Loading summary

Transcript70 lines

[00:00]
Will Chalk
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk.
[00:06]
Podcast Advertiser
If you are currently overpaying on software to run your business, remember this number 10,000. That's the number of new businesses that join Odoo per month. Join odoo today@odoo.com that's odoo.com Ever wonder why we make the choices we do and how to make smarter ones? Introducing Choiceology, an original podcast from Charles Schwab. Join Wharton Professor Katie Milkman, an award winning behavioral scientist and author of the best selling book how to Change as she shares true stories from Nobel laureates, authors, athletes and everyday people about why we do the things we do and how to make better choices to help avoid costly mistakes. Each episode covers the latest research in behavioral science and dives into themes like the power of self control, shaping your mindset for success, navigating new beginnings and why starting over can feel so hard. Listen to Choiceologywab.com podcast or wherever you listen.
[01:15]
Will Chalk
This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Will Chalk and In the early hours of Tuesday 4th August, these are our main stories. Russia accuses Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians after a drone hit a busy beach killing seven people. Britain's Maritime Security Agency says a cargo vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. It comes as Iran and the United States continue to make conflicting claims about whether they're engaged in talks. Also in this podcast we'll have a BBC exclusive report from the heart of demonstrations in Pakistani administered Kashmir and it's
[01:56]
Nicole Hark
really critical to help people get back to work. They don't want to be dependent on aid, but it's really finding a safe space and finding something that's affordable and that continues to have consistent electricity.
[02:07]
Will Chalk
We meet the Gardens still working in tech despite living in tents. Russia says it was a deliberate strike by Ukraine on civilians in broad daylight that claimed the lives of seven people including three children and a seaside resort. Ukraine still hasn't commented, but recently it's been stepping up its long range attacks deep into Russia, mainly targeting oil refineries and e commerce warehouses in what it says is a campaign to make Russians feel the cost of the war. James Landale has the details.
[02:42]
James Landale
In this war, both sides say they don't target civilians, but civilians are paying a price even on the beach. The drone strike happened at a resort near Zelensky on the Black Sea coast. The authorities said seven were killed including three children with 40 wounded. Witnesses said there were no warning sirens. The sound of gunfire suggesting the drone may have been hit by air defenses or electronic jamming, according to Ukrainian media. But the governor of this region, which is popular with Russian holidaymakers, accused Ukraine of a deliberate strike on civilians. Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine and its allies of terrorism. No word yet from Russia's leader. Vladimir Putin was thousands of miles away in Siberia, enjoying the noisy adulation of hundreds of young people. No comment either from the authorities in Ukraine, but civilians were dying there, too. A Russian strike on a petrol station in the Dniproprotrovsk region killed three, including an eight year old boy. And just a short drive away, a funeral for a family wiped out by a Russian missile strike last week. Coffins for the parents and three children, but none for five other children still unaccounted for. Back in Russia, another Ukrainian strike on a warehouse owned by Wildberries, the country's largest online retailer for Russian businesses and civilians. This war is coming closer to home now.
[04:30]
Will Chalk
Russia itself has repeatedly struck targets in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, too. Thousands of mostly Ukrainian civilians have died. But just how keenly are these recent attacks by Ukraine inside Russia now being felt? Here is our Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg.
[04:46]
Steve Rosenberg
They are feeling the war. I think what struck me most was the contrast, the contrast between the horror on that beach in southern Russia and the hurrah for Vladimir Putin in Siberia, the cheers for Russia's president. It took my mind back to the day that Vladimir Putin launched the so called special military operation. He made a speech and at the very top of that speech, within seconds he had claimed that what he was doing, he was doing for the security of Russia. Well, in the last few days, a bomb has exploded in a Moscow restaurant, killing people. People were killed on that beach in southern Russia. Ukrainian drones have been targeting oil refineries and wild berries warehouses. Russia today feels less safe and less secure. Those pictures of Vladimir Putin, those images, he looks supremely confident. There is no hint of self doubt. He seems determined despite everything that is happening around him, determined to continue fighting until he achieves what he believes will be his victory.
[05:50]
Will Chalk
Russia editor Steve Rosenberg in Moscow there right now to reports of another apparent attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Britain's Maritime Security Agency says the crew of a cargo ship has issued an alert saying their vessel was hit by a projectile. It happened around 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Hasab in Oman. It comes as the debate rages on as to whether the US And Iran are holding peace talks. President Trump says yes, Iran's Foreign Ministry says no. But Mr. Trump claims it's the Iranians that are being economical with the truth. For some reason, they, when they're talking,
[06:25]
Bernd Debusmann
they don't like saying that they're talking.
[06:28]
Luis Fajardo
So I say we're in talks.
[06:29]
Jonathan Head
Big deal. We're in talks.
[06:31]
Will Chalk
And they'll sometimes deny it, even though they spend hours and hours together talking. No, the talks are going along. President Trump also accused oil companies of cashing in on the shortages caused by the war and suggested they cut their prices. I asked our Washington correspondent, Bernd Debusman if those diplomatic talks are continuing or not.
[06:52]
Bernd Debusmann
President Trump, for his part, has insisted that they are taking place, although we haven't heard any details of where they're taking place or between whom. But I think it's worth noting that President Trump and the White House have often accused Iran of saying one thing privately and saying another publicly. At times, they've suggested that Iran's public statements are also aimed at a domestic audience inside Iran that includes hardline members of the government or senior officials within the IRGC who are opposed to making concessions to the U.S. the same goes for Trump's assertion that he walked back planned strikes because there was diplomatic progress being made behind the scenes. This is at least the fifth time he's done this in this conflict alone. He did something very similar in May and in July. He said he had planned very hard strikes inside Iran, but had been asked by US Allies to not do so because diplomatic progress was being reached. And then very little seems to have materialized publicly. The Strait of Hormuz is still contested, and Trump doesn't seem to know exactly where the next step is in terms of these negotiations, or at least he's not saying so publicly.
[08:01]
Will Chalk
He is a president and a man who's made no secret of the fact that he likes companies making money. He's a business president. But he has hit out with oil companies, hasn't he? Says they're actually making too much money.
[08:11]
Bernd Debusmann
He did. He spoke out against Exxon and Chevron. Chevron's earnings were up about 400% to $12 billion, compared to 2.5 billion in the same period last year. And Exxon's were doubled to $14.5 billion compared to about 7.1 in that same period a year ago. So on one hand, they are making a lot. But part of this is the fact that the Strait of Hormuz has driven up prices, which is something outside of the company's control. And I think President Trump also is speaking to a domestic audience that is extremely concerned that the war in Iran has forced them to pay more for petrol as well as for other goods. Farmers, for example, are paying much more for fertilizer. So I think by President Trump saying that he wants those companies to give some of that money back to the public and cut retail prices in some form, he's also kind of directly addressing those Americans, many of whom are Republicans, who have expressed concern about those prices.
[09:08]
Will Chalk
Yeah, because on the horizon are these midterm elections, which are creeping ever closer. And that is a very tangible way that this war is affecting the American public.
[09:16]
Jonathan Head
It is.
[09:16]
Bernd Debusmann
And at least publicly, President Trump has been very dismissive that the midterms would have any sort of impact on his decision making in Iran. He's not on the ballot coming up in those midterms, but many Republicans are. And they'll be hearing from constituents or possible voters about those concerns about price. And I think that is something that the White House is keenly aware of. He's repeatedly over the last few months promised that prices would fall very quickly once fighting ends and there's some sort of longer term solution to the problem with Iran. But that hasn't materialized yet. And one poll that was just released on Friday by Reuters and Ipsos showed that only one in three Americans are supportive of the war. And that's the lowest it's been over that five month period. It was never particularly popular to begin with, but it become increasingly unpopular because of the pricing issue and because many Americans think it doesn't really have clear objectives that the president has set out. What exactly it is that the US Hopes to accomplish with this conflict.
[10:13]
Will Chalk
