U.S. President Joe Biden delivered his second State-of-the-Union address to a joint sitting of U.S. Congress. During his speech, Biden touched upon economy, gun violence, drug-related deaths as well as tensions with China. Molly Gambhir explains.

Gravitas: Biden's State of the Union speech gets tepid response

The United States masterminded a multi-nation effort to carry out the bombing of Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea last September, as per a new report by Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist Seymour Hersh. The White House has rejected the report.

Gravitas: Nord stream bombing masterminded by US: Report

The chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, James Comer, has made the panel's first official request, asking for documents from the US President Joe Biden's son&nbsp;Hunter Biden and brother James Biden, over their foreign business pursuits. According to CBS News, as part of his committee's probe, Comer informed Hunter, James and their then-business managers that he wants documents and communications from the Bidens, to look for any potential involvement by the president in their deals, particularly in foreign business deals "with people connected to China's Communist Party."

He&nbsp;has accused the family of taking "significant amounts of money from foreign companies without providing any known legitimate services."

Watch |&nbsp;US: Probe into Hunter Biden laptop saga, Republican led-house panel begins public hearing

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Comer has asked the president's son and brother to submit&nbsp;any documents designated as "classified" the two may possess, and even communication between the Bidens, including the president or James's wife Sara Jones Biden.

Now as the Republicans have the House majority, they have subpoena power. He&nbsp;has given the Bidens February 22 as the&nbsp;deadline to respond before he considers issuing a 'subpoena' for documents and testimony.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-slams-biden-over-extremely-irresponsible-remarks-on-xi-jinping-560250">Also read |&nbsp;Beijing slams Biden over 'extremely irresponsible' remarks on Xi Jinping</a>

In addition to the probe, Comer also said that the committee is considering writing a bill to strengthen 'federal ethics laws' around the officials and families.&nbsp;

Last week, Hunter's legal team went on the offensive, demanding a state and federal probe into the dissemination of his personal things, anticipated to be on his laptop.

In January, Comer called on the US White House to provide details of all visitors to the president's Wilmington, Delaware house since the start of his presidency term.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, James Comer, has made the panel's first official request, asking for documents from the US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden and brother James Biden, over their foreign business pursuits.

The chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, James Comer, has made the panel's first official request, asking for documents from the US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden and brother James Biden, over their foreign business pursuits. According to CBS News, as part of his committee's probe, Comer informed Hunter, James and their then-business managers that he wants documents and communications from the Bidens, to look for any potential involvement by the president in their deals, particularly in foreign business deals "with people connected to China's Communist Party." He has accused the family of taking "significant amounts of money from foreign companies without providing any known legitimate services." Watch | US: Probe into Hunter Biden laptop saga, Republican led-house panel begins public hearing Comer has asked the president's son and brother to submit any documents designated as "classified" the two may possess, and even communication between the Bidens, including the president or James's wife Sara Jones Biden. Now as the Republicans have the House majority, they have subpoena power. He has given the Bidens February 22 as the deadline to respond before he considers issuing a 'subpoena' for documents and testimony. Also read | Beijing slams Biden over 'extremely irresponsible' remarks on Xi Jinping In addition to the probe, Comer also said that the committee is considering writing a bill to strengthen 'federal ethics laws' around the officials and families. Last week, Hunter's legal team went on the offensive, demanding a state and federal probe into the dissemination of his personal things, anticipated to be on his laptop. In January, Comer called on the US White House to provide details of all visitors to the president's Wilmington, Delaware house since the start of his presidency term. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: House Oversight panel head widens probe, requests for records from Hunter and James Biden

United States says its country was not the only target of China's spy balloon, the balloon travelled to five other countries as well. Washington shares intel with 40 other allies. Japan and Taiwan scrounge through past aerial footage to decode China's 'global surveillance mission'.

US: Aftermath of China's spy balloon

Republicans in the US house of representatives began a public hearing. The probe is over a laptop said to belong to Hunter Biden.... son of US President Joe Biden.

US: Probe into Hunter Biden laptop saga

Who sabotaged the Nord stream pipeline? This is the question that has been doing the realms for months. Experts have given their comments, investigators have probed the blasts and analysts offered their insights.

Russia: US should pay compensation to countries affected

Raking up the controversy around Nord Stream blasts, Russia on Thursday said those behind it must be exposed and called for an international probe, after Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh claimed the US Navy divers had blown up the gas pipeline.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Hersh's blog needs more attention and the Western media must cover it fully. Peskov called for an international investigation into the blast of 1,224 km (760-mile) long pipelines. He added that the world needs to know the truth. He further cautioned that the blog must not be dealt with as a primary source of what had happened.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-directly-involved-in-nord-stream-blasts-claims-lavrov-558263">US directly involved in Nord Stream blasts, claims Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov</a>

Dismissing a blog published by the journalist which accused the United States of orchestrating the Nord Stream gas pipelines' explosions, the White House,&nbsp;earlier in the day, said that it is "utterly false and complete fiction".&nbsp;

Hersh had published a report claiming that the explosions were carried out on the directions of US President Joe Biden last September.

