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 choreographers across the world.

The Happy Pod: International Dance Day special

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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

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 end to fighting. Also: Israel's actions in Gaza on trial at The Hague.

Putin announces three-day Russian ceasefire in Ukraine

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 helps a Michigan bookshop owner move her stock to a new home.

Man arrested after car drives into Vancouver street festival

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 explosion at key Iranian port.

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

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 - the DRC, Philippines and Argentina.

Pope Francis funeral - special episode

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.

Final preparations underway for Pope Francis's funeral

Senior Russian general killed. Meanwhile US envoy arrives for talks with President Putin on how to end the war in Ukraine. The Russian foreign minister, in a US interview, said peace negotiations were progressing.

Russian general killed in Moscow car bomb

The US president insists he's putting 'a lot of pressure' on Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace deal. Also: Dutch town hall dumps rare Warhol print by mistake.

President Trump says he is 'not happy' with deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv

India and Pakistan announce tit-for-tat measures after deadly Kashmir attack. Ukraine responds to worst strike on Kyiv in months. Trump calls on President Putin to 'STOP!' Also: the woman who fooled the world's top magic society

India-Pakistan tensions rise following deadly Kashmir attack

The US Treasury secretary says the IMF and World Bank have deviated from their purpose. Also: The US issues Ukraine with an ultimatum, and proof that a Roman gladiator in Britain was bitten by a lion.

US Treasury secretary criticises the IMF and World Bank

Thousands queue to see Pope Francis lying in state in St Peter's Basilica. His body remains there until his funeral. Also: the EU hands Apple and Meta hefty fines under digital competition laws, and 20 years of YouTube.

Pope lying in state at St Peter's Basilica

The IMF cuts forecasts for every major economy and warns that the US could be hardest hit. Also: In Indian-administered Kashmir more than twenty tourists shot dead, and the surge in cosmetic surgery in China.

IMF downgrades global growth predictions after Trump tariffs

The Vatican has confirmed details of Pope Francis’s funeral. It’ll take place in St Peter’s Square, on Saturday. Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky are among dozens of world leaders who’ve said that they’ll attend.

Plans outlined for Pope’s funeral

Vatican says Pope Francis died from a stroke and heart failure. Also: snowfall in Hindu Kush Himalayan mountain range reaches 23-year low.

Catholics around the world mourn death of Pope Francis

Pope Francis has died aged 88. We look back at his life and legacy, with analysis from our Religion Editor Aleem Maqbool, our former Vatican Correspondent David Willey in Rome, along with reaction from around the world.

Pope Francis Dies - Global News Podcast Special Episode

An IDF inquiry into the killing of 15 emergency workers in Gaza last month found a series of professional failures, but says six of those killed were Hamas members. Also: Russia’s brief Easter truce with Ukraine has ended.

Israel military admits mistakes led to killing of Gaza medics

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is prepared to join Russia in observing an Easter ceasefire, but insists that Moscow's forces are still attacking. Also: scientists say they've discovered 'new colour' no one has seen before.

Zelensky says Russian attacks ongoing despite Putin announcing 'Easter truce'

After Dave's video rental store was forced to close, he created a space for his most loyal customer, Christina, so she could stick to her vital daily routine. Also: why millions of people are tuning in to watch the moose migration and what's the secret to 70 years of marriage?

The Happy Pod: Creating 'Christina's Corner'

US President Donald Trump has warned that unless Russia and Ukraine agree quickly to end their conflict, the United States will abandon its peace efforts. Also: project shares the sounds of Unesco World Heritage sites.

Trump says US will 'pass' on Ukraine peace talks if no progress soon

American top diplomat Marco Rubio warns US will walk away from Ukraine peace talks if progress is not seen within days. Also, US strikes in Yemen reportedly kill nearly sixty people, and the Fyre Festival relit?

US threatens to walk away from Ukraine peace talks

US President Donald Trump says he's 100% sure that he'll strike a trade deal with the European Union, after hosting the Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in Washington. Also: Rico the sloth gets surgery to cure toothache.

Trump and Meloni talk up chances of US trade deal with Europe

US and Ukrainian officials discuss ending the Ukraine war with European allies in Paris. Also: Russia has seized thousands of homes in occupied Ukraine, and scientists find promising signs of life on a distant planet

US and Europe discuss ending Ukraine war

The Trump administration is accused of "wilful disregard" of a ruling blocking the deportation of alleged gang members to El Salvador. Also: new speed climbing record set in the Swiss Alps.

Judge says US government could be in contempt over deportation flights

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.

