Global News Podcast - BBC World Service

There have been calls for calm following deadly clashes in Beirut Oct 15, 2021

The UN, the US and France have all urged a de-escalation of the tensions in Lebanon. Also: US Congress is pursuing criminal charges for ex-Trump aide Steve Bannon, and Banksy's Love is in the Bin artwork sells for a record price.

Beirut: Several deaths as gunfire erupts during protests in city centre Oct 14, 2021

Shooting occurred during a march against the judge investigating last year's huge blast in city's harbour. It is believed that Shia and Christian militias exchanged fire during demonstration. Also, at least 46 people dead after a fire in a Taiwanese tower-block, and Norwegian officials say lethal bow-and-arrow attack appears to have been an act of terror.

Putin denies weaponising energy amid Europe crisis Oct 14, 2021

Russian President Putin says his country is not to blame for high gas prices elsewhere in Europe. A number of people have been killed in Norway bow and arrow attack, and Star Trek's William Shatner becomes the oldest person in space after blasting off in a Blue Origin rocket.

EU outlines plans for surging energy prices Oct 13, 2021

Reduced taxes and subsidies could cushion the impact. The Energy Commissioner said the EU would also explore the possibility of joint purchasing of strategic gas reserves. Also, increased costs and fewer choices in Northern Ireland. EU talks are taking place to find a new deal with the UK, and the Chinese boy band hopeful facing one obstacle – she is a girl.

UN court rules in long running border dispute Oct 12, 2021

International court rules in favour of Somalia in sea border dispute with Kenya. Also, rich nations discuss how to help Afghanistan - without recognising the Taliban; and a rare Himalayan fungus that could be used to treat cancer

President Macron aims to make France a global leader in new technologies Oct 12, 2021

French president announces $35 billion programme to overhaul economy. He hopes investment will create thousands of jobs across the 'green energy' sector. Also, G20 leaders discuss deepening economic crisis in Afghanistan, and Superman's son will come out as bisexual.

Iraq election: Moqtada al-Sadr hails apparent victory Oct 11, 2021

The Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr promises to form a nationalist government free from foreign interference. Also, the Italian authorities come under pressure to ban neo-fascist parties, and life imitates art as the Star Trek actor William Shatner prepares to blast into space.

Iraq captures senior Islamic State group official Oct 11, 2021

Sami Jasim is alleged to have been running its finances. The prime minister announced his arrest, saying it involved a complex operation outside Iraq. Also, spy rings, drug factories and arms deals - extraordinary allegations from a North Korean defector, and we hear from the first transgender person in Uganda to have their identity recognised by the government.

Czech president in hospital amid election upheaval Oct 11, 2021

Milos Zeman is in intensive care the day after a surprise opposition win in parliamentary elections. Also, the "father of Pakistan nuclear bomb" AQ Khan dies aged 85, and UK to resettle teenage Afghan women footballers.

US and Taliban hold first talks since withdrawal Oct 09, 2021

The meeting came a day after Afghanistan suffered its deadliest attack since US forces withdrew. Also: Austrian chancellor resigns amid corruption inquiry, and what can you make with pinhead oatmeal, mushrooms and vegan cheese?

Nations agree to 15% minimum corporate tax rate Oct 08, 2021

The historic deal will make companies pay a fairer share of tax across the world. Also, Nigerian police rescue 50 people chained up at a rehabilitation centre, and fast fashion's dumping ground for unwanted clothes.

Journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov win Nobel Peace Prize Oct 08, 2021

The high profile Philippine and Russian journalists face threats and intimidation by doing their jobs. Also, a suicide attack on an Afghan mosque kills dozens of people, and moves in China to shut down the "dancing grannies".

US warns Russia over energy crisis Oct 07, 2021

The US national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said any attempts to exploit the crisis, which is causing gas shortages across Europe, would backfire. Also: the children of Islamic State fighters imprisoned in a camp in Syria, and the grand-daughter of the notorious gangster Al Capone sells his possessions.

Texas abortion law temporarily blocked by judge Oct 07, 2021

The White House praised the ruling as an important step to restoring women's constitutional rights. Also, Pakistan earthquake kills many in Balochistan province, and Juji, the Afghan mynah bird, is now living in a French ambassador's residence.

