News in Short

• The early Earth's atmosphere was rich in carbon dioxide, according to a study.
• The study looked at very old samples of these small meteorites to show that the grains could have reacted with carbon dioxide on their journey to the Earth.
• Previous work suggested the meteorites ran into oxygen, contradicting theories and evidence that the Earth's early atmosphere was virtually devoid of oxygen.
• Knowing the conditions on the early Earth is important not just for understanding the history of our planet, and the conditions when life emerged, it can also help inform the search for life on other planets.

• The Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) and the Gravity Gradient Stabilisation Experiment (GGSE 4) are facing a collision challenge where there is one is hundred chance of occurrence.
• Since both the satellites are now defunct, there’s no way for scientists on Earth to communicate with them or send signals for evasive manoeuvers.
• The resulting debris from the event could linger and travel for decades to come, threatening the existence of other satellites, including ones that currently functional and play critical roles.

• The United Arab Emirates has announced its first case of the new coronavirus, in a family from Wuhan, the first case in Middle-East.
• Officially known as 2019-nCoV, the virus was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December.
• Cases have been confirmed in several countries in the Asia-Pacific region as well as Europe and North America. These include Germany, France, Japan and Australia.

• Ace India javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a throw of 87.86m at the Athletics Central North East meeting in South Africa.
• This was the Olympic medal hopeful's first competitive event after recovering from the injury.
• He was expected to participate in the National Open Athletics Championship late last year, but the AFI decided to allow Neeraj more time to get competition ready.

• Defending champions India have reached the Semi-finals of the Men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup being held in South Africa.
• India defeated fellow strong contenders Australia by 74 runs to qualify for the stage.
• India’s opponent for the Semi-finals clash is yet to be decided.