As a no-confidence motion is going to be held in the National Assembly on Sunday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has claimed his "life is in danger" on Friday, an ANI report citing local media said. &nbsp;

In an interview with ARY News, Khan said, "Let me inform my nation that my life is at risk too, they have also planned for my character assassination. Not only myself but my wife too." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/official-protest-lodged-with-us-embassy-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-tells-pakistani-media-467513">Official protest lodged with US embassy, Imran Khan tells Pakistani media</a>

The Opposition is playing in foreign hands, said the PM.&nbsp;He is looking to save his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in the no-confidence vote. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Khan said that the "establishment" has given him three options, including the no-confidence motion, resignation from post, or fresh elections, ARY News reported. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Final countdown for Pak PM: Imran Khan's public outcry against opposition

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Talking about the options presented by the Opposition to him, the PM said that he does not think he should talk to people, such as Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif. &nbsp;

"If we survive (the no-confidence vote), we cannot of course work with these turncoats (who left PTI to join opposition), early elections are the best option, I will urge my nation to give me simple majority so that I won't have to do compromises," Khan said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As a no-confidence motion is going to be held in the National Assembly on Sunday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has claimed his "life is in danger" on Friday, an ANI report citing local media said.

As a no-confidence motion is going to be held in the National Assembly on Sunday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has claimed his "life is in danger" on Friday, an ANI report citing local media said. In an interview with ARY News, Khan said, "Let me inform my nation that my life is at risk too, they have also planned for my character assassination. Not only myself but my wife too." Also Read: Official protest lodged with US embassy, Imran Khan tells Pakistani media The Opposition is playing in foreign hands, said the PM. He is looking to save his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in the no-confidence vote. Khan said that the "establishment" has given him three options, including the no-confidence motion, resignation from post, or fresh elections, ARY News reported. Watch: Final countdown for Pak PM: Imran Khan's public outcry against opposition × Talking about the options presented by the Opposition to him, the PM said that he does not think he should talk to people, such as Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif. "If we survive (the no-confidence vote), we cannot of course work with these turncoats (who left PTI to join opposition), early elections are the best option, I will urge my nation to give me simple majority so that I won't have to do compromises," Khan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of no-confidence motion, Pak PM Imran Khan claims his life is in danger  

Having informed his parents of having ingested a 5-cm-long battery and the parents' decision of seeking immediate medical help has saved the life of a 4-year-old.&nbsp;

By accident, the child had swallowed the battery that was being used in the remote control, while playing with it at his residence. An X-ray revealed that the battery was lodged in the child's stomach.&nbsp;

However, doctors managed to remove the battery via an endoscopy, thus avoiding further delay and the complications associated with going in for a surgical procedure.&nbsp;

WION Media spoke to Dr R. Ravi who performed the procedure in a considerable amount of time and saved the boy, nearly fourteen hours after he ingested the battery.

According to the doctor, senior gastroenterologist, Rela Hospital, children unknowingly swallow small objects such as buttons, coins, small batteries.&nbsp;

However, in this case, the swallowed object measured 5cms in length and 1.5cms in width, which was as large as the child's food pipe.&nbsp;

This also made the removal via endoscopy complicated. There was a risk of damaging the internal organs while performing the procedure, neither would the battery exit the system via excretion.&nbsp;

"There is also the risk of the battery corroding in the acid that the stomach produces and thereby releasing the chemicals that it holds within. Such heavy metals could lead to toxicity in the patient's system," Dr Ravi said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> - without surgery, doctors save 4yr old who ingested 5cm-long AA battery, which ws nearly the size of his food pipe 
 
Batt was lodged in stomach, had risk of corroding in contact with acid 
 
Rela hospital Docs performed endoscopy with a 'Roth net' &amp; removed foreign object <a href="https://t.co/jmsnfXwUgH">pic.twitter.com/jmsnfXwUgH</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1493210401089388548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Based on their examination of the boy, the doctors decided to go ahead with an endoscopy procedure, while using a Roth net, a device that helps capture, scoop out the foreign object.&nbsp;

According to the doctor, even certain types of tumours can be removed using this net. He also added that the battery had to be aligned carefully to not cause damage to the boy's food pipe.&nbsp;

In his advice for parents, he urges them to keep such objects away from young children, as much as possible and provide the children with big sized toys that don’t pose the danger of being ingested.

He particularly warns against keeping needles, glass pieces, magnets, medicines and such items away from the reach of little kids.&nbsp;

He emphasised how it is important for parents to encourage their kids to report the mishap, to enable appropriate medical attention.

Having informed his parents of having ingested a 5-cm-long battery and the parents' decision of seeking immediate medical help has saved the life of a 4-year-old.

Having informed his parents of having ingested a 5-cm-long battery and the parents' decision of seeking immediate medical help has saved the life of a 4-year-old. By accident, the child had swallowed the battery that was being used in the remote control, while playing with it at his residence. An X-ray revealed that the battery was lodged in the child's stomach. However, doctors managed to remove the battery via an endoscopy, thus avoiding further delay and the complications associated with going in for a surgical procedure. WION Media spoke to Dr R. Ravi who performed the procedure in a considerable amount of time and saved the boy, nearly fourteen hours after he ingested the battery. According to the doctor, senior gastroenterologist, Rela Hospital, children unknowingly swallow small objects such as buttons, coins, small batteries. However, in this case, the swallowed object measured 5cms in length and 1.5cms in width, which was as large as the child's food pipe. This also made the removal via endoscopy complicated. There was a risk of damaging the internal organs while performing the procedure, neither would the battery exit the system via excretion. "There is also the risk of the battery corroding in the acid that the stomach produces and thereby releasing the chemicals that it holds within. Such heavy metals could lead to toxicity in the patient's system," Dr Ravi said. #Chennai - without surgery, doctors save 4yr old who ingested 5cm-long AA battery, which ws nearly the size of his food pipe Batt was lodged in stomach, had risk of corroding in contact with acid Rela hospital Docs performed endoscopy with a 'Roth net' & removed foreign object pic.twitter.com/jmsnfXwUgH — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 14, 2022 × Based on their examination of the boy, the doctors decided to go ahead with an endoscopy procedure, while using a Roth net, a device that helps capture, scoop out the foreign object. According to the doctor, even certain types of tumours can be removed using this net. He also added that the battery had to be aligned carefully to not cause damage to the boy's food pipe. In his advice for parents, he urges them to keep such objects away from young children, as much as possible and provide the children with big sized toys that don’t pose the danger of being ingested. He particularly warns against keeping needles, glass pieces, magnets, medicines and such items away from the reach of little kids. He emphasised how it is important for parents to encourage their kids to report the mishap, to enable appropriate medical attention.

Doctors save life of boy who ingested AA battery without surgery

If researchers are to be believed, there may be a planet that could sustain life, close to a dying sun. The planet may be orbiting a dying sun 117 light-years away from Earth, the researchers claim.&nbsp;

Once the news is confirmed, this will be the first time that a life-supporting planet has been discovered orbiting a "white dwarf."

White dwarfs are dead stars that have been burnt&nbsp;through hydrogen fuel.&nbsp;

Published in the monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, it states that the planet was detected after researchers spotted a ring of debris along with moon-sized structures, located close to the dying star. It was detected in a 'habitable zone.'

This zone is where water can exist and it is neither too cold nor too hot.

