{"id":1283,"date":"2025-10-08T11:08:23","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T05:38:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/?p=1283"},"modified":"2025-10-05T11:08:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-05T05:38:48","slug":"circular-economy-upsc-prelims-2025-pyq-solved","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/circular-economy-upsc-prelims-2025-pyq-solved\/","title":{"rendered":"Circular Economy: UPSC Prelims 2025 PYQ Solved"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Statement I:<\/strong> Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Statement II:<\/strong> Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.
Statement III:<\/strong> Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[A] Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I<\/strong>
[B] Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I<\/strong>
[C] Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I<\/strong>
[D] Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Correct Answer: (A)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udde9 Detailed Explanation of Circular Economy for UPSC CSE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is a Circular Economy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Circular Economy<\/strong> is an alternative model of production and consumption that focuses on keeping resources in use for as long as possible<\/strong>. It emphasizes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Sharing<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Leasing<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Reusing<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Repairing<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Refurbishing<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Recycling<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    By doing so, it creates a closed-loop system<\/strong> that minimizes waste, reduces resource extraction, and decreases environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Understanding Each Statement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Statement I \u2014 Circular economy reduces greenhouse gas emissions \u2705<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (2023)<\/strong> highlights that unsustainable human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation have raised global temperatures by around 1.1\u00b0C since pre-industrial times<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • The circular economy model cuts greenhouse gas emissions<\/strong> by:\n
        \n
      • Reducing energy-intensive raw material extraction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Encouraging use of renewable and recycled materials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Lowering industrial waste and pollution levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Hence, Statement I is correct<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        Statement II \u2014 Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials \u2705<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Circular systems aim to reduce dependence on virgin (new) resources<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Reuse and recycling lessen the demand for raw materials such as minerals, metals, and fossil fuels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • This conserves finite natural resources<\/strong> and protects ecosystems and biodiversity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Example:
          Recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy<\/strong> needed to produce it from raw bauxite ore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Thus, Statement II is correct<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          Statement III \u2014 Circular economy reduces wastage in production \u2705<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Circular models prioritize efficient design<\/strong>, waste minimization<\/strong>, and resource optimization<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Example:\n
              \n
            • Agricultural waste<\/strong> such as manure is converted into organic fertilizers<\/strong> or biogas<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • E-waste<\/strong> is dismantled for precious metal recovery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Therefore, Statement III is also correct<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Both Statements II and III directly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions<\/strong>, explaining Statement I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n\n\n\n

              \ud83c\udf0d Circular Economy in Practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The Six \u201cR\u201d Principles of Circular Economy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
              Principle<\/th>Meaning<\/th>Example<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
              Reduce<\/strong><\/td>Minimize resource use<\/td>Using digital receipts instead of paper<\/td><\/tr>
              Reuse<\/strong><\/td>Extend product life<\/td>Reusing glass bottles<\/td><\/tr>
              Recycle<\/strong><\/td>Convert waste into usable materials<\/td>Recycling plastic into furniture<\/td><\/tr>
              Refurbish<\/strong><\/td>Repair and upgrade used goods<\/td>Refurbished laptops<\/td><\/tr>
              Recover<\/strong><\/td>Extract energy\/material from waste<\/td>Biogas from organic waste<\/td><\/tr>
              Repair<\/strong><\/td>Fix damaged products to extend use<\/td>Repairing appliances instead of replacing them<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              \ud83e\udde0 Mnemonic to remember:<\/strong> 6R = Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refurbish, Recover, Repair<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n\n\n\n

              \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf3 India\u2019s Policy Push Toward a Circular Economy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The Union Budget 2022\u201323<\/strong> recognized the importance of sustainable growth and circular economy principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Key Policy Measures<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
              Rule \/ Initiative<\/th>Year<\/th>Key Focus<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
              Battery Waste Management Rules<\/strong><\/td>2022<\/td>Reuse and recycling of batteries; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates<\/td><\/tr>
              Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules<\/strong><\/td>2022<\/td>Phasing out single-use plastics; promoting reuse and recycling<\/td><\/tr>
              E-Waste Management Rules<\/strong><\/td>2022<\/td>Regulating collection, recycling, and recovery of valuable materials from electronic waste<\/td><\/tr>
              National Action Plan on Circular Economy (10 Sectors)<\/strong><\/td>2023<\/td>Sectors include e-waste, lithium-ion batteries, end-of-life vehicles, scrap metal, municipal solid waste, etc.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              These rules encourage industry-level recycling systems<\/strong>, ensuring secondary materials<\/strong> are efficiently reused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n\n\n\n

              \ud83c\udf10 International Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              Country<\/th>Approach to Circular Economy<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
              Germany<\/strong><\/td>Adopted it as a binding economic principle<\/strong>, integrating waste prevention into national policy.<\/td><\/tr>
              Japan<\/strong><\/td>Developed a Sound Material-Cycle Society<\/strong> policy focusing on recycling and sustainable design.<\/td><\/tr>
              China<\/strong><\/td>Enacted the Circular Economy Promotion Law (2008)<\/strong> \u2014 first country to have a dedicated law for it.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
              \n\n\n\n

              \ud83d\udcc8 Benefits of Circular Economy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              Environmental<\/th>Economic<\/th>Social<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
              Reduces greenhouse gas emissions<\/td>Creates green jobs<\/td>Promotes sustainable lifestyles<\/td><\/tr>
              Reduces pressure on natural resources<\/td>Lowers production costs<\/td>Enhances consumer awareness<\/td><\/tr>
              Decreases pollution and landfill waste<\/td>Encourages innovation in recycling<\/td>Improves community health<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
              \n\n\n\n

              \ud83d\udcdd Prelims Practice Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Q1. Which of the following best describes the term \u201cCircular Economy\u201d?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              (a) An economy that relies solely on renewable energy.
              (b) A system focused on continuous extraction of resources.
              (c) A model that emphasizes reusing, recycling, and reducing waste to close the production loop.
              (d) An economy centered on maximizing GDP through industrial expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Answer:<\/strong> (c)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n\n\n\n

              Q2. Which of the following Indian initiatives promote the principles of the Circular Economy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              3. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Select the correct answer using the code given below:
                (a) 1 only
                (b) 1 and 2 only
                (c) 2 and 3 only
                (d) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Answer:<\/strong> (b) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n\n\n\n

                \u2753 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n
                \n
                \n
                \n

                Q1. What is the main goal of a Circular Economy?<\/h3>\n
                \n\n

                To minimize waste<\/strong> and maximize resource efficiency<\/strong> by keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                \n

                Q2. How does it help in climate change mitigation?<\/h3>\n
                \n\n

                By reducing energy use, waste, and extraction of new materials, it directly lowers greenhouse gas emissions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                \n

                Q3. What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?<\/h3>\n
                \n\n

                A policy approach where producers are held responsible for managing the waste generated by their products \u2014 including collection, recycling, and disposal.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                \n

                Q4. Which countries are global leaders in circular economy adoption?<\/h3>\n
                \n\n

                Germany<\/strong>, Japan<\/strong>, and China<\/strong> are leading in policy, legal, and industrial adoption.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                \n

                Q5. What are India\u2019s major steps toward circular economy transition?<\/h3>\n
                \n\n

                Implementation of Battery<\/strong>, Plastic<\/strong>, and E-waste<\/strong> management rules (2022), and National Circular Economy Action Plan<\/strong> across 10 sectors.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                Statement I: Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.Statement II: Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.Statement III: Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? [A] Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1284,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,10,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-upsc-prelims","category-economics","category-prelims-2025"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/circular-economy.jpg",2048,2048,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/circular-economy-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/circular-economy-300x300.jpg",300,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/circular-economy-768x768.jpg",768,768,true],"large":["https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/circular-economy-1024x1024.jpg",1024,1024,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/circular-economy-1536x1536.jpg",1536,1536,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/circular-economy.jpg",2048,2048,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Varun Jain","author_link":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/author\/pushkaragarwal\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Statement I: Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.Statement II: Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.Statement III: Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? [A] Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1283"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1285,"href":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1283\/revisions\/1285"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1284"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/currentnewstimes.com\/upscpsir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}