Top Stories

At Aviation World we had the brilliant opportunity to catch up with the highly inspirational spiritual Guru- The mentor of Mentors-Guruji Shrii Arnav and what better an opportunity than to have the thoughts of this inspirational leader during the prestigious Wings India. Guruji Shrii Arnav is the mentor of Gemstoneuniverse the world’s largest portal to retail natural Astrological Gemstones Online. He is an Astrologer, Gemologist, Life coach, consultant to the stars, mentor of millionaires and coach to statesmen to business tycoons to sport stars to the who’s who of the world. He is also the author of the magnum opus of Astro Gemology-The Secrets of Jyotish Gems available in 6 languages and released by His Excellency the President of India- Sri Pranab Mukherjee. In this rare opportunity we get the answers to some of the most relevant answers related to the aviation industry as well as Guruji’s Life. AW: Aviation World G: Guruji Shrii Arnav AW: You lead such a high life which must include frequent travel. Which is your preferred airline or business jet that tops your list? Any interesting travel experience if you would like to share with us? G: Well this question brings a fair amount of nostalgia in me. I have travelled in most airlines, private jets and military aircraft etc but my first air travel abroad in 1999 from Delhi to London Via Ashgabat( Turkmenistan) in Turkmenistan Airways remains my most favourite and adventurous flight because of two reasons. First this was an award ticket given to me by Competition Success Review for winning the Mr. Super Brain of India contest 1999 and secondly all money was reward money paid by the organizers or was my own self earned money. I did not have to depend on my parents for that and that made me mighty proud back then. We had a layover at Ashgabat for 4 hours I think and the friends I made back then are still in my life. It was memorable and fun. Besides that time there were not many rules and regulations so it was a lot of fun and excitement. What happened there- That I am not sharing (Smiles) AW: Would you like to share any interesting observations for the aviation sector as our readers will be curious to hear from you? G: Aviation, Travel and Tourism and hospitality business has been badly hit due to the COVID pandemic for the last two years, however I see a tremendous turnaround starting December 2022 or January 2023 and that resurgence will be led by Asia. A new normal has been set, people are now accustomed to the new safety norms and the world, life and business has to go on. The worst is over. I also see change in duty free shopping patterns, cross alliances and new offerings. All that augurs well for the end customer. I am also happy that the Maharaja has returned back home. AW: Your book “The secrets of Jyotish Gems” has been highly acclaimed and is rated as the bestseller. How can one relate with the inputs of the book and enhance their thought process. How Guruji Shrii Arnav feels when he is being called as the ‘Father of Astro Gemology’? G: India is the land that has gifted the world Sacred Astrology and Healing Gemstones. The power of Gemstones is well known by Asian people who wear them for health, wealth, success and a better life. The secrets of Jyotish Gems was not a planned book and it happened by sheer serendipity. A chance meeting with Mr. Narendra Kumar-The founder Chairman of Haranand Publications in Delhi led to me sending some chapters that were stored in my hard drive. He then further asked for all chapters and then 3 months later I got a congratulatory call from him saying that my book was published and was listed at Amazon. I have to give credit to him that he published the book without a single edit and furthermore such was the response that it is available in 6 languages and being translated in 8 additional languages. What I can say about the book that it is a pure fundamental text that just speaks about the Indian System of gem Therapy and if used well by the aspirant can make one into an expert and deliver solid value to people. It is very humbling for me when I am referred to as the Father of Astro Gemology but I do sleep well because I think me and my team has done a good job in the last 2 and half decades. We were awarded the copyright for the term Jyotish Gemstones Therapy ™ by the Government of India and have over a million documented case studies of success with Astrology and Gem Therapy. That we could add a bit of glory and shine to these hallowed sciences given by our great rishis (Sages) is an absolute honour and breaks the general perception of what and how Astrology is practiced generally. AW: Guruji the Humans of Gemstoneuniverse program has become a rage featuring powerful information by you, live spiritual practices and kriyas, and mindfulness sessions with participation of superstars of the likes of Nick Bolletieri the Legendary Tennis coach to Lennox Louis the last undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world and Former President of Mexico Vicente Fox etc. Please tell us more about it. G: I am glad you asked. The Humans of Gemstoneuniverse is a program that is all about human beings, their emotions, their highs and lows and most importantly how an individual pivoted to overcome a particularly difficult or a stressful situation. It gives hope backed by cutting edge information and real human experience shares that makes it so relatable and valuable. I started my professional consultancy way back in 1995 and 26 years henceforth we at Gemstoneuniverse are privileged that we have had millions of experiences shared with us that we now want to share for human good. I personally believe

