Fill in the blank:
In 2022, ______ was appointed as India's second 'Chief of Defence Staff.'
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Correct Answer
General Anil Chauhan
Explanation
In September 2022, General Anil Chauhan (retired) was appointed as India's second Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The post had fallen vacant following the tragic demise of India's first CDS, General Bipin Rawat, in a helicopter crash in December 2021. General Chauhan is a highly decorated officer who had previously served as the Eastern Army Commander before his retirement, and his appointment marked the first time a retired three-star officer was brought back to fill the top military post as a four-star General.
Key Points
The Chief of Defence Staff acts as the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC) and serves as the principal military advisor to the Minister of Defence.
The CDS also heads the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) created within the Ministry of Defence to bring about better synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
While General Anil Chauhan holds the position of the second CDS, General Bipin Rawat was the historical first, taking charge on January 1, 2020.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Who was the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian Armed Forces?
Answer: General Bipin Rawat was the first Chief of Defence Staff of India.
Question: Which administrative department within the Ministry of Defence is headed by the Chief of Defence Staff?
Answer: The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is headed by the Chief of Defence Staff.