Global News Podcast – "France remembers terror attacks ten years on"

Date: November 13, 2025
Host: Nick Miles, BBC World Service

Main Theme

This episode centers on the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris terror attacks, exploring national commemorations, personal stories from survivors and victims’ families, and the enduring impact of that night on France’s values and society. Additional segments cover major breaking news, including record-high global carbon emissions, revelations about Hitler's DNA, China-Taiwan tensions over social media influencers, new diabetes research, the recruitment of Kenyans by Russia, the harsh Ukrainian winter during ongoing conflict, promising malaria drug trials, and strikes at Starbucks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. France Marks a Decade Since Paris Terror Attacks

• Commemorations and the Mood in Paris

  • National ceremonies began at Stade de France, the attack's first site.

  • President Macron led moments of silence and readings of victims’ names at key locations.

  • Survivors and bereaved families shared deep emotions and memories.

    Notable Quote:

    "Since that 13th of November, there's a void that will not be filled, an absence which has been felt each morning and each night for the last 10 years. But there are also the memories, which nothing can erase."
    — Sophie Dias, daughter of a victim (02:51)

  • Survivor Thibault Morgan emphasized the importance of holding onto France’s core values.

    Notable Quote:

    "What I want the most... is to never, never, never renounce the core values of the country. In France, we have a principle, liberte, egalite, fraternity... If we were to renounce these values, the terrorists would have won."
    — Thibault Morgan, survivor (04:03-04:18)

• Firsthand Accounts from Reporters

  • Hugh Schofield, who reported from Paris during and after the attacks, remembered the shock, confusion, and subsequent unity.

  • Public acts of remembrance and solidarity highlighted the strength and togetherness of Paris.

    Notable Quote:

    "The one positive thing that came out of all of this... is this feeling of togetherness, of pride in overcoming adversity, this sense that the terrorists tried to divide us and destroy our system and our values, but they haven't done it."
    — Hugh Schofield, Paris correspondent (06:11)

  • Despite ongoing political divisions, President Macron’s presence was respected as he represented the French state.

• Defiance and the Parisian Spirit

  • Parisians displayed resilience, continuing with daily life even under threat.

  • The trial of the surviving attacker, Salah Abduslam, was viewed as a triumph of France’s democratic principles.

    Memorable Moment:

    "Life went on, but behind that was this feeling that it was important to go out and lead your ordinary life, to show that the terrorists had not won."
    — Hugh Schofield (07:57)

Timestamps

• Intro to commemorations: 02:00
• Victim family member Sophie Dias: 02:51
• Survivor Thibault Morgan: 03:50
• Hugh Schofield’s account: 04:43
• French unity and values: 06:11
• Parisian defiance and aftermath: 07:29

2. Major World News Headlines

A. Record High Fossil Fuel Emissions Forecasted

• Key Points

  • Global carbon emissions from coal, oil, and gas expected to hit a record high, despite slowed growth due to renewables.

  • Notably, China and India’s investment in clean technology is beginning to slow their emissions increases.

  • 35 countries—UK included—have reduced emissions while growing their economies, with hope for further international progress at COP in Brazil.

    Quote:

    "10% of [China’s] GDP is on clean technology... In the coming years we should start to see a turnaround..."
    — Prof. Corrine Lequer, climate researcher (09:39)

• Timestamps:
  Intro to segment: 09:04
  Corrine Lequer explains trends: 09:39

B. Hitler’s DNA Reveals Medical and Genetic Insights

• Key Points

  • Hitler’s blood (from a sofa in his bunker) confirmed through DNA testing, showing he had Kallmann syndrome (disrupting puberty and testosterone).

  • Genetic analysis found predisposition to psychiatric conditions, though not diagnostic.

  • DNA disproved rumors of Jewish ancestry.

    Quotes:

    "[The DNA] has a deletion in a gene... Kallmann syndrome... characterized by low testosterone... It's really lovely where you marry the genetics with the history."
    — Prof. Turi King, Milner Centre for Evolution (13:16)

    "We can be very confident that this is the blood of Hitler."
    — Prof. Turi King (12:30)

• Timestamps:
  Segment intro: 11:24
  Prof. Turi King on DNA findings: 12:30 – 15:53

3. International Affairs and Human Rights

A. China Issues Bounties for Pro-Taiwanese Influencers

• Details

  • Chinese authorities posted bounties for the arrest of two Taiwanese influencers critical of Beijing.

  • This reflects growing pressure on pro-Taiwan voices amid worsening China-Taiwan tensions.

  • Analyst Kerry Allen contextualizes propaganda and censorship.

    Quote:

    "...there is a real fear from people in Taiwan that China is trying to create this containment narrative... putting pressure on people who speak up against Beijing."
    — Kerry Allen, China media analyst (17:08)

• Timestamps:
  Segment intro: 15:53
  Kerry Allen analysis: 16:20 – 18:55

B. New Insights Into Type 1 Diabetes in Children

• Summary

  • British researchers found children under seven develop more aggressive type 1 diabetes due to how their beta cells cluster.
  • Findings may inform future drug development to slow the immune attack against insulin-producing cells.

