Global News Podcast

For two years, the Russian president Vladimir Putin has been waging a brutal conflict in Ukraine - the bloodiest in Europe since the Second World War. But after tens of thousands of deaths on both sides who has the upper hand? What is life like in Ukraine, and Russia, today? And when will the killing end? The Global News Podcast and Ukrainecast have come together to answer your questions.

The measures include export restrictions on firms and individuals. Also, firefighters in Spain work to gain access to a burned out apartment building to search for people still missing and, the funeral of the athlete Kelvin Kiptum takes place in Kenya.

Mrs Navalnaya finally saw his remains on Wednesday after investigators secretly took her to a morgue outside the remote prison in Russia where he collapsed and died. Also: Firefighters in the Spanish city of Valencia have been trying to rescue people from a 14-storey building that's gone up in flames, and scientists finally work out the mystery surrounding why some of the largest whales in the ocean produce their haunting and complex songs.

A Russian official confirmed that a strike took place but described the reports as 'grossly exaggerated'. Also: Israel's parliament overwhelmingly backs a resolution by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejecting any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, and why young women are key to creating new words.

UN doctors were granted access to the hospital in southern Gaza, days after it was raided by Israeli forces. Also: Pakistan political parties reach formal coalition agreement, and does exercise have the same benefits for both men and women?

The draft resolution was proposed at the UN Security Council. Also, countries address the International Court of Justice on the legality of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories, and the Wikileaks founder, Julian Assange, makes another attempt to halt his extradition to the US.

Brazil recalled its ambassador after a row developed following President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's controversial statements about Israel's military operation in Gaza. Also: Navalny's grieving widow vows to continue his work, and British Museum's social media flooded with calls regarding return of Easter Island statues.

This week, the eight-year-old boy who sang in front of tens of thousands of people at a rugby international. Also: the campaign encouraging appreciation of the people who do the vital job of waste picking in India. And how a penguin helps out his short-sighted friend.

This week, the French model-maker celebrating a world record that he nearly missed out on due to a technicality. Also: a guide to the Lunar New Year celebrations. And can you tell the mood of a chicken by its cluck?

Why are millions of apartments in China sitting empty? How has the country managed to produce as much cement in two years as the US did in the last century? For a special edition celebrating the Lunar New Year, the BBC's Asia Pacific editor Celia Hatton looks at the significance of eight numbers representing different aspects of modern China. Celia teams up with some of the BBC's China correspondents and analysts to look at topics ranging from China's marriage rates to its zodiac calendar.

This week, the adventures and safe recapture of a runaway monkey in Scotland. Also: how scientists tracked down four previously undiscovered penguin colonies. And, the "Motorbike Grandma" riding the length and breadth of China.

This week, pioneering work using ultrasound In the treatment of both Alzheimer's and addictions. Also: a water skiing world record, and how a chatbot for a parcel delivery service went rogue

This week, we meet the teen rescuers who saved a couple from drowning in Barbados. Also: the pioneering heart transplant for a newborn hailed as a success. And, ending homelessness the Finnish way.

Five people were rescued from a system of underground lakes in southern Slovenia. Also: scientists say they've decoded a baby's cry. And, the mouse that's been caught tidying up a garden shed.

Grace Hart's artwork was accidentally thrown away, only to end up in the Pakistani city of Lahore. Also: the jewellery store owners in Hawaii helping to restore precious items damaged in wildfires. And, the teenage darts player, 'Luke the Nuke', taking the sport to new audiences.

Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, how a settlement in Norway is taking a unique approach to mobile phone etiquette, after getting signal for the first time. Also: the man who composes music on TikTok to tell short stories. And we look ahead at what's to come in the worlds of sport and music in 2024.

Our annual review of the happiest stories in the world. We look back on the successful rescue mission from a dangling cable car in Pakistan. Also: the children who survived forty days lost in the Colombian jungle. And a round-up of our favourite animal stories from around the world.

Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, how cooking is bringing generations together in the Netherlands. Also: how polar bear pawprints can help conservation efforts. And an unexpected visitor found in a Christmas tree.

Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, the Somalian man who has brought the power of books to children living in refugee camps. Also: how a fascination with electricity inspired a Congolese woman to create a robotic medical tool. And the cyclist who took to the Olympic track after fleeing Afghanistan.

Our weekly collection of the happiest stories in the world. This week, the Italian town of Gubbio lights its world record breaking Christmas Tree. Also: how a medical clinic in Borneo is helping to reduce deforestation. And the loneliest manatee, lonely no more.