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Q9 (IAS/2025) Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Conservation › Circular economy concepts Answer Verified

Consider the following statements : 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?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

A circular economy is an industrial system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design.[1] All three statements are correct and inter-related.

Statement I is correct: Circular economy in industry has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 30 to 50 percent[2] by the year 2050.

Statement II is correct: The circular economy fundamentally involves reducing raw material inputs through recycling and reuse. Small mills use waste paper/recycled fibres, and the [3]paper industry uses raw materials including bagasse, rags, and waste paper[3], demonstrating how circular practices reduce virgin raw material requirements.

Statement III is correct: Losses and wastages could be reduced with the help of efficient cold storage, transportation and minimal processing[4], which are circular economy principles applied in practice.

Both Statement II and Statement III explain Statement I because reducing raw material extraction and minimizing waste in production directly lower the energy consumption and emissions associated with resource extraction, processing, and disposal. The more we buy, the more emissions will be caused on our behalf through the whole lifecycle of products including their manufacture and eventual breakdown[5], confirming that both reduced material use and reduced waste contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Sources
  1. [1] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 16: Terminology > 16 Terminology > p. 454
  2. [2] https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/2025-06/TI400474-24e__final_abgestimmt_T_I_4_bf_englisch.pdf
  3. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > PAPER INDUSTRY > p. 56
  4. [4] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 13: Food Processing Industry in India > N. Scheme of Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure > p. 414
  5. [5] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 29.3.4. Greeenwashing > p. 422
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Consider the following statements : Statement I : Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. Statement II : Circular eco…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 8/10 · 2/10

This is a 'Logic Check' question disguised as technical trivia. While specific reports quantify the GHG savings, the answer is derived purely from the definition: Circularity means closing the loop. If you close the loop, you logically reduce inputs (mining) and waste (landfills), which inherently cuts the energy/emissions associated with both.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Does the circular economy reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"in industry has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 30 to 50 percent by the year 2050"
Why this source?
  • Directly quantifies the potential GHG reductions from circular economy measures in industry (30–50% by 2050).
  • Links an integrated circular economy approach to lower avoidance costs per tonne of CO2 for key materials (steel, concrete, cement, plastics).
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"EU has introduced the circular economy as a solution to these situations. ... The overall goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become the first climate neutral continent by 2050."
Why this source?
  • States the EU introduced the circular economy as a solution and ties it to the policy goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Positions the circular economy within the European Green Deal aimed at achieving climate neutrality (reducing emissions) by 2050.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Yes, Coal India Limited (CIL) has implemented comprehensive projects and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ... including greening mining areas, air pollution mitigation, energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, circular economy initiatives, R&D efforts for carbon sequestration"
Why this source?
  • Shows a real-world example where an organization groups 'circular economy initiatives' among its key focus areas for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Demonstrates that circular economy measures are implemented alongside other mitigation strategies to lower GHGs.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > The benefits > p. 314
Strength: 5/5
“• On a broader scale, this system, along with the activities and processes that lead up to it, will benefit the community at large by improving the environment through reduced GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, reducing energy consumption, and alleviating stress on natural resources. • Reduced energy consumption without sacrificing comfort levels; • Reduced destruction of natural areas, habitats, and biodiversity, and reduced soil loss from erosion, etc. All Rights Reserved, No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing. ​ffi”
Why relevant

Explicitly links 'this system' (context implies a resource-efficient/systemic approach) to reduced GHG emissions and reduced energy consumption as a community benefit.

How to extend

A student could map key circular-economy practices (reuse, recycling, product-life extension) to lower energy use in production and thus estimate likely GHG reductions using standard emission factors for manufacturing.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 29.3.4. Greeenwashing > p. 422
Strength: 4/5
“i 't i I \ t .r "'t ) )I 'l I ) \ ''t • The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO₂ emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put it very simply, the more we buy, the more emissions will be caused on our behalf.• A carbon diet refers to reducing the impact on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (principally CO₂) production, without lowering their standard of living. freezing cuts from the plant, or stocking the seeds.”
Why relevant

Defines the 'secondary footprint' as lifecycle, indirect CO2 emissions tied to the volume of goods people buy—implying that reducing consumption lowers associated emissions.

