With reference to the air quality situation in Northern India as captured by NASA Worldview, consider the following statements: 1. The thick grey haze was most intense in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. 2. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 299 on November 10, 2026. 3. The haze was equally thick across all states including Rajasthan and Gujarat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NASA satellite view shows much of India covered in thick, grey haze

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims· 10 November 2026

Environmental monitoring and air quality management: a key GS3 and Ecology topic.

Why in news

NASA's Worldview satellite imagery captured a thick, grey haze covering much of India, particularly northern regions, highlighting the severity of seasonal air pollution.

Background

NASA Worldview showed a thick grey haze over northern India (Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir) on November 10, 2026. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) at 299 on Tuesday.

Facts for Prelims

BodyNASA Worldview: An interactive web-based mapping and visualization tool.
FactDelhi AQI: Recorded at 299 on November 10, 2026, placing it in the 'poor' category.
PlaceHaze Intensity: Highest in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
FactGeographic Exceptions: Rajasthan, Gujarat, and northeastern states appeared less enveloped by the haze.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the air quality situation in Northern India as captured by NASA Worldview, consider the following statements:

The thick grey haze was most intense in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 299 on November 10, 2026.
The haze was equally thick across all states including Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: Rajasthan and Gujarat appeared less enveloped by the haze.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the socio-economic and health implications of seasonal air pollution in Northern India and evaluate the effectiveness of current monitoring mechanisms.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Data gaps: Inconsistency between real-time satellite observations and ground-level CPCB monitoring stations
Meteorological factors: Interaction between dropping temperatures and particulate matter concentration in the Indo-Gangetic Plain

Keywords: Air Quality Index · Satellite Imagery · Particulate Matter · Indo-Gangetic Plain · Environmental Monitoring

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