North

South Korea has done an exercise with its F-16. They have mistakenly bombard a city near the border with the north

by

The F-16 They are possibly one of the most popular fighters. These are monomotor combat airplanes developed by the American General Dynamics that went from being listed as “light hunting” to evolve to versatile. Inside, one of the most common air weapons on the planet: the pump without guide Mark 82. Up to eight of them have fallen near the border with North Korea by error. The incident. Two KF-16 fighters of the South Korean Air Force (Rokaf) They accidentally launched eight bombs MK-82 on a village/city in the Nogok area, on the outskirts from Pocheonabout 40 kilometers from Seoul and no less than 32 kilometers from the border with North Korea. Because? The error occurred shortly after 10 am during a real fire exercise in preparation for joint maneuvers with the United States. As a result, 15 people were injuredtwo of them in serious condition, and dozens of residents were evacuated, in addition to destroying, among other things, a church. The causes and the answer. The first investigations indicate that the pilot of one of the planes incorrectly introduced coordinates of the objective, causing the fall of the pumps in an inhabited area. However, it is not yet clear why the second plane also launched its explosive load. The South Korean Air Force has suspended all exercises of real fire to clarify the facts and have formed an emergency committee to investigate what happened. In An official statementthe authorities expressed their apologies and have promised assistance to those affected. Damage and testimonies. The explosions caused severe damage to infrastructure local, including homes, trucks and, as we said, a church. The impact of the pumps was strong enough to shake a center for people over more than half a kilometer from the place. Among the testimonies collected by local media, residents have described chaos scenes, with smoke rising to heaven, broken pipes and people trapped in vehicles. A witness reported that some houses They were “games in half” and that several people were injured inside a car en route to a construction work. Impact on joint safety and maneuvers. In addition, the incident occurs at a time of High voltage in the Korean Peninsulawith South Korea, the United States and Japan concerned with the growing military alliance Between North Korea and Russia. Seoul has repeatedly denounced that Pyongyang has sent soldiers to fight in Ukraine, and South Korean intelligence sources say that recently More North Korean They were deployed in the Russian city of Kursk. Plus: accidental bombardment has happened a few days before the start of the joint exercises called Freedom Shield, scheduled to start next Monday (from March 10 to 20). Although the South Korean authorities have ensured that the incident will not affect the development of these maneuvers, the security of real fire exercises has been, in question.

After years with its closed borders, North Korea has opened to foreign tourism. The price: more than $ 600