How to extend

Combine this rule with data on reduced consumption from circular strategies (e.g., fewer new products sold) and country-level lifecycle emission intensities to infer possible GHG savings.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24, 22.2. Measures to adapt green economy > p. 343
Strength: 4/5
“• Energy audit can reduce your building's climate footprint and lead to significant savings in energy costs. • Overfishing in many parts of the world threatens to deplete future fish stocks. We can avoid this by working to promote sustainable fishing practices. • Deforestation accounts for close to 20% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. • Sustainably managed forests can continue to support communities and ecosystems without damaging environment and climate.”
Why relevant

Gives the pattern that energy-efficiency measures (energy audits) reduce a building's climate footprint; more broadly, resource-efficiency lowers emissions.

How to extend

Apply the same logic to circular-economy measures (material/resource efficiency) and use typical energy/emission reductions per unit saved to estimate GHG impacts.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > carBon crEdIt. > p. 55
Strength: 3/5
“Te concept of carbon credit was the outcome of Kyoto Protocol, an International agreement between 169 countries. An organization which produces one tonne less carbon or carbon dioxide equivalent than the standard level of carbon emission is allowed for its outft or activity, earn a carbon credit. Countries which are signatories to the Kyoto Protocol have laid down gas emission norms for their companies to be met by 2012. In such cases, a company has two ways to reduce emissions. • 1. It can reduce the greenhouse gases (GHG) by adopting new technology or improving upon the existing technology to attain the new norms for emission of gases.• 2.”
Why relevant

Describes how technological changes or improved practices can reduce greenhouse gases and be accounted for (carbon credits), illustrating that process improvements can lower emissions.

How to extend

Treat circular-economy interventions as process/technology changes and compare their plausible emission reductions to carbon-credit accounting rules to approximate GHG benefits.

