UPSC Prelims 2003 Q65: Indian Economy – Infrastructure & Industry
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- (a) Alliance Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines
- (b) The Airports Authority of India manages seven of the country's international airports
- (c) The Airports Authority of India is the regulatory organisation for enforcing civil air regulations in India
- (d) It is the function of Directorate General of Civil Aviation to plan and construct runways and terminal buildings and to provide air safety services
Answer: (a) Alliance Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines
Explanation
Civil aviation institutions of India
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. Alliance Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines | True (as in 2003) |
| b. AAI manages seven of the country's international airports | False: it manages five international airports as then |
| c. AAI is the regulatory body for civil air regulations | False: that is the DGCA |
| d. DGCA plans and builds runways and terminals | False: that is the AAI |
Only statement (a) is correct. The DGCA regulates; the AAI builds and manages airports.
Answer: (a) Alliance Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Alliance Air was a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines.
- (b) Incorrect. AAI manages five international airports.
- (c) Incorrect. The DGCA is the regulator.
- (d) Incorrect. The AAI builds runways and terminals.
Key point
DGCA: regulator; AAI: airports; Pawan Hans: helicopters; Alliance Air: regional subsidiary.
Remember
Alliance Air was a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines.
Common mistakes
- Swapping the roles of the AAI and the DGCA.
- Counting AAI-run international airports as seven.
- Forgetting that Alliance Air was a subsidiary.
Exam tip
DGCA regulates; AAI builds and manages.
Sources
- Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India — Annual Report 2002–03 (Alliance Air; Airports Authority of India; Directorate General of Civil Aviation)
- Airports Authority of India Act, 1994