Environment & Ecology
Air Pollution
Air pollution, a pervasive and escalating environmental challenge, refers to the contamination of the atmosphere by harmful substances, including gases, particulate matter, and biological molecules. These pollutants, whether natural or
18 articles in this topic
Articles on Air Pollution
204 of 238 Indian cities did not meet air quality standards: CREA
Source: The Hindu(Page2) | Syllabus: GS3(Environment )
Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis: A Growing Public Health Concern
Published on: 17th December, 2025 Delhi’s toxic air has become a full-blown public health emergency, with local emissions and trapped winter pollutants driving the worst AQI levels in years.</p
Cloud Seeding
Context Delhi Chief Minister has said cloud seeding is essential for the national capital as it could play a key role in controlling rising pollution levels during the winter season. Why is Delhi’s Air Quality Severe in Winter? Temperature Inversion: During winter, the air near the ground becomes cooler than the air above it.
CAQM Invokes Stage-II of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Entire NCR
In News The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) as Delhi’s air quality slipped into the “Very Poor” category (AQI 301–400) ahead of winter. What is GRAP? Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to control air pollution based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
Lead Exposure: Major Public Health and Economic Threat
In News New study in Communications Earth Environment reveals that lead exposure remains a major public health and economic threat. About The estimated annual global cost from childhood lead exposure is $3.4 trillion, or over 2% of global GDP (2019), with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt due to informal recycling and weak regulations. Lead production is around 16 million tonnes/year, mainly used in batteries, paints, and consumer goods.
Air Pollution in India | Environment Notes 2025
Introduction Air pollution in India has become one of the gravest environmental challenges confronting India. The deteriorating air quality in both urban and rural areas is contributing significantly...
Air Pollution
Air pollution refers specifically to the degradation of air quality within the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather phenomena occur and where all terrestrial life...
Firecracker Ban: Balancing Environmental Protection and Social Justice
Context The Supreme Court acknowledged that a complete firecracker ban could lead to illegal market capture by the mafia, citing a past example in Bihars mining industry. About The SC called for a “balanced approach”, a policy that would ensure that the right to earn a livelihood in the firecracker industry would co-exist with the right to a clean environment without suffering from the after-effects of air pollution. The Bench directed the Environment Ministry to find a solution that would weigh
Stubble-Burning: Stand of Government and Judiciary
In News Recently, the Supreme Court and the Union government clashed over how to address stubble-burning by farmers. Stubble burning Stubble (parali) burning is a method of removing paddy crop residues from the field to sow wheat. It is a process of setting on fire the straw stubble, left after the harvesting of grains, like paddy, etc.
Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2025
In News According to the Air Quality Life Index, India is the second most polluted country in the world. The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) is developed by Professor Michael Greenstone and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC). It translates air pollution levels into their impact on life expectancy, offering hyper-local data to help users see how much longer people could live if pollution met various standards.
Environment Ministry Exempts 78% of Coal Plants From Installing FGD Systems
Context The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has exempted nearly 78% of India’s thermal power plants (TPPs) from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems. What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)? FGD systems are technologies used in coal-based thermal power plants to remove SO₂ from exhaust flue gases before they are released into the atmosphere.
Delhi’s Fuel Ban for Old Vehicles
Context Citing “technological” and “cross-border fuelling” concerns, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) deferred the ban on fuel to end-of-life vehicles in Delhi to November 1. About In 2015, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed that All diesel vehicles (heavy or light) which are more than 10 years old will not be permitted on the roads of Delhi NCR. Also, Petrol vehicles which are more than 15 years old and diesel vehicles that are more than 10 years old shall not be registe
Artificial Rain in Delhi
In News Delhi is set to launch its first-ever cloud seeding trial to combat its persistent air pollution through artificial rain. The initiative is coordinated by IIT Kanpur and IMD Pune. Advantages of Cloud Seeding Air Pollution Mitigation: In cities like Delhi, artificial rain can wash down particulate matter and other pollutants, providing temporary relief from severe air pollution.
CAQM unveils 19-point plan to stamp out stubble burning in Delhi-NCR
Context The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas announced a 19-step directive for state governments to eliminate stubble burning. About The comprehensive plan outlined here represents one of the most robust multi-tiered efforts to curb stubble burning and its associated air pollution across Punjab, Haryana, and NCR Uttar Pradesh. The approach integrates administrative accountability, technological innovation, farmer engagement, and lega
Particulate Matter Trading Scheme in Gujarat
Context A study found that the Surat Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) in Gujarat, delivered both environmental and economic benefits. About The Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) in Surat, launched in 2019, is the world’s first market-based trading system for particulate matter (PM) emissions and India’s first pollution trading scheme of any kind. It represents a cap-and-trade system, where total emissions are capped and emission permits can be traded among industrial units.
India’s Air Pollution Concern
India’s air pollution crisis is a persistent issue causing severe health problems, with cities regularly topping global pollution rankings.
World Air Quality Report 2024
According to the World Air Quality Report 2024, thirteen of the worlds top 20 most polluted cities are in India, with Byrnihat on the Assam-Meghalaya border being the most polluted.
Indian Megacities Lag in Air Pollution Control Despite Lion’s Share of Financial Support
The Swachh Vayu Survekshan (SVS) 2024 report reveals Indian megacities lag in air pollution control despite significant financial support. This report is crucial for UPSC GS Paper 3.