Statement 2
Does the circular economy reduce the use of raw materials as inputs?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > PAPER INDUSTRY > p. 56
Presence: 5/5
“(iii) Small mills using waste paper/recycled fibres. All the three sectors are contributing equally in the production of paper, paper-board, and newsprint in the country. The turnover of the industry is about INR 16,000 crore and it contributes INR 2500 crore to the national exchequer. Paper industry is essentially a raw material based industry. The raw material for the paper industry is soft wood, bamboo, grasses, bagasse, rags, and waste paper. In India bamboo alone constitutes about 70% of the raw material for paper industry. Besides cellulosic raw material obtained from wood, paper industry needs chemicals like caustic soda, chlorine, soda-ash, sodium-sulphate, sulphuric acid, lime, and water.”
Why this source?
  • Describes paper mills that use waste paper and recycled fibres, showing industry-scale substitution of virgin raw materials.
  • Use of recycled feedstock in production directly lowers demand for primary inputs like wood and bamboo.
INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Conservation of Mineral Resources > p. 64
Presence: 4/5
“Use of substitutes for scarce metals may also reduce their consumption. Export of strategic and scarce minerals must be reduced, so that the existing reserve may be used for a longer period.”
Why this source?
  • States that use of substitutes for scarce metals may reduce their consumption, implying input reduction via substitution.
  • Frames conservation and substitution as means to extend existing reserves, consistent with reducing virgin material inputs.
INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Non-Conventional Energy Sources > p. 61
Presence: 3/5
“Fossil fuel sources, such as coal, petroleum, natural gas and nuclear energy use exhaustible raw materials. Sustainable energy resources are only the renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydrogeothermal and biomass. These energy sources are more equitably distributed and environment-friendly. The non-conventional energy sources will provide more sustained, eco-friendly cheaper energy after the initial cost is taken care of.”
Why this source?
  • Contrasts exhaustible fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, implying that switching to renewables reduces use of exhaustible raw-material inputs.
  • Links sustainable, renewable resources to more sustained and eco-friendly supply of inputs, aligned with circular principles.
Statement 3
Does the circular economy reduce wastage in the production process?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 16: Terminology > 16 Terminology > p. 454
Presence: 4/5
“Cash flow-based lending means that banks while giving loan should not seek collateral rather than they should look for whether the business is generating enough regular income (cashflow) so that the business is able to repay the loan. In this way the banks will be able to give more loans and credit/GDP ratio can be improved. In cash flow lending, a financial institution grants a loan that is backed by the recipient's past and future cash flows that they anticipate they will receive in the future.• Circular Economy: A circular economy is an industrial system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design.”
Why this source?
  • Defines circular economy as an industrial system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design
  • A restorative/regenerative design objective implies minimizing resource loss and keeping materials in use rather than discarding them
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 13: Food Processing Industry in India > N. Scheme of Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure > p. 414
Presence: 5/5
“• This scheme aimed to establish a strong cold chain facility and linking farm gate to the \bulletconsumer for agricultural, horticultural, animal husbandry and fishery products. • Losses and wastages could be reduced with the help of efficient cold storage, transportation ۰ and minimal processing. • The scheme has mainly four components: • i”
Why this source?
  • Describes cold chain, value addition and preservation infrastructure that explicitly reduce losses and wastages
  • Demonstrates that designing production/handling processes (storage, transport, minimal processing) directly lowers waste in the supply-production chain
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 12: Supply Chain and Food Processing Industry > Benefits: > p. 368
Presence: 5/5
“• The implementation of SAMPADA will result in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet• It will not only provide a big boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country but also help in providing better prices to farmers and is a big step towards doubling of farmers' income• It will create huge employment opportunities especially in the rural areas• It will also help in reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level, availability of safe and convenient processed foods at affordable price to consumers and enhancing the export of the processed foods”
Why this source?
  • States that modern supply chain management and processing reduce wastage of agricultural produce
  • Links process-level interventions (infrastructure, processing) to reduced waste and greater value addition
Statement 4
Does reducing raw material use via circular economy practices lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 29.3.4. Greeenwashing > p. 422
Presence: 5/5
“i 't i I \ t .r "'t ) )I 'l I ) \ ''t • The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO₂ emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put it very simply, the more we buy, the more emissions will be caused on our behalf.• A carbon diet refers to reducing the impact on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (principally CO₂) production, without lowering their standard of living. freezing cuts from the plant, or stocking the seeds.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly links the product life‑cycle (secondary footprint) to indirect CO₂ emissions from manufacture and disposal.