by

Very shy, limited and with restrictions, but North Korea begins to open to foreign tourism five years after have sealed its borders to protect yourself from the propagation of COVID-19. The hermetic nation led by Kim Jong-un is about to be somewhat less hermetic, both for travelers from China and Western. Of course, at least for the moment and despite the fact that the country is building His own ‘Benidorm’ In Wonsan, the tours will focus on a specific (and controlled) area: Rason. No visits to Pyongyang. Border closure. Five years ago, even in the initial bars of the Covid-19 Pandemia, North Korea took A radical decision: At the end of January 2020, the view of how the virus spread for the Chinese neighbor, the authorities decided to close foreign tourists. The measure made sense if one takes into account that in 2019, tens of thousands of travelers arrived from the Asian giant had visited North Korea. Some sources speak of 350,000. Others point out that the country received in total 300,000 tourists foreigners, of which 90% were Chinese. One (long) temporary measure. The idea was that the borders remained “temporarily” as “preventive measure against coronavirus.” Or so He announced it In January 2022 Young Pioneer Tours, an agency that was dedicated to organizing trips to the country of Kimg Jong-un. What was not clarified was what exactly “temporary” meant, an uncertain horizon that extended one, two, three … until five yearswhich is what has ended up lasting the closure. The government already made A first gesture In 2024, allowing Russian tourist delegations, which were already pointed out as The first foreign travelers who accessed the country from the pandemic; But now North Korean authorities have decided to go one step further. Coinciding almost with the fifth anniversary of the closing of the borders, the country has allowed The passage of several travel companies and a very small group of visitors. What exactly? The Straits Times Explain that at the beginning of February the North Korean authorities allowed the country of a select group of travel operators. Select and Very small. Experience served to tote the land for the really important date: tourism reopening February 20although the latter has also been done in a limited way. Among the operators who stepped on North Korean soil after years of border closure was the Australian Rowan Beard, of the Pioneer Tours agency, based in Beijing. His business was expected to take A dozen tourists To the country, a figure similar to the one that was handled by another of the selected operators, Koryo Tours, who when Corea’s apartment already had a group of 15 people eager to walk around the country. And who have visited it? After the first trip of recognition and “familiarization”, that of Beard, foreign tourists have arrived, including people from Singapore, Australia, Germany or Romania, according to Precise The country. Other media They holdthat among visitors there are also citizens of the United Kingdom and Jamaica. The CNN even assures That among the “pioneers” is an American, Justin Martell, who would have mocked the prohibition of his country after becoming a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a Caribbean nation. Looking at China. After A first approach To Russia, the nation of Kim Jong-un already looks at its great tourism market: China. Kyodo News agency I advanced A few days ago the country prepares to resume tourist trips of the Asian giant, which until the closing of borders moved a flow of tens of thousands of travelers a year. The perspective of knowing North Korea may be more or less appealing from countries such as Spain, where the government even advised The visitbut it has its market. Packages for $ 670. Beard remember that when his agency announced the trips the company’s email “saturated” consultations. And that the experience requires scratching the pocket: Young Pioneer Tours, one of the few authorized, offers a five -day and four night package for $ 670. Another option is to pay $ 720 With several nights in Yanji, China. “For many people it is a very mysterious country,” Beard comments: “Technically there is no Internet or is limited. So life there works in a similar way to what we had in the 1980s.” Those who have already been in the country after reopening ensure that the rules when taking photos have relaxed, which does not mean that visitors can film what they want. “They only scold me once,” Recognize the CNN Gerg Vaczi, by Korko Tours, “and was to film a guide.” Opening, but with quotes. North Korea’s policy change has been important, but also limited. That he has decided to allow the passage of tourists again does not mean that they will move freely through the country or move to the capital, Pyongyang, supposedly closed For any tourist who Do not come from Russia. Visitors must settle at least for the moment with Rasona special economic zone established in the early 90s and presents certain important peculiarities. A special destination. To begin its location, it is strategic, northwest of the country, near the borders of China and Russia. It also does not have an international airport, with what the only way to arrive is to cross the limit with China under the control of the Border guards. The area also has peculiar administrative conditions and has been raised, Precise ABC News, as a kind of evidence field to test new economic policies. The idea It is that tourists who can reach drops visit spaces such as a factory, an aquaculture farm, Schoolsor have the experience of open an account Banking in the Golden Triangle Bank. Rason is also in a border and coastal area. Beard Recognize In any case that the area presents certain “logistics limitations”, such as the number of hotel places, guides and buses. And why now? The other big question. It is estimated that before the pandemic the country received hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists generated … Read more

Right now there are 4500 North American students advised psychologically by a chatbot. It’s just the beginning