New Delhi, 4th March 2022: In a recent development, Jet Airways lead by Jalan Kalrock Consortium appoints Sanjiv Kapoor as its Chief Executive Officer. Sanjiv will join office from 4th April 2022 onwards. At present, he is the President of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. Prior to joining the Oberoi Group, Sanjiv was the Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer at Vistara from 2016 until 2019. During Sanjiv’s tenure, the airline grew from 9 aircraft and 40 flights a day to 38 aircraft and over 200 flights a day. All of Vistara’s revenue generating and customer facing functions, as well as strategy, network planning, marketing, loyalty, inflight services, ground services, and product development reported up to him. Murari Lal Jalan, Lead Partner of the Jalan-Kalrock Consortium and proposed Non-Executive Chairman of Jet Airways said, “I am happy to have Sanjiv join our team. Sanjiv is a people’s person and has all qualities of a great leader. I am certain he will be able to lead Jet Airways and make it become the most preferred full-service carrier of India. Sanjiv is a seasoned aviation professional who has the right blend and demeanour to stitch a team together.” Speaking on his appointment Sanjiv Kapoor said, “I am looking forward to getting back to aviation, an industry I am passionate about, with Jet Airways, one of the warmest, classiest and most loved brands to have graced Indian aviation. Even though Jet Airways has been out of operation for three years, it still has a large fan base of loyal customers who miss it every day and can’t wait for it to take to the skies again. Working together with a very strong team of experienced aviation professionals that is being put together by the Jalan-Kalrock Consortium, I look forward to leading the charge in rebuilding Jet Airways into the most preferred customer-oriented airline once again, a people-focused airline for the digital age.”

Agreement also includes GE90 engines for Boeing 777 Freighters and GE True Choice services Delhi, 7th February 2022: Qatar Airways has announced a new order for GE9X engines as part of its global launch order of up to 50 Boeing 777-8 Freighters. The commitment includes 34 firm 777-8 orders and an additional 16 purchase right options, also includes GE90 engines for an additional order of two Boeing 777 Freighters. The total value of the order with GE is more than U.S.$6.8 billion list price, including spare engines, a new order for GE90-115B engines, and a TrueChoice services agreement to cover the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the engines. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “With our status as the world’s largest air freight carrier, Qatar Airways has ambitious plans for the future of its cargo operations. As operators of the Boeing 777 family, including the global launch customer of Boeing’s 777-8 Freighter aircraft, we are delighted to have GE as our partners and these contracts for GE engines further cement the strong relationship between Qatar Airways and GE. We are confident that Qatar Airways’ focus to drive towards a sustainable future will be very much supported by the efficiency of the GE9X engines.” “GE Aviation has great history and proven track record of powering freighter-dedicated aircraft,” said GE Aviation CEO John Slattery. “We are proud to continue building our relationship with Qatar Airways and play a significant role in their growth with this order of Boeing 777-8 Freighter and 777 Freighter aircraft.” The GE9X engine helps meet GE Aviation’s commitment to a more sustainable aviation industry by introducing the latest generations of heat-resistant Ceramic Matrix Composites materials, additively-manufactured parts and lean burn combustion that help improve fuel efficiency. It is the world’s most powerful and most fuel-efficient turbofan. The GE9X offers the lowest NOx emissions in its class[ii], and is the quietest GE engine ever produced[iii]. Like all GE commercial engines, both the GE9X and GE90 are compatible with any approved Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Incorporating a suite of propulsion technologies unique to GE, the GE9X offers up to 10 percent lower specific fuel consumption compared to the engine it replaces. It builds on the heritage of the pioneering GE90 engine and offers a combination of power and efficiency unmatched in the freighter market.