  • States that greater purchasing/consumption causes higher lifecycle emissions, so reducing material throughput lowers those emissions.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > Advantages of Conservation Agriculture (CA): > p. 353
Presence: 5/5
“• CA based crop management practices not only enhance crop productivity but also reduces cost of production• Improvement of resource use efficiency through residue decomposition, increased recycling and availability of plant nutrients• Protection of organic matter and soil and water conservation• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions”
Why this source?
  • Describes recycling and improved resource‑use efficiency (residue decomposition, increased recycling) as practices that improve resource efficiency.
  • Directly ties such practices to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in an applied sector (conservation agriculture).
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > The benefits > p. 314
Presence: 4/5
“• On a broader scale, this system, along with the activities and processes that lead up to it, will benefit the community at large by improving the environment through reduced GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, reducing energy consumption, and alleviating stress on natural resources. • Reduced energy consumption without sacrificing comfort levels; • Reduced destruction of natural areas, habitats, and biodiversity, and reduced soil loss from erosion, etc. All Rights Reserved, No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing. ​ffi”
Why this source?
  • Refers to a system that reduces energy consumption and alleviates stress on natural resources while producing reduced GHG emissions.
  • Supports the idea that systems lowering raw material/energy demands bring down greenhouse‑gas outputs.
Statement 5
Does reducing production waste via circular economy practices lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 29.3.4. Greeenwashing > p. 422
Presence: 5/5
“i 't i I \ t .r "'t ) )I 'l I ) \ ''t • The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO₂ emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put it very simply, the more we buy, the more emissions will be caused on our behalf.• A carbon diet refers to reducing the impact on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (principally CO₂) production, without lowering their standard of living. freezing cuts from the plant, or stocking the seeds.”
Why this source?
  • Defines the secondary (indirect) CO2 footprint as emissions across a product's whole lifecycle, tying production/consumption to greenhouse gases.
  • Explicitly links 'use and throw' culture and higher consumption with increased emissions, so reducing production/waste lowers lifecycle GHGs.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > 22.8 WASTE TO ENERGY > p. 294
Presence: 4/5
“In today's era, there are increasing quantities of waste due to urbanization, industrialization and changes in life patterns which are harmful to the environment. In the recent past, development of technology has helped to reduce the amount of waste for its safe disposal and to generate electricity from it. Waste-to-energy has the potential to divert waste from landfills and generate clean power without the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. This significantly reduces the volume of waste that needs to be disposed of and can generate power Pyrolysis and gasification are emerging technologies apart from the common incineration and biomethanation.”
Why this source?
  • States that diverting waste from landfills via waste-to-energy can generate power without harmful GHG emissions.
  • Implies that treating and reusing waste reduces the volume sent to disposal and thereby reduces associated greenhouse-gas impacts.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Fugitive fuel emissions > p. 426
Presence: 3/5
“o Greenhouse-gas emissions as by-products or waste or loss in the process of fuel production, storage, or transport, such as methane given off during oil and gas drilling and refining, or leakage ' of natural gas from pipelines.”
Why this source?
  • Describes greenhouse gases produced as by-products or losses during fuel production, storage, and transport (e.g., methane leakage).
  • Implies that reducing production-stage waste and leaks would cut these fugitive GHG emissions.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC loves 'Concept -> Implication' chains. If a concept is inherently sustainable (like Regenerative Agriculture or Circular Economy), its downstream effects (less waste, less input, less GHG) are almost always positively correlated and correct.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. This is a fundamental concept covered in every standard Economy (Vivek Singh) and Environment (Shankar IAS) text. No obscure report reading required.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Sustainable Development & Green Economy. The shift from 'Linear Economy' (Take-Make-Dispose) to 'Circular Economy' (Restorative/Regenerative).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Butterfly Diagram' (Biological vs Technical cycles); The 7 Rs (Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Recycle); India's specific Circular policies: Vehicle Scrappage Policy, EPR Rules (for E-waste, Batteries, Tires, Used Oil); and the concept of 'Urban Mining'.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not just memorize definitions. Map the *functional outcomes* of a concept. Ask: 'If I implement this, what happens to the Input (Raw Material)? What happens to the Process (Waste)? What happens to the Output (Emissions)?' UPSC tests the mechanism, not just the term.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption
💡 The insight

