India celebrated its 73rd Republic Day with a grand parade showcasing military might and cultural diversity at Rajpath in the nation's capital, New Delhi.&nbsp;

India celebrates Republic Day on January 26, as the Constitution came into effect on this date in 1950&nbsp;and the country became a republic.&nbsp;

There were many beautiful moments but the stunning display on bikes by the country's Border Security Force's (BSF) Seema Bhawani Motorcycle team was breathtaking.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/israels-envoy-to-india-reveals-what-captured-his-heart-during-indias-73rd-republic-day-parade-447715">Israel's envoy to India reveals what 'captured' his heart during India's 73rd Republic Day parade</a>

They did a Border Women Salute under Command of Inspector Himanshu Sirohi and went on to do Single Kneeling under Command of Sub Inspector Sonia Banwari. On the other hand, the Chair Riding was performed under command of constable Anima Kumar.&nbsp;

Fish Riding was performed under the command of constable Pushpa with another rider and the double back riding was performed Under the command of constable Rajwinder Kaur with another rider.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:

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Spectacular display by BSF Seema Bhawani Team on Rajpath<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiHind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiHind</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay2022</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDaywithBSF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDaywithBSF</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#गणतंत्रदिवस</a> <a href="https://t.co/ePx4xi9wYp">pic.twitter.com/ePx4xi9wYp</a>
— BSF (@BSF_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BSF_India/status/1486234081340059655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Seema Bhawani motorcycle team of the Border Security Force (BSF) wow crowds at the Republic Day parade <a href="https://t.co/W2K77CvbJX">pic.twitter.com/W2K77CvbJX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1486223468559765504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The opposite direction side riding double was performed under the command of constable Anupam Kumari with one other rider. Further, the group performed the ladder formation under the command of constable Sangeeta Kumari, and the five women balance was performed under the command of constable Sumita Sikdar with four other riders.&nbsp;

The group then showcased the crown position under the command of constable Anita Rana with six other riders and the bullfighting formation under the command of constable Tulsi Rana and constable Sushma with two other riders. Abhinandan, Exercise Bar, Gulistan, Aerobic, and the Pyramid formations were also showcased.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India celebrated its 73rd Republic Day with a grand parade showcasing military might and cultural diversity at Rajpath in the nation's capital, New Delhi. India celebrates Republic Day on January 26, as the Constitution came into effect on this date in 1950 and the country became a republic.

India celebrated its 73rd Republic Day with a grand parade showcasing military might and cultural diversity at Rajpath in the nation's capital, New Delhi. India celebrates Republic Day on January 26, as the Constitution came into effect on this date in 1950 and the country became a republic. There were many beautiful moments but the stunning display on bikes by the country's Border Security Force's (BSF) Seema Bhawani Motorcycle team was breathtaking. ALSO READ | Israel's envoy to India reveals what 'captured' his heart during India's 73rd Republic Day parade They did a Border Women Salute under Command of Inspector Himanshu Sirohi and went on to do Single Kneeling under Command of Sub Inspector Sonia Banwari. On the other hand, the Chair Riding was performed under command of constable Anima Kumar. Fish Riding was performed under the command of constable Pushpa with another rider and the double back riding was performed Under the command of constable Rajwinder Kaur with another rider. Watch the video here: Spectacular display by BSF Seema Bhawani Team on Rajpath#JaiHind#RepublicDay#RepublicDay2022#RepublicDaywithBSF#गणतंत्रदिवस pic.twitter.com/ePx4xi9wYp — BSF (@BSF_India) January 26, 2022 × Seema Bhawani motorcycle team of the Border Security Force (BSF) wow crowds at the Republic Day parade pic.twitter.com/W2K77CvbJX — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2022 × The opposite direction side riding double was performed under the command of constable Anupam Kumari with one other rider. Further, the group performed the ladder formation under the command of constable Sangeeta Kumari, and the five women balance was performed under the command of constable Sumita Sikdar with four other riders. The group then showcased the crown position under the command of constable Anita Rana with six other riders and the bullfighting formation under the command of constable Tulsi Rana and constable Sushma with two other riders. Abhinandan, Exercise Bar, Gulistan, Aerobic, and the Pyramid formations were also showcased. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Breathtaking display by India's Border Security Force's women team during Republic Day parade

The James Webb Space Telescope meant to 'Unfold the Universe' and give an unprecedented glimpse into the universe has reached its orbital destination around a million miles (1.5 million kilometres) away from planet Earth, NASA informed.&nbsp;

The US space agency further stated that almost a month after the launch, the telescope fired its thrusters to arrive at its designated spot in orbit around the sun.&nbsp;

At around 2:00pm Eastern Time, the telescope fired its onboard thrusters for nearly five minutes (297 seconds) to complete the final postlaunch course correction to its trajectory.&nbsp;

The latest process has inserted Webb toward its final orbit around the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point, or L2, where it is believed that it will have a wide view of the cosmos.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/weekend-special-will-scientists-reveal-the-secret-behind-presence-of-alien-life-in-universe-446732">Will scientists reveal the secret behind presence of alien life in universe?</a>

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🏠 Home, home on Lagrange! We successfully completed our burn to start <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASAWebb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASAWebb</a> on its orbit of the 2nd Lagrange point (L2), about a million miles (1.5 million km) from Earth. It will orbit the Sun, in line with Earth, as it orbits L2. <a href="https://t.co/bsIU3vccAj">https://t.co/bsIU3vccAj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a> <a href="https://t.co/WDhuANEP5h">pic.twitter.com/WDhuANEP5h</a>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1485695028622209032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"Webb, welcome home!" said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "Congratulations to the team for all of their hard work ensuring Webb's safe arrival at L2 today. We're one step closer to uncovering the mysteries of the universe. And I can’t wait to see Webb's first new views of the universe this summer!" he added.&nbsp;

What's next?

