India is witnessing a concerning surge in COVID-19 cases with active cases jumping over 5,364 as of June 7, as per the COVID dashboard, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The figure marks a sharp increase from only 257 active cases on May 22. More importantly, more than 50% of the new infections are in the 25-to-50-year age group the working population which has caused alarm among public health officials.

The number of new COVID-19 infections reported on a daily basis continues to slowly rise. On June 6, 564 cases were added in India, increasing the active caseload to 5,364. The number has now crossed 5,364, indicating an upward trend. Along with the increasing infections, at least seven fatalities were recorded within a 24-hour period, with the departed including those from West Bengal (4), Maharashtra (3), Delhi (2), Kerela (2) and Karnataka (3). All six of the seven deaths were older patients with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, or pneumonia. The youngest death was in a five-month-old male infant with pre-existing respiratory problems.

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These new cases are caused, according to experts, by newly emerging subvariants such as LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and more recently identified NB.1.8.1. These variants are said to be more transmissible and have partial immune escape characteristics but, as of yet, have not shown increased disease severity.

Experts are seeing a trend towards mild to moderate symptoms, but the rate of infection is worrying as it is impacting the productive segment of the population and may stretch the healthcare machinery if not contained.

COVID-19 Cases: Kerala, Delhi, and Maharashtra Among Worst-Hit States

Kerala is still the hotbed of this new wave, with more than 1,487 active cases according to the latest report. Delhi (562), West Bengal (538), Maharashtra (526), and Gujarat (508) take second place. The Gujarat state has registered a high count of infections in the age group of 25-50 years, which has contributed to more than 50% of its 700+ total cases.

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Surprisingly, officials also noted that around 10% of new cases in Gujarat were infants under the age of one. The elderly population, which bore the brunt of earlier waves, has seen relatively fewer infections in the current resurgence. This shift in demographic impact is being closely monitored by epidemiologists.

New COVID Symptoms To Note

In contrast to the previous waves where dramatic cases of anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste) were observed, present patients are reporting a different constellation of symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms are high-grade fever, intense muscle aches (myalgia), and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.

This wave clinically is presenting differently. Patients, particularly those in younger age groups, are presenting with intense body pains and fever instead of respiratory complaints.

Covid-19: Hospitalization Rates and Deaths

Whilst the figure of cases is rising, hospitalization rates continue to be fairly low — ranging at about 5%. Nevertheless, the seven recent deaths serve as a stark reminder of the risk posed to vulnerable groups. Ministry data show all victims had comorbidities such as seizures, respiratory failure, kidney disease, and cancer.

Three of the recent Gujarat fatalities included young women aged 18, 20, and 47, all from Ahmedabad. "This is not common and highlights the need to not ignore any symptoms," said a senior health official.

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The Indian government has sent advisories to every state and union territory in order to be prepared. This involves keeping proper stocks of oxygen, antiviral drugs, and ICU beds. States have also been instructed to distinguish between COVID-19 and other viral fevers, which have common symptoms.

A ministry senior official observed, "We are calling for all states to be on their toes and to intensify surveillance, particularly in urban areas and public transport hubs."

Hospitals and clinics in major metros are keeping a lookout, with training and testing protocols of the staff being revised to account for the evolving clinical presentation of the disease.

Covid-19: Vigilance Needed Even With Vaccination Efforts

India has come a long way in COVID-19 vaccination with more than 2.2 billion doses given so far, but the new variants have again pushed to the forefront the question of booster doses, particularly among frontline workers and the elderly.

Vaccination is not a static shield. As the virus mutates, so should our immunity. It's important to remain current with booster doses if they are suggested.

Although hospitalization and serious cases are still low, the recent spurt in COVID-19 cases in India is a stark reminder of how unpredictable the virus has been. With variants spreading and attacking younger people, a joint effort through vigilance, prompt testing, booster vaccinations, and responsible public action is a must.

For the time being, health authorities keep a close watch on trends, advising people not to ignore mild symptoms and to follow basic precautions such as hand hygiene, wearing a mask in crowded places, and seeking a test when symptomatic.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to collaborate on advancing research in space medicine.

