Delhi records lowest October AQI in 8 years at average of 166
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims·
Air quality monitoring and environmental governance: a key GS3 and Ecology case study.
Why in news
The Union Environment Ministry reported that Delhi recorded its lowest average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 166 for the month of October in eight years.
Background
Delhi recorded 220 days of 'Good to Moderate' air quality (AQI below 200) between January and October 2026. During the same period, only 84 days saw an AQI above 200, which is lower than most previous years.
Facts for Prelims
- FactDelhi's average AQI in October 2026 was 166, the lowest in 8 years.
- FactDelhi recorded 220 days of 'Good to Moderate' air quality from January-October 2026.
- FactThe number of days with AQI above 200 in Delhi during Jan-Oct 2026 was 84.
- BodyThe Union Environment Ministry is the body responsible for reporting air quality data.
Prelims practice question
Which body is responsible for reporting air quality data in India as per the recent report?
- (a)Ministry of Commerce
- (b)Ministry of Power
- (c)Union Environment Ministry
- (d)Ministry of Agriculture
Show answer
Answer: (c) Union Environment Ministry — The Union Environment Ministry is the body responsible for reporting air quality data.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the factors contributing to the fluctuating air quality trends in Delhi and evaluate the effectiveness of current pollution mitigation strategies.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Data-driven monitoring: Utility of real-time AQI tracking in policy formulation
- Seasonal variability: Impact of meteorological conditions on pollutant dispersion in the NCR
Keywords: Air Quality Index · Pollution Mitigation · Environmental Governance · Data Monitoring
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.