Congress announces Pyari Didi Yojana for Delhi, offering Rs 2,500 monthly to empower women, aiming to boost financial independence and strengthen voter engagement. DK Shivakumar leads the charge as elections approach.

Congress announces of Rs 2,500 monthly aid to women in Delhi

The Congress introduces Pyari Didi Yojana, pledging Rs 2,500 monthly for women in Delhi. This ambitious plan aims to empower women economically, inspired by Karnataka's success, ahead of the upcoming elections.

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Congress launched the "Pyari Didi Yojana," promising Rs 2,500 monthly aid to Delhi women if voted into power. Based on Karnataka's successful model, the scheme will be implemented on the first day of the new Congress government, ahead of the Feb elections.
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The Congress party on Monday unveiled the "Pyari Didi Yojana," promising Rs 2,500 in monthly financial assistance to women if the party is voted into power in Delhi. The scheme will follow the model successfully implemented by the Congress government in Karnataka.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who announced the scheme, said its goal is to financially empower women in Delhi. He assured that the initiative would be rolled out at the first Cabinet meeting of the new government in Delhi. "We are confident that the Congress will form the next government in Delhi, and on the first day of the new Cabinet, we will implement the Pyari Didi Yojana to provide Rs 2,500 to every woman in the capital," Shivakumar stated.
The announcement came ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav, party in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin, and other senior leaders were present at the event.

Delhi CM Atishi confronts BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri’s controversial remarks during a press conference, sparking a heated political debate over Kalkaji's development and election tactics.

Atishi Breaks Down Over Bidhuri's Remarks

Delhi CM Atishi confronts BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri&rsquo;s controversial remarks during a press conference, sparking a heated political debate over Kalkaji's development and election tactics.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Monday broke down while addressing a press conference over BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri's remarks against her.
BJP's Kalkaji candidate Bidhuri on Sunday courted controversy for his remarks on Atishi's surname.
Responding to Bidhuri's charge, Atishi said, "How can our politics downgrade so much? He should show what work he has done for Kalkaji when he was MP for 10 years."
He should ask for votes based on his work, not by abusing my father, she added.
Speaking at BJP's 'Parivartan Rally' in Rohini that was later addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bidhuri said Atishi changed her surname from "Marlena" to "Singh".
Atishi, who is the sitting MLA from the Kalkaji Assembly seat, dropped her surname a while back.
"This Marlena (surname used earlier by Atishi) became Singh and changed her name. Kejriwal swore over his children not to go with the corrupt Congress; Marlena changed fathers. Earlier she was Marlena; now she has become Singh. This is their character," Bidhuri charged.

Delhi acts swiftly under Health Minister Bharadwaj amidst HMPV concerns. Hospitals are inspected for medicine and ICU readiness, ensuring public health safety.

Delhi Hospitals on alert after HMPV cases detected in Bengaluru

Delhi, under Minister Bharadwaj, tackles HMPV threat with stringent hospital checks for medicine and ICU readiness. Ready for a respiratory illness surge, Delhi emphasizes healthcare resilience.

Delhi government has directed hospitals to prepare for a potential rise in respiratory illnesses after two HMPV cases were reported in Karnataka. Health officials will inspect facilities daily to ensure readiness and adherence to protocols.

The Delhi government has issued an urgent directive for hospitals across the capital to prepare for a potential rise in respiratory illnesses following the detection of two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in Karnataka.
Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has instructed the health and family welfare department to maintain constant communication with the Union health ministry for updates. The directive emphasized the need for all Delhi government hospitals to be fully equipped to handle a possible surge in respiratory cases, as advised by the Union health ministry.
To ensure preparedness, the health secretary will conduct daily inspections of three major government hospitals, focusing on key aspects such as the availability of essential medicines, ICU bed capacity, the operational status of PSA oxygen plants, and the functionality of radiological equipment. Hospitals must also ensure the presence of data entry operators at both outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) counters and adhere strictly to standard operating procedures for managing acute respiratory illnesses.
This directive follows the Union health ministry&rsquo;s confirmation that the Indian Council of Medical Research detected two HMPV cases during routine surveillance for respiratory viruses in Karnataka. The first case involved a three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia, who was diagnosed at Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru and has since been discharged. The second case was an eight-month-old male infant, also with bronchopneumonia, who tested positive for HMPV on January 3 and is currently recovering.
Minister Bharadwaj stressed the importance of monitoring respiratory illness trends in Delhi and responding promptly to any emerging issues. He directed that any urgent matters be reported immediately via phone to ensure swift decision-making.
The minister&rsquo;s office highlighted that HMPV is already circulating globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses linked to the virus have been reported in several countries.

