This BBC World News podcast highlights several urgent stories making headlines. In Romania, a presidential election was abruptly canceled amid allegations of Russian interference, leading to a wave of controversy and claims of a coup. Meanwhile, in Syria, rebel forces are gaining ground against Assad's regime, creating a serious threat to its stability. The podcast also delves into a report on gender equality in Iceland, which, despite the country’s high rankings, still grapples with ongoing issues of gender-based violence. Additionally, it covers the sale of The Observer newspaper, a contentious new EU-South American trade deal, and the acoustic challenges involved in restoring Notre Dame Cathedral.
