UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — NGT directs southern States to use clean air funds

Q1. With reference to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), consider the following statements regarding its institutional and structural design: 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as the nodal ministry. 2. The Million Plus Cities under it are funded through the air-quality grant of the Fifteenth Finance Commission. 3. Non-attainment cities are those that have failed to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for five consecutive years. 4. The programme mandates a 100% reduction in PM10 concentrations by 2025-26 with no exceptions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as the nodal ministry.
  2. The Million Plus Cities under it are funded through the air-quality grant of the Fifteenth Finance Commission.
  3. Non-attainment cities are those that have failed to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for five consecutive years.
  4. The programme mandates a 100% reduction in PM10 concentrations by 2025-26 with no exceptions.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. Which one of the following is the nodal Union Ministry for the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)?

  • A. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
  • B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • C. Ministry of Earth Sciences
  • D. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Q3. As referred to in the May 2026 directions of the National Green Tribunal's Southern Zone Bench, how many non-attainment and Million Plus Cities are presently covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)?

  • A. 102 cities
  • B. 122 cities
  • C. 131 cities
  • D. 152 cities

Q4. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), against which 'non-attainment cities' under NCAP are identified, are notified by the Central Pollution Control Board under which one of the following statutes?

  • A. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
  • B. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
  • C. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
  • D. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974