During September 9-10, various union government departments and agencies published several news releases linked to the environment, climate change, public health, and related social sectors that are important for the country’s present and future. The Plurals has collated the key information for you.
Six years old Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) claimed to be a landmark in the transformation of Indian fisheries
India’s fisheries sector is a vital economic pillar, sustaining nearly three crore livelihoods, especially among marginalised and coastal communities. As a recognised Sunrise Sector, it has seen consistent growth driven by policies that boost production, exports, infrastructure, and technology adoption.
To further unlock this potential, the Government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), focused on fostering inclusive and sustainable growth across the sector. As PMMSY completes six years on 10 September 2026, it stands as a landmark in the transformation of the Indian fisheries sector towards modernisation, sustainability, and prosperity.
Since its launch in 2020, the scheme has built stronger infrastructure, opened up new opportunities, and provided consistent support to fishers and fish farmers across the country. Building on the Blue Revolution scheme, PMMSY was conceived to address critical gaps across the fisheries value chain.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2308602®=48&lang=1
Strong action against fake seeds essential and the government plans a stringent Seed Act, stated union agriculture minister in a meeting with the farmers
Under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government is working on a stronger Seed Act to protect farmers from fake and substandard seeds. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today held a consultation with leaders of farmer organisations from across the country at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi on September 9.
Representatives from almost all states participated in the consultation and shared their experiences and suggestions on the proposed legislation. Around 20 farmer organisations submitted their views during the meeting. Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Atish Chandra and senior officials were also present.
The Government of India is preparing to introduce a new and stringent Seed Act aimed at protecting the country’s farmers from the losses caused by fake and substandard seeds.
The proposed new Seed Act is expected to provide for stringent legal action against companies and traders involved in the sale of fake, adulterated or substandard seeds, including heavy penalties and imprisonment. Poor-quality seeds can wipe out months of a farmer’s hard-earned income and years of effort and labour.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2308922®=48&lang=1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2308335®=48&lang=1
Nationwide crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, reported Ministry of Finance
Continuing its intelligence-led crackdown on the illegal trafficking of protected wildlife and wildlife derivatives, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted six significant operations at different locations across the country in last 10 days, resulting in the seizure of a two leopard pelts, 180 live Indian Star Tortoises, 12 live Tokay Geckos, around 24 kg Pangolin Scales and 500 grams Tiger bones.
Thirteen persons were arrested across these six operations.
In an intelligence led operation on 07.09.2026, officers of DRI, in Jeypore, Koraput district, Odisha, intercepted a person and recovered one leopard pelt from his possession. Leopards are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and trade, sale, purchase, possession or transportation of their pelts or parts is prohibited. The leopard pelt and the apprehended person were handed over to the State Forest Department, Koraput, for further investigation and legal action under the Act.
In another operation on the same day, officers of DRI intercepted a person near Gandhinagar, Bengaluru and examination of his baggage resulted in the recovery of 180 live Indian Star Tortoises concealed in six cloth covers. The species was identified by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) as Geochelone Elegan and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The striking star-like pattern on the shell of the Indian Star Tortoise has made it particularly attractive in the exotic pet and wildlife-collector markets, driving illegal capture and international trafficking. The 180 live tortoises were seized under the Act and the accused was arrested.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2308530®=48&lang=1
Multi-sectoral approach prodded to counter Fluorosis
Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), organised a National Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on ‘Fluorosis’ on the occasion of National Fluorosis Day, bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening prevention, early detection, under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF).
The workshop brought together representatives from the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), AIIMS, National Dental Commission (NDC), State Nodal Officers and Consultants, among other stakeholders. The participation of institutions and experts from diverse sectors underscored the need for a coordinated and multisectoral approach to addressing fluorosis.
The workshop focused on expanding the reach and coverage of NPPCF, strengthening programme implementation through research and innovation, and promoting multisectoral action for effective prevention and control of fluorosis.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2308345®=48&lang=1