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‘Invisible’ gold, worth $24 billion, discovered in Johannesburg’s mine dumps!

In a surprising development, a massive amount of invisible gold has been uncovered, reportedly worth $24 billion in Johannesburg. Steve Chingwaru, the researcher, who is behind this discovery, originally conceived an idea to understand this matter as a master’s thesis, and later got upgraded to a PhD due to its remarkable findings. He discovered the presence of approximately 420 tonnes of ‘invisible gold,’ valued at $24 billion, concealed within the mine dumps of the Witwatersrand Basin in Johannesburg. The mine dumps, referred to as tailings, are remnants of Johannesburg's famed gold deposits dating back to 1886. Despite continuous extraction endeavors, prevailing methods can only retrieve approximately 30 percent of the gold, leaving a substantial 70 percent untouched. He explains, "They were already extracting the gold from these tailings, but they were only managing to get out 30 percent of the gold they contained. I wanted to know what was happening to the other 70 percent ... Where was it sitting? Why weren’t they getting it out? Seventy percent is a lot." As per a report, Chingwaru’s findings indicated that the bulk of the gold was hidden within pyrite, commonly known as ‘fool's gold.’ Present extraction methods employing cyanide fail to detect this gold entirely. Drawing similarities to the Carlin mine in Nevada as an illustration, Chingwaru explains that the extraction of gold from pyrite is already a known process, albeit one yet to be implemented in South Africa's tailings. The significance of Chingwaru's revelation is immense, yet it brings forth considerable hurdles. “His findings indicate a substantial amount of gold. However, the pivotal question remains whether we possess the technological capability to extract all the gold economically and generate profits,” remarks Associate Professor Megan Becker from the University of Cape Town. If reports are to go by, despite the hurdles posed by technical and economic factors, South African mining companies are showing keen interest. Senior figures in the gold industry have reached out to Chingwaru, expressing confidence that despite the associated high costs, extraction could yield profitability given stable gold prices. Chingwaru's efforts have not only earned him recognition but also hold promise for the health benefits of Johannesburg's residents. The reprocessing of the Witwatersrand tailings has the potential to alleviate the environmental and health repercussions caused by the lingering orange dust that pervades the air.

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IMD issues ‘red alert’ for Kerala; warns of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy showers in Kerala. If reports are to go by, five districts in Kerala will also receive exceptionally heavy rainfall, which include Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Idukki. According to a weather bulletin issued by the IMD, there is a cyclonic circulation positioned over southern Kerala within the lower and middle tropospheric levels. These atmospheric patterns are expected to impact the weather across Kerala in the upcoming days. The IMD's forecast indicates the likelihood of thunderstorms paired with light to moderate rainfall, along with occurrences of lightning and brisk winds, in Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana until May 27th. In its district-specific weather forecast, the IMD has declared a red alert for two districts today, while issuing an orange alert for five others. Notably, yesterday's update from the IMD escalated the orange alert previously issued for Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam to a red alert, forecasting heavy rainfall in these areas. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad are still under an orange alert, while the districts of Kannur and Kasaragod have been placed under a yellow alert by the IMD. Reports further add that there is a high likelihood of isolated heavy rainfall in Coastal and South Interior Karnataka on May 22nd and 23rd, in Lakshadweep on May 23rd, in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on May 24th, and in Kerala on May 24th and 25th, 2024. Following heavy rainfall on Wednesday evening, sections of the Cochin City Corporation in Ernakulam district encountered flooding. In Kochi, residences and major thoroughfares were submerged due to the sudden downpour, while low-lying areas of Thrissur city also grappled with inundation. Additionally, the KSDMA cautioned fishermen against sailing into the sea until further updates, citing anticipated strong winds and adverse weather conditions along the Kerala coast. The forecast includes high waves, ranging from 0.4 to 3.3 meters, and potential sea incursions extending from Vizhinjam in the south to Kasaragod in the north, persisting until Thursday night. Prior to these forecasts, the IMD had anticipated heavy rainfall in Odisha and West Bengal on Saturday, attributing it to a low-pressure area forming over the southwest Bay of Bengal coast. This low-pressure system was expected to materialize around May 22nd and progress northeastward, potentially evolving into a depression over the central Bay of Bengal by Friday morning.