Maharashtra leaders demand Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, seeking justice for sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder amid extortion concerns.

 Beed sarpanch murder case: Leaders demand Dhananjay Munde's removal

In response to Santosh Deshmukh's murder, Maharashtra political leaders urge the removal of Minister Dhananjay Munde, seeking accountability and justice amid growing extortion challenges. Governor Radhakrishnan has been approached to ensure swift action as public demands escalate.

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A delegation of leaders met Maharashtra Governor demanding the removal of Minister Dhananjay Munde to ensure a fair investigation into Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder. They also called for action against the accused and police negligence in the case.
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A delegation of political leaders met Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday, demanding the removal of Minister Dhananjay Munde from the state cabinet to ensure a fair investigation into the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The leaders, including BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, submitted a memorandum at Raj Bhavan, urging the governor to take strong action to maintain public trust in the justice system.
Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9, allegedly because he attempted to stop an extortion attempt against an energy firm running a windmill project. The police have arrested seven individuals in connection with the case, including Walmik Karad, an associate of Minister Munde, who was detained in the extortion case.
The leaders have called for Munde's resignation, the filing of a murder case against Karad, strict action against negligent police officers, and measures to curb extortion and criminal activities in Beed. They highlighted that extortion activities had escalated during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, culminating in Deshmukh's murder.
The memorandum also pointed out that on May 28, 2024, an officer of Avaada Power Pvt Ltd was kidnapped but rescued after timely action by Ahilyanagar police. However, Beed police were criticized for their lack of proactive response. The leaders claimed that Karad had repeatedly threatened Avaada officials, demanding Rs 2 crore, and his associates allegedly attacked security personnel at the company&rsquo;s Massajog storeyard on December 6, 2024.
Deshmukh's abduction, torture, and murder occurred on December 9, and a video of the crime was circulated to intimidate others. His body was later found in a nearby village. The leaders also mentioned that the residents of Massajog staged protests the following day, demanding the arrest of the accused, but the cases were registered only after public pressure mounted.
The memorandum further stated that on December 31, 2024, Karad announced his surrender via a social media video, and crowds gathered at the CID headquarters in Pune during his surrender, causing disorder. The leaders raised concerns about the alleged preferential treatment for Karad and the influence of powerful figures on the investigation.
The memorandum was signed by former MP Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, NCP (SP) MP from Beed Bajarang Sonawane, Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, and MLA Jitendra Awhad, among others.

A close call in Kaziranga as rhinos approach safari jeep. Viral footage emphasizes tourist safety amid record park visitors.

Kaziranga jeep safari turns into narrow escape from rhino!

A close call in Kaziranga as rhinos approach safari jeep. Viral footage emphasizes tourist safety amid record park visitors.

A mother and daughter duo, on what was meant to be a relaxing jeep safari in Assam's Kaziranga National Park&mdash;famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses&mdash;found themselves in the midst of a heart-stopping ordeal. Their thrilling adventure quickly turned into a tense situation that could have ended tragically.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Horrible incident at the Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Two women fell off a safari jeep as a rhino could be seen in very close proximity. Moments later, a second rhino came running towards another jeep safari, forcing it to take a reverse gear. The women escaped unharmed&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/6s9zz8WHSZ">pic.twitter.com/6s9zz8WHSZ</a>
&mdash; Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) <a href="https://twitter.com/vani_mehrotra/status/1876191213378056539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
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A viral video, though undated, has caught the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and netizens alike, showing just how narrowly the incident was avoided. The footage highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and reinforces the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during such excursions.
In the video, a rhinoceros calmly walked behind another jeep as three others, filled with tourists eager to experience the wild, abruptly attempted to flee the area. In their haste, the first two jeeps made sharp turns, causing a young girl and her mother to fall out onto the ground. Their cries for help echoed across the park, amplifying the urgency of the moment.
In response to the incident, the Kaziranga National Park administration, according to the reports, has launched a thorough investigation, stressing the need for tourists to remain vigilant and follow all safety protocols during their safari trips. This serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable risks that come with wildlife safaris.
Kaziranga National Park has seen an extraordinary surge in tourist arrivals, achieving its highest visitor count in two decades. According to an official report to PTI, the park has welcomed 1,64,636 visitors since its seasonal opening in October 2024.&nbsp;
The park has generated a revenue of ₹43,226,225 from entry fees, underscoring its status as a prime destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Traditionally open from October to May, the park then closes for the monsoon season.
In October 2024, Kaziranga saw 30,058 tourists, a significant jump from the 17,271 visitors the previous year. The numbers continued to rise through November, with 53,367 visitors, compared to 35,006 in 2023. By December, the park welcomed 81,211 tourists, up from 65,139 the previous year.
These figures not only demonstrate the park&rsquo;s growing appeal but also emphasize the importance of ensuring the safety of both visitors and the park's wildlife as tourism continues to increase. As Kaziranga's popularity soars, maintaining stringent safety measures becomes even more critical to protecting the natural environment and providing safe experiences for visitors.

An eight-month-old baby in Bengaluru is suspected to be infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Awaiting lab confirmation, Karnataka Health Department states no official cases yet.

ICMR detects two cases of HMPV in Karnataka

An eight-month-old baby in Bengaluru is suspected to be infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Awaiting lab confirmation, Karnataka Health Department states no official cases yet.

Two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been detected in Karnataka, as confirmed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
These cases were identified through routine surveillance for respiratory viral pathogens, which is part of ICMR's ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country, according to a press release by Health Ministry.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HealthForAll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HealthForAll</a> Update on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HMPV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HMPV</a> .<a href="https://twitter.com/ICMRDELHI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICMRDELHI</a> Detects Two Cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance Surveillance System Robust, No Unusual Surge in ILI or SARI cases in the country<a href="https://t.co/uXIgltmOdE">https://t.co/uXIgltmOdE</a>
&mdash; Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1876150248093192342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
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HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and has been linked to respiratory illnesses in various countries.
However, based on data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), there has been no unusual rise in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.
The two HMPV cases are as follows:
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<li>A 3-month-old female infant was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru for bronchopneumonia. The infant has since been discharged after recovering.</li>
<li> An 8-month-old male infant tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, after being admitted to the same hospital with bronchopneumonia. The infant is currently recovering.</li>
</ul>
 Neither of the affected patients had any history of international travel.
The ministry said it is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. The ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been providing timely updates on the situation in China to inform ongoing measures.

Madhya Pradesh High Court mandates safe disposal of Bhopal disaster waste, focusing on transparency and media accuracy to address Pithampur community concerns and environmental safety.

Madhya Pradesh HC grants six weeks for Union Carbide waste disposal

The Madhya Pradesh High Court demands responsible disposal of Bhopal toxic waste. Emphasizing transparency amid Pithampur protests, authorities must proceed within six weeks.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court granted the state government six weeks to dispose of Union Carbide factory waste in Pithampur, Dhar district, and instructed the media to avoid spreading false information.&nbsp;

