Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect Bookmarked
Loading…
Q26 (IAS/2021) Environment & Ecology › Pollution & Conservation › Waste management practices Official Key

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

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 1.

The R2 (Responsible Recycling) Code of Practices is an international standard specifically designed for the electronics recycling industry. Managed by Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI), it provides a common set of processes, safety measures, and documentation requirements for businesses that repair and recycle used electronics.

  • Why Option 1 is correct: The R2 standard ensures that "end-of-life" electronics are managed in a way that protects the environment, worker health, and data security. It discourages the illegal export of e-waste to developing nations.
  • Why other options are incorrect: The Ramsar Convention (Option 2) governs wetlands through its own specific guidelines. Agricultural practices (Option 3) and Environmental Impact Assessments (Option 4) are regulated by different frameworks like the FAO guidelines or national environmental legislations, which are unrelated to the R2 technical certification.
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
50%
got it right
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full view
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. 'R2 Code of Practices' constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of [A] environmentally responsible practices in electroni…
At a glance
Origin: Mixed / unclear origin Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 0/10

This is a classic 'Global Standard/Certification' question. It falls outside standard textbooks (Shankar/Majid) and relies on awareness of international industrial frameworks. The strategy is to track 'Codes', 'Metrics', and 'Initiatives' mentioned in environmental news, specifically those regulating high-impact sectors like E-waste, Green Building (LEED/GRIHA), or Beach management (Blue Flag).

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Is the 'R2 Code of Practices' a tool for promoting environmentally responsible practices in the electronics recycling industry?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Salient features > p. 95
Strength: 5/5
“g. The e-waste exchange as an option has been provided in the rules as an independent market instrument offering assistance or independent electronic systems offering services for sale and purchase of e-waste generated from end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment between agencies or organizations authorised under these rules. gI{,4}{KAI? • The manufacturer is also now responsible to collect e-waste generated during the manufacture of any electrical and electronic equipment and channelize it for recycling or disposal and seek authorization from SPCB. • The dealer, if has been given the responsibility of collection on behalf of the producer, need to collect the e-waste by providing the consumer a 'box' and channelize it to Producer. q" Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Committee/Council) has been assigned the duty to collect and channelize the orphan products to authorized dismantlers or recyclers.”
Why relevant

Describes regulatory measures for e-waste handling (collection, channelizing to authorised recyclers, responsibility of producers/dealers), indicating that formal rules and codes can be used to drive proper recycling practices.

How to extend

A student could infer that a named 'code of practices' (like R2) would serve a similar role and check whether R2 contains comparable producer/dealer responsibilities and authorization mechanisms.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > SI{ANKl\R > p. 89
Strength: 4/5
“For the first time, Rules have been made to distinguish between Hazardous Waste and other wastes. Other wastes include: Waste tyre, paper waste, metal scrap, used electronic items, etc., and are recognized as a resource for recycling and reuse. These resources supplement the industrial processes and reduce the load on the virgin resource of the country.”
Why relevant

States that used electronic items are recognized as a resource for recycling and reuse and are distinguished from hazardous waste, implying frameworks exist to promote safe recycling and reuse.

How to extend

One could extend this to expect that R2 would set procedures to treat e-waste as recyclable resources while managing hazards, and then verify if R2 contains such classification and handling rules.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > Eco-auditing > p. 50
Strength: 4/5
“Eco-auditing is an efective tool of EIA and its benefts are as under: • (i) It is a means for ensuring the continual improvement in environmental management.• (ii) It is a good method of monitoring.• (iii) It can assist eforts for sustainable development.• (iv) It helps in involving public in environmental management.• (v) It may reduce the need for government inspections.• (vi) It may help to identify cost recovery through recycling and sale of by-products.• (vii) It may generate valuable data for regional and national environment reports.”
Why relevant

Defines eco-auditing as a tool for continual improvement in environmental management and monitoring, a pattern consistent with standards/codes that promote environmentally responsible practices.