The planet is thought to be 60 times closer to the star than Earth is to the sun.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-the-dinosaurs-suffer-from-respiratory-issues-researchers-make-breathtaking-discovery-452405">Also read |&nbsp;Did the dinosaurs suffer from respiratory issues? Researchers make breathtaking discovery&nbsp;</a>

Prof Jay Farihi of University College London led the study. He claimed that the discovery was completely new to astronomers. While speaking to BBC, he said, "This is the first time that anything has been seen in the habitable zone of a white dwarf. And thus there is a possibility of life on another world orbiting it."

As of now, the researchers do not have concrete evidence of the planet's existence.&nbsp;

They claim that the movements of 65 Moon-sized structures orbiting the white dwarf's habitable zone hint towards its existence.&nbsp;

Prof Farihi said, "It was a shock to the team. The motion was so eerily precise you couldn't make this stuff up."

(With inputs from agencies)

If researchers are to be believed, there may be a planet that could sustain life, close to a dying sun. The planet may be orbiting a dying sun 117 light-years away from Earth, the researchers claim.

If researchers are to be believed, there may be a planet that could sustain life, close to a dying sun. The planet may be orbiting a dying sun 117 light-years away from Earth, the researchers claim. Once the news is confirmed, this will be the first time that a life-supporting planet has been discovered orbiting a "white dwarf." White dwarfs are dead stars that have been burnt through hydrogen fuel. Published in the monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, it states that the planet was detected after researchers spotted a ring of debris along with moon-sized structures, located close to the dying star. It was detected in a 'habitable zone.' This zone is where water can exist and it is neither too cold nor too hot. The planet is thought to be 60 times closer to the star than Earth is to the sun. Also read | Did the dinosaurs suffer from respiratory issues? Researchers make breathtaking discovery Prof Jay Farihi of University College London led the study. He claimed that the discovery was completely new to astronomers. While speaking to BBC, he said, "This is the first time that anything has been seen in the habitable zone of a white dwarf. And thus there is a possibility of life on another world orbiting it." As of now, the researchers do not have concrete evidence of the planet's existence. They claim that the movements of 65 Moon-sized structures orbiting the white dwarf's habitable zone hint towards its existence. Prof Farihi said, "It was a shock to the team. The motion was so eerily precise you couldn't make this stuff up." (With inputs from agencies)

There might be chances of life on a planet orbiting 'white dwarf' star, says study

After claiming the life of a 31-year-old astrophysicist from the UK, stray bullets in the US have found another victim. Well, this time, it is an 8-year-old Chicago girl. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The girl was shot in the head while walking with her mother. She was killed by a gunman, who was targeting someone else on the city's southwest side. &nbsp;

The young victim has been identified by the medical examiner's office of the Cook County as&nbsp;Melissa Ortega&nbsp;on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/threat-of-war-forces-us-to-order-departure-of-ukrainian-embassy-staffs-kin-447011" hreflang="en">Threat of war forces US to order departure of Ukrainian embassy staff’s kin</a>

According to the police report, the victim was walking on the street with her mother on Saturday afternoon at the time of the incident. &nbsp;

She was killed when someone fired shots at a 26-year-old alleged gang member, who was leaving a nearby store, said a report of the Chicago Sun-Times. The police believe that he was the intended target. &nbsp;

On Saturday, the girl was pronounced dead at a hospital. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Residents and community members gather to remember Melissa Ortega. If you have any information contact the <a href="https://twitter.com/Chicago_Police?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chicago_Police</a> or leave an anonymous tip at <a href="https://t.co/tiYRTLc0eV">https://t.co/tiYRTLc0eV</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPDMediaCar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPDMediaCar</a> 
 
📞 833-408-0069- Anonymous Tips <a href="https://t.co/bw4VVmTwmS">pic.twitter.com/bw4VVmTwmS</a>
— Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chicago_Police/status/1485400924990410752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In the incident, the target was also shot in the back and hospitalised in critical condition, the police said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cruise-ship-goes-off-course-docks-in-bahamas-find-what-happened-447026">Cruise ship goes off course, docks in Bahamas. Find what happened</a>

Authorities do not have an update on his condition. No arrests have been made in the case till now. &nbsp;

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The tragic and senseless murder of 8-year-old Melissa has shaken our city. There are no words of comfort when a child’s life is cut short. There are no words that can describe the grief of a family. CPD will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice.
— Chicago Police Superintendent David O. Brown (@ChiefDavidBrown) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefDavidBrown/status/1485306043295219713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Police Superintendent David Brown said the department "will not rest until the perpetrators" are brought to justice. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The tragic and senseless murder of 8-year-old Melissa has shaken our city. There are no words of comfort when a child's life is cut short. There are no words that can describe the grief of a family," he tweeted on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After claiming the life of a 31-year-old astrophysicist from the UK, stray bullets in the US have found another victim. Well, this time, it is an 8-year-old Chicago girl.

After claiming the life of a 31-year-old astrophysicist from the UK, stray bullets in the US have found another victim. Well, this time, it is an 8-year-old Chicago girl. The girl was shot in the head while walking with her mother. She was killed by a gunman, who was targeting someone else on the city's southwest side. The young victim has been identified by the medical examiner's office of the Cook County as Melissa Ortega on Sunday. Also Read: Threat of war forces US to order departure of Ukrainian embassy staff’s kin According to the police report, the victim was walking on the street with her mother on Saturday afternoon at the time of the incident. She was killed when someone fired shots at a 26-year-old alleged gang member, who was leaving a nearby store, said a report of the Chicago Sun-Times. The police believe that he was the intended target. On Saturday, the girl was pronounced dead at a hospital. Residents and community members gather to remember Melissa Ortega. If you have any information contact the @Chicago_Police or leave an anonymous tip at https://t.co/tiYRTLc0eV. #CPDMediaCar 📞 833-408-0069- Anonymous Tips pic.twitter.com/bw4VVmTwmS — Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) January 23, 2022 × In the incident, the target was also shot in the back and hospitalised in critical condition, the police said. Also Read: Cruise ship goes off course, docks in Bahamas. Find what happened Authorities do not have an update on his condition. No arrests have been made in the case till now. The tragic and senseless murder of 8-year-old Melissa has shaken our city. There are no words of comfort when a child’s life is cut short. There are no words that can describe the grief of a family. CPD will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice. — Chicago Police Superintendent David O. Brown (@ChiefDavidBrown) January 23, 2022 × Police Superintendent David Brown said the department "will not rest until the perpetrators" are brought to justice. "The tragic and senseless murder of 8-year-old Melissa has shaken our city. There are no words of comfort when a child's life is cut short. There are no words that can describe the grief of a family," he tweeted on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, stray bullet claims life of 8-year-old girl in US. Find out how

Space exploration has got huge amount of boost in last few decades. &nbsp;&nbsp;

From deploying James Webb Telescope in space to sending space missions to as far as dwarf planet Pluto, several breakthroughs have been achieved in this field. &nbsp;

Different experts, such as astronomers, scientists and astronauts, have been making strenuous efforts to find many answers for years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-catches-glimpse-of-sun-emitting-mid-level-solar-flare-will-it-harm-us-446463" hreflang="en">NASA catches glimpse of Sun emitting mid-level solar flare. Will it harm us?</a>

Although the field has witnessed numerous advancements, there has been a huge amount of secrecy regarding the existence of alien life. &nbsp;

This comes as many unidentified flying objects (UFOs) have been sighted on Earth at different occasions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Many planets and solar systems have already been discovered by the experts. Several answers related to the nature of stars, galaxies, etc have been answered till now. &nbsp;

But the question of the presence of alien life in the universe still remains untouched. Why? Is the truth hidden purposefully? &nbsp;

The presence of aliens in the universe has been depicted in various fictional movies or adaptations till now. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/planet-killer-asteroid-passes-near-earth-track-it-live-here-445708" hreflang="en">Planet-killer asteroid passes near Earth. Track it live here</a>

For numerous decades, it has been one of the most fascinating topics for mankind. &nbsp;&nbsp;

With the advancement in space science, the curiosity about the topic seems to have been growing enormously. &nbsp;

It also seems hard to believe that the scientists around the world have not been able to find alien life in the universe.&nbsp;

Well, the secrecy is well understood, considering the importance of matter. But the real question is that is alien life present in universe? Are we alone? &nbsp;&nbsp;

Several secrets are still waiting to be revealed. Let’s see when the world gets to know about alien life and how.&nbsp;

Space exploration has got huge amount of boost in last few decades. From deploying James Webb Telescope in space to sending space missions to as far as dwarf planet Pluto, several breakthroughs have been achieved in this field.