by

Right now, while I write this, there are about 4,500 North American students being “psychologically advised” Through an application Sonny called. It is nothing surprising. In the US, around 17% of secondary schools have no counselor or school psychologist. Most of them are in rural areas or in economically depressed zones and applications of this type bring psychosocial assistance to everyone. The problem is not that. The problem is that Sonny is An artificial intelligence chatbot. Is the chatbot? Let it be put. The idea is not new: in fact, it is one of the first ideas that comes to everyone worried about mental health. In the last 50 years We have concluded that psychotherapy is tremendously effective. For now we have not been able to climb it: that is the promise of the chatbots. Sonny’s example Help to understand it: Students have access to chatbot 18 hours a day (from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.) and the “Solo” service costs each district between $ 20,000 and $ 30,000. Much less than a school advisor to use. It is true that it is not so effective that the counselor, but for many environments it is the best that can be allowed. And, in fact, according to some of its users explainbeyond its final therapeutic effectiveness, these types of approaches allow school to identify almost real problems among students. In Berryville (Arkansas), they discovered that more than half of the users sent messages just before exams and allowed them to develop emotional support interventions. Is this the future? A couple of years ago, Zara Abrams published an extensive analysis In the American Psychological Association, where it was concluded that “artificial intelligence chatbots (AI) can make therapy more accessible and less expensive.” Just what Sonny does. However, as also explained Abrams“Despite the potential of AI, there are still reasons to worry: the tools used in the health field have discriminated people depending on their race and disability status and there are malicious chatbots have widespread erroneous information, They have professed their love for users either They have sexually harassed minors“That is precisely what Sonny tries to avoid. How is it possible? In principle, as they explain from the company, Sonny has a team of people with “experience in psychology, social work and online support” that supervise and even rewrite the Bot responses. Each technician supervises between 15 and 25 chats at the same time. It is the form that has HEALTH mental soundthe company behind the app, to avoid the great original sin of the LLM: its tendency to delir, fantasize and give advice that may not be correct. In addition, the hybrid chatbot is designed to notify parents and teachers to the slightest possibility of danger (either for oneself or for others). Have you solved the problem? The truth is that we do not know (because there are no studies on it), but it is honestly unlikely that they have achieved it: we are in a very early phase as for trust that all associated problems are resolved. But it is a radical step. As Abrams said, It is possible that “psychologists and their abilities are irreplaceable”, but since the arrival of AI is inevitable we have to bet on a “reflexive and strategic implementation.” Something that, indeed, is very similar to saying anything. There is much that we still do not know and, therefore, making concrete predictions is dangerous. What is clear is that the question is not if we will have gpteraputas, we already have them. The question is how we can use them to Not worsening the attention that is being given today (a temptation always preset) and turn them into a key tool to reduce human suffering. Let’s hope to answer it soon. Image | Dream / Sigmund In Xataka | 50 years of research on depression psychotherapy leave a surprising fact: we have not improved anything

Many Russians injured in Ukraine are not returning home. They are flying with the expenses paid to North Korea

by

During the last months, there have been times in the Ukraine War North Korean soldiers They have been the closest to ghost troops. Actually, and as usually happens in the contests, participants figures vary according to the sides, so we may never know the exact number of “shipments”. That said, and if there was any questions of The ties forged in the Cold War for both nationsin parallel, an unprecedented event is happening. Russian soldiers are not returning home, they are going to Pyongyang. From the battle front to Korea. From the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Thousands of Russian soldiers have returned home injured or with physical and psychological sequelae. Many of them have participated in state rehabilitation programs in sanatoriums distributed throughout Russia. However, an increasing number of military have had another destination. This