With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and air quality in Delhi, consider the following statements: 1. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) did not report the AQI levels. 2. The AQI at Burari Crossing reached 404 on November 9, 2026. 3. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III GRAP restrictions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Delhi AQI hits 404 as toxic haze reaches near "severe" levels

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims· 9 November 2026

Environmental governance and pollution management: a GS3 case study on GRAP effectiveness.

Why in news

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi's AQI hitting 404 on November 9, 2026, leading the CAQM to invoke Stage III GRAP restrictions.

Background

Delhi's AQI reached 404 at 4 a.m. on November 9, 2026, with Burari Crossing recording a higher AQI of 441. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III GRAP restrictions due to Deepavali emissions and meteorological forecasts.

Facts for Prelims

FactDelhi AQI reached 404 at 4 a.m. on November 9, 2026
FactBurari Crossing recorded an AQI of 441
BodyCAQM: Commission for Air Quality Management
BodyCPCB: Central Pollution Control Board
FactStage III GRAP restrictions were invoked for Delhi and adjoining districts

Prelims practice question

With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and air quality in Delhi, consider the following statements:

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) did not report the AQI levels.
The AQI at Burari Crossing reached 404 on November 9, 2026.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III GRAP restrictions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)3 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (b) 3 only — Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The CPCB reported Delhi's AQI hitting 404. Statement 2 is incorrect: The AQI at Burari Crossing was 441, while the general Delhi AQI was 404.

For Mains

Q. Critically analyze the effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in mitigating seasonal air pollution in the National Capital Region.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Inter-state coordination: Jurisdictional hurdles in enforcing emission controls across Delhi and neighboring states
Meteorological dependency: Limitations of reactive measures against stagnant wind conditions and thermal inversions

Keywords: Air Quality Index · Graded Response Action Plan · Atmospheric pollution · Meteorological factors · Environmental governance

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: The Hindu ↗Also: GS3 · Pollution (air, water, plastic)

More Science & Technology notes

Belgian-led study shows 77.2% of patients improved using personalised bacteriophage therapy · 9 November 2026
Stanford researchers develop fingernail-sized photonic chip to untangle light with over 98% fidelity · 9 November 2026
Odisha to retain 5 baby orangutans as Indonesia fails to provide ownership evidence · 8 November 2026
Rajasthan receives national award for performance under Renewable Energy State Assessment Framework · 7 November 2026
NGT issues notice to Tirunelveli Collector over threats to Tamirabharani River fish species · 7 November 2026
INCOIS launches FISH app for fishermen to upload geotagged catch photographs · 7 November 2026

All Science & Technology current affairs →

Something wrong, or something missing?

Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.

Report a mistake →Ask for something →[email protected]

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.