Space exploration has got huge amount of boost in last few decades. From deploying James Webb Telescope in space to sending space missions to as far as dwarf planet Pluto, several breakthroughs have been achieved in this field. Different experts, such as astronomers, scientists and astronauts, have been making strenuous efforts to find many answers for years. Also Read: NASA catches glimpse of Sun emitting mid-level solar flare. Will it harm us? Although the field has witnessed numerous advancements, there has been a huge amount of secrecy regarding the existence of alien life. This comes as many unidentified flying objects (UFOs) have been sighted on Earth at different occasions. Many planets and solar systems have already been discovered by the experts. Several answers related to the nature of stars, galaxies, etc have been answered till now. But the question of the presence of alien life in the universe still remains untouched. Why? Is the truth hidden purposefully? The presence of aliens in the universe has been depicted in various fictional movies or adaptations till now. Also Read: Planet-killer asteroid passes near Earth. Track it live here For numerous decades, it has been one of the most fascinating topics for mankind. With the advancement in space science, the curiosity about the topic seems to have been growing enormously. It also seems hard to believe that the scientists around the world have not been able to find alien life in the universe. Well, the secrecy is well understood, considering the importance of matter. But the real question is that is alien life present in universe? Are we alone? Several secrets are still waiting to be revealed. Let’s see when the world gets to know about alien life and how.

Weekend Special: Will scientists reveal the secret behind presence of alien life in universe?

A stray bullet can unleash a spell of horrors. This holds true for a recent incident where a British man, who was lying in bed during a trip to the US city of Atlanta, died after getting hit by a stray bullet in the early hours of Friday. &nbsp;

The 31-year-old astrophysicist from Surrey, Dr Matthew Willson, was shot when a weapon was discharged by a group of people in a neighbouring block of flats in the suburb of Brookhaven. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-notebook-brian-laundrie-took-responsibility-for-gabby-petitos-death-in-us-says-fbi-446606" hreflang="en">In notebook, Brian Laundrie took responsibility for Gabby Petito’s death in US, says FBI</a>

After multiple shots were fired, some residents called emergency services at around 2 am, as per reports. &nbsp;

Willson was taken to hospital, but succumbed to his injuries from a gunshot wound on the head, the police said. His death is being probed as a homicide. In the incident, no arrests have been made till now.&nbsp;

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Just spoke with girlfriend of the man killed in bed by a stray bullet in Brookhaven. 
 
"I was just trying to keep him there, talking to him," she said. "If he closed his eyes, shaking him, until they opened again...I can't fathom it." 
 
She needs the public's help. @ 6pm <a href="https://t.co/38qKgrYpgv">pic.twitter.com/38qKgrYpgv</a>
— Matt Johnson (@MattWSB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattWSB/status/1484658960129011717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The astrophysicist belongs to Chertsey and seems to have flown to the US to visit girlfriend in Georgia.

The victim looks to have got hit by a single bullet, which passed through the bedroom wall as he slept in the bed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Police believes it to be a random act, which involved individuals participating in reckless discharge of firearms, reported local TV. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-restore-internet-elon-musk-offers-to-send-starlink-terminals-to-volcano-hit-tonga-see-what-happens-next-446615" hreflang="en">To restore internet, Elon Musk offers to send Starlink terminals to volcano-hit Tonga. See what happens next</a>

Sgt Jacob Kissel from Brookhaven police told WSB-TV, “This was a senseless act – this was an innocent victim. She and her boyfriend were lying in bed. He was here visiting from England. He was visiting a loved one. He had just flown in to the Atlanta area.” &nbsp;

“We lean on the public to understand that this is a tragic event, and we hope that they may come forward with any information they may have,” Kissel added. &nbsp;

Kate Easingwood, his sister, posted a tribute to him on Instagram and said, “The world is so unfair.” &nbsp;

A Foreign Office spokesperson said, “We are supporting family of a British man following his death in the US, and are in contact with US authorities.” &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A stray bullet can unleash a spell of horrors. This holds true for a recent incident where a British man, who was lying in bed during a trip to the US city of Atlanta, died after getting hit by a stray bullet in the early hours of Friday.

A stray bullet can unleash a spell of horrors. This holds true for a recent incident where a British man, who was lying in bed during a trip to the US city of Atlanta, died after getting hit by a stray bullet in the early hours of Friday. The 31-year-old astrophysicist from Surrey, Dr Matthew Willson, was shot when a weapon was discharged by a group of people in a neighbouring block of flats in the suburb of Brookhaven. Also Read: In notebook, Brian Laundrie took responsibility for Gabby Petito’s death in US, says FBI After multiple shots were fired, some residents called emergency services at around 2 am, as per reports. Willson was taken to hospital, but succumbed to his injuries from a gunshot wound on the head, the police said. His death is being probed as a homicide. In the incident, no arrests have been made till now. Just spoke with girlfriend of the man killed in bed by a stray bullet in Brookhaven. "I was just trying to keep him there, talking to him," she said. "If he closed his eyes, shaking him, until they opened again...I can't fathom it." She needs the public's help. @ 6pm pic.twitter.com/38qKgrYpgv — Matt Johnson (@MattWSB) January 21, 2022 × The astrophysicist belongs to Chertsey and seems to have flown to the US to visit girlfriend in Georgia. The victim looks to have got hit by a single bullet, which passed through the bedroom wall as he slept in the bed. Police believes it to be a random act, which involved individuals participating in reckless discharge of firearms, reported local TV. Also Read: To restore internet, Elon Musk offers to send Starlink terminals to volcano-hit Tonga. See what happens next Sgt Jacob Kissel from Brookhaven police told WSB-TV, “This was a senseless act – this was an innocent victim. She and her boyfriend were lying in bed. He was here visiting from England. He was visiting a loved one. He had just flown in to the Atlanta area.” “We lean on the public to understand that this is a tragic event, and we hope that they may come forward with any information they may have,” Kissel added. Kate Easingwood, his sister, posted a tribute to him on Instagram and said, “The world is so unfair.” A Foreign Office spokesperson said, “We are supporting family of a British man following his death in the US, and are in contact with US authorities.” (With inputs from agencies)

Stray bullet causes havoc in US, claims life of UK traveller lying in bed. Find out what happened

Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius. Its thick atmosphere is predominantly made of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid droplets. Such harsh conditions are not at all conducive to life. Hence it was thought that there was no life on Venus.

But now, scientists think that life may have found a way to survive in these harsh conditions on Venus.

