Circular Economy
India's Policy Framework
A circular economy aims to eliminate waste and maximise resource efficiency by designing products for reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling, in contrast to the linear "take-make-dispose" model. India launched the Circular Economy Action Plan as part of NITI Aayog's initiatives, covering 11 sectors including electronics, construction, textiles, lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, and municipal waste. Finland is a global leader in the circular economy — its National Circular Economy Roadmap 2.0 (2019) was the first of its kind globally. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations in India (under the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022 and Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2024) are central to India's circular economy transition. The concept is relevant to UPSC from both economic (resource efficiency, cost savings) and environmental (waste reduction, carbon footprint) perspectives.
- NITI Aayog Circular Economy Action Plan: Covers 11 sectors
- Finland's Circular Economy Roadmap 2.0 (2019): First national roadmap globally
- India's EPR framework: E-Waste Rules (2022), Plastic Waste Rules (2024)
- Circular economy target: Reduce dependence on virgin raw materials
- SDG linkage: Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
● Tracked since February 18, 2026 · last seen September 21, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes