WASHINGTON, May 3: The newly discovered glass dune fields on Mars may be hotspots for life, as they are likely to have formed from interactions between magma and ice, or water, scientists have claimed.
The fields are spread across almost a third of the Red Planet’s northern hemisphere. But dark sediments in the region have puzzled planetary scientists.
Now, researchers from Arizona State University, who used the European Space Agency’s Mars Express orbiter to re-examine light radiated from the Martian plains, determinded that the strange readings were caused by sand composed of glass.
“We’re actually seeing glass particles, like glass sand,” researcher Briony Horgan was quoted as saying by Astrobiology Magazine, a NASA-sponsored popular online science magazine.
“The only way to create an extensive glassy deposit like that is through explosive volcanism. This is the first direct evidence on Mars for explosive volcanism on a planetary scale,” Horgan said.
When a Martian volcano erupts, the researchers said, the thin atmosphere and difference in pressure should make for some great pyrotechnics. But a fiery eruption alone won’t guarantee glass. It takes an interaction with water or ice to manage that, they said.
“When lava or magma interacts with ice or water, it is quenched, which means it rapidly cools and solidifies,” said Claire Cousins of the University of London.
“This rapid cooling prevents any crystals from growing, and so a volcanic glass is produced,” said Cousins, who was not involved in the new research but has studied volcanic environments in Iceland and Antarctica as Martian analogues.
The glassy plains also show evidence of water-related weathering. As ice melted across the lowlands, it mixed with the strange sand to form an acid.
With enough exposure to the iron inside the sand, the chemicals would neutralise, which means that only a constantly renewed water source, like melting ice or snow, could cause the leaching the team saw.
Details on the newfound Martian landforms were published online in the journal Geology.
The glassy expanse may not be the best location to search for life. But it could lead to more promising environments, the researchers said.
“We know searching for organisms in the northern lowlands is difficult. I think the better place to go would be those source regions, the ice-magma interactions,” Horgan said.
Referring to hydrothermal systems and subglacial lakes, she said, “Those have been identified as places where biosignatures could have been preserved.”
If a volcano erupts beneath a glacier, the heat could form huge subglacial lakes. “It’s the perfect place for microbes. “A nice, warm, safe place for microbes to hang out, with lots of chemicals around to munch on,” Horgan said. (PTI)
Glass dune fields on Mars may be hotspots for life: Scientists
Newspapers in Malaysia ‘went black’ to mark Press Freedom Day
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3: Several Chinese newspapers in Malaysia “went black” to mark World Press Freedom Day today as a protest against the violence towards journalists during a recent opposition backed rally on electoral reforms.
Sin Chew Daily, Nanyang Siang Pau, China Press, Guang Ming Daily and Oriental Daily printed their front pages in black and white to remind readers and authorities of the struggles journalists face while carrying out their duties, especially during rallies.
Sin Chew Daily editor-in-chief Pook Ah Lek said the paper decided to do so because many pressmen, including photographers, had been beaten during the rally.
Pook, also Editors of Chinese Medium Malaysia Association president, said the Chinese Newspaper Photographers Association had also initiated a call for journalists and photographers to don black and wear a yellow ribbon.
Nanyang Siang Pau editor-in-chief Chong Choong Nam hoped the authorities would be reminded that media personnel should be given protection by the police.
Meanwhile, the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry has encouraged the screening of video recordings of Saturday’s rally to give the public an overall picture of what had happened.
Minister Rais Yatim said the ministry had asked television stations to look at the video recordings to show the rally participants’ behaviour.
“There were participants who smashed police patrol car windscreens. They should watch this video, while there are also videos showing policemen acting inappropriately.”
Home minister Hishammuddin Hussein has said an independent panel will be set up to investigate claims of police brutality against journalists covering Bersih 3.0 rally last Saturday.
Hishammuddin expressed regret that some journalists were allegedly treated badly.
“We have no qualms about doing that (forming the panel), and the IG police wants it to be transparent, even if it involves the police,” he said.
“I have to remind you that the worst case (of violence) involved a journalist, Mohamad Azri (Salleh) from Al-Hijrah (TV), who was set upon while trying to save a police (officer).
“It was not the police who set on him, so please be fair in that context,” he said.
Hishammuddin noted that the Cabinet had ordered the police and the Attorney-General to expedite investigations and charge those responsible for turning the rally into a riot. (PTI)
15 killed in bus accident in northern Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, May 3: At least 15 people, including two policemen, were killed and over 20 injured today when a speeding bus fell into a deep ravine near Kohistan in northern Pakistan, officials said.
The bus was travelling from Rawalpidi to Gilgit when it fell into the ravine while negotiating a turn in a mountainous area, officials said.
They said the driver lost control of the vehicle as he was driving too fast.
The injured were taken to a nearby hospital.
The dead included two policemen, two women and three children, officials said. (PTI)
US-China high-level strategic and economic dialogue begins
BEIJING, May 3: The annual high-level strategic and economic dialogue between US and China began here today with Chinese President Hu Jintao calling for a “new type of relationship” between the two countries to break the traditional belief that big powers only have conflicts.
Inaugurating the two-day talks attended among others by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Hu said China and US should break traditional belief that big powers will enter into conflicts and seek new ways to develop ties.
“Whatever changes may take place in the world and no matter how the domestic situations in our two countries may evolve, China and US should be firmly committed to advancing the cooperative partnership and build a new type of relations between major countries that is reassuring to peoples from both the countries and the world,” Hu said.
The two countries should think creatively to build such a new type of relationship, he said.
The dialogue began amid controversy over the blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng seeking shelter in the US Embassy here as well as tensions between Philippines and China over disputed islands.
US officials escorted Chen out to a hospital yesterday. China demanded an apology for the embassy for sheltering him.
Also Philippines and Chinese naval vessels are currently patrolling the disputed waters of an island in the South China Sea in a stand off and Manila sought Washington’s assistance to counter Beijing’s moves.
In his speech, Hu recalled how former US President Richard Nixon’s visit to Beijing changed the bilateral ties 40 years ago and said that both sides need to advance the relationship with the times with new thinking, policies and actions.
“We should, through creative thinking and concrete steps, prove that the traditional belief that big powers are bound to enter into confrontation and conflicts is wrong and seek new ways of developing relations between major countries in the era of economic globalization,” Hu said.
Speaking that inaugural meeting of the economic dialogue, Geithner said US exports to China have doubled since early 2009, roughly twice as much as its exports to the rest of the world. The Chinese investment in the United States has increased five-fold from 2005-2010.
US has taken note that China has committed to provide greater protection and enforcement for US intellectual property rights and to improve market access for US companies, he said.
China also continued to move toward a more market oriented exchange rate system and to reduce controls on capital movements, and the renminbi has appreciated by approximately 13 per cent against the US dollar in real terms over the past two years.
Both China and the United States have made progress reducing our external trade imbalances, he said.
“Our challenge now is to build on that progress. I want to highlight our main objectives for these meetings,” he said.
The discussions would cover risks to the global economy and US-China cooperation to deal with EU debt crisis as well as well as the stand off over Iran nuclear issue.
“We will explore the main challenges ahead in our respective efforts to reform our financial systems and to improve global cooperation on financial reforms,” he said.
On the currency issue, he said: “a stronger, more market- determined renminbi will help reinforce China’s reform objectives of moving to higher value-added production, reforming the financial system, and encouraging domestic demand. It will provide China the independence and flexibility to respond to future changes in growth and inflation.” (PTI)
JKP XI scripts huge win over Lions Club
4th Ashok Sodhi Memorial T20 Tournament
JAMMU, May 2: Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) XI thrashed Lions Cricket Club, Satwari by a huge margin of 103 runs to advance in the ongoing 4th Ashok Sodhi Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament, being organised by Print and Electronic Cameramen Association at Parade Grounds, here.
Electing to bat first, JKP XI sailed on good contributions from Hammer, Rajesh Gill and Akshay Khajuria to post a mammoth total of 210 runs in the stipulated 20 overs by losing 5 wickets in the process. Hammer scored 71 off just 36 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes, while Gill smashed 42 off 27 balls including 6 boundaries and 2 sixes. Akshay contributed 42 runs to the total with the help of 5 crispy fours. Naushad also contributed quick-fire 20 runs including 3 fours and one six. For Lions Club, Bansi, Kaka, Rakesh, Manjeet and Shehzad claimed one wicket each.