How to extend

A student could reasonably look for whether R2 incorporates audit/monitoring requirements analogous to eco-auditing to promote continual improvement in recycler practices.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > s.11. E - WASTE > p. 92
Strength: 5/5
“• The discarded and end-of-life electronic products, ranging from computers, equipment used in Information and Communication Technology (lCT), home appliances, audio and video products and all of their peripherals, are popularly known as Electronic waste (E-waste). • E-waste is not hazardous if it is stocked in safe storage or recycled by scientific methods or transported from one place to the other in parts or in totality in the formal sector. • s.No: 1.; PARTICULARS: Lead; SOURCE: Used in glass panels and gaskets in computer monitors Solder in printed circuit boards and other Components; HEATJTH EFFECTS: Lead causes damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood systems, kidney and reproductive system in humans.”
Why relevant

Explains hazards in e-waste and notes that e-waste is not hazardous if stored/recycled by scientific methods or transported in the formal sector, suggesting the need for best-practice codes to ensure safe recycling.

How to extend

Use this to posit that R2 would aim to codify 'scientific methods' and formal-sector controls to mitigate health effects, then check R2 for such operational guidance.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.11.2. E - Waste in India > p. 94
Strength: 4/5
“=taryLcAa. r According to Indian Cellular and Electronics Association Report, r.6 million tonnes of e-waste generation was reported in the country in zazz. No comprehensive State-wise inventorization of e-waste generation in the country has been done. ..*s" ffi* n0 * • In India, among top ten cities, Mumbai ranks first in generating e-waste followed by Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Surat and Nagpur. • The 65 cities generate more than 600 kg of the total generated e-waste, whereas, 10 states generate 200 kg of the total e-waste. • Most of the e-waste is recycled in India in unorganized units, which engage significant number of manpower.”
Why relevant

Notes large-scale e-waste generation and that most recycling occurs in unorganized units, highlighting the need for standards or codes to improve environmental performance of the recycling industry.

How to extend

A student could infer that an industry code like R2 is plausibly designed to address informal recycling gaps and then verify whether R2 targets formalization and environmental safeguards.

Statement 2
Is the 'R2 Code of Practices' a tool for promoting ecological management of 'Wetlands of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > 28.5. RAMSARCONVENTION ON WETLANDS > p. 396
Strength: 5/5
“• The Convention on Wetlands (also known as the Ramsar Convention) is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. • It was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975, and it is the only global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem. All Rights Reserved. No put of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing.”
Why relevant

States Ramsar 'provides the framework for national action' and for 'conservation and wise use' of wetlands, implying Ramsar issues frameworks/guidance that could include codes of practice.

How to extend

A student could check Ramsar's catalogue of guidance documents to see whether an 'R2 Code of Practices' is listed as one such guidance/tool for ecological management.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > The Parties have committed themselves to: > p. 397
Strength: 4/5
“• Work towards the wise use of all their wetlands through national land-use planning, appropriate policies and legislation, management actions, and public education; • Designate suitable wetlands for the List of Wetlands of International Importance ("Ramsar List") and ensure their effective management; and • Cooperate internationally concerning transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems, shared species, and development projects that may affect wetlands.”
Why relevant

Lists Ramsar commitments including 'ensure their effective management' and 'work towards wise use' through policies and management actions, suggesting Ramsar supports practical management tools.

How to extend

Use this pattern to look for named practical tools (codes, guidelines) published by Ramsar that aim at effective management of Ramsar sites.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > India and wetland convention > p. 398
Strength: 4/5
“• r India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention in 1982 and has been implementing conservation programs for wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs, • e India presently has 60 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance. • o There is close\coordination between implementing units of Ramsar with that of CBD at the national level. India took a lead role in the formulation of Ramsar guidelines on integration of wetlands into river basin management”
Why relevant

Says India 'took a lead role in the formulation of Ramsar guidelines on integration of wetlands into river basin management', showing Ramsar produces specific guidelines and codes developed with parties.

How to extend

Search for whether the 'R2 Code of Practices' appears among Ramsar's specific guideline documents or was developed in national/Ramsar collaborations.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) > p. 53
Strength: 3/5
“The convention on wetlands (Ramsar-lran, 1971)-called the Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitment of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their wetlands of international importance and to plan for the 'wise-use' or sustainable use. The Ramsar convention works with collaboration of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Wetlands International, WWF International. Any wetland, to be declared a wetland of international importance, should support vulnerable, endangered or threatened species and attract more than 20,000 water birds. In India, the scheme on conservation and management of wetlands was initiated in 1987.”
Why relevant

Describes Ramsar's aim to 'maintain the ecological character' and 'plan for the wise-use' of wetlands and notes collaboration with organisations (IUCN, Wetlands International), implying development of technical instruments is typical.

