Content

1. Chief Justice of India on NJAC Revival Plea
2. How to Navigate a Complex Global Paradigm
3. SC Panel Suggests Creation of a Goa Tiger Reserve
4. Safran LEAP Engine MRO Facility in Hyderabad
5. Aravalli Hills Despite Forest Survey Warning

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Chief Justice of India on NJAC Revival Plea

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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:

1. CJI (Chairperson)
2. Two senior-most SC judges
3. Law Minister
4. 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.

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How to Navigate a Complex Global Paradigm 

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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.

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SC Panel Suggests Creation of a Goa Tiger Reserve

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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

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Safran LEAP Engine MRO Facility in Hyderabad 

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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.

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Aravalli Hills Despite Forest Survey Warning

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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.