Scientists and researchers from MIT, Cardiff University and Cambridge University have said in a new study that presence of Ammonia may suggest that microbes may be able to live inside clouds in Venus's atmosphere. The Ammonia can neutralise Venus' highly acidic environment and create habitable space in the clouds.

Moreover, these researchers think that a biological activity led to formation of Ammonia.

But can life survive in highly acidic environment?

Co-author of the study has been quoted in media reports as saying that life exists in highly acidic environs on Earth.&nbsp;

Venus, after Mars has always piqued scientific interest with respect to possibility of life. NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) are planning to send two spacecrafts to Venus in next 10 to 15 years. More light would be thrown on habitability of Venus' atmosphere at that time.

Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius.

Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius. Its thick atmosphere is predominantly made of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid droplets. Such harsh conditions are not at all conducive to life. Hence it was thought that there was no life on Venus. But now, scientists think that life may have found a way to survive in these harsh conditions on Venus. Scientists and researchers from MIT, Cardiff University and Cambridge University have said in a new study that presence of Ammonia may suggest that microbes may be able to live inside clouds in Venus's atmosphere. The Ammonia can neutralise Venus' highly acidic environment and create habitable space in the clouds. Moreover, these researchers think that a biological activity led to formation of Ammonia. But can life survive in highly acidic environment? Co-author of the study has been quoted in media reports as saying that life exists in highly acidic environs on Earth. Venus, after Mars has always piqued scientific interest with respect to possibility of life. NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) are planning to send two spacecrafts to Venus in next 10 to 15 years. More light would be thrown on habitability of Venus' atmosphere at that time.

Study finds more indication of life on Venus

As the Taliban closed in on the Afghan capital, Kabul, in August, what had been a privileged education at the American University of Afghanistan suddenly became a dangerous liability.

Students and staff frantically searched for an escape route from a country that, with the withdrawal of U.S. forces, would fall to the Taliban — a group that has described the U.S.-funded university as a den of infidels and has shut schools and universities for girls and women.

Iraq, though, was not the first destination that came to the students’ minds as a refuge.

“OK, now I’m leaving the Taliban behind,” said Mashall, 24, a master’s student in information technology. “And now I’m going to face ISIS,” she said, describing her concern and using an alternate name for the Islamic State when told her evacuation flight would end up in Iraq.

Those fears have proved unfounded for Mashall and her classmates, who are among the first Afghan students to arrive at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. It is located in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah, a liberal metropolis dotted with parks, filled with cafes and restaurants, and considered the safest major city in Iraq.

The students said they realized as much when they arrived, welcomed in the middle of the night by the university’s president and professors with bouquets of flowers to a campus with no high walls or security patrols.

So far, 109 young Afghans are studying in Sulaimaniyah, a portion of the 300 American University students that are ultimately expected to relocate there.

Many of the relocated students, traumatized by the loss of their homeland and haunted by worry over the families they left behind, are still in a state of shock and uncertain how to navigate life in a strange land.

On the university campus, a group of relocated students told their stories to The New York Times, speaking publicly for the first time since they were evacuated from Kabul. The Times is using only their first names and is not showing their faces in photographs to protect their families still in Afghanistan.

As the Taliban neared Kabul in August, Neda, a business student who worked part time at the university, frantically fed student documents into a fire on the nearly empty campus. “We tried to burn all the contracts or documents so they couldn’t find the students’ names and addresses,” she said.

The students and staff feared the Taliban would hunt them down along with their families and kill them.

“The Taliban came to an office I was working at,” recalled Murtaza, a law student who was later evacuated. “They wanted to beat us. They called us infidels and American spies.”

That night in August, as Neda burned papers, the foreign staff at the university had already been evacuated to a British-run security compound near the airport. For almost four hours Neda and a handful of other Afghans threw student records into the fire.

And then it was time to leave for the British compound, in what would become a harrowing journey ending in what many of the students initially considered to be the dangerous destination of Iraq.

But the Afghan university’s academic administrator knew better.

Vice President Victoria Fontan had worked in Iraq and during the pandemic had collaborated with her counterpart in Sulaimaniyah on an online curriculum. When the Kabul university started searching for a place to relocate students, she thought of Iraq, and a network of powerful friends kicked into action.

President Barham Salih of Iraq, the founder of the university in Sulaimaniyah and himself a former refugee, pledged to take in up to 300 students and arranged for them to enter without visas or in some cases even passports.

“The Iraqis really took an enormous leap of faith in this,” said Jared Cohen, CEO of Jigsaw, a technology incubator formerly known as Google Ideas. He became involved in a personal capacity after being asked by a friend, an Afghan-born BBC journalist, to help evacuate students.

Cohen said he obtained in a single afternoon from American philanthropists pledges of $3 million to evacuate and fund the studies of the 109 Afghan students in Sulaimaniyah and relocate another group of civil society professionals and journalists to another country. The Qatari government provided planes to evacuate the students.

The president of the Afghan university, Ian Bickford, said 106 other students had been sent to the American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan, and about 200 to other countries, including Pakistan and the United States.

Another 375 American University students are still in Afghanistan, along with many more staff and hundreds of alumni, Bickford said. Many are in hiding.

Students in Afghanistan still have access to online courses led by teachers now living outside the country. But many of those students no longer have reliable access to the internet or feel safe to connect, their former classmates said.

Some students, like Neda, are still traumatized by their escape. The British security compound where she was sheltering with the university’s foreign staff was taken over by the Taliban, who demanded money and vehicles before they let the occupants leave. Neda was terrified that the Taliban, who later took photos and videos of everyone on the buses to the airport, would recognize they were not foreigners but Afghans.

When they finally arrived at the Kabul airport gate with the foreign staff, she said, British soldiers barred them from entering.

“They said, ‘No, you guys are Afghans; you cannot go,’ ” Neda said. She said they were kicked out of the airport and into an area controlled by the Taliban. “I was in a very bad situation because I had never seen the Taliban face to face.”

Eventually, she made it onto a Qatari evacuation flight Aug. 21, leaving in a sandstorm amid the chaos of foreign soldiers including Turks trying to control an airport overrun with people desperate to escape.

“The Turkish Army and American Army treated us in a very bad way,” she said, wiping away tears. “I mean, it was my own country; it was my own land. But still they shouted at us.”

Neda did not tell her family she was going to Iraq because she knew they would worry. “All you hear about Iraq is the Islamic State and explosions,” she said.

One of the other students, a political science major named Fatima who plans to be a diplomat, had lived in Kabul for just four years. For years, she and her family were refugees in neighboring Pakistan, but she had persuaded them to return to Afghanistan so she could pursue her education.

“When I came to Kabul I was thinking that I belong to this land and it belongs to me,” she said. “It was such a beautiful feeling.”

Now, Fatima finds herself in yet another country — and wondering what the future holds.

Murtza, 22, a law student who was among those relocated, said he missed Kabul, even with its frequent electricity cuts. “I didn’t feel safe around Kabul,” he said. “But it was my hometown. It was my country. It was my soul, and it was my heart.”

Mujtaba, a law student, was among a group of students who relocated to Sulaimaniyah in October. Before he left, he would lie awake at night, listening to the constant roar of planes leaving Kabul.

“We couldn’t sleep because of the sound. And not just the sound, the thought that so many great people are just leaving the country. It was just devastating,” he said. Now he has become one of them. But he says he is determined to return to Afghanistan when he can to help rebuild it.

Mujtaba taught English and ran a book club in Kabul, while also teaching his mother to read.

