Consider the following statements:1.National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are legally binding and are designed to protect public health, while Air Quality Index (AQI) is an index that is used to communicate about air quality to the public and to make decisions about air pollution control measures.2.AQI is the maximum permissible levels of air pollutants in ambient air, while NAAQS is a measure of the overall air quality in a given location. 3.NAAQS are used to set emission standards for vehicles and industries, while AQI is used to inform the public about air quality and to help people make decisions about their activities.How many of the above statements are correct?

Q. Consider the following statements:
1.National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are legally binding and are designed to protect public health, while Air Quality Index (AQI) is an index that is used to communicate about air quality to the public and to make decisions about air pollution control measures.
2.AQI is the maximum permissible levels of air pollutants in ambient air, while NAAQS is a measure of the overall air quality in a given location.
3.NAAQS are used to set emission standards for vehicles and industries, while AQI is used to inform the public about air quality and to help people make decisions about their activities.
How many of the above statements are correct?

[A] Only one

[B] Only two

[C] All three

[D] None

Answer: B

Notes:

Explanation –

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. NAAQS are the permissible limits for various air pollutants in ambient air, set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India.

NAAQS are set at levels that are intended to protect public health and welfare. Non-compliance with NAAQS can result in fines or other legal actions against those responsible for the pollution.

The AQI is designed to be a simple and understandable way to communicate air quality information to the public. It provides a single number that reflects the overall air quality in an area, taking into account multiple pollutants. The AQI is not legally binding and does not result in legal consequences for non-compliance.

NAAQS are used to set emission standards for vehicles and industries. They are also used by government agencies to develop air quality improvement plans and to set air quality standards for different regions of the country. These standards are used to assess air quality and take action to reduce emissions from sources like power plants, factories, and cars.

AQI is used to communicate air quality information to the public. The index is often displayed on websites, mobile apps, and news broadcasts to help people make informed decisions about their activities, such as whether to exercise outdoors or stay inside. The AQI also helps raise awareness about air pollution and encourages individuals and organizations to take action to improve air quality.

Statement 2 is incorrect. NAAQS is the maximum permissible levels of air pollutants in ambient air, while AQI is a measure of the overall air quality in a given location.

Source: ForumIAS

Post-Mains Strategy Session by Mr. Ayush Sinha | ForumIAS