UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I

Question 16: Environment and Ecology

‘R2 Code of Practices’ constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of

aenvironmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry

becological management of ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ under the Ramsar Convention

csustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands

d‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ in the exploitation of natural resources

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The R2 (Responsible Recycling) Code of Practices is a standard for electronics recyclers, run by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International. Recyclers certified to R2 follow set practices on handling hazardous material, worker safety, data security and the downstream tracking of e-waste, so it promotes environmentally responsible electronics recycling. It has nothing to do with Ramsar wetlands, farming on degraded land or environmental impact assessment.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: R2 is a standard for responsible electronics recycling.
(b) Wrong: Ramsar wetland management follows the Ramsar Convention's wise-use guidance, not R2.
(c) Wrong: R2 does not concern crop cultivation.
(d) Wrong: EIA follows separate national regulations, not R2.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.