In this episode of the BBC World Service Global News Podcast, we explore several major global events. In Pakistan, violent clashes broke out as protesters demanded the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned. Meanwhile, Ukraine experienced its largest drone attack from Russia, leading to significant power outages across the country. A defector from the Russian military shared alarming details about the nation’s nuclear readiness and the intense pressure faced by soldiers who refuse to fight in Ukraine.
In the U.S., Donald Trump’s renewed threats of tariffs against Mexico, Canada, and China have raised concerns among trade experts. On a positive note, a UN initiative in South Korea is working towards a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, with Rwanda showcasing its successful strategies for reducing plastic waste. Lastly, the podcast sheds light on the Taliban's restrictions on Afghan women's voices, highlighting their remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Additionally, Dictionary.com has named "demure" as the word of the year.