Content
- Chief Justice of India on NJAC Revival Plea
- How to Navigate a Complex Global Paradigm
- SC Panel Suggests Creation of a Goa Tiger Reserve
- Safran LEAP Engine MRO Facility in Hyderabad
- Aravalli Hills Despite Forest Survey Warning
Chief Justice of India on NJAC Revival Plea
Why is it in News?
- A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking revival of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and abolition of the Collegium system.
- The petitioner has arraigned the CJI, the Supreme Court Collegium, the Union government, and several parties as respondents.
- The plea terms the 2015 striking down of NJAC as a “great wrong”, arguing that it replaced the will of Parliament with the opinion of four judges.
- CJI Surya Kant stated the Court would consider the plea.
- Parallel political context: Debate over judicial transparency, “judicial primacy”, and allegations of nepotism resurfaces.
Relevance
GS-II: Polity & Governance
- Separation of powers.
- Judicial independence.
- Constitutional amendments (99th CAA).
- Role of Parliament vs Judiciary.
- Appointment procedures.
- Basic Structure doctrine.
GS-II: Parliament & Judiciary Relations
- Institutional trust deficit.
- Checks and balances architecture.
Judicial Appointments in India
Constitutional Scheme
- Articles 124, 217: Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts appointed by the President after consultation with CJI, judges of SC, and Governor/Chief Justice of the state.
- Original intent: Executive had a major role; judiciary was “consulted”.
Shift to Judicial Primacy (Judges Cases)
- First Judges Case (1981): Executive primacy.
- Second Judges Case (1993): Judicial primacy; Collegium created.
- Third Judges Case (1998): Collegium expanded to 5 (SC) and 3 (HC).
Collegium System — Key Features
- Supreme Court Collegium: CJI + 4 senior-most SC judges.
- High Court Collegium: Chief Justice + 2 senior-most HC judges.
- Functions: Recommends appointments, elevations, transfers.
- Known issues:
- Opacity (no stated criteria; limited public disclosure).
- Alleged nepotism, favouritism, regional bias.
- Frequent executive–judiciary clashes (delays in clearance).
- HC vacancies persistently high (30–35% over years).
99th Constitutional Amendment (2014) + NJAC Act (2014)
Composition:
- CJI (Chairperson)
- Two senior-most SC judges
- Law Minister
- Two eminent persons (selected by PM, CJI, LoP panel)
Objectives
- Democratise appointments.
- Introduce checks and balances.
- Increase transparency.
- Reduce allegations of judicial monopoly.
Why NJAC Was Struck Down (2015, 4:1 bench)
Core Reason: Violation of Judicial Independence
- Presence of Law Minister + eminent persons → possible executive interference.
- Judicial independence recognised as part of Basic Structure (Kesavananda Bharati).
- Eminent persons’ veto could block judicial choices.
Justice J. Chelameswar dissent
- Criticised Collegium as opaque and unaccountable.
- Strongly supported NJAC as balancing mechanism.
Current Plea: Key Arguments
- Judgment should be declared void ab initio.
- Collegium = “synonym for nepotism and favouritism”.
- Appointments remain a “riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma” (reference to Churchill).
- Parliament acted using its constituent power, yet its amendment was struck down.
- Striking NJAC down “reduced Parliament to an inferior tribunal”.
CJI’s Initial Response
- CJI Surya Kant said the SC “would consider the plea”, indicating judicial openness to examine the argument (though reopening a decided Constitution Bench judgment is rare and requires rigor).
Constitutional & Jurisprudential Analysis
A. Can a past Constitution Bench judgment be reopened?
- Within Court’s powers under Article 137 (Review) + Curative jurisdiction, but:
- Very high threshold.
- Time-lapse of a decade reduces probability.
B. Legislature vs Judiciary: Separation of Powers Debate
- Legislature: Claims judicial monopoly is anti-democratic.
- Judiciary: Claims executive’s presence jeopardises independence.
C. Basic Structure Doctrine at Core
- Judicial independence = non-negotiable.
- The test: Does NJAC dilute independence?
- Academic debate: scholars like Upendra Baxi, Madhav Khosla argue both sides.
Policy Issues Driving Renewed Debate
- Persistent vacancy crisis: 450+ HC vacancies (varied over years).
- Case pendency: Over 5 crore cases across courts.
- Perception battles: From “judicial overreach” to “executive non-cooperation”.