New Delhi; 27 JAN 2022: The Air India strategic disinvestment transaction has been completed today with Government receiving a consideration of Rs 2,700 crore from the Strategic Partner (M/s Talace Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of M/s Tata Sons Pvt Ltd), retaining debt of Rs 15,300 crore in Air India and AIXL and transferring shares of Air India (100% shares of Air India and its subsidiary AIXL and 50% shares of AISATS) to the Strategic Partner. It is pertinent to mention that following Government’s approval of the highest price bid of M/s Talace Pvt Ltd for strategic disinvestment of Air India, the Letter of Intent was issued to the winning bidder on 11 October 2021. The Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) was signed on 25 October, 2021. Thereafter, Strategic Partner (M/s Talace Pvt Ltd), Air India and the Government worked towards satisfying a set of conditions precedent defined in the SPA including approvals from anti-trust bodies, regulators, lenders, third parties, etc. These conditions have since been met to mutual satisfaction.

New Delhi, 21st January 2022: Amid the 5G row in the various key airports of United States, the Indian national carrier Air India today said it has resumed six India-US flights on Boeing B777 aircraft after getting Boeing’s go ahead to operate them following technical clearance by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airline also announced that all flights to the US would normalise from today onwards. Earlier this week, many airlines across the world including Air India had to cancel flights to US due to deployment of 5G internet in North America citing safety clause related to interfere with aircraft’s radio altimeters. In the recent release, US aviation regulator FAA, in a fresh directive said that radio altimeters fitted in certain types of aircraft, including B777, will not be affected by 5G services. Subsequently, an Air India spokesperson informed media that Boeing has cleared the national carrier to operate to the US on B777 aircraft.Accordingly, first flight left this morning to JFK (New York). Other flights leaving in the day are to Chicago and SFO (San Francisco). Arrangements to carry stranded passengers are being worked out. Matter regarding B777 flying into the US has been sorted. The Air India flights that have resumed their operations from Thursday are Delhi-New York, New York-Delhi, Delhi-Chicago, Chicago-Delhi, Delhi-San Francisco and San Francisco-Delhi. Along with these six flights, two other flights — Mumbai-Newark and Newark-Mumbai — were cancelled by Air India on Wednesday. The FAA had on January 14 said 5G interference with the aircraft’s altimeter could prevent engine and braking systems from transitioning to landing mode, which could prevent an aircraft from stopping on the runway.

New Delhi, 2nd January 2022: Ministry of Civil Aviation has released draft National Air Sports Policy (NASP) for public feedback. The draft policy is available on the website of the Ministry and can also be accessed through the link: https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/Draft-NASP-2022.pdf The suggestions can be sent by 1700 hrs on 31st January, 2022. India has the potential to be among the leading nations in the world of air sports. It has a large geographical expanse, diverse topography and fair weather conditions. It has a large population, especially the youth. It has a growing culture for adventure sports and aviation. Other than the direct revenue from air sports activities, the multiplier benefits in terms of growth of travel, tourism, infrastructure and local employment, especially in hilly areas of the country, are several times greater. Creation of air sports hubs across the country will also bring in air sports professionals and tourists from across the world. The Government of India therefore plans to promote the country’s air sports sector, by way of making it safe, affordable, accessible, enjoyable and sustainable. Systems and processes need to be simplified and made more transparent; focus on quality, safety and security needs to be enhanced; and investments in infrastructure, technology, training and awareness building need to be facilitated. The draft National Air Sports Policy (NASP 2022) is a step in this direction. It has been drafted on the basis of the inputs received from policy makers, air sports practitioners and public at large. It is an evolving document and will be modified from time to time. The key features of the Draft National Air Sports Policy are: 1: NASP 2022 covers sports like aerobatics, aeromodelling, amateur-built and experimental aircraft, ballooning, drones, gliding, hang gliding and paragliding; microlighting and paramotoring; skydiving and vintage aircraft. 