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Madhya Pradesh: Prehistoric artefacts on fossil wood discovered in Ghugwa

Fossil parks are unique places that offer a glimpse into the Earth's ancient past. These spaces are where one will find preserved geological and paleontological treasures, some dating back millions of years. These parks serve as outdoor museums, showcasing fossilised remains of prehistoric life, including trees, plants, shells, and even traces of ancient creatures. One such fossil park is National Fossil Park at Ghugwa, Madhya Pradesh. Recently, an interesting discovery was made in this fossil park where a team of archaeologists from Ashoka University in Sonipat, conducting research in Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve, found prehistoric artefacts made from fossil wood. This discovery suggests that ancient hunter-gatherers used the fossilised tree trunks as raw materials to create their tools and artefacts. Led by Professor Nayanjot Lahiri, a team from Ashoka University, including prehistoric archaeologist Akash Srinivas, Samayita Banerjee and Debdutta Sanyal (research scholars from Ashoka University) and naturalist Satyendra Tiwari from Tala, visited the Fossil Park to explore the region's natural history. It was during this visit, that the team discovered prehistoric artefacts made from fossilised wood, indicating that ancient people used these materials long after they had fossilised. Needless to say, this discovery is one of the first of its kind in Madhya Pradesh. For those curious, National Fossil Park is managed by the Forest Department, and it features a museum and interpretation area showcasing fossilised tree trunks from the Cretaceous-period (over 65 million years ago), preserved since the 1980s. Further research in the area is expected to uncover more details about the site, and about the lives of our ancestors. Madhya Pradesh boasts numerous prehistoric sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhimbetka, Hathnora (where the famous Narmada woman's skull fragment was found), and several others like Neemtone, Pilikarar, and Mahadeo Piparia. These sites primarily feature stone tools made from materials like quartzite, chert, and sandstone. However, the recent discovery at the fossil park reveals that our ancestors also utilised fossil wood. This suggests that they were not limited to stone resources alone.

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New 2024 Travel and Tourism Report Issued by World Economic Forum

The latest World Economic Forum report on travel and tourism, unveiled yesterday, predicts that international tourist arrivals and the sector’s contribution to global GDP will rebound to pre-COVID levels this year. This resurgence is fueled by the removal of pandemic-related travel bans and a robust backlog of travel demand. Leading the 2024 recovery are the United States, Spain, Japan, France, and Australia. The Middle East stands out with a 20% increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2019, the highest globally. Conversely, Europe, Africa, and the Americas are experiencing a solid recovery, with tourist numbers nearing 90% of their pre-pandemic figures in 2023. The findings are part of the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI), a biennial analysis produced in partnership with the University of Surrey. The report evaluates the travel and tourism environments of 119 nations across various indicators and policies. Francisco Betti, Head of the Global Industries team at the World Economic Forum, remarked, “This year signifies a pivotal moment for the travel and tourism industry, which is poised to drive significant economic and social benefits.” He emphasized that the TTDI provides insights that will help leaders understand and navigate the complexities of the sector and harness its potential sustainably. Following the pandemic, the global tourism industry is on track to not only recover but exceed pre-crisis levels. This is mainly due to a marked rise in global demand, coinciding with an increase in flight availability, improved international openness, and heightened interest and investment in natural and cultural attractions. Nevertheless, the recovery has been uneven. Although 71 of the 119 ranked economies improved their scores since 2019, the average index score only slightly surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 0.7%. Despite moving beyond the initial shock of the global health crisis, the sector faces ongoing challenges including macroeconomic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, environmental concerns, scrutiny over sustainability practices, and the impact of new technologies like big data and AI. Furthermore, issues such as labor shortages, insufficient air route capacity, capital investment, productivity, and other supply factors have not kept pace with the rising demand. This mismatch has led to increased prices and service issues. In the 2024 TTDI, 26 of the top 30 index scorers are high-income economies, with 19 from Europe, seven from Asia-Pacific, three from the Americas, and one from the Middle East and North Africa region (the United Arab Emirates). High-income countries continue to provide more favorable conditions for travel and tourism due to their robust business environments, dynamic labor markets, liberal travel policies, strong transportation and tourism infrastructures, and well-developed attractions. On the other hand, developing countries have made significant advancements. Notably, China maintains its position in the top 10, while Indonesia, Brazil, and Türkiye have risen to join the top quarter of the rankings. Over 70% of nations that have improved their scores since 2019 are low- to upper-middle-income countries, with the MENA and sub-Saharan Africa regions showing substantial progress. Despite these gains, the TTDI highlights the need for considerable investments to bridge the developmental and market share gaps between developing and high-income nations. A viable strategy could involve leveraging natural and cultural resources, which are less dependent on national income levels and could provide a pathway for tourism-driven economic growth in developing countries. Addressing Global Challenges in Travel and Tourism The 2024 Global Risks Report by the World Economic Forum highlights several complex challenges facing the travel and tourism industry, including geopolitical instability, economic volatility, inflation, and extreme climate events. Another pressing issue is balancing expansion with environmental sustainability, particularly with concerns such as seasonal peaks, over-tourism, and the potential resurgence of pre-pandemic emission levels. Additionally, the report sheds light on ongoing issues of equity and inclusion, noting that while the sector is a significant provider of relatively high-wage jobs in developing regions, disparities in gender equity persist, especially in areas like the MENA region and South Asia. Despite these obstacles, the travel and tourism industry holds significant promise for addressing these challenges. To capitalize on this potential, leaders in the sector are encouraged to adopt strategic measures. These include utilizing tourism to support conservation efforts, investing in diverse and resilient workforces, managing visitor numbers and infrastructure more effectively, fostering cultural exchanges between tourists and local populations, and using the industry as a means to reduce the digital divide, among other initiatives. With thoughtful management, the travel and tourism sector, which has traditionally accounted for 10% of global GDP and employment, can play a crucial role in enhancing the prosperity and quality of life for communities across the globe.