NASA informed that now engineers will begin the sophisticated three-month process of aligning the telescope's optics to nearly nanometer precision. &nbsp;

It is expected that it will take months of work to prepare Webb for its astronomical debut.&nbsp;

After Webb's primary mirror segments and secondary mirror have been deployed from their launch positions. The 18 segments of its principal mirror now need to be aligned to achieve the mirror's proper focus, a process that will take three months to complete.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-astronomers-identify-mysterious-particles-in-primordial-soup-447255">In a first, astronomers identify mysterious particles in 'primordial soup'</a>

"During the past month, JWST has achieved amazing success and is a tribute to all the folks who spent many years and even decades to ensure mission success," said Bill Ochs, Webb project manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.&nbsp;

"We are now on the verge of aligning the mirrors, instrument activation and commissioning, and the start of wondrous and astonishing discoveries," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The James Webb Space Telescope meant to 'Unfold the Universe' and give an unprecedented glimpse into the universe has reached its orbital destination around a million miles (1.

The James Webb Space Telescope meant to 'Unfold the Universe' and give an unprecedented glimpse into the universe has reached its orbital destination around a million miles (1.5 million kilometres) away from planet Earth, NASA informed. The US space agency further stated that almost a month after the launch, the telescope fired its thrusters to arrive at its designated spot in orbit around the sun. At around 2:00pm Eastern Time, the telescope fired its onboard thrusters for nearly five minutes (297 seconds) to complete the final postlaunch course correction to its trajectory. The latest process has inserted Webb toward its final orbit around the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point, or L2, where it is believed that it will have a wide view of the cosmos. ALSO READ | Will scientists reveal the secret behind presence of alien life in universe? 🏠 Home, home on Lagrange! We successfully completed our burn to start #NASAWebb on its orbit of the 2nd Lagrange point (L2), about a million miles (1.5 million km) from Earth. It will orbit the Sun, in line with Earth, as it orbits L2. https://t.co/bsIU3vccAj #UnfoldTheUniverse pic.twitter.com/WDhuANEP5h — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) January 24, 2022 × "Webb, welcome home!" said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "Congratulations to the team for all of their hard work ensuring Webb's safe arrival at L2 today. We're one step closer to uncovering the mysteries of the universe. And I can’t wait to see Webb's first new views of the universe this summer!" he added. What's next? NASA informed that now engineers will begin the sophisticated three-month process of aligning the telescope's optics to nearly nanometer precision. It is expected that it will take months of work to prepare Webb for its astronomical debut. After Webb's primary mirror segments and secondary mirror have been deployed from their launch positions. The 18 segments of its principal mirror now need to be aligned to achieve the mirror's proper focus, a process that will take three months to complete. ALSO READ | In a first, astronomers identify mysterious particles in 'primordial soup' "During the past month, JWST has achieved amazing success and is a tribute to all the folks who spent many years and even decades to ensure mission success," said Bill Ochs, Webb project manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. "We are now on the verge of aligning the mirrors, instrument activation and commissioning, and the start of wondrous and astonishing discoveries," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

What's next after NASA's James Webb Space Telescope reaches final destination, a million miles from Earth?

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Russia was planning a "lightning war that could take out Kyiv" while adding that it "would be a disastrous step".

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Russia was planning a "lightning war that could take out Kyiv" while adding that it "would be a disastrous step". Also, read a story on the Navy F-35C fighter accident on an aircraft carrier in the South China Sea. The pilot ejected safely but seven were injured. Click on headlines to read the full report: Seven injured in US fighter jet 'landing mishap' in South China Sea, Navy pilot ejects safely Seven US sailors were injured in a Navy F-35C fighter accident on an aircraft carrier in the South China Sea on Monday (January 24), the Navy informed. As released in a statement, the Navy stated that an F-35C Lightning II, which is assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, had a "landing mishap" on the deck. Russia planning 'lightning war that could take out Kyiv': UK PM Boris Johnson Amid tensions at the border with Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Russia was planning a "lightning war that could take out Kyiv” while adding that it " would be a disastrous step”. Watch: Burkina Faso soldiers announce military takeover on state TV Burkina Faso's soldiers stated on state television Monday that they had seized control and dissolved the country's government and parliament. They also stated that the country's borders had been blocked and pledged a "return to constitutional order" in a "reasonable time." Clashes in Indonesia's West Papua province leave 18 dead, say cops In clashes between two groups, at least 18 people have been killed in the town of Sorong in Indonesia's West Papua province, police said on Tuesday. Watch | Gravitas: Taliban begins talks with Western Officials in Oslo ×

Morning news brief: US F-35 incident in South China Sea, Russia-Ukraine crisis and more

Seven US sailors were injured in a Navy F-35C fighter accident on an aircraft carrier in the South China Sea on Monday (January 24), the Navy informed.&nbsp;

As released in a statement, the Navy stated that an F-35C Lightning II, which is assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, had a "landing mishap" on the deck.&nbsp;

The statement noted that the incident happened while USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) was conducting routine flight operations in the South China Sea on January 24.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-planning-lightning-war-that-could-take-out-kyiv-uk-pm-boris-johnson-447293">Russia planning 'lightning war that could take out Kyiv': UK PM Boris Johnson</a>

The US Pacific Fleet said that pilot is in stable condition after he ejected safely from the aircraft. He was recovered with the help of a US military helicopter.&nbsp;

"There were seven total Sailors injured; three Sailors required MEDEVAC to a medical treatment facility in Manila, Philippines, and four were treated by on-board medical personnel," a part of the statement read.&nbsp;

"All three MEDEVACs are assessed as stable. Of the four Sailors treated by on-board medical, three have been released," it added.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-checkmate-why-the-orion-combat-drone-is-a-gamechanger-446455">Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger</a>

So far, no details were provided on the cause of the incident or the actual condition of the aircraft.&nbsp;

The Pacific Fleet also said that the said the incident was under investigation.&nbsp;

Important to note that the Vinson and another US carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, and their strike groups began drills Sunday in the South China Sea, following exercises with a Japanese naval ship in the Philippine Sea last week.&nbsp;

Seven US sailors were injured in a Navy F-35C fighter accident on an aircraft carrier in the South China Sea on Monday (January 24), the Navy informed. As released in a statement, the Navy stated that an F-35C Lightning II, which is assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, had a "landing mishap" on the deck.

