On May 16, 2025, Delhi’s air quality sharply declined, entering the ‘very poor’ category with an average AQI of 305. The drop was primarily caused by dust-laden winds from western Rajasthan, which reduced visibility and spiked particulate pollution. Heavily affected areas like Wazirpur and Mundka recorded AQI levels above 400, falling into the ‘severe’ category. Health experts have issued advisories for sensitive groups to limit outdoor activities. The India Meteorological Department has forecast light rain and increased wind speeds in the coming days, which could help disperse pollutants and improve air quality. (PC: Mathurbhumi English)

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey on Thursday at 3:46 pm, according to the EMSC. The quake hit 14 km northeast of Kulu and was felt strongly in the capital, Ankara. No damage or injuries have been reported so far. Iran’s Mehr news agency confirmed there were no immediate casualties. Just a day earlier, a 6.1 magnitude quake hit near Fry, Greece, with tremors felt across Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, and Turkey. Turkey often experiences earthquakes. In 2023, powerful quakes in Turkey and Syria killed over 67,000 people. Thursday’s tremor was much smaller and caused no known harm. (PC: AFP Files)

On May 15, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a strong warning to the Telangana government, demanding the immediate restoration of the Kancha Gachibowli forest area in Hyderabad. The directive comes after more than 1,000 trees were illegally felled, in clear violation of environmental regulations and previous court orders. The Court emphasized that responsible officials could face contempt charges and jail time if restoration is not undertaken promptly. Telangana has been given two weeks to submit a detailed reforestation plan. The ruling was praised by environmentalists as a major step toward green accountability. (PC: The Hindu)  

A 4.06 magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan on Monday. It hit at a shallow depth of 10 km, which can cause strong shaking near the surface. The quake's location was recorded at 29.12°N latitude and 67.26°E longitude, according to the National Centre for Seismology. This comes just days after a 4.0 magnitude quake shook the region on Friday night. Experts say shallow quakes like this one can lead to more damage. So far, no major injuries or destruction have been reported. Authorities are monitoring the area for aftershocks or further risks. (PC: iStock)

A mild earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale struck Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district in Telangana at 6:50 PM on Monday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremors, which occurred at a depth of 10 km, were felt in nearby regions but caused no reported damage to property or loss of life. Residents experienced brief tremors but remained unharmed. Authorities are monitoring the situation, although no emergency measures have been deemed necessary. The incident comes amid heightened national alert due to regional tensions, but officials confirmed the quake was a natural seismic event. (PC: News18)

A 4.2 magnitude earthquake jolted Pakistan on Monday around 4:00 PM IST, the National Center for Seismology reported. Tremors were felt in parts of the country, prompting residents to evacuate buildings as a precaution. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Pakistan lies at the intersection of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it highly prone to seismic activity. In 2024 alone, over 160 tremors were recorded across regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan. Authorities continue to monitor aftershock risks while urging citizens to remain vigilant and follow emergency protocols. (PC: News18)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning for severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning across several states from May 3 to May 6, 2025. Affected areas include East and West Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, and parts of Northeast India. North India, particularly Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, is also under alert for dust storms and hail. Southern states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to face heavy rain and thunderstorms. The IMD advises residents to take precautions against potential damage and disruptions. (PC: ANI)

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Chile’s southern coast in the Drake Passage near Antarctica, prompting immediate tsunami warnings and coastal evacuations. Over 2,000 people were evacuated from the Magallanes region as a precaution. Chile's disaster agency SENAPRED confirmed no casualties or infrastructure damage. President Gabriel Boric assured full state support while Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde later announced the alert was being downgraded, though advised citizens to avoid coastal areas. Minor sea-level changes were recorded, with up to 90cm waves possible. The Hydrographic Service said waves would hit Antarctica first, with Chile’s extreme south affected later. Aftershocks continue to be monitored. (PC: AFP)

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Drake Passage near Cape Horn, prompting tsunami warnings and mass evacuations in southern Chile and Argentina. The quake hit at a shallow depth of 10km, with its epicenter 219km from Ushuaia, Argentina. Chile's Senapred evacuated over 1,700 people, including from Puerto Williams and Puerto Natales, and activated its highest disaster alert. Argentina moved 2,000 people from coastal areas in Tierra del Fuego. No injuries or damage have been reported. President Gabriel Boric urged calm and cooperation, as authorities continue to monitor the situation in this seismically active region. (PC: Reuters)

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit the Drake Passage off the southern coast of Chile and Argentina on May 2, 2025. The epicenter was located 219 km from Ushuaia, Argentina, at a depth of 10 km. In response, both Chile and Argentina issued tsunami warnings, urging residents along the Magallanes coastline to evacuate. Chilean President Gabriel Boric called for the evacuation of coastal areas, while over 1,100 people in Puerto Williams were relocated to safer areas. Aftershocks have been reported, and local authorities continue to monitor the situation, advising residents to move to areas higher than 30 meters above sea level.