Global News Podcast - podcast cover

Global News Podcast

BBC World Servicewww.bbc.co.uk

The breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Hear the most important global stories from the BBC, the most trusted name in international news. With reporters on the ground in every country, we’re always where the story is. We bring you unparalleled access and exclusive updates that you won’t get anywhere else.

Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. From Trump’s White House to Putin’s Kremlin, from the Ukraine War to the Israel-Gaza conflict. From Damascus to Delhi, from Silicon Valley to Singapore, from Washington DC to Wuhan. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight.

Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Subscribe now and never miss a moment.

Also listen to The Happy Pod, every Saturday, for the best global good news.

Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Episodes

UK's top court rules on definition of woman

In a landmark ruling, the UK Supreme Court says the legal definition of a woman refers to biological sex. Also: BBC gets rare access to a torture cell in Bangladesh, and the unexpected popularity of a slow TV moose show.

Apr 16, 202529 min

The world is urged not to 'look away' from Sudan's civil war

A conference is held but neither of the warring sides were invited, so what can be done? Also: the Russian hairdresser jailed after a neighbour denounced her and China's small businesses struggling with Trump's tariffs.

Apr 16, 202532 min

Sudan: Hundreds of thousands flee Darfur refugee camp

Hundreds of thousands flee Sudan's largest refugee camp in Darfur, after deadly attacks by RSF paramilitaries. Also: ‘God’s architect’ Antoni Gaudí is on the path to sainthood, and the new film inspired by a penguin.

Apr 15, 202526 min

Russian missile strike in Ukraine kills over 30

More than 30 Ukrainians killed in Russian missile attack on Sumy. Also: Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza City's last functioning hospital, presidential elections in Ecuador and Gabon, and scientists grow human teeth in a lab.

Apr 13, 202528 min

Trump exempts smartphones and computers from tariffs

President Trump exempts smartphones and laptops from new tariffs. Also: US and Iran describe first round of nuclear talks as constructive, and Melinda Gates says women face more obstacles now than when she was young.

Apr 12, 202528 min

The Happy Pod: Life-saving rat retires

Meet the rat with a life-saving sense of smell. Carolina has correctly identified thousands of cases of Tuberculosis. Also: the Malaria vaccine providing hope in Uganda and, what is the UK tea time alarm? Presenter: Oliver Conway. Music composed by Iona Hampson

Apr 12, 202527 min

US judge rules Palestinian activist can be deported

A US judge has ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, can be deported for his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. Also: how ‘A Minecraft Movie’ has broken box office records.

Apr 12, 202531 min

Trump's envoy meets Putin for ceasefire talks

This episode of the Global News Podcast covers several international stories including US envoy Steve Witkoff's meeting with Vladimir Putin to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine and the US-China trade war as China raises tariffs on American goods. The podcast also reports on the situation in Kyiv, the visa revocation of Costa Rica's former president, and the legal battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman. It concludes with reports on African filmmakers and a study on babies' brain development.

Apr 11, 202529 min

Trump recognises tariff 'transition problems'

US President Donald Trump says transition to new trade world won't be easy, as markets process the White House’s 145% tariff rate for China. Also: Prada agrees to buy rival luxury fashion brand Versace.

Apr 11, 202530 min

Trump's tariffs explained

Ben Brown in London and Sumi Somaskanda in Washington, examine the key questions about the Trump tariff rollercoaster of the last few days. Why has the US doubled down on China, with even steeper tariffs of 145%?

Apr 10, 202525 min

China says it won't bow to pressure from Trump tariffs

China says it won't give in to pressure from Donald Trump over tariffs but is willing to negotiate. Also: New prisoner swap between US and Russia, and research into mammal brains reveals a 'galaxy'.

Apr 10, 202530 min

Higher US tariffs on hold but China trade war grows

President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause for countries hit by higher US tariffs, but a trade war with China has escalated. Also: Inuit people accuse adventurer of ignorance over Baffin Island trek claim.

Apr 10, 202529 min

China hikes tariffs on US imports

Beijing retaliates against Trump with an 84% levy on American goods. Also: we look at what aid is getting through to earthquake survivors in Myanmar and why olive oil is the target for Italian armed gangs.

Apr 09, 202529 min

China vows to fight US 'blackmail' over tariffs

China says it will fight US tariff raises 'until the end.' Also: Iran confirms nuclear talks with the United States, we hear from Ukrainians under Russian occupation, plus new insights into the Titanic's final hours

Apr 08, 202528 min

Trump threatens to escalate trade war with China

This episode of the Global News Podcast covers a range of international stories, including President Trump's escalating trade war with China and the EU's response to US tariffs. The podcast also reports on direct talks between the US and Iran, the resurgence of piracy off the coast of Somalia, microplastic pollution in European rivers, the health impacts of migration, and China's crackdown on celebrity gossip.

Apr 07, 202529 min

Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil

Asian and European stocks drop as investors across the globe react to US president Donald Trump’s trade tariffs. Also: a BBC investigation into claims Palestinian prisoners were tortured in Israeli jails.

Apr 07, 202529 min

Le Pen vows to fight political ban

This episode of the Global News Podcast covers a range of international stories, starting with Marine Le Pen's political ban and her supporters' reaction. It also discusses Israel's misleading information regarding an attack in Rafah, and Netanyahu's visit to Washington to address trade tariffs. The podcast also touches on a security breach in the White House, Pope Francis's public appearance, Europe's war preparedness, US visa revocations for South Sudan, the impact of US tariffs on global trade, the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, the debate over bodega cats in New York, and the Soccer Grannies World Cup in Africa.

Apr 06, 202532 min

Anti-Trump protests in all 50 US states

Protesters across the US have taken to the streets in a show of defiance against Donald Trump’s policies. Also: what’s so compelling about jazz, and is British English slang being adopted across the Atlantic?

Apr 05, 202534 min

The Happy Pod: Saving Thailand's street dogs

Meet the man dedicating his life to helping thousands of stray dogs. Also: the childhood sweethearts who reunited after 85 years, and Baileigh Sinaman-Daniel, playing college basketball with only one arm.

Apr 05, 202529 min

The Ukraine War: Your Questions Answered

What happens next for Ukraine? The Global News Podcast teams up with Ukrainecast for a special Q&A. We discuss the prospects of peace in Ukraine, Donald Trump’s involvement, and security fears in Europe.

Apr 04, 202540 min

South Korean court upholds impeachment of president

The impeached president of South Korea apologises as he's stripped of power. Also, China hits back at US tariffs by imposing high taxes on American imports and a rogue bird is caught after terrorising an English village.

Apr 04, 202531 min

Trump tariffs trigger steepest US stocks drop since 2020

The shares of Apple were among brands worst hit after US tariffs were announced, but President Trump maintained the American economy would ultimately "boom". Also: release date of Nintendo Switch 2 console revealed.

Apr 04, 202533 min

World reacts to Trump's sweeping tariffs

Global leaders warn they will hit back at trade tariffs on US imports. As markets tumble, Donald Trump insists the US will emerge stronger. Also: study suggests shingles vaccine could reduce risk of dementia.

Apr 03, 202526 min

President Trump announces sweeping tariffs on US imports

The US President Donald Trump has announced universal 10% tariffs on all imports into the US. There will also be a 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles. Also: BBC team reaches quake-hit city of Mandalay in Myanmar.

Apr 03, 202533 min

Israel expands offensive in Gaza

An Israeli air strike is reported to have killed at least 19 people at a UN clinic in northern Gaza, after Israel announced an expansion of its offensive in the territory. Also: the American actor Val Kilmer has died.

Apr 02, 202529 min