UK's top court rules on definition of woman

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.

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

Harvard professor labels White House actions "groundless" and "vengeful." Also: At least 6 prisons in France are attacked overnight.

Trump administration to freeze over $2 billion for Harvard

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.

Sudan: Hundreds of thousands flee Darfur refugee camp

Ukraine's president invites Donald Trump to visit his country before any deal with Russia to end the war. Also: the trial that could change the social media landscape, and golfer Rory Mcllroy secures a Grand Slam.

Zelensky urges Trump to visit Ukraine to witness war devastation

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.

Russian missile strike in Ukraine kills over 30

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.

Trump exempts smartphones and computers from tariffs

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

The Happy Pod: Life-saving rat retires

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.

US judge rules Palestinian activist can be deported

President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff is in St Petersburg for talks with Vladimir Putin as the US pushes for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Meanwhile, China raises tariffs on American goods to 125%.

Trump's envoy meets Putin for ceasefire talks

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.

Trump recognises tariff 'transition problems'

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%?

Trump's tariffs explained

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'.

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

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.

Higher US tariffs on hold but China trade war grows

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.

China hikes tariffs on US imports

Hundreds of people were inside the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic's capital, Santo Domingo, when the roof collapsed. Also: major David Hockney art exhibition opens in Paris.

Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills scores of people

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

China vows to fight US 'blackmail' over tariffs

US to impose additional 50% tariffs on Chinese goods. Also: Trump says high-level meeting with Iran will take place on Saturday. And researchers say migration leads to unhealthy diet changes.

Trump threatens to escalate trade war with China

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.

Global stock markets plunge amid Trump tariff turmoil

French far-right leader calls embezzlement conviction a 'witch hunt' at Paris rally. Also: mobile number mix-up blamed for White House security breach, Pope surprises crowds at the Vatican and Soccer Grannies World Cup.

Le Pen vows to fight political ban

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?

Anti-Trump protests in all 50 US states

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.

The Happy Pod: Saving Thailand's street dogs

As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for interest rate cut, but the head of the US central bank suggests otherwise. Also, fourteen Ukrainians die in a Russian missile attack, and the rat sniffing out landmines.

As stock markets tumble again, Trump calls for a cut to interest rates

What happens next for Ukraine? The Global News Podcast teams up with Ukrainecast for a special Q&#38;A. We discuss the prospects of peace in Ukraine, Donald Trump’s involvement, and security fears in Europe.

The Ukraine War: Your Questions Answered

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.

South Korean court upholds impeachment of president

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.

Trump tariffs trigger steepest US stocks drop since 2020

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.

World reacts to Trump's sweeping tariffs

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.

President Trump announces sweeping tariffs on US imports

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.

Israel expands offensive in Gaza

Parts of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, are now a burnt-out shell after the army recaptured the city from the RSF paramilitary group. Also: has there been a major evolution in the design of the American baseball bat?

BBC team reaches Khartoum and finds overwhelming destruction

Myanmar's military government says more than 2,700 people are confirmed dead. Also: The UN says about 1,000 children have been killed or injured in Israel's renewed offensive in the Gaza Strip, and the Great Gatsby marks its 100th anniversary.

Myanmar remembers earthquake dead with a minute's silence

A religious leader in Mandalay says the situation is dire following Myanmar's earthquake. Also: shock Le Pen verdict rocks French far right; Nasa's Butch and Suni adapt to life back on Earth.

Myanmar declares week of mourning as death toll rises following earthquake

France's Marine Le Pen is barred from running in the next French presidential election. Also: Myanmar's junta say at least 2,000 people died in Friday’s earthquake, and UK hosts illegal migration summit.

French far-right leader, Le Pen, banned from politics for five years

President Trump shifts his tone towards Russia, criticising President Putin. Also: the Red Cross is “outraged” after eight of its medics were killed by Israeli fire in Gaza, and the use of a more ethical AI in Hollywood.

Trump 'very angry' with Putin over Ukraine

Malcolm and Simone Collins hope to have 10 children to help avoid what they see as a pending demographic collapse. They tell Lucy Hockings that as pronatalists they want to promote the dangers of falling fertility rates and encourage other people to have more children.

The Global Story: Pronatalism - Make America procreate again?

The search for survivors continues in Myanmar as the number of deaths rises to more than 1600. The UN pleads for the Burmese military to stop attacking rebels. Also: Mexico tackles its country's obesity problem.

Myanmar earthquake deaths surpass 1600

Millions gather each year on Egypt's streets for football tournaments during Ramadan. Also: money-saving beavers, one of the UK's largest Iron Age discoveries and darts helping children in South Africa learn maths.