So Washington correspondent Bernd Debussman, the family of the detained former leader of Myanmar, Aung San SUU Kyi, has welcomed her being allowed to meet a delegate from the Red Cross. It was her first confirmed contact with the outside world for two and a half years. Msu Ki's son, Kim Aris, who we heard from on our previous global news podcast, says he believes the pictures released by the military government showing her looking well are genuine. Msuchi, who's 81, has been in detention since her government was overthrown five years ago. Myanmar has been seeking to improve relations with the outside world and in particular its neighbor, Thailand. So is this move all about diplomacy? Our Southeast Asia correspondent is Jonathan Head entirely.
[10:57]
Jonathan Head
Yes. I mean, it must baffle a lot of people that the military government has refused to offer proof of life despite the calls from Aung San Suu Kyi's family and genuine concern. She's 81 years old. They had no idea what condition she was being held in. The military government kept saying she was fine, but there was no proof. The fact that they've offered it now is entirely because the Thai government has asked for it. All Myanmar's neighbors, the members of the association of Southeast Asian nations and Myanmar's a member, remember, have been asking for concessions from the military government, especially since it held its rather sort of rigged election earlier this year and turned itself into a notionally civilian government. They've all been saying, make more concessions. We will start to re engage with you. Myanmar has been excluded from all the important meetings while this bloody civil war has gone on. The Myanmar military have been very reluctant to do that. They're being very stubborn about it. But the coup leader, Minong Line, is due to visit Thailand on Thursday. This is a big diplomatic breakthrough for him. He's not been able to make these kinds of official visits to Southeast Asian countries since the coup. And the Thais, I think, essentially told him, we need to know Aung San SUU Kyi's alive. We can't afford to bring you here, which is very controversial, and then find out she's not alive. It's one of the cards the Myanmar military has decided to play to its own advantage. I think Aung San SUU Kyi may well understand that, that she's part of a diplomatic game. She's still so hyp profile and still so popular, particularly in areas that oppose the military government, that her fate, and ultimately one would assume her release, are inevitably going to be part of any process of either trying to settle the civil war, although the military is not making any concessions on that yet, or simply recognizing that the military government is there to stay and must be dealt with.
[12:43]
Will Chalk
Yeah, but the fact this visit is going ahead would. Would suggest then, wouldn't it, that this tactic is working?
[12:49]
Jonathan Head
Yes. And I think, you know, some other Southeast Asian countries have been much more reluctant than Thailand to give Myanmar this kind of recognition. You know, a big official visit there was a red carpet welcome. But China, the most important country in the region, which also has a long border with Myanmar, has fully backed the military government and is the main reason why it's recovered. And it's got much better militarily at fighting the opposition. And I think Thailand's view is they also have a long shared border. Lots of issues that need to be resolved, lots of problems being caused by the war. Thailand is one of the Southeast Asian countries. Asian countries saying, well, actually, whatever our distaste for the bloodshed of these generals and the killing they've done, we have to re engage with them. I think inevitably other Southeast Asian countries, although they want more concessions from Myanmar, even if they don't get them, will eventually have to re engage. This Myanmar military government now is there to stay.
[13:39]
Will Chalk
That's Jonathan Head. In the last two months, dozens of people have been killed in clashes between security officials and protesters across Pakistani administered Kashmir who say they're simply asking for basic rights such as affordable food, electricity and healthcare. The protesters are from a group called the Joint Awami Action Committee, or jaac, which was banned by the authorities in June and its members labelled foreign funded terrorists. They deny that accusation. They say they're peaceful and funded by the Pakistani community abroad, not by India. Despite the Internet being cut off and roads blocked, the BBC is the first media organization to gain access to the city. At the heart of the protest, Rwalakota with her report on what the team found. Here is our correspondent in Islamabad, Caroline Davies.
[14:30]
Caroline Davies
Despair in the makeshift clinic. Shafka Tissain came in with low vital signs, a gunshot wound to the chest. But his friends clasped his hand at his bedside. The sheets stained with the blood of the previous patients and hoped until he passed. Like many in Ravlakov, Shafkut had been protesting for weeks. They started in June, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, or jaac, a group of local activists that have grown in influence since they formed in 2023. The authorities say the JAAC want to disrupt the ongoing regional elections, that they are armed and that the authorities won't tolerate the march. There was a crackdown, leaving dozens dead and violent clashes spread across Pakistan administered Kashmir. Some security officers have died, but most casualties are protesters. Getting inside Rwalakot is difficult. Roads are blocked or guarded, the Internet and phone signal cut. It's meant it's nearly impossible to know what is happening. When the team arrive, they find family after family mourning loved ones they say were shot dead in the protests. This woman lost her only son,
[15:51]
Luis Fajardo
he said.
[15:52]
Mahran Bayad
Martyrdom is a great honor. He fought for what was right. He never lived as a slave.
[15:58]
Caroline Davies
Protesters don't trust the local hospitals, scared they'll be arrested, instead going to makeshift clinics. The doctor running it says they struggle to keep up.
[16:11]
Bernd Debusmann
We have enough supplies to provide first aid. We can stop bleeding, clean and dress wounds and remove superficial bullets. But patients with serious injuries to the chest, abdomen, head or other vital organs need advanced hospitals.
[16:28]
Caroline Davies
He says They've treated around 50 to 60 critically injured patients in the last week and that he personally treated 15 to 20 with gunshot wounds. Most, he says, were under 40 years old. The authorities have said security forces did not fire on peaceful protesters, but that law enforcement acted against individuals who were involved in attacks on law enforcement personnel, threatened public safety or obstructed lawful authority. They say it's not true that protesters have been arrested in hospital. The authorities accused the JAAC of being foreign funded terrorists and the group has been banned. The JAAC maintain they are peaceful, but we asked one of their core committee, Umar Nazir, about the deaths of security officers.
[17:14]
Luis Fajardo
Look, perhaps such deaths did occur. I will not comment on that. However, I believe that certain elements who are under their control were infiltrated into our ranks.
[17:25]
Caroline Davies
They did not provide us with evidence on this alleged infiltration and the authorities say the JAAC are running a disinformation campaign against them. The BBC did not see weapons or shooting at the protests they observed. The JAAC say they're open to talk, but there are more protests planned.
[17:50]
Will Chalk
That's Caroline Davies still to come in this podcast you deliberately concealed your mother's
[17:57]
Mahran Bayad
death and took steps to give the impression that she was still alive.
[18:01]
Will Chalk
A British man who kept the body of his mother in a freezer for nearly three years while claiming her benefits is jailed.
[18:14]
Podcast Advertiser
With the new Schwab Teen Investor account, teens can gain hands on investing experience and build positive money habits. It's an account co owned by you and your team so you can monitor and engage with the account while your teen learns how to invest and manage money. Learn more@schwab.com you're great at protecting your
[18:32]
Bernd Debusmann
data, but lots of places could still expose you to identity theft.
[18:36]
Nicole Hark
I thought I was safe.
[18:37]
Bernd Debusmann
If that happens, Lifelock gives you a US based restoration agent who will stick by your side from start to finish. Phone calls, filing documentation, preparing insurance claims. Your agent handles it all. In fact, we're so confident restoration is guaranteed. Pour your money back. Isn't it nice to have someone like that on your side? Save up to 30% your first year@lifelock.com podcast terms apply it's been five months
[19:02]
Mahran Bayad
since the deadliest civilian strike of the US Israel war in Iran. 120 children killed at a school. Experts say the evidence indicates it was American forces that hit the school, but the US Government has not admitted responsibility. I'm Asma Khalid and I host the Global Story podcast on the BBC. The BBC has now visited the site of the school and spoken to Iranians about what they saw. For more, listen to the global story on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
[19:34]
Will Chalk
This is the Global News Podcast. In Argentina, teachers have been Marching through the capital, Buenos Aires, demanding pay rises and denouncing job cuts under President Javier Milei's government. Sonia Alesso is general secretary of the largest teaching union in Argentina.
[19:53]
Caroline Davies
Today, the average teacher's salary can't make it to the end of the month. They pay the rent, and by the 15th, they are left without money to live, to eat. In Argentina, women are mostly the breadwinners. Plus at the moment, workers are being fired. This is the situation under Jave Melei's government.
[20:14]
Will Chalk
Our America's expert from BBC monitoring Luis Fajardo, gave us more details about the teachers grievances.
[20:20]
Luis Fajardo
