News

This volcano is releasing gold 'dust' worth over $6,000, baffling scientists

Mount Erebus, Antarctica’s tallest volcano, has recently started puzzling scientists with its unusual daily release of gold particles. Although the volcano releases steam, rocks, and gases normally, it's the tiny specks of crystallised gold that have captured the attention of researchers. If reports are to go by, these golden particles, carried by the wind, have been discovered as far as 621 miles from the volcano’s summit, with their value estimated at up to £5,000 or over $6,000. Mount Erebus stands 12,448 ft tall and is one of 138 active volcanoes in Antarctica. According to NASA scientists, molten rock rises to the surface from deep within the Earth, which causes gold particles to crystallise in the region's extremely cold temperatures. The experts further explained that although there are other volcanoes that can produce gold as gas or liquid, the case of Mount Erebus is a little bit different as it is extracting gold particles, making it stand out from the others. These particles travel through the air and are believed to disperse 'in the form of gold dust' in the vast distance. As per the records, the volcano is said to produce approximately 64.4 pounds of gold annually, which is estimated to be around $2 million (£1.5 million). Although the worth of the gold cannot be denied, experts are against the idea of attempting to mine due to the inherent dangers that unpredictable volcanoes can pose. Mount Erebus is known for its periodic strombolian eruptions, which means it can hurl rocks and other debris, further increasing the risk. Mount Erebus, as the southernmost active volcano on Earth, looms over the McMurdo research base on Ross Island and is considered one of Antarctica's most renowned landmarks. There is also a continuous lava lake within the summit crater. It has been in operation since at least 1972. Considering its remote location satellites serve as the prime source for monitoring volcanic activity. To ensure that researchers would be notified of the eruption. Although this extraordinary feature of Mount Erebus producing gold is fascinating, its remote setting and volatile nature make it an extraordinary but perilous feature of the Antarctic landscape.

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Pune Airport to be named after Saint Tukaram Maharaj

In a recent update, the Maharashtra government has officially approved a proposal to rename Pune Airport as ‘Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Pune International Airport.’ This initiative, put forward by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, who is a resident of Pune, aims to honor the legacy of the revered 17th-century saint. On Monday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the decision via his X handle, confirming that Pune’s Lohegaon International Airport will now bear the name of Sant Tukaram Maharaj. The name change was approved during a state cabinet meeting and will soon be submitted to the central government for final approval. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol advocated for the renaming to pay tribute to Sant Tukaram Maharaj, who is celebrated for his significant contributions to the Bhakti Movement. According to reports, Tukaram Maharaj spent a considerable part of his childhood in Lohegaon, the very area where the airport is located, making the renaming particularly fitting. Born in the 17th century, Sant Tukaram Maharaj was not only a saint but also a prominent poet whose verses emphasized social reform and devotion. His distinctive poetry style, known as Abhanga, is cherished throughout Maharashtra and continues to resonate with many today. The saint's legacy is closely intertwined with the cultural and spiritual fabric of the region, and the decision to rename the airport serves to honor his enduring influence. In addition to the renaming of Pune Airport, the Maharashtra cabinet has also approved several other initiatives, including a Guaranteed Progression Scheme for Children’s Homes Observatory staff and plans for a Greenfield Expressway connecting Shirur to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. These projects aim to enhance infrastructure and social welfare in the state. Murlidhar Mohol noted that Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s mother was originally from Lohegaon, further cementing the connection between the saint and the airport’s location. While he was born in Dehu, near Pune, the time he spent in Lohegaon makes this renaming a meaningful tribute. As Pune prepares to welcome this new identity, the renaming of the airport stands as a testament to Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of honoring figures who have shaped its history. The transition to Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Pune International Airport reflects a deep respect for the state’s spiritual traditions and the legacies of its saints.

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U.S. Leads The Way As The Ultimate Travel & Tourism Powerhouse

