During September 20-22, 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.
Government report claims that 459 Urban Local Bodies across 29 States achieved complete remediation of legacy waste
Behind every clean street in urban India lies a chain of infrastructure and systems that manage the waste generated by cities. Every large Indian city generates waste that comes from households, markets, institutions, commercial establishments and public spaces. Much of this waste is directed to dumpsites, where it accumulates over time and forms legacy waste sites. To tackle this challenge, the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) was launched in October 2014.
Over 12 years, SBM-U has been building infrastructure beyond basic sanitation. Its focus now extends to managing urban waste and creating better spaces for cities to live, work and gather. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, launched in October 2021, cities across India are undertaking the transformation of legacy dumpsites into productive and environmentally sustainable spaces. The scale of this effort is reflected in the 3.66 crore metric tonnes of legacy waste remediated between January and December 2025. During this time, 459 Urban Local Bodies across 29 States achieved complete dumpsite remediation. The Lakshya Zero Dumpsite initiative under this mission is driving a structured and time-bound effort to scientifically remediate such sites across States and Urban Local Bodies.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/
Focus shifted from household toilet access to sustainability of sanitation practices and waste management at village level in Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin Phase II
For decades, rural sanitation remained a persistent development concern nationwide. Sanitation coverage stood at 39 percent when the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) began in 2014. By 2019, rural India had achieved 100 percent sanitation coverage. More than 10.28 crore toilets were constructed across 36 states and union territories between 2014 and 2019. Rural India was subsequently declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) in 2019.
This achievement transformed the nature of India’s sanitation landscape. The focus shifted from an emphasis on household toilet access to a broader concern with the sustainability of sanitation practices and the management of waste at the village level. This became the focus of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin Phase II. It focuses on sustaining ODF status and strengthening Solid and Liquid Waste Management systems.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/
Government stressed the importance of critical minerals recycling for India’s clean energy transition, defence preparedness and digital economy
Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, today inaugurated the National Seminar on “India’s Critical Minerals Recycling Ecosystem and Circular Economy”, organised by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, in collaboration with the Materials Recycling Association of India (MRAI), at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi.
The day-long seminar brought together policymakers, industry leaders, recyclers, experts, researchers, academia and other stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening India’s critical minerals recycling ecosystem and advancing a circular economy.
In his keynote address, Shri G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the strategic importance of critical minerals recycling for India’s clean energy transition, defence preparedness, digital economy and advanced manufacturing. He called for greater collaboration among government, industry, research institutions and startups to promote the recovery of critical minerals from End-of-Life (EOL) products and strengthen domestic recycling capabilities.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/
India and OPEC discussion focused on oil market stability and energy security
The Meeting was co-chaired by HE Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and HE Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General.
Discussions focused on oil market stability, energy security and the importance of adequate and timely investment across the oil industry. Both parties reviewed the short-, medium- and long-term outlooks, underscoring India’s crucial role in global economic expansion and energy demand growth.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/
Around 200 experts across India discussed how virology research can be translated into vaccines and other public-health capabilities
The 9th Molecular Virology Meeting (MVM 2026) concluded on 18th September 2026 at BRIC–National Institute of Immunology (BRIC–NII), New Delhi, bringing together around 200 clinicians, researchers and students from across India to discuss emerging questions in viral biology and the translation of virology research into vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and public-health capabilities.
Initiated in 2009, the Molecular Virology Meeting has grown into an annual forum for the Indian virology community, bringing together researchers working across the continuum from molecular mechanisms of viral infection and host–virus interactions to viral pathogenesis, immunity, evolution and immune evasion, epidemiology, clinical virology and translational research.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/
Union fishery ministry held a review meeting to set up roadmap for realizing untapped potential of fisheries in West Bengal
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India organized a Review Meeting on Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture in West Bengal on 21st September 2026 in Kolkata, West Bengal co-chaired by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj and Shri Suvendu Adhikari, Hon’ble Chief Minister, West Bengal. After more than a decade, a high-level fisheries review meeting was organized to chart a roadmap for realizing the untapped fisheries potential of West Bengal.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/