Forest fires triggered by jhum cultivation in Mizoram’s Archhuang village on March 11 have devastated nearly one-ninth of the 50 sq km Phawngpui National Park, officials confirmed. The blazes, controlled by March 28 with help from nearby villagers, impacted 19 locations including Mount Phawngpui’s northern face. Fortunately, no animal deaths were reported, though environmentalists fear long-term biodiversity loss. The park is the only Indian habitat of the endangered Mount Victoria Babax bird. Experts blame dry grass, climate shifts, and forest debris buildup. Activists warn of severe ecosystem damage, with some calling it the worst fire outbreak in decades. (PC: Hindustan Times)

On April 10, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted rainfall over Delhi-NCR, offering brief respite from ongoing scorching heat. Temperatures have hovered around 37°C to 39°C in recent days, but cloud cover and possible showers are expected to cool the region temporarily. However, the IMD issued a fresh alert warning of an intense heatwave beginning April 15, with temperatures forecasted to soar up to 44°C. Northern states like Punjab and Haryana are also likely to be affected. Citizens are advised to stay hydrated and prepare for rising temperatures after this short relief. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The UK is set for a "mini heatwave" this week, with temperatures reaching 22C. The Met Office says the country will see long hours of sunshine. Police have warned people to stay safe near open water. This comes after a 15-year-old boy drowned in a London park lake last week. An 11-year-old girl is also missing after entering the River Thames. Authorities say strong currents and cold water can be deadly. They urge people to swim only in safe, supervised areas. More warm weather is expected across southern and eastern England later this week. (PC: PA)

As of April 9, 2025, Kathmandu, Nepal, has topped the global pollution charts with a hazardous AQI of 262, surpassing major cities like Delhi (AQI 185), Hanoi (AQI 172), and Dhaka (AQI 171). The data reveals a concerning trend across South and Southeast Asia, where urban air quality continues to deteriorate due to vehicular emissions, industrial discharge, and dust from construction. Health officials in these cities have issued advisories urging residents to limit outdoor exposure as air pollution reaches dangerous levels, posing serious public health risks. (PC: Republic World)

Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 41°C on Tuesday, 6°C above normal, marking the highest early April temperature since 2011. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert, forecasting similar heat on Wednesday with possible relief from Thursday due to thunderstorms. The Delhi Health Department released an advisory urging people to stay indoors from 12-3 pm, remain hydrated, eat seasonal fruits, and wear protective gear like sunglasses. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions are especially vulnerable. If temperatures exceed 40°C again on Wednesday, Delhi will officially enter a heatwave, the IMD said. (PC: ANI)

Many parts of India are facing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 40°C. Delhi recorded 40.2°C, while Barmer in Rajasthan hit 45.6°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a heatwave in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh until April 10. Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are also experiencing hot nights. Doctors advise people to stay indoors during peak hours. Relief is expected after April 10, with rain likely in some areas. Northeast India and Bengaluru may see rain until April 12. Odisha and Himachal Pradesh could get storms. The IMD urges caution for vulnerable groups. (PC: PTI)

Delhi recorded its highest temperature of the season at 40.2°C on Monday, 5.1°C above normal, triggering a yellow alert. The Indian Meteorological Department warned of a heatwave across northwest and central India, with Delhi’s maximum temperature expected to reach 42°C by Wednesday. “We are facing unusually high temperatures for early April,” said a senior IMD official. Palam recorded 39.5°C, while air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category. Heatwave conditions are also likely in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Around 21 cities in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, and Maharashtra may face extreme temperatures in the coming days. (PC: AFP)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for parts of West Rajasthan and a yellow alert for Delhi as a severe heatwave spreads across Northwest India. On Sunday, Delhi recorded a high of 38.2°C, three degrees above average. Heatwave conditions are forecast through Thursday in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and coastal regions like Konkan and Goa. IMD has warned of possible heat-related illnesses and advised residents to avoid prolonged sun exposure and stay hydrated. Vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, are particularly at risk during this extreme weather spell. (PC: ANI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, warning of heatwave conditions from April 7 to 9. The city's maximum temperature is 3°C above normal, reaching 40–42°C. Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Uttar Pradesh will also experience extreme heat in the coming days. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu and Kerala may see heavy rainfall. A Western Disturbance is expected to bring rain and thunderstorms to the Western Himalayas by April 8. IMD warns that the heatwave may last until June in several states, including Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, affecting both people and animals. (PC: PTI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for North India, with temperatures in Delhi expected to reach 42°C by April 8. Regions including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh are also likely to experience intense heat conditions. Delhi’s temperature, currently around 38°C, is predicted to steadily climb in the coming days. Western Rajasthan may see 39–41°C until April 10. The IMD has urged people to avoid prolonged sun exposure, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions as the region braces for extreme summer conditions. (PC: AFP)