APPSC Daily Current Affairs 23rd February 2026
Relevance (UPSC)
Mains: GS Paper III: Agriculture, Sustainable Farming, Food Security, Agro-ecology, Waste Management.
For Prelims:
- Natural Farming, Organic Manure, Traceability System (QR code-based), Regenerative Agriculture, Waste Processing Centres
For Mains:
- Sustainable Agriculture, Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), Circular Economy in Agriculture, Farmer Producer Ecosystems, Transparency in Agri Supply Chain
Why in News?
- Vijayawada MP announced efforts to make NTR district a model district for natural farming.
- 225-day seminars planned to promote organic cultivation in every mandal.
- QR-based traceability system introduced for transparency in organic produce.
Background
- Natural farming promotes chemical-free cultivation, use of indigenous cow-based inputs, and regenerative practices.
- Andhra Pradesh has been a frontrunner in promoting community-based natural farming through Rythu Sadhikara Samstha.
- Growing consumer demand for safe and certified organic products has increased focus on traceability and transparency.
Key Highlights
- District-Level Natural Farming Mission
- Aim to ensure all farmers in NTR district adopt natural farming.
- Mandal-level awareness seminars for 225 days.
- Urban Participation
- Promotion of terrace gardening in cities.
- Waste to Wealth Initiative
- 107 waste processing centres to produce 1,500 metric tonnes of organic manure daily.
- Organic manure to be supplied at subsidised prices.
- QR-Based Traceability System
- Enables consumers to track produce from seed to sale.
- Enhances consumer trust and certification transparency.
- Community & Institutional Involvement
- District administration, farmer societies, and civil society collaboration.
- Promotion of indigenous seeds and regenerative practices.
Significance
1. Sustainable Agriculture
- Reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Improves soil health and biodiversity.
2. Climate Resilience
- Regenerative practices enhance carbon sequestration.
- Promotes low-input, climate-adaptive farming.
3. Circular Economy Model
- Waste processing centres convert urban waste into organic manure.
- Integrates waste management with agriculture.
4. Farmer Income Enhancement
- Reduced input costs.
- Premium pricing for certified organic produce.
5. Consumer Confidence
- QR-based traceability ensures transparency and food safety.
Challenges
- Yield transition concerns during shift from chemical farming.
- Need for scientific validation and extension support.
- Certification and market access barriers.
- Behavioural resistance among farmers.
- Ensuring authenticity of organic claims.
Way Forward
- Strengthen farmer training and extension services.
- Integrate natural farming with e-NAM and digital marketplaces.
- Provide transition incentives and crop insurance support.
- Promote Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
- Establish strict quality certification and monitoring frameworks.
Conclusion
The initiative to make NTR district a model for natural farming reflects a shift towards sustainable and technology-enabled agriculture. If successfully implemented, it can serve as a replicable template balancing environmental sustainability, farmer welfare, and consumer trust.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to Natural Farming initiatives in India, consider the following statements:
- Natural farming discourages the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- QR-based traceability systems enhance transparency in agricultural supply chains.
- Waste processing centres producing organic manure promote circular economy principles.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 onlyAnswer: C
Explanation
Statement 1 is Correct. Natural farming promotes chemical-free cultivation using bio-inputs and indigenous practices.
Statement 2 is Correct. QR-based traceability allows consumers to track produce details, improving transparency and trust.
Statement 3 is Correct. Converting waste into organic manure reflects circular economy principles by recycling resources.
Relevance:
Pax Silica, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Critical Minerals, GS Paper II: India–U.S. relations, Strategic Autonomy, Geopolitics of Technology
For Prelims:
- Pax Silica Declaration, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Export Control Regulations, India Semiconductor Mission, IndiaAI Mission
For Mains:
- Weaponised Dependency, De-risking vs Decoupling, Strategic Autonomy, Trusted Ecosystems, Technological Sovereignty, China+1 Strategy
Why in News?
- India signed an agreement on February 20, 2026 to join the U.S.-led Pax Silica coalition during the AI Impact Summit.
- The alliance aims to build secure supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and logistics.
- It seeks to counter disruptions caused by China’s dominance in Rare Earth processing.
Background
- Launched in December 2025 at the inaugural Pax Silica Summit in Washington D.C.
- “Pax” = peace; “Silica” = essential chip-making compound.
- Objective: Secure end-to-end supply chain — from raw minerals → chip manufacturing → AI systems.
- Comes amid:
- China restricting REE exports.
- Global supply shocks during COVID-19.
- Overconcentration of supply chains in one country.
India earlier participated in:
- Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (India–Japan–Australia, 2021)
- Quad Critical Minerals Initiative (2025)
Initially not invited, India later received formal invitation from U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor.
