Hanoi Declared World’s Most Polluted City + Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()?? Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

Key Points:
Severe Air Pollution in Hanoi:
Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, topped the global list of most polluted cities, as reported by AirVisual.
PM2.5 levels reached 266 micrograms per cubic meter, a dangerously high level of hazardous small particles.
Causes of Pollution:
Heavy traffic, industrial activities, and trash burning are the primary contributors to the city's smog.
Impact on Residents:
Increased respiratory problems among the elderly.
Young residents report reduced visibility and discomfort while breathing.
Government Response:
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has urged a faster shift to electric vehicles (EVs).
By 2030, at least 50% of buses and all taxis in Hanoi are expected to be EVs.
Economic and Environmental Context:
As a fast-growing economy and regional manufacturing hub, Vietnam faces significant environmental challenges in its urban centers.
Significance:
This situation highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions and government interventions to combat urban pollution in rapidly developing economies.
What is PM2.5 levels?
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. These particles, often caused by combustion (e.g., vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and burning), pose serious health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in Competitive Exams:
Q: Which city topped the global list of most polluted cities, as reported by AirVisual?
A) Delhi
B) Beijing
C) Hanoi
D) Jakarta
Correct Answer: C) Hanoi
Q: In the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023, which city was declared the cleanest for the seventh consecutive year, sharing the top spot with Surat?
A) Bhopal
B) Indore
C) Navi Mumbai
D) Ahmedabad
Correct Answer: B) Indore