Mount Everest is reopening next month and hundreds of climbers are set to return to the highest peak in the world but under strict conditions. In the peak climbing season that begins in April, more than 300 foreign climbers are likely to attempt to climb Mount Everest, said tourism department official Mira Acharya.&nbsp;

Nepal had closed the mountain in 2020 as part of measures to stem the spread of coronavirus.

381 climbers had attempted to climb Mout Everest in 2019.

"This is ... despite the one-week quarantine requirement and certificate showing the climber had tested negative for the virus," said Acharya.

Eight of the world's 14 highest mountains including Everest are wholly or partly in Nepal, and hundreds of foreign climbers contribute millions of dollars in income annually to the cash-strapped nation.

The country began its vaccination campaign with AstraZeneca shots gifted by India in January. Infections are decreasing with 104 new cases reported on Wednesday, a fraction of the 5,743 cases at its peak in October.

Expedition organisers say the Chinese side of Everest, which was shut to foreign climbers last year, will stay closed this season as well, likely meaning more climbers on the Nepal side.

Garrett Madison of U.S.-based Madison Mountaineering said he was heading a "big team" of climbers to Everest in the April-May climbing season.

"We are not afraid of COVID, but will take precautions," Madison told Reuters.

Not all mountaineering companies are returning.

It is "not a responsible time" to run expeditions given Nepal's weak healthcare system, said Adrian Ballinger of Alpenglow Expeditions.

(With AFP inputs)

Mount Everest is reopening next month and hundreds of climbers are set to return to the highest peak in the world but under strict conditions. In the peak climbing season that begins in April, more than 300 foreign climbers are likely to attempt to climb Mount Everest, said tourism department official Mira Acharya.

Mount Everest is reopening next month and hundreds of climbers are set to return to the highest peak in the world but under strict conditions. In the peak climbing season that begins in April, more than 300 foreign climbers are likely to attempt to climb Mount Everest, said tourism department official Mira Acharya. Nepal had closed the mountain in 2020 as part of measures to stem the spread of coronavirus. 381 climbers had attempted to climb Mout Everest in 2019. "This is ... despite the one-week quarantine requirement and certificate showing the climber had tested negative for the virus," said Acharya. Eight of the world's 14 highest mountains including Everest are wholly or partly in Nepal, and hundreds of foreign climbers contribute millions of dollars in income annually to the cash-strapped nation. The country began its vaccination campaign with AstraZeneca shots gifted by India in January. Infections are decreasing with 104 new cases reported on Wednesday, a fraction of the 5,743 cases at its peak in October. Expedition organisers say the Chinese side of Everest, which was shut to foreign climbers last year, will stay closed this season as well, likely meaning more climbers on the Nepal side. Garrett Madison of U.S.-based Madison Mountaineering said he was heading a "big team" of climbers to Everest in the April-May climbing season. "We are not afraid of COVID, but will take precautions," Madison told Reuters. Not all mountaineering companies are returning. It is "not a responsible time" to run expeditions given Nepal's weak healthcare system, said Adrian Ballinger of Alpenglow Expeditions. (With AFP inputs)

Mount Everest to reopen from next month

Twilight zone in oceans is the part at the depth of 200 to 1000 metres. These depths are given such a name because water at these depths receive less sunlight. A study by Cardiff University has revealed that global warming is adversely affecting life in the twilight zone of oceans.

As one goes deeper in ocean, organisms obtain nutrition via different modes. One of them is the 'marine snow'. Marine snow is simply food and nutrient particles sinking deeper in water after they fall into it from air.

In a study conducted by Cardiff University, researchers found out that marine snow was important in evolution of marine life in the twilight zone.&nbsp;

During the study, researchers found that during the course of evolution, organisms moved from surface to deeper part of the ocean. This was later found to be due to marine snow gradually sinking to deeper parts of the oceans.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-planet-lost-its-atmosphere-and-regrew-it-369908">This planet lost its atmosphere and 'regrew' it</a> 
 
The researchers said that temperature of the water was a key factor in this process. Cooler water in the depths preserves the marine snow for long time and thus helps deliver food into the deep ocean.

Global warming may possible prove to be hindrance to this cycle. As temperatures rise, delivery of nutrients and food webs in the twilight zone may get affected.

The marine life in these zones and in the seas at large are essential to maintain health of the planet.