Major Participants
Core members include:
- United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, United Kingdom, Israel, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, Greece.
Observers at inaugural summit:
- Canada, European Union, OECD, Taiwan
India is:
- First major developing country
- First non-U.S. ally strategic partner
Why Pax Silica Emerged?
- China’s dominance in REE processing
- Sole major refiner of rare earth magnets.
- Used export restrictions as leverage.
- Weaponised Economic Interdependence
- Example: Restrictions after U.S. tariff policies.
- Disruption to India’s automobile and electronics sectors.
- Pandemic Lessons
- Overconcentrated supply chains are vulnerable.
- Need for Secure AI Infrastructure
- Semiconductors power AI, defence systems, and digital economy.
Importance of Pax Silica for India
1. Industrial Boost
- Complements:
- India Semiconductor Mission
- IndiaAI Mission
- National Critical Minerals Mission
2. Supply Chain Diversification
- Reduces exposure to Chinese supply shocks.
3. Talent Advantage
- Large pool of technically trained engineers.
- Growing AI start-up ecosystem.
- Possible return of U.S.-trained engineers due to visa changes.
4. Manufacturing Hub Potential
- India’s demand can justify alternative supply chains.
- Engineering talent + assembly capacity can shift global centre of gravity.
5. Investment Attraction
- Micron and Tata semiconductor investments.
- Collaboration with Israel, Japan, Singapore.
6. Global Standard Setting
- Influence on AI governance and export control norms.
- Complements:
Trade & Economic Context
- Coincided with India–U.S. interim trade framework.
- India reduced tariffs on U.S. industrial and agricultural goods.
- U.S. reduced tariffs on Indian goods to 18%.
- U.S. removed 25% punitive tariff on India’s Russian oil purchases.
- U.S. hosted Critical Minerals Ministerial (Feb 4, 2026) with 55 delegations.
Strategic Significance
- Secures long-term access to minerals and chip technology.
- Strengthens India’s technological sovereignty.
- Enhances India’s role in a democratic tech coalition.
- Positions India as alternative to China in manufacturing.
- Supports “China+1” diversification strategy.
Geopolitical Context
- Rising U.S.–China rivalry.
- China’s leverage through REE export control.
- Emergence of two likely parallel supply chains:
- China-led
- Pax Silica-led
- India balancing strategic autonomy with closer U.S. alignment.
Challenges / Risks
- Chinese Retaliation
- Trade friction
- Slower market access
- Restrictions on upstream inputs (minerals, APIs)
- Strategic Autonomy Concerns
- Risk of rigid alliance expectations.
- Export control guardrails.
- Domestic Policy Constraints
- India may prefer subsidies and protection for domestic firms.
- Potential friction with high-income Pax Silica members.
- Compliance Burden
- Smaller Indian firms may face strict security audits and higher costs.
- Expectation Gap
- India is neither a U.S. ally nor high-income country.
- Policy nuance may differ from Western partners.
Road Ahead
- Expand domestic mineral processing capacity.
- Invest in semiconductor fabs and R&D.
- Maintain balanced diplomacy with China.
- Negotiate flexible export-control frameworks.
- Build AI governance aligned with domestic priorities.
- Ensure alliance translates into real manufacturing ecosystems.
Conclusion
India’s entry into Pax Silica represents a high-stakes technological alignment aimed at securing critical supply chains and shaping the future of AI-driven growth. While the alliance strengthens economic security and global standing, it also tests India’s strategic autonomy and ability to manage geopolitical pressures. The ultimate success of Pax Silica depends on whether it evolves into a tangible, resilient supply-chain network rather than remaining a declaratory coalition.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why? (2012)
- China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
- Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
- Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to Pax Silica, consider the following statements:
- It aims to build an end-to-end secure supply chain for semiconductors and AI infrastructure.
- It was launched in December 2025 in Washington D.C.
- India was an original founding member.
- It emerged partly in response to China’s export restrictions on rare earth elements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation
Statement 1 is Correct.
Pax Silica aims to create an end-to-end secure supply chain covering critical minerals, semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, and logistics. The initiative seeks to build a trusted ecosystem from raw material extraction to advanced AI systems.
Statement 2 is Correct.
The initiative was launched at its inaugural summit in December 2025 in Washington, D.C. This marked the formal beginning of the U.S.-led coalition.
Statement 3 is Incorrect.
India was not an original founding member. It was not invited to the initial summit and formally joined later in February 2026.
Statement 4 is Correct.
Pax Silica emerged partly in response to China’s dominance in rare earth processing and its export restrictions, which exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains and raised concerns about “weaponised dependency.”
