US doesn't allow gay men to donate blood. Exceptions are made for those who abstain from sexual activities for 3 months. Senators want this restriction lifted. Palki Sharma tells you which other countries have similar restrictions.

Gravitas: US senators want FDA to allow gay people to donate blood

Joe Biden marked one year in the White House amid rising Covid-19 deaths and a potential war with Russia. Despite big promises, Biden's presidency has been a story of missed opportunities. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: One year of Biden: No better than Trump

Weapons dumped by the US in Afghanistan are being used by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Kashmir. How is India planning to counter this new terror arsenal? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: American weapons with terrorists in Kashmir

5G has led to a major disruption in aviation. Several flights to America were cancelled - after airlines warned of a "catastrophic disruption" due to the 5G rollout. Is 5G dangerous for airplanes? Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas: Why pilots flying to America are afraid of 5G?

Nature has several tricks up its sleeves. It can surprise you any moment. Well, one such occasion came recently when dozens of bizarre sand sculptures were witnessed near Lake Michigan in the United States. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Well, what’s special is that these 'sand hoodoos', which dotted the shoreline, were formed due to a combination of strong wind, frozen moisture in sand and erosion. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The name 'sand hoodoos' comes from the naturally formed, thin rock spires, normally found in canyons. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/plan-to-dim-sun-rays-gets-thumbs-down-from-experts-here-is-why-445348" hreflang="en">Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why</a>

These sculptures were up to 15 inches tall. They came up in the area, which is about 82 miles from Grand Rapids. &nbsp;

The life of sand hoodoos is short-lived as they collapse within hours when the weather warms throughout the day. &nbsp;

The visitors of the Lake Michigan beach near St Joseph, Michigan were in for a treat on witnessing the rare sight.

"It was like a different planet. I've never seen anything like them and I spend a lot of time there,” Terri Abbott told Fox Weather. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-researchers-inch-closer-to-kick-and-kill-hidden-hiv-infected-cells-but-how-does-it-work-445154" hreflang="en">US researchers inch closer to 'Kick and Kill’ hidden HIV-infected cells, but how does it work?</a>

Abbott had witnessed them in Tescornia Park in the southwestern Michigan city. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I imagine what happened is that the sand is frozen. Then we had a big storm roll through a couple weeks ago with strong winds. The wind blew along the beach and blasted out the areas that were a little less frozen," said Alan Arbogast, Geology Chairman, Michigan State University. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Nature has several tricks up its sleeves. It can surprise you any moment. Well, one such occasion came recently when dozens of bizarre sand sculptures were witnessed near Lake Michigan in the United States.

Nature has several tricks up its sleeves. It can surprise you any moment. Well, one such occasion came recently when dozens of bizarre sand sculptures were witnessed near Lake Michigan in the United States. Well, what’s special is that these 'sand hoodoos', which dotted the shoreline, were formed due to a combination of strong wind, frozen moisture in sand and erosion. The name 'sand hoodoos' comes from the naturally formed, thin rock spires, normally found in canyons. Also Read: Plan to ‘dim sun rays’ gets thumbs down from experts. Here is why These sculptures were up to 15 inches tall. They came up in the area, which is about 82 miles from Grand Rapids. The life of sand hoodoos is short-lived as they collapse within hours when the weather warms throughout the day. The visitors of the Lake Michigan beach near St Joseph, Michigan were in for a treat on witnessing the rare sight. "It was like a different planet. I've never seen anything like them and I spend a lot of time there,” Terri Abbott told Fox Weather. Also Read: US researchers inch closer to 'Kick and Kill’ hidden HIV-infected cells, but how does it work? Abbott had witnessed them in Tescornia Park in the southwestern Michigan city. "I imagine what happened is that the sand is frozen. Then we had a big storm roll through a couple weeks ago with strong winds. The wind blew along the beach and blasted out the areas that were a little less frozen," said Alan Arbogast, Geology Chairman, Michigan State University. (With inputs from agencies)

Mysterious sand sculptures appear near US lake. Find out how?

Germany has declined to join allies such as the US and UK in shipping weapons to Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says weapons exports to Ukraine aren't a good idea right now.

Germany refuses to supply weapons to Ukraine

The much-awaited meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is underway in Geneva over Ukraine border crisis.

Lavrov and Blinken meet underway in Geneva, leaders discuss Ukraine border crisis

US Secy of State Antony Blinken and the Russian FM Sergei Lavrov have landed in Geneva. The two leaders will meet today in a bid to defuse tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

US Secy of State Blinken, Russian FM Lavrov to hold talks to defuse tensions between Russia, Ukraine

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to choose the "peaceful path" on Ukraine as he visited Kyiv on Wednesday.

US State Secy Antony Blinken in Ukraine, calls on Putin to choose 'peaceful path'

New Mexico has asked National Guard members and state employees to volunteer as substitute teachers. This is being done to keep schools and daycare centres open amid a surge in Covid cases.&nbsp;

According to a report by Reuters, nearly 60 schools in New Mexico have switched to remote learning since the winter break. Also, 75 child daycare centres have partially or completely closed as most of the staff members tested positive for Covid.&nbsp;

According to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, guard members who help in teaching will get their usual pay. Also, they will be considered on administrative leave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-deploys-military-medical-teams-to-hospitals-in-six-states-444522">Also read |&nbsp;Biden deploys military medical teams to hospitals in six states</a>

New Mexico Public Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus, in a statement, said, "We've heard from multiple districts that a lack of substitute teachers is among the most critical staffing issues right now."

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden announced that the federal government will send military medical teams to six states — New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, Michigan, and New Mexico—to assist hospitals swamped by COVID-19.

The deployments were disclosed by Biden while describing new efforts the administration is making to combat an outbreak of diseases caused by the omicron variety.&nbsp;

Since Thanksgiving, the US has deployed around 800 military and emergency workers, according to Biden.

(With inputs from agencies)

New Mexico has asked National Guard members and state employees to volunteer as substitute teachers. This is being done to keep schools and daycare centres open amid a surge in Covid cases.

New Mexico has asked National Guard members and state employees to volunteer as substitute teachers. This is being done to keep schools and daycare centres open amid a surge in Covid cases. According to a report by Reuters, nearly 60 schools in New Mexico have switched to remote learning since the winter break. Also, 75 child daycare centres have partially or completely closed as most of the staff members tested positive for Covid. According to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, guard members who help in teaching will get their usual pay. Also, they will be considered on administrative leave. Also read | Biden deploys military medical teams to hospitals in six states New Mexico Public Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus, in a statement, said, "We've heard from multiple districts that a lack of substitute teachers is among the most critical staffing issues right now." Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden announced that the federal government will send military medical teams to six states — New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, Michigan, and New Mexico—to assist hospitals swamped by COVID-19. The deployments were disclosed by Biden while describing new efforts the administration is making to combat an outbreak of diseases caused by the omicron variety. Since Thanksgiving, the US has deployed around 800 military and emergency workers, according to Biden. (With inputs from agencies)

New Mexico: National guard members asked to volunteer as substitute teachers

The United States appears to be emerging from its latest Covid-19 wave driven by the Omicron variant.

A steep rise in Covid-19 cases ends with a hint of downtick in US

Major international airlines have resumed normal service to the United States after a slew of cancellations on Wednesday over fears of the 5G rollout.

Major international airlines restore flight to US after 5G confusion

American president Joe Biden has held a formal press briefing marking his very first year in office. Speaking of the country's fight against covid-19, president Biden said that the United States is now in a better place to fight the virus than it was when he had become president exactly a year ago but Biden has also admitted that more could have of course been done earlier to try and boost the covid-19 testing when the omicron variant emerged.

One year of presidency, US President Joe Biden hails his response to Covid pandemic

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Berlin for crisis talks on Ukraine. During a major speech he said that the US and its allies are seeking a diplomatic path to de-escalate tensions caused by Russia across Ukraine border.

Seeking diplomatic path to de-escalate tensions caused by Russia across Ukraine border, says Blinken

The terror groups in the Kashmir valley have got hold of arms and ammunition left by the US army in Afghanistan. In a recent video released by a terror organisation, American made rifles and pistols can be seen being used by the terrorists.&nbsp;

Six foreign terrorists were recently killed in Jammu and Kashmir by security forces in different operations, all of them were carrying US-made M4 carbine rifles.&nbsp;

In a video released by a terror group named People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), several terrorists can be seen using M249 automatic rifles 509 tactical guns, M1911 pistols and M4 carbine rifles. All these weapons are being used by the American army as well.&nbsp;

It is believed that the leftover arms and ammunition are being sold openly by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The terror groups from Pakistan are buying these weapons and ammunition from the Taliban and sending them across the border to Kashmir Valley.&nbsp; 
Some of the ammunitions like M4 carbine rifles have been recovered by forces in recent operations.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-willow-bats-have-now-entered-international-markets-446240">Also read |&nbsp;Kashmir Willow bats have now entered international markets</a>

The Defence analyst in India had always predicted that the arms and ammunition will fall into the hands of terror groups operating from Pakistan. According to security forces, there are around 85 foreign terrorists in the Kashmir valley. These foreign terrorists have been carrying American assault rifles.&nbsp;

The security forces also believe that these rifles, pistols, grenades etc are being sent from across the border with the help of drones.&nbsp;

Many such instances were foiled by the security forces on the border.&nbsp;

The sophisticated weaponry is a new and big challenge for the security forces in the Kashmir Valley. And in response to this, Jammu and Kashmir police will be the first police force in the country to get US-made Sig Sauer 716 Rifles and Sig Sauer MPX 9MM pistols.&nbsp;

The terror groups in the Kashmir valley have got hold of arms and ammunition left by the US army in Afghanistan. In a recent video released by a terror organisation, American made rifles and pistols can be seen being used by the terrorists.

The terror groups in the Kashmir valley have got hold of arms and ammunition left by the US army in Afghanistan. In a recent video released by a terror organisation, American made rifles and pistols can be seen being used by the terrorists. Six foreign terrorists were recently killed in Jammu and Kashmir by security forces in different operations, all of them were carrying US-made M4 carbine rifles. In a video released by a terror group named People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), several terrorists can be seen using M249 automatic rifles 509 tactical guns, M1911 pistols and M4 carbine rifles. All these weapons are being used by the American army as well. It is believed that the leftover arms and ammunition are being sold openly by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The terror groups from Pakistan are buying these weapons and ammunition from the Taliban and sending them across the border to Kashmir Valley. Some of the ammunitions like M4 carbine rifles have been recovered by forces in recent operations. Also read | Kashmir Willow bats have now entered international markets The Defence analyst in India had always predicted that the arms and ammunition will fall into the hands of terror groups operating from Pakistan. According to security forces, there are around 85 foreign terrorists in the Kashmir valley. These foreign terrorists have been carrying American assault rifles. The security forces also believe that these rifles, pistols, grenades etc are being sent from across the border with the help of drones. Many such instances were foiled by the security forces on the border. The sophisticated weaponry is a new and big challenge for the security forces in the Kashmir Valley. And in response to this, Jammu and Kashmir police will be the first police force in the country to get US-made Sig Sauer 716 Rifles and Sig Sauer MPX 9MM pistols.

US army weapon left in Afghanistan makes its way to Kashmir; Terror group releases video

Russia is stepping up its deployments around Ukraine. Moscow has now moved troops to Belarus. The US says Russian troops could now be deployed permanently and with nuclear weapons. Will the West go to war with Russia over Ukraine? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine on target of Russian Nukes?