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released its 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report, highlighting the United States as the global leader in the Travel & Tourism sector. According to the report, the U.S. contributed an astonishing $2.36 trillion to its economy in 2023, solidifying its position as the most powerful market in the industry. Despite slower-than-expected recovery in international travel spending, the U.S. continues to outperform its global competitors, maintaining almost double the economic impact of its nearest contender. This latest data demonstrates the vital role Travel & Tourism plays not only in the U.S. economy but in the global economic landscape as well. Across numerous countries, the sector remains a cornerstone, driving economic growth and supporting millions of jobs. The continued resilience of the Travel & Tourism industry is a key factor in many national economies, highlighting the sector’s importance in promoting both recovery and expansion on a global scale. China emerges as another powerhouse in the WTTC’s report, ranking as the world’s second most influential Travel & Tourism market. With a GDP contribution of $1.3 trillion in 2023, China’s impressive recovery is especially noteworthy given the late reopening of its borders. This remarkable rebound showcases the growing significance of China’s tourism sector and its potential to continue shaping global economic trends in the years to come. Germany claimed the third spot in global Travel & Tourism rankings, contributing an impressive US$487.6 billion to its economy. Japan made a significant leap from fifth place in 2022 to fourth, with a contribution of US$297 billion. The United Kingdom rounded out the top five, adding US$295.2 billion. France, while being the world’s most visited country, maintained its sixth position, contributing US$264.7 billion, closely followed by Mexico at US$261.6 billion, showcasing its enduring appeal as a top tourist destination. India saw a remarkable rise, moving from tenth to eighth place with a contribution of US$231.6 billion, underscoring its growing impact on the global tourism stage. Italy and Spain completed the top 10, contributing US$231.3 billion and US$227.9 billion, respectively. Looking ahead, the WTTC predicts significant changes in the coming decade, with China projected to become the largest Travel & Tourism market, and India poised to climb to fourth place. These shifts signal the dynamic nature of the sector, as emerging markets rise and established powerhouses maintain their influence. On a global scale, international visitor spending is forecasted to grow by nearly 16%, reaching an impressive US$1.9 trillion. Domestic tourism is also set for record-breaking growth, with projected spending of US$5.4 trillion, a 10.3% increase over 2019 levels. Additionally, Travel & Tourism investment saw a 13% rise in 2023, exceeding US$1 trillion, with full recovery to pre-pandemic investment levels expected by 2025. This trend underscores the continued resurgence of the sector and its importance to the global economy. Rising global interest rates could pose challenges for future investment in the Travel & Tourism sector, making it essential for both public and private entities to collaborate. By fostering innovation and working together, they can ensure the ongoing growth and resilience of this vital industry, despite the financial pressures that may arise. The report also emphasizes the sector’s commitment to sustainability, noting significant progress in reducing the link between growth and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it highlights the growing opportunities for women, young people, and marginalized communities within the industry, reflecting a broader focus on inclusivity and social impact alongside economic advancement. This shift illustrates the sector’s dedication to a more sustainable and equitable future.

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AirAsia Sparks Record Growth in Malaysia’s Travel Market

AirAsia is set to enhance Malaysia’s domestic travel landscape by introducing 2,000 additional weekly flights and increasing capacity with 150,000 seats across 40 major routes before the year concludes. This expansion comes in response to the rising demand for year-end travel, offering passengers more choices and greater flexibility to explore Malaysia’s diverse destinations. The initiative underscores AirAsia’s commitment to strengthening connectivity while keeping travel both affordable and accessible for locals and regional visitors alike. With this growth, AirAsia is poised to capture a 64% market share, solidifying its leadership in the Malaysian aviation industry. The airline continues to balance its dominant market presence with a strong focus on delivering top-tier customer experiences, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the sector. AirAsia Malaysia Managing Director, Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “As the people’s airline, our commitment has always been to serve Malaysians by offering great value, choice, and convenient travel options, and this domestic boost reflects that mission. As we expand our domestic operations with a total of 1.7 million seats available for booking by December 2024, we are not just meeting the travel needs of Malaysians – we are also opening doors for regional travellers to explore and experience Malaysia’s unique destinations, cultural heartlands, and world-famous cuisines. “Like many other airlines, we are navigating challenges such as aircraft shortages and supply chain disruptions. However, we have made it a priority to manage these issues with careful planning, operational efficiency and reliable service recovery to minimise the impact on our guests whilst ensuring they get to their destinations safely. “We are proud of AirAsia’s continued contribution to Malaysia’s aviation sector, which has been crucial in positioning Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as one of the top LCC mega hubs globally. Our growth and market leadership are not just about flying more routes but about playing a pivotal role in supporting the national economy and enhancing connectivity. However, these efforts cannot be done by AirAsia alone. We call on all stakeholders – government, airports, tourism bodies, and other industry players – to join forces with us so we can collectively make travel more accessible and affordable for everyone, especially Malaysians.” As part of its continuous efforts to elevate the customer experience, AirAsia is launching AirAsia Plus, offering added benefits for passengers traveling to and from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). The AirAsia Plus fare includes 7kg of cabin baggage, 20kg of checked baggage, seat selection, an inflight meal or snack, and coverage through the Baggage and On-Time Guarantee (OTG) insurance, providing travelers with a comprehensive and hassle-free package. This new fare option will be available for booking starting on October 8, 2024, for travel beginning on October 9, 2024. “This is part of our broader effort to offer more to our guests, without compromising on affordability. AirAsia Plus is designed with our guests’ needs in mind, ensuring they get the most out of their journey with us. It is not just about extra services, it is about delivering a better travel experience that our guests can rely on,” added Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra. AirAsia is rolling out special promotional fares starting from RM49 all-inclusive* one way for all domestic flights. These fares are available for booking exclusively through the app or website from now until 29 September 2024, covering the travel period between 28 October 2024 and 15 February 2025.

