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Aid to volcano-hit Tonga brings 1st Covid outbreak, lockdown

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Aid to volcano-hit Tonga brings 1st Covid outbreak, lockdown

For more than two years, the Pacific archipelago nation of Tonga has been isolated from the rest of the world, helping to stop Covid-19.

But last month’s volcanic eruption and tsunami brought much-needed fresh water and medicine, as well as external deliveries of the virus.

Now the country is in an unrestricted lockdown, which residents hope will help curb small outbreaks that won’t last long.

“We have very limited resources and our hospital is very small,” Tongan business owner Paula Taumoepeau said on Friday. “But I’m not sure any health system can cope. We’ve been lucky that we had two years of pretty high vax rates and we were locked down pretty quickly.”

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Tonga is just one of several Pacific countries to experience its first outbreak in the past month. All have limited medical resources and fears that the remote areas that once protected them may now make it difficult for them to help.

“Obviously when your country already has a very strained and fragile health system, when you have an emergency or a disaster and then you have the potential to introduce a virus, that makes an already serious situation immeasurably worse.” John Fleming, head of health for the Red Cross Asia Pacific.

On January 15, Tonga was blanketed in volcanic ash after the massive undersea Hunga Tonga Hungaha Apai volcano erupted, followed by a tsunami.

Only three people have been confirmed dead, but several small settlements on outlying islands have been wiped off the map and ash has contaminated much of the drinking water.

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The country of 105,000 has only reported one case of COVID-19 since the pandemic began – a missionary from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who returned to the island from Africa via New Zealand tested positive in October – and authorities debate whether Let international aid come in.

They decided they had to, but despite strict precautions to unload boats and planes from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK and China, two Tongan men working at the capital’s Queen Salute Wharf tested positive on Tuesday.

“Tonga has not had much luck this year,” said Samiula Funua, chairman of the state-owned company Tonga Cable Co Ltd, which owns the only fibre-optic cable connecting the country to the rest of the world. “We desperately need some good news.”

According to the local Mattangi Tonga news site, the two were quarantined, but of the 36 possible contacts tested, one wife and two children also tested positive, while the others tested negative.

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It is unclear how many people may have come into contact with the dockworkers, but the government has released a list of places where the virus may have spread, including a church, several shops, a bank and a kindergarten.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times

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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