He showed videos of his brother and sister reading by flashlight during a power cut in Kabul. While his brother still goes to school, Mujtaba said, his sister, a ninth grader, was forced to stop after the Taliban shut down high schools for girls.

In the small room he shares with another Afghan student in Sulaimaniyah, Mujtaba writes inspirational notes to himself on sticky notes placed above his desk.

“Be strong,” said that day’s note, with a smiley face drawn underneath.

As the Taliban closed in on the Afghan capital, Kabul, in August, what had been a privileged education at the American University of Afghanistan suddenly became a dangerous liability.

As the Taliban closed in on the Afghan capital, Kabul, in August, what had been a privileged education at the American University of Afghanistan suddenly became a dangerous liability. Students and staff frantically searched for an escape route from a country that, with the withdrawal of U.S. forces, would fall to the Taliban — a group that has described the U.S.-funded university as a den of infidels and has shut schools and universities for girls and women. Iraq, though, was not the first destination that came to the students’ minds as a refuge. “OK, now I’m leaving the Taliban behind,” said Mashall, 24, a master’s student in information technology. “And now I’m going to face ISIS,” she said, describing her concern and using an alternate name for the Islamic State when told her evacuation flight would end up in Iraq. Those fears have proved unfounded for Mashall and her classmates, who are among the first Afghan students to arrive at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. It is located in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah, a liberal metropolis dotted with parks, filled with cafes and restaurants, and considered the safest major city in Iraq. The students said they realized as much when they arrived, welcomed in the middle of the night by the university’s president and professors with bouquets of flowers to a campus with no high walls or security patrols. So far, 109 young Afghans are studying in Sulaimaniyah, a portion of the 300 American University students that are ultimately expected to relocate there. Many of the relocated students, traumatized by the loss of their homeland and haunted by worry over the families they left behind, are still in a state of shock and uncertain how to navigate life in a strange land. On the university campus, a group of relocated students told their stories to The New York Times, speaking publicly for the first time since they were evacuated from Kabul. The Times is using only their first names and is not showing their faces in photographs to protect their families still in Afghanistan. As the Taliban neared Kabul in August, Neda, a business student who worked part time at the university, frantically fed student documents into a fire on the nearly empty campus. “We tried to burn all the contracts or documents so they couldn’t find the students’ names and addresses,” she said. The students and staff feared the Taliban would hunt them down along with their families and kill them. “The Taliban came to an office I was working at,” recalled Murtaza, a law student who was later evacuated. “They wanted to beat us. They called us infidels and American spies.” That night in August, as Neda burned papers, the foreign staff at the university had already been evacuated to a British-run security compound near the airport. For almost four hours Neda and a handful of other Afghans threw student records into the fire. And then it was time to leave for the British compound, in what would become a harrowing journey ending in what many of the students initially considered to be the dangerous destination of Iraq. But the Afghan university’s academic administrator knew better. Vice President Victoria Fontan had worked in Iraq and during the pandemic had collaborated with her counterpart in Sulaimaniyah on an online curriculum. When the Kabul university started searching for a place to relocate students, she thought of Iraq, and a network of powerful friends kicked into action. President Barham Salih of Iraq, the founder of the university in Sulaimaniyah and himself a former refugee, pledged to take in up to 300 students and arranged for them to enter without visas or in some cases even passports. “The Iraqis really took an enormous leap of faith in this,” said Jared Cohen, CEO of Jigsaw, a technology incubator formerly known as Google Ideas. He became involved in a personal capacity after being asked by a friend, an Afghan-born BBC journalist, to help evacuate students. Cohen said he obtained in a single afternoon from American philanthropists pledges of $3 million to evacuate and fund the studies of the 109 Afghan students in Sulaimaniyah and relocate another group of civil society professionals and journalists to another country. The Qatari government provided planes to evacuate the students. The president of the Afghan university, Ian Bickford, said 106 other students had been sent to the American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan, and about 200 to other countries, including Pakistan and the United States. Another 375 American University students are still in Afghanistan, along with many more staff and hundreds of alumni, Bickford said. Many are in hiding. Students in Afghanistan still have access to online courses led by teachers now living outside the country. But many of those students no longer have reliable access to the internet or feel safe to connect, their former classmates said. Some students, like Neda, are still traumatized by their escape. The British security compound where she was sheltering with the university’s foreign staff was taken over by the Taliban, who demanded money and vehicles before they let the occupants leave. Neda was terrified that the Taliban, who later took photos and videos of everyone on the buses to the airport, would recognize they were not foreigners but Afghans. When they finally arrived at the Kabul airport gate with the foreign staff, she said, British soldiers barred them from entering. “They said, ‘No, you guys are Afghans; you cannot go,’ ” Neda said. She said they were kicked out of the airport and into an area controlled by the Taliban. “I was in a very bad situation because I had never seen the Taliban face to face.” Eventually, she made it onto a Qatari evacuation flight Aug. 21, leaving in a sandstorm amid the chaos of foreign soldiers including Turks trying to control an airport overrun with people desperate to escape. “The Turkish Army and American Army treated us in a very bad way,” she said, wiping away tears. “I mean, it was my own country; it was my own land. But still they shouted at us.” Neda did not tell her family she was going to Iraq because she knew they would worry. “All you hear about Iraq is the Islamic State and explosions,” she said. One of the other students, a political science major named Fatima who plans to be a diplomat, had lived in Kabul for just four years. For years, she and her family were refugees in neighboring Pakistan, but she had persuaded them to return to Afghanistan so she could pursue her education. “When I came to Kabul I was thinking that I belong to this land and it belongs to me,” she said. “It was such a beautiful feeling.” Now, Fatima finds herself in yet another country — and wondering what the future holds. Murtza, 22, a law student who was among those relocated, said he missed Kabul, even with its frequent electricity cuts. “I didn’t feel safe around Kabul,” he said. “But it was my hometown. It was my country. It was my soul, and it was my heart.” Mujtaba, a law student, was among a group of students who relocated to Sulaimaniyah in October. Before he left, he would lie awake at night, listening to the constant roar of planes leaving Kabul. “We couldn’t sleep because of the sound. And not just the sound, the thought that so many great people are just leaving the country. It was just devastating,” he said. Now he has become one of them. But he says he is determined to return to Afghanistan when he can to help rebuild it. Mujtaba taught English and ran a book club in Kabul, while also teaching his mother to read. He showed videos of his brother and sister reading by flashlight during a power cut in Kabul. While his brother still goes to school, Mujtaba said, his sister, a ninth grader, was forced to stop after the Taliban shut down high schools for girls. In the small room he shares with another Afghan student in Sulaimaniyah, Mujtaba writes inspirational notes to himself on sticky notes placed above his desk. “Be strong,” said that day’s note, with a smiley face drawn underneath.

Afghan college students find a new life, and safety, in Iraq

Do we search for alien life to kill the feeling of loneliness or to search for a new vista of scientific research? The question is complex. Whatever the reason may be, we are keen to see if there's is anyone out there in wide expanse of the space besides us. Till date we have had predictions but not confirmation.

But NASA chief is remarkably open to the possibility of life existing in some corner of space.

Bill Nelson, who was sworn in as administrator of NASA in May was speaking during University of Virginia's Center for Politics.

“My personal opinion is that the universe is so big, and now, there are even theories that there might be other universes. If that’s the case, who am I to say that planet Earth is the only location of a life form that is civilized and organized like ours?” Nelson told Larry Sabato, a professor of politics at UVA. He continued: “Are there other planet Earths out there? I certainly think so, because the universe is so big.”

