'R2 Code of Practices' constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of
- (a) environmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) ecological management of 'Wetlands of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention
- (c) sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands
- (d) 'Environmental Impact Assessment' in the exploitation of natural resources
Why the answer is (a)
• R2 (Responsible Recycling) is a voluntary certification standard developed by SERI (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International) with the US EPA.
• It sets practices for electronics recyclers on environmental protection, worker safety, data destruction and downstream tracking of e-waste — option (a).
• It is unrelated to Ramsar wetlands (b), degraded-land agriculture (c) or EIA procedures (d).
• India's own E-Waste (Management) Rules complement such standards; several Indian recyclers hold R2 certification.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) ecological management of 'Wetlands of International Importance' under the Ramsar…
- R2 has nothing to do with Ramsar wetlands.
- (c) sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands
- R2 is not an agricultural standard.
- (d) 'Environmental Impact Assessment' in the exploitation of natural resources
- R2 is not an EIA tool.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.