A cloudburst struck the Silai Band–Barkot‑Yamunotri road in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand early Sunday, triggering flash floods and a landslide at an under‑construction hotel workers’ camp. Of the 19 labourers present, nine remain missing while rescuers saved ten. Teams from police, NDRF, SDRF, revenue and PWD are conducting extensive search operations despite the difficult terrain. The landslide damaged approximately 10 m of the Yamunotri National Highway, disrupting traffic. The IMD issued a red alert for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Uttarakhand through Monday, prompting suspension of the Char Dham Yatra. Authorities, including CM Pushkar Dhami, urge public vigilance as rescue efforts intensify. (PC: The Times Of India)

A new study published in Science reports that streaked grey volcanic rocks from Canada’s Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, along Hudson Bay in Quebec, are approximately 4.16 billion years old, making them potentially the oldest known intact rocks on Earth . Researchers used two independent radiometric dating methods (samarium-neodymium) that converged on the same age, resolving previous discrepancies ranging from 3.8 to 4.3 billion years . These pristine samples offer invaluable insight into the planet’s earliest crust formation, ocean-atmosphere interactions, and conditions conducive to early life . Located on tribal Inukjuak lands, the site is now protected, with plans for a provincial park to ensure ethical research and local collaboration. (PC: AP)

Violent storms swept across France on Wednesday, killing 2 people and injuring 17 others, while also flooding streets and disrupting a parliamentary session. A 12-year-old child was killed by a falling tree in the southwest, and a man died in the northwest after crashing his quad bike into another fallen tree. The National Assembly's ceiling leaked during a session, prompting Vice President Roland Lescure to briefly suspend proceedings. Prime Minister François Bayrou remarked on the rain mid-speech. The French civil defence agency said one person remains critical, and around 110,000 homes lost power amid the post-heatwave chaos.

At least 5 people died and several are missing after cloudbursts triggered devastating flash floods in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu and Kangra districts. CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed extensive damage to homes, roads, and power infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with power project staff among the missing. Despite warnings, tourists were seen in dangerous river zones, prompting fresh alerts. Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi expressed grief and urged caution. The IMD forecasts more rain across Himachal and neighboring states till July 1. The state remains on high alert as officials intensify emergency response measures. (PC: PTI)

At least 2 people died and over 15 are feared missing after multiple cloudbursts triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh on June 25. Torrential rain in Kangra and Kullu districts caused rivers to swell, sweeping away workers at a hydroelectric site near Dharamshala. Several homes, bridges, and vehicles were damaged in Manikaran, Banjar, Gadsa, and Sainj valleys. Water sports in Kullu were suspended. The IMD issued an orange alert across multiple districts for heavy rain through June 29. Authorities have launched rescue operations while issuing advisories warning residents to stay away from rivers, slopes, and vulnerable structures. (PC: The Indian Express)

Two people have died and around 20 are feared swept away after cloudbursts and flash floods hit Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday. Torrential rains triggered a surge in the Manuni Khad, washing away a labour colony near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project in Kangra. Three people are missing in Kullu following more cloudbursts, damaging houses, bridges, and roads. Rescue efforts by SDRF and local authorities are ongoing despite tough conditions. Heavy rains continue in several districts, with water levels rising in the Beas and Sutlej rivers. The MeT department has issued an orange alert for more rain and flash flood risk. (PC: NDTV)

On June 21, 2025, the Northern Hemisphere observed the summer solstice, the year’s longest day, when Earth’s north axis tilts maximally toward the Sun. The Sun reached its highest point at noon, yielding extended daylight though not peak temperatures, due to seasonal lag. Historically, the solstice has spiritual resonance symbolizing renewal, vitality and reflection and is marked by ancient rituals across cultures. Iconic sites like Stonehenge align with sunrise on this day, a feature still observed by thousands of Druids, pagans and tourists, echoing its ritual roots. This celestial event reminds us of Earth’s axial tilt and the cyclical nature of life and seasons.

On June 21, 2025, some 25,000 people druids, pagans, tourists, locals gathered at Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain to witness the summer solstice sunrise, marking the longest day of the year. Before dawn, temperatures were already around 18 °C; by lunchtime nearby Surrey, it reached 33.2 °C the UK’s hottest day so far prompting an amber heat-health alert. Attendees cheered as sunlight streamed through the Heel Stone into the monument’s heart. The rare access allowed peaceful, joyous celebrations among the standing stones. Experts believe Stonehenge aligns with solar events, reinforcing its role as an ancient solar calendar.

A dangerous and record-breaking heat wave is sweeping across a vast stretch of the U.S., affecting over 135 million Americans across the West, Midwest, and Northeast. Cities including Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Boston are experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching upper 90s to 100°F, and heat indexes soaring well above that. The intense heat is expected to persist into next week, with Chicago forecast to hit 100°F for the first time in over a decade. Officials are urging people to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and use cooling centers to stay safe. (PC: ABC News)

An amber heat health alert has been issued across England as the UK recorded its hottest day of 2025. Temperatures reached 32.2°C in West London and are expected to rise further, possibly hitting 33°C this weekend. The alert warns of serious health risks, especially for older people and those with health problems. The UK Health Security Agency said the alert will last until Monday morning. The Met Office said more hot days and "tropical nights" are expected. People are being advised to stay cool, drink water, and check on neighbours. Councils and charities also warned of increased health risks. (PC: PA)