"It is a matter of joy that in the year 2024, breaking all records of the value of seized drugs, the police and NCB have succeeded in seizing drugs worth Rs 16,914 crores. This is the biggest figure after independence," Amit Shah said.
The historic Town Hall in Shimla, situated on Mall Road, is scheduled to reopen as a high-end cafe, following a decision rendered by the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
"HMPV virus was found in 2001 and is still found today. It is one of the many viruses that are found in the respiratory system. An advisory has been issued by the Gujarat government."
While addressing concerns, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhaniram Shandil stated that there is no imminent threat from the virus and assured the public that it is a common respiratory virus primarily affecting young children and the elderly.
"We will only be able to tell about the diagnoses of the patient after the results for the sample come back from King George's Medical University," he added.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) shared the trends of acute respiratory infection, including human metapneumovirus (HMP virus) in the Northern Hemisphere and noted that the rate of increase of virus infections follows the usual trends.
Speaking to reporters, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said, "We have mentioned this earlier too that this variant is not strong. We have dealt with problematic viruses like corona. Our health department is working efficiently in this matter. No one has to worry..."
"There has indeed been a rise in a number of common respiratory infections in the country. And this is entirely expected during the winter. China has a sentinel surveillance system for influenza-like illness and severe respiratory infections," she said.
Amid recent cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), Dr Meenu Singh, Director of AIIMS Rishikesh on Wednesday reassured the public that the virus, which primarily affects children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, is "not a new threat."
In a video statement, Singh said that no cases have been reported in Punjab yet, and the state is closely following the guidelines issued by the Government of India.
Although no official guidelines have been issued by the Central Government yet, he assured that the state would prioritise immediate action upon receiving directives. "Being a doctor and the health minister, I have instructed the department to treat this matter with utmost seriousness."
Amid growing concern about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country, states have intensified their health measures, focusing on surveillance and prevention to address the challenge.