India is facing a brutal and relentless heatwave as temperatures soar across North and Central India, pushing cities into crisis mode. Delhi has already recorded 44.5°C, with forecasts warning that the capital could soon touch 46°C. Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest city in the country with temperatures crossing a blistering 48°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe heatwave alerts for multiple states including Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Bihar. Hot desert winds from the Thar region continue to fuel the dangerous conditions.  

A powerful 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck northern India with its epicenter in Jhajjar, Haryana. The tremors — unusually long-lasting — shook Delhi-NCR, sending thousands rushing outdoors in fear. Shockwaves were reportedly felt as far as parts of Pakistan and Western China, making it one of the most widely-felt quakes of the year in the region. Delhi Metro was halted briefly. Full coverage of global reactions, local panic, and expert insights.