IQAir Releases 2024 World Air Quality Report
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: In the previous 2023 IQAir report, India ranked as the third most polluted country globally. NOW: In the 2024 report released in 2025, India's rank marginally improved to the fifth most polluted country.
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BEFORE: India's average PM2.5 concentration was recorded at 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter in the preceding year. NOW: The recorded national average PM2.5 concentration has decreased slightly to 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter.
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BEFORE: Begusarai in Bihar was previously highlighted as the most polluted metropolitan area in the world. NOW: Byrnihat in Meghalaya and New Delhi have emerged as the most severely polluted cities in the latest tracking.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding air quality initiatives in India? 1. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) was indigenously developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. 2. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched as a statutory body under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.