2: The vision is to make India one of the top air sports nations by 2030. The mission is to provide a safe, affordable, accessible, enjoyable and sustainable air sports ecosystem in India. 3: NASP 2022 seeks to leverage India’s huge potential for air sports given its large geographical expanse, diverse topography and fair weather conditions. 4: An Air Sports Federation of India (ASFI) will be established as the apex governing body. Associations for each air sport will handle day to day activities e.g. Paragliding Association of India or Skydiving Association of India etc. 5: The air sports associations shall be accountable to ASFI with respect to the regulatory oversight and for providing safe, affordable, accessible, enjoyable and sustainable conduct of their respective air sport. 6: ASFI shall represent India at FAI and other global platforms related to air sports. Greater participation and success of Indian sportspersons in global air sports events will be facilitated. 7: Domestic design, development and manufacturing of air sports equipment will be promoted in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. 8: The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland is the world governing body for air sports. All competitions in India will be conducted as per the guidelines laid down by FAI. 9: Air sports by their very nature involve a higher level of risk than flying a regular aircraft. NASP 2022 places strong focus on ensuring international best practices in safety. 10:Inability to enforce safety standards by an air sports association may lead to penal action by the ASFI against such association including financial penalties, suspension or dismissal. 11: All persons and entities providing air sports services shall be required to register as members of the respective air sports associations. Key equipment used for air sports shall be registered with the respective air sports association, till such equipment is decommissioned, damaged beyond repair or lost. 12: An airspace map of India has been published on DGCA’s DigitalSky Platform (https://digitalsky.dgca.gov.in). The map segregates the entire airspace of India into red zone, yellow zone and green zone. Air sports practitioners may rely on this easily accessible map for guidance. Operation in red and yellow zones requires permission from Central Government and the concerned Air Traffic Control authority respectively. Operation in green zones for aircraft with all-up weight up to 500 kg does not require any permission. 13: For air sports centred around a fixed location – for instance, Bir-Billing in Himachal Pradesh, Gangtok in Sikkim, Hadapsar in Maharashtra or Vagamon in Kerala – the said location can be declared as a ‘Control zone’ for air sports with necessary permissions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Defence (MoD), State Government and the local Air Traffic Control authority. This will enable hassle-free flying by air sports enthusiasts in such control zones without creating any risk to national security or safety of other manned aircraft. 14: During peak winters, the level of air sports reduces in Europe and North America and the air sports aficionados migrate to milder climates. ASFI and the air sports associations will work towards developing a hassle-free process to enable their movement to India. This will enable Indian air sports enthusiasts to learn from the experience of the visiting professionals, get exposed to global best practices and create opportunities to host global competitions in India. 15: The Government will consider allowing import of air sports equipment without any import duty for a particular number of years. Import of previously used air sports equipment may also be allowed free import, subject to laid down norms of airworthiness. 16: Schools, colleges and universities will be encouraged to have air sports included in their curriculum. 17: Long term funding for development of air sports in India shall come from corporate investors, sponsors, membership fees, events and media rights. ASFI may seek financial support from Government of India for promotion of air sports, especially in the initial years. 18:To make air sports affordable to the common public, the Government will request the GST Council to consider rationalising the GST rate on air sports equipment to 5% or less. ( News Received by PIB.The content is published on as shared basis.)