Teachers are protesting over a number of issues. They are complaining that the government of Milei has implemented drastic reductions in spending on education throughout his time in office. This is not only primary and secondary education, but also university education. So they are complaining about budget cuts, job layoffs, and also about some legislation that the government is introducing that would allow for more private competition in areas that have been traditionally served by public education. For example, there would be more students allowed to participate in homeschooling. So this has created a lot of resistance.
[21:01]
Will Chalk
Now, Milei's made no secret that he wants to slash costs, famously pictured with a chainsaw. So why is this coming to a boil now?
[21:10]
Luis Fajardo
The thing is that after several years, many Argentinians are asking, when is this austerity? When are these cuts going to finish? And when is the economy going to start prospering as he promised? There are some indications in Argentina's economy that have showed an improvement, for example, a substantial reduction in budget deficits. And this has also created many other impacts on the macroeconomic stability of the country. So that is presented as a positive result. But for many Argentinians, the fact is, the paycheck in some cases doesn't really last them for the entire month. And a lot of people are still seeing a lot of difficulty, a lot of hardship. Not only the education sector, but many other sectors in Argentina that have suffered the consequences of budget cuts and of restrictions and reductions in government services are starting to protest.
[22:05]
Will Chalk
I mean, how is this all affecting Malay's popularity?
[22:08]
Luis Fajardo
More generally, though Milei has retained, of course, support during these years in office, some people argue that a lot of it has to do with the enormous support that the Milei administration received from the United States from Donald Trump. However, again, as electoral season approaches, it is not clear if Milei is going to continue maintaining these high levels of support that he needs to obtain reelection and to maintain his very ambitious project of economic reform and even social reform. In Argentina to continue. So there is clearly a sector in Argentina that is not satisfied. Argentina has a famously militant labor union sector and some of these labor unions are starting to flex their muscles as the electoral season approaches.
[22:57]
Will Chalk
That's Luis Fajardo. At least 18 people, including four soldiers are reported to have been killed in attacks by gunmen in northwestern Nigeria. In Zamfara state, residents say attackers overran a military outpost before abducting more than 100 villagers. Around half of them are reportedly still being held hostage. There's been an upsurge in northwestern Nigeria of armed men kidnapping people for ransom. The government hasn't commented on these latest attacks. Our correspondent in Abuja is Chris Iwoka.
[23:28]
Chris Iwoka
Over the weekend, it's been more of a tale of horror and tragedy. First, in Guso in Zamfara state, at least four soldiers were reported killed by gunmen suspected to be bandits when they attacked a village in Kaurana Moda local government area of Zamfara. They also got hold of about 102 villagers, abducted them and then fled with them into the bush. But later we understand that they were able to separate the women from the men and they ordered the freed women to go back home. And then they took their husbands into the bush and the husbands, as we understand, remain in captivity. They're still being held. While happening in Zamfara, almost the same time, there was also an attack in Sokoto state. Sokoto is also a neighboring state of Zamfara, also in the northwest, in a village called Lainge, 12 persons were killed. Six of them were actually burnt alive. And what we understand from residents, the attackers invaded the community at about midnight on Saturday and operated for several hours, even up to early hours of Sunday morning without any intervention.
[24:42]
Will Chalk
Security forces Chris Awoka there, a British man's been jailed for keeping his dead mother's body in a freezer while continuing to claim her pension and benefits. For almost three years, 60 year old Christopher Phillips lied to relatives and the authorities, claiming the 89 year old had moved from their home in South Wales to London. More from our Wales correspondent, Howard Griffith.
[25:06]
Howard Griffith
Christopher Phillips was his mother Sylvia's main carer and lived with her until her death in March 2023. Instead of reporting her death to the authorities two days later, he bought a chest freezer, wrapped her body in a blanket and placed her inside, covering her with flowers. The court heard how he slept downstairs to be near his mother and would sometimes open the freezer to hold her hand. For almost three years, he continued to accept her pension payments, benefits and winter fuel allowance, a sum of more than 78,000 pounds. As she sentenced the 60 year old judge, Tracey Lloyd Clark said his deceit was deliberate and sustained.
[25:49]
Mahran Bayad
You deliberately concealed your mother's death and took steps to give the impression that she was still alive. You continued to collect her prescriptions and lied to medical professionals and eventually to the police.
[26:01]
Howard Griffith
Sylvia Phillips body was discovered only when the local medical practice asked police to conduct a welfare check on her. In February 2026, Christopher Phillips initially claimed she was staying with family in London before officers found the freezer in the dining room. He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud and preventing a lawful and decent burial.
[26:26]
Will Chalk
That report was by Hoel Griffith. Ten months after the US brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the peace plan is yet to deliver much of its promise. Israeli forces have continued deadly strikes on Gaza even since President Trump announced a deal last week between his Board of Peace and Hamas on disarmament. Most Gazans still live in tent camps or in the rubble of half destroyed homes. But in the most trying circumstances, some are trying to connect to the outside world and make a living with their laptops. Israel imposes tight restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza, so our Middle east correspondent Yoland Nell has been speaking online to local tech workers.
[27:05]
Luis Fajardo
I lost all of my equipment, I lost my house, I lost my office and I was thinking that is the end of the world here in Gaza.
[27:12]
Mahran Bayad
Mahran Bayad, his wife and three young children now live in a tent in Gaza City. Despite his ruined surroundings, he's one of thousands of well educated Gazans trying to make a living online coding and programming.
[27:26]
Luis Fajardo
I can work here in Gaza. Anything that is in the freelancing world, starting from mobile application for iPhone, Android flat, to websites, even ads. So anything that can be worked from remotely, we can do it here in Gaza.
[27:41]
Mahran Bayad
With Gaza's economy all but destroyed and 80% of people with no income, NGOs see the potential of remote work to fill a desperate need.
[27:51]
Nicole Hark
It's really critical. I mean we talk about it now as sort of a digital lifeline. This idea that if you have a laptop, if you have a working Internet connection, you can work, work and earn income.
[28:01]
Mahran Bayad
Nicole Hark is Country Director for the American NGO Mercy Corps, which is trying to help Gazans, focusing on training, getting contacts for freelancers and supporting the new independent co working spaces that are popping up in Gaza City and elsewhere.
[28:17]
Nicole Hark
It's really critical to help people get back to work. They don't want to be dependent on aid they're not looking to sit there and do nothing. Right. But it's really finding a safe space and finding something that's affordable and that continues to have consistent electricity and Internet is shockingly, incredibly difficult.
[28:33]
Mahran Bayad
These hubs have generators and solar panels to provide power and a better Internet connection while most of the population is still living in tents.
[28:42]
Luis Fajardo
So let's start with AI engineering.
[28:45]
Mahran Bayad
Wala Volides is a 24 year old computer software engineer and her family's main breadwinner. Today she's talking to one of her mentors based in California's Silicon Valley.
[28:56]
Luis Fajardo
I have lots of international mentors who not just help me in the technical skills, also in the soft skills, also in the mental health and my mental health, it's not in zero, it's in minus. So yeah, if you want to complete despite all of these struggles and circumstances, or do you want to just wait for a miracle to happen and absolutely it will not happen if you don't do anything.
[29:21]
Mahran Bayad
Wallat has recently got a full time job with a Dubai based company with almost daily bombings as Israel says it's continuing to target Hamas. Safety is still a big concern and there are plenty of other challenges for tech savvy Gazans to overcome as well as the unstable electricity and Internet banking restrictions make it difficult to be paid. Nahran is finding it hard to get his laptop screen repaired at this makeshift workshop. There are tight Israeli restrictions on what comes into Gaza, including computer parts, because Israel sees them as having a possible military use.
[30:01]
Luis Fajardo
This test is very hard for us, but we are trying to survive. We are trying to say thank God for what we can do and we start our life again.
[30:09]
Mahran Bayad
Gaza's wider recovery may be at a standstill and yet its tech workers give a glimpse of of a brighter possible future.
[30:17]
Will Chalk
Yoland Nell in Jerusalem. That's all from us for now. If you want to get in touch, you can email us@globalpodcastbc.co.uk you can also find us on X@ BBC World Service. We have a sister podcast called the Global Story which goes in depth and beyond the headlines on one big story. This edition of the Global News Podcast was mixed by Darcy o'. Brie. The producer is Emma Joseph. The editor is Karen Martin and I'm Will Chalk. Until next time. Goodbye.