Reduced energy consumption and energy audits directly lower greenhouse gas emissions, which is a primary mechanism by which circular practices could reduce emissions.

High-yield: energy efficiency is a central climate mitigation measure relevant to policy, industry and urban planning questions. It connects to renewable energy deployment, emission intensity targets and mitigation strategies, enabling answers on how to meet NDCs and reduce sectoral emissions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > The benefits > p. 314
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24, 22.2. Measures to adapt green economy > p. 343
🔗 Anchor: "Does the circular economy reduce greenhouse gas emissions?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Product lifecycle and secondary carbon footprint
💡 The insight

Lowering the secondary (lifecycle) footprint by reducing manufacture, consumption and disposal cuts CO2 associated with products and consumption patterns.

Important for UPSC: links consumption behaviour, waste management and circularity to national climate outcomes; useful for questions on sustainable consumption, waste hierarchy, extended producer responsibility and lifecycle-based policy.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 29.3.4. Greeenwashing > p. 422
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 23: India and Climate Change > The benefits > p. 314
🔗 Anchor: "Does the circular economy reduce greenhouse gas emissions?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Carbon credits and offsets as emission-reduction instruments
💡 The insight

Carbon credits/offsets quantify emission reductions and allow emission mitigation through technology adoption or financed projects, offering a compensatory route to lower net GHG emissions.

Relevant to exam as it ties international mechanisms and market instruments to national mitigation strategies; helps answer questions on Kyoto/Paris frameworks, mitigation finance and private sector roles in emissions reduction.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 21: Mitigation Strategies > 21.4. CARBON OFFSETTING: > p. 284
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > carBon crEdIt. > p. 55
🔗 Anchor: "Does the circular economy reduce greenhouse gas emissions?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Industrial recycling and use of waste feedstock
💡 The insight

Recycling and use of waste paper/recycled fibres directly reduce demand for virgin raw materials in manufacturing.

High-yield for questions on sustainable industry and resource efficiency; connects industry structure, resource dependence, and environmental policy. Enables answers on how circular practices alter input requirements and industry sourcing patterns.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > PAPER INDUSTRY > p. 56
🔗 Anchor: "Does the circular economy reduce the use of raw materials as inputs?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Substitution and conservation of scarce minerals
💡 The insight

Using substitutes for scarce metals reduces consumption of those primary raw materials.

Important for questions on resource management and long-term availability of minerals; links to policy on strategic reserves, import/export controls, and technological adaptation. Useful for framing solutions that lower raw-material inputs.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Conservation of Mineral Resources > p. 64
🔗 Anchor: "Does the circular economy reduce the use of raw materials as inputs?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Renewable vs exhaustible resource switching
💡 The insight

Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy lowers use of exhaustible raw-material inputs.

Crucial for questions on energy transition, sustainability, and circular economy measures; ties energy policy to raw-material demand and environmental outcomes. Helps argue how sectoral shifts reduce primary input consumption.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Non-Conventional Energy Sources > p. 61
🔗 Anchor: "Does the circular economy reduce the use of raw materials as inputs?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Circular economy as restorative/regenerative design
💡 The insight

Circular economy frames industrial systems to restore and regenerate resources, thereby targeting reduced waste in production.

High-yield for questions on sustainable industrial policy and waste management; connects environmental economics, industrial design and resource efficiency. Mastering this helps answer questions on policy measures that promote reuse, recycling and design-for-recovery.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 16: Terminology > 16 Terminology > p. 454
🔗 Anchor: "Does the circular economy reduce wastage in the production process?"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Butterfly Diagram' distinction: Future questions may ask to distinguish between the 'Biological Cycle' (returning nutrients to the biosphere, e.g., composting) and the 'Technical Cycle' (keeping products in use, e.g., remanufacturing engines). Also, look out for 'Urban Mining'—extracting critical minerals from e-waste.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Mutually Reinforcing' Hack: Notice that Statement II (less raw material) and Statement III (less waste) are practically the definition of Circular Economy. If you use less material and waste less, you *automatically* use less energy (extraction/processing is energy-heavy). Therefore, Statement I (less GHG) is a logical byproduct. They must all be true together.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains Link: Critical Mineral Security (IR/Economy). Circular Economy is not just environmental; it is a National Security tool. By recycling batteries (Li, Co) and electronics, India reduces import dependence on China/Africa for critical minerals, aiding Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2024 · Q1 Relevance score: 1.18

Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation. Statement-II : Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

IAS · 2024 · Q2 Relevance score: 0.60

Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles. Statement-II : At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?