This podcast episode from The Economist covers three main news stories: the return of two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station due to a spacecraft malfunction; the renewed conflict in Gaza after Israel launched airstrikes, resulting in hundreds of reported deaths and a breakdown of the ceasefire; and the unexpected success of the Chinese animated film *Nezha 2*, which surpasses *Avengers: Infinity War* in box office revenue, reflecting a shift away from overtly patriotic films. The Gaza conflict segment features an interview with an Israel correspondent detailing the events and potential implications. The space exploration segment discusses the rise of private space companies and their impact on NASA's role. The analysis of *Nezha 2*'s success highlights a changing cultural mood in China.
