The Global Story

More than 50 years since the last Apollo mission, Nasa is preparing to send astronauts back to the Moon.
Artemis II will take its crew farther from Earth than any human has travelled in decades - a crucial step towards landing on the lunar surface once again.
At the same time, China has been quietly advancing its own plans for a crewed Moon landing.
Some experts say this signals the start of a new space race – not just for prestige, but to build a long-term presence on the Moon, tap its resources and use it as a stepping stone to Mars. We speak to the BBC’s Science Editor, Rebecca Morelle.
Producers: Valerio Esposito and Cat Farnsworth
Executive producer: James Shield
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins
Photo: Official Artemis crew portrait. Josh Valcarcel/NASA Handout/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince and brother to King Charles, was arrested by British police on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The arrest came after police said they were assessing a complaint that Andrew allegedly shared confidential material with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
We’re joined by BBC Royal Correspondent Sean Coughlan to discuss what Andrew’s arrest means for the future of the British monarchy.
Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Xandra Ellin.
Executive producer: James Shield.
Senior news editor: China Collins.
Photo: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, leaves Aylsham Police Station. Credit: Phil Noble/Reuters.

***This episode contains discussions of body dysmorphia, self-harm, sex and drug use, and references to language that may cause offence***
A controversial internet streamer who goes by the name Clavicular has taken the internet by storm, going to extreme lengths to try to enhance his looks – from using steroids and testosterone to hitting his face with a hammer.
Clavicular has become the poster boy for an online movement called ‘looksmaxxing’, centred on maximising physical attractiveness. Like many subcultures, it has given rise to a whole new lexicon which is gradually migrating from the margins of the internet to the mainstream.
In today’s episode, we turn to journalist and documentary filmmaker Matt Shea to explain whether Clavicular – and the movement he champions – is just another viral curiosity, or a strange symptom of modern masculinity.
Producers: Aron Keller and Xandra Ellin
Executive producer: James Shield
Sound engineer: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins
(Photo: A hand holding a mobile phone showing an influencer holding a hammer to his face on screen. Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire)

Next week marks four years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In that time, there’s been an intense crackdown on freedom of speech and dissent in Russia, which has led to many western media organisations leaving the country.

Today, we speak to Steve Rosenberg, the BBC’s Russia editor, on the tightrope of reporting from Moscow under Vladimir Putin.

Producer: Sam Chantarasak
Executive producer: Bridget Harney
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins

Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends his annual end-of-year press conference in Moscow. Credit: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool/Reuters.

***This episode contains distressing details of rape and sexual assault***
Gisèle Pelicot earned international recognition after waiving her anonymity at her mass-rape trial in 2024, in which her former husband, Dominique, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for drugging her and inviting dozens of other men to their home in the south of France to rape her while she was unconscious.
In court, Gisèle Pelicot bravely faced her abusers, and in public, she stood stoically in defence of sexual assault survivors, saying that, “shame must change sides”.
The BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire talks through her recent interview with Gisèle Pelicot, as her memoir, A Hymn to Life, is published.
Producer: Hannah Moore
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins
(Photo: Gisèle Pelicot in Paris, France. Credit: Dmitry Kostyukov/BBC Newsnight)