Which of the following major parameters are considered while deriving

Which of the following major parameters are considered while deriving the Air Quality Index (AQI) of an area in India?

Nitrogen oxide and particulate matter only
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide only
Particulate matter and sulphur dioxide only
Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and sulphur dioxide
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2022
Nitrogen oxide (specifically Nitrogen Dioxide – NO2) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) are major parameters considered while deriving the Air Quality Index (AQI) of an area in India.
India’s National Air Quality Index (AQI) is based on eight pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb). Both Nitrogen Dioxide and Particulate Matter are included in this list and are often major contributors to poor air quality.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas but is not considered a pollutant in the standard Air Quality Index used in India and many other countries, as its direct impact on human health at ambient concentrations is different from the pollutants listed for AQI. While options A and C list correct parameters, Option A combines Nitrogen oxide and particulate matter, which are key components of common urban pollution mixes (e.g., vehicular emissions contribute significantly to both PM and NO2). Option D includes CO2, rendering it incorrect.
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