Global News Podcast

Three years of war in Sudan

Sudan marks the third anniversary of its civil war. The fighting has led to a de facto partition of the country and created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The conflict was triggered by a power struggle between the regular army and paramilitary fighters, the Rapid Support Forces. Peace efforts led by the Americans have failed, as both warring parties get support from regional powers that enables them to keep fighting. Sudan’s economy has collapsed; 65 per cent of the population is in need of food, water, shelter and medicine. A shift towards drone warfare has also been deadly for civilians – killing nearly 700 so far this year. Donors are gathering in Berlin for an international conference with no sign of progress on failed peace efforts. Also: Negotiations between the US and Iran could be back on, just days after peace talks in Pakistan broke down; CEOs are creating AI clones of themselves to attend meetings on their behalf; President Zelensky says Ukrainian forces have retaken territory occupied by Russian forces using only drones for the first time; and why small talk could be beneficial to your mental and physical health. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. 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. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

China calls US blockade of Iranian ports 'dangerous'

China has described the US blockade of Iranian ports as "irresponsible and dangerous". The measure came into force on Monday, after peace talks failed over the weekend. Beijing's foreign ministry said Washington's actions would undermine the current ceasefire and further jeopardise the safety of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump said he ordered the blockade to force Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions. Analysts say the move is also designed to put pressure on China -- the biggest buyer of Iranian oil. Also: A Chinese court says the founder of collapsed property giant, Evergrande, has pleaded guilty to a series of fraud charges at his trial; a BBC investigation uncovers fresh, wide-ranging evidence that indicates Greek police have, for years, been recruiting migrants to force other migrants back across its river border with Turkey; an unusual way to combat southern Italy's 'brain drain'; and a successful Ugandan conservation project helping Africa's mountain gorillas. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. 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. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

US Vice President suggests talks with Iran could resume

JD Vance says progress was made in discussions with Iran at the weekend and the ball is in Tehran's court. But he also accuses the Iranians of "economic terrorism" over the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He was speaking hours after the US began enforcing its own naval blockade of Iranian ports. President Trump warned that any Iranian vessel that approached the blockade would be "immediately eliminated". He also said Iran couldn't be allowed to blackmail the rest of the world and extort money by imposing restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by calling the US blockade "piracy" and threatened retaliation. Also: After Mr Trump criticised Pope Leo, we look at the history of spats between popes and politicians; Colombia plans to cull its hippopotamus population; a BBC Eye investigation reveals life-threatening malpractice on a Pakistani hospital ward; Hollywood actors, directors and filmmakers oppose the Paramount-Warner Brothers Discovery merger; and Duolingo asks taxi drivers to assess the conduct of job applicants. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. 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. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Pope: 'I will not debate war with Trump'

Pope Leo has said he has "no intention to debate" Donald Trump, after the US leader criticised the pontiff's comments about the war in the Middle East. The American born Pope said he had no fear of the Trump administration. He said his message remained one of peace. Also, the US military has reportedly sent a note to seafarers saying that it will enforce a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that will apply to all vessels whatever flag they are sailing under. The note from the US Central Command says that any ship entering or leaving the blockaded area without authorisation will be subject to interception, diversion and capture. Hungary's incoming prime minister, Peter Magyar, has promised to usher in a new era for the country which he said became the poorest and most corrupt in Europe under his predecessor, Viktor Orban. And, how a toy designed by an eight year old boy became part of Nasa's Artemis mission. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. 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. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Péter Magyar wins the Hungarian election by a landslide

Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, has promised closer ties with the European Union - and an anti-corruption drive - after winning the Hungarian election. The 45-year-old defeated Viktor Orbán, of the Fidesz party, who had ruled the country for 16 years. Also, Iran has said it won't submit to threats from the US after President Trump said the American military would start blockading the Strait of Hormuz from Monday afternoon. Peru's election authority says it will be reopening some polls after tens of thousands of people were unable to vote in Sunday's Presidential election. We hear how a lack of basic sanitation in Zambia is putting mothers at high risk of maternal sepsis. French film director, Francois Ozon, talks about adapting the work of philosopher Albert Camus. And, in golf, Rory McIlroy has become only the fourth man ever to win successive Masters titles. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. 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. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk