Our weekly podcast on China. This week, is China heading towards a new era of silver spoons and dimmed dreams? 

Economists have largely ignored sex work despite it being a large industry worth almost $100bn annually, with new research methods emerging to study this complex market.

Donald Trump's war against Iran threatens to undermine his political superpowers and could reshape his presidency through rising oil prices and weakened leverage.

Donald Trump prioritises loyalty tests over party unity, targeting Republican critics while tolerating anti-Muslim rhetoric from GOP officials ahead of midterm elections.

Tucker Carlson is one of MAGA’s biggest stars. Millions listen to him every week, and his punditry has influenced Donald Trump’s presidency. Now, though, he’s become MAGA’s most prominent dissident. Mr Carlson has broken with the White House over the war…

Also on the daily podcast: how Turkey’s foreign policy shields its democratic decline and why Americans hate delivery bots

America and Israel conduct air strikes against Iran while the regime blocks the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies and pushing Gulf allies toward alignment.

Pakistan's airstrike on a Kabul hospital killed at least 143 people amid escalating conflict with Afghanistan over alleged Taliban support for Pakistani militants.

India's IT outsourcing firms face uncertainty as artificial intelligence threatens traditional coding jobs, though disruption has yet to materialise significantly.

Land grabs are at the centre of a dangerous strategy, argues Husam Zomlot

India faces a severe gas shortage after the Strait of Hormuz blockade disrupted imports, forcing restaurants to close and households to queue for cooking fuel.

America's shift from energy importer to exporter reshapes how oil price spikes from Middle East conflicts affect different regions, industries and income groups.

Cuba's regime faces unprecedented economic pressure from Donald Trump's administration, forcing talks on liberalisation as fuel blockades and sanctions devastate the island.

American farmers face rising fertiliser costs after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, with urea prices up 20% and food price increases expected within months.

Catherine Nixey, our culture correspondent, explains how the Romans understood the art of attraction

Josh Ireland re-examines the assassination of Leon Trotsky in 1940, exploring the characters and motivations behind one of history’s most famous murders.

Myanmar's military government introduces fuel-saving measures and import substitution policies as economic pressures mount from regional conflicts and sanctions.

Global gas supply disruptions highlight the continued vulnerability of electricity grids despite renewable energy growth, as natural gas remains essential for backup power.

Our daily political update, featuring the stories that matter

Tucker Carlson, once a fierce Donald Trump supporter, has become one of the president's harshest critics on the right over Iran policy and Israeli influence.