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News imageWorld Service

World Service

News & views from the BBC's international radio station.

Morning

LIVE
12:00 BST
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BBC News

31/08/2026 11:01 GMT

The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.

The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.

12:06 BST
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Outlook

Harry Potter and the Ukrainian prisoner of war

Separated from his family and held in Russian captivity, Oleksandr found hope in the magical world of wizardry by retelling Harry Potter stories to his cellmates.

Separated from his family and held in Russian captivity, Oleksandr found hope in the magical world of wizardry by retelling Harry Potter stories to his cellmates.

12:50 BST
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Witness History

'I created the Star Wars toys'

In 1976, toymaker Jim Swearingen had to convince his boss to take a chance and back the figures and spaceships for a new movie.

In 1976, toymaker Jim Swearingen had to convince his boss to take a chance and back the figures and spaceships for a new movie.

Afternoon

13:00 BST
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BBC News

31/08/2026 12:01 GMT

The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.

The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.

13:06 BST
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The Newsroom

31/08/2026 12:06 GMT

The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen

The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen

13:30 BST
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BBC News Summary

31/08/2026 12:30 GMT

The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.

The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.

13:32 BST
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CrowdScience

How do electric fish make electricity?

Some fish generate electric shocks four times more powerful than the electricity in your plugs at home. But how do they do it?

Some fish generate electric shocks four times more powerful than the electricity in your plugs at home. But how do they do it?

14:00 BST
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BBC News

31/08/2026 13:01 GMT

The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.

The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.

14:06 BST
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Newshour

31/08/2026 13:06 GMT

Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.

Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.

15:00 BST
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BBC News

31/08/2026 14:01 GMT

The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.

The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.

15:06 BST
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The Interview

Michelle Bachelet, UN Chief candidate: Time for a woman to lead

Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile and a candidate to become the next UN secretary general, on why she believes its time for a woman to lead the United Nations.

Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile and a candidate to become the next UN secretary general, on why she believes its time for a woman to lead the United Nations.