On 13, 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 the key one’s for you.
Department of Atomic Energy rolled out government’s nuclear energy roadmap in Loksabha
India is steadily strengthening its indigenous nuclear energy ecosystem with a focus on advanced reactor technologies, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), domestic manufacturing capabilities, private-sector participation and long-term utilisation of the country’s abundant thorium resources, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today (August 12).
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2298208®=48&lang=1
Department of Atomic Energy assured on security checks of Nuclear Power Plants
Adequate measures are in place to ensure the security of nuclear power plants. Periodic security assessments are conducted both internally and by AERB, at all Nuclear Power Plant sites including Kudankulam. Additionally, assessments of nuclear power plants are also conducted by external Government agencies. The observations made are reviewed; monitored and necessary upgrades are carried out for compliance.
In all nuclear power plants, state of the art security measures are in place. Besides other provisions, Electronic Security and Surveillance systems like Perimeter Intrusion Detection System, Access Control System, X-Ray Baggage Inspection System, CCTV Monitoring System, etc are in place at all operating Nuclear Power Plants. These systems are implemented as an integral part of the Nuclear Power Plants. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) also conducts regulatory inspection in respect of nuclear security of all Nuclear Power Plants.
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2298194®=48&lang=1
Ministry of Earth Sciences strengthened the functioning of Early Warning Systems
Under Mission Mausam, the India Meteorological Department has strengthened its observational network with 50 Doppler Weather Radars, 1,008 Automatic Weather Stations, and 6,885 rain gauge stations nationwide. These advancements have improved severe weather forecast accuracy by 40–50% over the past decade, significantly reducing cyclone track, landfall, and intensity errors. For flood monitoring, 25 Flood Meteorological Offices issue daily 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts across 220 sub-basins to assist the Central Water Commission, alongside operational integrated flood warning systems in Chennai and Mumbai.
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2298069®=48&lang=1
Ministry of Panchayati Raj shared status on Atmanirbhar Panchayat Program
The Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme is a four year initiative aimed at making Panchayats financially self-sufficient by generating Own Source Revenue (OSR) through projects that utilize unexplored local assets. Proposals are selected through a State and National level open challenge system, with 50 projects taken up in the first year and 100 each in the following three years. The programme provides technical assistance ensuring participatory planning through mandatory Gram Sabha clearance. Only elected Gram and Block Panchayats with at least three years of tenure and minimum OSR thresholds (₹50 lakh for Gram Panchayats and ₹1 crore for Block Panchayats, with relaxed norms for Northeast and Hill States) are eligible. Panchayats are facilitated through technical assistance in refining the initial ideas into detailed, sustainable, bankable project concepts, in the preparation of project-related documents, in exploring funding options such as Public-Private Partnership (PPP), CSR funding, and convergence of schemes. They are also assisted in preparing Request for Proposal (RFP), including Model Contract documents / Agreements for issuance by the appropriate authority as per the procurement rules of the State concerned and in achieving financial closure. The entire process of submission and selection is managed through a dedicated digital portal, reinforcing transparency and efficiency. As on 04.08.2026, a total of 30 project proposals from 28 Panchayats have been received at Centre level on the designated portal.
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2298162®=48&lang=1