Seven US sailors were injured in a Navy F-35C fighter accident on an aircraft carrier in the South China Sea on Monday (January 24), the Navy informed. As released in a statement, the Navy stated that an F-35C Lightning II, which is assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, had a "landing mishap" on the deck. The statement noted that the incident happened while USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) was conducting routine flight operations in the South China Sea on January 24. ALSO READ | Russia planning 'lightning war that could take out Kyiv': UK PM Boris Johnson The US Pacific Fleet said that pilot is in stable condition after he ejected safely from the aircraft. He was recovered with the help of a US military helicopter. "There were seven total Sailors injured; three Sailors required MEDEVAC to a medical treatment facility in Manila, Philippines, and four were treated by on-board medical personnel," a part of the statement read. "All three MEDEVACs are assessed as stable. Of the four Sailors treated by on-board medical, three have been released," it added. IN PICS | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger So far, no details were provided on the cause of the incident or the actual condition of the aircraft. The Pacific Fleet also said that the said the incident was under investigation. Important to note that the Vinson and another US carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, and their strike groups began drills Sunday in the South China Sea, following exercises with a Japanese naval ship in the Philippine Sea last week.

Seven injured in US fighter jet landing mishap in South China Sea, Navy pilot ejects safely

Amid massive backlash over lockdown-breaching parties, the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing renewed criticism for having a birthday party in 2020, when such gatherings were banned in the country.&nbsp;

As per a report by ITV, Johnson's then-fiancée Carrie Symonds (now wife) had organised a surprise party for his 56th birthday, which was on June 19, 2020.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that up to 30 people were present at the party held at Downing Street.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-anti-fraud-minister-resigns-over-govts-lamentable-record-in-tackling-covid-19-fraud-447251">UK anti-fraud minister resigns over govt’s ‘lamentable’ record in tackling COVID-19 fraud</a>

As per the report, interior designer Lulu Lytle, who was apparently working on Johnson's flat was included in the party, which was believed to be held in the Cabinet Room of Downing Street.&nbsp;

The staff sang happy birthday during the party, which reportedly lasted for around half an hour. Carrie and Lulu allegedly presented Johnson with a cake.&nbsp;

In response, Downing Street denied the ITV report, stating that staff gathered briefly after a meeting and Johnson attended for less than 10 minutes.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-johnson-kim-kardashian-novak-djokovic-heres-a-list-of-most-famous-covid-19-rulebreakers-444829">Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers</a>

No 10 denied the report as "totally untrue" a second allegation that the prime minister held a separate party that evening with family friends, saying he met a small number of family members outside.

As quoted by BBC, a No 10 spokesperson said: "This is totally untrue. In line with the rules at the time the prime minister hosted a small number of family members outside that evening."

In 2020, the UK had placed coronavirus (COVID-19) rules and restrictions as social gatherings were only permitted between 6 people outside.&nbsp;

The latest claim is made amid an ongoing investigation over lockdown parties at Downing Street attended by Boris Johnson and his staff members.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson faces new allegations of racism in his party

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Amid massive backlash over lockdown-breaching parties, the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing renewed criticism for having a birthday party in 2020, when such gatherings were banned in the country.

Amid massive backlash over lockdown-breaching parties, the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing renewed criticism for having a birthday party in 2020, when such gatherings were banned in the country. As per a report by ITV, Johnson's then-fiancée Carrie Symonds (now wife) had organised a surprise party for his 56th birthday, which was on June 19, 2020. The report mentioned that up to 30 people were present at the party held at Downing Street. ALSO READ | UK anti-fraud minister resigns over govt’s ‘lamentable’ record in tackling COVID-19 fraud As per the report, interior designer Lulu Lytle, who was apparently working on Johnson's flat was included in the party, which was believed to be held in the Cabinet Room of Downing Street. The staff sang happy birthday during the party, which reportedly lasted for around half an hour. Carrie and Lulu allegedly presented Johnson with a cake. In response, Downing Street denied the ITV report, stating that staff gathered briefly after a meeting and Johnson attended for less than 10 minutes. IN PICS | Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers No 10 denied the report as "totally untrue" a second allegation that the prime minister held a separate party that evening with family friends, saying he met a small number of family members outside. As quoted by BBC, a No 10 spokesperson said: "This is totally untrue. In line with the rules at the time the prime minister hosted a small number of family members outside that evening." In 2020, the UK had placed coronavirus (COVID-19) rules and restrictions as social gatherings were only permitted between 6 people outside. The latest claim is made amid an ongoing investigation over lockdown parties at Downing Street attended by Boris Johnson and his staff members. WATCH | UK PM Boris Johnson faces new allegations of racism in his party ×

Downing Street reacts to claims that UK PM Boris Johnson had lockdown birthday party

Facebook parent&nbsp;Meta&nbsp;Platforms Inc said on Monday that its research team has built a new artificial intelligence supercomputer that it thinks will be the fastest in the world when completed in mid-2022.