- Collegium’s opaque resolutions despite partial publication.
Critical Evaluation
Strengths of Collegium
- Shields judiciary from executive capture.
- Ensures judicial primacy (consistently upheld by SC).
- Protects constitutional adjudication.
Weaknesses of Collegium
- Opaque and non-accountable.
- No institutionalised criteria for merit/representation.
- Alleged kinship networks.
Strengths of NJAC Idea
- Adds democratic legitimacy.
- Potential for transparency reforms.
- Balances judiciary–executive roles.
Weaknesses of NJAC (as struck down)
- Eminent persons’ veto could stall judiciary.
- Politicisation of appointments possible.
- Ambiguous selection of “eminent persons”.
Middle Path Possibilities (Recommended by Experts)
- Retain judicial primacy but:
- Increase transparency.
- Codify objective criteria (merit, diversity).
- Create an independent secretariat for appointments.
- Publish reasons for rejection/selection.
How to Navigate a Complex Global Paradigm
Why is it in News?
- Hong Kong hosted the 6th China–U.S. Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) Forum in November 2025, titled “Circles for Peace”.
- The forum took place amid deepening U.S.–China rivalry, declining people-to-people ties, technology-driven competition, and rising global uncertainty.
- The discussions highlighted that traditional engagement frameworks (like guardrails, managed competition) are no longer adequate to manage today’s strategic rivalry.
- Hong Kong was viewed as an “uneasy middle space” — a vantage point to explore new ideas and frameworks.
Relevance
GS-II: International Relations
- U.S.–China strategic competition
- Middle-power diplomacy
- Strategic autonomy
- Taiwan question
- Crisis prevention mechanisms
GS-III: Security & Technology
- AI governance
- Dual-use technologies
- Space governance
- Technology security dilemmas
U.S.–China Relations in 2025
- Relationship marked by strategic rivalry + deep economic interdependence.
- Areas of friction:
- Technology (semiconductors, AI, 5G)
- Trade and supply chains
- South China Sea
- Taiwan
- Human rights
- Military deterrence
- Both powers expect “sudden shocks” due to thin trust and high militarisation.
Key Themes from the Hong Kong Forum
A. Shrinking Space for Nuance
- Domestic politics in both states have hardened narratives.
- Specialist-level strategic anxieties have moved into public politics.
- Younger generations in both countries have declining familiarity due to reduced student exchanges.
B. AI and Technology as the New Global Commons
- AI viewed as an international public good — too consequential for one country to dominate.
- Forum emphasised:
- Equity
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Concern over dual-use technologies (civilian + defence).
- Need for:
- Global AI governance regime
- Future governance for outer space activities
C. Taiwan as a Driver of Militarised Tension
- China warned U.S. is drifting towards a “one China, one Taiwan” posture.
- Risk of accidental escalation (e.g., 2001 EP-3 incident).
- Region lacks a durable crisis-prevention mechanism insulated from domestic politics.
D. The Diplomatic Climate
- Strategic fatigue visible among experts.
- Personality-driven diplomacy insufficient in a complex multipolar world.
- Need for new vocabulary and mechanisms beyond Cold War models.
E. Ng Eng Hen’s “Dialectic Moment”
- Current global order is in structural flux, driven by competing pressures.
- U.S., Europe, and China will shape outcomes, but rest of the world must ensure:
- Global commons are not collateral damage
- No new hegemon emerges
- Multiparty stewardship of the future
Hong Kong’s Role as a “Middle Space”
A. Why Hong Kong Matters
- Historically a bridge between China and the West.
- Despite recent political pressures, retains:
- Connectivity
- Cultural hybridity
- Cosmopolitan networks
- Transparency advantages
- Acts as a metaphorical vantage point to think beyond binary geopolitics.
B. Middle Spaces in Global Politics
- Enable:
- Cross-border ideas
- Dialogue outside official channels
- Crisis de-escalation conversations
- Hong Kong demonstrates that even constrained spaces can enable meaningful engagement.
Lessons for India
A. India’s Strategic Autonomy Imperative
- India cannot control U.S.–China rivalry, but can manage its exposure.
- Avoid copying U.S. rhetoric or accepting China’s narratives.
- Must maintain:
- Independent decision-making
- Issue-based partnerships
- Non-alignment in new-age geopolitical conflicts
B. Build Domestic Power
- Technological capability
- Economic resilience
- Institutional strength
- Innovation ecosystems
- High-skill workforce
C. Avoid Rigid Binaries
- Not “with the U.S.” or “with China”.
