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Gen Upendra Dwivedi Takes Charge as 30th Army Chief
Context:
Gen Upendra Dwivedi took charge as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding Gen Manoj Pande, who retired after a distinguished career.
More on News:
- India faces security challenges, including increased terror activities in the Jammu region and an ongoing standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), eastern Ladakh.
- Gen. Dwivedi’s priorities include restoring stability in Jammu and ensuring a stable LAC.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS):
- As per the 2020 GlobalFirepower report, India ranks fourth in military strength globally.
- Leading such a vast army necessitates a central figure known as the Chief of Army Staff or COAS.
- It is a statutory office held by the senior leader of the Indian Army (IA), which constitutes the land forces division of the Indian Armed Forces.
- Historical Evolution: Originally it was designated as “Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army” at India’s Independence. The title was changed to “Chief of the Army Staff and Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army” in 1948, And it reverted to “Chief of Army Staff” in 1955.
- He/She is the highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army and serves as its head.
- Tenure and Retirement: Typically serves for three years or until the age of 62, whichever comes earlier.
- Advisory Role: The chief advisor to the Defence Ministry and the key military advisor to the President of India.
- It is responsible for overseeing the entire army and providing strategic direction.
- The COAS is also a permanent member of:
- Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC)
- National Security Council (NSC)
- Defence Planning Committee (DPC)
- Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
- COAS cannot hold simultaneous positions as both the Chief and Vice Chief of Defence.
- It is ranked 12th overall in the Indian order of precedence by statute.
- The position holds an equivalent status within the IA to that of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Chief of Air Staff, all of whom are four-star officers from their respective branches of the armed forces.
- Office Location: South Block of Central Secretariat in Raisina Hills, New Delhi.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): A four-star General equivalent to a Service Chief, the CDS heads the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) within the Ministry of Defence.
Responsibilities:
- Serves as Secretary of DMA and Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
- Acts as the principal military adviser to the Defence Minister on tri-services matters.
- Advises on Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee, chaired by the Defence Minister and National Security Adviser, respectively.
