Notes:
Union Minister Sarabanand Sonowal launched the Cruise Bharat Mission on 30 September 2024 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The mission aims to make India a global hub for cruise tourism and top cruise destination. The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways will implement the mission with support from various regulatory agencies. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) for cruise development will be set up under the Indian Ports Association. The mission will run from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2029 in three phases.

Notes:
The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024 was inaugurated in Mumbai with the theme ‘Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel.’ The event aims to make India a leading global hub for holistic healthcare based on Ayush systems. Organized by the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Maharashtra Government, and key partners. The summit focuses on integrating Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (Ayush) with modern healthcare. Officials from Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan participated in the event.

Notes:
Mount Erebus, Antarctica’s second-largest volcano, is unexpectedly spewing gold dust, surprising scientists. Typically, the volcano releases steam, gases, and rocks, but now tiny crystallized gold particles are also emerging. These particles have been found 621 miles from the volcano, valued at around $6,000 (Rs 5 lakh). NASA scientists suggest molten rock brought the gold particles to the surface, crystallizing in Antarctica’s sub-zero temperatures. While other volcanoes produce gold in gas or liquid form, Mount Erebus uniquely releases solid gold particles carried by the wind.4. Recently, which country hosts world’s largest naval defence exhibition ‘EURONAVAL 2024’?

Notes:
EURONAVAL 2024, the world’s leading naval defence exhibition, will be held from November 4-7, 2024, in Paris. Around 500 exhibitors are expected, across five continents. Thirteen countries, including Brazil, the US, the UK, and Germany, will organize their own national pavilions. India is among 104 countries invited to attend this major naval defence trade show.

Notes:
Taiwan received the first shipment of 100 land-based Harpoon anti-ship missile systems from the U.S. The Harpoon missile (RGM-84/UGM-84/AGM-84) has been in service since 1977 with air, ship, and sub-launched versions. It is used by over 30 countries, including India. Key features include all-weather, over-the-horizon capability, low-level sea-skimming trajectory, and active radar guidance. It has a 4.5m length, weighs 526 kg, and carries a 221 kg warhead. It can execute both land-strike and anti-ship missions with a range of 90-240 km using GPS-aided navigation.