The MoU was signed between M Srinivas, Director (AIIMS), New Delhi and Dinesh Kumar Singh, Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), ISRO. The event brought together senior leadership from AIIMS and ISRO, including ISRO Chairman V Narayanan and Secretary, Department of Space, as well as Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and studies from AIIMS New Delhi.

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As per the news agency Asian News International (ANI), a press release of the collaboration noted for a cooperative framework for ground-based and space-based research in Space Medicine. The press release also noted that the research will cover areas like human physiology, cardiovascular and autonomic regulation, musculoskeletal health in microgravity, microbiome and immunology, genomics and biomarkers and behavioral health.

“This MoU will give us the escape velocity to venture together into the field of space medicine. Collaborative research between AIIMS and ISRO will benefit patients, the nation, and ultimately humankind. As India moves toward Viksit Bharat by 2047, we hope to emerge as a Vishwaguru in space medicine as well,” said Prof M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi.

Chairman of ISRO Dr V Narayanan and Secretary, Department of Space also highlighted India’s remarkable journey in space programme. He noted how India evolved from the time when rockets and equipment were transported on bicycles and bullock carts to today, where it is going to be leading medical and research institutions like AIIMS to strengthen India’s human spaceflight capabilities.

The programme also featured a presentation on AIIMS New Delhi’s ongoing work in space medicine research, delivered by Prof. KK Deepak, former Head of the Department of Physiology. The event was attended by Heads of Departments and faculty members from across AIIMS New Delhi, along with representatives from the Resident Doctors Association (RDA), the AIIMS Student Association (ASA), and the Society of Young Scientists (SYS).

The collaboration represents an important step toward enhancing India’s capabilities in human spaceflight and biomedical research. It also aligns with the country’s broader scientific ambitions as India moves toward its centenary in 2047 and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

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What Do We Already Know About Space Medicine?

As per a 2017 study in the British Journal of Anaesthesia, space medicine is fundamental to the human exploration of space. It supports survival, function and performance in this challenging as potentially lethal environment. It is international, intercultural and interdisciplinary, operating at the boundaries of exploration, science, technology and medicine.

Space medicine specialists play a crucial role in safeguarding astronauts and other spaceflight participants. Known as “flight surgeons,” they help develop strategies to protect the health, safety, and performance of space travellers in the extreme conditions of space. Their responsibilities span every stage of a mission — from selection and training to in-flight care, post-mission rehabilitation, and monitoring long-term health effects.

With inputs from ANI

Sick days are again piling up with a respiratory disease, not COVID-19 or the flu. This disease is most likely the one Americans have not heard of. This is HMPV or human metapneumovirus. Doctors have asked people to stay vigilant as seasonal flu virus could lead to pneumonia and bronchitis, and it is spreading in California wastewater and around the country. However, as per public health officials, there is nothing to get worried at this point.

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As per the public database WasterwaterScan Dashboard, high levels of HMPV were detected across Northern California cities. The highest levels were reported in Redwood City, whereas elevated levels were found in San Francisco Bay Area and Napa's Wine Country. What's more dangerous is that this virus is without a vaccine.

The good news is that in other parts of country HMPV remains lower. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that data from October 2025 shows the cases are trending up, especially during winter and spring.

Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, as reported by The Independent said, "In the late winter, early spring, it can account for five percent to 10 percent of all the respiratory infections that we diagnose in the United States. So it's definitely out there." Experts explain that other viruses like HMPV or influenza get a chance when COVID is quieter.

Read: HMPV Virus Cases Surging In California, New Jersey: Is It Dangerous?

Virus Without A Vaccine: What Is HMPV?

HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family along with the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

HMPV most likely spreads from an infected person to others through:

• the air by coughing and sneezing
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes

In the US, HMPV circulates in predictable patterns each year, typically beginning in winter and lasting through spring.