Nelson is a Congressman and even went to space himself aboard Columbia shuttle in 1986.

Although he was open about possibility of life in space and even termed it as NASA's mission. He was also mindful of the fact that along with searching for intelligent life we should also be alert about damage we are causing to our own planet.

“I’ll tell you what that makes me think. I’d better be a better steward of what we have, because we’re messing it up, and we’re messing it up just the way we’re treating each other,” he said. “So I know what my mission is, to be a better steward of this planet and be a better citizen of planet Earth.”

Do we search for alien life to kill the feeling of loneliness or to search for a new vista of scientific research? The question is complex. Whatever the reason may be, we are keen to see if there's is anyone out there in wide expanse of the space besides us.

Do we search for alien life to kill the feeling of loneliness or to search for a new vista of scientific research? The question is complex. Whatever the reason may be, we are keen to see if there's is anyone out there in wide expanse of the space besides us. Till date we have had predictions but not confirmation. But NASA chief is remarkably open to the possibility of life existing in some corner of space. Bill Nelson, who was sworn in as administrator of NASA in May was speaking during University of Virginia's Center for Politics. “My personal opinion is that the universe is so big, and now, there are even theories that there might be other universes. If that’s the case, who am I to say that planet Earth is the only location of a life form that is civilized and organized like ours?” Nelson told Larry Sabato, a professor of politics at UVA. He continued: “Are there other planet Earths out there? I certainly think so, because the universe is so big.” Nelson is a Congressman and even went to space himself aboard Columbia shuttle in 1986. Although he was open about possibility of life in space and even termed it as NASA's mission. He was also mindful of the fact that along with searching for intelligent life we should also be alert about damage we are causing to our own planet. “I’ll tell you what that makes me think. I’d better be a better steward of what we have, because we’re messing it up, and we’re messing it up just the way we’re treating each other,” he said. “So I know what my mission is, to be a better steward of this planet and be a better citizen of planet Earth.”

Life probably exists elsewhere in universe too, says NASA chief

As per a new study, the ongoing pandemic has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy in western Europe since the second world war.

Data from most of the 29 countries, mostly from Europe, the US and Chile, was analysed by scientists. It recorded reductions in life expectancy last year and at a scale that wiped out years of progress.

The data reveals that the biggest declines in life expectancy were among males in the US, with a decline of 2.2 years relative to 2019 levels, followed by Lithuanian males.

Dr José Manuel Aburto, a co-lead author of the study, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "For western European countries such as Spain, England and Wales, Italy, Belgium, among others, the last time such large magnitudes of declines in life expectancy at birth were observed in a single year was during the second world war.”

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The findings were concluded after an analysis of the 29 countries for which official death registrations for last year had been published.&nbsp;

A total of 27 experienced reductions in life expectancy.

Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics estimated that life expectancy for men in the UK had fallen for the first time in 40 years.&nbsp;

A boy born between 2018 and 2020 is expected to live until he is 79, down from 79.2 for the period of 2015-17.

As per the report, males experienced larger life expectancy declines than females across most of the 29 countries. These reductions across different countries were attributable to deaths caused by COVID-19.

As per a new study, the ongoing pandemic has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy in western Europe since the second world war. Data from most of the 29 countries, mostly from Europe, the US and Chile, was analysed by scientists.

As per a new study, the ongoing pandemic has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy in western Europe since the second world war. Data from most of the 29 countries, mostly from Europe, the US and Chile, was analysed by scientists. It recorded reductions in life expectancy last year and at a scale that wiped out years of progress. The data reveals that the biggest declines in life expectancy were among males in the US, with a decline of 2.2 years relative to 2019 levels, followed by Lithuanian males. Dr José Manuel Aburto, a co-lead author of the study, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "For western European countries such as Spain, England and Wales, Italy, Belgium, among others, the last time such large magnitudes of declines in life expectancy at birth were observed in a single year was during the second world war.” Also read | Kremlin releases photos of Vladimir Putin hiking and fishing in Siberia The findings were concluded after an analysis of the 29 countries for which official death registrations for last year had been published. A total of 27 experienced reductions in life expectancy. Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics estimated that life expectancy for men in the UK had fallen for the first time in 40 years. A boy born between 2018 and 2020 is expected to live until he is 79, down from 79.2 for the period of 2015-17. As per the report, males experienced larger life expectancy declines than females across most of the 29 countries. These reductions across different countries were attributable to deaths caused by COVID-19.

COVID-19  has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy, says study

Search for alien life has a bit of excitement and glamour associated with it. Movies and other forms of popular media have fuelled the frenzy. So much so that in an event of an alien attack on Earth, many of us would go "Cool!" instead of "Aargh!!"

But like all things, alien life stuff is also complex. An Astrobiologist at Arizona State University (ASU) says that search for extraterrestrial life may also result in discovery of new viruses.

Yes!

Considering we are still in the middle of a pandemic caused by a virus, this may a hard thing to hear. But Paul Davis of the ASU asserts that to sustain life, a number of microscopic agents are required. And viruses are? Yep, microscopic!

“Viruses actually form part of the web of life,” Davis told The Guardian.

He thinks there will be whole ecosystem of microbes where alien life is found. He considers viruses to be part of web of life.

It is indeed terrifying to imagine a whole different planet filled with alien microbes. (One single Earth has already has us coughing and whatnot!). However, there is silver lining to this.

Microbes on Earth are able to affect us as they are able to adapt us as hosts. If a virus is truly alien, it may be that it will not have a way to infect us.

Search for alien life has a bit of excitement and glamour associated with it. Movies and other forms of popular media have fuelled the frenzy. So much so that in an event of an alien attack on Earth, many of us would go "Cool!

Search for alien life has a bit of excitement and glamour associated with it. Movies and other forms of popular media have fuelled the frenzy. So much so that in an event of an alien attack on Earth, many of us would go "Cool!" instead of "Aargh!!" But like all things, alien life stuff is also complex. An Astrobiologist at Arizona State University (ASU) says that search for extraterrestrial life may also result in discovery of new viruses. Yes! Considering we are still in the middle of a pandemic caused by a virus, this may a hard thing to hear. But Paul Davis of the ASU asserts that to sustain life, a number of microscopic agents are required. And viruses are? Yep, microscopic! “Viruses actually form part of the web of life,” Davis told The Guardian. He thinks there will be whole ecosystem of microbes where alien life is found. He considers viruses to be part of web of life. It is indeed terrifying to imagine a whole different planet filled with alien microbes. (One single Earth has already has us coughing and whatnot!). However, there is silver lining to this. Microbes on Earth are able to affect us as they are able to adapt us as hosts. If a virus is truly alien, it may be that it will not have a way to infect us.

Searching for alien life? Beware of viruses!

As per experts, signs of life may be detectable within two to three years. Researchers have mostly looked for planets of a similar size, mass, temperature and atmospheric composition to Earth.&nbsp;

However, the University of Cambridge astronomers believe there may be more promising possibilities after the recent work suggested that a “mini-Neptune” more than twice the radius of Earth and more than eight times as massive may also be habitable.&nbsp;

The researchers have also identified a new class of habitable exoplanets, called hycean planets.&nbsp;

These are hot, ocean-covered and with hydrogen-rich atmospheres – which are more numerous and observable than Earth-like planets. The mini-Neptune, known as K2-18b, is one and there could be many more in existence.

