Environment & Ecology Current Affairs - 2026-04-27

Background: Project Cheetah, launched in 2022, aimed to re-establish the species in India. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was developed as the second home to mitigate density issues in Kuno National Park. Current Context: On April 27, 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change confirmed the birth of three cheetah cubs in Gandhi Sagar, marking a significant milestone for the second reintroduction site. Impact: This success validates the multi-site strategy, ensuring long-term genetic diversity and reducing the risk of localized extinction, while significantly boosting eco-tourism and conservation efforts in the Malwa region.

Background: Blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses sequester up to ten times more carbon than terrestrial forests. India has been working to quantify this potential to meet its Net Zero targets. Current Context: The Ministry of Earth Sciences released the 'National Blue Carbon Inventory 2026' on April 26, 2026, identifying 5,000 sq km of high-potential sequestration zones along the Indian coastline. Impact: This inventory provides a scientific basis for India’s carbon credit market and strengthens coastal resilience against climate change. It aligns with the 'MISHTI' scheme's objectives, facilitating international climate finance for coastal restoration projects.