Summary7 min read

Global News Podcast – August 4, 2026

Host: Will Chalk, BBC World Service
Episode Title: Ukrainian drone kills seven on Russian beach

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a comprehensive round-up of major global news stories as of August 4, 2026. With particular focus on the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia following a deadly drone attack on a Russian resort, the episode also covers reported attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, diplomatic developments in Myanmar, ongoing unrest in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, labor protests in Argentina, violence in Nigeria, and the resilience of Gaza's tech community amid hardship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ukrainian Drone Attack on Russian Beach

[01:15] – [04:29]

Incident: A Ukrainian drone strike hit a popular beach resort near Zelensky on the Black Sea coast, killing seven people, including three children, and wounding 40.
Russian Response: Russian authorities accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians; the Russian Foreign Ministry labeled it terrorism and blamed Ukraine and its allies.
Ukrainian Position: No official comment from Ukraine at broadcast time; Ukraine has been increasing long-range attacks inside Russia, mainly on oil infrastructure and warehouses.
Wider Context: Civilian deaths mounting on both sides, with Russia also continuing missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Analysis by James Landale: The conflict is increasingly felt deep within Russian territory:

"In this war, both sides say they don't target civilians, but civilians are paying a price even on the beach... This war is coming closer to home now." – James Landale ([02:42])

2. Russian Domestic Response and Perception

[04:29] – [05:50]

Contrast in Russia: While attacks bring fear and insecurity, President Vladimir Putin projects supreme confidence at public events in Siberia.
Impact: The Russian population increasingly feels the war's repercussions, contradicting earlier government rhetoric about security.
Analysis from Steve Rosenberg in Moscow:

"Russia today feels less safe and less secure. Those pictures of Vladimir Putin, those images, he looks supremely confident. There is no hint of self-doubt." – Steve Rosenberg ([04:45])

3. Attack on Cargo Ship in Strait of Hormuz & US–Iran Tensions

[05:50] – [10:12]

Incident: Britain’s Maritime Security Agency reports a cargo ship hit by an unknown projectile off Oman during ongoing US-Iran diplomatic ambiguity.
Diplomatic Dance: US President Trump insists talks with Iran are ongoing; Iran publicly denies this.
Economic Impact: Rising oil prices due to regional instability; Trump criticizes oil companies for profiteering.
Washington Correspondent Bernd Debusmann:

“This is at least the fifth time he's done this in this conflict alone... Very little seems to have materialized publicly.” ([06:52])
“By President Trump saying that he wants those companies to give some of that money back to the public...he’s directly addressing those Americans...concerned about those prices.” ([08:10])

Notable Quote

“One poll that was just released on Friday by Reuters and Ipsos showed that only one in three Americans are supportive of the war... it’s become increasingly unpopular because of the pricing issue and because many Americans think it doesn’t really have clear objectives.” – Bernd Debusmann ([09:16])

4. Aung San Suu Kyi’s Red Cross Meeting in Myanmar

[10:12] – [13:38]

Event: Former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi allowed to meet a Red Cross delegate—first confirmed external contact in over two years.
Diplomatic Motivation: Move seen as part of Myanmar's attempt to mend regional ties, particularly with Thailand.
Regional Dynamics: China and Thailand play significant roles—China backs the military regime; Thailand pushes for dialogue due to border issues.
Jonathan Head, Southeast Asia Correspondent:

"The fact that they've offered [proof of life] now is entirely because the Thai government has asked for it... The Myanmar military has decided to play [this card] to its own advantage." ([10:56])
"This Myanmar military government now is there to stay." ([12:48])

5. Clashes in Pakistani-administered Kashmir & Humanitarian Crisis

[13:38] – [17:50]

Unrest: Security forces and protesters in Kashmir clashing over demands for basic rights—dozens killed, including protesters and some security officials.
Press Blackout: Roads blocked and communications cut; BBC gains rare access.
JAAC Protests: Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) banned and accused of being foreign-funded.
Eyewitness Testimony:

“Shafkut had been protesting for weeks... family after family mourning loved ones they say were shot dead in the protests.” – Caroline Davies ([14:30])
JAAC View:

“Look, perhaps such deaths did occur. I will not comment on that. However, I believe certain elements...were infiltrated into our ranks.” – Umar Nazir, JAAC ([17:13])

6. Teachers’ Strikes in Argentina Under President Milei

[19:34] – [22:57]

Issue: Teachers protesting low wages, job cuts, and education budget reductions.
Social Impact: Many teachers unable to make ends meet due to cost-of-living crisis; workers are being laid off.
Policy Change: Government pushes privatization and more homeschooling options.
Union Leader Testimony:

"Today, the average teacher's salary can't make it to the end of the month... By the 15th, they are left without money to live, to eat." – Sonia Alesso, Argentine teaching union ([19:52])
Political Implications:

“As electoral season approaches, it is not clear if Milei is going to continue maintaining...support needed to...maintain his ambitious project.” – Luis Fajardo ([22:08])

7. Bandit Attacks in Northwestern Nigeria

[22:57] – [24:42]

Incident: Attacks in Zamfara and Sokoto leave 18 dead, including four soldiers; over 100 villagers abducted with male hostages held in captivity.
Security Challenges: Little government comment; attacks carried out with ease and brutality, such as burning victims alive.
Chris Iwoka, BBC Abuja:

“It’s been more of a tale of horror and tragedy...they also got hold of about 102 villagers, abducted them and then fled into the bush.” ([23:27])

8. Unusual Crime in Wales: Son Jailed for Hiding Mother’s Death

[24:42] – [26:26]

Case Details: Man kept his deceased mother’s body in a freezer for nearly three years to claim her pension.
Legal Outcome: Sentenced to over two years for fraud and preventing lawful burial.
Judge’s Statement:

“You deliberately concealed your mother’s death and took steps to give the impression that she was still alive.” – Judge Tracey Lloyd Clark ([25:49])

9. Gaza’s Freelancers Rebuild Amidst Crisis

[26:26] – [30:17]

Challenge: Many displaced Gazans now live in tents. Despite devastation, freelance tech work is offering a lifeline.
NGO Support: Mercy Corps and others provide training, support, and co-working hubs equipped with generators and solar panels.
Personal Stories:

“I lost all of my equipment, I lost my house, I lost my office... that is the end of the world here in Gaza.” – Mahran Bayad, Gazan freelancer ([27:05]) “If you have a laptop, if you have a working Internet connection, you can work and earn income.” – Nicole Hark, Mercy Corps ([27:51]) “My mental health, it’s not in zero, it’s in minus... if you want to complete despite all these struggles...do you want to just wait for a miracle to happen?” – Wala Volides, software engineer ([28:56])

Memorable Quotes & Moments

James Landale on civilian toll:

“Civilians are paying a price even on the beach.” ([02:42])
Steve Rosenberg on Russian public sentiment:

“Russia today feels less safe and less secure.” ([04:45])
President Trump’s Iran strategy analyzed:

“At times, they’ve suggested that Iran’s public statements are also aimed at a domestic audience inside Iran...” – Bernd Debusmann ([06:52])
Argentinian union leader on economic hardship:

“The average teacher’s salary can’t make it to the end of the month.” – Sonia Alesso ([19:52])
Gazan freelancer’s outlook:

“This test is very hard for us, but we are trying to survive.” – Mahran Bayad ([30:01])

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:15] – Headlines & story overview
[02:06] – Ukrainian drone strike on Russian beach
[04:45] – Russian societal response to war
[05:50] – Strait of Hormuz attack; US-Iran developments
[06:52] – Oil prices, economic impact in US politics
[10:12] – Aung San Suu Kyi’s meeting in Myanmar
[13:38] – Kashmiri protests and suppression
[19:34] – Argentina: teacher protests and economic crisis
[22:57] – Bandit attacks in Nigeria
[24:42] – Freezer fraud case in Wales
[26:26] – Gaza’s freelance tech workers' resilience

This episode offers a vivid, fast-paced account of the world’s most pressing news with expert voices and on-the-ground insights, maintaining the BBC’s trademark blend of clarity, urgency, and humanity.