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Dr Nikku Madhusudhan, the lead author of the research from the University of Cambridge, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Hyceans are basically water worlds with hydrogen-rich atmospheres".

He added, "We are saying that within two to three years we may see the first biosignature detection if these planets host life".

Madhusudhan highlighted that the small size of Earth-like planets relative to sun-like stars gave rise to weak atmospheric signatures.&nbsp;

This makes it difficult to detect signs of life.

However, hyceans can be more than twice the radius of Earth for a planetabout 10 times the mass, and significantly hotter, with average atmospheric temperatures reaching almost 200C.

As per experts, signs of life may be detectable within two to three years. Researchers have mostly looked for planets of a similar size, mass, temperature and atmospheric composition to Earth.

As per experts, signs of life may be detectable within two to three years. Researchers have mostly looked for planets of a similar size, mass, temperature and atmospheric composition to Earth. However, the University of Cambridge astronomers believe there may be more promising possibilities after the recent work suggested that a “mini-Neptune” more than twice the radius of Earth and more than eight times as massive may also be habitable. The researchers have also identified a new class of habitable exoplanets, called hycean planets. These are hot, ocean-covered and with hydrogen-rich atmospheres – which are more numerous and observable than Earth-like planets. The mini-Neptune, known as K2-18b, is one and there could be many more in existence. Also read | India, Maldives to sign pact on mega Greater Malé Connectivity Project Dr Nikku Madhusudhan, the lead author of the research from the University of Cambridge, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Hyceans are basically water worlds with hydrogen-rich atmospheres". He added, "We are saying that within two to three years we may see the first biosignature detection if these planets host life". Madhusudhan highlighted that the small size of Earth-like planets relative to sun-like stars gave rise to weak atmospheric signatures. This makes it difficult to detect signs of life. However, hyceans can be more than twice the radius of Earth for a planetabout 10 times the mass, and significantly hotter, with average atmospheric temperatures reaching almost 200C.

Region beyond solar system may soon yield signs of life

NASA's Perseverance drilled into the surface of&nbsp;Mars&nbsp;but failed in its initial attempt to&nbsp;collect&nbsp;rock&nbsp;samples that would be picked up by future missions for analysis by scientists on Earth.

The US&nbsp;space&nbsp;agency published images Friday of a small mound with a hole in its center next to the&nbsp;rover&nbsp;-- the first ever dug into the Red Planet by a robot.

But data sent to Earth by the&nbsp;rover&nbsp;after its first attempt to&nbsp;collect&nbsp;a sample and seal it in a tube indicated no&nbsp;rock&nbsp;had been gathered.

"While this is not the 'hole-in-one' we hoped for, there is always risk with breaking new ground," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for&nbsp;NASA's science mission directorate, in a statement.

"I'm confident we have the right team working this, and we will persevere toward a solution to ensure future success."

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The drill hole is the first step of a&nbsp;sampling process&nbsp;that is expected to take about 11 days, with the aim of looking for signs of ancient microbial&nbsp;life&nbsp;that may have been preserved in ancient lakebed deposits.

Scientists also hope to better understand Martian geology.&nbsp;

The mission took off from Florida a little over a year ago and Perseverance, which is the size of a large family car, landed on February 18 in the Jezero Crater.

Scientists believe the crater contained a deep lake 3.5 billion years ago, where the conditions may have been able to support extraterrestrial&nbsp;life.&nbsp;

NASA&nbsp;plans a mission to bring around 30 samples back to Earth in the 2030s, to be analysed by instruments that are much more sophisticated than those that can be brought to&nbsp;Mars&nbsp;at present.&nbsp;

NASA's Perseverance drilled into the surface of Mars but failed in its initial attempt to collect rock samples that would be picked up by future missions for analysis by scientists on Earth.

NASA's Perseverance drilled into the surface of Mars but failed in its initial attempt to collect rock samples that would be picked up by future missions for analysis by scientists on Earth. The US space agency published images Friday of a small mound with a hole in its center next to the rover -- the first ever dug into the Red Planet by a robot. But data sent to Earth by the rover after its first attempt to collect a sample and seal it in a tube indicated no rock had been gathered. "While this is not the 'hole-in-one' we hoped for, there is always risk with breaking new ground," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's science mission directorate, in a statement. "I'm confident we have the right team working this, and we will persevere toward a solution to ensure future success." Also read | NASA model: This is how the Sun looked like in its youth The drill hole is the first step of a sampling process that is expected to take about 11 days, with the aim of looking for signs of ancient microbial life that may have been preserved in ancient lakebed deposits. Scientists also hope to better understand Martian geology. The mission took off from Florida a little over a year ago and Perseverance, which is the size of a large family car, landed on February 18 in the Jezero Crater. Scientists believe the crater contained a deep lake 3.5 billion years ago, where the conditions may have been able to support extraterrestrial life. NASA plans a mission to bring around 30 samples back to Earth in the 2030s, to be analysed by instruments that are much more sophisticated than those that can be brought to Mars at present.

NASA Mars rover fails to collect rock in search of alien life

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny is fighting for life in Russia for over three weeks. Navanly has been on a hunger strike and his health has deteriorated over the weekend. &nbsp;

Navalny's doctor warned that he could die 'at any moment'. Alexei Navalny is the most prominent critic of Vladimir Putin in Russia. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-alexei-navalny-could-die-any-minute-378694/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Navalny is in jail since March and has also been on a hunger strike. Reports say prison authorities refused to provide him with adequate medical care for an acute leg and back pain. So, Navalny went on a hunger strike and his condition worsened. &nbsp;

On Sunday, his doctors tried to visit him in prison but they were denied access. On Monday, Navalny was transferred to a hospital in another jail. &nbsp;

Opposition leaders have spoken up for him. Nearly a dozen politicians in Russia have published an open letter to President Putin. They hold Putin personally responsible for the life of Navalny. Moscow has neither responded nor expressed any concern. &nbsp;

The situation is escalating. Navalny's allies have announced rallies across Russia on Wednesday. They've started a petition and said if 500,000 supporters sign it, they will launch street protests again. As of Sunday, the petition was 50,000 signatures shy of its target.&nbsp;

Navalny's health could lead to an international showdown. The European Union has told Russia that Navalny must receive medical aid. The United States is considering sanctions. US national security advisor Jake Sullivan has issued a statement. He says the Biden administration is weighing options to punish Russia if Navalny dies in prison. &nbsp;

Navalny perhaps knew what was coming in January. He said, he had no plans to commit suicide in prison as his life hangs in the balance. &nbsp;

Information about Navalny's health remains scarce. The Russian penitential system has released a statement, saying that the Kremlin critic was moved for 'treatment with vitamins'. Russian authorities say Navalny's health is satisfactory. The West is watching him closely. &nbsp;

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny is fighting for life in Russia for over three weeks. Navanly has been on a hunger strike and his health has deteriorated over the weekend.

