UPSC CARE Mains Practice 5th January 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Critically examine the implications of the recent US military intervention in Venezuela for international law, regional stability, and India’s foreign policy.” (GS Paper II: International Relations, Bilateral, regional and global groupings)
- Airport privatisation in India has evolved as a key instrument for infrastructure modernisation and asset monetisation under the National Monetisation Pipeline. Discuss the rationale and process of airport privatisation in India, and critically examine the emerging concerns related to revenue models, market concentration, and passenger affordability.
Critically examine the implications of the recent US military intervention in Venezuela for international law, regional stability, and India’s foreign policy.” (GS Paper II: International Relations, Bilateral, regional and global groupings)
Introduction:
The recent US military action in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro marks one of the most direct interventions by a major power in Latin America in decades. The episode raises serious concerns regarding international law, sovereignty, and the evolving global order.
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Implications for International Law
The operation was conducted without a UN Security Council mandate or a declared war, raising questions about violations of the UN Charter and the principle of state sovereignty. The seizure of a sitting head of state sets a dangerous precedent and weakens norms that govern interstate conduct.
Regional and Global Stability
The intervention revives the Monroe Doctrine, reinforcing US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. It risks destabilising Latin America, provoking counter-reactions from powers such as Russia and China, and normalising regime-change strategies justified through security narratives.
Energy and Strategic Interests
Venezuela’s vast oil reserves underline the resource dimension of the intervention. Control over energy assets and revival of oil production through US companies point to economic motivations alongside security claims.
India’s Foreign Policy Dilemma
India, a proponent of strategic autonomy and a rules-based international order, faces a delicate balancing act. While political stakes are limited, India must uphold principles of sovereignty and non-intervention, especially as a voice of the Global South.
Conclusion:
The Venezuela episode highlights the tension between power politics and international norms. For India and the global community, reinforcing multilateralism and legal frameworks remains essential to prevent a slide towards unilateral interventionism.
Airport privatisation in India has evolved as a key instrument for infrastructure modernisation and asset monetisation under the National Monetisation Pipeline. Discuss the rationale and process of airport privatisation in India, and critically examine the emerging concerns related to revenue models, market concentration, and passenger affordability.
Introduction:
Airport privatisation in India forms a crucial part of the government’s infrastructure reform agenda under the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP). It aims to modernise aviation infrastructure, mobilise private capital, and enhance service efficiency amid rapidly rising air traffic demand.
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Rationale for Airport Privatisation
The primary objectives of airport privatisation include improving service quality, expanding airport capacity, and reducing the financial burden on the public exchequer. With Airports Authority of India (AAI) managing both aeronautical and non-aeronautical assets, private participation is expected to introduce global best practices, attract investment, and strengthen non-aeronautical revenue streams to cross-subsidise passenger costs. Given that only about 6% of Indians currently use air travel, privatisation is seen as essential for supporting long-term aviation growth, regional connectivity, and tourism.
Process and Evolution
Airport privatisation began in the early 2000s with Delhi and Mumbai airports, followed by greenfield PPP airports such as Hyderabad and Bengaluru. In 2019, six additional airports were privatised, marking a shift from a revenue-sharing model to a per-passenger fee model.
The ongoing third round proposes leasing 11 AAI airports under PPP, introducing bundling of metro and non-metro airports for the first time. This phase aligns with the NMP’s goal of monetising brownfield assets to finance new infrastructure.
Concerns and Criticisms
A major concern is market concentration, with control of multiple major airports by a single corporate group, raising fears of monopoly and reduced competition. Rising passenger costs, including higher User Development Fees and ancillary charges, have also emerged as key issues. Additionally, disputes over under-reporting of non-aeronautical revenues and service quality concerns persist despite tariff regulation by the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).
Conclusion:
While airport privatisation has contributed to infrastructure modernisation and investment mobilisation, its success depends on robust regulatory oversight, competition safeguards, transparent bidding, and a balanced approach that protects passenger affordability while ensuring operational efficiency.