"This is utterly false and complete fiction," said White House National Security Council's spokesperson Adrienne Watson. The spokesperson of the State Department and the CIA reiterated the same.

In his report, Hersh claimed that Norway had assisted the US Navy in planting explosives on the Nord Stream gas pipelines which run under the Baltic Sea between Germany and Russia last June and three months later, had detonated them.

WATCH | Leaks in Nord stream gas pipelines raise&nbsp;Europe's concerns about sabotage

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White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson called the report published by Hersh on the Substack web service as “complete fiction”.

The Nord Stream gas pipelines were part of the multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects, which were set up to supply Russian gas to Germany through the Baltic Sea.

After the blasts took place in the exclusive economic zones of Sweden and Denmark, both nations concluded that the pipelines were deliberately targeted, however, they did not say who might be responsible for the blasts.

The United States along with NATO had called the blasts "an act of sabotage". The West was blamed by Moscow for the unexplained explosions which led to the ruptures.&nbsp;

Hersh claimed the decision to damage the pipelines, which were closed but contained residual gas, was made by US President Joe Biden in secrecy to cut off the ability of Moscow to mint billions of dollars by selling natural gas to Europe.

He further added that the US believed Russia had political leverage over western Europe and Germany due to the pipelines and that blowing up the pipelines can weaken the country's offensive against Ukraine after it invaded the latter.

The foreign ministry of Russia on Wednesday said that the United States needs to answer a few questions and explain its role in the explosion of pipelines.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Raking up the controversy around Nord Stream blasts, Russia on Thursday said those behind it must be exposed and called for an international probe, after Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh claimed the US Navy divers had blown up the gas pipeline.

Raking up the controversy around Nord Stream blasts, Russia on Thursday said those behind it must be exposed and called for an international probe, after Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh claimed the US Navy divers had blown up the gas pipeline. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Hersh's blog needs more attention and the Western media must cover it fully. Peskov called for an international investigation into the blast of 1,224 km (760-mile) long pipelines. He added that the world needs to know the truth. He further cautioned that the blog must not be dealt with as a primary source of what had happened. ALSO READ | US directly involved in Nord Stream blasts, claims Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov Dismissing a blog published by the journalist which accused the United States of orchestrating the Nord Stream gas pipelines' explosions, the White House, earlier in the day, said that it is "utterly false and complete fiction". Hersh had published a report claiming that the explosions were carried out on the directions of US President Joe Biden last September. "This is utterly false and complete fiction," said White House National Security Council's spokesperson Adrienne Watson. The spokesperson of the State Department and the CIA reiterated the same. In his report, Hersh claimed that Norway had assisted the US Navy in planting explosives on the Nord Stream gas pipelines which run under the Baltic Sea between Germany and Russia last June and three months later, had detonated them. WATCH | Leaks in Nord stream gas pipelines raise Europe's concerns about sabotage White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson called the report published by Hersh on the Substack web service as “complete fiction”. The Nord Stream gas pipelines were part of the multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects, which were set up to supply Russian gas to Germany through the Baltic Sea. After the blasts took place in the exclusive economic zones of Sweden and Denmark, both nations concluded that the pipelines were deliberately targeted, however, they did not say who might be responsible for the blasts. The United States along with NATO had called the blasts "an act of sabotage". The West was blamed by Moscow for the unexplained explosions which led to the ruptures. Hersh claimed the decision to damage the pipelines, which were closed but contained residual gas, was made by US President Joe Biden in secrecy to cut off the ability of Moscow to mint billions of dollars by selling natural gas to Europe. He further added that the US believed Russia had political leverage over western Europe and Germany due to the pipelines and that blowing up the pipelines can weaken the country's offensive against Ukraine after it invaded the latter. The foreign ministry of Russia on Wednesday said that the United States needs to answer a few questions and explain its role in the explosion of pipelines. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Kremlin demands probe after Pulitzer-winning journalist alleges US hand in Nord Stream blasts

In a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the US' support for Ukraine as well as Sweden's and Finland's efforts to join the alliance. But one of the hot topic of discussions was&nbsp;the political flare&nbsp;that developed between US and China&nbsp;after a Chinese "spy"&nbsp;balloon was sighted in the&nbsp;US skies&nbsp;last week.

