12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum

 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum

Why is it in the News?

India hosted the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific in Jaipur, Rajasthan, focusing on sustainable waste management and promoting a circular economy.

A circular economy emphasizes the use of durable, reusable, and recyclable products, ensuring materials are continuously repurposed, remanufactured, or used for multiple purposes.

Key Highlights of the 12th Regional Forum Meeting:

• About the Forum: The forum serves as a regional platform promoting the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) principles and circular economy practices across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Stakeholder Involvement: It brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and partners to advance strategies for resource efficiency.
• Historical Context: Launched in 2009, the forum aims to promote the 3R principles and resource efficiency. The Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023) established 33 voluntary goals for a resource-efficient and circular economy.
• Theme: "Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific."
• Objectives:
  • Develop a voluntary, non-binding “3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034)” to promote a resource-efficient, low-carbon, and resilient Asia-Pacific.
  • Establish a Circular Economy Alliance Network (CEAN) for achieving Zero Waste Cities and Societies.
  • Discuss circular economy strategies to meet net-zero targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Announcements:

• P-3 (Pro Planet People) Approach: India's Prime Minister introduced the P-3 approach to encourage sustainable lifestyles and eco-friendly behavior.
• Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3): A global alliance was launched for city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships in the circular economy.
• CITIIS 2.0: An MoU was signed for the CITIIS 2.0 (City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain) project, focusing on integrated waste management and climate action.

India's Leadership in Circular Economy & 3R Policies

• Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U): Achieved 108.62% of its household toilet construction target and successfully processed 80.29% of solid waste.
• GOBAR-Dhan Scheme: 1,008 biogas plants are operational, covering 67.8% of India’s districts.
• E-Waste Management Rules, 2022: India collected 5,82,769 MT of e-waste in FY 2024-25, successfully recycling 5,18,240 MT.
• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021: India implemented a ban on single-use plastics starting July 1, 2022.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

• Q. In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following? (2019)
  (a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
  (b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
  (c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
  (d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
  Ans: (c)

• Q. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? (2013)
  Beryllium, Chromium, Cadmium, Heptachlor, Mercury, Lead, Plutonium
  Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
  (a) 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 only
  (b) 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 only
  (c) 2, 4, 5, and 7 only
  (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
  Ans: (b)

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