Twilight zone in oceans is the part at the depth of 200 to 1000 metres. These depths are given such a name because water at these depths receive less sunlight. A study by Cardiff University has revealed that global warming is adversely affecting life in the twilight zone of oceans.

Twilight zone in oceans is the part at the depth of 200 to 1000 metres. These depths are given such a name because water at these depths receive less sunlight. A study by Cardiff University has revealed that global warming is adversely affecting life in the twilight zone of oceans. As one goes deeper in ocean, organisms obtain nutrition via different modes. One of them is the 'marine snow'. Marine snow is simply food and nutrient particles sinking deeper in water after they fall into it from air. In a study conducted by Cardiff University, researchers found out that marine snow was important in evolution of marine life in the twilight zone. During the study, researchers found that during the course of evolution, organisms moved from surface to deeper part of the ocean. This was later found to be due to marine snow gradually sinking to deeper parts of the oceans. Also Read | This planet lost its atmosphere and 'regrew' it The researchers said that temperature of the water was a key factor in this process. Cooler water in the depths preserves the marine snow for long time and thus helps deliver food into the deep ocean. Global warming may possible prove to be hindrance to this cycle. As temperatures rise, delivery of nutrients and food webs in the twilight zone may get affected. The marine life in these zones and in the seas at large are essential to maintain health of the planet.

Global warming may endanger life in 'twilight zone' of oceans

There have been numerous cases of false convictions across the world. There have been people who have languished in jail for years without having committed any crime. Often, relief comes years after the sentence is handed to the 'convict'. Similar relief may possibly come for an Australian woman.

Kathleen Folbigg, the woman in question, was accused and convicted for killing her four children. She is a resident of New South Wales in Australia. Folbigg was handed a 30-year sentence for smothering her children for a period of 10 years. Her trial took place in 2003 and she was dubbed "Australia's worst female serial killer" during her trial. She has already served 18 years of her sentence.

But there's a new twist to the story.

At least 90 eminent scientists, science advocates and medical experts have petitioned New South Wales governor for Folbigg's release, as per BBC online.

The reason?

A possible fatal genetic mutation.

Scientists are saying that a genetic mutation in Folbigg and her two daughters may have been the reason behind their deaths. This argument is being based on a latest scientific discovery.

Scientists have reportedly detected mutation in Folbigg's two sons as well but they say that more research is needed to infer anything in these two particular cases.

If at all, Folbigg's conviction is overturned. It will mark worst miscarriage of justice in Australia's history.

There have been numerous cases of false convictions across the world. There have been people who have languished in jail for years without having committed any crime.

There have been numerous cases of false convictions across the world. There have been people who have languished in jail for years without having committed any crime. Often, relief comes years after the sentence is handed to the 'convict'. Similar relief may possibly come for an Australian woman. Kathleen Folbigg, the woman in question, was accused and convicted for killing her four children. She is a resident of New South Wales in Australia. Folbigg was handed a 30-year sentence for smothering her children for a period of 10 years. Her trial took place in 2003 and she was dubbed "Australia's worst female serial killer" during her trial. She has already served 18 years of her sentence. But there's a new twist to the story. At least 90 eminent scientists, science advocates and medical experts have petitioned New South Wales governor for Folbigg's release, as per BBC online. The reason? A possible fatal genetic mutation. Scientists are saying that a genetic mutation in Folbigg and her two daughters may have been the reason behind their deaths. This argument is being based on a latest scientific discovery. Scientists have reportedly detected mutation in Folbigg's two sons as well but they say that more research is needed to infer anything in these two particular cases. If at all, Folbigg's conviction is overturned. It will mark worst miscarriage of justice in Australia's history.

New scientific discovery may help acquit Aussie mom accused of killing own children

We have our eyes glued to the sky for possible signs of alien life. We look for planets with water, planets with atmosphere and other things that can be helpful to sustain life. There is an 'exciting' planet that had scientists cheering for it. It had an atmosphere and was once hailed as one of the most important planets outside Solar System.

The planet lost the atmosphere!

And 'regrew' it!

Planet GJ 1132 b was discovered in the year 2015. It's a rocky planet about 1.16 times the size of Earth. And it's situated at a sweet distance of just 41 lightyears away. Though this distance may appear to be a lot in human terms, it's nothing considering the size of space.

Scientists used a giant telescope in Chile to observe the planet as it revolved around its star and found out that it indeed had an atmosphere. It was found that the planet had an atmosphere made up of Hydrogen. The researchers made a computer model and found that "atmospheric loss" took place on the planet.

Also&nbsp;Read&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-hunts-for-life-on-mars-369699">NASA's Perseverance rover hunts for life on Mars</a>

But later, as more observations were made through Hubble space telescope, the planet was shown to have atmosphere containing hydrogen, hydrogen cyanide, methane, and ammonia. This was a surprise.

The planet appeared to have 'regrown' the atmosphere.

In their paper in The Astronomical Journal, the researchers said that it was possible that the Hydrogen in the atmosphere was absorbed by the magma on the surface. They also say that core of the planet is still hot and volcanic activity on the surface has resulted in formation of a new atmosphere but with a different composition.

We have our eyes glued to the sky for possible signs of alien life. We look for planets with water, planets with atmosphere and other things that can be helpful to sustain life.

We have our eyes glued to the sky for possible signs of alien life. We look for planets with water, planets with atmosphere and other things that can be helpful to sustain life. There is an 'exciting' planet that had scientists cheering for it. It had an atmosphere and was once hailed as one of the most important planets outside Solar System. The planet lost the atmosphere! And 'regrew' it! Planet GJ 1132 b was discovered in the year 2015. It's a rocky planet about 1.16 times the size of Earth. And it's situated at a sweet distance of just 41 lightyears away. Though this distance may appear to be a lot in human terms, it's nothing considering the size of space. Scientists used a giant telescope in Chile to observe the planet as it revolved around its star and found out that it indeed had an atmosphere. It was found that the planet had an atmosphere made up of Hydrogen. The researchers made a computer model and found that "atmospheric loss" took place on the planet. Also Read | NASA's Perseverance rover hunts for life on Mars But later, as more observations were made through Hubble space telescope, the planet was shown to have atmosphere containing hydrogen, hydrogen cyanide, methane, and ammonia. This was a surprise. The planet appeared to have 'regrown' the atmosphere. In their paper in The Astronomical Journal, the researchers said that it was possible that the Hydrogen in the atmosphere was absorbed by the magma on the surface. They also say that core of the planet is still hot and volcanic activity on the surface has resulted in formation of a new atmosphere but with a different composition.

This planet lost its atmosphere and 'regrew' it

Indonesia bus accident kills dozens of travellers At least 27 people were killed in a bus accident on Thursday. Those dead included junior high school students, authorities said. The bus plunged down a steep ravine on Java island in Sumedand district. The bus carrying 66 passengers was travelling on a winding, poorly lit road when it plunged down the 20-metre (65 foot) ravine, authorities said.

Rescuers worked through the night to rescue people from the wreckage. 39 have survived the bus accident. The cause of the accident is still being probed.

"The fatalities are a mix of children and adults," Bandung rescue agency official Mamang Fatmono told AFP.

Traffic accidents are common in the Southeast Asian archipelago, where vehicles are often old and poorly maintained and road rules regularly flouted. In late 2019, at least 35 people were killed when a bus plunged into a ravine on the island of Sumatra.

(With AFP inputs)

Indonesia bus accident kills dozens of travellers At least 27 people were killed in a bus accident on Thursday. Those dead included junior high school students, authorities said.

Indonesia bus accident kills dozens of travellers At least 27 people were killed in a bus accident on Thursday. Those dead included junior high school students, authorities said. The bus plunged down a steep ravine on Java island in Sumedand district. The bus carrying 66 passengers was travelling on a winding, poorly lit road when it plunged down the 20-metre (65 foot) ravine, authorities said. Rescuers worked through the night to rescue people from the wreckage. 39 have survived the bus accident. The cause of the accident is still being probed. "The fatalities are a mix of children and adults," Bandung rescue agency official Mamang Fatmono told AFP. Traffic accidents are common in the Southeast Asian archipelago, where vehicles are often old and poorly maintained and road rules regularly flouted. In late 2019, at least 35 people were killed when a bus plunged into a ravine on the island of Sumatra. (With AFP inputs)

Indonesia bus accident kills dozens of travellers

Chinese search engine company Baidu Inc is looking to raise up to $3.03 billion by selling 95 million shares as books opened on Thursday for its Hong Kong listing, a filing from the company showed.

The shares will be priced at no more than HK$295 per share for retail shareholders and represent 3.4% of the company's total shares, it said in documents sent to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Institutional investors could pay more for the shares, a term sheet obtained by Reuters showed, without specifying a range.

One Baidu ADR is equivalent to eight of its Hong Kong shares, the filings show.

A further 14.25 million shares can be sold as part of a so-called greenshoe option that would take the size of the issue to $3.48 billion, according to the term sheet.

The final price for Baidu's shares will be set on March 17 and trading will begin on the Hong Kong market on March 23, it says.

Chinese search engine company Baidu Inc is looking to raise up to $3.03 billion by selling 95 million shares as books opened on Thursday for its Hong Kong listing, a filing from the company showed.

Chinese search engine company Baidu Inc is looking to raise up to $3.03 billion by selling 95 million shares as books opened on Thursday for its Hong Kong listing, a filing from the company showed. The shares will be priced at no more than HK$295 per share for retail shareholders and represent 3.4% of the company's total shares, it said in documents sent to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Institutional investors could pay more for the shares, a term sheet obtained by Reuters showed, without specifying a range. One Baidu ADR is equivalent to eight of its Hong Kong shares, the filings show. A further 14.25 million shares can be sold as part of a so-called greenshoe option that would take the size of the issue to $3.48 billion, according to the term sheet. The final price for Baidu's shares will be set on March 17 and trading will begin on the Hong Kong market on March 23, it says.

Baidu looks to raise $3.03 billion in Hong Kong listing

Health authorities in Denmark said on Thursday said that they were temporarily suspending use of COVID-19 vaccine. This precaution is being taken as some patients developed blood clots after they received the vaccine.&nbsp;

Danish Health Authority said in statement that suspension of AstraZeneca vaccine came "following reports of serious cases of blood clots among people vaccinated with AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine"

However, it added that "it has not been determined, at the time being, that there is a link between the vaccine and the blood clots"

Hours after Denmark's decision, Norwegian health authorities said that they were suspending the use of AstraZeneca vaccine as a precaution.

"We are pausing the AstraZeneca vaccination in Norway," the director of infection prevention and control at the National Institute of Health, Geir Bukholm, told reporters.&nbsp;

"We are waiting for more information to see if there is a link between the vaccine and this blood clot case," he said.

Austria announced on Monday that it had suspended the use of a batch of AstraZeneca vaccines after a 49-year-old nurse died of "severe blood coagulation problems" days after receiving an anti-Covid shot.

Four other European countries -- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxemburg -- have also suspended the use of vaccines from this batch, which was sent to 17 European countries and consisting of one million jabs.

Denmark has however suspended the use of all of its AstraZeneca supply.

On Wednesday, &nbsp;Europe's medicines watchdog EMA said a preliminary probe showed that the batch of AstraZeneca vaccines used in Austria was likely not to blame for the nurse's death.

As of March 9, 22 cases of blood clots had been reported among more than three million people vaccinated in the European Economic Area, the EMA said.

Meanwhile UK PM Boris Johnson's spokesperson said on Thursday that AstraZeneca vaccine was safe.

"We've been clear that it's both safe and effective... and when people are asked to come forward and take it, they should do so in confidence," said the official spokesperson

(With AFP inputs)

Health authorities in Denmark said on Thursday said that they were temporarily suspending use of COVID-19 vaccine. This precaution is being taken as some patients developed blood clots after they received the vaccine.

Health authorities in Denmark said on Thursday said that they were temporarily suspending use of COVID-19 vaccine. This precaution is being taken as some patients developed blood clots after they received the vaccine. Danish Health Authority said in statement that suspension of AstraZeneca vaccine came "following reports of serious cases of blood clots among people vaccinated with AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine" However, it added that "it has not been determined, at the time being, that there is a link between the vaccine and the blood clots" Hours after Denmark's decision, Norwegian health authorities said that they were suspending the use of AstraZeneca vaccine as a precaution. "We are pausing the AstraZeneca vaccination in Norway," the director of infection prevention and control at the National Institute of Health, Geir Bukholm, told reporters. "We are waiting for more information to see if there is a link between the vaccine and this blood clot case," he said. Austria announced on Monday that it had suspended the use of a batch of AstraZeneca vaccines after a 49-year-old nurse died of "severe blood coagulation problems" days after receiving an anti-Covid shot. Four other European countries -- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxemburg -- have also suspended the use of vaccines from this batch, which was sent to 17 European countries and consisting of one million jabs. Denmark has however suspended the use of all of its AstraZeneca supply. On Wednesday, Europe's medicines watchdog EMA said a preliminary probe showed that the batch of AstraZeneca vaccines used in Austria was likely not to blame for the nurse's death. As of March 9, 22 cases of blood clots had been reported among more than three million people vaccinated in the European Economic Area, the EMA said. Meanwhile UK PM Boris Johnson's spokesperson said on Thursday that AstraZeneca vaccine was safe. "We've been clear that it's both safe and effective... and when people are asked to come forward and take it, they should do so in confidence," said the official spokesperson (With AFP inputs)

Denmark, Norway suspend use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine due to blood clot fears 

At least 20 people were killed and 24 others were injured in a clothing factory in Egypt on Thursday. The factory is located on the eastern outskirts of Egyptian capital Cairo, as per reports. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear. Twelve fire trucks were dispatched to extinguish the fire, said AFP quoting sources.

Egypt has had a string of fires in recent years, as shoddy buildings have been constructed without safety standards amid a security vacuum following its 2011 revolution.

Last month, a fire in an unlicensed shoe warehouse in the capital's twin city Giza engulfed a 13-storey building overlooking a major highway. Residents were evacuated but no casualties were reported.

In 2020, a major fire broke out next to a busy Cairo highway as a leak from an oil pipeline set ablaze by passing cars left 17 people hurt.

(With AFP inputs)

At least 20 people were killed and 24 others were injured in a clothing factory in Egypt on Thursday. The factory is located on the eastern outskirts of Egyptian capital Cairo, as per reports.

At least 20 people were killed and 24 others were injured in a clothing factory in Egypt on Thursday. The factory is located on the eastern outskirts of Egyptian capital Cairo, as per reports. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear. Twelve fire trucks were dispatched to extinguish the fire, said AFP quoting sources. Egypt has had a string of fires in recent years, as shoddy buildings have been constructed without safety standards amid a security vacuum following its 2011 revolution. Last month, a fire in an unlicensed shoe warehouse in the capital's twin city Giza engulfed a 13-storey building overlooking a major highway. Residents were evacuated but no casualties were reported. In 2020, a major fire broke out next to a busy Cairo highway as a leak from an oil pipeline set ablaze by passing cars left 17 people hurt. (With AFP inputs)

Egypt: At least 20 killed in clothing factory fire

France on Thursday eased travel restrictions for 7 non-EU countries including UK. Other countries include Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea.

France had banned all travel from outside the EU in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The measure had been adopted in large part to limit the spread of the more infectious variant of Covid-19 that first emerged in England.

But due to the changing pandemic situation, "it will no longer be necessary to prove a compelling reason for travel to or from Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Travellers from these seven countries will still need to present negative COVID-19 test result. The test should have been taken a maximum of 72 hours beforehand.

Travel to other countries outside the EU still remains limited to essential reasons but the foreign ministry said the number of exemptions are being increased to allow couples to reunite and children to attend school.

France on Thursday eased travel restrictions for 7 non-EU countries including UK. Other countries include Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea.

France on Thursday eased travel restrictions for 7 non-EU countries including UK. Other countries include Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea. France had banned all travel from outside the EU in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The measure had been adopted in large part to limit the spread of the more infectious variant of Covid-19 that first emerged in England. But due to the changing pandemic situation, "it will no longer be necessary to prove a compelling reason for travel to or from Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Travellers from these seven countries will still need to present negative COVID-19 test result. The test should have been taken a maximum of 72 hours beforehand. Travel to other countries outside the EU still remains limited to essential reasons but the foreign ministry said the number of exemptions are being increased to allow couples to reunite and children to attend school.

France eases travel restrictions for 7 non-EU countries including UK

Findings at a Bronze Age burial site in Spain have revealed that women were among rulers in an urban culture that at its zenith spanned 35,000 sq km and built complex urban centres between 2200 and 1559 BC. The archaeological finding has found women buried at places that were used to bury elite warriors. This suggests that these burial grounds were for those accorded high status.

Moreover, these graves were found beneath a palace. This further consolidates the inference of respect accorded to the women buried there.

Scientists are carrying out research at the site at La Almoloya in Spain since 2013. The findings have been published online by Cambridge University Press.

These ruins were once home to El Argar, a society that was among the first to use Bronze. El Argar built complex urban centres at time when other people in Spain were living in bands of 50 to 100.

The published study mentions that the researchers found a man and a woman buried in a ceramic jar. 29 valuable objects were found to have been buried and nearly all of them belonged to the woman.

Among the valuables was a rare type of crown, known as a diadem. It was made of Siver. This diadem has been considered to be reflective of honour the society gave the women.

<img alt="Didem" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2e85067b-a833-440c-b506-1a28b2e82a32" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pjimage%20%287%29_0.jpg" />

(The Diadem, Image source: Cambridge University Press)

Similar crowns were found at other female burial sites. These sites were later used to bury elite warriors. This indicates that the women were earlier buried at places that had high honour associated with them.

The inference that El Argar women were among the rulers was reinforced as scientists found that these graves were beneath a Bronze Age palace.

Scientists think that El Argar men were warriors while the power with the women stemmed from politics.

Findings at a Bronze Age burial site in Spain have revealed that women were among rulers in an urban culture that at its zenith spanned 35,000 sq km and built complex urban centres between 2200 and 1559 BC.

Findings at a Bronze Age burial site in Spain have revealed that women were among rulers in an urban culture that at its zenith spanned 35,000 sq km and built complex urban centres between 2200 and 1559 BC. The archaeological finding has found women buried at places that were used to bury elite warriors. This suggests that these burial grounds were for those accorded high status. Moreover, these graves were found beneath a palace. This further consolidates the inference of respect accorded to the women buried there. Scientists are carrying out research at the site at La Almoloya in Spain since 2013. The findings have been published online by Cambridge University Press. These ruins were once home to El Argar, a society that was among the first to use Bronze. El Argar built complex urban centres at time when other people in Spain were living in bands of 50 to 100. The published study mentions that the researchers found a man and a woman buried in a ceramic jar. 29 valuable objects were found to have been buried and nearly all of them belonged to the woman. Among the valuables was a rare type of crown, known as a diadem. It was made of Siver. This diadem has been considered to be reflective of honour the society gave the women. (The Diadem, Image source: Cambridge University Press) Similar crowns were found at other female burial sites. These sites were later used to bury elite warriors. This indicates that the women were earlier buried at places that had high honour associated with them. The inference that El Argar women were among the rulers was reinforced as scientists found that these graves were beneath a Bronze Age palace. Scientists think that El Argar men were warriors while the power with the women stemmed from politics.

Spain: Bronze Age burial site suggests women were among the rulers

Mars has enthralled us since time immemorial. The red dot in the night sky has represented God of War in some cultures and it has also given rise to tales of alien life. Mars is a planet that comes closest to resembling Earth in our solar system. The planet has an atmosphere, is almost the same as that of Earth, and it is just next door in the Solar System. It's no wonder that it appears to be the most likely candidate to start our hunt for alien life.

Perseverance, NASA's rover, is currently on the Martian surface. It is now hunting for signs of life on Mars' surface.

SuperCam, a bundle of instruments aboard Perseverance has already collected samples of Martian rocks and soil. It is hunting for signs of past life on the planet that is now just barren wastelands (as per our current understanding at least).

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It is already known that Mars had liquid water on its surface millions and millions of years ago. And the crater in which Perseverance made its landing in had a lake millions of years ago!

Where there is water, there is life. At least that's what our logic here on Earth says. Is it perfectly true even in case of celestial bodies? That's what is being ascertained.

The return to Earth years from now of the rocks and soil it retrieves "will give scientists the Holy Grail of planetary exploration," Jean-Yves le Gall, president of France's National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), which mostly built the mobile observatory, commented via a YouTube broadcast. &nbsp;

These "pieces of Mars", he said, may "finally answer this fascinating and fundamental question: was there ever life elsewhere than Earth?"

Our movies and books have been full of Martian invasions against Earth. Based on what we are hearing from Perseverance now, no invasion against Earth is being planned from the surface of Mars right now.

Jokes apart, even signs of ancient life on Mars would be a big discovery.&nbsp;

This will prove that we were not alone in this universe, and that life always finds a way even in harsh conditions.

(With AFP inputs)

Mars has enthralled us since time immemorial. The red dot in the night sky has represented God of War in some cultures and it has also given rise to tales of alien life.

