Simulated robot performs realistic acrobatics and other news

A ransomware attack on the US Colonial Pipeline was not a surprise, as experts have been warning of increased attacks, Oxford Information Labs chief executive Emily Taylor has said. She told BBC World News: “Experts have been warning about increased rates of ransomware attacks and also the vulnerability of critical infrastructure such as this pipeline…

North Korea has announced it fired a new long-range cruise missile over the weekend. Despite international condemnation, the East Asian country keeps testing missiles, some of which are in violation of UN Security Council resolutions and have resulted in tough sanctions. Why does Pyongyang continue with these launches, if they come at such a hefty…

A small study found hugs lasting five to 10 seconds are associated with being the most pleasant.

Hamas is co-operating with international mediators to achieve a ceasefire and calm, a spokesperson for the Islamist militant group which runs Gaza has said. Bassem Naeem told BBC World News: “The key is very simple, to withdraw the security forces from the al-Aqsa compound and to stop ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people from Sheikh Jarrah.”…

The coronavirus pandemic continues to mean severe travel restrictions around the world – but the rules are changing all the time. Clive Wratten, chief executive of the Business Travel Association, and Tiffany Smith, founder of the Love of Food and Travel, blog answer questions from BBC World News viewers about the latest regulations.

Thousands of people from the Karen, or Kayin, state of Myanmar have fled to Thailand in recent days following airstrikes by Myanmar’s military. But those that have crossed into Thailand are now being told to go home, a spokesperson for the Karen Peace Support Network said. The spokesperson, whose identity is being concealed for security…