Bats with Covid-like viruses found in Laos: study

Scientists have discovered another clue to the origins of the virus that causes Covid-19, with bats living in caves in Laos found to be carrying a similar pathogen that experts suggest could potentially infect humans directly. The virus has killed millions since it emerged in China in late 2019, and controversy continues to swirl around where it came from. Some experts say it is animal-driven but others have pointed to the possibility the pathogen leaked from a lab. Researchers from France's Pasteur Institute and the National University of Laos said their findings showed that viruses genetically close to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Zelensky vows 'strong response' after attack on aide

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday promised a "strong response" after gunmen opened fire on a car carrying his senior aide, in what officials said was retaliation for a push to rein in oligarchs. Sergiy Shefir, a 57-year-old former scriptwriter and longtime associate of comedian-turned-politician Zelensky, was reported to have escaped without serious injury. "Saying 'hello' to me by shooting out of the forest at my friend's car is weak," Zelensky said in a video statement from New York. "The response will be strong." Zelensky, who is in New York for the UN General Assembly, said it was not yet known who was behind the attack.

Bodies of 7 migrants and child found off Spain coast

The bodies of eight migrants, including three women and a child, have washed up on the shores of southern Spain over the past two days, local authorities said Tuesday. "Between Sunday and Tuesday morning, eight bodies were found along the shore... who came from one or more boats," the Almeria authorities said, indicating they were found along a 20-kilometre stretch of coastline. The Guardia Civil police were investigating, they added. The boats had likely set off from Morocco or Algeria, a journey of at last 200 kilometres (130 miles) across the western Mediterranean, in the hope of reaching Europe. So far this year, a total of 10,701 migrants have managed to reach the southern coast of mainland Spain or the Balearic Islands by sea, an increase of 1,680 on the same period last year.