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.

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.