The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in India set the 24-hour average standard for PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) at:

• A 40 µg/m³
• B 60 µg/m³ ✓
• C 25 µg/m³
• D 100 µg/m³

Explanation

India's NAAQS (revised 2009) sets the 24-hour PM2.5 standard at 60 µg/m³ and the annual average at 40 µg/m³. These are substantially higher (more permissive) than the WHO guidelines (24-hour: 15 µg/m³; annual: 5 µg/m³ per 2021 update). The NAAQS 24-hour PM10 standard is 100 µg/m³ and annual PM10 is 60 µg/m³. India's standards reflect the gap between current air quality and health-optimal levels, and serve as regulatory baselines for enforcement rather than health-optimal targets.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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