group, secret until very recently, It has been sent to North Korea To receive medical care and rest, which marks a new chapter in the growing cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. Recovery with expenses paid. In The Guardian had cases of soldiers like Aleksei (fictional name), who, after suffering a shrapnel wound in the leg, requested a stay in a state sanatorium. The man hoped to be sent to one of the traditional rehabilitation centers in the Black Sea or the Altái mountains, but in the absence of availability, his unit in the distant Russian East offered him an unexpected destination: North Korea. Aleksei, like others, approached a two -hour flight from Vladivostok to Pyongyang, followed by A trip to a sanatorium in Wonsanon the eastern coast of North Korea. There, he spent a week with two other dozen Russian soldiers, in an environment that, although he says that clean and well maintained, lacked the specialized medical care he expected. The “healer” role of North Korea. He Shipping Russian soldiers injured to North Korea has not been publicly promoted through the Russian government, images of visits have not been disseminated. However, in a recent interview, Russia’s ambassador to Pyongyang, Aleksandr Matsegora, confirmed that “hundreds of Russian soldiers” have been treated in Sanatorium and North Korean medical centers. Not just that. The diplomat stressed that Accommodation, food and care services were totally freeand that when Russia tried to compensate for North Korea for expenses, North Korean authorities felt “offended” and rejected any payment. An exchange that is part of that close military and political collaboration between the two countries that we have been countingand that has intensified since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Rest without treatment. Aleksei told the British environment that during his stay in Wonsan he had access to swimming pools, saunas and recreational activities such as ping-pong and card games. But as we said, he noticed several limitations. Namely: he did not receive the expected specialized medical treatment, the meals “were tasteless and had little meat”, it was forbidden to leave the enclosure at night or interact with the local population, and Alcohol was extremely difficult to get. Aspects that, As the New York Times pointed outthey contrast with the image of the traditional Russian sanitariums, who usually offer a combination of physical therapy, rehabilitation and rest in natural environments. Be that as it may, for Aleksei, The experience was “different from the expected”and you are not sure if I would accept to return in case of a new offer. The doubt and strategic background. Some analysts have suggested that these soldiers’ shipments could have a hidden purpose beyond the rehabilitation itself. Like what? He Institute for the Study of War (ISW), based in Washington, has indicated that the arrival of Russian troops with an experience of fighting North Korea It could be an opportunity to train and share tactics with the North Korean armyunder the appearance of rest and recovery. The possibility of greater cooperation in this area reinforces concerns about the growing military alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang. A summer camp for Russian children. It The New York Times had exclusive. In parallel to the arrival of Russian military in North Korea, Pyongyang has also begun to receive children of Russian soldiers who died in the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin first mentioned the initiative in June 2023thanking North Korean leader Kim Jong-un organizing a camp for these children in the Songdowon complex, near Wonsan. This center, which already received Russian visitors before the war, has now become a symbol of the bilateral relationship. In fact, the Russian media have widely covered these trips, Showing images of children posing in front of statues of North Korean leaders. The Times said that even a young participant described the experience as a “total digital detox”highlighting the strict discipline of North Korean children, who were marching in training and continued with military precision. In short, the presence of Russian soldiers in North Korea seems to symbolize that growing convergence between both nationsin a context of international isolation. As military and economic cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang intensifies, these exchanges could represent more than simple rehabilitation, consolidating a new geopolitical dynamic in the 21st century. Image | Office of the President of The Russian Federation In Xataka | Russia gave animals, artillery and raw to North Korea. His last gift places his army at another level: space In Xataka | Thousands of North Koreans came to fight with Russia. The question now is where they have gotten two weeks