The Happy Pod: Football while fasting -- Egypt's Ramadan pastime

Rescue workers in Myanmar and Thailand are scrambling to find survivors, after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the centre of Myanmar. Also: Vance scolds Denmark during Greenland trip as Trump says US must have island.

Myanmar earthquake kills at least 144

Myanmar's military rulers urge people to donate blood and medical supplies. The tremors reached as far as the Thai capital, Bangkok, over 1,000 kilometres away where a high rise building under construction has collapsed.

State of emergency declared in Myanmar after huge earthquake

European leaders at Paris summit discuss continued support for Ukraine and agree to keep sanctions against Russia. Also: King Charles cancels a day of engagements after suffering side effects from his cancer treatment.

European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine

Tourist submarine sinks off Egypt's Red Sea coast with at least six people confirmed dead. Also, Trump imposes new tariffs on foreign cars, and the devastation Sudan's civil war has caused to the National Museum.

Six killed as Egyptian tourist submarine sinks

The White House reacts furiously after The Atlantic magazine published all messages about Yemen airstrikes in a Signal app chat between senior security officials. Also: Valerie, the disappearing dog on Kangaroo Island.

Trump officials accuse journalist of lying after Signal app leak published in full

Sudan's army recaptures Khartoum airport from the Rapid Support Forces, marking its latest territorial gain in the civil war. Also: a Canadian actress tries to renew her visa, only to find herself detained for days.

Sudan’s army retakes Khartoum airport from paramilitary RSF

Donald Trump says the White House will "look into" the use of messaging app Signal after a journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg, was added to a group chat discussing air strikes on Yemen. Also: is there life on Mars? Maybe!

Trump and intelligence chiefs play down Signal app group chat leak

Sudanese military denies killing hundreds of people in airstrike on market in Darfur region. Also: Turkish protests continue following arrest of Istanbul mayor, and rare turtle stranded in Wales after Trump aid freeze.

Sudanese military accused of carrying out massacre in Darfur

Unrest began last Wednesday in Turkey when Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was detained on corruption charges. Also: top US officials shared classified Yemen strike plans with journalist in group chat.

Erdogan calls Turkey protests 'evil' as unrest continues

More than 1,000 people have been detained in Turkey during 5 days of protests about the arrest of President Erdogan's main rival, the mayor of Istanbul. Also: How do elite athletes cope with fasting during Ramadan?

Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days

Protests against the arrest of Istanbul mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, who denies corruption charges, continued on Sunday. Also: earrings worth $769,500 recovered by US police after they had been swallowed.

Turkish President Erdogan's main rival jailed

Thousands of demonstrators take to the streets in cities in Turkey and clash with riot police as the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu appears in court. Also doctors say Pope Francis will leave hospital on Sunday

Mayor of Istanbul dismisses charges against him

We meet the man behind A Mug of Life, who says chatting to strangers has made his life better, and everyone should try it. Also: why trusting the kindness of others makes you happier; and a retirement home for penguins.

The Happy Pod: Tea for two - sharing a brew with a stranger

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned growing protests in Turkey in the days since the arrest of a key opposition figure. Also: flights resume at London's Heathrow Airport after shutdown caused by fire at electrical substation.

Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested

Counter-terrorism police investigate fire at Heathrow power station. Also: Sudan's army recaptures presidential palace in Khartoum and Abercrombie &#38; Fitch's former boss is accused of abuse by 40 men.

Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos

President Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle the US Department of Education. Also: the Zimbabwean former swimmer, Kirsty Coventry, becomes first female president of the International Olympic Committee.

Trump signs executive order to close Department of Education

Israeli troops move up to the Netzarim Corridor which divides the north and south of the Gaza Strip, while Hamas fires rockets into Israel. 
And EU leaders discuss how to beef up European defence in the face of Russian threats.

Israel attacks Gaza in ground offensive

Turkish police arrest the mayor of Istanbul and presidential hopeful, Ekrem İmamoğlu. Thousands of people have come out in protest. Also: President Trump says his phone call with President Zelensky was very positive.

Turkey: thousands protest against Istanbul mayor arrest

Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of launching air attacks after a limited pause was agreed. Also: Mexico City waves goodbye to bullfighting, and why the JFK assassination has sparked so many conspiracy theories.

Ukraine says Russia broke pledge not to attack

The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, rejects an immediate and full ceasefire in Ukraine, agreeing only to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. Also: Nasa astronauts return to Earth after nine months in space.

