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An air quality index (AQI) is a way to combine measurements of multiple air pollutants into a single number or rating. This index is ideally kept constantly updated and available in different places. The AQI is most useful when lots of pollution data are being gathered and when pollution levels are normally, but not always, low. In such cases, if pollution levels spike for a few days, the public can quickly take preventive action (like staying indoors) in response to an air quality warning. Unfortunately, that is not urban India. Pollution levels in many large Indian cities are so high that they remain well above any health or regulatory standard for large part of the year. If our index stays in the Red/Dangerous’ region day after day, there is not much any one can do, other than getting used to ignoring it.
Q. Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?
  • a)
    Our governments are not responsible enough to keep our cities pollution free.
  • b)
    There is absolutely no need for air quality indices in our country.
  • c)
    Air quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities.
  • d)
    In every city, public awareness about pollution problems should increase.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
An air quality index (AQI) is a way to combine measurements of multipl...
Our take on the passage – AQI works well when levels are low because in that case spikes are easily identifiable. However it is not much useful in Indian cities as levels are perpetually high making the indicator redundant. Now let us evaluate the options in fresh air:
(a) Our governments are not responsible enough to keep our cities pollution free…The passage is taking about the pollutions levels and the utility of AQI and not a commentary on the lackadaisical attitude of governments….OUT
(b) There is absolutely no need for air quality indices in our country…..Absolutely no need is tantamount to stretching the argument too far. That it is not working optimally is no reason to cast it aside altogether…OUT
(c) Air quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities…Exactly. This is what the passage says that AQI’s utility is under cloud….ANSWER
(d) In every city, public awareness about pollution problems should increase…This is what should happen but this is not what the passage seeks to perpetuate….OUT
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An air quality index (AQI) is a way to combine measurements of multipl...
The Main Idea of the Passage
The passage discusses the limitations of the Air Quality Index (AQI) in urban India, where pollution levels consistently exceed safe levels, rendering the index less effective for public awareness and action.
Explanation of the Correct Answer (Option C)
The chosen answer, "Air quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities," captures the essence of the passage. Here’s why:
- High Pollution Levels: The passage emphasizes that many large Indian cities experience high pollution levels that exceed health standards for a significant portion of the year. This constant exposure diminishes the urgency that an AQI is supposed to convey.
- Lack of Variation in AQI: If the AQI remains consistently in the 'Red/Dangerous' zone, it loses its effectiveness as a warning system. People become desensitized to the alerts, as they face pollution daily without respite.
- Public Response: The passage suggests that when pollution spikes intermittently, an AQI can prompt preventive action. However, in regions where pollution is a persistent issue, this proactive response becomes less relevant, leading to a sense of helplessness among residents.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- Option A: While the passage hints at systemic issues, it does not directly accuse the government of irresponsibility.
- Option B: The AQI has value, but its effectiveness is limited in highly polluted areas, which is not the same as saying there is no need for it.
- Option D: While public awareness is important, the passage does not assert that increasing awareness would resolve the persistent pollution problem.
In summary, option C most logically reflects the challenges posed by continuous high pollution levels in urban India, highlighting the ineffectiveness of the AQI in such contexts.