Russia, China and North Korea have hypersonic weapons. The US has decided to defend itself with its own iron dome

by

In the Reagan era, the United States proposed one of those defense plans that would give for an uncertain genre. The project was from such a draft that The media called him “Star Wars Initiative” for its similarities to what seemed like a shield in the full -fledged space. Now that Trump has come to power, the country somehow revives that rimbombante idea, although perhaps more earthly. A copy of Israel. What is known at this time is that Donald Trump has signed an executive order to develop an antimile defense system Similar to Iron Dome (iron dome) from Israelarguing that Ballistic threats represent the greatest danger For the National Security of the United States. In his own way, of course. So, just like With the “new” Gulf of Americathe project would be done Under the name of “Iron Dome for America”an order that instructs the Pentagon to present in 60 days a detailed plan that includes the accelerated development of hypersonic missiles and the deployment of space interceptors. The problem? Many experts question the viability of the proposal pointing out that The geography and size of the nation make a system like the Israelidesigned for a significantly smaller territory and short -range threats. Dusting Star Wars. In addition, and as we said at the beginning, Trump’s plan also seems to resume Ronald Reagan’s vision with his strategic defense initiative, The known as “Star Wars”which failed after having cost billions of dollars without concrete results. Its objective was to intercept enemy missiles before they achieved their goal, eliminating the need for nuclear retaliation. However, the program was canceled in the 90s due to its technical unfeasibility and its high costs. Despite this, some of their ideas have endured in the current defense systems, Like the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD)although its success rate remains limited. In this regard, critics like Sidharth Kaoushal warned in the New York Times That an antimile shield at national scale could be economically unsustainable, while Marion Messmer underlines The technical difficulties of intercepting missiles released from multiple directions and platformsincluding submarines. Again, the United States is not Israel. Space and new technologies in the equation. Trump’s plan emphasizes the use of spatial interceptors and sensors, Defense systems before launch (Left-Of-Launch) and energy weapons directed as lasers. There are already names on the table with Companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and RTX, which have shown interest in the project highlighting recent advances in lasers defense for cruise missiles. Threats and strategic challenges. Although the order does not specify which countries are considered threats, It is assumed by all that we talk about old acquaintances. Namely: Russia, China, Iran and, possibly, North Korea (it remains to be seen with Trump in power), all nations that They have developed increasingly sophisticated arsenalsincluding hypersonic missiles capable of evading current defenses. In Washington, the idea of ​​strengthening antimisile defense has some support, and experts like Robert Soofer argue that the current approach is insufficient Given the growing offensive capacity of these countries. In any case, the objective is clear: hypersonic weapons, with irregular trajectories and extreme speeds, They represent a significant challenge for traditional defensive systems. In addition, the Great Nuclear Arsenal of Russia, with around 1,700 eyes deployed (And the growing of China), they could overcome any anti -mile shield. Guam as an initial test. While the United States antimisile defense remains in a planning phase, The territory of Guam, a strategic enclave In the Pacific, he has advanced in the implementation of a multicapa defense system. We have counted it before. The island, which houses key military bases, It is less than 3,000 km from China and North Koreacountries that have been indicated as a objective in military exercises and threats. As we explained in December, the US army successfully performed the first interception of a ballistic missile from the islandusing the Aegis Guam Systema land -based system that has proven effective in ships of the Navy. Besides, THE THAAD SYSTEM (HIGH ALTIVITY TERMINE AREA DEFENSE) and the Patriot batteries They will be integrated to form a defensive shield of 360 degrees, capable of facing ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles. This system, although advanced, will take at least a decade to complete, reflecting the difficulty of building a similar shield at the national level. The great uncertainty. No doubt, at this time, lack of details in the executive order, the possibility that the Trump administration opts for a gradual deployment is left open, increasing investment in existing programs instead of developing a completely new system. In any case, the debate on the feasibility and costs of such a project are on the table, with warning that a plan of this magnitude could be economically unfeasible without offering an effective solution to the growing threat of long -range missiles. That without counting on The size of the United States to display an iron dome to use. Image | Israel Ministry In Xataka | Israel has an effective defense weapon in the iron dome. Except if all your enemies attack at the same time In Xataka | The United States fears that China’s long -range missiles will reach Guam. So he just launched one himself

