CDS Bipin Rawat's cremation on Friday; appointment of new CDS in next 7-10 days

New Delhi : General Bipin Rawat's helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday noon and while people were busy extending their condolences, some reports suggest that the Central government is now looking to appoint the new CDS in next 7-10 days.

According to a report by News 18, the Centre is planning to fill the Chief of Defence Staff post in next seven to 10 days. As per the guidelines, any Commanding officers or flag officers of the armed forces are eligible for the position.

General Bipin Rawat was India's first CDS appointed on December 31, 2019. In general, the upper age limit for the CDS has been fixed at 65 years. PM Modi during his Independence Day address in 2019 had announced the appointment of a CDS who will be above the three Chiefs.

As reported on Thursday evening, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be addressing the Parliament houses and give a brief about the accident; he will speak at around 11:15 AM and in Rajya Sabha around 12 PM.

Earlier in the day, General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other armed forces personnel died after the military helicopter they were travelling in crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

Giving details, the Indian Air Force said the lone survivor, Group Captain Varun Singh, is currently under treatment at a military hospital in Wellington.

The IAF had confirmed about the crash around 2 PM, saying the Mi-17V5 helicopter with General Rawat on board met with an accident near Coonoor. The IAF has already ordered an Inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.

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