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?
- (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
- (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
- (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Why the answer is (a)
• A circular economy keeps materials in use through reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling, in contrast to the linear 'take-make-dispose' model.
• Statement II is correct: by recovering materials from used products it cuts the extraction of virgin raw materials.
• Statement III is correct: designing out waste and by-products reduces wastage during production.
• Both explain statement I: extracting and processing raw materials and dealing with waste are energy-intensive and emission-heavy, so reducing both lowers greenhouse-gas emissions — roughly 45% of global emissions come from how materials are made and used.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
- Both reduced raw-material use and reduced waste lower emissions, so both explain I.
- (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
- Both II and III are correct.
- (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
- Both II and III are correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, held on 25 May 2025. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.