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An air quality index (AQI) is a way to combine measurements of multiple air pollutants into a single number or rating. This index is ideally kept constantly updated and available in different places. The AQI is most useful when lots of pollution data are being gathered and when pollution levels are normally, but not always, low. In such cases, if pollution levels spike for a few days, the public can quickly take preventive action (like staying indoors) in response to an air quality warning. Unfortunately, that is not urban India. Pollution levels in many large Indian cities are so high that they remain well above any health or regulatory standard for large part of the year. If our index stays in the Red/Dangerous’ region day after day, there is not much any one can do, other than getting used to ignoring it.Q.Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?a)Our governments are not responsible enough to keep our cities pollution free.b)There is absolutely no need for air quality indices in our country.c)Air quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities.d)In every city, public awareness about pollution problems should increase.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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An air quality index (AQI) is a way to combine measurements of multiple air pollutants into a single number or rating. This index is ideally kept constantly updated and available in different places. The AQI is most useful when lots of pollution data are being gathered and when pollution levels are normally, but not always, low. In such cases, if pollution levels spike for a few days, the public can quickly take preventive action (like staying indoors) in response to an air quality warning. Unfortunately, that is not urban India. Pollution levels in many large Indian cities are so high that they remain well above any health or regulatory standard for large part of the year. If our index stays in the Red/Dangerous’ region day after day, there is not much any one can do, other than getting used to ignoring it.Q.Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?a)Our governments are not responsible enough to keep our cities pollution free.b)There is absolutely no need for air quality indices in our country.c)Air quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities.d)In every city, public awareness about pollution problems should increase.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about An air quality index (AQI) is a way to combine measurements of multiple air pollutants into a single number or rating. This index is ideally kept constantly updated and available in different places. The AQI is most useful when lots of pollution data are being gathered and when pollution levels are normally, but not always, low. In such cases, if pollution levels spike for a few days, the public can quickly take preventive action (like staying indoors) in response to an air quality warning. Unfortunately, that is not urban India. Pollution levels in many large Indian cities are so high that they remain well above any health or regulatory standard for large part of the year. If our index stays in the Red/Dangerous’ region day after day, there is not much any one can do, other than getting used to ignoring it.Q.Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?a)Our governments are not responsible enough to keep our cities pollution free.b)There is absolutely no need for air quality indices in our country.c)Air quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities.d)In every city, public awareness about pollution problems should increase.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for An air quality index (AQI) is a way to combine measurements of multiple air pollutants into a single number or rating. This index is ideally kept constantly updated and available in different places. The AQI is most useful when lots of pollution data are being gathered and when pollution levels are normally, but not always, low. In such cases, if pollution levels spike for a few days, the public can quickly take preventive action (like staying indoors) in response to an air quality warning. Unfortunately, that is not urban India. Pollution levels in many large Indian cities are so high that they remain well above any health or regulatory standard for large part of the year. If our index stays in the Red/Dangerous’ region day after day, there is not much any one can do, other than getting used to ignoring it.Q.Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?a)Our governments are not responsible enough to keep our cities pollution free.b)There is absolutely no need for air quality indices in our country.c)Air quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities.d)In every city, public awareness about pollution problems should increase.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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The AQI is most useful when lots of pollution data are being gathered and when pollution levels are normally, but not always, low. In such cases, if pollution levels spike for a few days, the public can quickly take preventive action (like staying indoors) in response to an air quality warning. Unfortunately, that is not urban India. Pollution levels in many large Indian cities are so high that they remain well above any health or regulatory standard for large part of the year. If our index stays in the Red/Dangerous’ region day after day, there is not much any one can do, other than getting used to ignoring it.Q.Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?a)Our governments are not responsible enough to keep our cities pollution free.b)There is absolutely no need for air quality indices in our country.c)Air quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities.d)In every city, public awareness about pollution problems should increase.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for An air quality index (AQI) is a way to combine measurements of multiple air pollutants into a single number or rating. This index is ideally kept constantly updated and available in different places. The AQI is most useful when lots of pollution data are being gathered and when pollution levels are normally, but not always, low. In such cases, if pollution levels spike for a few days, the public can quickly take preventive action (like staying indoors) in response to an air quality warning. Unfortunately, that is not urban India. Pollution levels in many large Indian cities are so high that they remain well above any health or regulatory standard for large part of the year. If our index stays in the Red/Dangerous’ region day after day, there is not much any one can do, other than getting used to ignoring it.Q.Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?a)Our governments are not responsible enough to keep our cities pollution free.b)There is absolutely no need for air quality indices in our country.c)Air quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities.d)In every city, public awareness about pollution problems should increase.Correct answer is option 'C'. 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If our index stays in the Red/Dangerous’ region day after day, there is not much any one can do, other than getting used to ignoring it.Q.Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?a)Our governments are not responsible enough to keep our cities pollution free.b)There is absolutely no need for air quality indices in our country.c)Air quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities.d)In every city, public awareness about pollution problems should increase.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice An air quality index (AQI) is a way to combine measurements of multiple air pollutants into a single number or rating. This index is ideally kept constantly updated and available in different places. The AQI is most useful when lots of pollution data are being gathered and when pollution levels are normally, but not always, low. In such cases, if pollution levels spike for a few days, the public can quickly take preventive action (like staying indoors) in response to an air quality warning. Unfortunately, that is not urban India. Pollution levels in many large Indian cities are so high that they remain well above any health or regulatory standard for large part of the year. If our index stays in the Red/Dangerous’ region day after day, there is not much any one can do, other than getting used to ignoring it.Q.Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?a)Our governments are not responsible enough to keep our cities pollution free.b)There is absolutely no need for air quality indices in our country.c)Air quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities.d)In every city, public awareness about pollution problems should increase.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
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