Looking into the multifaceted importance of grain legumes/pulses, the year 2016 was declared as International Year of Pulses by 68th United Nations General Assembly. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) program supports policies that promote the health, environmental, and economic benefits of pulses. As a highly nutritious, protein-dense food source, pulses serve as an alternative to animal-based proteins, offering unmatched environmental sustainability. As a result, the global demand for pulses has grown in both pulse-producing and non-pulse-producing countries. Pulses belong to the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family, specifically the Papilionoideae subfamily. Although there are over 1300 edible legume species, only a small number are widely cultivated for human consumption. From 1961 to 2022, a significant shift in area (36%), yield (43%), and production (59%) has been recorded under different grain legumes. However, the cultivation of legumes faces several challenges—including genetic and developmental issues, agricultural conditions, and socio-economic factors—which often lead to lower yields compared to cereals. Climate change conditions adding new dimension for lowering the yield, requiring urgent achievement of new science tools. The advancing science of molecular genetics, phenomics, and speed breeding facilities is needed to be deployed judiciously for developing future varieties having new level of productivity. Scientific innovations, combined with policy initiatives, are promoting the cultivation and consumption of legumes due to their multidimensional benefits—for agriculture, human and livestock health, and climate change mitigation. Pulses are remarkable seeds that help protect the environment and sustain nutritional security.