Something totally unexpected is happening in Ukraine. Suddenly, North Korea soldiers have disappeared

by

Since November 2023, Ukrainian forces and intelligence in the United States have calculated that up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers have moved In Kursk’s Russian region to stop the Ukrainian offensive. In recent months we have known The strategy that pyongyang troops followedlarticles that lead to the battlefieldand even Ukraine captured soldiers who betrayed the misinformation with which they seemed to have arrived in Europe. However, something has happened in the last two weeks. North Korean paper. CNN had through interviews with Ukrainian troops that many of the northorean soldiers deployed were using extreme combat methods that remember tactics of the cold war. With a formation focused on sacrifice and unwavering loyalty to Kim Jong Un, these soldiers had demonstrated fierce resistance, although they were suffering from mass losses, With about 4,000 dead or injured. His behavior on the battlefield, in fact, had baffled the Ukrainian forces, since instead of surrendering, Many prefer to immolate themselves with grenades or use desperate strategies How to shed your protective team to move faster. In fact, several teams captured to the fallen soldiers revealed that They carry only the minimum to survive: Limited water rations, without shelter clothes and with backpacks full of ammunition. Although they carry modernized versions of the AK-47 rifle and other more or less recent Russian teams, their lack of armor and preparation for current war technology was accelerating its wear on the battlefield. And suddenly, they are no longer. One withdrawal? According to the New York TimesNorth Korean troops sent to Russia to strengthen their offensive against Ukraine They have disappeared from the battlefield for two weeks. It is possible, as analysts explain, who have been removed from the front after suffering those devastating losses we were talking about. Its deployment in November 2023 generated alarm when the measure was interpreted as a significant climb of the conflict. However, in just three months, The number of troops was drastically reduced Due to the lack of coordination. According to Ukrainian sources, the Russian strategy consisted of Send them in waves through mined fields and under intense firewhich resulted in a high number of casualties. Now, the withdrawal is not necessarily definitive, since it is evaluated the possibility that these soldiers return after receiving a resentment or if the Russian controls find more effective ways to use them in combat. Impact of the Ukrainian offensive on Kurk. The Ukrainian incursion in the Russian region of Kursk in August 2024 surprised the Kremlin and altered the dynamics of the conflict. For the first time in more than a decade of confrontations, including the Russian in large scale in 2022, Ukraine seemed to take and maintain territory within Russia. This movement, although criticized by some as an unnecessary wear of resources, is seen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a key tool to press in future peace negotiations and a strategic barrier against new Russian offensives in the northeast of Ukraine. Although Russian forces have managed to recover about half of the lost territory, the Ukrainian presence in Kursk It is still a challenge for Moscowforcing Putin to balance their military resources without weakening their main operations in eastern Ukraine. The North Korean alliance. It We have counted in the past. The sending of North Korean troops seems to be part of A broader cooperation strategy between Moscow and Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un, by supporting Putin, Search in return assistance in military technology and diplomatic support. In addition to troops, North Korea has supplied Russia millions of artillery and missile projectiles, covering approximately half of the armament that Russia uses daily at the moment. In return, Moscow provides oil, food and improvements in North Korean weapons. In fact, the recent restoration of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries reinforces this relationship, which reminds of the era of the cold war. The North Korean future. Although the withdrawal of North Korean soldiers suggests that their initial deployment did not have the expected impact, Your possible return is not discarded. Russia could reconsider its integration strategy with these troops, perhaps avoiding their use as a simple shock infantry and improving its coordination with local units. Besides, The situation in Kursk continues to evolve, with new Ukrainian offensives facing a growing Russian resistance. Meanwhile and as we said, the alliance between Russia and North Korea continues to consolidate, and along the way increasing tensions with the West. As the war continues, the participation of external actors such as North Korea could become an even more relevant factor in the development of the conflict and in the global geopolitical balance. And Trump is still missing, although it is about to see how he will. Image | Ukraine forces In Xataka | North Korea has officially entered the Ukraine War, although a barrier is being lethal: the language In Xataka | The Ukrainian invention that has allowed to repel the waves of Russian attacks: a 41 km fiber optic cable

