Ice cream factory commissioned by Kim Jong Un opens
A North Korean ice cream factory, which was personally commissioned and had its construction fast-tracked by leader Kim Jong Un, has opened in the capital Pyongyang, according to state media.  Official broadcaster KCNA described the factory as "modern" and that it will provide the people with better desserts, in a bid to improve the people's livelihoods.  An official who opened the factory – located at the foot of the Taesongsan mountain – said leader Kim Jong Un had "personally initiated" the plant's construction, so that people can have better ice cream. Jon Hyon-chol added that the factory was built quickly thanks to "special measures" taken by Kim to speed up the project.  Jon, who is chairman of the budget committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, stressed the "project for improving the welfare of the people cannot be delayed regardless of how severe the hardships are". According to South Korea's Yonhap News, Taesongsan is on the outskirts of the capital, with major attractions, such as amusement parks, swimming pools and a zoo. It added that North Korea has recently been boosting efforts to improve its people's livelihoods amid food shortages and global sanctions. The opening of the ice cream factory came as officials from the US and its allies Japan and South Korea said they suspect North Korea is preparing for a nuclear test. This year alone, the north has launched more than 20 ballistic missiles at unprecedented pace, including one that flew over northern Japan in early October. (Agencies)