Two leaders eager to impress their people back home. An alliance eager to become relevant again after years of inactivity. Will political games push Ukraine over the brink? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: America or Russia: Who wants war?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held crisis talks on Ukraine with European allies in Berlin ahead of talks with Russia aimed at preventing war.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds talks with EU allies in Berlin over Ukraine

US President Joe Biden predicted on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a military move into Ukraine and warned President Vladimir Putin that his country would pay a dearly price for a full-blown invasion.

US President Joe Biden predicts Russia would make a move on Ukraine

The rabbi of a Texas synagogue who was taken hostage on Saturday has described how he threw a chair at the gunman in order to escape. WION's Jodie Cohn spoke with retired NYPD detective Mordecai Dzi-Kansky for more insights.

Texas is an unbeliavable example of dodging a shooter, says retired NYPD detective Kansky

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses joint presser with Ukraine Foreign Minister as he visited Kyiv to show support before crunch talks with Russia later this week.

Committed to protect Ukraine's sovereignty, says Antony Blinken

Major international airlines rushed to rejig or cancel flights to the US ahead of a 5G wireless rollout on Wednesday that has triggered safety concerns.

Major airlines scramble to rejig schedules amid US 5G rollout

Russia is thinning out its embassy in Ukraine. UK has sent arms to Ukraine; Canada has sent special forces. Russia is conducting military drills. US is sending Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Kyiv. Is a war inevitable? Listen in to Palki Sharma

Gravitas: Blinken to travel to Ukraine, as Russia conducts military drills

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. The masks will be made available next week.

Tens of thousands of distribution points will be set up nationwide in order to give away masks. Pharmacies and community centres are expected to be main distribution centres. The White House said that the distribution drive will kick into full gear in February.

"This is the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in US history," an unnamed White House official said in a statement.

The US is currently facing a surge of Covid cases due to Omicron variant of coronavirus. Other than the initiative to distribute masks, the White House is also focussing on expanding Covid-19 testing.

On Tuesday it launched a website where each American household can order free tests, to be performed at home.

The government aims to distribute one billion rapid tests in the United States, the country whose Covid-19 death toll of 853,000 is the world's highest.

US also has a problem of anti-vaxxers, those who have raised questions about side effects of Covid vaccines. More often, these doubts have been based on unscientific into propagated by individuals online. There is a strong public opinion in the US that vaccination must not be compulsory.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Joe Biden's administration said on Wednesday that it will be distributing 400 million high quality Covid N95 masks for free to Americans . The step will be taken in order to rein in the coronavirus pandemic. The masks will be made available next week. Tens of thousands of distribution points will be set up nationwide in order to give away masks. Pharmacies and community centres are expected to be main distribution centres. The White House said that the distribution drive will kick into full gear in February. "This is the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in US history," an unnamed White House official said in a statement. The US is currently facing a surge of Covid cases due to Omicron variant of coronavirus. Other than the initiative to distribute masks, the White House is also focussing on expanding Covid-19 testing. On Tuesday it launched a website where each American household can order free tests, to be performed at home. The government aims to distribute one billion rapid tests in the United States, the country whose Covid-19 death toll of 853,000 is the world's highest. US also has a problem of anti-vaxxers, those who have raised questions about side effects of Covid vaccines. More often, these doubts have been based on unscientific into propagated by individuals online. There is a strong public opinion in the US that vaccination must not be compulsory. (With inputs from agencies)

US government to distribute 400 million Covid N95 masks for free

As omicron variant drives a surge in covid-19 infections across the United States, the country is also reporting another worrying trend. As per the center for disease control and prevention also known as the CDC, pediatric hospitalizations related to COVID-19 are at their highest level since the beginning of the pandemic.

US sees highest rate of pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations

A major winter storm has brought heavy snow and ice to parts of the United States and Canada. More than 230,000 people are left without power supply in the US and 4,200 flights have been cancelled.