Meta&nbsp;said in a blog post that its new AI Research SuperCluster (RSC) would help the company build better AI models that can learn from trillions of examples, work across hundreds of languages, and analyze text, images and video together to determine if the content was harmful.

"This research will not only help keep people safe on our services today, but also in the future, as we build for the&nbsp;metaverse," the company said in a blog post.

The social media company changed its name in October to&nbsp;Meta&nbsp;to reflect its focus on the&nbsp;metaverse, which it thinks will be the successor to the mobile internet.

The&nbsp;metaverse, a broad term which has generated a lot of Silicon Valley buzz in recent months, refers to the idea of shared virtual environments which people can access through different devices and where they can work, play and socialize.

"The experiences we're building for the&nbsp;metaverse require enormous compute power (quintillions of operations/second!) and RSC will enable new AI models that can learn from trillions of examples, understand hundreds of languages, and more,"&nbsp;Meta&nbsp;Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post on Monday.

The company said it believed the supercomputer was currently among the fastest AI supercomputers running.

Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc said on Monday that its research team has built a new artificial intelligence supercomputer that it thinks will be the fastest in the world when completed in mid-2022.

Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc said on Monday that its research team has built a new artificial intelligence supercomputer that it thinks will be the fastest in the world when completed in mid-2022. Meta said in a blog post that its new AI Research SuperCluster (RSC) would help the company build better AI models that can learn from trillions of examples, work across hundreds of languages, and analyze text, images and video together to determine if the content was harmful. "This research will not only help keep people safe on our services today, but also in the future, as we build for the metaverse," the company said in a blog post. The social media company changed its name in October to Meta to reflect its focus on the metaverse, which it thinks will be the successor to the mobile internet. The metaverse, a broad term which has generated a lot of Silicon Valley buzz in recent months, refers to the idea of shared virtual environments which people can access through different devices and where they can work, play and socialize. "The experiences we're building for the metaverse require enormous compute power (quintillions of operations/second!) and RSC will enable new AI models that can learn from trillions of examples, understand hundreds of languages, and more," Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post on Monday. The company said it believed the supercomputer was currently among the fastest AI supercomputers running.

Meta says its new AI supercomputer will be world's fastest

On January 26 in 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect, and the country became a republic. Since then, the nation celebrates the date annually as Republic Day with full pomp and fervour.

On January 26 in 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect, and the country became a republic. Since then, the nation celebrates the date annually as Republic Day with full pomp and fervour. As India celebrates its 73rd Republic Day on January 26, 2022, here are famous messages you can send to your family and friends. Wishes to send to your family and friends (English): 1) Happy Republic Day wishes to everyone! 2) Many wishes to Indians on 73rd Republic Day! Remember the brave freedom fighters! 3) Happy Republic Day 2022! Saare Jahaan se accha, Hindustan humara 4) Salute to the brave soldiers of India! Happy Republic Day to everyone 5) Freedom came at a cost, let's protect it! Happy Republic Day 6) On Republic Day, take a pledge to protect the nation... always and forever 7) On this day, let's remember the sacrifices made by our brave freedom fighters 8) Never forget... someone at the border is away from his family to save yours. Happy Republic Day 9) As India celebrates 73rd Republic Day, let's take out time to acknowledge the beauty of this diverse nation ALSO READ | Republic Day parade 2022: Date, importance & all you want to know 10) Happy Republic Day! Reminisce childhood memories of Republic Day celebrations 11) Happy Republic Day! Let's promise that we will enrich and preserve our heritage, our ethos, and our treasure 12) Let us celebrate Republic Day by thanking those who sacrificed lives for us. Happy Republic Day 13) Freedom was not given, it was taken. Remember and celebrate Republic Day! 14) Happy Republic Day! Be proud that you live in a country that has such a rich history and heritage 15) Independence is a wonderful gift from God. May our nation remain independent and prosperous forever. Happy Republic Day! 16) Today is the day to show the love we have for our nation. Happy Republic Day 17) Let’s salute our brave martyrs on Republic Day. Happy Republic Day! 18) Our brave heroes waged a valiant struggle for years so that future generations could live their lives with freedom and dignity. This is a day to celebrate them and what they fought for. Wishing you all a very Happy Republic Day! 19) Happy Republic Day India! No matter where I am… You will always be my identity 20) Freedom in mind, Faith in our heart, Memories in our souls. Wishes to everyone on Republic Day ALSO READ | Republic Day parade 2022: Tableau to show Lok Adalat for the first time 21) India is my identity, India is my pride. Happy Republic Day 22) India's constitution was made today. Let's celebrate independence. Happy Republic Day 2022! 23) Every chapter of India's freedom struggle is glorious and inspiring. Remembering the brave heroes. Happy Republic Day! 24) Time to take a pledge to protect our nation from all kinds of evils. Happy Republic Day 2022! 25) Wishing brave heroes of today - the frontline and healthcare workers. Happy Republic Day 2022! Wishes to send to your family and friends (Hindi): 1) गणतन्त्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ || 2) हल्की सी धुप बरसात के बाद, थोड़ी सी ख़ुशी हर बात के बाद, इसी तरह मुबारक हो आप को, आज़ादी फिर 2022 के बाद!! 3) ये आन तिरंगा है,ये शान तिरंगा है, अरमान तिरंगा है,अभिमान तिरंगा है, मेरी जान तिंरगा है!! 4) आजादी का जोश कभी कम न होने देंगे जब भी ज़रुरत पड़ेगी देश के लिए जान लुटा देंगे . क्यों की भारत हमारा देश है अब दोबारा इस पर कोई आंच न आने देंगे!! 5) मेरा मुल्क मेरा देश मेरा यह वतन शांति का उन्नति का प्यार का चमन!! 6) भारत की पहचान हो तुम, जम्मू की जान हो तुम, सरहद का अरमान हो तुम, दिल्ली का दिल हो तुम, और भारत का नाम हो तुम 7) आओ झुक कर सलाम करें उनको जिनके हिस्से में ये मुकाम आता है खुशनसीब होता है वो खून जो देश के काम आता है 8) क्या हिन्दू क्या मुस्लिम क्या सिक्ख क्या ईसाई हम सब हैं भाई-भाई 9) सरफ़रोशी की तमन्ना अब हमारे दिल में है देखना है जोर कितना बाजु ए कातिल में है 10) वह खून कहो किस मतलब का जिसमें उबाल का नाम नहीं। वह खून कहो किस मतलब का आ सके देश के काम नहीं। वह खून कहो किस मतलब का जिसमें जीवन, न रवानी है! जो परवश होकर बहता है, वह खून नहीं, पानी है! Here are some popular quotes on freedom by famous personalities: "Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?" - Mahatma Gandhi "Dushman ki goliyon ka hum samna karenge, Azad hee rahein hain, Azad hee rahenge" - Chandra Shekhar Azad "Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil me hai, dekhna hai zor kitna baazu-e-qaatil me hai" - Ramprasad Bismil "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" - Bal Gangadhar Tilak "Inquilab Zindabad" - Bhagat Singh "Jai Jawan Jai Kisaan" - Lal Bahadur Shastri "Vande Mataram" - Bankim Chandra Chatterjee "Freedom is not given, it is taken" - Subhash Chandra Bose "Even if I died in the service of the nation, I would be proud of it. Every drop of my blood… will contribute to the growth of this nation and to make it strong and dynamic" - Indira Gandhi "Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience. It is essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards fellow men" - BR Ambedkar "Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it" - George Bernard Shaw "Bombs and pistols do not make revolution. The sword of revolution is sharpened on the whetting stone of ideas" - Bhagat Singh