Putin agrees to pause Ukraine energy attacks during Trump call

Israel resumes war in Gaza after ceasefire talks fail. Hamas says more than 400 people died in Israeli strikes. Also: Hard-hit Italian town marks five years since Covid, and how astronauts adjust to life back on Earth.

Israel launches waves of strikes on Gaza

Canada's new PM, Mark Carney, has said his country must reduce its reliance on the US and would instead turn towards what he described as its reliable European allies. Also: Antarctic base rocked by alleged assault.

Canadian PM Mark Carney says he wants to reduce security reliance on the US

Trump says he and Putin will discuss land, power plants and dividing up assets in Ukraine peace talks; Also: North Macedonia enters a week of mourning, and can DNA from endangered animals be used to save species?

Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday

Police have detained a number of people after a fire at an nightclub in North Macedonia killed scores of people. Also: The US deports hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members despite court order.

Arrests made after many fatalities in North Macedonia nightclub fire

President Trump says the US has launched a "decisive and powerful" wave of air strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen. Also: thousands rally in Belgrade against corruption.

US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis

We hear how an off-road wheelchair Zack built for Cambry when they started dating reopened her world and changed hundreds of lives. Also: life lessons from a singing grandad and a young climber; and King Charles turns DJ.

The Happy Pod: A gift that reopened the world

Trump says he thinks Russia is going to make a deal, but others are more sceptical. Also: former Philippines president, Rodrigo Duterte, appears at The Hague, and why investors resort to gold in hard times.

Is Putin serious about a ceasefire in Ukraine?

President Trump hails 'productive discussions' with Russia on Ukraine ceasefire. Russia says a call between Putin and Trump is expected soon. Also: stargazers in the western hemisphere witness a total lunar eclipse.

Trump says ceasefire talks with Putin 'good and productive'

President Putin gives his response to the US plan for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Also; the rise in measles cases, and the first bear to get brain surgery wakes up after hibernation.

Putin responds to Trump's ceasefire plan

Kremlin says President Putin has visited a command post in the Kursk region, where Russia has been retaking territory seized by Ukraine last year. Also: Pakistan train hijack over, and 100 days with a titanium heart.

Putin visits Kursk after Russian advances - Kremlin

The EU retaliates as Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports come into effect. Also: deforestation in the Amazon ahead of COP summit, and the wait for astronauts stranded in space is almost over.

EU retaliates as Trump tariffs expand globally

Ukraine accepts 30-day ceasefire in war with Russia. After a day of talks in Saudi Arabia, US agrees to resume military aid to Kyiv and intelligence sharing. Secretary of State Rubio says ball is now in Russia's court.

Ukraine accepts 30-day ceasefire

Armed militants in Pakistan's Balochistan region have attacked a train and threatened to harm the hundreds of passengers on board. Also: Manchester United have announced a brand new football stadium.

Pakistan militants attack train in Balochistan

Syria's defence ministry says it's ended military operations in strongholds of former President Assad in which hundreds of civilians are reported to have been killed. Also: China increases tariffs on some US goods.

Syrian government says operation against Assad loyalists over

Iran's supreme leader rejects demand from Donald Trump to reach a nuclear deal or face a potential military response. Also: South Korea's impeached president released, and International Women's Day celebrations.

Trump’s demands over nuclear deal rejected by Iran

We meet a couple who got engaged amid the ashes of the LA fires. The ring survived and was found in the ruins of their home. Also: grandmas bringing power to remote villages; and how going viral got a lost soft toy home.

The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home

Trump says it’s “more difficult to deal with Ukraine" than Russia in reaching a peace deal. Also: authorities say Gene Hackman and his wife both died of natural causes, and the Afghan women living under Taliban rule.

Trump says it's easier dealing with Russia

What future for Ukraine? Your questions answered. Global News Podcast teams up with Ukrainecast for a special Q&#38;A, in a week that has seen US military aid halted. Can Trump and Zelensky get back to talks on a peace deal?Jackie Leonard will be joined by Ukrainecast's Vitaly Shevchenko, the BBC's Ukraine Correspondent James Waterhouse and Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet.

The Ukraine War: What happens next?

Forces linked to Syria's new rulers engaged in heavy fighting with others loyal to the former President Assad. Also: latest trade figures from China indicate world's second largest economy is struggling.

Dozens killed in clashes in Syria

European Union leaders have expressed support for Ukraine, with US and Ukrainian delegations now set to meet next week in Saudi Arabia. Also, President Trump suspends tariffs imposed on Mexico and Canada for a month.