New Delhi, Aug 3: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said there was a need to “deepen integration” between the military and civil components of his ministry to foster greater synergy within the defence ecosystem to tackle evolving security and technological challenges.

In his address at the foundation day celebrations of Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services here, he also said that if officers of the AFHQ Civilian Services develop defence-specific common cyber tools leveraging their expertise, it could prove beneficial to the defence forces.

Singh emphasised that both the uniformed and civil services share the same commitment of ‘nation first’, and when the objective is singular, every element of the system transforms into national strength.

Underlining that defence forces are marching towards greater jointness with renewed vigour, he said there was a need to deepen integration between the military and civil components of the defence ministry to foster greater cooperation and alignment within the defence ecosystem to tackle evolving security and technological challenges.

“Military officers bring operational experience, a command perspective, and an understanding of warfare, while civilian officers contribute through administrative continuity, policy experience, an understanding of government processes, and institutional memory. When these strengths combine, decision-making becomes more informed, balanced, and effective,” Singh said.

The Union minister highlighted the importance of further enhancing structured “cross-exposure” between civilian and military officers, suggesting joint training programmes and developmental assignments for both sides to learn from each other’s experiences, according to a defence ministry statement.

He also suggested that a forum could be developed for the study of Indian military history, examining it from a civilian perspective, thereby fostering fresh ideas and new perspectives.

Singh expressed confidence that by leveraging expertise in such areas, the AFHQ Civilian Services will be able to make more meaningful contributions to the defence sector.

While he acknowledged the AFHQ Civilian Services for moving ahead in sync with changing times, he asserted that, at a time when modern warfare is driven by technological dynamism, “the cadre must move beyond its specific mandate” of proper implementation of service rules, regulations and orders.

“It must focus on strengthening the security architecture through research, geo-strategic thinking and innovative ideas. Its active participation in core defence matters is essential as, being a permanent cadre of the Ministry of Defence, it possesses deep domain knowledge,” Singh said.

AFHQ Day is celebrated in August every year to recognise the role of the civilian officers who work with service personnel, primarily in the three Integrated Service Headquarters, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and 24 Inter-Service Organisations of the Ministry of Defence.

As part of the celebrations, the defence minister launched several digital initiatives of the office of Joint Secretary & Chief Administrative Officer (JS & CAO) and its Revised Vision & Mission Statement, the statement said.

Singh also released the 34th issue of the ‘Samvad’ magazine that contains travelogues, essays, articles, and poems written by employees of various ranks posted in Service Headquarters and Inter-Service Organisations. He also presented awards at the event.

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff Gen NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Dhiraj Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh were among other senior officials present on the occasion.

New Delhi, Aug 03: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to ensure that wherever there is a road, there is a properly demarcated, encroachment-free space for pedestrians.

A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe asked Additional Solicitor General K M Nararaj, appearing for the Centre, to instruct the authorities concerned to make sure that the space meant for walking is not encroached upon and is properly separated from motor vehicle lanes.

“Without any big investment and construction, just ensure that proper demarcation is done of walkers’ space. Wherever there is a road, there should be a walkers’ space. Do it with a rope or anything and ensure it is not encroached,” the bench told Nataraj.

The bench gave him two weeks to instruct the authorities while emphasising that pedestrians should have confidence that the space is meant for them and they can walk freely without any threat of moving vehicles.

The top court posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks.

On June 19, in a significant verdict, the top court had held that the right to walk on a demarcated footpath is a fundamental right.

It had held that this right shall have priority over motorised vehicles on demarcated paths and it forms part of the right to movement guaranteed under Article 19 (1) (d) and other fundamental rights including Article 21 (right to life and liberty).

New Delhi, Aug 3: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a PIL contending that the Jantar Mantar in the heart of the national capital was no longer a suitable venue for protests as they cause inconvenience to local residents and disrupt essential services.

A bench comprising Chief Justice and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notices to the Centre and others on the plea filed by Satish Chand Kaushik. It asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to obtain instructions from the authorities on the issues raised.

The petition seeks an alternative arrangement for holding demonstrations, saying protests at Jantar Mantar create difficulties for local residents and disrupt the supply of essential goods and medical services.

During the hearing, the CJI said that the petition raised concerns relating to access and movement in the area.

“It has been stated in the plea that Jantar Mantar is not a proper site anymore for such protests due to ingress and egress issues. Supply of medical essentials etc. I think this is important… Please take instructions, Mr Solicitor. Issue notice and list this separately,” the CJI said.

During the proceedings, the counsel for the petitioner also referred to a proposed political march, submitting that “Arvind Kejriwal called a town hall and decided to march to the Prime Minister’s residence,” and said that “another July 20 incident should be avoided”.

Responding to the submission, the bench declined to comment on the proposed event.

“They know how to handle it. If they cannot, come to us for mishandling. I am sure they will handle (it),” the CJI said.

The matter has been directed to be listed separately.