On August 24-25, 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.
Ministry of health and family welfare is tracking common seasonal flu patterns across India
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), in coordination with the Department of Health Research (DHR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is closely monitoring the prevailing seasonal respiratory illness trends across the country through a robust pan-India surveillance network.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR) and Director General, ICMR, Dr. Rajiv Bahl stated that the current influenza situation is being continuously monitored and that there is no cause for panic or alarm. The influenza viruses currently circulating in the country are consistent with the seasonal pattern observed in recent years.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2303208®=48&lang=1
Union environment minister announced land restoration as a national priority at UNCCD CoP 17
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav today said that land restoration is an established national priority for India and is integral to the country’s efforts on sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, climate action and rural development. Speaking at a side event organised by the IUCN at the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP 17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Shri Yadav said India views restoration not as a standalone intervention, but as an essential component of sustainable and resilient development.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2302676®=48&lang=1
Ministry of coal announced record annual coal production in Odisha coal mines
The Government of India’s efforts to strengthen domestic coal production and energy security are being reinforced through coal mines allocated and auctioned under the Nominated Authority (NA) framework. Talabira II & III Open Cast Coal Mine in Odisha, allocated to NLC India Ltd. on 2 May 2016 under Schedule III of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, is among the NA-allocated mines demonstrating strong performance across production, dispatch, technology adoption, safety, environmental management, employment and community development.
Located across Sambalpur and Jharsuguda districts, the mine has emerged as a significant contributor to domestic coal availability. In FY 2025-26, Talabira II & III achieved its highest-ever annual coal production of 19.14 MT, recording a year-on-year growth of 11.28% over the previous year. The mine also recorded its highest-ever daily production of 1, 26,138.07 tonnes on 21 March 2026 and highest-ever monthly production of 3.39 MT in March 2026.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2302594®=48&lang=1