Disaster agency says number killed in West Java reaches two-hundred and sixty-eight. Also: Ukraine's security services conduct searches at the country's most famous monastery to check if it's being used for subversive activities to help Russia, and Saudi Arabia have beaten one of the favourites, Argentina in the football World Cup - the first big shock of the competition.

Iran football players decline to sing national anthem in Qatar Nov 22, 2022

The Iranian national team stayed silent in the World Cup stadium in Doha as their anthem was played. Also: WHO says millions of Ukrainian lives are under threat as winter sets in, and Nasa's Artemis spacecraft arrives at an orbit around the Moon.

Indonesia earthquake kills more than 60 Nov 21, 2022

The 5.6 magnitude quake struck Cianjur town in West Java and was felt a hundred kilometres away in the capital, Jakarta. Also: several European teams at the World Cup in Qatar scrap plans to wear armbands in support of gay rights; and China confirms three people have died in Beijing with Covid - the first fatalities officially connected to the disease in six months.

Hosts Qatar beaten by Ecuador in World Cup opener Nov 21, 2022

The football tournament began in Qatar with a lavish opening ceremony at Al-Bayt stadium near Doha. Also: leading Argentinian campaigner Hebe de Bonafini dies aged 93, and the British artist David Hockney joins immersive art trend with new London show.

Fifa World Cup begins in Qatar Nov 20, 2022

After 12 years of questions and criticisms, the 2022 Fifa World Cup finally gets underway in Qatar. Also: UN climate talks continue into the night to reach a deal, and who invented the electric toaster?

US special counsel to oversee criminal investigation into Trump Nov 19, 2022

A former war crimes prosecutor, Jack Smith, was named special counsel by US Attorney General, Merrrick Garland. Also: Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes jailed for fraud, and where has the leap second gone?

North Korea launches missile 'capable of reaching US' Nov 18, 2022

United States condemns launch, while South Korea orders stronger deterrence measures. Also: No alcohol to be sold at World Cup stadiums; and protestors in Iran set fire to ancestral home of Islamic Republic founder, Ayatollah Khomeini.

MH17: Three men found guilty of murder Nov 18, 2022

A Dutch trial finds a missile supplied by Russia killed 298 people over Ukraine in 2014. Also: Spain's new sex abuse law sparks a row over jail terms, and the Hollywood star, Charlize Theron is condemned for saying her native Afrikaans is a dying language.

Ukrainian gas plant hit in latest Russian strikes Nov 17, 2022

More people are experiencing power cuts, as first snow falls on Kyiv. Also: Iran's rulers crack down on protests in one of the worst nights of violence yet; and months after being scrapped - one of Australia's most successful TV exports gets a reboot.

Brazil's Lula wows COP 27 Nov 17, 2022

The President elect gets a standing ovation as he promises to fight Amazon deforestation. Also: the US ambassador to the UN accuses President Putin of wanting to freeze Ukraine into submission, and Mariah Carey loses her bid to become the only Queen of Christmas in a trademark court case.

Poland: no sign Tuesday's missile strike was deliberate Russian attack Nov 16, 2022

NATO and Poland say missile strike was 'likely' caused by Ukraine's air defence. Also: two years after losing the US presidential election, Donald Trump confirms plans to run for the White House in 2024; and Bruce Springsteen fans can rest easy - the Boss himself has settled a dispute about the opening of one of his best loved songs.

Russia denies stray missile landed in Poland Nov 16, 2022

Warsaw raises military readiness after explosion near Ukraine border; the US and other international powers say they're investigating. Also: Ukraine says a wave of Russian missile strikes on Tuesday was the biggest against the country's energy system since the invasion in February, and why are sexually transmitted diseases rising among Britain's elderly?

Prisoners abused by both sides in Ukraine war Nov 15, 2022

A UN report details horrific behaviour by both sides. It includes allegations of the torture and summary execution of Russians held by Ukraine -- and beatings, mock executions and the threat of sexual violence suffered by Ukrainian POWs. Also in this edition: the world's population tops eight billion; fresh allegations of migrant World Cup workers killed and injured in Qatar; and how -- just like humans -- chimpanzees like to show and tell.

Biden says 'no new cold war' with China Nov 15, 2022

During lengthy talks the two men also stressed their opposition to the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Also: The world's population jumps to 8 billion, doubling since 1974, and Joyland - the Oscar-nominated film causing controversy in Pakistan.

Presidents Xi and Biden meet Nov 14, 2022

The three-hour meeting took place in Bali ahead of the annual G20 summit. Also, Britain and France sign a deal to stop migrants making dangerous Channel crossing, and Jeff Bezos plans to give away his fortune.

