Global News Podcast - BBC World Service

US Senate passes Covid relief plan Mar 07, 2021

President Biden called it a 'giant step forward' and said it should become law next week. Also: the Yazidi women - raped by IS fighters - who are reunited with their children, and the 130 kilometre journey to pick up a sandwich.

WHO head warns of more pandemic waves Mar 06, 2021

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there must be no relaxation in the fight against Covid-19. Also: the Pope's first visit to Iraq, and Ukraine's campaign to have Borscht recognised as its national dish.

Pope Francis begins tour of Iraq Mar 05, 2021

Pontiff intends to show support for Iraqi Christians and foster dialogue with Muslims. This is considered the Pope's riskiest international trip yet - due to instability and the pandemic. Also, China reveals plans to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, and the world's oldest known wild bird has a chick - at the age of 70.

Italy blocks AstraZeneca shipment to Australia Mar 05, 2021

The ban on shipping 250,000 doses, amid a row with the firm, is backed by the EU. Also: the store where shoppers walk out without paying, and saving the butterfly.

Myanmar: Opponents of the coup continue to demonstrate Mar 04, 2021

There are reports that the police used tear gas and gunfire to break up the protesters. The UN human rights chief has demanded the military government stop murdering and jailing protesters. Also: Hong Kong has been excluded from an annual league table of the world's most free economies, and we hear how poetry is helping one doctor cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

ICC 'war crimes' inquiry in West Bank and Gaza Mar 04, 2021

Israel rejects the court's investigation, while the Palestinians praise it. Also: South Korea's first transgender soldier is found dead, and the vultures threatened by poison in Kenya.

Myanmar: Further deadly clashes despite appeals for calm Mar 03, 2021

At least nine people killed in confrontations between security forces and demonstrators. One teenager is reported to be among the dead. Also, a BBC investigation finds evidence that members of China's Uighur minority are being uprooted from their homeland, and country superstar Dolly Parton reworks one of her best-known songs to encourage Americans to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

US sanctions Russians over Navalny poisoning Mar 02, 2021

The Biden administration imposes its first sanctions on Russia over what it says was Moscow’s attempt to kill Alexei Navalny. The move, which targets Russia's top spy and six other officials, was co-ordinated with the European Union. Also: scientists discover a group of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo are able to suppress HIV without medication, and one of reggae's most important voices, Bunny Wailer, dies at the age of 73.

Hundreds of kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls freed Mar 02, 2021

The girls were abducted by gunmen from their boarding school in Zamfara state and taken to a forest. Also: the Prime Minister of Singapore condemns the violence in Myanmar, and the extraordinary journey of a wolf on the west coast of the United States.

Jamal Khashoggi: US defends decision not to punish Saudi Crown Prince Mar 02, 2021

The Biden administration had been strongly criticised for not sanctioning the Crown Prince directly, despite blaming him for the journalist's murder in an official report last week. The US State Department insists it is focused on Saudi Arabia’s future conduct. Also: a BBC reporter covering the deadly conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray province is detained by the military, and the Nobel prize winning author Kazuo Ishiguro discusses the inspiration behind his new novel.

Fresh charges against deposed Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi Mar 01, 2021

Aung San Suu Kyi is charged with two more offences, as the security forces again use tear gas and stun grenades against peaceful protesters. Also: the former president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, is found guilty of corruption and influence peddling; and Donald Trump hints at a new bid for the White House.

Donald Trump returns to political stage Feb 28, 2021

Mr Trump told the Conservative Political Action Conference he would not be starting a new political party. Also, police in Myanmar open fire on protesters, and a Russian warship enters a port in Sudan where Russia is planning to build a new naval base.

Political tensions escalate in Armenia Feb 28, 2021

The Armenian president has refused to follow through an order from the prime minister to sack the army chief. Also: hundreds of arrests across Myanmar as the military authorities harden their response, and researchers dig out a near intact Roman ceremonial chariot in Pompeii.

Jamal Khashoggi: US says Saudi prince approved Khashoggi killing Feb 27, 2021

A US intelligence report has found that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the murder of exiled journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The report said this conclusion was based on the crown prince's absolute control over the security apparatus, and his willingness to use violence to silence critics. Also, Myanmar's ambassador to the UN has condemned the military coup in his country and has sided strongly with mass protests, and we hear why fish in Kenya are dying in large numbers.

Nigeria: More than 300 schoolgirls kidnapped Feb 26, 2021

Unidentified gunmen abducted the girls in tge early morning from a school in Zamfara state. This is latest in a series of attacks targeting schools in northern Nigeria in recent years. Also, court rules that British-born IS recruit Shamima Begum cannot return to UK from Syria, and BBC investigation finds portions of Brazil's Amazon rainforest being sold illegally on internet.

EU leaders vow to speed up vaccine production Feb 26, 2021

Greece and Austria are urging other EU states to adopt coronavirus vaccination "passports". Also: jailed Putin critic Alexei Navalny "moved out of Moscow remand centre", and the black browed babbler bird is not extinct after all.

Armenian leader denounces 'attempted coup' Feb 25, 2021

PM Nikol Pashinyan leads crowds of supporters after the army says he must resign. Also: how elephants in zoos are helping their relatives in the wild, and the pandemic's impact on the German language.

US says report on Khashoggi murder in Saudi consulate expected 'soon' Feb 25, 2021

A US intelligence report on the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in a Saudi consulate in Istanbul will be published soon. Also: single-shot Covid-19 vaccine ‘stable and effective’, and Van Gogh painting on show for the first time.

Covid: WHO's Covax scheme delivers first vaccines Feb 24, 2021

Ghana is first nation to receive Coronavirus vaccines through sharing initiative. Covax scheme aims to encourage richer countries to share vaccines with poorer nations. Also, German court jails Syrian former intelligence agent for complicity in crimes against humanity, and the Texan truck-driver who rescued hundreds of people stranded by ferocious winter storm.

Capitol security officials blame US intelligence failures in January 6 riot response Feb 24, 2021

Testifying to a Senate committee, officials said that the rioters 'came prepared for war'. Also: suspect in Malta journalist murder pleads guilty. Thousands protest in Tbilisi after arrest of Georgian opposition leader, and the American Beat poet, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, has died at the age of 101.

UN could suspend aid for N Korea's 'hungry millions' Feb 23, 2021

The UN's World Food Programme says Pyongyang's strict Covid rules could halt its aid. Also: Facebook reverses its ban on news in Australia, and how wasps helped date cave paintings of kangaroos.

US Covid-19 deaths pass half a million Feb 23, 2021

President Biden describes it as a truly grim heartbreaking milestone. Also: NASA releases videos of its Perseverance rover landing on Mars and the first audio recording from the surface of the planet, and the French electronic dance group Daft Punk announce a split after 28 years.

Italian ambassador killed in DR Congo Feb 22, 2021

Luca Attanasio and two others died after a UN convoy was attacked near Goma. Also: Boeing 777 airliners are grounded after an engine falls apart in mid-air, and a Chinese tea shop chain apologises for calling women a 'bargain' on its mugs.

Myanmar: Huge crowds mourn three demonstrators killed in protests Feb 21, 2021

Thousands of Burmese activists held ceremonies and vigils for those killed by the military authorities as they try to suppress a campaign of civil disobedience against their coup. Also: The head of the UN nuclear watchdog says Iran has agreed to extend UN inspectors' access to its nuclear sites for a further three months, and NASA is to reveal the first video footage containing the sounds of the Red Planet captured by the cameras onboard its rover in Mars.

Myanmar: Two protestors shot dead Feb 20, 2021

Myanmar security forces open fire on protestors in the city of Mandalay, in the bloodiest show of force since the military coup earlier this month. Also, police in Barcelona clash with supporters of the jailed Catalan rapper Pablo Hasel. And Australian entrepreneurs look to the ocean for sustainable business opportunities.

G7 leaders pledge billions of dollars for UN global vaccination fund Feb 19, 2021

The jabs will be distributed by the UN's COVAX scheme, also, a more lenient approach to drugs possession in Norway, and why a black footballer won't 'take the knee'.

Harry and Meghan not returning as working members of Royal Family Feb 19, 2021

Buckingham Palace has said Prince Harry and Meghan "remain much loved members of the family". UK Supreme Court rules Uber drivers are workers, not self-employed. The UN asks for proof that Dubai's Princess Latifa is alive.

Nasa's Perseverance Rover lands on Mars Feb 19, 2021

The robot will spend the next two years looking for evidence of past life. Also: an inquiry in Colombia finds that the army under President Alvaro Uribe killed more than 6,000 civilians, passing them off as combat deaths; and the scientists trying to create a robotic nose to detect cancer - inspired by dogs.

US life expectancy falls by a year amid pandemic Feb 18, 2021

The life expectancy for the entire population dropped to 77.8 years. The Australian Prime Minister says his government will not be intimidated by Facebook blocking news feeds to users. New Tokyo Olympics chief is seven times Olympian Seiko Hashimoto.

Biden administration to transfer more than $200m to WHO Feb 17, 2021

Transfer is part of new president's reversal of his predecessor's policies, also, Britain to launch Covid trial with healthy young volunteers, and what mice learn of men.

Myanmar: Roads blocked in Yangon as thousands protest Feb 17, 2021

Demonstrators used vehicles to obstruct major roads across city. UN's special rapporteur for Myanmar has warned of potential violence. Also, gunmen have abducted dozens of schoolchildren in raid in northern Nigeria, and former pop star Glenn Medeiros alleges that 1980s music business was rife with sexual exploitation and Mafia links.

Democrat congressman files federal lawsuit against Donald Trump Feb 16, 2021

Bennie Thompson who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee also accused Mr Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and far right groups, the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers of inciting the crowd to disrupt the certification of the election results by the use of force, intimidation and threat. Also: the Hamas authorities in Gaza have agreed to revise a controversial ruling that banned women from travelling without the permission of a male relative, and the European Space Agency says it's planning to recruit someone with a physical disability as a potential astronaut.

Princess Latifa: 'I want to be free' Feb 16, 2021

In secretly recorded messages, the Dubai ruler's daughter says she's being 'held hostage'. Also: Cuba's coronavirus vaccine programme, and the big freeze on the Texas riviera.

Myanmar protesters threatened with 20 years in jail Feb 16, 2021

The military says fines will also apply to those found to incite "hatred" towards the coup leaders. Also: World Trade Organization names its first female African boss, and high-altitude birds have evolved thicker "jackets".

Myanmar soldiers use rubber bullets against protesters Feb 15, 2021

The military has also warned protesters they could face up to twenty years in jail. Also: searching for the vanishing great white shark, and the new way of photographing subjects - without the photographer being there.

Myanmar: Armoured vehicles roll through the streets Feb 14, 2021

The leaders of Myanmar's military coup try to consolidate power, as they face continued protests across the country. Also, the World Health Organization plans a mission to Guinea, where an Ebola epidemic has been declared. And the Catalan region of Spain holds elections for the first time since its failed bid for independence in 2017.

Trump acquitted of inciting mob to attack US Capitol Feb 13, 2021

Fifty-seven senators voted to convict Mr Trump - 10 short of the number needed to convict. Mario Draghi is sworn in as Italy's new prime minister. Fifty years on, why Carole King's Tapestry remains influential.

Trump's lawyers present impeachment defence Feb 13, 2021

Lawyers for the former president, Donald Trump, argue that his remarks in the hours leading up to the storming of the US Capitol should be protected by free speech laws. Also, Iran reacts defiantly to warnings that it once again breached the 2015 nuclear deal. And the United Nations Security Council calls on the leaders of Myanmar's military coup to give up power.

Nigeria: Polluted communities 'can sue Shell in English courts' Feb 12, 2021

UK Supreme Court ruling allows lawsuit by oil-polluted Niger Delta communities. People in this area say their lives and health have suffered because repeated oil-spills have heavily contaminated their land and water. Also, Russia warns it may cut ties with EU if the bloc imposes sanctions over treatment of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and was Stonehenge originally built in Wales ?

US Impeachment: 'Convict Trump or it could happen again' Feb 11, 2021

They said the rioters who stormed Congress believed they were acting on Trump's orders. The Duchess of Sussex has won a privacy case against a British newspaper. Ten years on from the Arab Spring, what life like in Egypt?

Myanmar is planning to increase internet censorship as protests continue Feb 11, 2021

There's been a fresh wave of arrests in Myanmar of officials linked to the former civilian government. Also: Tokyo Olympics chief to step down over sexism row, and are pigs clever enough to play computer games?

Trump: New footage of Capitol violence Feb 11, 2021

Democrats tell his impeachment trial his election fraud claims led directly to the riots. Also: we hear from young activists in Myanmar, and the reinvention of the Barbie doll.

Covid-19: EU's von der Leyen admits failures in vaccine rollout Feb 10, 2021

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly accepts criticism. She says EU was slow to authorise vaccines, overconfident about meeting production-targets, and 'still not where we want to be.' Also, why Serbia's achieved huge success with its vaccination-effort, and how a Texas lawyer became an internet star - as a cat.

US Senate votes to continue with Trump impeachment Feb 10, 2021

The Senate found that the trial is constitutional, allowing full proceedings to begin. Also: the UAE puts a space probe into orbit around Mars, and the 82-year-old climber breaking records to pay tribute to the elderly victims of coronavirus.

WHO says Covid-19 laboratory leak 'extremely unlikely' Feb 09, 2021

A team of international and Chinese experts say more work is needed to identify the source of the virus. Also: rubber bullets used as Myanmar protestors defy ban, and the Supremes co-founder and singer Mary Wilson dies aged seventy-six.

Trump's second impeachment trial Feb 09, 2021

The trial starts today, with Mr Trump's lawyers denying he incited supporters to riot. Also: Myanmar's military defends its coup, and Tesla buys more than a billion dollars of Bitcoin.

Myanmar: Military issues warning as protests continue Feb 08, 2021

State TV tells protestors that action will be taken if they threaten 'rule of law'. Tens of thousands of people have demonstrated for third day following military coup. Also, rescuers search for 200 people who are missing after flood in northern India, and US Senate prepares for second impeachment trial of Donald Trump.

Haiti 'coup foiled' Feb 08, 2021

Officials say a bid to murder the president and overthrow the government has been halted. Also: protests sweep Myanmar, and rebuilding the old Iraqi city of Mosul.

Myanmar coup: Internet shutdown as crowds protest against military Feb 06, 2021

The national blackout comes amid the biggest protest so far against this week's military takeover. Thousands of people took to the streets of the main city, Yangon. Also: remembering the 'Wuhan whistleblower' doctor a year after his death, and rare meteorites from the Moon, Mars, and beyond, go under the hammer in New York.

ICC rules its jurisdiction extends to Palestinian Territories Feb 05, 2021

The International Criminal Court's decision could lead to an investigation into alleged war crimes by Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas. Also: Russia expels European diplomats over Navalny protests, and the Sound of Music star Christopher Plummer dies at the age of 91.

Russia: Opposition leader Alexei Navalny in court to face fresh charges Feb 05, 2021

Mr. Navalny is accused of slandering an elderly Second World War veteran, which he denies. His lawyer says this is 'criminal persecution' aimed at preventing his client from standing in parliamentary and presidential elections. Also, how the pandemic has made life even harder for Bulgaria's Roma minority, and scientists discover a reptile the size of a sunflower seed.

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

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