• Timestamps:
  News report: 18:55 – 20:10

4. Global Perspectives: Conflict and Health Crises

A. Kenyans Recruited to Fight for Russia in Ukraine

• Details

  • Up to 200 Kenyans believed to be fighting for Russian forces, lured by fake job offers.
  • Many are ex-military or security, promised high pay and travel coverage.
  • Returnees report injuries and trauma; Kenya’s government is investigating.

• Timestamps:
  Segment intro: 21:30
  Live from Nairobi: 21:30 – 23:12

B. Ukraine Prepares for a Hard Winter Under Attack

• On the Ground in Kyiv

  • Ukrainian stadiums limit crowds to numbers safely sheltered during attacks.

  • Daily life—like football matches—continues despite regular blackouts, missile strikes, and fear.

  • Power outages force families to rely on costly batteries; parents describe profound fear for their children’s safety.

  • President Zelenskyy discusses winter preparations and the country’s determination to endure.

    Quote:

    "I can't describe with words the animal fear when you take your child to the shelter during the explosions..."
    — Oksana, Kyiv resident (26:57-27:05)

• Timestamps:
  Segment intro at stadium: 23:48
  President Zelenskyy: 25:36
  Family struggles with outages: 26:05

C. Groundbreaking New Malaria Drug

• Highlights

  • "Ganlam," a new antimalarial drug, shows >99% efficacy, including against resistant strains.

  • Could be available in Africa by 2027 pending regulatory approval.

  • Importance stressed of staying ahead of evolving drug-resistant parasites.

    Quote:

    "Having a new medicine in itself is reason to celebrate... The malaria parasite is a master of survival. It constantly adapts itself to work around current medicines..."
    — Martin Fitchett, Medicines for Malaria Venture (29:06)

• Timestamps:
  Segment intro: 28:00
  Interview with Martin Fitchett: 29:06 – 30:57

D. Starbucks Union Strike on "Red Cup Day"

• Summary

  • Workers strike on key promotional day, demanding contract settlement and opposing union-busting.

  • CEO claims workers already have industry-leading pay and benefits.

  • Strike involves a small percentage of the workforce but garners political and public attention.

    Quote:

    "Baristas are tired and they want the fair contract that they've earned and they want the company that they work for to do the right thing and stop union busting."
    — Michelle Eisen, Starbucks union member (31:59)

    "We also have the best benefits in the industry and... the best wages in the industry."
    — Brian Niccol, Starbucks CEO (32:25)

• Timestamps:
  Segment intro: 31:10
  Michelle Eisen discusses strike: 31:59
  CEO response: 32:25

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Sophie Dias on Loss and Memory (02:51)

  "There's a void that will not be filled... But there are also the memories, which nothing can erase."

• French Values and Terror (04:03)

  "Never, never, never renounce the core values of the country... If we were to renounce these values, the terrorists would have win." — Thibault Morgan

• Survivor Unity (06:11)

  "The one positive thing... is this feeling of togetherness, pride in overcoming adversity... they haven't done it." — Hugh Schofield

• Parisian Defiance (07:57)

  "It was important to go out and lead your ordinary life, to show that the terrorists had not won." — Hugh Schofield

• Scientific Discovery (13:16)

  "[Hitler] has a deletion in a gene... associated with Kallmann syndrome... low testosterone levels." — Turi King

• China’s Influence: (17:08)

  "There is a real fear... that China is trying to create this containment narrative." — Kerry Allen

• Ukrainian Resilience: (26:57)

  "I can't describe with words the animal fear when you take your child to the shelter during the explosions." — Oksana, Kyiv

• Malaria Drug Breakthrough: (29:06)

  "The malaria parasite is a master of survival. It constantly adapts itself to work around current medicines..." — Martin Fitchett

• Starbucks Strike: (31:59)

  "Baristas are tired and want the fair contract they've earned..." — Michelle Eisen

Episode Flow & Structure

• Opening: Commemoration of Paris terror attacks, powerful personal reflections (02:00–07:29)
• Major headlines: Climate crisis, Hitler’s DNA, international affairs (09:04–15:53)
• China/Taiwan tensions: Bounties for influencers (15:53–18:55)
• Health and science: Diabetes research, malaria drug (18:55–20:10, 28:00–30:57)
• Conflict: Kenyans in Ukraine, winter conditions for Ukrainians (21:30–27:08)
• Labour: Starbucks strikes (31:10–33:14)

Conclusion

This episode honors the memory of those lost in France’s worst terror attacks, relays how far the country has come in maintaining resilience and unity, and situates this remembrance within a broader sweep of urgent international news – from the climate emergency and new medical discoveries, to geopolitical intrigue and workers’ rights struggles. With strong personal storytelling and expert commentary, the episode underscores the value of remembering tragedy, upholding democratic principles, and facing contemporary global challenges with resolve.