Blinken stated that the US will inform Congress as well as allies worldwide of its findings on the balloon that was shot down off the US's east coast over the weekend. He continued by saying that the US Navy was still working to retrieve the balloon fragments.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-bird-caged-in-turkey-after-anger-swamped-social-media-over-erdogans-quake-response-560125">Twitter bird 'caged' in Turkey after anger swamped social media over Erdogan's quake response</a>

“Last week, Beijing violated international law and US sovereignty with the presence of a Chinese surveillance balloon in US airspace,” Blinken reportedly told media on Wednesday at a news conference with Stoltenberg.

China, on the other hand, has been denying any surveillance saying it was a Chinese civil airship. Blinken added that US is analysing the debris of the balloon to understand more about the surveillance program. China presented “systemic and tactical challenges” to the NATO alliance, he added.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-god-gender-neutral-church-of-england-to-explore-terms-for-god-in-prayers-560147">Is God gender-neutral? Church of England to explore terms for God in prayers</a>

Meanwhile, Stoltenberg said that&nbsp;Putin launched his illegal war of aggression almost a year ago.&nbsp;“Since then, NATO allies have provided unprecedented support for Ukraine. Around $120bn in military, humanitarian and financial assistance.”

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkiye-earthquake-survivors-recall-horror-560099">Turkiye earthquake survivors recall horror</a>

In addition to the US' willingness for Sweden and Finland's NATO membership bid, Blinken noted that Washington has sent Ukraine nearly $30bn in military aid since the conflict began last February, which included humanitarian as well as economic aid.

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In a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the US' support for Ukraine as well as Sweden's and Finland's efforts to join the alliance.

In a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the US' support for Ukraine as well as Sweden's and Finland's efforts to join the alliance. But one of the hot topic of discussions was the political flare that developed between US and China after a Chinese "spy" balloon was sighted in the US skies last week. Blinken stated that the US will inform Congress as well as allies worldwide of its findings on the balloon that was shot down off the US's east coast over the weekend. He continued by saying that the US Navy was still working to retrieve the balloon fragments. Also Read | Twitter bird 'caged' in Turkey after anger swamped social media over Erdogan's quake response “Last week, Beijing violated international law and US sovereignty with the presence of a Chinese surveillance balloon in US airspace,” Blinken reportedly told media on Wednesday at a news conference with Stoltenberg. China, on the other hand, has been denying any surveillance saying it was a Chinese civil airship. Blinken added that US is analysing the debris of the balloon to understand more about the surveillance program. China presented “systemic and tactical challenges” to the NATO alliance, he added. Also Read | Is God gender-neutral? Church of England to explore terms for God in prayers Meanwhile, Stoltenberg said that Putin launched his illegal war of aggression almost a year ago. “Since then, NATO allies have provided unprecedented support for Ukraine. Around $120bn in military, humanitarian and financial assistance.” Watch | Turkiye earthquake survivors recall horror In addition to the US' willingness for Sweden and Finland's NATO membership bid, Blinken noted that Washington has sent Ukraine nearly $30bn in military aid since the conflict began last February, which included humanitarian as well as economic aid. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US to share findings on Chinese 'spy' balloon with Congress, allies: Blinken

Republicans in the US house of Representatives began a public hearing, the probe is over a laptop that belongs to Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden. Even before the proceedings began, the White House denounced the hearing as a bizarre political stunt.

US: Probe into Hunter Biden laptop saga, Republican led-house panel begins public hearing

Finance Ministers of France and Germany have kicked off high-stakes talks with U.S. officials to underscore Europe's concerns over U.S. President Joe Biden's ambitious climate action plan. The aim of the meeting is to discuss the impact of the inflation reduction act on European industry. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

EU ministers tackle green subsidies with US |  WION Climate Tracker

In his state of the Union address U.S. President Joe Biden calls the climate crisis an existential threat, noting that while the economy would still rely on oil and gas for the immediate future, he was proud America was addressing the challenge. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

US Prez Joe Biden on threats posed by climate change | WION Climate Tracker

Europe is facing a drug shortage of antibiotics like amoxicillin, which is used to treat respiratory infections. The signs of the crisis started to show in late 2022 with countries reporting problems in sourcing certain important drugs. What is the bloc doing to solve this health crisis? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Europe battling drug shortage

At the&nbsp;Austin International Airport, two passenger jets operated by Southwest Airlines and a FedEx cargo plane—came within 100 feet of colliding on Saturday (February 4).&nbsp;According to a CNN report quoting American government authorities, the FedEx cargo plane's pilot averted a tragedy.&nbsp;The FedEx Boeing 767 and a departing Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 were both given the all-clear by the air traffic controllers at Austin's international airport, allowing them to use the same runway.

