SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Miscellaneous Topics
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
1. Important Days
| Day | Date | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| World Environment Day | 5 June | Celebrates environmental awareness; led by UNEP; theme-based |
| Earth Day | 22 April | Global climate action awareness |
| World Wetlands Day | 2 February | Promotes conservation of wetlands (Ramsar Convention) |
| International Day of Forests | 21 March | Highlights importance of all types of forests |
| World Wildlife Day | 3 March | Celebrates wild animals and plants |
| World Ozone Day | 16 September | Commemorates Montreal Protocol (1987) |
Focus on 5 June (World Environment Day) – very commonly asked in exams.
2. Environmental Awards (India & International)
| Award Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Champions of the Earth (UNEP) | Highest environmental honor by UNEP; awarded to individuals & institutions globally |
| Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar | Instituted by MoEFCC; awarded for outstanding environmental work in India |
| Earth Care Awards | Recognizes climate-resilient practices in South Asia |
| Green Oscars (Whitley Awards) | UK-based award for grassroots wildlife conservationists |
| UNEP Sasakawa Prize | Recognizes innovative environmental solutions |
Government exams often ask who gives the award or the ministry involved.
3. Environmental Terminology
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Carbon Footprint | Total greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂-equivalent) by an individual or activity |
| EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) | Assessment of environmental consequences of proposed projects |
| Eco-labels | Marks given to products that are environmentally friendly (e.g., Energy Star, ISI-Ecomark) |
| Bioremediation | Use of microorganisms to clean polluted sites (soil/water) |
| Carbon Credit | Permit allowing emission of a certain amount of CO₂; tradable |
| Ecotone | Transitional zone between two ecosystems (e.g., mangroves) |
| Carrying Capacity | Maximum population size an environment can sustain |
| Blue Flag Certification | Award to beaches/marinas that meet high environmental and safety standards |
These terms are frequently used in comprehension-based MCQs and assertion-reason questions.
4. Recent Government Schemes (India)
| Scheme/Programme | Ministry / Aim |
|---|---|
| NAPCC (2008) | National Action Plan on Climate Change – 8 Missions including: Solar Mission, Energy Efficiency, Water, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture |
| Jal Shakti Abhiyan | Ministry of Jal Shakti – Water conservation campaign |
| Swachh Bharat Mission | Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs – Sanitation and waste management |
| Namami Gange Programme | Ministry of Jal Shakti – River Ganga rejuvenation & pollution control |
| PM-KUSUM | Promotes solar pumps in agriculture (Ministry of New & Renewable Energy) |
| FAME Scheme | Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles |
| CAMPA Fund | For compensatory afforestation under Forest Conservation Act |
| Unnat Jyoti (UJALA) Scheme | LED bulb distribution to reduce carbon footprint |
NAPCC is often asked for its 8 missions. "Namami Gange" = flagship river rejuvenation programme.
Quick Revision Table
| Area | Example/Keyword | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Environment Days | 5 June – World Environment Day | UNEP-led, theme-based |
| Awards | IGPP, Champions of the Earth | National vs International distinction |
| Terminology | EIA, Carbon Footprint, Bioremediation | Used in MCQs, comprehension, and matching |
| Govt Schemes | NAPCC, Jal Shakti, SBM, Namami Gange | Focus on ministry and objective |
Final Tips for Exams:
- Always remember: EIA is conducted before environmental clearance.
- Carbon Footprint ≠ Carbon Credit (footprint = emissions; credit = right to emit)
- All NAPCC missions are linked to climate resilience.
- Energy Star, Ecomark = product certifications in India
Developed By Jan Mohammad
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