Loading summary

Transcript70 lines

[00:00]
Will Chalk
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk.
[00:06]
Podcast Advertiser
If you are currently overpaying on software to run your business, remember this number 10,000. That's the number of new businesses that join Odoo per month. Join odoo today@odoo.com that's odoo.com Ever wonder why we make the choices we do and how to make smarter ones? Introducing Choiceology, an original podcast from Charles Schwab. Join Wharton Professor Katie Milkman, an award winning behavioral scientist and author of the best selling book how to Change as she shares true stories from Nobel laureates, authors, athletes and everyday people about why we do the things we do and how to make better choices to help avoid costly mistakes. Each episode covers the latest research in behavioral science and dives into themes like the power of self control, shaping your mindset for success, navigating new beginnings and why starting over can feel so hard. Listen to Choiceologywab.com podcast or wherever you listen.
[01:15]
Will Chalk
This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Will Chalk and In the early hours of Tuesday 4th August, these are our main stories. Russia accuses Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians after a drone hit a busy beach killing seven people. Britain's Maritime Security Agency says a cargo vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. It comes as Iran and the United States continue to make conflicting claims about whether they're engaged in talks. Also in this podcast we'll have a BBC exclusive report from the heart of demonstrations in Pakistani administered Kashmir and it's
[01:56]
Nicole Hark
really critical to help people get back to work. They don't want to be dependent on aid, but it's really finding a safe space and finding something that's affordable and that continues to have consistent electricity.
[02:07]
Will Chalk
We meet the Gardens still working in tech despite living in tents. Russia says it was a deliberate strike by Ukraine on civilians in broad daylight that claimed the lives of seven people including three children and a seaside resort. Ukraine still hasn't commented, but recently it's been stepping up its long range attacks deep into Russia, mainly targeting oil refineries and e commerce warehouses in what it says is a campaign to make Russians feel the cost of the war. James Landale has the details.
[02:42]
James Landale
In this war, both sides say they don't target civilians, but civilians are paying a price even on the beach. The drone strike happened at a resort near Zelensky on the Black Sea coast. The authorities said seven were killed including three children with 40 wounded. Witnesses said there were no warning sirens. The sound of gunfire suggesting the drone may have been hit by air defenses or electronic jamming, according to Ukrainian media. But the governor of this region, which is popular with Russian holidaymakers, accused Ukraine of a deliberate strike on civilians. Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine and its allies of terrorism. No word yet from Russia's leader. Vladimir Putin was thousands of miles away in Siberia, enjoying the noisy adulation of hundreds of young people. No comment either from the authorities in Ukraine, but civilians were dying there, too. A Russian strike on a petrol station in the Dniproprotrovsk region killed three, including an eight year old boy. And just a short drive away, a funeral for a family wiped out by a Russian missile strike last week. Coffins for the parents and three children, but none for five other children still unaccounted for. Back in Russia, another Ukrainian strike on a warehouse owned by Wildberries, the country's largest online retailer for Russian businesses and civilians. This war is coming closer to home now.
[04:30]
Will Chalk
Russia itself has repeatedly struck targets in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, too. Thousands of mostly Ukrainian civilians have died. But just how keenly are these recent attacks by Ukraine inside Russia now being felt? Here is our Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg.
[04:46]
Steve Rosenberg
They are feeling the war. I think what struck me most was the contrast, the contrast between the horror on that beach in southern Russia and the hurrah for Vladimir Putin in Siberia, the cheers for Russia's president. It took my mind back to the day that Vladimir Putin launched the so called special military operation. He made a speech and at the very top of that speech, within seconds he had claimed that what he was doing, he was doing for the security of Russia. Well, in the last few days, a bomb has exploded in a Moscow restaurant, killing people. People were killed on that beach in southern Russia. Ukrainian drones have been targeting oil refineries and wild berries warehouses. Russia today feels less safe and less secure. Those pictures of Vladimir Putin, those images, he looks supremely confident. There is no hint of self doubt. He seems determined despite everything that is happening around him, determined to continue fighting until he achieves what he believes will be his victory.
[05:50]
Will Chalk
Russia editor Steve Rosenberg in Moscow there right now to reports of another apparent attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Britain's Maritime Security Agency says the crew of a cargo ship has issued an alert saying their vessel was hit by a projectile. It happened around 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Hasab in Oman. It comes as the debate rages on as to whether the US And Iran are holding peace talks. President Trump says yes, Iran's Foreign Ministry says no. But Mr. Trump claims it's the Iranians that are being economical with the truth. For some reason, they, when they're talking,
[06:25]
Bernd Debusmann
they don't like saying that they're talking.
[06:28]
Luis Fajardo
So I say we're in talks.
[06:29]
Jonathan Head
Big deal. We're in talks.
[06:31]
Will Chalk
And they'll sometimes deny it, even though they spend hours and hours together talking. No, the talks are going along. President Trump also accused oil companies of cashing in on the shortages caused by the war and suggested they cut their prices. I asked our Washington correspondent, Bernd Debusman if those diplomatic talks are continuing or not.
[06:52]
Bernd Debusmann
President Trump, for his part, has insisted that they are taking place, although we haven't heard any details of where they're taking place or between whom. But I think it's worth noting that President Trump and the White House have often accused Iran of saying one thing privately and saying another publicly. At times, they've suggested that Iran's public statements are also aimed at a domestic audience inside Iran that includes hardline members of the government or senior officials within the IRGC who are opposed to making concessions to the U.S. the same goes for Trump's assertion that he walked back planned strikes because there was diplomatic progress being made behind the scenes. This is at least the fifth time he's done this in this conflict alone. He did something very similar in May and in July. He said he had planned very hard strikes inside Iran, but had been asked by US Allies to not do so because diplomatic progress was being reached. And then very little seems to have materialized publicly. The Strait of Hormuz is still contested, and Trump doesn't seem to know exactly where the next step is in terms of these negotiations, or at least he's not saying so publicly.
[08:01]
Will Chalk
He is a president and a man who's made no secret of the fact that he likes companies making money. He's a business president. But he has hit out with oil companies, hasn't he? Says they're actually making too much money.
[08:11]
Bernd Debusmann
He did. He spoke out against Exxon and Chevron. Chevron's earnings were up about 400% to $12 billion, compared to 2.5 billion in the same period last year. And Exxon's were doubled to $14.5 billion compared to about 7.1 in that same period a year ago. So on one hand, they are making a lot. But part of this is the fact that the Strait of Hormuz has driven up prices, which is something outside of the company's control. And I think President Trump also is speaking to a domestic audience that is extremely concerned that the war in Iran has forced them to pay more for petrol as well as for other goods. Farmers, for example, are paying much more for fertilizer. So I think by President Trump saying that he wants those companies to give some of that money back to the public and cut retail prices in some form, he's also kind of directly addressing those Americans, many of whom are Republicans, who have expressed concern about those prices.
[09:08]
Will Chalk
Yeah, because on the horizon are these midterm elections, which are creeping ever closer. And that is a very tangible way that this war is affecting the American public.
[09:16]
Jonathan Head
It is.
[09:16]
Bernd Debusmann
And at least publicly, President Trump has been very dismissive that the midterms would have any sort of impact on his decision making in Iran. He's not on the ballot coming up in those midterms, but many Republicans are. And they'll be hearing from constituents or possible voters about those concerns about price. And I think that is something that the White House is keenly aware of. He's repeatedly over the last few months promised that prices would fall very quickly once fighting ends and there's some sort of longer term solution to the problem with Iran. But that hasn't materialized yet. And one poll that was just released on Friday by Reuters and Ipsos showed that only one in three Americans are supportive of the war. And that's the lowest it's been over that five month period. It was never particularly popular to begin with, but it become increasingly unpopular because of the pricing issue and because many Americans think it doesn't really have clear objectives that the president has set out. What exactly it is that the US Hopes to accomplish with this conflict.
[10:13]
Will Chalk