The FedEx pilots became aware that they were flying too close to the Southwest passenger jet. The FedEx crew was the first to realise that they were using the same runway as the departing Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 plane, according to Jennifer Homendy, head of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who spoke with CNN.

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BREAKING: FedEx cargo plane narrowly misses crashing into Southwest Airlines plane taxiing on runway at Austin International Airport, Texas <a href="https://t.co/2KF0ifokRF">pic.twitter.com/2KF0ifokRF</a>
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The FedEx cargo plane's captain requested that the Southwest crew abort takeoff. According to CNN, the FedEx cargo plane climbed after aborting its own landing to avoid a collision. This was confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-new-york-mayor-eric-adams-to-end-covid-vaccine-mandate-for-city-workers-559569">US: New York Mayor Eric Adams to end Covid vaccine mandate for city workers</a>

The FedEx pilots became aware that they were flying too close to the Southwest passenger jet. The FedEx crew was the first to realise that they were using the same runway as the departing Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 plane, according to Jennifer Homendy, head of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who spoke with CNN.

The FedEx cargo plane's captain requested that the Southwest crew abort takeoff. According to CNN, the FedEx cargo plane climbed after aborting its own landing to avoid a collision. This was confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The NTSB chairperson commended the FedEx flight crew and its pilot, noting that they prevented a possible accident that might have injured 128 people. According to Homendy, there was less than 100 feet between the two planes.

When the FedEx plane was about 3.2 nautical miles from the runway 18 Left, the air traffic controllers gave the go-ahead for the takeoff of the Southwest Airlines passenger flight, Homendy said CNN. Additionally, they informed the FedEx flight crew that their aircraft could land on runway 18 Left when it was 2.19 nautical miles from the FedEx flight.

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At the Austin International Airport, two passenger jets operated by Southwest Airlines and a FedEx cargo plane—came within 100 feet of colliding on Saturday (February 4).

At the Austin International Airport, two passenger jets operated by Southwest Airlines and a FedEx cargo plane—came within 100 feet of colliding on Saturday (February 4). According to a CNN report quoting American government authorities, the FedEx cargo plane's pilot averted a tragedy. The FedEx Boeing 767 and a departing Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 were both given the all-clear by the air traffic controllers at Austin's international airport, allowing them to use the same runway. The FedEx pilots became aware that they were flying too close to the Southwest passenger jet. The FedEx crew was the first to realise that they were using the same runway as the departing Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 plane, according to Jennifer Homendy, head of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who spoke with CNN. BREAKING: FedEx cargo plane narrowly misses crashing into Southwest Airlines plane taxiing on runway at Austin International Airport, Texas pic.twitter.com/2KF0ifokRF — Intel Point Alert (@IntelPointAlert) February 5, 2023 × The FedEx cargo plane's captain requested that the Southwest crew abort takeoff. According to CNN, the FedEx cargo plane climbed after aborting its own landing to avoid a collision. This was confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Also read | US: New York Mayor Eric Adams to end Covid vaccine mandate for city workers The FedEx pilots became aware that they were flying too close to the Southwest passenger jet. The FedEx crew was the first to realise that they were using the same runway as the departing Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 plane, according to Jennifer Homendy, head of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who spoke with CNN. The FedEx cargo plane's captain requested that the Southwest crew abort takeoff. According to CNN, the FedEx cargo plane climbed after aborting its own landing to avoid a collision. This was confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration. The NTSB chairperson commended the FedEx flight crew and its pilot, noting that they prevented a possible accident that might have injured 128 people. According to Homendy, there was less than 100 feet between the two planes. When the FedEx plane was about 3.2 nautical miles from the runway 18 Left, the air traffic controllers gave the go-ahead for the takeoff of the Southwest Airlines passenger flight, Homendy said CNN. Additionally, they informed the FedEx flight crew that their aircraft could land on runway 18 Left when it was 2.19 nautical miles from the FedEx flight. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch | Two US planes evade collision last minute, averting major aviation disaster

A US drone manufacturing facility in Latvia that has built drones for the Ukrainian military and NATO partners caught fire on Tuesday, as per AFP news agency.&nbsp;

To extinguish the fire that broke out, at least twelve police vehicles, nine fire service engines, and five ambulances reached the site of the incident. The factory is run by a US company Edge Autonomy outside of the capital of Latvia.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-india-gave-musharraf-a-second-chance-but-his-sins-could-not-be-washed-away-ex-envoy-to-pakistan-559678">India gave Musharraf a second chance, but his sins could not be washed away: Ex-envoy to Pakistan&nbsp;</a>

The fire service while taking to Twitter said, "A high-risk fire has occurred in the production building, sparking a lot of smoke."&nbsp;

Watch | Syria: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syria-death-toll-rises-to-1600-after-devastating-earthquake-559719">Death toll rises to 1,600 after devastating earthquake</a>

According to the company's website, the California-based business manufactures long-range unmanned aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.&nbsp;

The cause of the blaze was not known and no victims were immediately reported.

