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.

Iceland declared an emergency after hundreds of quakes, but UK flights landed as usual despite volcano fears. easyJet said "Our flying schedule is currently operating as normal" though monitoring closely. The UK Foreign Office raised advisory levels but stopped short of warning against Iceland travel. It stated "Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased" and "it is increasingly possible that one could occur." But the advice means airlines continue operating, with no automatic cancellation rights. Flights departed the UK Monday morning and landed in Iceland without incident so far. Iceland says eruption risk is rising after quakes, but UK flights continue as authorities monitor the situation. Meanwhile, Italy's Mount Etna erupted lava into the sky on Sunday, 12 November, spewing ash high over the Mediterranean island of Sicily. According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, “the height of the eruptive column is estimated to be about 4500m above sea level.” Catania Airport nearby remained open despite the volcano’s activity and ash precipitation. [Video: Mt. Etna on Sunday, The Independent]

New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai face severe pollution post-Diwali, with Delhi claiming the top spot in the world's most polluted cities. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi reaches a hazardous level of 420, categorized by Swiss group IQAir. Kolkata secures the fourth spot with an AQI of 196, while Mumbai stands at eighth with an AQI of 163. The use of firecrackers exacerbates post-Diwali pollution, raising concerns about public health. Authorities, despite annual firecracker bans, struggle with enforcement, and worsening air quality is expected as winter approaches.

Iceland has declared an emergency after swarms of earthquakes, ordering the evacuation of the town of Grindavík as experts warn a volcanic eruption is increasingly likely. Thousands have fled the southwestern town as a precaution amid the rising threat. The Icelandic Meteorological Office says there is considerable risk of an imminent eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula. In a statement on Saturday, the agency said a tunnel of magma, or molten rock, that extends northeast across Grindavík and some 10km further inland, was estimated at a depth of less than 800mtrs, compared with 1,500mtrs earlier. A professor of volcanology said to the BBC, that a 15km river of magma is active underground, making an eruption in days highly probable. With over 20,000 tremors shaking southwest Iceland since late October and magma tunneling nearby, Iceland braces for a dangerous volcanic blast that has forced the evacuation of an entire town.

Despite a firecracker ban, Delhi faced a hazardous post-Diwali smog, with AQI levels skyrocketing, hitting an alarming 999 at India Gate. The city's initial relief on Diwali, marked by an AQI of 218, vanished as widespread firecracker use intensified pollution. Previous rain had temporarily improved air quality, but the illegal celebrations wiped out those gains. The situation underscores the city's ongoing struggle with deteriorating air quality, raising concerns about public health. Delhi's battle against pollution persists, with the aftermath of Diwali serving as a stark reminder of the challenges in curbing environmental degradation. [ photo courtesy: NDTV/X ]

Iceland declared a state of emergency Friday after nearly 800 earthquakes rattled the Reykjanes peninsula in just 14 hours, warning a volcanic eruption could be imminent. According to preliminary Icelandic Met Office figures, the biggest tremor had a magnitude of 5.2, north of Grindavik. Over 24,000 tremors have hit the area since October. On Friday, two major quakes were felt 40 km away in Reykjavik. Authorities said the intense seismic activity could lead to an eruption within days. The town of Grindavik near the epicenter is evacuating as a precaution. The Icelandic Met Office said magma is accumulating underground about 5 km down, and if it reaches the surface an eruption would likely take days. With 800 quakes in 14 hours, Iceland is on high alert as the rattled peninsula may soon erupt.