In this episode of the BBC World Service Global News Podcast, listeners are taken through a variety of pressing international stories. The podcast discusses the swift advance of Islamist rebels in Syria, which poses a significant threat to Damascus. It also covers the annulment of Romania's presidential election amid allegations of Russian interference, the ongoing impeachment efforts against South Korea's president, and the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan's Darfur region. Additionally, it addresses the economic struggles and rising concerns as Ghana approaches its elections, along with the discrimination faced by Muslims in India. A captivating segment features a Canadian man who bravely fought off a polar bear to protect his wife, shedding light on the increasing frequency of such attacks linked to climate change. The episode wraps up with the launch of Finland's national soundscape.