(This is a developing story) 
&nbsp;

A US drone manufacturing facility in Latvia that has built drones for the Ukrainian military and NATO partners caught fire on Tuesday, as per AFP news agency. To extinguish the fire that broke out, at least twelve police vehicles, nine fire service engines, and five ambulances reached the site of the incident.

A US drone manufacturing facility in Latvia that has built drones for the Ukrainian military and NATO partners caught fire on Tuesday, as per AFP news agency. To extinguish the fire that broke out, at least twelve police vehicles, nine fire service engines, and five ambulances reached the site of the incident. The factory is run by a US company Edge Autonomy outside of the capital of Latvia. Also Read | India gave Musharraf a second chance, but his sins could not be washed away: Ex-envoy to Pakistan The fire service while taking to Twitter said, "A high-risk fire has occurred in the production building, sparking a lot of smoke." Watch | Syria: Death toll rises to 1,600 after devastating earthquake According to the company's website, the California-based business manufactures long-range unmanned aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The cause of the blaze was not known and no victims were immediately reported. (This is a developing story)

Latvia: Fire erupts at US drone factory that has built drones for Ukraine military, NATO allies

US State Department approved sale of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and related equipment for an estimated cost of $10 billion to Poland. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Tuesday, provided the required notification to Congress, which still needs to approve the transaction.&nbsp;

HIMARS launchers support long-range precision strikes against the target and is believed to be crucial in Ukraine's struggle against Moscow's invasion.&nbsp;These rockets enabled Ukraine in its defensive and offensive capabilities in the war against Russia.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latvia-fire-erupts-at-us-drone-factory-that-built-drones-for-ukraine-military-nato-allies-559752">Latvia: Fire erupts at US drone factory that built drones for Ukraine military, NATO allies</a>

The agency said that Poland has requested to buy the M142 HIMARS launchers along with other equipment including&nbsp;M57 Army Tactical Missile Systems and other Rocket Launch Systems.&nbsp;

US said that this proposed sale will "support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe."

In Pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-first-images-of-chinese-balloon-debris-pulled-from-atlantic-released-by-us-navy-559775">FIRST IMAGES of Chinese balloon debris pulled from Atlantic released by US Navy</a>

"The proposed sale will improve Poland’s military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies. Poland intends to use these defense articles and services to modernise its armed forces and expand its capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. Poland will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces," it added.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-putins-girlfriend-russian-media-a-weapon-of-war-559764">Putin's Girlfriend: Russian media a weapon of war</a>

US also clarified that the proposed sale of this equipment and support "will not alter the basic military balance in the region" and that "there will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale."&nbsp;

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US State Department approved sale of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and related equipment for an estimated cost of $10 billion to Poland.

US State Department approved sale of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and related equipment for an estimated cost of $10 billion to Poland. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Tuesday, provided the required notification to Congress, which still needs to approve the transaction. HIMARS launchers support long-range precision strikes against the target and is believed to be crucial in Ukraine's struggle against Moscow's invasion. These rockets enabled Ukraine in its defensive and offensive capabilities in the war against Russia. Also Read | Latvia: Fire erupts at US drone factory that built drones for Ukraine military, NATO allies The agency said that Poland has requested to buy the M142 HIMARS launchers along with other equipment including M57 Army Tactical Missile Systems and other Rocket Launch Systems. US said that this proposed sale will "support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe." In Pics | FIRST IMAGES of Chinese balloon debris pulled from Atlantic released by US Navy "The proposed sale will improve Poland’s military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies. Poland intends to use these defense articles and services to modernise its armed forces and expand its capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. Poland will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces," it added. Watch | Putin's Girlfriend: Russian media a weapon of war US also clarified that the proposed sale of this equipment and support "will not alter the basic military balance in the region" and that "there will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US approves $10 bn sale of HIMARS rocket launchers to Poland; the ones proved effective for Ukraine

Nintendo's first theme park outside of its native Japan is all set to open in California, U.S. This month. The super Nintendo world will be part of an amusement park Universal studios Hollywood traditionally home to rides based on film and tv franchises from Waterworld to Harry Potter.

First U.S. 'Super Mario' theme park

US President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union speech where he pitched for strong bipartisanship, telling the Republicans to work together, instead of “fighting for the sake of fighting”, and also called for police reform and continued support for Ukraine.