How to extend

Given Ramsar's collaborative approach, check partner organisations' publications (IUCN, Wetlands International) for an 'R2 Code of Practices' tied to Ramsar implementation.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 4: Aquatic Ecosystem > 4.S.4. Criteria for Identification of Wetlands of National Importance > p. 41
Strength: 3/5
“• r Criteria for identification of wetlands of national importance under NWCP are same as those prescribed under the 'Ramsar Convention on Wetlands' and are as given below: • r Sites containing representative, rare or unique wetland types (r) If it contains a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type found within the appropriate biogeographic legion (ix) If it is an important source of food and water resource, increased possibilities for recreation and eco-tourism, improved scenic values, educational opportunities, conservation of cultural heritage (historic or religious sites).”
Why relevant

Gives that national criteria and Ramsar criteria are linked and that Ramsar provides identification/criteria—an example of Ramsar issuing standardised rules that nations apply.

How to extend

Apply this pattern: if Ramsar issues standard criteria, it may also endorse codes of practice; so verify whether 'R2 Code of Practices' is an endorsed standard related to Ramsar criteria/management.

Statement 3
Is the 'R2 Code of Practices' a tool for promoting sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops on degraded lands?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > MAJOR REFORMS NEEDED UNDER SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION > p. 353
Strength: 5/5
“Agriculture To give thrust on 'Conservation Agriculture'. FAO defined conservation agriculture as a concept for resource-saving agricultural crop production along with acceptable profits and sustained production levels through conserving the environment. Three broad principles need to be given thrust under it - practicing minimum soil disturbance through soil tillage; managing top soil to create permanent organic soil cover; crop rotations.”
Why relevant

Gives FAO's definition and three broad principles of 'conservation agriculture' (minimum tillage, permanent soil cover, crop rotations) — a clear framework for sustainable cultivation on degraded soils.

How to extend

A student could check whether the R2 Code prescribes those three principles; if it does, that would support R2 being a sustainability tool for degraded lands.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.13 Conservation Agriculture > p. 353
Strength: 5/5
“This novel resource conservation practice encompasses no or minimum soil disturbance, providing a vegetative soil cover through crop residues or other cover crops, and crop rotations for achieving higher productivity and reducing adverse environmental impacts. Conservation Agriculture is based on three core principles: • Minimum soil disturbance (No tillage or reduced tillage)• Maintenance of permanent soil covers• Cropping system diversity, crop rotations”
Why relevant

Lists the same three core principles (no/minimum soil disturbance, vegetative soil cover, cropping system diversity) as a practical checklist for sustainable crop production.

How to extend

Compare R2's practices to this checklist to infer whether R2 promotes the core measures used to rehabilitate degraded agricultural land.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > 25.9.1. Characteristics > p. 362
Strength: 4/5
“• It is one of the most holistic, integrated systems analysis and design methodologies found in the world. • It can be applied to create productive ecosystems from a human-use standpoint or to help degraded ecosystems recover health and wildness. • It can be applied in any ecosystem, no matter how degraded. • It values and validates traditional knowledge and experience. • Incorporates sustainable agriculture practices and land management techniques and strategies from around the world • It is a bridge between traditional cultures and emergent earth-tuned cultures. • It promotes organic agriculture, which does not use pesticides. • It aims to maximize symbiotic and synergistic relationships between site components. • Its design is site specific, client specific, and culture specific.”
Why relevant

Describes a holistic, site-specific design approach that 'can be applied in any ecosystem, no matter how degraded' and 'incorporates sustainable agriculture practices' (permaculture-like principles).

How to extend

If R2 adopts site-specific, restorative, and traditional-knowledge-validating measures, one could reasonably infer it targets sustainable cultivation on degraded lands.

INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Land Resources and Agriculture > National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) > p. 36
Strength: 4/5
“National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture is to make agriculture more productive, sustainable, remunerative and climate resilient by promoting location specific integrated/composite farming systems and to conserve natural resources through appropriate soil and moisture conservation measures. The Government has been promoting organic farming in the country through the scheme such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Rashtriya Vikas Yojana (RKVY).”
Why relevant

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture aims to make agriculture sustainable and conserve natural resources through soil and moisture conservation and location-specific systems.

How to extend

A student could see whether R2 aligns with NMSA goals (soil/moisture conservation, location-specific practices) to judge its relevance for degraded lands.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > xi) Prevention of Shifting cultivation > p. 21
Strength: 3/5
“(xi) Prevention of Shifting cultivation Checking and reducing shifting cultivation by persuading the tribal people to switch over to settled agriculture is a very efective method of soil conservation. Tis can be done by making arrangements for their resettlement which involves the provision of residential accommodation, agricultural implements, seeds, manures, cattle and reclaimed land. If the above methods are adopted collectively, the problem of soil erosion can be solved signifcantly in diferent parts of the world, especially in India where still about 70 per cent of the population is living in the rural areas and is dependent on agriculture.”
Why relevant

Discusses prevention of shifting cultivation by resettlement and providing inputs to enable settled agriculture as a method of soil conservation — an example of policy/practice to rehabilitate degraded land use systems.

How to extend

Use this as an example of interventions that rehabilitate degraded lands; check if R2 includes comparable practical interventions or support measures.

Statement 4
Is the 'R2 Code of Practices' a tool for promoting Environmental Impact Assessment in the exploitation of natural resources?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 7: Environmental Impact Assessment > Environmental impact assessment (EIA) > p. 128
Strength: 5/5
“EIA/ Environment Management Plan (EMp) should assist planners and government authorities in the decision making process by identifying the key impacts/issues and formulating the mitigation measures. EIA is a planning tool which is accepted as an integral component of sound decision-making. Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoE&F) has taken several policy initiatives and enacted environmental and pollution control legislations to prevent indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources and to promote integration of environmental concerns in developmental projects. One sirch initiative is the Notification on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of developmental projects rg94 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,”
Why relevant

States that EIA/EMP are planning tools intended to assist decision-makers and that the MoEF has used notifications and policy initiatives to prevent indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources.

How to extend

A student could treat an 'R2 Code of Practices' as analogous to an EIA-related notification/guideline and check whether R2 prescribes procedures that influence project approval or mitigation.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 7: Environmental Impact Assessment > Quality: > p. 137
Strength: 4/5
“• The focus of EIA needs to shift from utilization and exploitation of natural resources to conservation of natural resources. • 2. At present, EIA reports are extremely weak when it comes to assessment of biological diversity of a project area and the consequent impacts on it. This gap needs to be plugged through specific guidelines and necessary amendments. • 3. agencies that can carry out eiAs. similarly the EIA consultant those are making false reports should be black listed. 9. A national level accreditation to environment consultancy should be adopted”
Why relevant

Notes gaps in EIA quality (e.g., biodiversity assessment) and recommends specific guidelines and national-level accreditation for environmental consultants.

How to extend

If R2 is a set of specific guidelines or an accreditation-related code, one could infer it might address such gaps and thus promote stronger EIAs in resource exploitation.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > Environment action Plan > p. 50
Strength: 4/5
“Te Indian government formulated an Environment Action Programme (EAP) in January 1994. Te main objective of this programme is to strengthen Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of various projects through an organised system of natural resource accounting and environmental statistics. Te Environment Action Programme focuses on the following areas: • (i) conservation of biodiversity including forests, marine life and mountain ecosystems,• (ii) conservation of soil and moisture and ensuring that water resources do not get polluted,• (iii) control of industrial pollution and waste,• (iv) access to clean technologies,• (v) tackling urban environmental issues,• (vi) strengthening environmental education, training, awareness and resources management,• (vii) alternative energy plan.”
Why relevant

Describes the Environment Action Programme's objective to strengthen EIA through organised natural resource accounting and environmental statistics.

