Air Quality Index — Prelims Strategy
Prelims Strategy
Focus on memorizing the eight pollutants measured in Indian AQI: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, Pb. Remember the six AQI categories with exact numerical ranges and color codes - Good (0-50, Green), Satisfactory (51-100, Light Green), Moderately Polluted (101-200, Yellow), Poor (201-300, Orange), Very Poor (301-400, Red), Severe (401-500, Maroon).
Understand that AQI is determined by the worst-performing pollutant, not an average. Know key differences between Indian AQI and US EPA standards, particularly PM2.5 breakpoints (India: 0-30 μg/m³ for Good vs US: 0-12 μg/m³).
Memorize GRAP trigger points and associated measures. Remember SAFAR capabilities: 15-minute updates, 72-hour forecasting, meteorological integration. Know NCAP targets: 20-30% reduction by 2024 in 344 cities.
Practice elimination techniques by understanding common traps: confusing AQI calculation methods, mixing up color codes, incorrect international comparisons. Focus on current affairs connections, especially Delhi pollution episodes and policy responses.