His speech aimed at reassuring a country beset by pessimism and fraught political divisions.&nbsp;Biden’s 73-minute speech drew strong applause from Democrats, while the Republicans heckled him over accusations of wanting to cut Social Security

Here are some of the key highlights of Biden’s speech:

On Russia and Putin: “Putin's invasion has been a test for the ages. A test for America. A test for the world. Would we stand for the most basic of principles? Would we stand for sovereignty? Would we stand for the right of people to live free from tyranny? Would we stand for the defence of democracy?"

Biden pitches ‘Made in America’: “US used to be number 1 in the world in infrastructure, but then it fell to number 13th. Now we're coming back because we came together to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the largest investment in infrastructure since President Eisenhower's Interstate Highway System”.

US support for Ukraine: "Together, we did what America always does at our best," Biden said. "We led. We united NATO. We built a global coalition. We stood against Putin’s aggression. We stood with the Ukrainian people. Tonight, we are once again joined by Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States. She represents not just her nation, but the courage of her people."

On China: "I'm committed to work with China where it can advance American interests and benefit the world. But make no mistake about it -- as we made clear last week, if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did," he said to applause.

On police reforms and Tyre Nichols death: &nbsp;"We can't turn away. Let's come together and finish the job on police reform. When police officers or police departments violate the public trust, they must be held accountable. Just as every cop, when they pin on that badge in the morning, has a right to be able to go home at night, so does everybody else out there. Our children have a right to come home safely.”

Vows to veto abortion ban:&nbsp;"Make no mistake about it; if Congress passes a national abortion ban, I will veto it,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said to loud applause from fellow Democrats during his State of the Union speech, as he vowed to do everything in his administration's power to "protect access to reproductive health care" and safeguard patient safety.

On the debt ceiling:&nbsp; Joe Biden accused Republicans of taking US economy 'hostage' over debt ceiling “No billionaire should pay a lower tax rate than a school teacher or a firefighter. We’re still going to need oil and gas for a while. Let’s face reality. The climate crisis doesn’t care if you’re in a red or blue state. It is an existential threat&nbsp;and we have an obligation to our children and grandchildren to confront it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union speech where he pitched for strong bipartisanship, telling the Republicans to work together, instead of “fighting for the sake of fighting”, and also called for police reform and continued support for Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union speech where he pitched for strong bipartisanship, telling the Republicans to work together, instead of “fighting for the sake of fighting”, and also called for police reform and continued support for Ukraine. His speech aimed at reassuring a country beset by pessimism and fraught political divisions. Biden’s 73-minute speech drew strong applause from Democrats, while the Republicans heckled him over accusations of wanting to cut Social Security Here are some of the key highlights of Biden’s speech: On Russia and Putin: “Putin's invasion has been a test for the ages. A test for America. A test for the world. Would we stand for the most basic of principles? Would we stand for sovereignty? Would we stand for the right of people to live free from tyranny? Would we stand for the defence of democracy?" Biden pitches ‘Made in America’: “US used to be number 1 in the world in infrastructure, but then it fell to number 13th. Now we're coming back because we came together to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the largest investment in infrastructure since President Eisenhower's Interstate Highway System”. US support for Ukraine: "Together, we did what America always does at our best," Biden said. "We led. We united NATO. We built a global coalition. We stood against Putin’s aggression. We stood with the Ukrainian people. Tonight, we are once again joined by Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States. She represents not just her nation, but the courage of her people." On China: "I'm committed to work with China where it can advance American interests and benefit the world. But make no mistake about it -- as we made clear last week, if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did," he said to applause. On police reforms and Tyre Nichols death: "We can't turn away. Let's come together and finish the job on police reform. When police officers or police departments violate the public trust, they must be held accountable. Just as every cop, when they pin on that badge in the morning, has a right to be able to go home at night, so does everybody else out there. Our children have a right to come home safely.” Vows to veto abortion ban: "Make no mistake about it; if Congress passes a national abortion ban, I will veto it," Biden said to loud applause from fellow Democrats during his State of the Union speech, as he vowed to do everything in his administration's power to "protect access to reproductive health care" and safeguard patient safety. On the debt ceiling: Joe Biden accused Republicans of taking US economy 'hostage' over debt ceiling “No billionaire should pay a lower tax rate than a school teacher or a firefighter. We’re still going to need oil and gas for a while. Let’s face reality. The climate crisis doesn’t care if you’re in a red or blue state. It is an existential threat and we have an obligation to our children and grandchildren to confront it. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Key takeaways of US President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech

The US state department has approved the potential sale of long-range missiles, launchers and rockets to Poland. According to Pentagon, the deal is valued at ten billion dollars.

