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Prelims 2025 · Q9 · Sustainable practices

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?

Show answer

Answer: A. Statement II is correct: a circular economy reuses and recycles materials, so it needs fewer raw materials. Statement III is correct: it designs out waste in production. Both explain Statement I: less extraction and processing of raw materials, and less waste going to landfill or burning, both cut greenhouse gas emissions. So option A.

Watch for: Option B tempts students who think only one cause links to emissions; both lower raw-material use and lower waste reduce emissions.

Why the other options are wrong
  • B. Wrong because both Statements II and III explain Statement I, not just one.
  • C. Wrong because both Statements II and III are correct.
  • D. Wrong because both Statements II and III are correct.

Source to check: UNEP and Ellen MacArthur Foundation material on the circular economy; NITI Aayog circular economy action plans

Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.