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Southwest Airlines' 'HI 5' promo gives you a companion pass after your next Hawaii trip

With Southwest Airlines' latest promotion, you can go to Hawaii and get future flights for yourself and a plus-one for free. Travelers who register for the promotion and book a round-trip ticket or two one-way tickets to Hawaii by Friday, with travel happening between June 1 and July 31, will qualify for a companion pass to use between Oct. 5 and Nov. 15. To qualify, travelers must be enrolled in the Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program. Southwest is running the promo to recognize five years of serving five airports in Hawaii. "This is a great opportunity to HI 5 our Customers for supporting five years of Southwest service in five airports across Hawaii by showcasing and sharing one of the great perks of being part of our Rapid Rewards program," Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President of Marketing at Southwest Airlines said in a statement. "Hawaii on Southwest is available nonstop from eight mainland gateways, and we're excited for this opportunity to truly connect our Customers for travel between the mainland and the Hawaiian islands." A companion pass allows the holder to designate another traveler to fly with them for free on all Southwest flights they purchase during the validity period of the pass. It’s a coveted perk of elite Rapid Rewards status and there are worse ways to earn one than a vacation to the tropics.

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PM Modi to address rally in Delhi’s Dwarka today: List of routes to avoid, traffic diversions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally in Delhi’s Dwarka on Wesdesday at 6pm. The prime minister will visit DDA Park at Dwarka Sector 14, opposite Vegas Mall to address the rally. A large number of people are expected to attend the rally, and traffic in the surrounding roads is expected to be impacted. The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory regarding traffic diversions, and alternate routes for commuters to avoid certain roads. PM MODI RALLY: TRAFFIC DIVERSION POINTS The Delhi Traffic Police said that traffic will be diverted from the following points: ISKCON Chowk, Sector 13 Om Apartment Chowk, Sector 14 DXR T-point on Golf Course Road Sector 3/13 crossing Kargil Chowk, Sector 18 NSUT, T-point Sector 16B crossing Dwarka Mor Shani Bazar roundabout crossing, Sector 16B Rajapuri crossing PM MODI RALLY: ROADS TO AVOID The Delhi Traffic Police listed the following roads for commuters to avoid: Road No 201 NSUT T-point to Vegas Mall up to Peepal Chowk Sector 3/13 crossing to Dwarka Mor Sector 3/13 crossing to Radisson Blu Hotel upto DXR T-point Golf Course Road from Sector 16B crossing to Dhulsiras Chowk Road number 205 and road number 210 The traffic police also urged people to use public transport as much as they can. People going to bus stands, railway stations and airports have been advised by the police to carefully plan their travel. The police also urged motorists to keep patience, observe traffic rules and road discipline and follow directions of traffic personnel deployed at all intersections.

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