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: the remarkable first aid abilities of chimpanzees.

Donald Trump meets Syrian leader

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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

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 Basel hosts first Eurovision semi-final.

Trump agrees huge arms deal on Saudi visit

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 Novak Djokovic end their working partnership after just six months

Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia

The Israeli-American hostage, Edan Alexander, arrives in Israel after being released from captivity by Hamas. Also: Sean Diddy Combs' sex-trafficking trial begins, and can Ancelotti fix Brazil’s football?

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

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 Mounjaro and Wegovy go head to head in weight loss trial.

US agrees trade deal with China

President Zelensky has challenged President Putin to meet him after Donald Trump demanded they talk. Also: Hamas to free a hostage after direct talks with the US, and Pope Leo's call for an end to all wars.

Zelensky challenges Putin to meet him

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 over the return to Earth of parts of an old Soviet spacecraft.

Pakistan and India accuse each other of violating ceasefire

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. Also: laughter yoga; rehoming chimps; and an 81-year-old female Ironman.

The Happy Pod: Learning to read in your 30s

Pakistan accuses India of bringing them closer to a major conflict while India said it repulsed Pakistani assaults. Also: Robert Prevost's "head was in his hands" when he became pope and the Soviet spacecraft's return.

The fighting between Pakistan and India is intensifying

President Putin marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day by defending his invasion of Ukraine. Also: Ukraine arrests two people allegedly working as spies for Hungary and Pope Leo gives his first homily.

Putin hosts Russia's Victory Day parade

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 to give away his billions. Plus: David Attenborough turns 99.

Pope Leo XIV - the world reacts

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 correspondent in Rome, as well as reaction from around the world.Image: Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful as he appears from the Central Loggia of St. Peter's Square on 8 May, 2025 in Vatican City (Credit: Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis via Getty Images)

Robert Prevost becomes first American pope: Special episode

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating the three-day truce declared by President Putin. India and Pakistan have targeted each other in drone attacks. Also: the spacecraft due to crash back to Earth.

Ukraine labels Russian ceasefire 'a farce'

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 responds to Joe Biden's BBC interview, calling him a disgrace.

First conclave vote ends in black smoke

Why are tensions escalating between India and Pakistan? Our team of BBC experts explain, after India launches missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Five Indian jets were downed, Pakistan says.

Kashmir crisis questions

Pakistan says India's missile attack has ignited an "inferno in the region". India claims it targeted terrorist infrastructure. Also: Joe Biden speaks to the BBC, and cardinals gather to elect the next Pope.

Pakistan vows to respond to Indian strikes

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 tells Donald Trump his country will never be for sale.

India strikes Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Is Friedrich Merz the new German chancellor after he unexpectedly lost an initial vote in parliament? Also: Russian fears for victory parade after Ukrainian attack, and what kind of Pope do Catholics want?

Crisis vote in German parliament

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 first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship.

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

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 answers listener questions on the conclave at the Vatican

How will the next Pope be chosen?

The EU launches a campaign to attract foreign scientists, after the Trump administration froze government funding to some universities. Also: Israel approves "conquest" in Gaza, and the Lady Gaga concert bomb threat.

EU entices foreign scientists as Trump attacks universities

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 in Gaza. Also: Welsh cyclist completes 'dream' ride across the world.

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

Supporters of Australia's governing Labor party led by Anthony Albanese have been celebrating a resounding victory in the general election. Also: Trump criticised after posting AI image of himself as Pope.

Australian PM Albanese makes stunning comeback with landslide win

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 completed a marathon; a teenage cricket star; and a 103-year-old influencer.

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

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 blood could unlock universal antivenom after being bitten many times.

Prince Harry tells BBC he wants reconciliation with the Royal Family

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 classified as extremist and the tourists who saved a great white shark.

Ship carrying aid for Gaza bombed by drones

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 hails minerals deal as "truly equal partnership."

Trump replaces National Security Adviser Mike Waltz

Ukraine welcomes natural resources deal with US, after months of tense negotiations. Also: protests in Israel as army reservists demand an end to the war in Gaza, and how did inventors come up with the 'Like' button?

Ukraine welcomes natural resources deal with US

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 2022, and hope for the Mexican amphibian on the brink of extinction.

US signs historic natural resources deal with Ukraine

India holds security talks and Pakistan warns of imminent military strikes from India, following the deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. Also: Vietnam's reunification day, and a new eye test.

Pakistan warns of imminent military strikes from India

Donald Trump is celebrating 100 days in office - a key landmark. But the newly-elected Canadian government is reacting sharply against him. And Australian voters have taken against Mr Trump too.

Trump: The first 100 days

Officials investigate mass power blackouts in Portugal and Spain, but cyberattack ruled out. Also: Mark Carney's Liberal Party wins the Canadian election, and the mysterious hum annoying Scottish islanders.

What caused the mass power cut in Spain and Portugal?

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

Power outage causes chaos in Spain and Portugal

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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