During August 23-24, 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.
Union ministry of health and family welfare bans Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride medicines for children below four years
In a significant step to safeguard the health and safety of young children, the Government has imposed restrictions on the manufacture, sale and distribution of all Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, mandating a clear warning that these medicines shall not be used in children below four years of age.
Earlier, vide notification dated 15 April 2025 [S.O. 1717(E)], the Government had restricted certain FDCs containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, subject to the same age-specific warning. The latest notification extends this requirement to all formulations containing these two ingredients.
The decision has been taken following the recommendations of an Expert Committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB). The Government noted that the use of such combinations may pose risks to children below four years of age and that safer alternatives are available.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2302237®=48&lang=1
Prime Minister Modi interacted with CEO of space startups
Prime Minister – You have shown courage in a new field. The most important thing is that you trusted the government’s word. My view has always been that whatever decisions we take, we must remain consistent in them, we must not keep changing them again and again, so that anyone who wants to take a risk can have confidence that, fine, if something goes wrong it will be because of my mistake, but no one will abandon me. And this was our effort – to create that trust.
CEO – We are India’s first Space Tech Unicorn. On July 18 we successfully launched India’s first private rocket, ejecting satellites. And this is just the beginning. Generally, we say this is just a warm‑up for Skyroot, it is only the start. By mid next year we will be doing one launch per month. And also, thanks to you sir for opening up the sector. Three factories have already been built. We already have the capacity for one rocket per month. And this is just the beginning. Our future dream is to do one launch per week and several launches per day.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2302434®=48&lang=1
Delhi Zoo organised ‘Tree Walk’ and ‘Sunday Bird Walk’
The National Zoological Park, New Delhi successfully organised the 2nd edition of ‘Tree Walk @ NZP’ along with its 11th Sunday Bird Walk on 23rd August 2026. The programme was organised as part of the Zoo’s ongoing Citizen Science Initiative, which aims to encourage public participation in biodiversity documentation, monitoring and conservation awareness.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2302561®=48&lang=1
PIB focuses on the regenerative agriculture pathway
India’s farms have sustained agricultural growth, but long-term productivity depends on healthy soils and resilient ecosystems. Regenerative agriculture offers a pathway to restore soil vitality, improve biodiversity, and strengthen resilience against climate stresses. Across the country, farmers are adopting practices such as natural farming, agroforestry, micro-irrigation, integrated farming systems, and scientific soil management. Government support has accelerated this transition. As of March 2026, natural farming clusters covered 8.80 lakh hectares and enrolled 18.19 lakh farmers. About 109 lakh hectares have been brought under Per Drop More Crop as of May 2026. In addition, 25.89 crore Soil Health Cards have been generated since inception, as of March 2026. These efforts are helping build a more productive, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible future for Indian agriculture.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2302428®=48&lang=1
PIB highlights the national animal disease control programme
In 2019, represents one of India’s largest livestock health initiatives aimed at controlling and eradicating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis through nationwide vaccination and surveillance. The programme has administered 147.16 crore FMD vaccine doses, benefiting 8.04 crore farmers. Strengthened immunity has contributed to a significant reduction in disease incidence, with reported FMD outbreaks declining from 132 in 2019 to 40 by 2025 and Brucellosis outbreaks falling from 22 in 2019 to 15 in 2025. The NSP antibody prevalence has declined from 20.8% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2025, indicating reduced circulation of FMD through evidence-based surveillance and sustained disease control efforts.
There has been no outbreak of FMD caused by Serotype Asia-1 for the last three years in the country. The programme is supported by strengthened veterinary infrastructure, digital livestock databases, research institutions, and One Health initiatives. More than 39.00 crore livestock have been registered on the Bharat Pashudhan Portal, and 4,019 Mobile Veterinary Units have provided doorstep services to 136 lakh farmers and treated 276 lakh animals. By integrating disease control, digital monitoring, and pandemic preparedness, the NADCP is contributing to a more disease-secure livestock sector in India.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2302242®=48&lang=1