Historic go-ahead for malaria vaccine in Africa Oct 06, 2021

The WHO announced on Wednesday that it is recommending the use of the first proven malaria vaccine following the success of a number of trials. The vaccine has potential to save tens of thousands of children’s lives. Also, the persecution of the Hazara minority in Afghanistan, and why a drone is delivering mail to a remote Scottish island.

Australia ends Papua New Guinea asylum detention Oct 06, 2021

Australia has controversially held migrants arriving by boat in processing centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru since 2013. Thirteen are known to have died as a result of violence, medical problems or suicide. Also, Taiwan says tensions with China is the worst in 40 years, and the difficulties of playing sport when you are colour blind.

Facebook harms children and weakens democracy, says ex-employee Oct 05, 2021

Frances Haugen, a former product manager turned whistleblower, heavily criticised Facebook at a hearing on Capitol Hill, telling US lawmakers that the company repeatedly prioritised profits over its users safety. Facebook denied the claims and said Ms Haugen spoke about areas she has no knowledge of. Also, relations between France and Mali go from bad to worse, and a Russian film crew arrives at the International Space Station to shoot the first movie ever made in orbit.

France: Report reveals huge scale of sexual abuse within Catholic church Oct 05, 2021

Investigation says 216,000 children sexually abused over several decades. And more than 3000 paedophile priests operated within the Church. Also, a warning about future water-shortages across the globe, and we visit a wind-farm in the wild and stormy North Sea.

Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp hit by global outage Oct 04, 2021

The three social media services, all owned by Facebook, were knocked offline for hours on Monday. Also: the US Trade Representative says China has failed to uphold commitments agreed under a trade deal last year; and scientists say they have successfully treated a case of severe depression with an electronic device implanted in the patient's brain.

Pandora Papers: Leaders deny allegations of financial impropriety Oct 04, 2021

Czech PM Andrej Babis says it is a political attack on him. Also, religious leaders call on politicians to agree to step up their commitment to the fight against global warming, and the Nobel prize for medicine is won by scientists investigating our ability to sense heat, cold and touch.

Secret wealth and dealings of leaders exposed in huge data leak Oct 03, 2021

King of Jordan and Tony Blair are among those featured in the Pandora Papers. Also: an explosion in Kabul kills eight; and we remember the French businessman and politician, Bernard Tapie, who's died.

Protesters march to defend US abortion rights Oct 02, 2021

Thousands gather in every US state to march in support of abortion rights. Climate and energy ministers confer in Milan ahead of next month's summit and did the last queen of France, Marie Antoinette, have a platonic admirer or a secret lover ?

Covid antiviral pill can halve risk of hospitalisation Oct 02, 2021

Emergency authorisation of Molnupiravir is now being sought, though US chief medical adviser Dr Anthony Fauci urges caution. Also, ex-president Saakashvili has been held on his return to Georgia, and how do you capture an alligator using a wheelie bin?

French ex-officer’s DNA ends 35-year murder hunt Oct 01, 2021

A former police officer who killed himself this week left a note confessing that he had carried out a series of sexual attacks in Paris. Investigators have now matched his DNA with crimes in the '80s and 90s. Also, Australia which has some of the toughest Covid travel restrictions in the world is to reopen its borders from next month, and why the marriage of a Japanese princess will not be a fairytale wedding.

Congress narrowly averts US government shutdown Oct 01, 2021

The measure passed in both chambers of the US Congress only hours before federal funding lapsed. Also: Nazi camp secretary caught after fleeing her trial, and "Rent-a-friend" as a solution to social isolation in China.

Sarkozy: France's ex-PM given jail sentence over campaign funding Sep 30, 2021

Nicolas Sarkozy given one-year sentence for illegally funding a 2012 re-election campaign. He denies any wrongdoing, and is expected to appeal against the ruling. Also, Italy's PM Mario Draghi tells climate conference that world leaders must be 'whipped into action' on global warning, and how one community in the US is fighting to save sea-turtles from extinction.