The usually self-limiting and mild symptoms typically last 4 to 5 days. These include:

• cough
• fever
• nasal congestion
• shortness of breath

People at risk include:

• elderly people
• children
• people with comorbidities

"The HMPV is not deadly, and there is no evidence of mortality or a severe transmission rate," former Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientist, Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, told IANS, during the virus's outbreak in India in 2025.

“The virus may cause pneumonitis-like illness, but the mortality rates are almost unknown so far. HMPV has a global prevalence of about 4 per cent,” he added.

While no vaccine or treatment can prevent HMPV infection, to avoid the infection, individuals must:

Practice good hygiene and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or use your elbow, not your hands, for it. And wash your hands properly, especially in healthcare settings.

Why Are People Hearing About The Virus Without Vaccine Now?

The reason people have not heard about it before is because its symptoms are nearly indistinguishable from other respiratory infections, so often it could go undiagnosed. Furthermore, earlier the COVID cases and influenza cases sparked up, which deviated the attention from HMPV. Now, with the season gone, and increased awareness around respiratory illnesses, greater attention to viruses like HMPV is also paid.

One in seven Indians, or over 14 percent of the population, suffers from some form of mental health disorder. Amid an increasing treatment gap -- up to 90 percent -- seen in several states, especially in North India, the government today reiterated the plan of launching a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in the northern states.

NIMHANS-2 was first announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget 2026-27, to deliver specialized care for mental health and neurological disorders in north India.

Health experts and policymakers, as part of the government-led Post-Budget Webinar series, highlighted the growing burden of mental and neurological disorders in India and also stressed the urgent need to strengthen institutional capacity to meet emerging healthcare demands.

"One in seven Indians is affected by mental health disorders, while several states continue to face a treatment gap ranging from 70 to 90 percent," the experts said.

Noting that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) account for over 60 percent of deaths in the country, they added that "neurological and mental health conditions are among the leading contributors to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)," among the citizens.

Need For Tertiary Neuro-psychiatric Care

To address these, the experts called for ramping up tertiary mental health institutions and expanding specialized services.

The session, moderated by Vijay Nehra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted that North India currently lacks adequate tertiary neuro-psychiatric care facilities. These include areas such as:

• advanced neuroimaging,
• neurocritical care,
• specialized neurological services

Further, making a virtual address at the Post-Budget Webinar, Union Health Minister JP Nadda also highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening mental healthcare services in the country.

"NIMHANS-2 will be established in North India to expand advanced clinical care, training, and research," Nadda said.

"In addition, the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, and the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, will be upgraded as regional apex institutions to strengthen mental healthcare services in the eastern and north-eastern regions," he added.

Meanwhile, the experts also stressed the need to improve services in underserved and geographically remote regions, including the northeastern states, through better infrastructure, capacity building, and targeted deployment of trained mental health professionals.

They also discussed strategies for expanding advanced neuro-psychiatric care and reinforcing India’s overall mental healthcare ecosystem. They proposed:

• Adopting a hub-and-spoke model supported by digital health platforms

This would allow tertiary institutions and centers of excellence to provide technical guidance, specialist consultations, and clinical support to district hospitals and community-level health facilities.

"Such a model would strengthen referral pathways and ensure that specialized mental health services are accessible to people even in remote and rural areas," the experts said.

• Integrating services under Tele-MANAS

Both existing and upcoming campuses of NIMHANS must be integrated , as this will enable a robust nationwide tele-mental health network that ensures

• timely counselling,
• psychological support,
• specialist consultations

• Digital follow-up systems

The experts called for the seamless integration of healthcare facilities, aligned with the vision of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the ABHA ID ecosystem. This, they said, will

• enable continuity of care,
• Improve monitoring of patients,
• Lead to better clinical outcomes

• A national Brain-Mind Cloud Network

The Network proposed under the National Health Mission would connect premier institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), state medical colleges, and primary healthcare centers through a digitally integrated platform.

It could also facilitate

• unified mental health records,
• AI-based screening tools,
• data-driven clinical decision support systems,
• tele-neuro-psychiatric hubs at regional centers.