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Topic Air pollution
Asked 23 times across 5 UPSC exams over 44 years (1979–2023), peaking in 2014.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 12 of 23 PYQs
- Most asked in 2014
- Recurs across 15 years (1979–2023)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1979 → CDS 2014 → CAPF 2014 → GEO 2022 → LDCE 2023
How the concept evolved
179
184
194
195
110
213
314
215
116
117
219
220
121
322
123
Long-running — most appearances (12 of 23) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
LDCE2023
As per the 'Air Quality Life Index (AQLI)' Annual Update 2023', poor air quality decreases the average Indian's life expectancy by
- A 5.1 years
- B 5.3 years
- C 6.1 years
- D 6.3 years ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Current Affairs & Static GK › Miscellaneous GK
CSE2022
Consider the following
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen oxide
- Ozone
- Sulphur dioxide Excess of
which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?
- A 1, 2 and 3
- B 2 and 4 only ✓
- C 4 only
- D 1, 3 and 4
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Waste
CDS2022
Which one of the following is the main reason of acid rains ?
- A Dissolution of sulphur and nitrogen oxides in rain ✓
- B Dissolution of dust particles in rain
- C Dissolution of minerals in rain
- D Dissolution of soil solution in rain
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Waste
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