Global News Podcast

Moscow expels ten diplomats and blacklists eight US officials after the US imposed sanctions. Also: Raul Castro steps down as Cuban communist leader, and "whitest ever" paint reflects 98% of sunlight.

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai among prominent campaigners who've been given prison sentences. The verdicts come as Beijing cracks down on Hong Kong's rights and freedoms. Also, eight people killed in mass-shooting in Indianapolis, and why research on monkey embryos has generated much interest - and deep controversy.

The US says the measures, which target dozens of Russian entities and officials, aim to deter "Russia's harmful foreign activities". Also: ex-officer Chauvin will not testify in his defence, and the French president visits Notre Dame cathedral two years after fire.

The virus is spreading faster in India than anywhere else in the world. Also: the US expels ten Russian diplomats and imposes sanctions, and researchers say magic mushrooms could treat depression.

President Joe Biden pledges to support Afghanistan after withdrawing all US troops by the 11th of September. Also: police officer charged over the killing of black motorist in Minnesota, and a grandfather gets lucky after forgetting his reading glasses.

Kerry to talk with Chinese leaders about co-operation in tackling global warming. He says Beijing's involvement is 'absolutely critical' in battle against climate-change. Also, we assess Vladimir Putin's strategy as tensions rise between Russia and Ukraine, and UN issues report on how much 'bodily autonomy' women have across the world.

President Biden is to announce on Wednesday US troops will leave Afghanistan by mid-September. Also: police chief resigns over black motorist's death in Minnesota, and Mick Jagger tackles the Covid-19 lockdown by writing "Easy Sleazy" song.

Kyiv wants help with Russian 'aggression'; Moscow says its border troops are no threat. Also: Japan approves releasing Fukushima water into the sea, and a new form of tribal warfare in Papua New Guinea.

The Mayors of Minneapolis and St Paul also impose an overnight curfew in the twin US cities, after unrest that followed the police shooting of a young black man. Also, fears for the health of Russia's opposition leader, Alexei Navalny after 15 kilo weight loss since being sent to prison camp, and W-H-O warns complacency is prolonging the pandemic.

Tear gas was fired and an overnight curfew imposed amid anger at the fatal shooting. Also: Iran vows 'to avenge Israeli attack' on its nuclear site, and remembering Yuri Gagarin - the first man in space.

Teheran said the plant had been hit by what it called a terrorist act. There’s been no official Israeli comment. Also, the US Secretary of State says he has real concerns about Russia's military build-up on its border with Ukraine, and an iconic Moscow food hall shuts up shop.

In his first public statement since the Duke of Edinburgh’s death, Prince Charles says his father gave “the most remarkable, devoted service” to his family, to Britain, and to the Commonwealth. Also, thousands of people flee their homes after a volcanic eruption on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. And a United Nations official warns that Myanmar could be headed toward civil war after February’s military coup.

Prince Philip was the longest serving consort in British history, having been married to Queen Elizabeth for seventy- three years. The Palace said he died peacefully at Windsor Castle on Friday morning. It's been confirmed that his funeral will not be a state occasion -- in line with his wishes. Also: A volcanic eruption has blanketed the Caribbean island of St Vincent in ash and, a landmark effort by Amazon workers to form a union chapter at their warehouse in the US state of Alabama...

In this special edition, we mark the death of Prince Philip - the Duke of Edinburgh. Jackie Leonard looks back at the life of Queen Elizabeth's husband, his place in British history and his contribution to the monarchy.

The president says gun violence has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, also, French president Macron closes the elite school ENA, and the trouble with Peppa Pig in China.

Countries across the world have changed their advice on who should have the AstraZeneca vaccine. Also, Call My Agent star joins plea to reopen French theatres, and mind altering art - we find out why prehistoric cave painters chose such remote chambers.

A review finds a "plausible" link to rare blood clots but says the AstraZeneca vaccine remains beneficial for most people. Also: Myanmar ambassador to UK "locked out" of embassy, and "strong evidence" found for a new force of nature.

Concerns voiced over whether Astra Zeneca vaccine causes blood-clots in the brain. Several countries have restricted use of the vaccine until more is known about possible links. Also, China tries to persuade its 'one-child' generation to have more babies, and how Kim Kardashian has joined the ranks of the world's billionaires.

Diplomats in Vienna are discussing how the US can lift sanctions and Iran return to compliance. Also: Brazil variant drives South America covid surge, and a man is arrested over Van Gogh and Frans Hals art thefts.

It ends S Korea's hopes of using the Games to engage with Pyongyang. Also: Netanyahu is asked to form a new Israeli government, and alone on a ship for four years.