Context:
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India has launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C3), a multi-nation alliance aimed at strengthening global cooperation on urban sustainability and circular economy practices.
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The initiative reflects India’s growing leadership in combining environmental responsibility with urban development, especially in the context of rising waste generation and resource stress.
Key Highlights:
Cities Coalition for Circularity (C3)
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C3 is a platform for:
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City-to-city collaboration
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Knowledge-sharing on sustainability solutions
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Building public-private partnerships
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It will bring together:
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Policymakers
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Industry leaders
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Researchers
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Urban local bodies
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Focus areas include:
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Waste management
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Resource efficiency
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Circular economy strategies in cities
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India’s Pro-Planet People (P3) Approach
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s P3 vision, emphasizing lifestyle-based sustainability.
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Core principle: 3R Framework
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Reduce consumption
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Reuse materials
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Recycle waste
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Circular economy is promoted as a model for:
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Minimizing waste
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Enhancing resource productivity
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Supporting sustainable urbanization
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Institutional Framework Development
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India proposed forming a working group to finalize:
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Structure of the coalition
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Operational guidelines
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Implementation roadmap
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Key Agreements and Investments
CITIIS 2.0 MoU
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At the launch event in Jaipur, an MoU was signed for CITIIS 2.0
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(City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain)
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Major Urban Investment Push
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₹1,800 crore investment announced under the programme.
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Benefits:
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18 cities across 14 states
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Selected as lighthouse projects to demonstrate scalable sustainability models
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Regional and Global Context
Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum (Asia-Pacific)
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Launched in 2009, promoting:
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Sustainable waste management
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Resource efficiency
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Circular economy initiatives
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Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013–2023)
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Established 33 voluntary goals for transitioning towards a resource-efficient economy.
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Serves as a guiding framework for Asia-Pacific nations.
Significance of the Initiative
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Supports India’s commitments under:
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SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
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Climate action and urban resilience agendas
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Enhances India’s global role in:
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Green urban governance
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Circular economy diplomacy
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Sustainable infrastructure models
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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C3 Coalition: Multi-nation alliance for circularity and sustainable cities.
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3R Principles: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
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Circular Economy: Economic model focused on minimizing waste and maximizing reuse.
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CITIIS 2.0: Urban investment programme supporting sustainable city projects.
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₹1,800 crore investment: For 18 cities in 14 states.
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Hanoi 3R Declaration: 33 voluntary goals for resource efficiency.
Relevant Mains Points:
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Urban sustainability is critical due to:
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Rapid urbanization
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Rising waste generation
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Resource scarcity
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C3 provides opportunities for:
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Global best practice sharing
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Mobilizing private sector finance
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Strengthening local governance capacity
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Challenges:
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Need for strong funding mechanisms
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Effective local-level implementation
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Integrating informal waste sector
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Way Forward includes:
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Encouraging private participation
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Expanding global partnerships
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Strengthening municipal capacity for circular solutions
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Way Forward:
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Ensure success of C3 through:
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Robust knowledge-sharing networks
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Sustainable financing models
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Strong city-level execution
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Promote circular economy as a pillar of India’s green growth strategy.
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Build international cooperation for scalable, inclusive, and resource-efficient urban development.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 2: International cooperation, sustainable development diplomacy
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GS 3: Environment, circular economy, waste management, urban resilience