Oliver Conway

A fisherman from Ale who asked to remain anonymous speaking to Alan Kasuja on the Africa Daily podcast. Scientists say alarming levels of microplastics have been found in rivers across Europe. The majority come from everyday products, but a study has found that many of these particles are emitted during the plastic manufacturing process.

The researchers are now calling for action to reduce river pollution, as Jacob Perkins explains.

The researchers are now calling for action to reduce river pollution, as Jacob Perkins explains.

Jacob Perkins. Research moving to a new country has a huge effect on our gut and can lead to an increased risk of illnesses such as heart disease. Scientists from the Amsterdam University Medical Centre compared people who'd come to Europe from the West African nation of Ghana with those who'd stayed at home.

Jacob Perkins. Research moving to a new country has a huge effect on our gut and can lead to an increased risk of illnesses such as heart disease. Scientists from the Amsterdam University Medical Centre compared people who'd come to Europe from the West African nation of Ghana with those who'd stayed at home.

They found that the migrants' diets changed and so did the bacteria in their digestive systems. Evan Davis spoke to Dr Barbara Verhaert, the study's lead author.

They found that the migrants' diets changed and so did the bacteria in their digestive systems. Evan Davis spoke to Dr Barbara Verhaert, the study's lead author.

Dr Barbara Verha talking to Evan Davis. China's top internet regulator is cracking down on showbiz gossip. The authorities are banning social media accounts accused of spreading celebrity rumours and scandal. Our China media analyst Kerry Allen has the details.

Dr Barbara Verha talking to Evan Davis. China's top internet regulator is cracking down on showbiz gossip. The authorities are banning social media accounts accused of spreading celebrity rumours and scandal. Our China media analyst Kerry Allen has the details.

Carrie Allen there. And that is all from us for now, but the Global News Podcast will be back very soon. This edition was mixed by Louis Griffin and produced by Richard Hamilton. Our editors, Karen Martin. I'm Oliver Conway. Until next time, goodbye.

Carrie Allen there. And that is all from us for now, but the Global News Podcast will be back very soon. This edition was mixed by Louis Griffin and produced by Richard Hamilton. Our editors, Karen Martin. I'm Oliver Conway. Until next time, goodbye.

You're listening to the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. Hello, I'm Oliver Conway. This edition is published in the early hours of Saturday, the 5th of April. President Trump calls for a cut in interest rates, but the head of the US central bank suggests that won't happen as trillions of dollars are wiped off global markets.

You're listening to the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. Hello, I'm Oliver Conway. This edition is published in the early hours of Saturday, the 5th of April. President Trump calls for a cut in interest rates, but the head of the US central bank suggests that won't happen as trillions of dollars are wiped off global markets.

Ukraine says a Russian missile strike has killed 16 civilians in President Zelensky's home city. And the best-selling video game Minecraft hits the cinema screens. Also in the podcast, the Tanzanian diet that can boost the immune system.

Ukraine says a Russian missile strike has killed 16 civilians in President Zelensky's home city. And the best-selling video game Minecraft hits the cinema screens. Also in the podcast, the Tanzanian diet that can boost the immune system.

And does a whiff of power surround the French president? When he announced his new tariffs earlier this week, President Trump called it Liberation Day. Critics said Liquidation Day would have been a better name and investors continue to dump stocks on Friday. Some financial markets recorded their worst falls since Covid.

And does a whiff of power surround the French president? When he announced his new tariffs earlier this week, President Trump called it Liberation Day. Critics said Liquidation Day would have been a better name and investors continue to dump stocks on Friday. Some financial markets recorded their worst falls since Covid.

During the day, China announced it would match the 34% additional tariffs imposed by the US, sparking fears of a global trade war. Donald Trump said China played it wrong, they panicked, and he would never change his policies. But he did make a plea for the US central bank to cut interest rates. The response from Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve, suggested that would not happen.

During the day, China announced it would match the 34% additional tariffs imposed by the US, sparking fears of a global trade war. Donald Trump said China played it wrong, they panicked, and he would never change his policies. But he did make a plea for the US central bank to cut interest rates. The response from Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve, suggested that would not happen.

Jerome Powell talking to business journalists. I asked our business correspondent Mark Ashtown why the president was pushing for a cut in interest rates.