U.S. approves $10 bn sale of Himars

US President Joe Biden addressed Congress and the American people in his second state of the Union address. With a tine of optimism he tried to tout a growing economy.

US President Joe Biden's second state of the Union address, says 'Democracy unbowed & unbroken'

When the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021, the US and Europe blocked more than nine billion dollars in Afghan Central Bank reserves, but now reports suggest that millions of dollars are being smuggled into Afghanistan from Pakistan.

Pakistan's pain is Taliban's gain? Taliban smuggles dollars through Pakistan

Every now and then, people are in awe of nature's beauty and wish to capture it on camera. The moon is the most exquisite subject to photograph, despite how challenging it is to capture the details&nbsp;of it. Surprisingly,&nbsp;what appears as a strange white blob in photographs may now be accurately reproduced on a mobile phone camera, If you own a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Marques Brownlee, an American YouTuber who talks about&nbsp;technology on his channel,&nbsp;posted a sample of it&nbsp;on Twitter. The moon shot he captured at a x100 was so flawless that even Elon Musk couldn't resist from dropping a 'wow' on his tweet.

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I don’t know who needs to take a 100x photo of the moon, but clearly the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the phone for you <a href="https://t.co/IIe33Vr6rI">pic.twitter.com/IIe33Vr6rI</a>
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) <a href="https://twitter.com/MKBHD/status/1622780208234233856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Users on social media were astounded by how realistic the photograph ended up looking.&nbsp;

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I don’t know who needs to take a 100x photo of the moon, but clearly the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the phone for you <a href="https://t.co/IIe33Vr6rI">pic.twitter.com/IIe33Vr6rI</a>
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) <a href="https://twitter.com/MKBHD/status/1622780208234233856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Another user wrote, “If it’s not doing that thing where it swaps out the moon with a stock photo of the moon then that’s goddamn impressive lol.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/princeton-student-develops-an-app-which-can-detect-chatgpt-contribution-in-your-writing-559582">Princeton student develops an app which can detect ChatGPT contribution in your 'writing'</a>

A few users shared clicks&nbsp;of their own. One user tweeted a photo of the moon captured during the eclipse. The very focused&nbsp;click showed barely a quarter of the moon visible clearly. They wrote, “I did that with my S21 Ultra last year during an eclipse.”

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I did that with my S21 Ultra last year during an eclipse. <a href="https://t.co/qQndmJ8IDb">pic.twitter.com/qQndmJ8IDb</a>
— Stuart Duncan (@autismfather) <a href="https://twitter.com/autismfather/status/1622816421699899393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Marques Brownlee's technology-focused YouTube channel MKBHD gained popularity on social media. Brownlee gives reviews of every device imaginable, from drones to smartphones. He was included on Forbes' Under 30 list in 2021. Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk are just a few of the tech luminaries he has spoken with. According to Forbes, Musk personally chose Brownlee's film as the winner of a national competition to advertise his business Tesla's new Model S electric car.

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Every now and then, people are in awe of nature's beauty and wish to capture it on camera. The moon is the most exquisite subject to photograph, despite how challenging it is to capture the details of it.

Every now and then, people are in awe of nature's beauty and wish to capture it on camera. The moon is the most exquisite subject to photograph, despite how challenging it is to capture the details of it. Surprisingly, what appears as a strange white blob in photographs may now be accurately reproduced on a mobile phone camera, If you own a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Marques Brownlee, an American YouTuber who talks about technology on his channel, posted a sample of it on Twitter. The moon shot he captured at a x100 was so flawless that even Elon Musk couldn't resist from dropping a 'wow' on his tweet. I don’t know who needs to take a 100x photo of the moon, but clearly the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the phone for you pic.twitter.com/IIe33Vr6rI — Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) February 7, 2023 × Users on social media were astounded by how realistic the photograph ended up looking. I don’t know who needs to take a 100x photo of the moon, but clearly the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the phone for you pic.twitter.com/IIe33Vr6rI — Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) February 7, 2023 × Another user wrote, “If it’s not doing that thing where it swaps out the moon with a stock photo of the moon then that’s goddamn impressive lol.” Also read | Princeton student develops an app which can detect ChatGPT contribution in your 'writing' A few users shared clicks of their own. One user tweeted a photo of the moon captured during the eclipse. The very focused click showed barely a quarter of the moon visible clearly. They wrote, “I did that with my S21 Ultra last year during an eclipse.” I did that with my S21 Ultra last year during an eclipse. pic.twitter.com/qQndmJ8IDb — Stuart Duncan (@autismfather) February 7, 2023 × Marques Brownlee's technology-focused YouTube channel MKBHD gained popularity on social media. Brownlee gives reviews of every device imaginable, from drones to smartphones. He was included on Forbes' Under 30 list in 2021. Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk are just a few of the tech luminaries he has spoken with. According to Forbes, Musk personally chose Brownlee's film as the winner of a national competition to advertise his business Tesla's new Model S electric car. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch | Elon Musk praises Youtuber's flawless picture of the Moon captured using mobile phone

