During September 23-24, 2026, 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.
Tonnes of illegal firecrackers worth ₹3 crore seized near Nabi Mumbai, informs union finance ministry
In an intelligence led operation, officers of DRI, intercepted an import consignment at Nhava Sheva Port suspected to contain firecrackers and on examination of the same found firecrackers concealed under the guise of declared goods, namely “Bottle & Wallpaper.”
The detailed examination led to recovery of 19,800 pieces of firecrackers (known as 288 Gatling), weighing approximately 10,000 Kg with a market value of about Rs. 3 crore. Except for the first three rows containing the declared goods, the container was found to be filled predominantly with firecrackers. The firecrackers, along with the declared cover cargo, were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/
Eighty-six Tokay geckos, an endangered wild life species, rescued in Assam
During the operation, 86 live Tokay Geckos, an endangered wildlife species, were recovered from their possession and seized under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Tokay Gecko is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and under Appendix-II of CITES, regulating its international trade. The two apprehended persons, along with the recovered live geckos, were subsequently handed over to the, Mariani Range Forest office, Assam, for further action under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/
Union government supplied onions to Bengal to stabilize price during the festive season
The Government of India is strengthening the supply of onions in West Bengal, with the Kanda Express carrying onions from the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) buffer stock scheduled to reach Kolkata on 24 September 2026. The arrival is expected to facilitate faster movement of larger quantities of onions and further strengthen availability in Kolkata and adjoining districts, particularly ahead of the festive season.
The Government of India is stepping up the supply of onions in West Bengal, with the Kanda Express carrying onions from the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) buffer stock scheduled to reach Kolkata on 24 September 2026. The arrival is expected to facilitate faster movement of larger quantities of onions and further strengthen availability in Kolkata and adjoining districts, particularly ahead of the festive season.
Around 1,400 MT of onions have already been distributed in West Bengal through NAFED and NCCF mobile vans at ₹35 per kg, mainly through road transport. With the arrival of Kanda Express, additional quantities will now be moved more efficiently, helping improve market availability and moderate seasonal price pressures.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/
Domestic tourism expenditure survey tabled
The Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey (DTES), conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), mainly captures the details of domestic overnight trips like duration of trip, mode of transport, type of stay availed, trip expenses etc. Additionally, some information is also collected on domestic same-day trips and expenditure incurred on them.
The present survey was conducted during July, 2025 to June, 2026 as a part of NSS 80th round. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the findings of this survey through a report titled ‘Domestic Tourism in India’.
Data for this survey were collected for (i) domestic overnight trips completed during last 365 days with leading purposes holidaying, leisure and recreation; pilgrimage & religious; health & medical and shopping, (ii) domestic overnight trips completed during last 30 days with leading purposes business, social, education & training and others and (iii) same day trips completed during last 30 days.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mooted proposal to ban the use of the word ‘Paneer’ for non-dairy products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, to restrict the manufacture and sale of analogue products as “Paneer” and prevent consumers from being misled about the nature and composition of such products.
The proposed Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026 seek to insert a new clause under Regulation 2.1.1 of the existing regulations, specifically covering “paneer made of constituents not derived from milk.”
Under the proposed amendment, products already licensed or registered under the ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category would be required to discontinue the use of the term “Paneer” in their nomenclature, labelling or marketing.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/