How to extend

A student could see whether R2 includes resource accounting/statistical requirements—if so, it could function as a tool to strengthen EIAs for resource projects.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > EnvIronMEntal IMPact aSSESSMEnt. > p. 48
Strength: 4/5
“teeming millions and raise the standard of living of the people. Te use and misuse of natural resources is rapidly depleting the resource base. Te objective of Environmental Impact Assessment is to ascertain the probable efect of anthropogenic activities on environment. In other words, the assessment and evaluation of environmental efects of human actions may be termed as 'environmental impact assessment' (EIA). Te broader aspects of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are: • (i) appraisal of prevailing environmental conditions;• (ii) appraisal of production methods both existing and proposed;• (iii) methodologies related Environmental Impact Assessment.• (iv) possible impact of projects on environment both existing and proposed;• (v) development of the techniques of conservation of environment by modifying and improving the existing production technology.”
Why relevant

Defines EIA objectives (appraisal of prevailing conditions, production methods, possible impacts, and conservation techniques) directly linked to managing exploitation of natural resources.

How to extend

Compare R2's content to these core EIA objectives—if R2 mandates appraisal/mitigation steps, it could be judged as promoting EIA in resource exploitation.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 7: Environmental Impact Assessment > Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification zooz > p. 131
Strength: 3/5
“Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification zozo Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) published the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2002 to replace the 1986 notification. Some of the key provisions of the EIA Notification include: • Reduction in the public hearing period from 30 to 20 days. • Exemption of projects classified as A, B1, and B2 from public scrutiny. • Changes in post-clearance compliance reporting, shifting from semi-annual to annual submissions. • Requirement for project proponents to prepare the EIA report exclusively. • Omission of reporting violations and non-compliance by the public.”
Why relevant

Summarises key provisions of an EIA Notification (e.g., who prepares reports, public hearing rules), showing how formal instruments shape EIA practice.

How to extend

A student could evaluate whether R2 has similar procedural provisions (reporting, public scrutiny, responsibilities); similarity would suggest R2 can promote EIA.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC frequently picks a specific technical 'Code', 'Protocol', or 'Metric' from the environmental sector and asks for its purpose. The options will always list four distinct environmental themes (Recycling vs Wetlands vs Agri vs EIA). Contextual guessing (Acronym matching) is often the only way if the fact is unknown.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Bouncer (if relying on books) / Sitter (if aware of global eco-labels). Source: General Awareness/Current Affairs (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International - SERI).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: E-Waste Management & The Circular Economy.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize these sibling standards: 'e-Stewards' (Ethical e-waste recycling), 'RoHS' (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), 'WEEE Directive' (EU e-waste rules), 'Basel Convention' (Transboundary hazardous waste), and 'Minamata Convention' (Mercury).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not stop at 'Government Rules' (like E-Waste Rules 2016). Ask: 'Who certifies the industry?' UPSC loves asking about the *tools* of implementation (e.g., Common Carbon Metric, R2, PAGE) rather than just the policy itself.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in e-waste management
💡 The insight

Manufacturers are assigned responsibility to collect and channelize e-waste, linking producer duties to environmentally responsible recycling.

EPR is a high-yield policy mechanism in environmental governance questions; it connects industry regulation, waste management laws, and circular economy principles. Mastering this helps answer questions on policy design, implementation challenges, and producer obligations under waste rules.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Salient features > p. 95
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.11.2. E - Waste in India > p. 94
🔗 Anchor: "Is the 'R2 Code of Practices' a tool for promoting environmentally responsible p..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Health and environmental hazards of e-waste and need for scientific recycling
💡 The insight

E-waste contains toxic components (for example lead) that pose serious health risks and are manageable through safe storage and scientific recycling.

Understanding toxicity and mitigation is essential for questions on environmental pollution, public health impacts, and technology choices for waste treatment. This concept links chemistry of pollutants to policy measures and sustainable practices.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > s.11. E - WASTE > p. 92
  • Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Our Environment > Activity 13.9 > p. 216
🔗 Anchor: "Is the 'R2 Code of Practices' a tool for promoting environmentally responsible p..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Formal vs informal e-waste recycling and regulatory instruments
💡 The insight

A large share of e-waste is processed in unorganized units, while rules create authorized channels and market instruments to formalize collection and recycling.

This concept is useful for questions on implementation gaps, regulatory responses, and livelihoods of informal sectors. It helps frame answers on governance, enforcement, and institutional solutions for waste management.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.11.2. E - Waste in India > p. 94
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Salient features > p. 95
🔗 Anchor: "Is the 'R2 Code of Practices' a tool for promoting environmentally responsible p..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Ramsar 'wise use' principle
💡 The insight

The Ramsar Convention requires maintenance of the ecological character of wetlands and planning for their 'wise-use' or sustainable use.

