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Topic Particulate pollution
Asked 2 times across 2 UPSC exams over 3 years (2021–2024), peaking in 2021.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 1 of 2 PYQs
- Most asked in 2021
- Recurs across 2 years (2021–2024)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2021 → CAPF 2024
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (2 of 2) are since 2016.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CAPF2024
Which one of the following statements correctly defines PM1 particles in air?
- A These are suspended particles of diameter more than 10 micron
- B These are the particles that are filtered by the nose during respiration
- C These are extremely fine particles of diameter less than 1 micron ✓
- D These are coarse particles that penetrate directly through the lungs into the bloodstream
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Waste
CSE2021
Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?
- Brakes of motor vehicles
- Engines of motor vehicles
- Microwave stoves within homes
- Power plants
- Telephone lines
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
- B 1, 2 and 4 only ✓
- C 3, 4 and 5 only
- D 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Waste
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