So Washington correspondent Bernd Debussman, the family of the detained former leader of Myanmar, Aung San SUU Kyi, has welcomed her being allowed to meet a delegate from the Red Cross. It was her first confirmed contact with the outside world for two and a half years. Msu Ki's son, Kim Aris, who we heard from on our previous global news podcast, says he believes the pictures released by the military government showing her looking well are genuine. Msuchi, who's 81, has been in detention since her government was overthrown five years ago. Myanmar has been seeking to improve relations with the outside world and in particular its neighbor, Thailand. So is this move all about diplomacy? Our Southeast Asia correspondent is Jonathan Head entirely.
[10:57]
Jonathan Head
Yes. I mean, it must baffle a lot of people that the military government has refused to offer proof of life despite the calls from Aung San Suu Kyi's family and genuine concern. She's 81 years old. They had no idea what condition she was being held in. The military government kept saying she was fine, but there was no proof. The fact that they've offered it now is entirely because the Thai government has asked for it. All Myanmar's neighbors, the members of the association of Southeast Asian nations and Myanmar's a member, remember, have been asking for concessions from the military government, especially since it held its rather sort of rigged election earlier this year and turned itself into a notionally civilian government. They've all been saying, make more concessions. We will start to re engage with you. Myanmar has been excluded from all the important meetings while this bloody civil war has gone on. The Myanmar military have been very reluctant to do that. They're being very stubborn about it. But the coup leader, Minong Line, is due to visit Thailand on Thursday. This is a big diplomatic breakthrough for him. He's not been able to make these kinds of official visits to Southeast Asian countries since the coup. And the Thais, I think, essentially told him, we need to know Aung San SUU Kyi's alive. We can't afford to bring you here, which is very controversial, and then find out she's not alive. It's one of the cards the Myanmar military has decided to play to its own advantage. I think Aung San SUU Kyi may well understand that, that she's part of a diplomatic game. She's still so hyp profile and still so popular, particularly in areas that oppose the military government, that her fate, and ultimately one would assume her release, are inevitably going to be part of any process of either trying to settle the civil war, although the military is not making any concessions on that yet, or simply recognizing that the military government is there to stay and must be dealt with.
[12:43]
Will Chalk
Yeah, but the fact this visit is going ahead would. Would suggest then, wouldn't it, that this tactic is working?
[12:49]
Jonathan Head
Yes. And I think, you know, some other Southeast Asian countries have been much more reluctant than Thailand to give Myanmar this kind of recognition. You know, a big official visit there was a red carpet welcome. But China, the most important country in the region, which also has a long border with Myanmar, has fully backed the military government and is the main reason why it's recovered. And it's got much better militarily at fighting the opposition. And I think Thailand's view is they also have a long shared border. Lots of issues that need to be resolved, lots of problems being caused by the war. Thailand is one of the Southeast Asian countries. Asian countries saying, well, actually, whatever our distaste for the bloodshed of these generals and the killing they've done, we have to re engage with them. I think inevitably other Southeast Asian countries, although they want more concessions from Myanmar, even if they don't get them, will eventually have to re engage. This Myanmar military government now is there to stay.
[13:39]
Will Chalk
That's Jonathan Head. In the last two months, dozens of people have been killed in clashes between security officials and protesters across Pakistani administered Kashmir who say they're simply asking for basic rights such as affordable food, electricity and healthcare. The protesters are from a group called the Joint Awami Action Committee, or jaac, which was banned by the authorities in June and its members labelled foreign funded terrorists. They deny that accusation. They say they're peaceful and funded by the Pakistani community abroad, not by India. Despite the Internet being cut off and roads blocked, the BBC is the first media organization to gain access to the city. At the heart of the protest, Rwalakota with her report on what the team found. Here is our correspondent in Islamabad, Caroline Davies.
[14:30]
Caroline Davies
Despair in the makeshift clinic. Shafka Tissain came in with low vital signs, a gunshot wound to the chest. But his friends clasped his hand at his bedside. The sheets stained with the blood of the previous patients and hoped until he passed. Like many in Ravlakov, Shafkut had been protesting for weeks. They started in June, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, or jaac, a group of local activists that have grown in influence since they formed in 2023. The authorities say the JAAC want to disrupt the ongoing regional elections, that they are armed and that the authorities won't tolerate the march. There was a crackdown, leaving dozens dead and violent clashes spread across Pakistan administered Kashmir. Some security officers have died, but most casualties are protesters. Getting inside Rwalakot is difficult. Roads are blocked or guarded, the Internet and phone signal cut. It's meant it's nearly impossible to know what is happening. When the team arrive, they find family after family mourning loved ones they say were shot dead in the protests. This woman lost her only son,
[15:51]
Luis Fajardo
he said.
[15:52]
Mahran Bayad
Martyrdom is a great honor. He fought for what was right. He never lived as a slave.
[15:58]
Caroline Davies
Protesters don't trust the local hospitals, scared they'll be arrested, instead going to makeshift clinics. The doctor running it says they struggle to keep up.
[16:11]
Bernd Debusmann
We have enough supplies to provide first aid. We can stop bleeding, clean and dress wounds and remove superficial bullets. But patients with serious injuries to the chest, abdomen, head or other vital organs need advanced hospitals.
[16:28]
Caroline Davies
He says They've treated around 50 to 60 critically injured patients in the last week and that he personally treated 15 to 20 with gunshot wounds. Most, he says, were under 40 years old. The authorities have said security forces did not fire on peaceful protesters, but that law enforcement acted against individuals who were involved in attacks on law enforcement personnel, threatened public safety or obstructed lawful authority. They say it's not true that protesters have been arrested in hospital. The authorities accused the JAAC of being foreign funded terrorists and the group has been banned. The JAAC maintain they are peaceful, but we asked one of their core committee, Umar Nazir, about the deaths of security officers.
[17:14]
Luis Fajardo
Look, perhaps such deaths did occur. I will not comment on that. However, I believe that certain elements who are under their control were infiltrated into our ranks.
[17:25]
Caroline Davies
They did not provide us with evidence on this alleged infiltration and the authorities say the JAAC are running a disinformation campaign against them. The BBC did not see weapons or shooting at the protests they observed. The JAAC say they're open to talk, but there are more protests planned.
[17:50]
Will Chalk
That's Caroline Davies still to come in this podcast you deliberately concealed your mother's
[17:57]
Mahran Bayad
death and took steps to give the impression that she was still alive.
[18:01]
Will Chalk
A British man who kept the body of his mother in a freezer for nearly three years while claiming her benefits is jailed.
[18:14]
Podcast Advertiser
With the new Schwab Teen Investor account, teens can gain hands on investing experience and build positive money habits. It's an account co owned by you and your team so you can monitor and engage with the account while your teen learns how to invest and manage money. Learn more@schwab.com you're great at protecting your
[18:32]
Bernd Debusmann
data, but lots of places could still expose you to identity theft.
[18:36]
Nicole Hark
I thought I was safe.
[18:37]
Bernd Debusmann
If that happens, Lifelock gives you a US based restoration agent who will stick by your side from start to finish. Phone calls, filing documentation, preparing insurance claims. Your agent handles it all. In fact, we're so confident restoration is guaranteed. Pour your money back. Isn't it nice to have someone like that on your side? Save up to 30% your first year@lifelock.com podcast terms apply it's been five months
[19:02]
Mahran Bayad
since the deadliest civilian strike of the US Israel war in Iran. 120 children killed at a school. Experts say the evidence indicates it was American forces that hit the school, but the US Government has not admitted responsibility. I'm Asma Khalid and I host the Global Story podcast on the BBC. The BBC has now visited the site of the school and spoken to Iranians about what they saw. For more, listen to the global story on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
[19:34]
Will Chalk
This is the Global News Podcast. In Argentina, teachers have been Marching through the capital, Buenos Aires, demanding pay rises and denouncing job cuts under President Javier Milei's government. Sonia Alesso is general secretary of the largest teaching union in Argentina.
[19:53]
Caroline Davies
Today, the average teacher's salary can't make it to the end of the month. They pay the rent, and by the 15th, they are left without money to live, to eat. In Argentina, women are mostly the breadwinners. Plus at the moment, workers are being fired. This is the situation under Jave Melei's government.
[20:14]
Will Chalk
Our America's expert from BBC monitoring Luis Fajardo, gave us more details about the teachers grievances.
[20:20]
Luis Fajardo