The Madhya Pradesh High Court granted the state government six weeks to act on the disposal of waste from the Union Carbide factory, in compliance with safety guidelines. The court also instructed the media to refrain from spreading incorrect news about the issue.
On January 2, the waste, packed in 12 sealed containers, was transferred from Bhopal to the disposal site in Pithampur, Dhar district. The court's division bench, comprising Chief Justice SK Kait and Justice Vivek Jain, granted the state additional time after Advocate General Prashant Singh requested it. Singh argued that the government needed to reassure the residents of Pithampur and alleviate their fears before proceeding with the disposal.
Singh also informed the court that unrest had spread in Pithampur due to false and misleading reports about the waste disposal. In response, the bench issued a directive to the media to refrain from publishing incorrect information.
Recent protests had escalated, with two men attempting to self-immolate in opposition to the waste disposal plans, claiming that the process would harm both human health and the environment. The state government also requested an additional three days to unload the waste from the sealed containers. The court clarified that it was the state's responsibility to ensure the safe disposal of the waste, following established guidelines.
The case dates back to the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster, when methyl isocyanate (MIC) leaked from the Union Carbide factory, resulting in the deaths of at least 5,479 people and leaving thousands with lasting health issues. During a previous hearing in December 2024, the court criticized the authorities for their failure to dispose of the hazardous waste, which had been lying at the now-defunct factory for decades. The court warned of contempt proceedings if its order to remove and transport the waste within four weeks was not followed.
The current case stemmed from a 2004 petition filed for the disposal of the waste from the Union Carbide plant, responsible for one of the worst industrial disasters in history. Petitioner's counsel, Naman Nagrath, urged the court on Monday to ensure the waste was safely disposed of following proper testing.

Cipla's CipAir app revolutionizes asthma care in India. With Android access, it offers symptom evaluations and medical guidance. Aiming to tackle high asthma rates and improve treatment outcomes, an iOS version is planned.

Cipla launches mobile app for Asthma screening in India

Cipla's innovative CipAir app revolutionizes asthma care in India, offering first-line screening and guidance for asthma patients. Available on Android, the app improves diagnosis and treatment outcomes with plans for iOS access.

Cipla has launched the CipAir mobile app for asthma screening in India, aiming to address the underdiagnosis of the condition. The app, initially available on Android, will help improve diagnosis and care for the 34.3 million people affected by asthma.

Cipla has introduced a new mobile application designed to assist in the first-line screening for asthma in India. The launch is part of the company's effort to address the significant burden of asthma in the country, which is estimated to affect around 34.3 million people, according to the Global Burden of Disease report. India has a notably higher asthma mortality rate&mdash;three times greater than the global average&mdash;and experiences a two-fold higher disability burden associated with asthma. These alarming statistics can be partly attributed to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the disease.
Umang Vohra, the Managing Director and Global CEO of Cipla, stated that the company is leveraging the latest technological advancements to develop solutions that are transforming patient care. These solutions aim to enhance diagnostic capabilities, improve treatment efficacy, and optimize asthma management outcomes, ultimately contributing to better quality of life for asthma patients in India.
The CipAir mobile app, initially available on Android devices, will enable users to assess their symptoms and receive guidance for further medical consultation. Cipla also plans to expand the availability of the app to iOS devices in the near future, making it more accessible to a wider audience

Delhi health authorities have issued an advisory to prepare for potential health challenges linked to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) as cases rise globally.

 Delhi issues guidelines for suspected HMPV cases, mandates isolation

Delhi health authorities have issued an advisory to prepare for potential health challenges linked to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) as cases rise globally.

Delhi health authorities issued an advisory on Sunday in preparation for potential health risks associated with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other respiratory viruses, following an increase in cases reported in China.
The advisory instructed medical facilities to keep detailed records of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases and lab-confirmed influenza to ensure accurate monitoring.
Hospitals have been advised to stock up on essential medications such as paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and cough syrups, along with oxygen supplies for treating mild cases.
They have also been instructed to report Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and SARI cases through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal. Strict isolation protocols and universal precautions are mandatory for suspected cases.
The advisory follows reports of rising respiratory illnesses in China, but officials from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have stated that there has been no significant surge in respiratory illnesses in India as of January 2, 2025.
Dr. Vandana Bagga, a top Delhi health official, conducted a meeting with chief district medical officers and the state program officer of IDSP to review the city&rsquo;s preparedness for managing respiratory illnesses.
Meanwhile, tThe Indian Council of Medical Research has detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens
A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has already been discharged, the ministry said.
An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, it said.
It is important to note that neither of the patients have any history of international travel, the ministry underlined.
The ministry said it is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. The ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year.
&nbsp;
What is HMPV?
HMPV primarily affects the respiratory system and can cause infections ranging from mild to severe. It spreads through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.
Although it belongs to a different viral family than COVID-19, HMPV shares similar symptoms and transmission patterns, particularly in how it affects the respiratory system and vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of HMPV typically include cough, wheezing, runny nose, and sore throat, resembling a common cold. However, in susceptible individuals, the virus can lead to severe respiratory complications, requiring prompt medical attention.

