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Centre asks states to increase surveillance as HMPV cases rise in India

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava acknowledged the cases of HMPV in India, but emphasised that an uptick in respiratory illnesses during the winter months is normal.

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Centre asks states to increase surveillance as HMPV cases rise in India

The Centre has advised states to increase surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).  This development follows after  India lodged 7 cases of HMPV virus. The decision was taken at a meeting held by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Monday to examine the current status of respiratory illnesses in India, particularly focusing on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases.

The states were also advised to strengthen public awareness through information, education, and communication (IEC) initiatives. Furthermore, preventative measures recommended frequent handwashing with soap, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, maintaining distance from symptomatic individuals, and covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava acknowledged the cases of HMPV in India, but emphasised that an uptick in respiratory illnesses during the winter months is normal. She also stated that the nation is well-prepared to manage any potential increase in respiratory illness cases.

Reportedly, during the meeting, it was reiterated that data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sentinel surveillance does not indicate any unusual increase in cases of ILI or SARI across the country.

Punya Salila Srivastava also reassured the public that there is no cause for concern regarding HMPV, which has been globally present since 2001. She mentioned that adequate diagnostic facilities for detecting HMPV were available at ICMR.

HMPV is a respiratory virus affecting individuals of all ages, and tends to peak in winter and early spring. The infection is usually mild and self-limiting, with most patients recovering without complications.

Reports stated that suspected cases of HMPV were also reported in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, though confirmation is awaited. All five confirmed cases of HMPV are children.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public on Monday that there was no cause for alarm. He said that the virus, first identified in 2001, posed no new threat to the public, adding that the government was closely monitoring the situation.

Notably, common symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, runny or congested nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, and rash.

India News

PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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India News

Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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India News

PM Modi changes social media profile pictures to mark Operation Sindoor anniversary

PM Modi changed his social media profile pictures to commemorate one year of Operation Sindoor, with several NDA leaders following the move.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday updated the display pictures of his social media accounts to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The new image was seen across his profiles on X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp channels.

The updated profile picture carries the text “Operation Sindoor” on a black background along with elements of the Indian tricolour. One of the letters in the word “Sindoor” has been stylised using vermilion, commonly associated with married Hindu women.

Operation Sindoor was launched a year ago by Indian defence forces and the Border Security Force along the western border. The anniversary was also marked by several Union ministers and NDA leaders, who changed their social media profile pictures in a similar manner.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior leaders were among those who adopted the commemorative display image on social media platforms, according to reports.

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