This is the Global News podcast from the BBC World Service.

I'm Alex Ritson, and in the early hours of Tuesday the 7th of January, these are our main stories.

Justin Trudeau has announced he's stepping down as the Prime Minister of Canada after nine years in office.

The US Congress has met to certify Donald Trump's election victory.

Proceedings passed off smoothly in contrast to events of four years ago.

Austria's president has invited the leader of the Far Right Freedom Party

to try to form a coalition government.

Also in this podcast.

As soon as there is some movement, some life, there is some sound.

So absolute silence does not exist in some way.

We examine the concept of silence and what it really means.

Justin Trudeau has resigned as Prime Minister of Canada after more than nine years in office.

He's also stepped down as leader of the Liberal Party and proroged Parliament until the 24th of

March to allow his successor to be chosen.

There's been intense speculation about his future in recent months,

with the party heavily traving the Conservatives in the polls.

Mr Trudeau said he was a fighter,

but it had become clear that he could not lead the Liberals to victory

in October's general election.

More from our North America, editor, Sarah Smith.

Ten years ago, he was a remarkably popular, glamorous young leader.

Justin Trudeau has been forced out of office with voters unhappy about the high cost of living

...