By edukalive 
1. Two Infant HMPV Cases Detected in Bengaluru: Health Ministry
India has reported two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Bengaluru. The patients are a three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy, both admitted to Baptist Hospital. Neither has a history of international travel but both have a history of bronchopneumonia. The girl has been discharged, while the boy is recovering.
The cases were identified through routine surveillance under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, with no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases reported, according to ICMR and IDSP.
2. PM Modi Inaugurates Key Railway Projects for Telangana, Odisha, and J&K
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple railway projects virtually, emphasizing a decade of transformative progress in Indian Railways. Key initiatives include:
i. New Jammu Railway Division: Covering 742.1 km, it connects Pathankot-Joginder Nagar sections, boosting connectivity, tourism, and socio-economic development in Jammu & Kashmir.
ii. Charlapalli New Terminal Station, Telangana: Developed with a budget of ₹413 crore, it features modern, eco-friendly amenities to ease congestion in Hyderabad’s existing terminals.
iii. Rayagada Railway Division Building, Odisha: Aims to enhance connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and nearby areas, driving regional socio-economic growth.
PM Modi highlighted future milestones, including the Vande Bharat sleeper version trials and the upcoming bullet train. He dedicated the achievements to inclusive development under “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
3. iPhone 17 Air Price and Features Leaked
Apple is set to launch the iPhone 17 Air, its thinnest iPhone yet, in September 2025. Reports suggest a sleek 6.25mm thickness, making it 20-25% thinner than the iPhone 16 series. Some rumors even hint at a possible 5mm thickness.
The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly replace the iPhone 17 Plus in the lineup, priced similarly to the iPhone 16 Plus, starting at $899 (₹77,000) in the USA and £899 (₹92,000) in the UK. Official pricing, including for India, will be revealed closer to the launch.
4. India Condemns Pakistan’s Airstrikes in Afghanistan
India condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, calling it a diversion from internal issues like terrorism and economic instability. Targeting TTP hideouts, the strikes have raised concerns over regional peace and civilian safety. India urged Pakistan to prioritize diplomacy for South Asian stability.
5. Slim Chance for Australia to Miss WTC Final Spot
Australia secured a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final with a 3-1 series victory over India, their first since 2014-15. They are set to face South Africa at Lord’s in June. However, if Australia faces an eight-point deduction in the remaining matches and Sri Lanka wins their series 2-0, Sri Lanka could overtake them to claim the final spot.
6. Aditya-L1: A Year of Unveiling Solar Mysteries
On January 6, 2024, ISRO positioned Aditya-L1, its solar observatory, at Lagrange Point 1 (L1), months after its September 2, 2023 launch. Marking its first anniversary, ISRO plans to release mission data via a new web platform for researchers.
Significant findings include:
- Detection of multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) by the Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA), operational since December 2023.
- Observations of intense solar activity in May 2024:
- SUIT captured high-resolution UV images of active regions and sunspots.
- VELC documented solar storms from active region “AR13664.”
- SoLEXS, HEL1OS, ASPEX, and MAG studied solar events and their impact on Earth’s environment.
The mission’s multi-wavelength observations, supplemented by data from Chandrayaan-2 and XPoSat, have significantly advanced understanding of the Sun and space weather.
7. Indian Rupee Faces Further Decline Amid Strengthening US Dollar
The Indian rupee, currently at a record low of 86 against the US dollar, may weaken further to 90-92 in the next 6-10 months. This decline is driven by the strengthening dollar, up 8% since September 2024, and limited flexibility in RBI’s currency interventions compared to the Chinese yuan.
India’s financial performance reflects this strain, with benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex yielding modest 8.3% YoY returns (compared to the US S&P 500’s 26%) and a 3% rupee depreciation amplifying the underperformance.
The dollar’s strength stems from the US economy’s unexpected resilience, reduced rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, and Trump 2.0’s expansionary policies, including corporate tax cuts and tariff hikes, sustaining inflationary pressures and a hawkish Fed stance.