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North Korean missile tests signal return to brinkmanship

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North Korean missile tests signal return to brinkmanship

Faced with pandemic difficulties and U.S.-led sanctions on his nuclear ambitions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may revive his 2017 nuclear and missile brinkmanship to win concessions from Washington and its neighbors.

North Korea’s short-range missile launch on Monday was its fourth round of missile tests this month, a sign that a Biden administration, which is more focused on confronting bigger adversaries such as China and Russia, refuses to ignore.

Experts say the tests may also reflect a growing need for external relief after its economy slumps further under harsh sanctions and two years of pandemic border closures.

The two missiles fired near the capital Pyongyang on Monday followed the resumption of rail freight shipments with China, which had been suspended over fears of the pandemic, in a possible attempt to revive a desperate economy.

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Trade between China’s Dandong and North Korea’s Sinuiju will remain unchanged while maintaining pandemic control, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Monday. While North Korea may continue to display its weapons in the coming weeks, it could remain relatively quiet ahead of the Winter Olympics in February, with China, its main ally and economic lifeblood, firing known short-range missiles rather than more provocative systems. .

But once the Beijing Olympics are over, it could raise the stakes considerably. Du Hyeogn Cha, an analyst at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, said Kim Jong-un could resume tests of nuclear explosives and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Kim Jong-un suspended nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests in 2018 during talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump. But diplomacy has remained derailed since the second summit in 2019, when the Americans rejected North Korea’s demand for a partial relinquishment of its nuclear capabilities in exchange for major sanctions.

In recent months, North Korea has ramped up testing of short-range missiles designed to defeat missile defenses in the region.

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Its leaders may think it needs a more provocative test to advance relations with a Biden administration, which has offered open-ended talks but has shown no willingness to ease sanctions unless Kim Jong-un takes a real steps to abandon his nuclear weapons program.

Cha said it was unclear whether a nuclear test or an ICBM test would prompt a compromise from Washington, which is more likely to respond with further sanctions and military pressure, possibly including the resumption of major military exercises with South Korea.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times

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Hollywood

Review of the spy thriller “Heart of Stone”: Alia Bhatt shines.

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Review of the spy thriller “Heart of Stone”: Alia Bhatt shines.

In a realm where intrigue and suspense collide, Bollywood’s beloved star Alia Bhatt has once again proven her mettle in the enthralling spy thriller “Heart of Stone.” Directed by the visionary Raj Mehta, this cinematic marvel takes audiences on a roller-coaster ride through espionage, deception, and unrelenting action, with Bhatt’s luminous performance at its epicenter.

A Glimpse into the Plot

“Heart of Stone” delves into the shadowy world of espionage, where nothing is as it seems, and allegiances can crumble in an instant. Bhatt’s character, Maya Verma, is a compelling enigma—a resolute intelligence operative navigating a labyrinth of covert operations and intricate deceptions. As the layers of the narrative peel away, Maya finds herself ensnared in a high-stakes game where trust is elusive and danger lurks in every frame.

The Resplendent Alia Bhatt

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Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Maya Verma is nothing short of a revelation. Known for her remarkable versatility, Bhatt imbues Maya with a potent mix of strength and vulnerability. With every expression, every gesture, she breathes life into a character that resonates on both emotional and cerebral levels. Bhatt’s artistry reaches its zenith as Maya grapples with inner demons while outwitting her adversaries—a captivating dance that only an actress of her caliber could orchestrate.

Raj Mehta’s Directorial Panache

Raj Mehta, celebrated for his directorial finesse, orchestrates the tapestry of “Heart of Stone” with masterful precision. Seamlessly weaving heart-thumping action sequences and labyrinthine plot twists, Mehta keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. His meticulous attention to detail manifests in every scene, painting a cinematic canvas that’s as thrilling as it is visually arresting.

Supporting Cast: A Tapestry of Brilliance

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The constellation of talent in “Heart of Stone” goes beyond Alia Bhatt. The ensemble cast, featuring Rajkummar Rao, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Vicky Kaushal, contributes to the film’s tapestry with their impeccable performances. The chemistry between the characters adds depth to the narrative, amplifying the emotional resonance and enriching the overall storytelling.

A Symphony of Cinematic Excellence

“Heart of Stone” is an embodiment of cinematic finesse. The film’s production values, from picturesque locations to evocative cinematography, envelop the viewer in a sensory feast. The musical score, composed with an acute understanding of the narrative’s ebbs and flows, elevates the tension and emotions, further ensnaring the audience in the movie’s spellbinding aura.

A Triumph of Genre Fusion

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Critics and audiences alike have bestowed “Heart of Stone” with effusive praise for its seamless fusion of espionage, action, and drama. The film’s ingenious plot twists, coupled with Alia Bhatt’s extraordinary performance, thrust it into the echelons of standout espionage thrillers. It’s a symphony of storytelling that resonates long after the credits roll.

In a year replete with cinematic treasures, “Heart of Stone” stands tall as an embodiment of brilliance. Alia Bhatt’s luminosity shines with unparalleled intensity, solidifying her place as one of Bollywood’s brightest stars. This cinematic tour de force is a must-watch, an experience that unearths the magic created when remarkable talent converges to craft an indelible cinematic journey.

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