In Pics | FIRST IMAGES of Chinese balloon debris pulled from Atlantic released by US Navy

Apsara Iyer, a second year student at Harvard Law School, has been elected president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, becoming the first Indian-American to hold the role at the esteemed journal in its 136-year history.&nbsp;Iyer said in The Crimson report that as Law Review president, she aims to “include more editors in the process of reviewing and selecting articles and upholding the publication’s reputation for “high-quality” work.”

"I think that right now I’m just focused on making sure we keep the lights on and everything going,” she added.&nbsp;

Late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and former US president Barack Obama are two of Iyer's notable predecessors who held the position.&nbsp;

Iyer’s immediate predecessor Priscila Coronado said the publication is “extremely lucky” to have Iyer at the forefront.&nbsp;

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Apsara Iyer ’24 was elected the 137th president of the Harvard Law Review. Prior to attending HLS, she worked at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit where she investigated art crimes <a href="https://t.co/4xFzUSvlRr">https://t.co/4xFzUSvlRr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HarvLRev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HarvLRev</a>
— Harvard Law School (@Harvard_Law) <a href="https://twitter.com/Harvard_Law/status/1622264234221486080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"Apsara has changed the lives of many editors for the better, and I know she will continue to do so," Coronado, who spoke to PTI, said.&nbsp;"From the start, she has impressed her fellow editors with her remarkable intelligence, thoughtfulness, warmth, and fierce advocacy."

The Crimson said that Iyer's goal to understand the "value of cultural heritage" prompted her to join the Manhattan District Attorney's Antiquities Trafficking Unit, which investigates cases involving antiquities and art pieces that have been stolen.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-natasha-perianayagam-named-worlds-brightest-student-by-johns-hopkins-for-2nd-time-in-a-row-559554">&nbsp;Indian-origin Natasha Perianayagam named ‘world’s brightest’ student by Johns Hopkins for 2nd time in a row</a>

Iyer entered the Harvard Law Review, according to the report, after competing in a procedure known as "write-on," in which students at the law school "rigorously fact-check a document and provide commentary on a recent State or Supreme Court Case."

Iyer was formerly involved with&nbsp;the Harvard Human Rights Journal and the National Security Journal at the Law School.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Apsara Iyer, a second year student at Harvard Law School, has been elected president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, becoming the first Indian-American to hold the role at the esteemed journal in its 136-year history.

Apsara Iyer, a second year student at Harvard Law School, has been elected president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, becoming the first Indian-American to hold the role at the esteemed journal in its 136-year history. Iyer said in The Crimson report that as Law Review president, she aims to “include more editors in the process of reviewing and selecting articles and upholding the publication’s reputation for “high-quality” work.” "I think that right now I’m just focused on making sure we keep the lights on and everything going,” she added. Late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and former US president Barack Obama are two of Iyer's notable predecessors who held the position. Iyer’s immediate predecessor Priscila Coronado said the publication is “extremely lucky” to have Iyer at the forefront. Apsara Iyer ’24 was elected the 137th president of the Harvard Law Review. Prior to attending HLS, she worked at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit where she investigated art crimes https://t.co/4xFzUSvlRr @HarvLRev — Harvard Law School (@Harvard_Law) February 5, 2023 × "Apsara has changed the lives of many editors for the better, and I know she will continue to do so," Coronado, who spoke to PTI, said. "From the start, she has impressed her fellow editors with her remarkable intelligence, thoughtfulness, warmth, and fierce advocacy." The Crimson said that Iyer's goal to understand the "value of cultural heritage" prompted her to join the Manhattan District Attorney's Antiquities Trafficking Unit, which investigates cases involving antiquities and art pieces that have been stolen. Also read | Indian-origin Natasha Perianayagam named ‘world’s brightest’ student by Johns Hopkins for 2nd time in a row Iyer entered the Harvard Law Review, according to the report, after competing in a procedure known as "write-on," in which students at the law school "rigorously fact-check a document and provide commentary on a recent State or Supreme Court Case." Iyer was formerly involved with the Harvard Human Rights Journal and the National Security Journal at the Law School. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

In a first, Indian-American Apsara Iyer to lead Harvard Law Review

The US military has intensified its efforts to collect the remnants of the high-altitude surveillance balloon from China that floated over the United States over several days last week from Montana to South Carolina.

U.S. intensifies search for 'spy' balloon debris

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