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India’s longest ropeway introduced in Sikkim’s Yangang

Good news coming from Sikkim! The northeastern state of Sikkim now has officially become home to India’s longest ropeway, known as the Dhapper-Bale-Dhunga Ropeway in Yangang, a beautiful small town in Namchi district. With this, Sikkim has marked a milestone in the state's tourism industry. The ropeway was inaugurated on September 16 where all the prominent names in Sikkim were present. The inaugural ride was taken by Sikkim Assembly Vice-Chairperson Rajkumari Thapa and former Press Secretary to the Chief Minister, Vikas Basnet. Mr. Thapa said that the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang played an important role in bringing this project to life as it was overlooked by the previous administration. This impressive ropeway covers a huge distance and offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape. It also promises to enhance the tourism industry in Yangang and regions nearby. The ropeway also symbolises the government’s dedication to improving the state’s tourism infrastructure. Travellers will have to pay a price of INR 950 to ride the ropeway. More about Yangang Yangang is a charming town in Namchi district of Sikkim. The place offers a perfect scenic escape in the mountains. On this note, let’s have a look at top three places to visit in Yangang: Yangang Monastery: This beautiful and peaceful monastery offers an insight into the local Buddhist culture. The place is surrounded by lush greenery and is a perfect spot for meditation and reflection. The gompa is done in colourful murals and has a serene atmosphere. Buddha Park: Buddha Park is set close to Ravangla. This pretty park features a towering statue of Buddha and beautiful gardens. It's an ideal place for leisurely walks, enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas, and participating in various spiritual activities. Temi Tea Garden: Temi Tea Garden is Sikkim’s only tea estate. Visitors can explore the picturesque tea fields, learn about the tea-making process, and sample some of the finest local teas, all while enjoying stunning mountain vistas. These attractions showcase Yangang's natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination in Sikkim.

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Goa to have state-of-the-art cruise terminal by March 2025

By March next year, we will start looking at Goa as a global cruise hub. The reason being, Goa’s Mormugao Port is all set to become a new eco-friendly, state-of-the-art cruise terminal by March 2025. This new cruise terminal will accommodate both domestic as well as international cruise liners. At present, India has a very few international cruise terminals. Port cities like Mumbai, Kolkata and Kochi offer few international cruises. Soon Goa will be added to the list. The new terminal at Mormugao Port spans 9,960 square metres. If reports are to go by, the new International Cruise Terminal will have 24 immigration counters, 10 check-in counters, a waiting lounge, and baggage carousels. The Domestic Cruise Terminal will feature 12 check-in counters, a waiting lounge, and baggage facilities. Apart from all these, there will also be duty-free shops, lounges, a food court, a ferry terminal, parking, landscaped gardens, and an internal road network. With this new project, we hope to see India excel in deep-sea cruises, as well as coastal, river, and yacht cruises. In the near future, India plans to position itself to handle 1,000 world-class vessels, with Goa at the helm. As per reports, in the past, the Mormugao Port Authority has handled several cruise vessels. In 2013-2014, the port handled 18 vessels with 17,397 passengers. By 2018-2019, this number increased to 35 vessels with 47,778 passengers. By December of this year (2024), seven international cruise liners are scheduled to dock in Goa with a total of 12,584 passengers. At present, there are many international cruises that start from India. Goa is not in the list, but we do have places like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Kochi. From Chennai, there are cruises to Sri Lanka. Cruises from Mumbai go to Dubai, Venice, Male, and Athens. Cruises from Kolkata go to Bangladesh. One thing we are sure of is that Goa’s upcoming state-of-the-art cruise terminal at Mormugao Port will inspire many to delve deeper into the world of cruise tourism Mormugao Port is located in Vasco da Gama, in South Goa. Mormugao Port, located along the Arabian Sea, is one of the most important maritime assets in Goa. Reason being, the port is the main hub for both cargo and cruise vessels. Mormugao is located approximately 30 kilometres from Panajim.

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