Delhi witnessed light rain and cold weather with a minimum temperature of 9.6°C. Fog conditions improved slightly, while air quality remained in the "very poor" category at AQI 320.

Light rain in parts of Delhi, minimum temperature 9.6 deg C

Delhi witnessed light rain and cold weather with a minimum temperature of 9.6&deg;C. Fog conditions improved slightly, while air quality remained in the "very poor" category at AQI 320.

Cold weather conditions persisted in Delhi on Monday with parts of the city receiving light rainfall and the mercury settling at a low of 9.6 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The fog cover thinned out, improving morning visibility on roads.
Dense fog in the capital reduced morning visibility to zero on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, leading to flight cancellations and diversions, and trains being delayed.
The Safdarjung observatory, Delhi's primary weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 9.6 degrees Celsius, 2.7 notches above the normal for this time of the year, at 8.30 am, the IMD said.
At 5.30 am, the visibility at Safdarjung and Palam was 300 metres, it said.
Some parts of the city received light rain in the morning.
The weather department has predicted generally cloudy skies with light rain throughout the day. It has issued a 'yellow' warning for dense fog.
The maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to settle at 18 degrees Celsius, according to the IMD.
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 320 (very poor) at 9 am, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday revoked stage 3 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the region witnessed a dip in air pollution levels owing to favourable meteorological conditions, especially improved wind speed.
However, restrictions under Stage 1 and Stage 2 of GRAP remain in place across Delhi-NCR.

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Congress forms govt in Karnataka

Congress&nbsp;forms&nbsp;govt&nbsp;in Karnataka Siddaramaiah takes oath as Chief&nbsp;Minister DK Shivakumar sworn-in as Deputy CM

A two-month-old boy from Rajasthan was diagnosed with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) at an Ahmedabad hospital. Gujarat's Health Minister assures no panic as preparations are made to address the viral infection.

Two-Month-Old Diagnosed with HMPV Infection in Ahmedabad

A two-month-old boy from Rajasthan was diagnosed with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) at an Ahmedabad hospital. Gujarat's Health Minister assures no panic as preparations are made to address the viral infection.

A two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad has been detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, an official said on Monday.
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel asked people not to panic and said the state government has made preparations to tackle the viral infection.
The infant, who hails from Dungarpur in Rajasthan, was admitted to the hospital, located in Chandkheda locality here, on December 24 with symptoms of respiratory infection.
After tests, he was found positive for the HMPV, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's in-charge medical officer of health Bhavin Solanki said.
"HMPV (infection) was detected in the patient on December 26, but we learnt about it today as the private hospital reported it to us late," Solanki said.
The patient was kept in isolation, the official said.
Earlier, the child was kept on a ventilator, and his condition is stable now, Solanki said.
Before this, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of HMPV in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens.
Patel said the state Health and Family Welfare Department is on alert and has made preparations and arrangements to tackle this viral infection.
"As part of the precautionary measures, the health department held a meeting on January 4 and instructed every chief district health officer, civil surgeon, superintendents of sub-district hospitals in the state to pay full attention to matters related to the infection of this virus," he said.
Arrangements will be made for the diagnosis of HMPV in various government hospitals, the minister said.
He asked people not to panic, but understand the viral infection symptoms and take measures accordingly.
The Union health ministry has emphasised that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with it have been reported in various countries.
Furthermore, based on the current data from the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country, it said.
Amid reports of rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China in the past few weeks, a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) was held under the chairmanship of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Saturday.

