UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — CAQM tightens pollution norms for industries in Delhi

Q1. The February 2026 statutory direction prescribing the stricter 50 mg/Nm³ PM emission standard for Delhi-NCR industries was issued by which one of the following bodies?

  • A. Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM)
  • B. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
  • C. National Green Tribunal (NGT)
  • D. Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA)

Q2. As per CAQM's 2026 statutory direction, the 50 mg/Nm³ PM emission standard applies to industries operating in Delhi-NCR. Which of the following are correctly identified as covered categories?

  1. The 17 categories of highly polluting industries identified by the CPCB
  2. Red Category medium and large air-polluting industries
  3. Textile industries operating boilers or thermic fluid heaters
  4. Metal industries operating furnaces
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. Under CAQM's 2026 statutory direction, what is the revised maximum permissible particulate matter emission limit (in mg/Nm³) for the identified industries in Delhi-NCR?

  • A. 50
  • B. 80
  • C. 100
  • D. 30

Q4. In the context of CAQM's 2026 measure, the instrument used to mandate the 50 mg/Nm³ PM limit is described as a 'statutory direction'. Which one of the following best describes this instrument?

  • A. A legally binding order issued by CAQM under the powers conferred by the CAQM Act, 2021, compliance with which is mandatory for the addressed authorities and industries
  • B. A non-binding advisory recommendation issued by the CPCB that states may choose to adopt
  • C. A judicial order passed by the National Green Tribunal enforceable through contempt proceedings
  • D. An executive notification issued directly by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act