- Build flexible, sector-specific cooperation with multiple poles (EU, Japan, ASEAN, Global South).
D. Strengthen People-to-People Channels
- Youth exchanges, academic collaborations, technology partnerships.
- These ties act as ballast during political shifts.
E. Develop Capabilities in Emerging Domains
- AI governance
- Space governance
- Critical mineral security
- Cyber norms
- Supply-chain risk management
Implications for the Emerging World Order
A. U.S.–China rivalry will persist
- It will not return to pre-2016 engagement.
- Atmospherics remain turbulent.
B. The Alternative to Managed Rivalry is Worse
- Cascading global risks:
- Climate shocks
- Pandemics
- Fragile supply chains
- AI weaponisation
- Political polarisation
C. Future Order = Cooperative Stewardship
- Practical cooperation > ideological competition.
- Key sectors:
- Energy
- Health
- Finance
- AI and space governance
- Climate adaptation
D. Strategic Middle Powers Matter More
- India, ASEAN, South Korea, Gulf states, EU, African states — shape global “weather”.
- Their choices will influence whether rivalry escalates or remains managed.
SC Panel Suggests Creation of a Goa Tiger Reserve
Why is it in News?
- A Supreme Court–appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended the creation of a Goa Tiger Reserve in phases.
- The report arises from the Goa government’s challenge to a Bombay High Court (July 2023) directive ordering the notification of five protected areas as a tiger reserve within 3 months.
- The SC will now consider the CEC report in the next hearing.
- The case involves conflicting claims by the Goa government on:
- Human population inside sanctuaries
- Whether Goa has “resident” tigers or only “transient” individuals
- The CEC recommends linking Goa’s sanctuaries with Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve, forming a 1,814 sq. km integrated landscape.
Relevance
GS-III: Environment & Ecology
- Tiger conservation
- Wildlife Protection Act
- NTCA powers
- Human–wildlife conflict
- Western Ghats ecology
GS-I: Geography
- Western Ghats biodiversity
- Protected area management
What is a Tiger Reserve?
- Legal basis: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Sec. 38V).
- Components:
- Core area: Inviolate, highest protection, minimal human pressure.
- Buffer area: Lower protection, regulated human use.
- Declared on recommendation of NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority).
- Objective:
- Secure tiger populations
- Protect prey base & habitat
- Maintain contiguous corridors across states
Background of the Case
High Court Order (2023)
- Directed Goa to notify five protected areas as a tiger reserve:
- Mhadei WLS
- Bhagwan Mahavir WLS
- Bhagwan Mahavir NP
- Netravali WLS
- Cotigao WLS
Goa Government’s Objections
- Initially claimed 1 lakh people would be affected; later admitted only:
- 1,274 households
- 33 villages
- 5,000–6,000 individuals
- Claimed Goa has no resident tiger population, only “transient” individuals.
- Earlier affidavits contradicted this — reported by The Hindu.
CEC’s Intervention
- Asked by SC to examine scientific, ecological and socio-economic implications.
- Recommended a phased, minimal-displacement approach.
CEC Recommendations — Phased Tiger Reserve for Goa
A. Phase 1: Core + Buffer from Low-Human Habitation Areas
Core Zone (296.7 sq. km)
- Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
- 50 households
- Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
- 41 households
- Reason:
- Directly contiguous with Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve core
- Lowest human presence
- Critical landscape for tiger movement
Buffer Zone (171 sq. km)
- Areas contiguous with Kali TR’s buffer:
- Northern part of Bhagwan Mahavir WLS (9 households)
- Bhagwan Mahavir NP (2 households)
Total Phase-1 Area
- 468.60 sq. km
Connectivity Advantage
- Fully contiguous with Kali Tiger Reserve (1,345 sq. km)
- Combined protected landscape: ~1,814 sq. km
B. Phase 2: Consider Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary Later
- Mhadei WLS:
- 208 sq. km
- 612 households
- Only a limited boundary touches Kali TR buffer
- To be included after extensive consultations due to:
- Higher human habitation
- Complex socio-economic implications
Why Phased Implementation?
- Minimise displacement and livelihood disruption.
- Address socio-political resistance in Goa.
- Secure ecologically critical areas first.
- Ensure tiger corridor continuity with Karnataka.
