Appointment of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

Context:

The Government of India has appointed Lt. General Anil Chauhan (Retired) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). 

• He will also function as a Secretary to the Department of Military Affairs. 
  
  

About Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

• Chief of Defence Staff is considered to be first among equals. 
• The CDS and chiefs of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force are the only four-star officers in the country. 
• The Chief of Defence Staff is the highest ranking officer on active duty in India's military. He is chief military adviser to India's defence minister.
• He will oversee and coordinate the working of the three Services, and offer seamless tri-service views 
• The CDS is also the single point of contact for the government for giving military advice and is the senior-most bureaucrat in the defence ministry which has four major departments. 
• The appointment comes amid efforts by the government to give a big push to indigenisation in the equipment for defence forces.