A groundbreaking study by researchers at the University of Göttingen suggests that Earth's core may be leaking precious metals like gold and platinum. Scientists analyzed volcanic rocks from Hawaii and found elevated levels of ruthenium-100, a rare isotope typically found in the Earth's core. This discovery indicates that mantle plumes—columns of hot rock rising from the core-mantle boundary—may be transporting siderophile elements (those that bond with iron) toward the surface. The study challenges previous assumptions about Earth’s internal isolation and sheds new light on planetary geology and resource distribution. (PC: USGS)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for eight districts in Kerala, including Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kozhikode, due to intensified monsoon activity. An orange alert has been issued for six other districts like Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. Heavy rains have triggered landslides in Idukki and disrupted normal life. Authorities have shut schools on May 30 and restricted night travel in high-range areas. Thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast for several northern states too. IMD urges the public to follow safety precautions and remain indoors during the adverse weather conditions. (PC: The Hindu)  

A catastrophic glacier collapse in the Swiss Alps has buried most of the village of Blatten under mud, rocks, and ice. The Birch Glacier's partial collapse triggered a landslide that devastated 90% of the evacuated village. One person is missing, and massive destruction to homes and infrastructure has been reported. Authorities had evacuated the area on May 19 due to earlier signs of instability. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed her condolences, while emergency services continue to monitor the hazardous area. Mayor Matthias Bellwald declared, “We’ve lost our village,” vowing to rebuild despite the destruction. (PC: AP, EPA)

India is reporting a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by new variants NB.1.8.1 and JN.1. As of May 27, 2025, active cases have crossed 1,000, with Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi most affected. NB.1.8.1, originally detected in travelers from China, Japan, and Spain, is now dominant in China and found in multiple U.S. states. Common symptoms include fatigue, sore throat, mild fever, and congestion, while JN.1 shows distinct signs like persistent low-grade fever and gastrointestinal issues. Health experts urge continued vaccination, hygiene, and avoidance of crowded places, advising vigilance for early symptoms and prompt testing. (PC: The Economic Times)  

On May 29, 2025, Deep Depression BOB 01 intensified and made landfall between Sagar Island (West Bengal) and Khepupara (Bangladesh) near Raidighi between 10:30 and 11:30 IST, with sustained winds of 30 knots (55 km/h) and gusts up to 40 knots (75 km/h). The system, which had formed over the Bay of Bengal on May 27, moved northward at approximately 22 km/h. In response, the India Meteorological Department issued a two-day heavy rain alert for Kolkata and surrounding South Bengal districts, warning of potential flooding and disruptions. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather advisories and take necessary precautions. (PC: ANI)  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread thunderstorms with gusty winds over northwest India for the next 4–5 days, driven by multiple western disturbances. Regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan will see scattered to widespread rainfall, winds up to 70 kmph, and possible dust storms. Heavy rainfall is expected in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh from May 30 to June 1. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon continues advancing into parts of East India. The unusual persistence of western disturbances has prolonged storm activity, impacting the usual monsoon progression in northwest India. (PC: ANI)

A depression has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and may intensify into a deep depression, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports. It is expected to move north and make landfall between Sagar Island (West Bengal) and Khepupara (Bangladesh) by the afternoon of May 29. Originating from a low-pressure area near Odisha, it could bring widespread rain, thunderstorms, and winds of 30–40 kmph. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for several West Bengal districts, including Kolkata and Howrah. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also expected in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Sikkim. (PC: The Telegraph & India Today)

A recent five-year forecast by the World Meteorological Organization and the UK Met Office warns of an 80% chance of breaking annual global temperature records between 2025 and 2029. There's a 70% probability that the five-year average will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, nearing the Paris Agreement's limit. Alarmingly, there's a 1% chance of reaching 2°C warming within this period. Such increases could lead to more extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires, posing significant risks to human health and ecosystems. The Arctic is expected to warm 3.5 times faster than the global average, accelerating ice melt and sea-level rise. Experts stress the urgent need for action and adaptation to mitigate these escalating climate-related risks. (PC: Money Control & News Arena)

A mini heatwave is expected to sweep across the UK this weekend, with temperatures peaking at 24°C in London on Saturday, according to WXCharts. Southern and central regions will see the warmest weather, while northern Scotland remains cooler at around 13–14°C. Forecasters say Friday will be mostly dry, with sunshine and highs of 17–24°C. Saturday brings a mix of sunshine and rain, especially in northern and western areas. The warmth is expected to ease by next week, with cooler conditions and intermittent rain. The Met Office predicts a potential return of hotter weather and thunderstorms in early June. (PC: WXCHARTS)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 70 kmph from May 28 to May 30. The most intense weather is expected on Thursday, May 30, with wind speeds potentially surging during thundersqualls. Residents are advised to stay indoors during severe weather, secure loose outdoor items, and avoid sheltering under trees during lightning. These conditions are part of broader weather patterns affecting northern India, including parts of Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. (PC: PTI)