North Korea tests cruise missiles from the sea

by

North Korea tried strategic cruise missiles launched from the seaannounced the state press agency KCNA, adding that the missiles reached their objective with “precision.” The North Korean president Kim Jong-un, who according to the agency attended the evidence, said that “the means of deterrence of the Armed Forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are more deeply perfected.” The missiles reached their goal after traveling 1,500 km trajectories In the form of eight and elliptical, Kcna said, without specifying where the tests were carried out. He said that “there was no negative impact for the safety of neighboring countries.” This is the first trial of North Korean weapons since Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Shortly before his presidential investiture on Monday in Washington, North Korea triggered several short -range ballistic missiles to the sea. Trump, who held several meetings with Kim during his first government, said in an interview released on Thursday that he would contact the North Korean leader, which he called an “intelligent type.” Continue reading:• Historical Defense Treaty between North Korea and Russia between officially in force• North Korea enlists more troops and “suicide drones” in support of Russia, according to Seoul• North Korea and Russia ratify Treaty of Defense and Immediate Military Aid (Tagstotranslate) North Korea

Kalma is North Korea’s first real effort to become a vacation spot. For now only for Russians

by

In October we told a surreal story if it weren’t for the fact that it was completely true. North Korea had a plan in hand: to become a vacation enclave with all of the law. In essence, although with nuances: setting up your own Benidorm, inspired by Spain. For May of this year it was expected Wonsan-Kalma resort. The project is not only moving forward, there is already a scheduled date for the arrival of tourists, for now only from Russia. Inspired by Spain. As we count thenIn fact Wonsan-Kalma project started in 2014with the vision of transforming the Kalma peninsula into a luxury destination with hotels, restaurants and attractions, including even initial plans for an underwater hotel. The ambition of the project was reflected in 2017, when a delegation of 16 North Korean officials visited Spain to study tourism development models in places such as Marina d’Or and Terra Mítica, in Benidorm. The experiences acquired influenced the design of the complex, with emphasis on hotel infrastructure, leisure and complementary services, as Reuters reported at the time. The only “but”: that the North Korean region is known for another peculiaritya priori not very compatible with tourist success. They have apparently used the coastal region of Wonsan in the past to test ballistic missiles. In fact, in 2020 the South Korean General Staff warned that two projectiles had been launched from Wonsan itself, about 180 kilometers from Seoul. A megaproject under state control. According to the American expert on North Korea, Jacob Boglethe tourist complex will be the largest development of its kind in the country and possibly the largest in the world under a single state owner. Unlike Benidorm, which was developed over time with various private investments, the Wonsan project is or will be a single, centralized structure, operated exclusively by the government. In this regard, the complex will include facilities such as an aquarium and sports centers, but its tourism approach will be subject to traditional North Korean restrictions, where visitors must follow rigidly planned itineraries, usually in groups organized from factories, schools or state-owned enterprises. . Tourism as a means of earning foreign currency. We also told it a few months ago and it is the most important leg of this investment. Unlike other areas of the North Korean economy, the tourism sector is not subject to international sanctionswhich represents a key opportunity to obtain foreign currency. Hence, the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, has highlighted that the country has “rich and diverse tourist resources” that can be used to revitalize the regional economy and improve the living standards of the population. The main target markets for North Korean tourism, at least initially, seem clear: Russia and China, countries with which Pyongyang has strengthened political and economic ties in recent years. In fact, after the partial reopening of the borders in 2023, The first tourists to visit the country were Russiansand the state travel agency, Korean International Travel Company, has been promoting North Korea’s tourist attractions to Russian travelers. Now that bet has been reaffirmed. First packages: the Russian tourist. The news these days is that a Russian travel agency has started promoting the new tourist area of ​​Kalma with the idea that the first foreign tourists to visit the complex are Russians. The Vladivostok-based company Vostok Intur has announced three travel dates to the Wonsan-Kalma tourist resort, starting in July, according to a post on its Telegram channel. In this regard, the agency offers eight-day packageswith the first excursion scheduled for July 7-14, followed by two additional trips in August. The cost of the package: $1,400with additional expenses to be paid in Russian rubles and including: Accommodation for seven nights, with three meals a day. Round-trip flights to North Korea. Guided tours of Pyongyang at the end of the trip, as part of the experience. According to the agency, tourists will be able to enjoy an “ecologically clean” environment with entertainment options for all budgets and a gastronomic variety adapted to various tastes. A strategic opening. Thus, the announcement of the start of operations of the Kalma tourist area comes after a decade of construction, with official opening now planned for June 2025. In fact, Kim Jong-un, who personally inspected the complex with his daughter, has called the project a “big step” in the development of the country’s tourism industry, describing it as a “spectacular, beautiful and magnificent” place. First Russia, and then we’ll see. As we said, the interest in attracting Russian tourists to the Kalma area reinforces the growing relationship between Moscow and Pyongyangstrengthened by cooperation in strategic sectors following increased tension between Russia and the West due to the war in Ukraine. North Korea seems to be clear about and identified Russia as a priority market, given that, as we explained, tourism is not subject to these international sanctions and offers a safe way to obtain foreign currency. Challenges of North Korea, vacation enclave. There is no doubt, although tourism promotion through Russian agencies marks an important and decisive step for the exploitation of the Kalma complex, the project faces known challengessuch as mobility restrictions within the country, limited access to objective information or security issues for those who travel. Despite this, the nation trusts that the tourist area will serve as a key tool to promote regional development and improve the international perception of the country as a tourist destination. Let Benidorm tremble. Image | Clay Gilliland In Xataka | The idea of ​​North Korea in the midst of an international tourism boom: setting up its own Benidorm, inspired by Spain In Xataka | North Korea has a lifeline to avoid sanctions: fake hair

The magnetic north pole has been moving rapidly. This is how navigation instruments follow the step