A vehicle carrying security personnel was targeted in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. 

IED Blast in Bijapur: Security Personnel Targeted in Naxal Attack

A vehicle carrying security personnel was targeted in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district.&nbsp;

Eight jawans of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and a civilian driver were killed after Naxals blew up their vehicle with a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Monday, police said.
This was the biggest strike by Maoists on security forces in the state in the last two years and the first assault in 2025.
Maoists detonated the IED near Ambeli village under Kutru police station area at around 2.15 pm when DRG personnel from Dantewada district were returning in their Scorpio vehicle after an anti-Naxalite operation, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P said.
All eight DRG jawans travelling in the SUV and the driver of the vehicle were killed on the spot, the official added.
The DRG is a unit of the state police and its personnel are mostly recruited from local tribal population and also from surrendered Naxalites.
Reinforcement was rushed to the spot and the bodies of the deceased were being evacuated, he said.
A search operation has been launched in the area by security forces, the IPS officer informed.
These DRG personnel were involved in an anti-Naxalite operation carried out for three days on the borders of Narayanpur, Dantewada and Bijapur districts by joint teams of security personnel, the IG said.
Five Naxalites were killed in the three-day-long operation and one DRG head constable also lost his life, he said.
After the operation, DRG personnel from Dantewada were returning to their base in the vehicle when the attack occurred in Kutru area, Sundarraj added.
The last site is around 400 km from state capital Raipur. Visuals from the spot showed a huge crater, more than 10-feet deep, splitting the concrete road after the blast.
The vehicle was completely destroyed in the explosion while dismembered bodies were seen placed on plastic sheets. A part of the vehicle was seen hanging on a nearby tree.
Expressing grief over the death of DRG personnel and the civilian driver, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said Naxalites are frustrated with the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the Bastar region and therefore, have resorted to such cowardly acts.
Martyrdom of jawans will not go in vain, he asserted.
"The news of the martyrdom of 8 jawans and a driver in an IED blast carried out by Naxalites in Kutru of Bijapur district is extremely sad. My condolences are with the families of the martyrs. I pray to God to rest the souls of the martyred soldiers in peace and provide strength to the bereaved families," Sai said in a statement.
"Naxalites are frustrated with the ongoing anti-Naxal operation in Bastar and have committed such cowardly act out of frustration. The martyrdom of the soldiers will not go in vain. Our fight to end the menace will continue strongly," he added.
In the past, numerous attacks have taken place on security forces in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, comprising seven districts including Dantewada, using IEDs.
In the last major assault, ten police personnel and a civilian driver were killed after Naxals blew up their vehicle, part of a convoy carrying security personnel in neighbouring Dantewada district, on April 26, 2023.

A tragic incident unfolded in Bengaluru when a family of four, including a software consultant and his wife, were found dead in their rented home. The police suspect a murder-suicide.

Bengaluru: Family of four found dead in their rented home

A tragic incident unfolded in Bengaluru when a family of four, including a software consultant and his wife, were found dead in their rented home. The police suspect a murder-suicide.

A tragic incident unfolded in Bengaluru when a family of four was discovered dead in their rented home. The deceased, Anup Kumar (38), a software consultant, his wife Rakhi (35), and their two young children, Anupriya (5) and Priyansh (2), were found by the family&rsquo;s house help on Monday morning. The case is being treated as a suspected murder-suicide.
Anup and Rakhi, originally from Prayagraj, had been living in Bengaluru for Anup&rsquo;s job in a private firm. The house help, unable to reach the family despite repeated attempts, alerted neighbors who then informed the police. Upon entering the home, authorities found the bodies of the family.
An initial investigation revealed that the couple had poisoned their children before taking their own lives by hanging. The police suspect that emotional strain, possibly related to their daughter Anupriya&rsquo;s special needs, may have played a role in the tragedy. The family had appeared to be in good spirits and had plans to visit Pondicherry, with packing completed just the day before.
Despite the apparent normalcy, no suicide note was found, and the investigation is ongoing. The police are examining all angles, including the emotional and financial pressures the family may have been facing.

