On August 11-12, various union government departments and agencies have published several environment, climate change, public health and related social sectors news releases those stand important for the present and future of the country. The Plurals has collated important ones for you.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reaffirmed the increase in population of Asiatic Lion from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025
On World Lion Day 2026, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, celebrated India’s remarkable journey in lion conservation and reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife and biodiversity.
In a post on social media, the Minister noted that the Asiatic Lion population has steadily increased from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025. He attributed this achievement to the dedication of forest officials, conservationists, local communities and all those working tirelessly to protect the magnificent species
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2296978®=48&lang=1
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced events nationwide, providing opportunity to school students to spend a day as scientist
Inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call for students to “spend one day as a scientist,” the Department of Health Research- Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) is set to organise the second edition of S.H.I.N.E. – Science, Health and Innovation for NextGen Explorers, a nationwide school outreach initiative, on 11–12 August 2026.
The two-day programme will be hosted across 83 locations nationwide, including ICMR institutes, DHR-Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRUs), and affiliated field units, providing school students with an opportunity to engage with scientists, explore scientific research, and experience the world of health and innovation firsthand.
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2297383®=48&lang=1
Ministry of New and Renewable (MNRE) energy implemented National Green Hydrogen Mission for adopting in petroleum and refining sector
The Government of India is implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) with the objective of making India a global hub for production, usage and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Under the SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition) Mode – 2B scheme of the NGHM, Green Hydrogen production capacity of 30 Kilo Tonnes Per Annum (KTPA) has been awarded for refineries
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2297571®=48&lang=1
Ministry of Panchayati Raj reported low participation in Gram Sabha meetings
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has released a National Study Report on Low Participation in Gram Sabha across States and Union Territories (UTs) on 30th June, 2026, prepared by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (N.I.R.D.P.R).
The assessment identified multiple factors contributing to low and inconsistent participation across Gram Panchayats. These include livelihood and occupational constraints, weak awareness and inadequate communication systems, weak responsiveness to grievances, absence of line department officials, limited transparency in governance processes, inadequate follow-up actions on issues raised during meetings, etc. On women’s participation, the findings also reflected continuing barriers relating to household responsibilities, social hesitation, male dominance during discussions and limited opportunities for effective participation.
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2297557®=48&lang=1
Ministry of Rural Development adopted study on migration
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) does not maintain data pertaining to migration prone areas or migration trends. However, with a view to inter alia address issues of migration of rural people, the Government has adopted a multi-dimensional course of action such as, provision of improved infrastructural facilities (i.e; roads, drinking water supply, housing, sanitation and connectivity), equitable dispersal of resources to remove regional disparities, employment generation, imparting of skills, encouraging entrepreneurial activity and providing easy access to financial assistance & credit facilities etc.
In this direction, Ministry of Rural Development(MoRD) is implementing various rural development schemes/programmes such as Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), DeenDayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY), Rural Self Employment Training Institutes(RSETIs), National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and Watershed Development Component (WDC) of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) for overall development of rural areas of the country
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2297777®=48&lang=1