BBC News Podcast

It comes as Israel returns to a nationwide lockdown and several countries tighten restrictions. Also: the US will ban downloads of the Chinese-owned apps, TikTok and WeChat, from Sunday, and seven footprints found in an Arabian desert may change the timeline of human history.

Israel is trying to tackle the surge in coronavirus cases, with a new three-week lockdown. Also: China military drill as US envoy visits Taiwan, and an alligator on gas snaps up Ig Nobel prize.

The 30 million landmark comes as the World Health Organisation warns about the situation in Europe. Also: Fires devastate the world's largest wetland, and hear about the incredible life of the female secret agent who is said to have inspired the creator of James Bond.

China says millions of workers --mostly Muslim Uighurs -- have been retrained in centres, which the US has likened to concentration camps. Also: WHO warns of "very serious situation" regarding Covid-19 in Europe, and what are the bizarre new stunts included in the latest Guinness World Records?

The ex-head of athletics’ governing body was convicted of accepting bribes from athletes suspected of doping to cover up test results and letting them continue competing, including in the 2012 London Olympics. Also: Venezuela says the UN report which accuses its government of systematic violations to suppress political opponents is riddled with falsehoods, and an artificial intelligence-powered ship aiming to recreate a historic voyage from 400 years ago.

UN Human Rights Council looked into cases of killings, torture, and disappearances. Investigators say President Maduro and other top officials were implicated. Also, top intergovernmental group says global economy is doing better than expected, and should we all learn to appreciate statistics more ?

It was signed at the White House with President Trump. He hailed the dawn of a new Middle East. Also: India passes five million coronavirus cases - we hear how families are suffering, and the TV ad which overshadowed a reality star appearance on ‘Dancing With the Stars’.

The Russian opposition leader posts on social media that he's getting better. A photo showed him sitting up in his Berlin hospital bed, surrounded by his wife and children. Also: new figures suggest China's economy is recovering from the pandemic, and hip hop fans prepare to bid on memorabilia at Sotheby’s in New York.

Scientists discover a gas in the atmosphere of Venus that may have been produced by living organisms. Also: Climate change takes centre stage in the US presidential race, and the enduring appeal of Pinocchio, the tale of the wooden puppet who wants to be a real boy.

Belarusians protesting against President Alexander Lukashenko have allegedly been kidnapped and beaten by security forces. Also, Yoshihide Suga is expected to be sworn in as Japan’s next prime minister, after being selected as leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party. And one of the most powerful men in football – Nasser Al Khelaifi – goes on trial over the sale of World Cup television rights.

More than 100,000 anti-government protestors took to the streets of Minsk. Also: Israel announces a new national lockdown to contain a surge in coronavirus infections, and a permanent migrant reception centre is to be built on the Greek island of Lesbos.

At peace talks in Qatar, the Afghan delegation said war had no winners. Also: Pompeo in Cyprus warns US "deeply concerned" over Turkey energy search, and British designer, Sir Terence Conran, dies aged 88.

Bahrain is only the fourth Arab country in the Middle East to recognise Israel. Also: dozens of people missing in Oregon fires; migrants and Greek islanders protest over new camp.

EC's Vice-president says burnt-out camp to be replaced by modern facility on same site. Residents of Moria camp have staged protest calling for right to leave island of Lesbos. Also, Rio Tinto's boss to quit over company's destruction of Aboriginal sacred sites, and we meet a man who reads out confessions of dead people at their own funerals.

The UK is told to drop plans to rewrite the withdrawal agreement by end of the month or risk scuppering the trade deal. Also: Microsoft says Russia, China and Iran hackers are targeting Trump and Biden, and the British actress Dame Diana Rigg dies aged 82.

A blaze engulfed Moria camp on Tuesday night, then another wiped out any remaining tents on Wednesday. Also: The opposition politician in Belarus told she would be deported ‘alive or in bits’ and backlash in China after attempts to bring in couples counselling before marriage.

The remark is contained in a book by the journalist, Bob Woodward, who broke the Watergate scandal. Also: Greek fire sparks race to shelter 13,000 migrants, and scientists develop a technique to spot fake Scotch whisky without opening the bottle.

A huge fire has ravaged the Moria facility on the island of Lesbos. Thousands of migrants have been left homeless. Also, efforts to make the Oscars more diverse, and how one man developed a friendship with an octopus.

Pressure is growing in Rochester over the death of a black man named Daniel Prude, who asphyxiated after being restrained by police. Also, Italy’s fashion industry grapples with racism. And, how will taking photos of broccoli today help scientists study space tomorrow?

The long term leader has told Russian media he won't be stepping down despite weeks of protests. Meanwhile Belarus opposition leader resists deportation. Also: the floods threatening Sudan's ancient ruins, and why Senegal has been praised for its handling of the coronavirus.