Deadly explosion in Istanbul shopping street Nov 14, 2022

The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the blast in Istiklal street as a "vile attack". Also: Ukraine says over four hundred Russian "war crimes" reported in Kherson, and thousands of budding writers in the US take part in the National Novel Writing Month

Zelensky says Russia destroyed all critical infrastructure in Kherson Nov 13, 2022

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces had left the city of Kherson with no heat, electricity, water supply or communications. Also: Ethiopia and Tigrayan rebels agree to facilitate aid deliveries into conflict zone, and an Iranian man who lived in a French airport for eighteen years has died.

Ukrainians celebrate recapture of key city Kherson Nov 12, 2022

Ukraine says its troops are 'almost fully in control' in Kherson after Russia's retreat. Also: crypto firm FTX collapses into bankruptcy, and could obstacle racing replace show jumping in the modern pentathlon?

Ukrainian flags fly in Kherson after Russian retreat Nov 11, 2022

Ukraine hails an 'important victory' after Russian troops withdrew from Kherson and Ukrainian flags appear in the city centre. Also: China eases covid controls despite rising cases, and the search for life on Mars takes a new turn.

Ukraine claims gains as Russia starts to exit Kherson Nov 11, 2022

Kyiv reports rapid advances after Moscow said it would leave the key city of Kherson. Also: crypto market rocked by feared collapse of FTX exchange, and do octopuses throw debris in anger?

Russia's retreat from Kherson is under way Nov 10, 2022

Ukraine says Russia had to flee after its forces destroyed Russian supply lines. Also: the Taliban in Afghanistan have banned women from all parks in the capital, Kabul, and how the world's largest lottery win made one lucky shop worker a millionaire.

Russia to withdraw from key Ukrainian city Nov 10, 2022

Kherson is the only provincial capital Russia has managed to capture since the start of its invasion. Also: President Joe Biden has described Tuesday's mid-term elections as a good day for democracy, and the Brazilian singer, Gal Costa -- the voice of the Tropicalia movement -- has died at the age of 77.

US midterms: Control of Congress hangs in balance Nov 09, 2022

Republicans and Democrats are in a tight race as counting continues. Also: Russia is to introduce military education in schools, there's pushback in Kenya following the lifting of a ban on genetically modified crops, and in Israel an artefact is discovered which illustrates the age-old problem of how to comb out head lice.

Crucial midterms a verdict on Biden presidency Nov 09, 2022

US Republicans hope to regain control of the House of Representatives and the Senate from the Democrats. Also: A top American diplomat has said that only Ukraine will decide if and when to open negotiations with Russia, and the controversy surrounding the return of the Crown on Netflix.

Qatari football rep calls homosexuals 'mentally damaged' Nov 08, 2022

His comments came as a former FIFA head said holding the World Cup in Qatar was a mistake. Also: voting is taking place in the United States for mid-term elections, can COP deliver for Africa and the underwater Italian treasure trove.

COP 27: Compensate us for loss and damage Nov 08, 2022

Richer nations urged to give financial support to developing countries hit hard by climate change at the COP 27 summit. Also: on the day of the midterms a close ally of President Putin of Russia says we do interfere in US elections, and a first as Wakanda Forever premieres in Lagos.

Hundreds of graves found at mass burial site in Ukraine Nov 07, 2022

Satellite images show the site near the Russian-occupied port city of Mariupol. Also: blood grown in a laboratory has been given to humans for the first time, a cleaner who tidies homes for free, and ahead of the newest instalment of the Netflix drama, The Crown, how much truth is needed in a dramatisation?

Guterres warns planet is warming at catastrophic speed Nov 07, 2022

UN head urged world leaders to take immediate action as COP 27 begins in Egypt. Also: Kyiv residents encouraged to consider moving out of the capital if Russian attacks completely disable the city's electricity and water supplies, and, the Oscar winning actress Emma Thompson writes a children's story book.

Pakistan's PM denies involvement in plot to kill Imran Khan Nov 06, 2022

Shehbaz Sharif wants the Pakistan Supreme Court to investigate the opposition leader for making the claims. Also: three US presidents - one sitting and two former - campaign ahead of mid-term elections, and 'India's first voter' dies aged 105.

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan says a gunman thought he had killed him Nov 05, 2022

In his first comments since the recent attack, Pakistan's former PM says two gunmen tried to kill him. Also: mass sackings begin at Twitter, and are we prepared if aliens contact us from a distant planet?

Ukraine war: Zelensky accuses Russia of ‘energy terrorism’ Nov 04, 2022

Ukraine’s President said 4.5 million people were left without power following Russian attacks; as the two sides prepare for a battle over the southern city of Kherson. Also: The German Chancellor breaks from the rest of the West to hold talks with China's leader Xi Jinping, and the rare goose that Hawaii is turning the lights out to protect.

