Lt Gen Pande is appointed new Army Chief

By Our Special Correspondent

Lt Gen Manoj Pande will take the reins as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff.

He appointed the New Army Chief making him the first officer from the Corps of Engineers to take over the top post in the 1.3-million-strong force. The position has so far been occupied by Infantry, Armoured and Artillery officers.

Government officials said the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cleared the name of Lt Gen. Pande as the 29th Chief of Army Staff (COAS).