UPSC CARE Mains Practice 23rd February 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- India’s participation in the Pax Silica alliance reflects both an economic necessity and a strategic recalibration. Discuss. (GS Paper II – International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India)
- The creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) reflects India’s approach of asymmetric federalism in the Northeast. Discuss. (GS Paper II – Polity & Governance)
Q. India’s participation in the Pax Silica alliance reflects both an economic necessity and a strategic recalibration. Discuss. (GS Paper II – International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India)
Introduction:
India’s entry into the U.S.-led Pax Silica alliance in 2026 signals a shift towards technology diplomacy to secure supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors, and AI infrastructure amid intensifying geo-economic competition.
Body
Economic Necessity
- Supply Chain Security
- China’s dominance in processing rare earth elements exposes India to disruptions; Pax Silica supports de-risking through diversified sourcing and trusted supply routes.
- Industrial Development
- Complements India’s Semiconductor Mission and IndiaAI Mission by enabling access to equipment, raw materials, investments, and advanced manufacturing partnerships.
- Global Value Chain Integration
- India’s large market and skilled workforce can make it a major node in “China+1” manufacturing and technology supply chains, boosting exports and jobs.
Strategic Recalibration
- Technological Sovereignty
- Participation strengthens India’s leverage in shaping standards on AI infrastructure, security audits, and export controls, reducing long-term dependency.
- Geopolitical Signalling
- Reflects closer alignment with democratic coalitions in the context of U.S.–China technology rivalry, enhancing India’s role in a multipolar tech order.
- Balancing Strategic Autonomy
- India must retain flexibility for issue-based alignments, ensuring alliance commitments do not restrict independent foreign policy choices.
Challenges
- Risk of Chinese retaliation (trade friction, upstream input restrictions).
- Compliance burden on Indian firms due to “trusted ecosystem” security requirements.
- Policy friction over subsidies, procurement preferences, and technology-transfer guardrails.
Conclusion:
Pax Silica offers India major gains in economic security and technological capability, but success depends on building domestic processing/manufacturing capacity while preserving strategic autonomy through calibrated diplomacy.
Q. The creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) reflects India’s approach of asymmetric federalism in the Northeast. Discuss. (GS Paper II – Polity & Governance)
Introduction:
On February 5, 2026, the Centre signed a tripartite MoU with the Nagaland Government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). The arrangement grants devolutionary autonomy to six eastern districts while retaining constitutional safeguards under Article 371(A). It exemplifies India’s model of asymmetric federalism.
Body
1. Rationale Behind FNTA
- Historical Marginalisation: Eastern Nagaland tribes alleged political and economic neglect since the formation of Nagaland in 1963.
- Demand for Statehood: ENPO demanded a separate “Frontier Nagaland” State (memorandum in 2010).
- Political Pressure: Election boycott calls (2021–22; intensified in 2024) signalled alienation.
- Strategic Concerns: The region borders Myanmar, making instability a security risk.
- Failure of Earlier Measures: Financial packages (₹500 crore) failed to address political aspirations.
2. Key Features of FNTA
- Semi-Autonomous Governance: Mini-Secretariat headed by senior officer.
- Devolution of 46 Subjects: Land use, agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, etc.
- Financial Autonomy: Development funds allocated proportionally by population and area; initial funding by MHA.
- Constitutional Safeguard: No alteration to Article 371(A).
3. Significance
- Asymmetric Federalism: Middle path between Statehood and district administration.
- Cooperative Federalism: Tripartite consensus between Centre, State and ENPO.
- Security–Development Nexus: Stability in a Myanmar-border buffer region.
- Template for Future: Potential model for similar autonomy demands.
Challenges
- Effective implementation of devolved powers.
- Avoiding administrative overlaps with State Government.
- Managing expectations of other identity-based movements.
Way Forward
- Clear institutional mechanisms for coordination.
- Transparent financial devolution.
- Periodic review of performance and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Conclusion:
The creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority reflects India’s pragmatic application of asymmetric federalism to address regional aspirations within the constitutional framework. By granting administrative and financial autonomy to eastern districts without altering Article 371(A), the Centre has balanced development concerns, security imperatives, and national unity. The long-term success of this model will depend on effective implementation, fiscal empowerment, and sustained political cooperation among all stakeholders.