The Krasheninnikov Volcano in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula has erupted for the first time in over 500 years, sending ash plumes 6 km high. Experts say the eruption may be linked to last week’s massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake in the region. Hours later, a 7.0 quake struck the nearby Kuril Islands, prompting tsunami warnings for Kamchatka. Though wave heights are low, residents have been advised to stay away from shorelines. The Kamchatka Peninsula, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to seismic activity. Authorities confirmed no threat to populated areas, but aftershocks could continue for weeks.

The River Ganga in Varanasi has surged above the official warning level of ~70.26 m, flooding major ghats and low-lying neighbourhoods after relentless monsoon downpours over recent days . Local residents report that each day, another step of the ghats disappears underwater, affecting key sites like Namo Ghat, Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, and Assi Ghat, severely disrupting its sacred routines including Ganga Aarti and cremations . The swollen tributary Varuna River has also breached banks, inundating multiple localities and displacing families . Authorities—including NDRF, river police and local administration—have activated flood control centres, relief camps and water ambulances, with Prime Minister Modi reviewing the situation and urging rapid relief measures. (PC: AFP)

Russia’s Krasheninnikov volcano, dormant for nearly 600 years, erupted shortly after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Kamchatka on July 30, 2025. The eruption sent ash plumes 6 km into the atmosphere and was accompanied by an orange aviation alert, though no casualties or structural damage have been reported. Experts believe seismic pressure from the recent quake may have triggered the volcano’s awakening. Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Kamchatka has seen heightened geological activity in recent days, including tsunami alerts and minor eruptions from nearby volcanoes, intensifying global scientific monitoring.

The Yamuna River in Delhi has surged to 204.14 metres, nearing the warning mark of 204.5 metres, due to continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Haryana and Uttarakhand. Officials warn it may cross the warning level within 48 hours, prompting advisories for residents in low-lying areas to stay alert and avoid riverbanks. The Hathnikund Barrage continues to feed the river, raising flood concerns. Delhi previously recorded a peak of 208.66 metres in July 2023, which inundated areas like Yamuna Bazaar, Rajghat, and Civil Lines. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh faces flood-like conditions in Prayagraj and Varanasi, with thousands of homes submerged and rescue operations underway. (PC: Mint & The Indian Express)

Russia’s Krasheninnikov Volcano erupted overnight in the Kamchatka Peninsula for the first time in 600 years, following a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake on July 30. Scientists believe the eruption was triggered by tectonic stress from the quake, which ruptured a 390 km fault line and prompted tsunami warnings across the Pacific. The volcano released an ash plume rising 6,000 meters, though no populated areas were affected. The region, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the world’s most seismically active zones. The eruption coincided with a 6.8-magnitude aftershock near the Kuril Islands, reaffirming the high seismic risk and prompting renewed focus on monitoring and disaster preparedness.

Storm Floris will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the UK on Monday, the Met Office said. A yellow warning is in place for northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Winds could reach 70mph in coastal areas and up to 85mph in parts of Scotland. The warning lasts from 6am Monday to 6am Tuesday. The Met Office warned of damage to buildings, flying debris, and power cuts. Travel may be delayed or cancelled. Rain may add to the problems. “There is some uncertainty in the storm’s path,” said the Met Office. The weekend will stay mixed with sun and showers. (PC: PA)

A devastating summer storm unleashed flash flooding across the U.S. East Coast on July 31, forcing states of emergency in New York City and New Jersey. The Clearview Expressway in Queens turned into a river, trapping vehicles—including a semi-truck—where rising waters rescued all occupants safely . Subway stations like Grand Central and Jay Street‑MetroTech were inundated with water cascading onto platforms, halting commuter rail and LIRR services and prompting evacuations from an overheated train in Queens . Airports from JFK to Newark and LaGuardia saw over 1,170 flight cancellations, while major highways including the Long Island and Staten Island Expressways were closed. Forecasts call for up to 5 inches of rain, with continued flood watches and safety advisories in effect.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast above-normal rainfall for the second half of the 2025 monsoon season, with expected precipitation reaching 106% of the long-period average during August and September. While August rainfall is likely to remain normal (94–106%) in most parts, some regions—particularly the Northeast, East, Central, and southwestern Peninsula—may see below-normal rain. September, however, is predicted to bring surplus rainfall, which could positively impact kharif crop sowing, groundwater recharge, and reservoir levels. IMD has also launched a real-time rainfall monitoring system across 7,200 administrative blocks to aid local planning. (PC: PTI)

Born at Chester Zoo (England) on July 11, 1978, Motty was the only confirmed hybrid between an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) father, Jumbolino, and an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) mother, Sheba . Recognized by Guinness World Records, Motty displayed mixed traits—African-like long legs, ears, head shape, and body, combined with Asian-like single trunk-finger and specific toenail count (five front, four back) . Tragically premature and underweight, Motty died just 10 days later on July 21, 1978, due to necrotizing enterocolitis and E. coli infection . His preserved remains are displayed at the Natural History Museum in London, and his brief life continues to intrigue scientists about interspecies genetics and hybrid viability. (PC: Money Control)

Hours after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering Pacific-wide tsunami warnings, the Klyuchevskoy volcano—Eurasia’s tallest active volcano—erupted explosively. The Russian Academy of Sciences reported “burning hot lava flowing down the western slope,” a “powerful glow above the summit crater” and multiple explosions . Ash rose up to 3 kilometers during daylight observation, and night-time glows had appeared even before the quake, indicating heightened volcanic restlessness . The earthquake, recorded as one of the six strongest globally, prompted widespread evacuations across Japan, Hawaii, Chile, Ecuador, and beyond, though no fatalities have been confirmed so far. (PC: X)