In reply, Lions Club bundled out for a paltry total of 107 runs in 18.1 overs, thus losing the match by a huge margin of 103 runs. Shehzad was the top scorer with 44 runs, while no other batsman could cross the double figure mark. Hardeep contributed 9 runs to the total. Genuine pace bowler Sahil Sharma was the wrecker-in-chief for JKP XI who captured 4 important wickets in his four overs by conceding 24 runs, while Sunil and Rajesh Gill claimed 2 wickets each. Naushad and Naresh also picked one wicket apiece.
Meanwhile, in another match, Young XI drubbed Paloura Cricket Club by 7 wickets in an easy contest. Batting first, Paloura Club collapsed at 57 runs in 14 overs. Sahil Wali, Sushil and Ravi Kumar contributed 10 runs each. Ritesh and Arif scalped 3 wickets each for Young XI, while Kuldip and Raghu claimed 2 wickets each.
Young XI in reply chased the target in just 9 overs by losing 3 wickets, and won the match by 7 wickets. Ritesh top scored with 28 runs including 5 boundaries. Preet took 2 wickets for Paloura Club, while Deepak claimed one.
The matches were officiated by Sadiq Hussain Malik, Vijay, Sham Singh and Ajay Sharma.
Kashmir Cricket Club to face Challenger in summit clash
3rd Rajiv Gandhi Memorial T20 Tournament
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, May 2: Kashmir Cricket Club (KCC) scripted a convincing win over star-studded Kishen Chand Cricket Club (KCCC) in a low scoring semifinal match, while Challenger Cricket Club (CCC) registered a thrilling victory over strong Simula XI to seal berth in the finals of the ongoing 3rd Rajiv Gandhi Memorial T20 Tournament, being organised by Young Star Cricket Club at MA Stadium, here today.
Now, Kashmir Cricket Club will take on Challenger Cricket Club in the summit clash, the date for which is yet to be finalised.
Earlier, in the first semifinal, KCC defeated KCCC by 13 runs in a close contest. Batting first, KCC managed to score paltry 98 runs in 19.4 overs. Shahbaz was the top scorer with 33 runs including 2 fours and one six, while Amrit Pal Singh contributed 10 runs to the total. Muddasir and Pankaj chipped in 8 runs each. Left-arm spinner Raman Dutta was pick of the bowlers for KCCC, who captured 3 wickets in his 4 overs by conceding 15 runs, while ambidextrous slow bowler Bandeep Singh, who can bowl with both hands, scalped 2 wickets in his 4 overs by giving away just 8 runs. Wrist spinner Manik Gupta, speedster Akash Chaudhary and genuine quick bowler Sahil Sharma claimed one wicket each.
In reply, KCCC batsmen failed to negotiate the disciplined bowling by the Kashmir Club bowlers, who all bowled with nagging line and teasing length and bundled out them for a meagre total of 85 runs. Thus, KCCC lost the match by a narrow margin of 13 runs. The highlight of the match was the outstanding fielding effort by the Kashmir Club players, who plotted dismissal of four KCCC batsmen via run outs. The dismissal of middle-order batsman Raman Thaploo via direct throw from Amrit Pal Singh from point was real delight to watch. Skipper Pardeep Bali scored slow 34 runs in 51 balls including 5 boundaries, while none of the other batsmen crossed the double figure mark. Manik Gupta and Jateshwar contributed 8 and 7 runs to the total respectively. For Kashmir Club, medium pacer Satish was the chief wrecker, who took 3 wickets, while Aman, Kuldip and Pankaj claimed one wicket each. Shahbaz of Kashmir Club was declared man of the match for good batting display.
Meanwhile, in another semifinal match, Challenger Cricket Club registered a thrilling win by 3 runs over Simula XI to qualify for the finals.
Chasing a target of 136 runs set by Challenger Club, Simula XI fell short of just 3 runs as they failed to score the required 7 runs in the last over of the match with many wickets at hand. Anshuman Sharma and Hardeep Singh scored 50 and 39 runs respectively, while Dhruv contributed 20 runs to the total. Off-spinner Parveen Singh and left-arm spinner Dilbagh Singh bagged 3 wickets each, while seam bowler Rakesh Koul claimed one wicket.
