In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
- 1.Carbon dioxide
- 2.Carbon monoxide
- 3.Nitrogen dioxide
- 4.Sulfur dioxide
- 5.Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Show answer
Answer: B. India's National Air Quality Index (2014) uses eight pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, ammonia and lead. Carbon dioxide and methane are not included. So 2, 3 and 4.
Watch for: Students confuse greenhouse gases with air pollutants that harm health directly.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because carbon dioxide is not an AQI pollutant.
- C. Wrong because carbon dioxide and methane are not used.
- D. Wrong because CO2 and methane are greenhouse gases, not AQI pollutants.
Source to check: Central Pollution Control Board, National Air Quality Index (October 2014) (cpcb.nic.in)
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.