APPSC Daily Current Affairs 19th February 2026
Relevance:
GS Paper II – International Relations – Defence diplomacy and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Important Keywords for Prelims and Mains
Exercise MILAN • Indian Navy • Multilateral Naval Exercise • Visakhapatnam • Biennial Exercise • Started in 1995 • Port Blair (Origin) • Act East Policy • SAGAR Vision • Indo-Pacific Maritime Cooperation • Interoperability • Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) • Air Defence • Search & Rescue Operations • Harbour Phase • Sea Phase • Defence Diplomacy • Eastern Naval Command • International Maritime Seminar • Naval Cooperation • Maritime Security
Why in News?
- The Multilateral Naval Exercise MILAN 2026 is being conducted at Visakhapatnam, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
- The exercise brings together navies from numerous friendly foreign countries to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability.
Key Highlights
- Venue: Naval Base, Visakhapatnam
- Inauguration at Samudrika Auditorium.
- Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi present.
- MILAN Village inaugurated by Eastern Naval Command Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla.
- Participation expanded to around 70 countries in the current edition.
About Exercise MILAN
- A biennial multilateral naval exercise conducted by the Indian Navy.
- First conducted in 1995 at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Initially involved Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
- Originated under India’s Look East Policy, later aligned with Act East Policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
- Shifted to Visakhapatnam (from 2020) due to advanced naval infrastructure.
Phases of MILAN 2026
1. Harbour Phase
- Delegation interactions
- Maritime seminar
- Cultural programmes and professional exchanges
2. Sea Phase (Feb 21–25)
Focus areas include:
- Interoperability operations
- Maritime Domain Awareness
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Air Defence exercises
- Search and Rescue operations
Objectives
- Strengthen cooperation among friendly navies.
- Enhance operational interoperability.
- Share best practices in maritime security.
- Improve coordination during multilateral naval operations.
Strategic Significance
- Enhances India’s maritime leadership in the Indo-Pacific.
- Promotes collective maritime security.
- Demonstrates India’s growing naval capabilities.
- Strengthens defence diplomacy and regional partnerships.
- Expand joint defence R&D and co-production.
- Institutionalise AI regulatory cooperation.
- Deepen Indo-Pacific maritime partnerships.
- Accelerate India–EU trade and energy cooperation.
- Build coalitions on climate and digital governance.
CARE MCQ
Q. Exercise MILAN is:
A. A bilateral naval exercise between India and France
B. A multilateral naval exercise conducted by the Indian Navy
C. A joint army counter-terrorism drill
D. A coast guard training programme
Answer: B
Explanation
Exercise MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise organised by the Indian Navy to enhance cooperation, interoperability, and maritime security among participating countries.
Relevance:
Prelims – TRISHNA satellite-nH125 helicopter project – GS II – International Relations – India–France relations
Important Keywords
For Prelims:
- Special Global Strategic Partnership, Horizon 2047 Roadmap, India–France Year of Innovation, H125 Helicopter (Tata-Airbus), Rafale Cooperation, BEL–Safran Joint Venture, Indo-French Innovation Network, Multipolar World, Technology Sovereignty.
For Mains:
- Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, Digital Science & Technology Centre, TRISHNA Satellite (ISRO-CNES), Strategic Autonomy, Indo-Pacific Cooperation, Third Way AI Governance, Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Amendment, Defence Co-production, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Why in News?
- India and France elevated bilateral relations to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron (February 2026).
- The visit resulted in 21 major agreements/outcomes spanning defence, AI, technology, critical minerals, innovation, health, and skilling cooperation.
- Macron’s visit coincided with participation in the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Background
- During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India (February 2026), talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi led to the elevation of bilateral relations from a Strategic Partnership to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
- The discussions produced 21 major outcomes spanning defence, technology, innovation, critical minerals, AI, health, space, and economic cooperation.
- The move reflects deepening cooperation amid uncertain global geopolitics and growing India–Europe engagement.
Key Highlights / Outcomes
1. Institutional Upgrade
- Relationship elevated to Special Global Strategic Partnership, signalling deeper and long-term cooperation.
- Creation of an Annual Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue to review implementation.
- Alignment with the Horizon 2047 Roadmap for long-term collaboration.
2. Defence & Aerospace Cooperation
- Shift from buyer–seller model to co-production and joint development.
- Renewal of defence cooperation agreement.
- BEL–Safran joint venture to manufacture HAMMER missiles in India.
- Reciprocal deployment of officers between Indian and French armed forces.
- Expansion of cooperation on Rafale aircraft and submarine technologies.
- Inauguration of Airbus H125 helicopter final assembly line in Karnataka:
- First delivery expected in 2027.
- Boosts Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Export potential for global markets.
3. Technology, Innovation & AI Cooperation
- Launch of:
- Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (AIIMS, New Delhi).
- Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology.
- India–France Innovation Network.
- Formation of Joint Advanced Technology Development Group on critical and emerging technologies.
- Promotion of ethical AI governance — a “third way” between US corporate dominance and Chinese state control.
4. Critical Minerals & Advanced Materials
- Joint Declaration on cooperation in critical minerals and metals supply chains.
- Aim:
- Reduce supply vulnerabilities.
- Support clean energy and semiconductor ecosystems.
- Strengthen technological sovereignty.
5. Space & Climate Cooperation
- Progress on TRISHNA satellite mission (ISRO–CNES collaboration).
- Focus on thermal infrared observation for climate monitoring and environmental research.
6. Economic & Investment Cooperation
- Amendment of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) protocol.
- Enhanced investment climate and business mobility.
- Startup ecosystem cooperation between T-Hub (India) and Nord France.
- Strengthening industrial and innovation partnerships.
7. Health, Science & Skilling
- Agreements on infectious disease and global health research.
- Establishment of:
- Indo-French Centre for Metabolic Health Sciences.
- National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics.
- Workforce development in advanced manufacturing sectors.
8. Renewable Energy & Sustainability
- Renewal of cooperation between India’s MNRE and France on renewable energy.
- Collaboration in energy transition and sustainable agriculture systems.
9. Counter-Terrorism & Strategic Values
- Reaffirmation of cooperation against terrorism.
- Shared commitment to:
- Rule of law
- Strategic autonomy
- Sovereign equality
- Open Indo-Pacific order.
Strategic Significance for India
1. Strengthening Strategic Autonomy
- Diversifies partnerships beyond dependence on any single power.
- Enables India to engage a geopolitically assertive Europe.
2. India’s European Pivot
- Europe increasingly viewed as:
- Technology partner
- Economic balancer
- Indo-Pacific security collaborator.
3. Defence Self-Reliance
- Technology transfer and local manufacturing enhance indigenous capability.
4. AI & Technology Governance
- India and France emerging as middle-power norm-setters in ethical AI governance.
5. Indo-Pacific Cooperation
- Maritime security collaboration strengthens regional stability.
Geopolitical Context
- Occurs amid:
- US strategic recalibration.
- Rising China–West competition.
- Growing importance of middle powers.
- Reflects emergence of a “multipolar West”, where Europe acts independently within global politics.
Challenges
- US and China dominance in technology and capital.
- European economic slowdown.
- Defence technology transfer restrictions.
- Limited AI ecosystem scale compared to major powers.
Way Forward
- Expand joint defence R&D and co-production.
- Institutionalise AI regulatory cooperation.
- Deepen Indo-Pacific maritime partnerships.
- Accelerate India–EU trade and energy cooperation.
- Build coalitions on climate and digital governance.
Conclusion
The upgrade to a Special Global Strategic Partnership marks a structural transformation in India–France relations. Beyond bilateral cooperation, it reflects India’s evolving geopolitical strategy — building diversified partnerships, strengthening technological sovereignty, and shaping a more resilient multipolar global order. The India–France axis is emerging as a key pillar of India’s global engagement.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)
- The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
- The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (a)
CARE MCQ
The H125 helicopter project is significant because it:
A. Is imported fully from France
B. Represents joint manufacturing under Make in India
C. Is only for civilian tourism
D. Is a space exploration vehicleAnswer: B
Explanation
The H125 helicopter project is a joint India–France manufacturing initiative between Tata and Airbus, with a final assembly line established in India. It supports the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by promoting domestic manufacturing, technology transfer, skill development, and export capability.
Relevance:
GS Paper II – Polity (Judiciary, Constitutional Amendments, Judicial Appointments, Access to Justice)
Important Keywords
For Prelims:
- Article 124, Article 217, Article 130, Collegium System, First Judges Case (1981), Second Judges Case (1993), Third Judges Case (1998), 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), Basic Structure Doctrine.
For Mains:
- Judicial Independence, Social Diversity in Judiciary, Judicial Accountability, Access to Justice, Regional Benches of Supreme Court.
Why in News?
A private member Bill has been introduced by P. Wilson, senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
The Bill seeks to:
- Amend the Constitution to bring diversity in judicial appointments.
- Establish regional benches of the Supreme Court.
What Does the Constitution Provide?
The Constitution lays down the formal framework for judicial appointments:
Article 124
- Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President after consulting the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Article 217
Judges of a High Court are appointed by the President after consulting:
- The Chief Justice of India,
- The Chief Justice of the concerned High Court,
- The Governor of the State.
Article 130
- The seat of the Supreme Court shall be in Delhi or such other place(s) as appointed by the CJI with the approval of the Central Government.
Why Was the Collegium System Introduced?
