National

59 Cases of HMPV Virus Reported in India from January 6 to 29, According to MoS

Published

1 year ago

February 7, 2025

From January 6 to 29, a total of 59 cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported across 11 states and Union territories in India. In a written response to a Lok Sabha query regarding HMPV cases in the country, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, stated, “Between January 6 and January 29, 2025, 59 cases have been confirmed in 11 States/UTs.”

“HMPV has been present globally since 2001. Data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) shows no unusual increase in Influenza Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in India, a finding supported by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) sentinel surveillance data,” he added.

Jadhav highlighted that the Health Ministry is implementing various measures to monitor and control the spread of HMPV. This includes public awareness campaigns focusing on its symptoms and prevention strategies. The Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) has been activated at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) since January 6, 2025, for ongoing monitoring of the HMPV situation, with daily reports shared with relevant stakeholders.

“States and Union Territories have been instructed to remain vigilant and to send respiratory samples from hospitalized SARI patients to designated Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) for testing and sequencing,” he mentioned.

The Minister emphasized that a comprehensive surveillance system for ILI and SARI is already established in India through the ICMR and IDSP networks. He urged states to strengthen their Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives to raise public awareness about preventing the transmission of the virus. Simple preventive measures include frequent hand washing with soap and water, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, steering clear of close contact with symptomatic individuals, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, among others.

Jadhav also mentioned that the government conducted a preparedness drill nationwide to ensure that the health system is ready to address the seasonal surge in respiratory illnesses.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.