Teachers are protesting over a number of issues. They are complaining that the government of Milei has implemented drastic reductions in spending on education throughout his time in office. This is not only primary and secondary education, but also university education. So they are complaining about budget cuts, job layoffs, and also about some legislation that the government is introducing that would allow for more private competition in areas that have been traditionally served by public education. For example, there would be more students allowed to participate in homeschooling. So this has created a lot of resistance.
[21:01]
Will Chalk
Now, Milei's made no secret that he wants to slash costs, famously pictured with a chainsaw. So why is this coming to a boil now?
[21:10]
Luis Fajardo
The thing is that after several years, many Argentinians are asking, when is this austerity? When are these cuts going to finish? And when is the economy going to start prospering as he promised? There are some indications in Argentina's economy that have showed an improvement, for example, a substantial reduction in budget deficits. And this has also created many other impacts on the macroeconomic stability of the country. So that is presented as a positive result. But for many Argentinians, the fact is, the paycheck in some cases doesn't really last them for the entire month. And a lot of people are still seeing a lot of difficulty, a lot of hardship. Not only the education sector, but many other sectors in Argentina that have suffered the consequences of budget cuts and of restrictions and reductions in government services are starting to protest.
[22:05]
Will Chalk
I mean, how is this all affecting Malay's popularity?
[22:08]
Luis Fajardo
More generally, though Milei has retained, of course, support during these years in office, some people argue that a lot of it has to do with the enormous support that the Milei administration received from the United States from Donald Trump. However, again, as electoral season approaches, it is not clear if Milei is going to continue maintaining these high levels of support that he needs to obtain reelection and to maintain his very ambitious project of economic reform and even social reform. In Argentina to continue. So there is clearly a sector in Argentina that is not satisfied. Argentina has a famously militant labor union sector and some of these labor unions are starting to flex their muscles as the electoral season approaches.
[22:57]
Will Chalk
That's Luis Fajardo. At least 18 people, including four soldiers are reported to have been killed in attacks by gunmen in northwestern Nigeria. In Zamfara state, residents say attackers overran a military outpost before abducting more than 100 villagers. Around half of them are reportedly still being held hostage. There's been an upsurge in northwestern Nigeria of armed men kidnapping people for ransom. The government hasn't commented on these latest attacks. Our correspondent in Abuja is Chris Iwoka.
[23:28]
Chris Iwoka
Over the weekend, it's been more of a tale of horror and tragedy. First, in Guso in Zamfara state, at least four soldiers were reported killed by gunmen suspected to be bandits when they attacked a village in Kaurana Moda local government area of Zamfara. They also got hold of about 102 villagers, abducted them and then fled with them into the bush. But later we understand that they were able to separate the women from the men and they ordered the freed women to go back home. And then they took their husbands into the bush and the husbands, as we understand, remain in captivity. They're still being held. While happening in Zamfara, almost the same time, there was also an attack in Sokoto state. Sokoto is also a neighboring state of Zamfara, also in the northwest, in a village called Lainge, 12 persons were killed. Six of them were actually burnt alive. And what we understand from residents, the attackers invaded the community at about midnight on Saturday and operated for several hours, even up to early hours of Sunday morning without any intervention.
[24:42]
Will Chalk
Security forces Chris Awoka there, a British man's been jailed for keeping his dead mother's body in a freezer while continuing to claim her pension and benefits. For almost three years, 60 year old Christopher Phillips lied to relatives and the authorities, claiming the 89 year old had moved from their home in South Wales to London. More from our Wales correspondent, Howard Griffith.
[25:06]
Howard Griffith
Christopher Phillips was his mother Sylvia's main carer and lived with her until her death in March 2023. Instead of reporting her death to the authorities two days later, he bought a chest freezer, wrapped her body in a blanket and placed her inside, covering her with flowers. The court heard how he slept downstairs to be near his mother and would sometimes open the freezer to hold her hand. For almost three years, he continued to accept her pension payments, benefits and winter fuel allowance, a sum of more than 78,000 pounds. As she sentenced the 60 year old judge, Tracey Lloyd Clark said his deceit was deliberate and sustained.
[25:49]
Mahran Bayad
You deliberately concealed your mother's death and took steps to give the impression that she was still alive. You continued to collect her prescriptions and lied to medical professionals and eventually to the police.
[26:01]
Howard Griffith
Sylvia Phillips body was discovered only when the local medical practice asked police to conduct a welfare check on her. In February 2026, Christopher Phillips initially claimed she was staying with family in London before officers found the freezer in the dining room. He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud and preventing a lawful and decent burial.
[26:26]
Will Chalk
That report was by Hoel Griffith. Ten months after the US brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the peace plan is yet to deliver much of its promise. Israeli forces have continued deadly strikes on Gaza even since President Trump announced a deal last week between his Board of Peace and Hamas on disarmament. Most Gazans still live in tent camps or in the rubble of half destroyed homes. But in the most trying circumstances, some are trying to connect to the outside world and make a living with their laptops. Israel imposes tight restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza, so our Middle east correspondent Yoland Nell has been speaking online to local tech workers.
[27:05]
Luis Fajardo
I lost all of my equipment, I lost my house, I lost my office and I was thinking that is the end of the world here in Gaza.
[27:12]
Mahran Bayad
Mahran Bayad, his wife and three young children now live in a tent in Gaza City. Despite his ruined surroundings, he's one of thousands of well educated Gazans trying to make a living online coding and programming.
[27:26]
Luis Fajardo
I can work here in Gaza. Anything that is in the freelancing world, starting from mobile application for iPhone, Android flat, to websites, even ads. So anything that can be worked from remotely, we can do it here in Gaza.
[27:41]
Mahran Bayad
With Gaza's economy all but destroyed and 80% of people with no income, NGOs see the potential of remote work to fill a desperate need.
[27:51]
Nicole Hark
It's really critical. I mean we talk about it now as sort of a digital lifeline. This idea that if you have a laptop, if you have a working Internet connection, you can work, work and earn income.
[28:01]
Mahran Bayad
Nicole Hark is Country Director for the American NGO Mercy Corps, which is trying to help Gazans, focusing on training, getting contacts for freelancers and supporting the new independent co working spaces that are popping up in Gaza City and elsewhere.
[28:17]
Nicole Hark
It's really critical to help people get back to work. They don't want to be dependent on aid they're not looking to sit there and do nothing. Right. But it's really finding a safe space and finding something that's affordable and that continues to have consistent electricity and Internet is shockingly, incredibly difficult.
[28:33]
Mahran Bayad
These hubs have generators and solar panels to provide power and a better Internet connection while most of the population is still living in tents.
[28:42]
Luis Fajardo
So let's start with AI engineering.
[28:45]
Mahran Bayad
Wala Volides is a 24 year old computer software engineer and her family's main breadwinner. Today she's talking to one of her mentors based in California's Silicon Valley.
[28:56]
Luis Fajardo
I have lots of international mentors who not just help me in the technical skills, also in the soft skills, also in the mental health and my mental health, it's not in zero, it's in minus. So yeah, if you want to complete despite all of these struggles and circumstances, or do you want to just wait for a miracle to happen and absolutely it will not happen if you don't do anything.
[29:21]
Mahran Bayad
Wallat has recently got a full time job with a Dubai based company with almost daily bombings as Israel says it's continuing to target Hamas. Safety is still a big concern and there are plenty of other challenges for tech savvy Gazans to overcome as well as the unstable electricity and Internet banking restrictions make it difficult to be paid. Nahran is finding it hard to get his laptop screen repaired at this makeshift workshop. There are tight Israeli restrictions on what comes into Gaza, including computer parts, because Israel sees them as having a possible military use.
[30:01]
Luis Fajardo
This test is very hard for us, but we are trying to survive. We are trying to say thank God for what we can do and we start our life again.
[30:09]
Mahran Bayad
Gaza's wider recovery may be at a standstill and yet its tech workers give a glimpse of of a brighter possible future.
[30:17]
Will Chalk
Yoland Nell in Jerusalem. That's all from us for now. If you want to get in touch, you can email us@globalpodcastbc.co.uk you can also find us on X@ BBC World Service. We have a sister podcast called the Global Story which goes in depth and beyond the headlines on one big story. This edition of the Global News Podcast was mixed by Darcy o'. Brie. The producer is Emma Joseph. The editor is Karen Martin and I'm Will Chalk. Until next time. Goodbye.