NEW DELHI : Indian Army's outgoing chief, Gen. Bipin Rawat, was Monday appointed India's first Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), the principal military adviser to Defence Minister and head of the new Department of Military Affairs. As per existing government rules, the three service chiefs can serve up to the age of 62 or for three years, whichever is earlier. He will function as its Secretary," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said during the Cabinet briefing. The CDS will act as the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister on tri-services matters. The three service chiefs will continue to advise the Defence Minister on matters exclusively concerning their respective forces.

Source: Mint December 30, 2019 16:55 UTC