Karnataka addresses Human Metapneumovirus with swift public health measures. Emphasis on hygiene and alertness to safeguard citizens.

HMPV cases detected in Karnataka, CM orders precautionary measures

Karnataka tackles Human Metapneumovirus with rapid preventive measures. Enhanced hygiene practices and vigilance are key to community protection.

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Two cases of HMPV have been detected in Karnataka. CM Siddaramaiah instructed health departments to implement precautionary measures.&nbsp;
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Following the detection of two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Monday that he has instructed the health and medical education departments to implement necessary precautionary measures.
Siddaramaiah stated, "There is information regarding the HMPV or China virus infection in Karnataka. I have directed the health department to take preventive steps, and I have spoken to Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Both the Health and Medical Education departments will work together to control the situation."
The two cases, both involving children, were identified through routine surveillance for respiratory viral infections. A three-month-old female infant, diagnosed with bronchopneumonia, tested positive for HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has since been discharged. An eight-month-old male infant, also with a history of bronchopneumonia, tested positive on January 3 and is currently recovering. Neither patient had a history of international travel.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed the cases on Monday, with the Union Health Ministry stating that although HMPV is not considered a dangerous virus, precautionary actions must still be taken. The Directorate of Medical Education (DME) in Karnataka reassured the public, noting that the virus is not as easily transmissible as COVID-19.
While the virus mainly affects children and presents symptoms similar to the common cold, hospitals have been instructed to report any cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). To prevent further spread, people are advised to practice good hygiene, such as covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, frequently washing hands, and avoiding public places if symptomatic. The advisory also warned against sharing tissues, towels, and linen, and discouraged spitting in public.
HMPV causes flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, and by touching contaminated surfaces.

India ranks above the global average in English speaking skills, with Delhi leading the chart followed by Rajasthan and Punjab, according to the Pearson Global English Proficiency Report 2024. 

India ranks above global average in speaking English

India ranks above the global average in English speaking skills, with Delhi leading the chart followed by Rajasthan and Punjab, according to the Pearson Global English Proficiency Report 2024.&nbsp;

India ranks above global average in speaking English with Delhi leading the chart followed by Rajasthan, according to Global English Proficiency Report by Pearson.
The report released on Monday is an in-depth analysis of English proficiency trends across India, the Philippines, Japan, Egypt, Colombia and Europe.
The Pearson Global English Proficiency Report 2024 aggregated and analysed data from approximately 750,000 Versant tests conducted worldwide, offering a detailed snapshot of current skill levels and emerging trends. Versant by Pearson is an English Language assessment tool that accurately and efficiently evaluates candidates' English language proficiency, assisting businesses in hiring the best talent suited for their needs.
The report cited that while India's average English skills score (52) is lower than the global average English skills score (57), the country's average English speaking score (57) is higher (54).
The report also said India's average English writing score (61) is equivalent to the global average writing score (61).
Delhi led with the highest English speaking score (63) followed by Rajasthan (60) and Punjab (58).
"In today's global economy, English proficiency is not just a skill but a strategic asset. The Pearson Global English Proficiency Report 2024 provides business leaders with the data-driven insights they need to make informed decisions about hiring and developing their workforce. By integrating these insights into their talent strategies, organizations can enhance their competitive edge and drive growth," said Giovanni Giovannelli, president of Pearson's English Language Learning division.
According to the report, the Indian market has experienced significant growth in English skills in recent years, which is predicted to continue, with an emphasis on voice-based testing.
"Indian Business leaders know that accurately testing English skills reduces the cost of mis-hires and protects credibility, particularly when hiring at scale. India's average writing score is 61, matching the global average, reflecting steady improvements driven by increased digital communication and the necessity for written English in global business contexts," it said.
In India, the finance and banking sector leads with the highest speaking score of 63, surpassing the global average of 56, it said.
"Conversely, Healthcare has the lowest score (45), influenced by its rapid expansion and the focus on increasing access to jobs... Other sectors like Tech, Consulting and BPO show strong performance, consistently aligning with or exceeding global benchmarks," the report said.

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