Global News Podcast

Friedrich Merz is set to become Germany's next chancellor, as exit polls show his centre-right grouping has won the general election. The far-right AfD appears to have come second.

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, barred from running for office until 2030, has been charged with plotting a coup after his 2022 defeat. He remains a strong political force. Can he make a comeback?The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at [email protected] You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Israel delays release of 600 Palestinian prisoners due to be exchanged for 6 hostages freed from Gaza on Saturday; Also: Vatican says the Pope's health has got worse, and is this the biggest crypto theft in history?

Meet the artist who describes his own work as 'terrible', but has been getting commissions from around the world. Also: the strip performer entertaining the elderly, and the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose IIPresenter: Alan Smith. Music composed by Iona Hampson

Red Cross says it’s transferred a body to Israel, which Hamas claims is that of the Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas. Also: Trump accuses French and UK leaders of doing nothing to end Ukraine war, and how to avoid news stress.

Israel's prime minister Netanyahu says Hamas will pay price for "cruel and evil" violation of ceasefire after tests showed body returned from Gaza was not hostage Shiri Bibas. Also: cure for childhood blindness.

The US national security adviser Mike Waltz has told Kyiv to reign in its criticism of President Trump, and agree to US demands for a mineral rights deal. Also: Amazon gains control of the James Bond film franchise.

Hamas releases the bodies of four Israeli hostages who'd been held in Gaza. Also: the scammers working under duress in Myanmar

Donald Trump launches a fresh attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a "dictator". Also: global glaciers are melting faster than ever recorded - and a ridiculed New Zealand tourism campaign.

US and Russia forge ahead with negotiations without Ukraine and reset ties. President Zelensky emphasizes the need to not be excluded from talks. Also: a special report from eastern Congo, and could we soon grow teeth?

UK PM says US security guarantee only way to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again. Also: Using AI to detect prostate cancer and tributes paid to Paquita la del Barrio whose songs empowered women around the world.

US officials head to Saudia Arabia for talks with Russia on the war in Ukraine - but European leaders are not invited. Hundreds of people gather at Alexei Navalny's grave on the anniversary of his death.

US special envoy Kellogg says Ukraine peace talks may involve only US, Russia and Ukraine. Also: at least 15 dead in Delhi railway station crush, and is Donald Trump a penny pincher?

How a plea to fly a dog to the US ended in marriage. Adri Pendleton and Niklas Stöterau fell in love after he came to the rescue. Also: a son who's saved his dad's life, twice; and helping the homeless through tennis.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has held talks with US vice president, JD Vance, as a rift grows between the US and Europe over how to end the war in Ukraine. Also: YouTube celebrates its 20th birthday.

US and EU allies discuss Ukraine's peace prospects at the Munich Security Conference. The Russian delegation is not invited. Also: long sentences for rhino poachers in Indonesia, and the smell of mummies.

The NATO secretary general, Mark Rutte, has called for unity as a rift opens up between Europe and the US on how to end the war in Ukraine. Also: love rats and Valentine's Day.

Senior figures in Europe have accused President Trump of making unnecessary concessions to Russia ahead of peace talks on Ukraine, and a breakthrough is reported in talks to get the Gaza ceasefire deal back on track.

US President Donald Trump says he will likely meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia in the near future for negotiations on Ukraine. Also: London's first Roman basilica found under office basement.

Israel says the ceasefire will end unless Hamas frees hostages by Saturday. Also: the US teacher held in Russia for four years is freed, and remembering the child chimney sweep whose death changed England's labour laws.