Happy Republic Day 2022 Wishes in English and Hindi: Famous quotes and messages to wish your family, friends

The central Asian nations of Kazakhstan,&nbsp;Uzbekistan&nbsp;and Kyrgyzstan suffered electrical power outages in major cities on Tuesday, according to authorities and residents, after a major power line in Kazakhstan was disconnected.

The grids of the three ex-Soviet republics are interconnected, and via Kazakhstan are linked to the Russian power grid which they can use to cover unexpected shortages.

But Kazakhstan's North-South power line, which links densely populated southern Kazakhstan and its two neighbours to major power stations in northern Kazakhstan and the Russian network, was disconnected on Tuesday morning due to "emergency imbalances" in the Central Asian part of the grid, grid operator KEGOC said.

The blackout caused chaos across the region for several hours, with subway trains stuck in tunnels and skiers on lifts, airports closing, district heating and tap water pumps going idle and traffic lights switching off.

Neither of the three countries reported any problems with its power stations that could have caused the imbalances.

Kazakhstan, which has previously experienced power shortages due to the influx of cryptocurrency miners, has started routinely cutting off their power supply and did so from Jan. 24 until the end of the month, according to a document published online by one of the local miners.

Outages were reported in Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty and several major southern cities close to the Uzbek and Kyrgyz borders. The airport of the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, briefly stopped accepting flights.

Authorities in&nbsp;Uzbekistan&nbsp;and Kyrgyzstan said they were restarting power plants after emergency shutdowns and would initially remain disconnected from the Central Asian grid.

The central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan suffered electrical power outages in major cities on Tuesday, according to authorities and residents, after a major power line in Kazakhstan was disconnected.

The central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan suffered electrical power outages in major cities on Tuesday, according to authorities and residents, after a major power line in Kazakhstan was disconnected. The grids of the three ex-Soviet republics are interconnected, and via Kazakhstan are linked to the Russian power grid which they can use to cover unexpected shortages. But Kazakhstan's North-South power line, which links densely populated southern Kazakhstan and its two neighbours to major power stations in northern Kazakhstan and the Russian network, was disconnected on Tuesday morning due to "emergency imbalances" in the Central Asian part of the grid, grid operator KEGOC said. The blackout caused chaos across the region for several hours, with subway trains stuck in tunnels and skiers on lifts, airports closing, district heating and tap water pumps going idle and traffic lights switching off. Neither of the three countries reported any problems with its power stations that could have caused the imbalances. Kazakhstan, which has previously experienced power shortages due to the influx of cryptocurrency miners, has started routinely cutting off their power supply and did so from Jan. 24 until the end of the month, according to a document published online by one of the local miners. Outages were reported in Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty and several major southern cities close to the Uzbek and Kyrgyz borders. The airport of the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, briefly stopped accepting flights. Authorities in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan said they were restarting power plants after emergency shutdowns and would initially remain disconnected from the Central Asian grid.

Power blackout hits Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

The United Kingdom has made changes to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing measures for travellers arriving in the country from February 11 as the government has taken one step further to reopen the travel sector.&nbsp;

India-based news agencies reported that the change in rules is&nbsp;for fully vaccinated travellers, including those from India, arriving in the UK from next month.&nbsp;

As per a statement released by the authorities, all testing measures for eligible fully vaccinated travellers will be removed from 4:00am (local time) on 11 February.&nbsp;

The statement mentioned that the travel rules and measures have been simplified so that families can find options to travel abroad during the school holidays. The move is also a boost to the tourism industry.&nbsp;

The UK has been one of the countries where Omicron wreaked havoc after it emerged last year in November. It led to a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, putting pressure on Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with increased hospitalisation.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-johnson-kim-kardashian-novak-djokovic-heres-a-list-of-most-famous-covid-19-rulebreakers-444829">Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers</a>

Now, all testing requirements will be removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals and only a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) is required.&nbsp;

The authorities also informed that those who are not recognised as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK.&nbsp;

Also, the children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection online on NHS COVID Pass from February 3 if they want to travel outside.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-cases-falling-in-parts-of-the-us-but-expert-says-covid-19-is-here-to-stay-447353">Omicron cases falling in parts of the US, but expert says COVID-19 is here to stay</a>

Impact on India

UK has removed COVID-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, including those from India.&nbsp;

UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the country will be connecting with key global markets and will recognise vaccine certificates from 16 more countries and territories including India, bringing the total list to over 180 countries and territories worldwide.&nbsp;

"We made the right calls at the right time and thanks to our vaccine and booster rollout it’s paying off — allowing us to safely remove nearly all COVID-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers. This final step in our stale and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for U.K. tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season," said Shapps.

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The United Kingdom has made changes to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing measures for travellers arriving in the country from February 11 as the government has taken one step further to reopen the travel sector.

The United Kingdom has made changes to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing measures for travellers arriving in the country from February 11 as the government has taken one step further to reopen the travel sector. India-based news agencies reported that the change in rules is for fully vaccinated travellers, including those from India, arriving in the UK from next month. As per a statement released by the authorities, all testing measures for eligible fully vaccinated travellers will be removed from 4:00am (local time) on 11 February. The statement mentioned that the travel rules and measures have been simplified so that families can find options to travel abroad during the school holidays. The move is also a boost to the tourism industry. The UK has been one of the countries where Omicron wreaked havoc after it emerged last year in November. It led to a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, putting pressure on Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with increased hospitalisation. IN PICS | Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers Now, all testing requirements will be removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals and only a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) is required. The authorities also informed that those who are not recognised as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK. Also, the children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection online on NHS COVID Pass from February 3 if they want to travel outside. ALSO READ | Omicron cases falling in parts of the US, but expert says COVID-19 is here to stay Impact on India UK has removed COVID-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, including those from India. UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the country will be connecting with key global markets and will recognise vaccine certificates from 16 more countries and territories including India, bringing the total list to over 180 countries and territories worldwide. "We made the right calls at the right time and thanks to our vaccine and booster rollout it’s paying off — allowing us to safely remove nearly all COVID-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers. This final step in our stale and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for U.K. tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season," said Shapps. ×

COVID-19: UK to remove restrictions for eligible vaccinated arrivals, including from India. See changed rules

India has extended assistance towards the disaster-hit Tonga in order to help the South Pacific nation in relief and reconstruction efforts, the ministry of external affairs informed on Tuesday (January 25).&nbsp;

Tonga was hit by a massive volcanic eruption and a tsunami on January 15 and has asked for aid as there is a scarcity of drinking water and food.&nbsp;

Amid the devastation caused by the disaster, India has extended relief assistance of $ 200,000 to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the nation.&nbsp;

The country has also urged for aid assistance to be delivered without human contact as the authorities are concerned that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak would be devastating for the nation.&nbsp;

In a statement, the ministry informed, "India extends deep sympathy to the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga for the damage and destruction caused by this unprecedented disaster."

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🇮🇳🇹🇴| India extends assistance of US$ 200,000 to Tonga towards relief and reconstruction efforts in the wake of the tsunami. 
 
Press Release ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/SYYCNT400J">https://t.co/SYYCNT400J</a><a href="https://twitter.com/tongaportal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tongaportal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TongaMfa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TongaMfa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/fekita_u?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fekita_u</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1485891706696323073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Tonga, Government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of US$ 200,000 to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the Kingdom of Tonga," the statement added.&nbsp;

"India has firmly stood by Tonga during times of crisis and devastation caused by natural disasters, as during Cyclone Gita in 2018. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management is an important pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019," the statement added. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

India has extended assistance towards the disaster-hit Tonga in order to help the South Pacific nation in relief and reconstruction efforts, the ministry of external affairs informed on Tuesday (January 25).

India has extended assistance towards the disaster-hit Tonga in order to help the South Pacific nation in relief and reconstruction efforts, the ministry of external affairs informed on Tuesday (January 25). Tonga was hit by a massive volcanic eruption and a tsunami on January 15 and has asked for aid as there is a scarcity of drinking water and food. Amid the devastation caused by the disaster, India has extended relief assistance of $ 200,000 to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the nation. The country has also urged for aid assistance to be delivered without human contact as the authorities are concerned that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak would be devastating for the nation. In a statement, the ministry informed, "India extends deep sympathy to the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga for the damage and destruction caused by this unprecedented disaster." 🇮🇳🇹🇴| India extends assistance of US$ 200,000 to Tonga towards relief and reconstruction efforts in the wake of the tsunami. Press Release ➡️ https://t.co/SYYCNT400J@tongaportal @TongaMfa @fekita_u — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) January 25, 2022 × "As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Tonga, Government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of US$ 200,000 to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the Kingdom of Tonga," the statement added. "India has firmly stood by Tonga during times of crisis and devastation caused by natural disasters, as during Cyclone Gita in 2018. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management is an important pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019," the statement added.

India extends assistance to tsunami-hit Tonga towards relief and reconstruction efforts

North Korea began the new year by convening a meeting for the ruling Workers’ Party during which very little was said about the United States. That ominous silence didn’t last long.

Kim Jong Un, the country’s ruler, has launched six ballistic missiles in four weapons tests since Jan. 5, almost as many missiles​ in one month​ as North Korea launched in all of last year. On Tuesday, the South Korean military confirmed that the North had fired two cruise missiles in its fifth test of 2022.

