IQAir World Air Quality Report 2025 Publication
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: India's position in the global ranking fluctuated, previously placing 3rd in the 2023 report and 8th in 2022. NOW: India is explicitly ranked as the 6th most polluted country globally based on 2025 data.
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BEFORE: The WHO's older guidelines allowed an annual average PM2.5 of 10 micrograms per cubic meter, making compliance easier. NOW: The stricter 5 micrograms per cubic meter guideline means only a fraction (14 percent) of global cities are in compliance.
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BEFORE: Previous reports often featured different cities like Begusarai as the absolute top of the global most polluted cities list. NOW: Loni has emerged as the single most polluted city in the world according to the latest report.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
With Reference ToWith reference to air quality monitoring and guidelines, consider the following statements: 1. The World Health Organization's updated annual safe limit for PM2.5 is 5 micrograms per cubic meter. 2. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to completely eliminate all PM2.5 emissions in India by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?