- Build local trust before expanding the reserve.
Ecological Significance
A. The Goa–Karnataka Western Ghats Tiger Landscape
- One of India’s most biodiverse tiger corridors.
- Adjacent Kali Tiger Reserve has:
- Stable resident tigers
- Breeding females
- Rich prey base
B. Why Tigers in Goa Matter
- Presence of tigers proven by:
- Camera traps
- Scat analysis
- Occasional sightings
- Ensures genetic flow from Karnataka to Goa forests.
- Protecting Goa’s forests helps:
- Freshwater security
- Climate regulation
- Biodiversity stability
Governance and Legal Context
Key Institutions
- Supreme Court
- NTCA
- State Forest Department
- CEC (Supreme Court panel)
Legal Precedents
- SC has repeatedly ruled that:
- Core tiger habitats must remain inviolate
- States must prioritise biodiversity over unverified human-impact claims
Federal Dynamics
- Inter-state conservation challenges (Goa–Karnataka).
- Need for collaborative ecological governance across Western Ghats.
Governance Concerns Raised
- Goa govt submitted contradictory affidavits on presence of resident tigers.
- Inflated displacement numbers weakened credibility.
- CEC report implies:
- Political reluctance
- Administrative inconsistency
- Possible resistance due to mining/lobby interests
- High Court order forced accountability.
Implications for Goa
Positive
- Boost to tiger conservation
- Strengthening eco-tourism
- Forest protection from mining & encroachment
- Improved scientific monitoring
Challenges
- Community rehabilitation
- Human-wildlife conflict management
- Funding requirements
- Need for transparent community engagement
Safran LEAP Engine MRO Facility in Hyderabad
Why is it in News?
- Prime Minister inaugurated Safran’s largest global MRO facility (Maintenance–Repair–Overhaul) for LEAP aircraft engines in Hyderabad.
- It is Safran’s biggest such facility worldwide and a major addition to India’s aviation manufacturing ecosystem.
- Marks India’s push from ‘Make in India’ → ‘Design in India’ in aerospace.
- Strategic for civil aviation, defence, FDI inflows, and the domestic engine ecosystem.
Relevance
GS3 – Economy & Infrastructure
- Aviation growth, foreign investment, PLI, MSMEs.
GS3 – Science & Technology
- LEAP engine tech, 3D printing in aerospace, CMC materials.
GS2 – International Relations
- India–France strategic partnership in defence & high tech.
What is an MRO Facility?
- MRO = Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul of aircraft engines and components.
- Essential for:
- Flight safety and regulatory compliance.
- Reducing turnaround time for grounded aircraft.
- Lowering operating costs for airlines.
- India currently sends majority of engines to Singapore, UAE, France, causing higher costs.
The LEAP Engine
What is the LEAP engine?
- LEAP = Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion.
- Manufactured by CFM International (joint venture of Safran, France + GE Aerospace, US).
- Powers modern narrow-body aircraft (single-aisle) like:
- Airbus A320neo family
- Boeing 737 MAX
- COMAC C919
Key Technical Features
- Fuel efficiency: ~15% better than previous generation (CFM56).
- Materials:
- Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)
- 3D-printed fuel nozzles
- Carbon-fibre fan blades
- Lower emissions:
- CO₂ ↓ by 15%
- NOx emissions ↓ 50% compared to regulatory limits
- Noise reduction: 15–20% lower
Why LEAP matters for India?
- India is among the fastest-growing aviation markets globally.
- 70% of India’s narrow-body fleet uses LEAP engines.
- Massive domestic demand ensures stable MRO business and future engine localisation.
Why India wants engine design capability ?
- Only a few countries have full aero-engine manufacturing capability (US, UK, France, Russia, China).
- Engines are the highest-value component of an aircraft (25–30% of aircraft cost).
- Defence dependency:
- Indigenous fighter jets need indigenous engines (e.g., AMCA, Tejas Mk2).
- GE–HAL F414 manufacturing is a step, but complete design capability remains absent.
Policy Framework Supporting Aerospace Manufacturing
FDI liberalisation
- 100% FDI permitted under automatic route in most sectors.
- 74% FDI automatic in defence manufacturing.
PLI schemes
- Encouraging domestic component manufacturing in:
- Electronics
- Drones
- Semiconductors
- Aerospace components
Space and Aviation Reforms
- Private participation allowed in:
- Space launch services
- Satellite services
- Boosts high-tech ecosystem → spillover to aviation engines.