The message was clear: The North Korean leader feels he is being ignored and wants to push the Biden administration to reengage and pay attention to his economically ailing nation.

Individually, the tests may not amount to much — they involved missiles that have already been tested or weapons that are still under development. But taken together, they signal that Kim plans to use 2022 to jolt the Biden administration out of its diplomatic slumber.

Kim needs Washington to engage ​with him on economic concessions​ so that he can fix his country’s devastated economy. Over the years, he has learned that the best way to grab the attention of a U.S. president is with weapons. And that the best time to do it is when the world can least afford the instability.

According to that playbook, 2022 looks like a promising year.

China is busy preparing for the Beijing Olympics next month. South Korea elects a new president in March. Russia has hinted at a potential invasion of Ukraine, keeping the Biden administration on tenterhooks.

During a Politburo meeting last Wednesday, Kim suggested that his government might once again begin testing long-range missiles and nuclear devices after suspending such tests before his 2018 summit meeting with President Donald Trump.

“2022 calls for continued saber-rattling, punctuated by some major missile tests,” said Lee Sung-yoon, a North Korea expert at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. “Kim’s goal is to routinize short-range ballistic missile flights as a fact of life without any repercussions, after which he will move on to bigger provocations by resuming intermediate- and long-range missile tests punctuated by a nuclear test, as he did in 2017.”

That year, North Korea tested what it called a hydrogen bomb and also launched three intercontinental ballistic missiles. It was also the year Trump took office after a vicious campaign in the United States. South Korea had just impeached its president.

Wednesday was the second time ​Kim threatened to lift the moratorium on long-range missile and nuclear tests. After his diplomacy with Trump ended without an agreement in 2019, he said he no longer felt bound by the commitment. ​But he did not follow through with any such tests, and his country was soon plunged into the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic.

This year ​also marks the beginning of Kim’s second decade in power, and a chance for him to reassert his authority.

Ever since taking over, he has focused on building the country’s arsenal to validate his family’s dynastic rule, calling his nuclear weapons a “treasured sword” that protects North Korea against foreign invasion.

During the meeting Wednesday, he urged North Koreans to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the birth of his father​ and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, in February, as well as the 110th birthday of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, in April.

Under his father and grandfather, North Korea had seemed open to shelving its nuclear ambitions. But those hopes have dissipated under Kim, who has rapidly expanded the country’s nuclear program, even as the United Nations piled on sanctions.

Though ​Kim has often been depicted abroad as a leader ​potentially capable of opening up his isolated country for the sake of economic development, his nuclear weapons are, as North Korea has put it, “not a bargaining chip.”

Rather, the country sees them as tools​ to bring Washington to the negotiating table. And by that logic, the more powerful the arsenal, the more leverage Kim has.

Even when he ​vowed to focus on economic development in 2013, Kim stuck to his “parallel” goal of strengthening his nuclear force. The country has conducted more than 130 missile tests under him, compared with a total of 16 tests under his father and 15 under his grandfather. The last four of the North’s six nuclear tests all took place under his watch.

“By advancing its nuclear capabilities and weapons systems, North Korea is showing the United States and South Korea that the more time passes, ​the bigger the price ​will become that they have to pay,” Choi Yong-hwan, an analyst at the Institute for National Security Strategy​ in Seoul, wrote in a recent policy paper.

Yet try as it may to flex its power, North Korea appears to be low on the Biden administration’s list of international priorities​​.

Washington has taken no steps to entice Kim, except to propose talks “without preconditions,” ​a lukewarm entreaty that North Korea has rebuffed.

But it has not resumed tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles. Instead, North Korea has focused on testing missiles that can carry what it calls “smaller, lighter and tactical” nuclear weapons. ​These kinds of weapons do not pose a direct threat to the United States, but they could boost Kim’s leverage with Washington by placing American allies such as South Korea and Japan under nuclear threat.

In North Korea’s first two tests this month, the country launched short-range ballistic missiles with what it called “hypersonic gliding vehicles,” detachable warheads that ​make the weapons harder to intercept because they ​not only fly extremely fast but also change course during flight.

In a Jan. 13 test, North Korea launched the KN-23, one of three new solid-fuel ballistic missiles the North has been testing since 2019.

Solid-fuel missiles are easier to transport and launch. The KN-23 can perform low-altitude maneuvers, making them harder to intercept. North Korea has also begun launching KN-23 variants from a submarine, as it did in October, and from trains, as it did in September and again this month.

In its most recent test, North Korea fired a pair of solid-fuel missiles from a mobile launcher vehicle. When the North first launched such a pair in 2019, there was a 16-minute interval between the two missiles fired.

That gap was reduced to four minutes in the recent test, indicating that the military has improved its ability to fire multiple missiles and hide them from counterattacks by the United States and South Korea.

“North Korea hopes that if it continues to demonstrate its nuclear capabilities but confines them to the Korean Peninsula, it will not aggravate public opinion in the United States and will strengthen voices there calling for a compromise,” Cha Du-hyeogn, a principal fellow at the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies, wrote in a recent paper.

For that strategy to work, Kim will need continued help from China in resisting any new international sanctions. North Korea’s economic challenges were deepened two years ago when it shut its border with China to fight the pandemic. This month, Beijing confirmed that “through friendly consultations,” China and North Korea reopened their border for freight trains.

“This timing suggests Beijing is more than complicit with Pyongyang’s provocations,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. “China is supporting North Korea economically and coordinating with it militarily.”

North Korea began the new year by convening a meeting for the ruling Workers’ Party during which very little was said about the United States. That ominous silence didn’t last long.