Until the 1980s, judges were appointed by the government after consultation with the judiciary, as per the constitutional text.
First Judges Case (1981)
The Supreme Court upheld the primacy of the executive in judicial appointments, reasoning that the executive is accountable to the people.
However, concerns arose regarding the need to:
- Maintain judicial independence.
- Insulate appointments from political favouritism.
Second Judges Case (1993)
The Supreme Court created the collegium system for judicial appointments.
Third Judges Case (1998)
The Court reaffirmed and clarified the collegium system.
Composition of Collegium
- For Supreme Court appointments:
- CJI + four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
- For High Court appointments:
- CJI + two senior-most judges.
The collegium:
- Initiates proposals for appointments.
- Sends recommendations to the Central Government.
- The Centre may return a recommendation once.
- If the collegium reiterates it, the appointment must be made.
Merits and Drawbacks
The collegium system:
- Ensured independence of the judiciary from the executive.
However, it faces criticism for:
- Lack of transparency.
- Lack of accountability.
- Alleged nepotism, where kith and kin of sitting judges are favoured.
Why Was the NJAC Struck Down?
To address concerns over transparency, Parliament enacted the 99th Constitutional Amendment in 2014, creating the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC).
Composition of NJAC
- CJI
- Two senior judges
- Union Law Minister
- Two eminent persons
However, in 2015, the Supreme Court struck down the NJAC.
Reason:
It violated the basic structure of the Constitution, particularly the independence of the judiciary.
As a result, the collegium system continues.
What Does the Private Member Bill Propose?
1. Social Diversity in Appointments
Although the collegium emphasises merit, it does not reflect the social diversity of India. Data between 2018 and 2024 shows:- Around 20% of judges appointed to higher judiciary belonged to SC, ST and OBC categories.
- Women constitute less than 15%.
- Religious minorities constitute less than 5%.
- Due representation to SC, ST, OBC, religious minorities and women.
- Representation proportional to their population.
- Application to both Supreme Court and High Courts.
2. Timeline for Appointments
- The Central Government must notify collegium recommendations within 90 days.
Regional Benches of the Supreme Court
Present Situation
- The Supreme Court sits only in Delhi.
- Access for common citizens from distant regions is difficult.
- More than 90,000 cases are pending as of January 2026.
Proposal Under the Bill
Regional benches to be set up in:
- New Delhi
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- Chennai
These regional benches:
- Will exercise full jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
- Constitutional matters will remain with the main Constitution Bench in Delhi.
This aims to improve access and address pendency.
What Can Be the Way Forward?
On Diversity
- The primary responsibility lies with the judiciary through the collegium process.
- The Bill could provide a constitutional directive for inclusivity.
- Long-term reform could involve reviving NJAC with a broader composition.
- Representation from legislature, Bar Council and academia may be included.
- Models from South Africa and the U.K. may be considered.
- Suitable representation for SC, ST, OBC, minorities and women must be ensured.
On Regional Benches
- Parliamentary Committees and the Law Commission have earlier recommended regional benches.
- They can be established under existing constitutional provisions.
- The Court may consider starting with one regional bench and expand in a time-bound manner.
Conclusion
The debate over diversity in judicial appointments and the establishment of regional benches highlights two structural concerns: representation and access. While judicial independence remains foundational, enhancing social inclusivity and geographical accessibility can strengthen public confidence in the judiciary. The proposed Bill seeks to constitutionally anchor these objectives while leaving room for institutional reform.
UPSC PYQ
Q. The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in: (IAS 2014)
- The President of India
- The Parliament
- The Chief Justice of India
- The Law Commission
- The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India and such number of other judges as Parliament may by law prescribe.
- Strength was 8 judges (1 CJI + 7 judges).
- 10 (1956)
- 13 (1960)
- 17 (1977)
- 25 (1986)
- 30 (2008)
- 33 (2019) (excluding CJI)
CARE MCQ
With reference to the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), consider the following statements:
- It was created by the 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014.
- It was struck down for violating judicial independence under the Basic Structure doctrine.
- It replaced the collegium system for appointing judges to the higher judiciary.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- These provisions formally created the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC).
- It was designed as a six-member constitutional body.
- The NJAC replaced the earlier collegium system, which had evolved through judicial interpretation (Second and Third Judges Cases).
- Judicial independence is part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
- Any constitutional amendment that damages or destroys the basic structure is unconstitutional.
- Inclusion of the Law Minister and two eminent persons in the NJAC diluted judicial primacy in appointments.
- The two-member veto provision allowed non-judicial members to block appointments, risking executive interference.
- Chief Justice of India
- Four senior-most Supreme Court judges
- Lack of transparency
- Absence of formal criteria
- Allegations of nepotism
- Broader participation (executive + eminent persons)
- Greater transparency
- Institutional accountability