Why This Facility is Strategically Important for India ?
Economic Gains
- Saves India’s airlines hundreds of millions annually in overseas MRO expenses.
- Captures Asia’s growing MRO market (projected at $40+ billion by 2030).
Geopolitical & Strategic Gains
- Deepening ties with France (Rafale, submarines, engines).
- Reduces reliance on Singapore/Middle East.
- Strengthens India as an aviation hub in South Asia.
Technology Transfer Potential
- Safran’s presence could:
- Enable joint R&D labs.
- Improve supply chain localisation.
- Create opportunities for Indian MSMEs in engine components.
Challenges & Caveats
- India still lacks:
- Core turbine design capabilities.
- High-temperature material manufacturing (e.g., single-crystal blades).
- MRO requires large certified workforce → skill gap.
- Regulatory harmonisation needed with FAA/EASA.
Aravalli Hills Despite Forest Survey Warning
Why is it in News?
- Supreme Court (20 Nov 2024) accepted a Union Environment Ministry panel’s recommendation to define Aravalli Hills as only those landforms with 100 m or more elevation + local relief.
- This new definition excludes over 90% of Aravalli landforms, allowing potential mining and construction.
- A Forest Survey of India (FSI) internal analysis had warned the government that such a definition would be ecologically disastrous — this “red flag” was ignored.
- New data show only 1,048 of 12,081 Aravalli hills in Rajasthan (8.7%) are ≥100 m, meaning 91.3% lose protection.
Relevance
GS1 – Geography
- Geomorphology of ancient fold mountains.
- Desertification & land degradation.
GS2 – Governance
- Environmental decision-making.
- Regulatory bodies (MoEFCC, SC committees).
GS3 – Environment & Conservation
- Air pollution (PM2.5, PM10).
- Wildlife corridors.
- Forest governance & definitions (critical).
- Mining regulation and ecological risk.
Aravali Range
- One of the oldest fold mountains (Precambrian).
- Length: ~700 km (Gujarat–Rajasthan–Haryana–Delhi).
- Natural barrier to dust storms from Thar Desert into NCR.
- Key wildlife corridors (Sariska–Ranthambore, Kumbhalgarh, etc.)
- Major groundwater recharge zone for semi-arid regions of Haryana & Rajasthan.
The “100m cut-off”
- Hills counted as Aravalli only if:
- Height ≥100 metres, AND
- Local relief ≥100 metres, AND
- Considered with slopes + adjacent land
Implication: Anything <100 m elevation = not Aravalli, even if geomorphologically part of the range.
FSI’s red flag
- FSI analysis (reviewed by Indian Express):
- Only 1,048 of 12,081 hills in 15 Rajasthan districts exceed 100 m.
- Thus >90% Aravalli hills lose protection under the new definition.
- FSI emphasized importance of lower hills:
- Block coarse dust and slow down easterly dust flow into NCR.
- Act as buffers against desertification.
- Maintain ecological connectivity.
- The ministry ignored these warnings in submissions to SC.
Why this matters for NCR Pollution ?
- Upper Aravallis obstruct fine pollutants (PM2.5).
- Lower Aravallis obstruct heavier dust particles.
- Together they create a barrier protecting Delhi from dust inflow.
- Removing protection accelerates:
- Dust-laden winds into NCR
- Temperature rise and heat-island effects
- Loss of wildlife corridors
- Groundwater depletion
What was the earlier yardstick(FSI – 2010 onwards)
FSI used a 3-degree slope method to identify Aravallis.
- A 2024 technical committee revised this:
- Slope ≥4.57°
- Height ≥30 m
- This older method covered ~40% of Aravallis, far more than the new definition.
Govt’s Submission
- The ministry submitted:
- Only hills ≥100 m count as Aravalli.
- Confused height with slope, creating a subjective & improper definition.
- Ignored FSI’s scientific warnings.
SC nevertheless accepted the panel’s recommendations.
Environmental Impacts
- Mining intensification (legal + illegal).
- Real estate expansion, especially in Gurgaon–Faridabad–Aravali belt.
- Accelerated desertification of NCR and Haryana.
- Decline in groundwater aquifers (Aravallis as recharge zones).
- Collapse of wildlife corridors (leopards, hyenas, ungulates).
- Increased PM10/PM2.5 loads in NCR.
