UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India to be invited to join U.S-led initiative Pax Silica, says envoy
Q1. In the context of the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative which India joined in 2026, the term 'silicon stack' is best described as which of the following?
- A. The integrated value chain spanning critical minerals, energy inputs, semiconductor fabrication, AI infrastructure and logistics
- B. The layered architecture of silicon-based photovoltaic cells used in solar energy storage
- C. A standardised software stack for open-source RISC-V chip design adopted by trusted partners
- D. The export-control classification list governing dual-use silicon wafer technologies
Q2. Which of the following is the nodal Indian ministry that operationalises India's participation in the Pax Silica Declaration signed in 2026?
- A. Ministry of External Affairs
- B. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- C. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
- D. Ministry of Communications
Q3. At which of the following events did India formally sign the Pax Silica Declaration in February 2026?
- A. The Raisina Dialogue 2026, New Delhi
- B. The India AI Impact Summit 2026, New Delhi
- C. The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue 2026, Washington D.C.
- D. The Quad Leaders' Summit 2026, Tokyo
Q4. How many countries were the founding signatories of the Pax Silica Declaration adopted in Washington on 12 December 2025 (i.e., before India's accession)?