Passage

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 a large part of the year. If our index stays in the Red/‘Dangerous’ region day after day, there is not much anyone can do, other than getting used to ignoring it.

QUESTION

CSAT

Easy

Comprehension

Prelims 2017

Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Option A is incorrect. This statement is an opinion about government responsibility, which the passage does not directly address. The passage discusses the limitations of AQI in cities with persistently high pollution, not government accountability.

Option B is not correct. This is an extreme claim. The passage acknowledges that AQI is useful in certain contexts (e.g., when pollution levels spike), so it does not suggest that AQIs are completely unnecessary.

Option C is correct. Because "Pollution levels in many large Indian cities are so high that they remain well above any health or regulatory standard for a large part of the year." The passage discusses how high and persistent pollution in large Indian cities makes the AQI less effective in prompting action.

Option D is incorrect. While public awareness is generally a good idea, the passage does not focus on the need for public awareness campaigns. It discusses the limitations of AQI in high-pollution cities.

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