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny is fighting for life in Russia for over three weeks. Navanly has been on a hunger strike and his health has deteriorated over the weekend. Navalny's doctor warned that he could die 'at any moment'. Alexei Navalny is the most prominent critic of Vladimir Putin in Russia. Navalny is in jail since March and has also been on a hunger strike. Reports say prison authorities refused to provide him with adequate medical care for an acute leg and back pain. So, Navalny went on a hunger strike and his condition worsened. On Sunday, his doctors tried to visit him in prison but they were denied access. On Monday, Navalny was transferred to a hospital in another jail. Opposition leaders have spoken up for him. Nearly a dozen politicians in Russia have published an open letter to President Putin. They hold Putin personally responsible for the life of Navalny. Moscow has neither responded nor expressed any concern. The situation is escalating. Navalny's allies have announced rallies across Russia on Wednesday. They've started a petition and said if 500,000 supporters sign it, they will launch street protests again. As of Sunday, the petition was 50,000 signatures shy of its target. Navalny's health could lead to an international showdown. The European Union has told Russia that Navalny must receive medical aid. The United States is considering sanctions. US national security advisor Jake Sullivan has issued a statement. He says the Biden administration is weighing options to punish Russia if Navalny dies in prison. Navalny perhaps knew what was coming in January. He said, he had no plans to commit suicide in prison as his life hangs in the balance. Information about Navalny's health remains scarce. The Russian penitential system has released a statement, saying that the Kremlin critic was moved for 'treatment with vitamins'. Russian authorities say Navalny's health is satisfactory. The West is watching him closely.

World watches closely as Navalny fights for life in Russia  

With Ramadan fast approaching, Jiya, a transgender tailor, and her colleagues are busy stitching colourful clothes for women and also the transgender community in Pakistan's commercial city of Karachi. Watch to know more

Pakistan's transgender tailors look to Ramadan for business boost

Carbon survived an interstellar journey to reach the Earth, entirely avoiding vaporisation, as believed earlier, according to a new study.

Carbon is the backbone of life on Earth. It is responsible for regulating climate and making Earth a habitable planet.

The study, detailed in the journal ‘Science Advances’, showed that most of Earth’s carbon was inherited directly from the interstellar medium -- the material that exists in space between stars in a galaxy.

This likely happened after the cloud of dust and gas that circled our young sun and contained the building blocks of the planets, formed and warmed up.

Further, carbon was also likely isolated into solids within one million years of the sun’s birth, said the research team from the University of Michigan in the US.

The team quashed the previously believed condensation model saying that the gas molecules that carry carbon would not be available to build the Earth because once carbon vaporises, it does not condense back into a solid state.

"The condensation model has been widely used for decades. It assumes that during the formation of the sun, all of the planet’s elements got vaporised, and as the disk cooled, some of these gases condensed and supplied chemical ingredients to solid bodies. But that doesn’t work for carbon," said Jie (Jackie) Li, Professor at the Michigan University.

For the study, the team estimated the upper bounds of how much carbon the Earth might contain. It helped the researchers to find when the carbon might have been delivered here.

Carbon must exist in the right proportion to support life on the Earth. While excess carbon can make Earth like planet Venus, trapping heat from the sun and maintaining a temperature of about 880 degrees Fahrenheit, too little, on the other hand, would resemble Mars: An inhospitable planet unable to support water-based life, and having temperatures around minus 60.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Carbon survived an interstellar journey to reach the Earth, entirely avoiding vaporisation, as believed earlier, according to a new study. Carbon is the backbone of life on Earth.

Carbon survived an interstellar journey to reach the Earth, entirely avoiding vaporisation, as believed earlier, according to a new study. Carbon is the backbone of life on Earth. It is responsible for regulating climate and making Earth a habitable planet. The study, detailed in the journal ‘Science Advances’, showed that most of Earth’s carbon was inherited directly from the interstellar medium -- the material that exists in space between stars in a galaxy. This likely happened after the cloud of dust and gas that circled our young sun and contained the building blocks of the planets, formed and warmed up. Further, carbon was also likely isolated into solids within one million years of the sun’s birth, said the research team from the University of Michigan in the US. The team quashed the previously believed condensation model saying that the gas molecules that carry carbon would not be available to build the Earth because once carbon vaporises, it does not condense back into a solid state. "The condensation model has been widely used for decades. It assumes that during the formation of the sun, all of the planet’s elements got vaporised, and as the disk cooled, some of these gases condensed and supplied chemical ingredients to solid bodies. But that doesn’t work for carbon," said Jie (Jackie) Li, Professor at the Michigan University. For the study, the team estimated the upper bounds of how much carbon the Earth might contain. It helped the researchers to find when the carbon might have been delivered here. Carbon must exist in the right proportion to support life on the Earth. While excess carbon can make Earth like planet Venus, trapping heat from the sun and maintaining a temperature of about 880 degrees Fahrenheit, too little, on the other hand, would resemble Mars: An inhospitable planet unable to support water-based life, and having temperatures around minus 60. (With inputs from agencies)

From where did Earth get carbon?

A rare snowfall did not stop many Washington DC residents from going about their regular activities on Sunday (January 31).

Washingtonians enjoy rare snowfall

The accessory of 2020 - the face mask - was combined with 1920s themed fineries by guests forming a socially distanced queue for the relaunch of the London show "The Great Gatsby" on Thursday (October 22) evening.

'The Great Gatsby' back on stage in London

Paintings, photographs, films and poetry by children and young people across England are now being displayed alongside world famous works of art as part of a new online exhibition on lockdown life.

Young people create art to reflect lockdown life

Mexico City's "floating gardens" of Xochimilco re-opened to the public on Saturday (August 22) after months of lockdown, providing quarantine-weary locals with the chance of having a beer as they float away and a sing-a-long with mariachis that pass on by.

Mexico's floating mariachis return to Xochimilco as lockdown eases

Thousands of paddle boarders rode down the canals of St Petersburg at the annual Fontanka-SUP festival on Saturday (August 8).

Thousands of paddle boarders ride thorugh St Petersburg canals

Germany is firmly in the grips of a heatwave with the mercury hitting 37 degrees in many parts of the country over the weekend.

Germany sizzles as tempeatures hit 37 degrees celsius

A camel in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region broke the internet after its story of how it went on a solo trek of over 100 kilometers to try to return to his beloved former owner after 8 months were shared on social media.

Camel walks over 100 km alone in Gobi desert to reunite with former keeper

Crowds flocked to the beach in the southern English town of Brighton on Thursday (June 25) in a spell of hot weather.

Crowds pack Brighton beach in scorching weather

Five-year-old Tony Hudgell has raised more than 1 million pounds ($1.24 million) for the London hospital that saved his life by walking 10 kilometres on his new prosthetic legs after being inspired by Captain Tom's record breaking endeavours.

Five year old double amputee raises more than £1 million for charity

Britain enjoyed its hottest weather of 2020 as temperatures hit 32 Celsius (90 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday (June 24).

Sun shines as Britain enjoys hottest day of 2020 so far

Geneva's 129-year-old famous Jet d'Eau fountain burst back to life on Thursday (June 11), marking the end of the third phase of softening the city's coronavirus lockdown measures.

'A kind of release': Geneva's Jet d'Eau fountain bursts back to life

Bakhchisaray miniature park in the heart of the Crimean peninsula got richer with an unusual animal family - a goat and an adopted roe deer cub.

Goat adopts roe deer in Crimea

Madrid streets dressed up in La Liga colours on Wednesday (June 10) as competitive soccer is set to return on Thursday (June 10) after the coronavirus pandemic brought Spain's La Liga to a halt.

Madrid dresses up in La Liga colours as soccer set to return to action

A group of Russian thrill-seekers were spotted on Tuesday (June 9) fighting summer heat with a method of their own - riding in a wagon transformed into a swimming pool in the centre of the Urals city of Yekaterinburg.

Russians combat summer heat by riding swimming pool wagon

A 55-metre-high ferris wheel overlooking Brussels resumed operations on Wednesday (June 10), three months after the Belgian government imposed a lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Brussels' giant ferris wheel turns again after three-month-long hiatus

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