US forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela amid escalating tensions. President Trump said it was done for "very good reason" but Caracas accused Washington of "blatant theft" and "international piracy". Also: María Corina Machado arrives in Norway for her Nobel Peace Prize; the latest on Ukraine peace talks; we hear from Palestinians as severe storms hit Gaza; scientists shed light on the discovery of fire; Nicolas Sarkozy's new book on his experience in prison; Italian cuisine gets the UNESCO stamp of approval; film critics are panned in the digital age; and would you hand over your social media history for a trip to the US?

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: [email protected]

A sperm donor who unknowingly harboured a genetic mutation that dramatically raises the risk of cancer has fathered at least 197 children across Europe, a major investigation has revealed. Some children have already died and only a minority who inherit the mutation will escape cancer in their lifetimes. Denmark's European Sperm Bank, which sold the sperm, said families affected had their "deepest sympathy" and admitted the sperm was used to make too many babies in some countries.The sperm came from an anonymous man who was paid to donate as a student, starting in 2005.

Also: the daughter of the Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Coria Machado has collected her mother's Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf. The new sound therapy offering hope to sufferers of tinnitus. We hear from the border between Thailand and Cambodia as half a million people flee the fighting. The leader of the National Rally in France, Jordan Bardella, who is favourite to win the French presidential election in 2027, speaks to the BBC. We hear from the creator of the typeface Calibri after the US State Department bans it. And why humans are apparently 66% monogamous - far above chimpanzees and gorillas – and more similar to meerkats and beavers.

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: [email protected]

After pressure from Washington, President Zelensky has said he will seek to change Ukrainian law so an election could take place within three months. He said this could only happen if the US and Europe guarantee security. Also: Russia's Vladimir Putin hosts "Heroes of the Fatherland Day"; Donald Trump lashes out at European allies; controversy over the UN's environment report; fighting between the Congolese army and M23 rebels continues in the DRC; the zoologist, Ian Douglas-Hamilton, dies; and a milestone moment for the Turner Prize.

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: [email protected]

In a world first, millions of Australian children and teenagers are prevented from accessing social media accounts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told adolescents to make the most of the situation by taking up a new sport or reading a book, instead of scrolling on their phones. Under the legislation, companies could face heavy fines if they don't take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from opening social media accounts. Social media firms have argued the ban would be ineffective, difficult to implement, and could isolate vulnerable teenagers.

Also: tens of thousands flee their homes in border areas of Cambodia and Thailand after a resumption of fighting. An investigation finds at least 1700 civilians have been killed in airstrikes by Sudan's armed forces since the start of the civil war. South Korean police raid headquarters of the e-commerce giant Coupang. And a British man who was paralysed permanently 9 years ago, attempts a world record for sit-skiing to the South Pole.

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: [email protected]

The US chipmaker, Nvidia has been authorised to sell advanced AI chips to China - in a major reversal of Washington's national security policy. The Democratic Senator, Elizabeth Warren, said the decision risked turbocharging China's bid for technological and military dominance. Donald Trump has also announced a $12bn rescue package for US farmers hit by his tariffs. Also: scientists say a revolutionary treatment for blood cancers is delivering impressive results; Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces say they've taken control of the country’s largest oil field; a takeover battle is underway for Warner Brothers - as Paramount outbids Netflix; the wreck of an ancient ornate pleasure boat is discovered off the coast of Egypt; and the headset that made it possible for a man with almost no sight to watch a live football match. 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.

A year after the fall of the brutal Assad regime in Syria, tens of thousands of people have been celebrating - both in Syria itself and abroad. There's been a military parade around the main square in Damascus watched by jubilant flag-waving crowds. Despite his former links to Al-Qaeda, the new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, now has the support of the White House, but he still faces many challenges. Also: Nigerian state secures release of 100 out of 265 kidnapped schoolchildren; a woman who blackmailed the South Korean footballer, Son Heung-min, gets four years in jail; using tech to combat dementia in Japan; and could offering smaller, cheaper portions in restaurants and supermarkets cut obesity?

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: [email protected]

Tensions escalate again between Thailand and Cambodia after violent clashes on the border. The Thai military says it is hitting military targets to suppress attacks by Cambodian forces. Both accuse each other of breaching a ceasefire agreement brokered by President Trump just two months ago. Also: as Syria marks the first year anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime, our International Editor, Jeremy Bowen, looks at how Syrians are dealing with challenges after the civil war. An attempted coup in Benin is thwarted with the help of Nigeria and other West African countries; Lando Norris is the new Formula One champion after a dramatic race in Dubai - his mentor Trevor Carlin tells us all about him; and the British documentary photographer Martin Parr - known for his humour and capturing the quirkiness of British life - has died.

Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, is widely expected to award Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize on Friday, at the draw for the 2026 World Cup in Washington DC. The prize has led to scrutiny over Infantino’s close relationship with Trump, along with concerns that Trump might move matches from host cities and fears over visa delays or refusals for travelling fans and officials.

We speak to Dan Roan, the BBC’s sports editor, about why Infantino is cozying up to Trump, and what it means for football and global diplomacy.

The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.

Producer: Sam Chantarasak and Aron Keller

Sound engineer: Travis Evans

Senior news editor: China Collins

Photo: Fifa President Gianni Infantino shows US President Donald Trump the World Cup Trophy in the Oval Office. Chip Somodevilla

More than 20 people have been killed in a fire at a nightclub in the Indian state of Goa. Also: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says the US will "keep killing" alleged drug smugglers in the waters off Latin America. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he had "very substantive" talks with Washington about a possible ceasefire. We look at the logistical worries facing the 2026 men's football World Cup. And some early Oscar favourites are already racking up film awards in New York and London.

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: [email protected]

We hear about an extraordinary story of love, friendship and a teenage promise fulfilled over a decade later. When Georgia Barrington was told, at the age of 15, that she'd been born without a womb, she thought her dreams of having a baby were over. So her best friend, Daisy Hope, promised she would one day act as her surrogate. Years later, after having her daughter, she reminded her friend of that offer -- and a few weeks ago gave birth to Georgia's baby girl. The women say it's given them a bond like no other. Also: how the traditionally male world of yodelling is being given a modern, feminist twist. Switzerland's new yodel choirs aim to bring people from all backgrounds together and connect them through song. The world-famous Chinese pianist, Lang Lang, talks about the healing power of music. His charitable foundation runs concerts and creative workshops for children struggling with physical or mental health issues or grief. We find out about how one winner of this year's Earthshot prizes is bringing education to women living on some of Bangladesh's most fragile islands. Plus: a statue honouring the true impact of pregnancy and childbirth on women's bodies; the man bringing the stress-busting sights and sounds of nature to tens of thousands of people around the world; and the young owl rescued from a cement mixer.

Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.

Presenter: Ankur Desai. Music composed by Iona Hampson

Fifa President Gianni Infantino awarded Donald Trump with the football federation's first-ever peace prize, at a lavish ceremony to select the groups for the 2026 men's World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. But why does President Trump care about football? Also: Colombia signs a peace deal with the criminal drugs gang Clan del Golfo. Violent clashes jeopardise a ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan. And the celebrity architect Frank Gehry has died at the age of 96.