High-yield for policy and environment questions: explains the core objective guiding wetland management under Ramsar and links to national land‑use planning, legislation, and management actions. Mastering this helps answer questions on international environmental treaties, implementation mechanisms, and sustainable resource management.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) > p. 53
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > the ramsar convention. > p. 49
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > The Parties have committed themselves to: > p. 397
🔗 Anchor: "Is the 'R2 Code of Practices' a tool for promoting ecological management of 'Wet..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Criteria for designation as Wetlands of International Importance
💡 The insight

Ramsar designation is based on ecological criteria such as supporting vulnerable species and thresholds like 20,000 waterbirds or representative/rare wetland types.

Essential for questions on protected area classification and biodiversity conservation: knowing designation criteria clarifies why particular sites receive international protection and how conservation priorities are set. It connects to topics on species protection, habitat significance, and national conservation lists.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) > p. 53
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > the ramsar convention. > p. 49
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 4: Aquatic Ecosystem > 4.S.4. Criteria for Identification of Wetlands of National Importance > p. 41
🔗 Anchor: "Is the 'R2 Code of Practices' a tool for promoting ecological management of 'Wet..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Ramsar as a framework for national action and international cooperation
💡 The insight

The Convention provides the framework for national conservation actions and international cooperation on wetlands, including coordination with other MEAs.

Useful for governance and treaty‑implementation questions: shows how an international treaty translates into national programmes, inter-agency coordination, and cross‑border cooperation. Helps in answering questions on treaty partnerships, integration with river basin management, and national commitments.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > 28.5. RAMSARCONVENTION ON WETLANDS > p. 396
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > The Parties have committed themselves to: > p. 397
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > India and wetland convention > p. 398
🔗 Anchor: "Is the 'R2 Code of Practices' a tool for promoting ecological management of 'Wet..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Conservation agriculture principles
💡 The insight

Conservation agriculture rests on minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and cropping system diversity to sustain production and conserve resources.

High-yield for UPSC because questions frequently ask about sustainable farming models and green revolution reforms; links to soil health, crop management, and climate resilience topics; enables answers on policy measures, farm-level practices, and environmental outcomes.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > MAJOR REFORMS NEEDED UNDER SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION > p. 353
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.13 Conservation Agriculture > p. 353
🔗 Anchor: "Is the 'R2 Code of Practices' a tool for promoting sustainable practices in the ..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Next Logical Question' is on 'e-Stewards' (the stricter alternative to R2) or the concept of 'Urban Mining' (extracting metals from e-waste). Also, watch out for 'Black Mass' (an intermediate product in EV battery recycling).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Apply the 'Acronym Echo' hack: 'R2' likely stands for two R's. Look at the options. Option A has 'Responsible' and 'Recycling' (R... R...). Option B is Wetlands (W), Option C is Agriculture (A), Option D is EIA. The phonetic match strongly favors A.

🔗 Mains Connection

Links to GS-3 (Environment & Economy): R2 certification is a market mechanism for the 'Circular Economy'. It prevents 'Toxic Colonialism' (dumping e-waste in developing nations), bridging Environmental Ethics and International Relations.

✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2020 · Q20 Relevance score: -6.27

In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture ? 1. Crop diversification 2. Legume intensification 3. Tensiometer use 4. Vertical farming Select the correct answer using the code given below :

CDS-II · 2015 · Q57 Relevance score: -6.34

Contribution of the manufacturing sector to environmental degradation primarily occurs during 1. procurement and use of natural resources 2. industrial processes and activities 3. product use and disposal Select the correct answer using the code given below.

IAS · 2014 · Q10 Relevance score: -6.44

With reference to a conservation organization called 'Wetlands International', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention. 2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

CDS-I · 2015 · Q30 Relevance score: -6.64

Which one of the following is the most appropriate and correct practice from the point of view of a healthy environment ?

IAS · 2017 · Q71 Relevance score: -6.64

Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture ? 1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land 2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field 3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field Select the correct answer using the code given below :