Mars has enthralled us since time immemorial. The red dot in the night sky has represented God of War in some cultures and it has also given rise to tales of alien life. Mars is a planet that comes closest to resembling Earth in our solar system. The planet has an atmosphere, is almost the same as that of Earth, and it is just next door in the Solar System. It's no wonder that it appears to be the most likely candidate to start our hunt for alien life. Perseverance, NASA's rover, is currently on the Martian surface. It is now hunting for signs of life on Mars' surface. SuperCam, a bundle of instruments aboard Perseverance has already collected samples of Martian rocks and soil. It is hunting for signs of past life on the planet that is now just barren wastelands (as per our current understanding at least). × It is already known that Mars had liquid water on its surface millions and millions of years ago. And the crater in which Perseverance made its landing in had a lake millions of years ago! Where there is water, there is life. At least that's what our logic here on Earth says. Is it perfectly true even in case of celestial bodies? That's what is being ascertained. The return to Earth years from now of the rocks and soil it retrieves "will give scientists the Holy Grail of planetary exploration," Jean-Yves le Gall, president of France's National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), which mostly built the mobile observatory, commented via a YouTube broadcast. These "pieces of Mars", he said, may "finally answer this fascinating and fundamental question: was there ever life elsewhere than Earth?" Our movies and books have been full of Martian invasions against Earth. Based on what we are hearing from Perseverance now, no invasion against Earth is being planned from the surface of Mars right now. Jokes apart, even signs of ancient life on Mars would be a big discovery. This will prove that we were not alone in this universe, and that life always finds a way even in harsh conditions. (With AFP inputs)

NASA's Perseverance rover hunts for life on Mars

We live in a world with on-demand entertainment now. There's always a song available to soothe our nerves or to complement our 'I feel good' vibe. But there was a time, not too long ago, when all we had was a cassette and had to patiently wait till our favourite song (finally) played. The icon of that nostalgic era, the man who ushered it all, resides now in heaven. Lou Ottens, who invented the cassette and pioneered the CD has passed away. He was 94

As per reports, Ottens passed away on March 6 in Duizel, Netherlands. His daughter has been quoted in news reports as saying that he passed away at an elder care center. The exact cause of his passing hasn't yet been made public.

Ottens and his team developed audio cassette tape in the early 60s. He was head of Philips' product department at the time. After they presented their creation at Berlin Radio electronics fair (1963) the invention changed how everyone experienced music.

Ottens' seemingly small invention led to a revolution. The compact and cheaper device (the cassette) meant that music was no longer restricted to those who could afford. Mass production of audio cassettes meant that music was democratised and even a layman had access to it. Billions of cassettes were sold

Ottens also spearheaded another invention, that of Compact Discs or CDs. He was part of the joint team of Philips and Sony that created the CD.

CDs are relevant till now and audio cassettes had a strong presence till the early 2000s. Mixtapes wwas&nbsp;the word for those who wanted to create custom music collection.

Ottens,&nbsp;though inventor of cassettes was well in tune with the trends decades after his invention.

In 2013, he told Time magazine that cassettes were "history"

"I like when something new comes.” he was quoted as saying.

We live in a world with on-demand entertainment now. There's always a song available to soothe our nerves or to complement our 'I feel good' vibe. But there was a time, not too long ago, when all we had was a cassette and had to patiently wait till our favourite song (finally) played.

We live in a world with on-demand entertainment now. There's always a song available to soothe our nerves or to complement our 'I feel good' vibe. But there was a time, not too long ago, when all we had was a cassette and had to patiently wait till our favourite song (finally) played. The icon of that nostalgic era, the man who ushered it all, resides now in heaven. Lou Ottens, who invented the cassette and pioneered the CD has passed away. He was 94 As per reports, Ottens passed away on March 6 in Duizel, Netherlands. His daughter has been quoted in news reports as saying that he passed away at an elder care center. The exact cause of his passing hasn't yet been made public. Ottens and his team developed audio cassette tape in the early 60s. He was head of Philips' product department at the time. After they presented their creation at Berlin Radio electronics fair (1963) the invention changed how everyone experienced music. Ottens' seemingly small invention led to a revolution. The compact and cheaper device (the cassette) meant that music was no longer restricted to those who could afford. Mass production of audio cassettes meant that music was democratised and even a layman had access to it. Billions of cassettes were sold Ottens also spearheaded another invention, that of Compact Discs or CDs. He was part of the joint team of Philips and Sony that created the CD. CDs are relevant till now and audio cassettes had a strong presence till the early 2000s. Mixtapes wwas the word for those who wanted to create custom music collection. Ottens, though inventor of cassettes was well in tune with the trends decades after his invention. In 2013, he told Time magazine that cassettes were "history" "I like when something new comes.” he was quoted as saying.

Lou Ottens, inventor of cassettes and pioneer of CDs, passes away

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

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