Iceland is on high alert as experts warn a volcano eruption is likely in the coming days. Over 2,000 mini earthquakes have rocked the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland in last 24 hours. Magmatic gases detected underground signal magma is rising, prompting evacuation of the town of Grindavik which could be obliterated if an eruption occurs nearby. While the eruption may not be as explosive as Iceland's 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, officials caution air travel could still be impacted by ash clouds. Residents have described apocalyptic scenes fleeing the quakes. Scientists say when pressure causes magma to burst forth, it will be like a "can of fizzy drink exploding." Iceland vigilantly monitors volcano threats to protect its people.

Cyclone Midhili intensifies, bringing heavy rainfall to India's northeastern states as it approaches the Bangladesh coast. Alerts issued in Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam as the cyclonic storm disrupts Meghalaya's Cherry Blossom Festival. The India Meteorological Department warns of a north-northeastward trajectory with landfall near Khepupara, Bangladesh, anticipating winds of 60-70 kmph, gusting up to 80 kmph. A storm surge of up to 2 meters height is expected. Fishermen cautioned against venturing into the sea, and residents in low-lying areas urged to evacuate. The storm is forecasted to cross the Bangladesh coast on Friday night or early Saturday. [ photo courtesy: Zoom_earth/X ] 

Following three days of 'severe' pollution, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) improved, entering the 'very poor' category at 398 according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data indicated varied pollution levels, with RK Puram at 396, New Moti Bagh at 350, IGI Airport at 465, and Nehru Nagar at 416, all falling under 'very poor.' The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed stringent measures, citing inadequate progress, with a reassessment report due by November 20. Stubble burning contributed 3.45%, and IIT Kanpur's real-time study identified vehicles as the primary 44% contributor to PM2.5 levels, peaking at 90% at 9 am and reducing to 47% by 3 pm.

More than 1,200 earthquakes rattled Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on Thursday, suggesting a volcanic eruption may be imminent. The quakes come as magma rises within 2,500 feet of the surface near the evacuated town of Grindavik. With the risk of eruption high in coming days, officials warn of significant volcanic activity. The earthquakes have caused up to 5 feet of sinking on the peninsula and cracking in Grindavik. When the eruption occurs, lava is expected to ooze from fissures rather than explode ash skyward. Still, the airport and capital Reykjavik are on alert amid the swarm of quakes signaling the restless volcano below.

Delhiites face another day of hazardous air as the air quality index (AQI) remains in the 'severe' category. The CPCB reports AQI figures over 400 in Anand Vihar, RK Puram, IGI Airport, and Dwarka. Masks become a common sight as residents combat toxic smog. Surrounding areas like Noida and Gurugram also witness 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality. Despite government measures, Delhi ranks as the most polluted city globally. Vehicular emissions contribute significantly, with PM2.5 levels exceeding safe limits. Calm winds and low temperatures exacerbate the situation, with relief unlikely until November 21.

The Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland confronts prolonged instability as recent aerial surveys reveal imminent volcanic activity. Magma, now 800m beneath the surface, follows a centuries-old fissure. While evacuations are underway, experts warn of potential damage to infrastructure and toxic fume release. Dr. Roberts, a managing director in the Icelandic Met Office's Reykjavik headquarters, assures a non-explosive eruption, anticipating a low-intensity lava flow over weeks. Protective measures, including levees near the Svartsengi power station and a closed Blue Lagoon spa, are in place. As the community awaits clearance to return, Iceland's resilient fight against lava underscores the unpredictable force of nature.  

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that a decision regarding measures to combat pollution, such as odd-even restrictions and artificial rain, will be made after monitoring the situation for the next 2-3 days. With Delhi's air quality in the 'very poor' category, Rai mentioned that wind speed improvement after the specified period could lead to better conditions. If the Air Quality Index reaches the 'severe plus' category, stricter measures like odd-even restrictions will be considered. The odd-even rule, initially set for November 13, is on hold pending further evaluation of its effectiveness.

As earthquakes increase on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula, authorities are constructing protective walls around the Svartsengi geothermal power plant to shield it from potential lava flows. Nearly 800 quakes have struck the peninsula near the capital Reykjavik, raising alarms over an imminent volcanic eruption. Huge amounts of equipment and materials are being used to build dykes that will divert lava around the critical plant, which provides power nationwide. Thousands have evacuated the nearby town of Grindavik amid rising sulfur dioxide levels. Despite decreased seismic activity, scientists warn an eruption still looms large. Iceland is taking precautions to safeguard the key energy facility.

Experts say the imminent eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula marks the start of a new eruptive phase lasting up to 500 years, with one scientist stating "time's finally up" for the region. Seismic activity indicates magma is rising beneath the peninsula, following a 2021 eruption that kicked off a new pulse of volcanic activity occurring in cycles of 600-1200 years. Scientists explain the area will likely see eruptions on and off for centuries as tectonic strain builds and gets released in bursts. Evacuations have taken place in Grindavík, but it's unclear if or when an eruption will actually happen. The last major volcanic pulse in the region was 800 years ago.

Delhi remained shrouded in oppressive smog two days after Diwali, as low temperatures and still air trapped pollutants from rampant firecracker burning. The city's AQI neared the hazardous "severe" category at 397. This was worse than 358 on Monday and 218 on Diwali evening when residents defiantly burst firecrackers despite Supreme Court restrictions. Delhi squandered favorable weather conditions as uncontrolled celebrations overruled the court order and worsened pollution levels. The police did little to stop violators as toxic air engulfed the city. Citizens, especially the ones with respiratory ailments, are paying the price of unchecked Diwali pollution, smothered in a cloud of toxic post-festival smog.