UPSC CARE Mains Practice 20th February 2026

Mains Practice Questions for the Day

Q. Infrastructure spending has emerged as a key priority in recent Union Budgets. Examine its significance and limitations in addressing India’s economic challenges. (GS III – Indian Economy & Public Finance)

Introduction:

Post-pandemic Union Budgets have emphasised infrastructure investment, particularly in roads and railways, as a strategy to accelerate economic recovery and long-term growth.

Body

Significance of Increased Infrastructure Spending

1. Economic Growth Multiplier

Infrastructure investment has a strong multiplier effect.
Stimulates demand in sectors such as steel, cement, and construction.

2. Employment Generation

Creates large-scale direct and indirect jobs.
Supports recovery after pandemic-induced job losses.

3. Reduction in Logistics Costs

Improved transport networks enhance competitiveness of Indian industries.
Facilitates domestic and global trade.

4. Crowd-in Private Investment

Better infrastructure attracts private capital and manufacturing investment.

Limitations

Underinvestment in human capital (health, education, skills).
MSMEs and social sectors receive relatively smaller budget shares.
Rising interest payments reduce fiscal space.
Infrastructure alone cannot address AI-driven employment challenges.

Way Forward

Balance physical infrastructure with social infrastructure.
Increase investment in education, healthcare, and skilling.
Integrate infrastructure growth with regional and employment policies.

Conclusion:

While infrastructure-led spending supports short-term growth and productivity, sustainable economic development requires parallel investment in human capital to ensure inclusive and resilient growth.

Q. Drone technology in India has evolved from experimental use to a structured governance tool. Examine how policy reforms and flagship schemes have transformed India’s drone ecosystem and public service delivery. ( GS Paper II – Governance; GS Paper III – Science & Technology)

Introduction:

Drone technology in India has transitioned from limited pilot applications to a mainstream governance instrument. Backed by progressive reforms such as the Drone Rules, 2021, Digital Sky platform, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and flagship programmes like SVAMITVA and Namo Drone Didi, India has built a regulated and rapidly expanding drone ecosystem.

Body

Policy and Regulatory Transformation

The Drone Rules, 2021 significantly liberalised the sector by reducing compliance burden (forms reduced from 25 to 5), declaring nearly 90% airspace as Green Zone (up to 400 feet), and replacing traditional pilot licences with DGCA-certified Remote Pilot Certificates.

As of February 2026:

38,500+ drones registered (UIN)
39,890 certified remote pilots
244 DGCA-approved training organisations

The PLI scheme (₹120 crore) and reduced GST (5%) have strengthened domestic manufacturing and lowered entry barriers.

Transformation in Public Service Delivery

Land Governance – SVAMITVA Scheme
- 3.28 lakh villages surveyed
- 2.76 crore property cards issued
- Improved land dispute resolution and financial inclusion
Agriculture – Namo Drone Didi
- 1,094 drones distributed to women SHGs
- Enhanced precision agriculture and rural livelihoods
Infrastructure & Monitoring
- Mandatory drone monitoring for highways (NHAI)
- Railway inspection and surveillance by RPF
Disaster Management & Defence
- Real-time disaster assessment (NECTAR)
- Strategic defence operations enhancing border surveillance

Conclusion:

India’s drone ecosystem reflects a model of regulatory liberalisation combined with institutional capacity building. By integrating drones into governance, agriculture, infrastructure, and defence, India is advancing efficiency, transparency, and technological self-reliance. Continued investment in skill development and indigenous manufacturing will position India as a global leader in unmanned aerial systems.