Families protest at Beirut blast investigation Sep 30, 2021

No-one has yet been held accountable for the August 2020 explosion in Beirut, which killed more than 200 people. Also, Britney Spears' father suspended as conservator, and YouTube to remove all anti-vaccine misinformation.

Fumio Kishida wins race to become Japan PM Sep 29, 2021

Mr Kishida will succeed Yoshihide Suga, who is stepping down after one year in office. Also, North Korea says it fired a new hypersonic missile; and molten lava from La Palma volcano reaches the Atlantic Sea.

US generals advised Biden against complete Afghan pull-out Sep 29, 2021

The US generals recommended keeping 2500 troops in Afghanistan. Also, Russia opens new criminal case against Navalny and his allies, and Daniel Craig's last Bond film finally premieres.

Climate change: Greta Thunberg outlines challenges facing the world Sep 28, 2021

Outspoken climate activist criticises what she sees as empty promises by those in power. She was among hundreds of other young campaigners at Youth 4 Climate conference in Milan. Also, Ukraine remembers one of the worst single massacres by Nazis in World War Two, and why campaigners in US want to tear down 'racist highways' running through ethnic minority communities.

R. Kelly found guilty in sex trafficking trial Sep 28, 2021

After decades of allegations, the singer was found guilty of running a scheme to abuse women and children. Also, Landsat-9 satellite is launched into space to picture Earth, and what does President Putin do on holiday?

Germany election: Narrow victory for centre-left Sep 27, 2021

Olaf Scholz says his Social Democrats plan to build a new coalition government, working with the Greens and liberal Free Democrats, but Angela Merkel’s CDU party is still hoping to hold on to power. Also, China tries to restore electricity supplies after widespread power cuts, and how flip flops gave some exam students in India an unfair advantage.

Germany: Tight race for rivals to succeed Merkel Sep 26, 2021

Social Democrats are on course for a narrow victory in parliamentary elections in Germany. Also, UN watchdog says Iran has not allowed its inspectors full access to its nuclear sites, and Swiss voters back legalisation of same-sex marriage.

Chinese tech boss flies home to red carpet welcome Sep 25, 2021

Huawei's Meng Wanzhou flew into Shenzhen, hours after two Canadians freed by China also returned home. Also today: Germans go to the polls to elect Angela Merkel’s successor, Kabul’s schoolgirls demand a return to class, and Britain performs a Brexit u-turn to attract more lorry drivers.

Deal struck to end legal standoff over Huawei telecom executive Sep 24, 2021

The senior Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, is expected to return home to China under a deal with US prosecutors. Mixed reaction to plans to hold the football world cup every two years? And a Kenyan policeman is reinstated after being fired for failing to turn up for work - whilst in a coma.

India: Gunmen dressed as lawyers shoot gangster dead Sep 24, 2021

Jitender Gogi was in court in Delhi when two people opened fire. Also, the European Commission urges Poland to give the necessary care and assistance to migrants caught in a stand-off on the border between Poland and Belarus, a campaign in the UK to help female judges get out of Afghanistan, and an Australian doctor comes up with a new technique to save the lives of shark-bite victims.

US Haiti envoy quits over 'inhumane' deportations Sep 23, 2021

Daniel Foote said he resigned in protest at the treatment of Haitian migrants. Also, the main candidates to be German Chancellor have clashed in a final TV debate before the election, and scientists say a fossilised rib bone discovered in Morocco is part of the oldest armoured dinosaur ever discovered.

Syria: Charity says wealthy nations have 'abandoned' children of IS fighters Sep 23, 2021

Save The Children calls for help for more than 27,000 children in detention-centres. Many are citizens of EU nations, and the charity accuses those countries of failing to have them repatriated. Also, the EU wants new laws pushing for a universal phone-charger, and the BBC investigates how extremism is tainting some of the most popular online games.

Biden promises global vaccine help Sep 22, 2021

The US president told a virtual Covid-19 summit another 500 million vaccine doses would go to developing countries. Also, WHO warns air pollution is more dangerous than previously thought, Netflix offers Kenyans free streaming, and could an app cure your fear of spiders?

Campaigners welcome China’s coal promise Sep 22, 2021

One group described it as a potential game changer. But the pledge did not include a ban on new coal-fired power stations in China. Also, parts of Australia are hit by the strongest earthquake in centuries, and Netflix has bought the rights to Roald Dahl’s classic children’s books.

China pledges to stop building coal-fired power stations overseas Sep 22, 2021

The leaders of China and the US - Xi Jinping and Joe Biden - have announced new commitments to tackle climate change at the UN General Assembly. Also, there are further signs that the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region is spreading to neighbouring areas, and why was an athlete disqualified after running a half-marathon in England?

Salisbury poisonings: Third man to face charges over Novichok attack Sep 21, 2021

Third Russian is to be charged over the 2018 poisonings in UK which left one person dead. British police believe all three suspects worked for GRU - Russia's military intelligence service. Also, Sudan blames 'forces of darkness' for failed coup attempt, and Pakistani PM Imran Khan says a ban on women's education in Afghanistan would be 'un-Islamic'.

Hotel Rwanda hero convicted on terror charges Sep 20, 2021

Paul Rusesabagina, who saved hundreds of people during the 1994 genocide, has been sentenced to twenty-five years in prison by a Rwandan court for terrorist offences. Also, we hear from a teenager in Afghanistan about her fears that she will never be able to resume her education. And, Chinese social media has been following the story of the first deaf lawyer in the country.

Russia: Gunman kills six people at university in Perm Sep 20, 2021

A man has been arrested after deadly shooting-spree in Perm, a city in the Urals. Police believe he acted alone and had no political or religious motives. Also, 'Hotel Rwanda' hero Paul Rusesabinga is convicted on terror-charges, and celebration-time for the UK at this year's Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.

Putin's party leads vote amid fraud claims Sep 19, 2021

The pro-Kremlin United Russia party is on course to win amid allegations of fraud. Also, Australia denies lying to France in submarine deal, and a volcano on the Spanish Canary Island of La Palma erupts after a week on alert.

UN urges Taliban to reopen girls' schools Sep 18, 2021

The UN calls on the Taliban to reopen girls' secondary schools in Afghanistan. The US moves thousands of migrants away from a Texas border town. And a new twist in the case of the missing travel blogger as her fiance also disappears.

US admits Kabul drone strike killed civilians Sep 17, 2021

An inquiry finds that a drone strike on a vehicle thought to be carrying a bomb just days before the US pullout, killed 10 members of a civilian family, not militants. The head of US Central Command, General Kenneth McKenzie, admits an aid worker and nine members of his family had died. Also, France recalls envoys amid security pact row, and New Zealand abandons Pakistan cricket tour over 'security alert'.

Russia’s parliamentary election begins Sep 17, 2021

As Russians head to the polls, Google and Apple remove a tactical voting app from their online stores. Over three days Russians are electing 415 members of the state Duma,or lower house of parliament. Also, the Austrian government is taken to court over its handling of a Covid outbreak at a ski resort, and the secrets behind the best ocean photograph of the year.

US tries to calm French anger over security pact with UK and Australia Sep 16, 2021

The US tries to calm French anger over the new security pact with Britain and Australia. Iran sends fuel supplies to Lebanon, as the economic crisis deepens. And an early work by Vincent Van Gogh is discovered by art experts in the Netherlands.

China denounces UK-US-Australia pact as 'damaging' Sep 16, 2021

Beijing says the Aukus security pact between Britain, the US and Australia is 'extremely irresponsible' and 'narrow-minded'. The alliance is widely seen as an effort to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Also, France says its troops have killed the head of the Islamic State group in the Sahara, and how some Dutch people are changing their names to reconnect with their African heritage.

Simone Biles testifies about abuse by US Gymnastics doctor Sep 15, 2021

She was joined before the US Senate by other athletes who were sexually assaulted by Larry Nassar. Also: Rodrigo Duterte faces crimes against humanity investigation and the preacher promising to help anti-vaxxers.

Afghan women's youth football team flees to Pakistan Sep 15, 2021

The departure of the football team from Afghanistan comes as part of a wider exodus of female cultural and sporting stars. Also, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU needs the "political will" to intervene militarily without the US, and SpaceX's Inspiration4 space mission is ready for lift-off.

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