Relevance:
GS II: Federalism, Devolution of Powers, Special Constitutional Provisions, North-East Governance
GS III: Internal Security & Border Management (Myanmar Border)
For Prelims:
- Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), Article 371(A), Article 371(C), Tripartite Agreement (Feb 5, 2026), Devolutionary Autonomy, Hill Areas Committee, Myanmar Border Buffer Zone.
For Mains:
- Asymmetric Federalism, Territorial Authority Model, Devolution of Administrative & Financial Powers, Identity Politics in North-East, Security–Development Nexus, Constitutional Innovation, Centre–State Negotiations
Why in News?
- On February 5, 2026, the Centre signed a tripartite agreement with the Nagaland Government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) to form the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).
- The FNTA is an experiment in “devolutionary autonomy”.
- It grants a high degree of administrative and financial autonomy to six relatively “backward” eastern districts — Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang.
Background
- The demand for greater autonomy was spearheaded by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO).
- ENPO formally conveyed its demand for a separate “Frontier Nagaland” State in 2010.
- The roots of the demand lie in British-era policies that left eastern hills largely unadministered.
- After Nagaland became a State in 1963, eight Naga tribes in the eastern districts felt politically and economically marginalised.
- This perceived developmental imbalance evolved into a sustained movement for statehood.
ENPO’s Core Demand
- Creation of a separate State carved out of Nagaland.
- Allegation of administrative dominance by western Naga tribes.
- Demand based on political neglect and economic backwardness.
- Movement intensified due to developmental differential between eastern and western districts.
Why Did the Centre Accept the Demand?
1. Political Pressure
- Earlier attempts such as a ₹500-crore package and standard operating procedures failed.
- In 2024, ENPO called for a Lok Sabha election boycott, showing significant leverage.
2. Strategic Compulsion
- Eastern Nagaland shares a sensitive border with Myanmar.
- Region acts as a buffer zone with presence of armed groups across porous borders.
- Prolonged unrest posed a national security risk.
3. Stabilisation Objective
- FNTA seen as a pacifying mechanism.
- Addresses aspirations without redrawing State boundaries.
Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA): Powers & Provisions
1. Semi-Autonomous Governance
- Establishment of a mini-Secretariat in eastern Nagaland.
- Headed by a senior officer to decentralise administration.
2. Financial & Administrative Devolution
- Development funds allocated proportionally based on population and area.
- Ministry of Home Affairs to fund initial establishment costs.
3. Legislative & Executive Authority
- FNTA to exercise powers over 46 specified subjects, including:
- Land use
- Agriculture
- Rural development
- Infrastructure
4. Constitutional Safeguards
- Article 371(A) remains intact.
- Customary laws and Naga identity preserved.
Can FNTA Model Address the Kuki-Zo Demand in Manipur?
Structural Similarity
- Similar to Hill Areas Committee under Article 371(C).
- Shows possibility of territorial authority as middle path.
Key Differences
- Nagaland negotiations were peaceful and had cooperation of State government.
- Manipur faces active ethnic tensions and trust deficit.
- Meitei-dominated government opposes administrative separation.
- Overlapping territorial claims (e.g., NSCN) complicate replication.
Significance
- Example of asymmetric federalism in India.
- Balances autonomy without creating a new State.
- Enhances border stability with Myanmar.
- Demonstrates constitutional flexibility in managing regional aspirations.
- Strengthens Centre–State negotiation framework.
Challenges
- Effective implementation of 46-subject authority.
- Avoiding administrative overlap with Nagaland Government.
- Financial sustainability of FNTA.
- Managing expectations of other autonomy movements.
- Preventing competitive identity politics.
Conclusion
The creation of the FNTA represents a constitutional middle path between full statehood and district-level administration. By granting devolutionary autonomy while preserving Article 371(A), the Centre seeks to address long-standing grievances, ensure frontier stability, and uphold federal balance. The long-term success of this model will depend on effective governance and political cooperation.
UPSC PYQ
Q. The hill range that separates the State of Manipur from the State of Nagaland is known as: (CDS-II, 2009)
- Arakan Hills
- Patkai Hills
- Barail Hills
- Manipur Hills
- It extends across Assam, Nagaland and Manipur.
- The Barail Range forms a natural geographical barrier between Manipur and Nagaland.
- It is regarded as one of the highest hill ranges in Assam.
- It separates:
- Manipur from Nagaland
- Also parts of Manipur from Assam
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), consider the following districts:
- Kiphire
- Longleng
- Mon
- Dimapur
- Tuensang
- Noklak
How many of the above districts are included in the six “backward” eastern districts granted autonomy under FNTA?
- Only three
- Only four
- Only five
- All the six
Answer: C
Explanation
The six districts under FNTA are:
- Kiphire
- Longleng
- Mon
- Noklak
- Shamator
- Tuensang
Dimapur is not included, hence five correct districts from the list.