CIA chief holds talks with Cuban officials in Havana

This episode of the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service covers a range of international developments, beginning with a historic visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Havana amid a severe energy crisis in Cuba. The crisis, caused by a U.S. fuel blockade following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has led to widespread power cuts, school closures, and economic paralysis. Despite a U.S. offer of $100 million in aid, Cuba insists the blockade must be lifted, calling it a 'genocidal policy.' The visit marks a rare diplomatic opening, though deep political divisions remain, especially within the U.S. Republican Party, where Cuban-American communities push for regime change rather than concessions. Meanwhile, India’s capital Delhi implements strict fuel-saving measures due to disrupted supplies from the Middle East following the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, affecting everything from public transport to fertilizer production. In Israel, a controversial nationalist march in Jerusalem sparks tension after a far-right minister defied longstanding rules by waving an Israeli flag at the Temple Mount. In Thailand, scientists announce the discovery of a massive new dinosaur species, Naga Titan, measuring 27 meters and weighing as much as nine Asian elephants, linked to ancient climate change. The podcast also examines the rise of the nationalist vigilante group Ruskaya (Russian Community) in Russia, which conducts unauthorized raids under the guise of defending traditional values, raising concerns about state tolerance and human rights. Finally, a super El Niño is forecast to intensify, potentially making 2027 the hottest year on record, with global risks including droughts, floods, and food insecurity. The episode closes with lighter stories, including a peacock invasion in Italy and a groundbreaking halftime show planned for the Men’s Football World Cup final.