Imran Khan survives deadly Pakistan rally shooting Nov 04, 2022

Pakistan's former prime minister remains in hospital after the shooting in Wazirabad. Also: Glencore ordered to pay millions over Africa oil bribes, and almost half of UK workers have been mocked for their accents.

Pakistan's former prime minister, Imran Khan, shot and wounded Nov 03, 2022

Senior aide said it was "an attempt to kill him". Also; UN warning over glacier threat and the World Cup accused of greenwashing.

Truce agreed to halt Ethiopia's civil war Nov 03, 2022

Both sides agreed to stop their conflict in Ethiopia which has led to a humanitarian crisis. Also: Parkland school gunman sentenced to life in US prison, and the oldest voter in India.

Israel elections: Netanyahu set for comeback with far right's help Nov 02, 2022

The former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on the brink of returning to power, after partial results show he is on course to win a majority in parliament with the help of the far right. Also: a sharp escalation in military tension between North and South Korea, as both sides fire missiles into the sea; and how five lions escaped from a zoo in Australia.

Special episode: Indigenous peoples Oct 10, 2022

We hear from our Indigenous and tribal listeners around the world, as we mark US Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We also meet an Amazon tribe defending their land from illegal loggers; a Maori singer who makes pop music in his traditional language; Native American chefs bringing cultural foods to the restaurant scene; and more.

Live special episode: Cost of living Sep 08, 2022

The global price crisis. Our first ever “live audience show” – recorded in Malaysia. Listeners around the world and in the audience in Kuala Lumpur share their experiences and ask questions about spiralling costs and what can be done. Hear from our panel of BBC correspondents. What are the implications of the increases in food and fuel prices? How are governments and communities responding - and what does the future look like?

Special episode: Abortion rights around the world Jul 01, 2022

In June, the US Supreme Court overruled Roe v Wade and ended the constitutional right to abortion in America. In a special episode, we investigate the changing dynamic of abortion rights globally in countries like Colombia, China and Ireland. We'll also be examining the restrictions still faced by women in Africa and places like Malta and El Salvador. Audio for this episode was updated on 4 July 2022, due to a factual error in an earlier version.

Young voices special Mar 25, 2022

Is the nuclear threat real? What does Putin want? Who is winning the war in Ukraine? We took questions on the invasion from young people around the world and looked for answers from BBC correspondents. Jackie Leonard speaks to Martin Forster, a senior child psychologist with the healthcare company, Kry, in Sweden. Listeners' questions are tackled by Vitaliy Shevchenko, Paul Adams, Theo Leggett, Lyse Doucet and Mark Lowen.

Special: Global News Ukrainecast part 2 Mar 24, 2022

A month since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are collaborating with Ukrainecast again. We answer more of your questions. Jackie Leonard, presenter of the Global News Podcast, alongside Gabriel Gatehouse and Vitaliy Shevchenko from Ukrainecast, guide us through questions about civilian life in the country, military tactics, and the international response to the invasion. BBC chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet, joins us from Kyiv to talk through what is happening on the ground there, and BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner, tells us the latest on the physical and information war. This episode was made by Chris Flynn. The studio director was Ash Taylor. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham.

Special: Global News Ukrainecast Mar 08, 2022

BBC correspondents tackle questions from listeners around the world about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Jackie Leonard speaks to Gabriel Gatehouse, Vitaliy Shevchenko, Lyse Doucet and James Landale.

Russia-Ukraine: On the brink of war? Jan 28, 2022

Our experts in Moscow, Kyiv and London answer your questions about the crisis.

Omicron versus the world: Your questions answered Dec 21, 2021

As the Omicron variant spreads around the world and cases surge, BBC correspondents tell us how Covid-19 is impacting our lives, our businesses and our economies.

Afghanistan Special: Your Questions Answered Aug 30, 2021

BBC correspondents answer your questions about the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. We ask how did the Taliban overthrow the Afghan government so quickly? What now for human rights, the economy and international relations? Photo:People on board an evacuation flight out of Kabul airport, August 21, 2021 Credit:MoD/PA Wire

Global News Brexitcast Oct 25, 2019

We team up with the award-winning Brexitcast team to bring you a special update on what Britain leaving the EU means for you. You’ve sent us questions from around the world and Jackie Leonard puts them to the experts from the podcast that’s all about Brexit. There’s also cake, phew. Spread the word! #GlobalNewsPod #Brexitcast Find the Brexitcast podcast here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/brexitcast

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Global News Podcast – BBC World Service

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected