Global News Podcast

Iran retaliates with missile attacks on Israel

14 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Loud blasts have been heard across Israel following another wave of retaliatory airstrikes by Iran, including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Also: black b...

Israel strikes Iran: World leaders urge restraint

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel's military says Iran fired about 100 drones towards its territory, many of which were intercepted, in retaliation to Israeli air strikes overni...

Israel targets Iran's nuclear sites - extra edition

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel has attacked Iran with military strikes that it says are targeting Tehran's nuclear programme. Iran says the head of its armed forces and the ...

Air India plane crash: Only one survivor of 242 people on board

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An investigation is underway into the crash of Air India flight AI-171, which went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. Also: scientists disco...

More than 240 people dead in Air India crash

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More than 240 people killed in a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The Air India flight crashed into a residential area shortly after take-off. Also, Iran acc...

Air India flight to London crashes in Ahmedabad with 242 on board

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Air India flight to London crashes after take-off in Gujarat. It's reported there are no survivors. The airline says 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons,...

LA unrest: First federal charges for protesters

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two people are facing the first federal charges in the LA unrest and could serve up to 10 years in prison. Also: Harvey Weinstein is found guilty on o...

LA protests: Mass arrests after curfew kicks in

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Police in LA say there have been mass arrests, amid protests over immigration raids. Also: dozens more Palestinians are killed trying to get to aid ce...

Israel 'outraged' after UK sanctions far-right ministers

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel says it's "outraged" by sanctions imposed by the UK and four other countries on ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich for "inciting violence." Also: ...

Shootings in Gaza claim the lives of Palestinians desperate for food

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Israeli army is investigating reports that drones fired on civilians. Also: Austria is in mourning after students and teachers were killed in a sc...

Trump to deploy 700 marines to Los Angeles

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

California sues Trump for deploying National Guard without Governor's permission. Also: another prisoner swap gets underway between Russia and Ukraine...

Israel blocks activist Gaza aid ship

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid yacht, carrying human rights activists. Trump deploys national guard at LA protests. UN Oceans talks open in France. ...

Los Angeles: Clashes erupt for a third day as the US National Guard arrives

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tensions escalate in LA as 2,000 National Guardsman arrive, and crowds protest for a third day against raids on undocumented migrants. Also: Palestini...

More shootings in Gaza near aid distribution centre

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hamas says six people were killed by Israeli gunfire near an aid distribution centre in Gaza. Israel says it fired warning shots. Also: Trump says his...

The Happy Pod: Rodent on the run returns

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joy in China as Beanbag the Capybara returns after months on the run. The giant rodent's adventures had gripped social media. Also: an ingenious idea ...

Man wrongly deported is back in US to face charges

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kilmar Ábrego García is returned to US to face criminal charges, three months after he was mistakenly deported. Also: Republicans try to contain Tru...

Trump says Musk has 'lost his mind'

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has said Elon Musk has 'lost his mind' as the explosive row between the two men continues. Also: solving a brutal medieval murder, and wh...

Trump-Musk relationship implodes with insults and threats

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump and Elon Musk are involved in a rapidly escalating row, a week after the billionaire businessman left his job as a US presidential advise...

Israeli military recovers two hostages' bodies in Gaza

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israeli minister says the retrieval of two Israeli hostages' bodies in Gaza shows only force will bring back those who are still alive. Also: Nintend...

US vetoes UN call for unconditional Gaza ceasefire

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The US has vetoed UN Security Council's draft resolution calling for an "unconditional and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza. The other 14 members voted in...

Red Cross chief: 'Gaza worse than hell on Earth'

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The head of the International Red Cross says the situation in Gaza has become 'worse than hell on Earth'. Also: The search for South Africa's illegal ...

Israel-Gaza: Are we witnessing war crimes?

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anna Foster is joined by Afif Safieh, Daniel Levy, Michael Kleiner, Baroness Helena Kennedy KC and the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse...

IDF says it will investigate the deaths of Palestinian civilians near an aid distribution centre in Gaza on Tuesday

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Israeli military says it's to investigate the reported killing on Tuesday of twenty-seven Palestinians near a US-backed aid distribution centre in...

Palestinians killed while collecting aid in Gaza

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Twenty-seven people collecting aid in Gaza are reported to have been killed by the Israeli military. Also: the impact of civil war on children in Suda...

President Zelensky calls for tough sanctions on Russia

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Moscow gave a list of demands known to be unacceptable to Kyiv. Also: Israel condemns the UN's call for an investigation into Sunday's killings of Pal...

Russia and Ukraine hold brief talks despite heavy drone attacks

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Russia and Ukraine wrap up a brief round of peace talks - after Ukraine launched an attack on Russian airbases. Also: why Britain is moving to war rea...

Ukraine launches drone attacks on Russian bombers

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ukraine claims to have left more than 40 Russian bomber planes burning in a large-scale drone attack. Also: the ICRC in Gaza says it's treated dozens ...

US rejects Hamas' response to Gaza ceasefire proposal

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has called Hamas' response to a Gaza ceasefire plan 'totally unacceptable'. Also: What two astronauts did when th...

The Happy Pod: The joy of chasing a giant cheese

31 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why the ancient English tradition of chasing a giant cheese down a steep hill is gathering crowds from around the world. Also: a life saving donation ...

Musk leaves Trump administration

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has heaped praise on Elon Musk at a press conference marking his exit from the US government. Also: The scientist behind the abortion pil...

UN warns entire Gaza population at risk of famine

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

UN says the world must do more to save the entire population of Gaza from famine. Also: BBC finds the EU has spent more on Russian oil and gas than ai...

US appeals court rules that Trump tariffs can stay in place for now

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump can keep collecting import taxes, an appeals court has ruled, a day after a ruling found the sweeping global tariffs to be i...

Israel announces major expansion of settlements in occupied West Bank

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israeli ministers say 22 new Jewish settlements have been approved in the occupied West Bank - the biggest expansion in decades. Also: A US federal co...

Dodging Russian drones in Donetsk

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A special report from the frontline in eastern Ukraine where Russian forces are advancing. Also: remembering the renowned Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thion...

Germany promises Ukraine long-range missiles to fight Russia

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Germany's Merz promises to help Ukraine produce long-range missiles. Also: the latest from Gaza, 20 years in jail for French paedophile, experts warn ...

Crowds overrun new aid distribution site in Gaza

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thousands of Palestinians have stormed an aid distribution site in Gaza set up by a US and Israeli-backed group, a day after it began working there. A...

US and Israeli-backed group distributes aid in Gaza

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The first aid delivery into Gaza by a US and Israeli-backed group has been dismissed by the UN as a "distraction". Also: King Charles is to deliver a...

US envoy rejects Hamas claim that it has agreed to American terms for a Gaza ceasefire

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The US envoy Steve Witkoff rejects a claim by Hamas that it has accepted an American plan for a Gaza truce. Also: car drives into Liverpool football f...

Israeli strike kills dozens sheltering in Gaza school

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rescue workers in Gaza describe 'horrific' scenes, after an Israeli strike on a school killed dozens. Israel said it had targeted Hamas. Also: the lat...

US remembers George Floyd

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Family of George Floyd promise to continue campaign for racial justice. Also: Spain calls for arms embargo against Israel over the war in Gaza. And ma...

Ukraine accuses Russia of torturing Ukrainian prisoners of war

24 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ukraine says almost all prisoners released by Russia in the latest exchange were beaten, isolated and brainwashed. Also: an Iranian film shot in secre...

The Happy Pod: The unlikely duo getting men talking about mental health

24 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We hear how a man travelling the world with a cuddly duck has encouraged thousands to open up about mental health problems. Also: a roaring success fo...

Trump threatens 50% tariffs on EU and 25% on smartphones

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump threatens a 50% tariff on all goods sent to the US from the EU. Also: a gang is found guilty of the Kim Kardashian jewellery heist in ...

Ukraine and Russia take part in biggest prisoner swap since invasion

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ukraine and Russia exchange hundreds of prisoners, which President Trump says "could lead to something big." Also: we look at the humanitarian situati...

The Trump administration stops Harvard from enrolling foreign students

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Trump administration bans Harvard from enrolling foreign students. Also: Israel blames critics of its war on Gaza for the murder of two US embassy...

Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel's foreign minister says antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement linked to the war in Gaza lay behind the killing of two Israeli embassy staff i...

Trump confronts South African leader with claim of Afrikaners being 'persecuted'

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump confronted his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, claiming that white farmers were being "persecu...

Paramilitaries pushed out of key state

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sudan's army says it has liberated all of Khartoum state from the paramilitary RSF. Also: the UN says new aid supplies have still not been distributed...

UN says no aid yet distributed in Gaza as international pressure on Israel mounts

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The United Nations says no aid has yet been distributed in Gaza despite aid lorries starting to cross the border after an 11-week blockade. Also: Sesa...

UN says Israel to allow 100 aid trucks into Gaza

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The UN says Israel to allow 100 aid lorries to enter Gaza; Also: President Trump's real estate company in talks to build tower in Vietnam as it tries ...

Trump says Russia and Ukraine to 'immediately' start ceasefire talks

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine will "immediately" start negotiating towards a ceasefire, after a phone call with Vladimir Putin. Al...

Netanyahu: Israel plans to take over all of Gaza

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel vows to 'take control of all' of Gaza to prevent Hamas from looting aid. Also: a BBC investigation finds evidence that children are being traff...

Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The former US president Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday after seeing a doctor for urinary symptoms. Also: Israel says it will a...

Trump to call Putin to stop Ukraine 'bloodbath'

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has said he will call Vladimir Putin on Monday to stop the Ukraine 'bloodbath'. Also: Reuniting Chile's stolen children with their birth ...

The Happy Pod: Climbing a mountain 64 times to inspire others

17 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listener Tania tells us how stories on The Happy Pod helped her fight for life after a near fatal mountain fall. Now she's determined to inspire other...

Ukraine and Russia agree prisoner swap after direct talks

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years have ended without a ceasefire agreement. Also: a man who attacked the auth...

Trump leaves Middle East while strikes on Gaza intensify

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Airstrikes in north Gaza kill nearly 100 Palestinians. Trump ends Mideast trip with business deals but no Israeli hostage breakthrough. Russia-Ukraine...

US plays down prospects of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Ukraine breakthrough not likely until President Trump meets Vladimir Putin. Also: power cuts in Sudan after dro...

Gaza officials say Israeli strikes kill more than 100 people

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Palestinians in Gaza say they are facing another Nakba on the anniversary of their "catastrophe". Also: President Zelensky calls Russian peace talks d...

Trump signs major trade deals with Qatar

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump announces a series of deals between the US and Qatar, including a huge order for Boeing jets. Also: President Putin is not on the Krem...

Donald Trump meets Syrian leader

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has met Syria's president Ahmed al-Sharaa after announcing a surprise decision to lift US sanctions on the government in Damascus. Also: ...

Trump agrees huge arms deal on Saudi visit

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump agrees $142bn arms deal with Saudi Arabia during a trip to the Gulf. Also: new hope for patients with breast cancer BRCA gene, and Ba...

Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump has met Saudi Arabia's crown prince in his first foreign trip since returning to the White House. Also: tennis stars Andy Murray and N...

Israeli-US hostage reunites with family after being freed by Hamas

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Israeli-American hostage, Edan Alexander, arrives in Israel after being released from captivity by Hamas. Also: Sean Diddy Combs' sex-trafficking ...

US agrees trade deal with China

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stock markets rally as US and China agree to slash tariffs for at least 90 days. Also: Kurdish PKK militants end armed struggle against Turkey and Mou...

Zelensky challenges Putin to meet him

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Zelensky has challenged President Putin to meet him after Donald Trump demanded they talk. Also: Hamas to free a hostage after direct talks ...

Pakistan and India accuse each other of violating ceasefire

11 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pakistan and India have accused each other of violating the truce which ended four days of attacks. Also: Syrian Jews return home, and some confusion ...

The Happy Pod: Learning to read in your 30s

10 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We meet a man learning to read in his thirties, and inspiring others. He overcame embarrassment to share his journey on his TikTok, Oliver Speaks. Als...

The fighting between Pakistan and India is intensifying

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pakistan accuses India of bringing them closer to a major conflict while India said it repulsed Pakistani assaults. Also: Robert Prevost's "head was i...

Putin hosts Russia's Victory Day parade

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Putin marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day by defending his invasion of Ukraine. Also: Ukraine arrests two people allegedly working as spies...

Pope Leo XIV - the world reacts

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pope Leo XIV addresses Vatican crowd as new leader of the Catholic Church. King Charles marks 80 years since Nazi defeat in Europe. Bill Gates pledges...

Robert Prevost becomes first American pope: Special episode

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The new pope is Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV - the first American to be elected leader of the Catholic Church. Hear from our corr...

Ukraine labels Russian ceasefire 'a farce'

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating the three-day truce declared by President Putin. India and Pakistan have targeted each other i...

First conclave vote ends in black smoke

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Black smoke emerges from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, as 133 cardinals fail to elect a new pope after the first ballot. Also: the White House re...

