On 18, 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.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change India launched first-ever guide to grasslands and other open natural ecosystems at UNCCD COP17, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
India launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India at the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), on 17.08.2026. The document highlights the rich diversity, ecological significance and socio-economic importance of India’s grasslands, savannas, deserts and other open natural ecosystems. It marks an important step towards strengthening their conservation, restoration and sustainable management
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2300585®=48&lang=1
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organized senior officers’ meeting under chairship of BRICS on climate change and sustainable development in New Delhi on 17 th August, 2026.
Under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, Senior Officers’ Meeting of the Environment Working Group and Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development was held in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 17th August 2026. The meeting was chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, Shri Tanmay Kumar. The proceedings witnessed participation from BRICS member countries including Federative Republic of Brazil, People’s Republic of China, Arab Republic of Egypt, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Republic of Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Russian Federation, Republic of South Africa and United Arab Emirates.
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2300324®=48&lang=1
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment implemented announced measures for economic empowerment of de-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic communities through SEED Scheme
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing focused measures for the welfare and socio-economic empowerment of De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic (DNT/NT/SNT) Communities through the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC).
The National Commission for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes was constituted in January 2015 and submitted its report in December 2017. Following consideration of the recommendations of the Commission, the Central Government constituted the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) in February 2019.
The DWBDNC is implementing the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED), which has four components covering education, healthcare, livelihoods and housing. The scheme provides quality coaching for DNT candidates to enable them to appear in competitive examinations and supports health insurance for DNT Communities. It also facilitates livelihood initiatives at the community level and provides financial assistance for construction of houses for members of these communities.
Union Rural Development minister handed over 2.89 Lakh Pucca Houses worth ₹3,473crore to Rajasthan under PMAY-G
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during his visit to Rajasthan today, participated in the state-level program of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin in Baran along with Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma. On the occasion, Shri Chouhan handed over to the Chief Minister the approval letter for 2,89,355 houses under PMAY-G, involving a project outlay of ₹3,473 crore. He also handed over an approval letter for ₹340.59 crore under agricultural development initiatives and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. The program was attended by Members of Parliament, MLAs, ministers in charge, and a large number of local residents.
Detailed report link
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2300668®=48&lang=1