Snowstorm drops a wallop of snow in US and Canada, thousands left without power

A "catastrophic" aviation crisis may unfold in less than 36 hours due to the deployment of new 5G service, warned the chief executives of major US passenger and cargo carriers on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This comes at a time when AT&amp;T and Verizon look to begin the new service. &nbsp;

The new C-Band 5G service, which is set to begin on Wednesday, could render a large number of widebody aircraft unusable, "could potentially strand tens of thousands of Americans overseas" and lead to "chaos" for US flights, warned the airlines. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uk-condemn-yemeni-drone-attack-on-abu-dhabi-that-killed-3-including-indians-445573" hreflang="en">US and UK condemn Yemeni drone attack on Abu Dhabi that killed 3, including Indians</a>

In a letter, the chief executives of Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines&nbsp;and others, wrote, "Unless our major hubs are cleared to fly, the vast majority of the travelling and shipping public will essentially be grounded." &nbsp;

The potential interference could affect sensitive airplane instruments, such as altimeters and hamper low-visibility operations, warned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). &nbsp;

"This means that on a day like yesterday, more than 1,100 flights and 100,000 passengers would be subjected to cancellations, diversions or delays," the letter cautioned. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-california-city-is-overrun-by-crows-could-a-laser-be-the-answer-445531" hreflang="en">A California city is overrun by crows. Could a laser be the answer?</a>

The airlines are also looking to begin canceling some international flights, which are scheduled to arrive in the US on Wednesday. &nbsp;

In the letter, the airlines added that action is urgently needed. It has also been signed by Alaska Air, Atlas Air, JetBlue Airways, UPS Airlines and FedEx Express. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The letter has been sent to White House National Economic Council director Brian Deese, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A "catastrophic" aviation crisis may unfold in less than 36 hours due to the deployment of new 5G service, warned the chief executives of major US passenger and cargo carriers on Monday.

A "catastrophic" aviation crisis may unfold in less than 36 hours due to the deployment of new 5G service, warned the chief executives of major US passenger and cargo carriers on Monday. This comes at a time when AT&T and Verizon look to begin the new service. The new C-Band 5G service, which is set to begin on Wednesday, could render a large number of widebody aircraft unusable, "could potentially strand tens of thousands of Americans overseas" and lead to "chaos" for US flights, warned the airlines. Also Read: US and UK condemn Yemeni drone attack on Abu Dhabi that killed 3, including Indians In a letter, the chief executives of Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and others, wrote, "Unless our major hubs are cleared to fly, the vast majority of the travelling and shipping public will essentially be grounded." The potential interference could affect sensitive airplane instruments, such as altimeters and hamper low-visibility operations, warned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). "This means that on a day like yesterday, more than 1,100 flights and 100,000 passengers would be subjected to cancellations, diversions or delays," the letter cautioned. Also Read: A California city is overrun by crows. Could a laser be the answer? The airlines are also looking to begin canceling some international flights, which are scheduled to arrive in the US on Wednesday. In the letter, the airlines added that action is urgently needed. It has also been signed by Alaska Air, Atlas Air, JetBlue Airways, UPS Airlines and FedEx Express. The letter has been sent to White House National Economic Council director Brian Deese, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. (With inputs from agencies)

New 5G service may trigger 'catastrophic’ aviation crisis, warn major US airline CEOs

Major US airline leaders have warned of a “catastrophic” disruption from the rollout of a brand new 5G service near airports.

Major US airlines warn of a 'calamity' against 5G rollout near airports

The Omicron surge continues to pummel health care systems across the United States. However, many rural American countries have recorded a sharp spike in infections in the past week.

Rural countries report higher rates of COVID-19 infections in America

The last few days have witnessed high-stakes diplomatic meeting to resolve escalating tensions over Ukraine but it has put Russia US and its European allies in uncharted postcode-war territory.

US, Russia harden stance over Ukraine crisis

Britain government has promised full support to US investigators after it emerged that the man behind a hostage taking at a Texas synagogue was a British citizen.

Britain vows US full support over Texas synagogue attack

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