North Korea began the new year by convening a meeting for the ruling Workers’ Party during which very little was said about the United States. That ominous silence didn’t last long. Kim Jong Un, the country’s ruler, has launched six ballistic missiles in four weapons tests since Jan. 5, almost as many missiles in one month as North Korea launched in all of last year. On Tuesday, the South Korean military confirmed that the North had fired two cruise missiles in its fifth test of 2022. The message was clear: The North Korean leader feels he is being ignored and wants to push the Biden administration to reengage and pay attention to his economically ailing nation. Individually, the tests may not amount to much — they involved missiles that have already been tested or weapons that are still under development. But taken together, they signal that Kim plans to use 2022 to jolt the Biden administration out of its diplomatic slumber. Kim needs Washington to engage with him on economic concessions so that he can fix his country’s devastated economy. Over the years, he has learned that the best way to grab the attention of a U.S. president is with weapons. And that the best time to do it is when the world can least afford the instability. According to that playbook, 2022 looks like a promising year. China is busy preparing for the Beijing Olympics next month. South Korea elects a new president in March. Russia has hinted at a potential invasion of Ukraine, keeping the Biden administration on tenterhooks. During a Politburo meeting last Wednesday, Kim suggested that his government might once again begin testing long-range missiles and nuclear devices after suspending such tests before his 2018 summit meeting with President Donald Trump. “2022 calls for continued saber-rattling, punctuated by some major missile tests,” said Lee Sung-yoon, a North Korea expert at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. “Kim’s goal is to routinize short-range ballistic missile flights as a fact of life without any repercussions, after which he will move on to bigger provocations by resuming intermediate- and long-range missile tests punctuated by a nuclear test, as he did in 2017.” That year, North Korea tested what it called a hydrogen bomb and also launched three intercontinental ballistic missiles. It was also the year Trump took office after a vicious campaign in the United States. South Korea had just impeached its president. Wednesday was the second time Kim threatened to lift the moratorium on long-range missile and nuclear tests. After his diplomacy with Trump ended without an agreement in 2019, he said he no longer felt bound by the commitment. But he did not follow through with any such tests, and his country was soon plunged into the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic. This year also marks the beginning of Kim’s second decade in power, and a chance for him to reassert his authority. Ever since taking over, he has focused on building the country’s arsenal to validate his family’s dynastic rule, calling his nuclear weapons a “treasured sword” that protects North Korea against foreign invasion. During the meeting Wednesday, he urged North Koreans to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the birth of his father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, in February, as well as the 110th birthday of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, in April. Under his father and grandfather, North Korea had seemed open to shelving its nuclear ambitions. But those hopes have dissipated under Kim, who has rapidly expanded the country’s nuclear program, even as the United Nations piled on sanctions. Though Kim has often been depicted abroad as a leader potentially capable of opening up his isolated country for the sake of economic development, his nuclear weapons are, as North Korea has put it, “not a bargaining chip.” Rather, the country sees them as tools to bring Washington to the negotiating table. And by that logic, the more powerful the arsenal, the more leverage Kim has. Even when he vowed to focus on economic development in 2013, Kim stuck to his “parallel” goal of strengthening his nuclear force. The country has conducted more than 130 missile tests under him, compared with a total of 16 tests under his father and 15 under his grandfather. The last four of the North’s six nuclear tests all took place under his watch. “By advancing its nuclear capabilities and weapons systems, North Korea is showing the United States and South Korea that the more time passes, the bigger the price will become that they have to pay,” Choi Yong-hwan, an analyst at the Institute for National Security Strategy in Seoul, wrote in a recent policy paper. Yet try as it may to flex its power, North Korea appears to be low on the Biden administration’s list of international priorities. Washington has taken no steps to entice Kim, except to propose talks “without preconditions,” a lukewarm entreaty that North Korea has rebuffed. But it has not resumed tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles. Instead, North Korea has focused on testing missiles that can carry what it calls “smaller, lighter and tactical” nuclear weapons. These kinds of weapons do not pose a direct threat to the United States, but they could boost Kim’s leverage with Washington by placing American allies such as South Korea and Japan under nuclear threat. In North Korea’s first two tests this month, the country launched short-range ballistic missiles with what it called “hypersonic gliding vehicles,” detachable warheads that make the weapons harder to intercept because they not only fly extremely fast but also change course during flight. In a Jan. 13 test, North Korea launched the KN-23, one of three new solid-fuel ballistic missiles the North has been testing since 2019. Solid-fuel missiles are easier to transport and launch. The KN-23 can perform low-altitude maneuvers, making them harder to intercept. North Korea has also begun launching KN-23 variants from a submarine, as it did in October, and from trains, as it did in September and again this month. In its most recent test, North Korea fired a pair of solid-fuel missiles from a mobile launcher vehicle. When the North first launched such a pair in 2019, there was a 16-minute interval between the two missiles fired. That gap was reduced to four minutes in the recent test, indicating that the military has improved its ability to fire multiple missiles and hide them from counterattacks by the United States and South Korea. “North Korea hopes that if it continues to demonstrate its nuclear capabilities but confines them to the Korean Peninsula, it will not aggravate public opinion in the United States and will strengthen voices there calling for a compromise,” Cha Du-hyeogn, a principal fellow at the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies, wrote in a recent paper. For that strategy to work, Kim will need continued help from China in resisting any new international sanctions. North Korea’s economic challenges were deepened two years ago when it shut its border with China to fight the pandemic. This month, Beijing confirmed that “through friendly consultations,” China and North Korea reopened their border for freight trains. “This timing suggests Beijing is more than complicit with Pyongyang’s provocations,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. “China is supporting North Korea economically and coordinating with it militarily.”

Why is North Korea suddenly launching so many missiles?

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