Kashmir crisis questions

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why are tensions escalating between India and Pakistan? Our team of BBC experts explain, after India launches missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan...

Pakistan vows to respond to Indian strikes

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pakistan says India's missile attack has ignited an "inferno in the region". India claims it targeted terrorist infrastructure. Also: Joe Biden speaks...

India strikes Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

India says it has targeted nine sites in Pakistan in response to a deadly attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir two weeks ago. Also: Canada's new PM t...

Crisis vote in German parliament

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is Friedrich Merz the new German chancellor after he unexpectedly lost an initial vote in parliament? Also: Russian fears for victory parade after Ukr...

Israel's plan to expand its military offensive in Gaza is widely criticised

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's been criticism in Israel and internationally of its plan to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip. Also: Zhao Xintong has become the fi...

How will the next Pope be chosen?

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How is a new Pope chosen? How long could the conclave last? In a special edition of the Global News Podcast, the BBC’s Religion Editor Aleem Maqbool...

EU entices foreign scientists as Trump attacks universities

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The EU launches a campaign to attract foreign scientists, after the Trump administration froze government funding to some universities. Also: Israel a...

Israeli army starts calling up reservists for planned expansion of Gaza offensive

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israel's military has confirmed that tens of thousands of call-up orders are being sent to reservists - in preparation for an expansion of operations ...

Australian PM Albanese makes stunning comeback with landslide win

04 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Supporters of Australia's governing Labor party led by Anthony Albanese have been celebrating a resounding victory in the general election. Also: Trum...

The Happy Pod: The rescued Ukraine lions learning to roar again

03 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A group of lions rescued from Ukraine are roaring again. Their new homes were built with money donated globally. Also: the paralysed man who's complet...

Prince Harry tells BBC he wants reconciliation with the Royal Family

03 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In an interview, Prince Harry says he can't see a world where his family will visit the UK after he lost his security legal challenge. Also: a man's b...

Ship carrying aid for Gaza bombed by drones

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Activists accuse Israel of a drone attack on a ship carrying aid for Gaza in the waters off Malta. Also: Germany's second-biggest political party is c...

Trump replaces National Security Adviser Mike Waltz

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump ousts Waltz and nominates him for UN post. Waltz had added a journalist to a group chat on military plans. Also: President Zelensky ha...

Ukraine welcomes natural resources deal with US

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ukraine welcomes natural resources deal with US, after months of tense negotiations. Also: protests in Israel as army reservists demand an end to the ...

US signs historic natural resources deal with Ukraine

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kyiv and Washington agree an economic partnership giving US access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals. Also: US economy shrinks for the first time since...

Pakistan warns of imminent military strikes from India

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

India holds security talks and Pakistan warns of imminent military strikes from India, following the deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered ...

Trump: The first 100 days

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump is celebrating 100 days in office - a key landmark. But the newly-elected Canadian government is reacting sharply against him. And Austr...

What caused the mass power cut in Spain and Portugal?

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Officials investigate mass power blackouts in Portugal and Spain, but cyberattack ruled out. Also: Mark Carney's Liberal Party wins the Canadian elec...

Power outage causes chaos in Spain and Portugal

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A massive power cut hit large parts of Spain and Portugal on Monday, causing widespread disruption.

Putin announces three-day Russian ceasefire in Ukraine

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Kremlin announces a short ceasefire in Ukraine, coinciding with celebrations marking the end of World War Two in Europe. Kyiv calls for a 30-day e...

Man arrested after car drives into Vancouver street festival

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There have been a number of fatalities when a car was driven at high-speed into festivalgoers in the Canadian city of Vancouver. Also: a human chain h...

The Happy Pod: International Dance Day special

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A special episode of The Happy Pod for International Dance Day. From the Royal Opera House in London, we are hearing stories from performers and chore...

World bids farewell to Pope Francis who told people to 'build bridges, not walls'

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pope Francis has been laid to rest at his favourite church in Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore, after a private service. Also: fatalities after a huge explo...

Pope Francis funeral - special episode

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Pope's funeral was attended by dozens of politicians and royalty. We hear from correspondents in Rome and countries with close links to the Pope -...

Final preparations underway for Pope Francis's funeral

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is taking place today in St Peter's Square. More than one hundred foreign dignitaries are expected to attend.

Russian general killed in Moscow car bomb

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Senior Russian general killed. Meanwhile US envoy arrives for talks with President Putin on how to end the war in Ukraine. The Russian foreign minist...