Global News Podcast

Singapore has some of the harshest drug laws in the world and the government. Trafficking illegal narcotics can result in decades in prison and even a death sentence. But do they really deter drug crimes?The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide, one big story every weekday, making sense of the news with our experts around the world.For more, go to bbcworldservice.com/globalstory or search for The Global Story wherever you got this podcast.

Joe Biden has met Xi Jinping as concerns over a US-China trade war grow. Also: the discovery of ancient volcanoes on the Moon, and a secret garden in Venice is opened to the public for the first time in 500 years.

Billy and Susan's life changed when they spotted a starving otter. Now, Molly is part of the family and a film has been made about their story. Also, the invention giving people with disabilities greater freedom.

An aide to the Israeli PM has been accused of altering 7 October records to improve Mr Netanyahu's image. Also: the growing trade in smuggling tarantulas, and why people prefer AI-generated poetry.

The left-wing alliance of Sri Lanka's new leader wins a landslide. Also; volunteers enter South Africa mine to aid illegal workers, and a look ahead to one of the most controversial boxing bouts in modern history.

A Brazilian judge says a foiled suicide bomber wanted to blow up the country's Supreme Court. Also: the hundreds of miners hiding in a South African mine, and the dead British soldiers - identified after 70 years.

The Israeli authorities have caused massive and deliberate forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, in what amounts to a war crime, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch.

Republicans secure total control of US congress after winning the House of Representatives. Also: climate impact of jet condensation trails and the kidults rediscovering the joy of toys.

The US Secretary of State also said Israel had achieved its war aims in Gaza – and the fighting there should stop. Elsewhere: President Elect Donald Trump puts Elon Musk in charge of rooting out government inefficiency.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned over an abuse scandal. Also: the six word google search that can expose you to hacking, and the female magician who pulled off a disappearing act from the all male Magic Circle.