by

What do we talk about when we talk about the North Pole? The truth is that it depends since, on our planet we can distinguish two key geographical points that respond to this name, but with different “surname.” They are the magnetic north pole and the geographical north pole. Distinguishing them is key because only one of them has a fixed location while the other wanders in their proximity. But, in addition, it makes it faster. Reviewing the location. The new year has been released With an update that has gone more or less unnoticed but that is of the utmost importance: it is the world magnetic model (WMM) of 2025. The revision of the model not only includes the information about its current position but also of its displacements planned in the next five years . Accelerated movement. We have known for a long time that the magnetic north pole changes location and we know that the cause is in the changes in the magnetic field of the planet, a field generated by the connective iron movements of the interior of our planet. What is most striking is that, during the last decades the displacement of the magnetic northern pole It has accelerated. If for 300 years this point ranged between the islands located north of Canada, since the end of the 20th century and especially during the new century, the speed of displacement of this markedly accelerated. Now the magnetic north has already exceeded the geographical north and is closer to Siberia than from Canada. “The current behavior of the magnetic north is something we had never seen before. (…) In recent years he accelerated towards Siberia, increasing speed every year until about five, when he suddenly seized 50 to 35 km per year, ” explained in a press release William Brown, of the British Geological Survey (BGS), one of the institutions in charge of the development of the model. The world magnetic model. The model It is the result of the collaboration between the National Environmental Information Centers (NCEI) of the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) American and the BGS, as well as two intelligence agencies on both sides of the Atlantic. The model is used in various contexts, from aviation to commercial GPS and applications that use compasses on our mobile. The model includes a series of maps that not only indicate the location of the magnetic north but also mapped the changes in the Earth’s magnetic field, allowing to know the behavior of compasses at each point of the northern hemisphere. More precision. The latest version of the model, WMM2025will help improve navigation, especially in long -distance tours. As explained by the BGS, a trip between South Africa and the United Kingdom, using the old model, would imply a slight deviation of a degree on the way. The problem is that, over 8,500 kilometers, this very small deviation results in an error of 150 kilometers. The new model allows you to approach centimeters from the destination point. The version also incorporates a novelty: a high resolution map that will accompany the “standard” and that can be used in contexts where greater precision is required. This version has a 300 km resolution in Ecuador, notably higher than the 3,300 km resolution in the standard version. The next update. The WMM model is updated every five years, which means that we will have a new version in 2030, WMM2030. This assuming that I do not know any unexpected change in the speed or direction of the displacement that justifies an extraordinary review of the model. In Xataka | The Arctic has been heating faster than we expected. We may not be blamed this time Image | NOAA NCI / Hendrik Morkel

Nearly 31,000 evacuated from Hughes Fire, north of Los Angeles

by

More than 50,000 people are under evacuation orders or warnings due to the Hughes Fire that was unleashed this Wednesday morning in the mountainous area in the Castaic areanorth of Los Angeles, and which grew dizzyingly to reach 10,176 acres in less than a day. The Hughes Fire erupted amid a red flag warning for intense Santa Ana winds which, combined with the conditions of low humidity and dry vegetation, increased the risk of a fire breaking out. Quickly, Flames from the Hughes Fire devoured trees and vegetation near Castaic Lakea popular recreational area located about 40 miles north of the lands burned by the devastating Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire, in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Keep reading: Wind alert extends to Friday in Southern California The intensity of the wind was not as intense as that which drove the two large fires in Los Angeles, allowing firefighting aircraft to drop tens of thousands of gallons of fire retardant and By Wednesday night, 14% containment was reached.. Aircraft attacked the flames of the Hughes fire.Credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez | AP “The situation we find ourselves in today It is very different from where we were 16 days ago“said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone on Wednesday night. He National Weather Service extended the red flag warning in Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 10:00 a.m. Friday. Keep reading: The 17 deaths from the Eaton fire occurred in areas where the evacuation alert was delayed Officials are concerned that the wind will cause fires from the Eaton and Palisades fires can exceed control lines and start new fires. More than 31,000 people ordered to evacuate due to the Hughes Firewhile another 23,000 people were under an evacuation warning, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, with no reports of structures affected by the fire. Some sections of the 5 Freeway that were closed due to being in the Hughes Fire area They were reopened this Wednesday night. Keep reading: Should rent be paid for houses destroyed by the Los Angeles fires? A 30 mile stretch It was only open for emergency vehicles.to move equipment and to prevent accidents due to the intense smoke caused by the fire. The purpose of the firefighting teams on the ground and the aircraft was to prevent the fire, driven by the wind, from could proceed across the highway towards Castaic. Marrone mentioned that because the winds were not as strong as two weeks ago, the planes They were able to throw the fire retardant on the south side of the firedirection in which the flames were heading, which were being fought by more than 4,000 firefighters. Keep reading: The fight continues to contain the Palisades Fire In the area, the winds maintained a speed of 42 miles per hour in the afternoon, while at night, in some mountainous areas, they reached 65 miles per houraccording to NWS meteorologist David Roth. Keep reading:· Hispanic accused of starting fire in San Bernardino· Relatives of victims who died in the California fires tell their stories· Alert extended for strong winds in Southern California

Log In

Forgot password?

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Log in

Privacy Policy

Add to Collection

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.