What was India's global rank in the World Air Quality Report 2025?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is 6th.
Explanation:
☛ According to the World Air Quality Report, India was ranked as the 6th most polluted country in the world based on average PM2.5 concentrations.
☛ The annual report is published by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company that tracks real-time global air pollution data.
☛ Air quality is measured primarily through PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 micrometers) levels, which penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious health hazards.
☛ Despite policy measures, fine particulate matter remains a major environmental challenge across urban and rural belts in South Asia.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ IQAir Headquarters: It is based in Goldach, Switzerland.
☛ WHO Air Quality Guideline: The safe annual limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for PM2.5 is 5 µg/m³.
☛ National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched by the Government of India in January 2019 to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20–30% (later revised to 40% by 2026).
☛ SAFAR: The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) was introduced by the Ministry of Earth Sciences to provide location-specific air quality forecasts.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which organisation publishes the annual World Air Quality Report? → IQAir
☛ What is the full form of AQI? → Air Quality Index
☛ How many pollutants are monitored under India's National Air Quality Index (NAQI)? → 8 pollutants
☛ In which year was India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched? → 2019
☛ What is the WHO recommended annual limit for PM2.5 concentration? → 5 µg/m³