Earlier, winning the toss and batting first, Challenger Club scored 135 runs in the allotted 20 overs, losing 8 wickets in the process. Rohit Bhat played a magnificent innings of 58 runs in 51 balls with the help of 5 delectable boundaries, while Parveen Singh contributed useful 29 runs including 3 fours and one massive six. Rakesh Koul and Manjeet Singh also chipped in 15 and 10 runs respectively. Dhruv Mahajan was pick of the bowlers for Simula XI, who claimed 3 wickets, while Hardeep Singh picked two. Sameer Khajuria and Irshad claimed one wicket each. Parveen Singh of Challenger Club was adjudged man of the match for his all-round show.
The matches were officiated by Rajinder Singh, Vijay and Sohail, while Shashi Pal is organizing secretary of the tournament.
Atul Pangotra leaves for Asian Poomsae C’ship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, May 2: Ace fighter Atul Pangotra was given a warm send off by the members of J&K Taekwando Association before leaving to accompany the Indian team, which left for taking part in the Asian Taekwando Poomsae and Kyorugi Championship to be held at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The seven member Poomsae team which left for Vietnam included Ugen Gurung and Savitri Pradhan from Sikkim, Rahul Jain from Maharashtra, Tanvi Nadkarni from Goa, Anamika Walia and Jyoti Nagpal from Delhi and Atul Pangotra from Jammu and Kashmir. Master Seunghee Lee is accompanying the team as coach.
It is pertinent to mention here that Atul Pangotra, the employee of Youth Services and Sports Department is participating 5th time in a row in an International Taekwando Championship. Atul participated in Commonwealth Taekwando Championship in India in the year 2011 and won first medal for Jammu and Kashmir State in the field of Martial Art.
NMN College organizes seminar on Legal Awareness among Women
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 2: New Millennium National (NMN) College of Education organised an awareness seminar on the topic “Legal and Social Awareness among Women”.
On the occasion, Shamim Firdos, Chairperson, Women Commission, was the chief guest while Ram Pal, former Minister, was the guest of honour.
Puja Gupta, Principal of the college, presented welcome address and highlighted the aims and objectives of organizing the seminar.
Speaking on the occasion Shamim Firdous asked the women to participate whole-heartedly in decision making, which is imperative for well being of the society. She emphasized the need for creating awareness regarding eradication of social evils like dowry system and other crimes against women. She also advocated for granting the reservation to women in all the fields.
Ram Pal, in his address stressed upon women empowerment, curbing violence against women and equal rights to women in every field.
Students also performed skit and various other cultural items, based on the said topic of the seminar, which were highly appreciated by the audience with thundering applause.
During the seminar, three lecturer of the college namely Puja Gupta, Sonia Sagotra and Inderjeet Kour, were given ‘Best Teacher Award’ for their dedication, hard work and excellence in both academic and non academic fields.
Sonia Sagotra, Vice Principal of the college, presented vote of thanks.
Inter Battalions Badminton Tournament gets underway
UDHAMPUR, May 2: Inter Battalions Badminton tournament being organized by 187 Bn of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Udhampur got underway here today.
The opening ceremony of the programme was held in the premises of 187 Bn CRPF at Battal Ballian Udhampur.
The Second in Commandant 187 Bn CRPF, Anil Gupta was the chief guest on the occasion who declared the championship open.
While speaking on the occasion, the second in commandant said that a total of four battalions and one Group Center of Agartalla Range are participate in the championship. He also said that in the three day tournament, the matches between the teams will be played at Badminton Hall of Mini Stadium Udhampur.
In the singles category, the first match was played between 189 Bn and 190 Bn while the 2nd match was played between 186 Bn and 189 Bn.
Deputy Commandant 187 Bn, R. K Tomar, Officials of sports department, other officers of 187 Bn, Jawans and sports lovers were present on the occasion.
Srinagar drubs Pulwama in U-19 girls Throw Ball
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
Srinagar, May 2: District Srinagar drubbed Pulwama in under-19 years girls Throw Ball in the final and lifted the title in the ongoing Inter-District competitions held in the disciplines of Net Ball and Throw Ball, which concluded here today.
In under-17 years Throw competition, the girls of Kulgam defeated Budgam to wear the crown, while in Net Ball under-17 years, district Anantnag girls trounced Budgam to lift the trophy.
The Net Ball under-19 girls title again went to district Anantnag, who outplayed Budgam in a close contest.
The competitions were organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports under the overall supervision of Nilofar Amin, Deputy Director Youth Services and Sports, Kashmir, who along with Assistant Director Kashmir distributed prizes among the winners.