Moscow, December 25, 2021: An MС-21-300 aircraft, whose wings are made of polymer composite materials produced in Russia, recently performed its first flight. The airliner became airborne from the airfield of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a branch of Irkut (a subsidiary of UAC of Rostec State Corporation). The flight was performed in normal mode. The aircraft was piloted by a crew consisting of test pilot, Hero of Russia Roman Taskaev, and test pilot, Hero of Russia Oleg Kononenko. “The flight mission wasfullycompleted. The aircraft systems were operating normally,”Roman Taskaev said. MС-21-300/310 is a new generation medium-haul aircraft with capacity of 163 to 211 passengers. Its key distinction consists in its wings made of composites. “The first flight of an airliner with wings made of Russian composites corroborates the fact that we have done everything right, the MC-21 program is developing consistently and unswervingly in spite of sanctions and unfair competition. This is a result of accumulating knowledge and expertise in the aviation industry, as well as unprecedented government support. The total amount of funds allocated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade for the creation of a composite wing adds up to 4.4 billion rubles. This Russian technology has a number of advantages over the traditional prepreg autoclave technology, which makes it possible to increase productivity, reduce labor and production costs, provide conditions for forming large parts and high quality of mass-produced products. To date, a composite wing has already been made for two aircraft, and the manufacture of a third set is in progress. We plan to obtain changes to the type certificate regarding the composite wing made of Russian materials in the second half of 2022,” said Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. Domestic materials for composite bearing structures of the wings were developed in close cooperation with scientists from Moscow State University, Rosatom and aviation industry specialists. The qualification tests of the materials showed that they meet requirements of MС-21 structure. Wing panels and the center section of the MС-21-300 aircraft are made at the AeroComposite-Ulyanovsk plant. The wing is manufactured using unique vacuum infusion technology, patented in Russia. “The share of composites in the MС-21 airframe is about 40%, which is unprecedented for medium-haul aircraft. The use of strong and lightweight composite materials has enabled the design of a wing with unique aerodynamic characteristics unattainable for a metal wing. Improved aerodynamics have made it possible to increase the width of the MC-21 fuselage and expand the cabin, which brings new advantages in terms of passenger comfort. MС-21 is the world’s first ever mid-haul aircraft with such solutions,” said Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec. MС-21 is focused on the most mass-market segment in passenger transportation in Russia and in the world.At present, the certification of the MС-21-300 aircraft is nearing completion, we plan tolaunch deliveries of it to airlines in 2022. At the same time, tests are underway of MС-21-310 with the new Russian PD-14 engine. “There are six MС-21-300 aircraft in production, intended for delivery to customers. All of them are equipped with wings made of Russian composites. An impressive step forward has been made in strengthening cooperation between Russian aircraft manufacturing plants as part of the MС-21 program. Centers of competence have been created within the UAC system, specializing in the production of individual units, e.g., Aviastar produces fuselage panels and tail unit for MC-21, andVoronezh Aircraft Plant makes engine pylons and landing gear fairings. AeroComposite-Ulyanovsk manufactures the wing box, and KAPO-Composite – the wing high lift devices. These centers are involved in ambitious projects in the Russian aircraft industry,”said Yuri Slyusar, General Director of United Aircraft Corporation.

To implement the approved plan towards re-commencement of operations .The operations will commence in 2022 with six narrow body aircraft and reach 100+ aircraft fleet as a 5-year plan. New Delhi, December 17, 2021: In a press shared by the Jalan Kalrock Consortium, the company has mentioned that it is ready to commence domestic operations by early New Year. Jalan Kalrock Consortium is the Successful Resolution Applicant of Jet Airways after being given the approval by NCLT in June 2021. The Jalan Kalrock Consortium has approached the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to fast track the implementation of the Approved Resolution Plan by infusing capital in Jet Airways. The Consortium wants to commence payments to all stakeholders including ex-employees, workmen, ticket claimants and lenders of Jet Airways as per the plan approved by the NCLT in June 2021. In its latest filing before the NCLT, the Consortium has intimated December 22, 2021, as its plan “effective date” and seeks to forthwith implement the plan as approved previously by NCLT in June 2021. Murari Lal Jalan, Lead Member of the Consortium and Proposed Promoter and Non-Executive Chairman of Jet Airways said, “We are excited to embark on the next phase of revival of India’s most loved airline. We at JKC await the Hon’ble NCLT’s decision on our last filing and look forward to recommencing operations of Jet Airways at the earliest. Jalan further clarified that,“The Consortium is ready with its investments and given the progress the team has made operationally since NCLT Approval in June 2021, we feel it is time to fund the company immediately for revival of the business, without delay”. He reiterated that “We are aiming to start Domestic Operations at the earliest in 2022 as a Full-Service Carrier and look forward to creating history with Jet Airways revival.” On the plans of revival and fleet type of Jet Airways 2.0,Florian Fritsch of Kalrock Capital Partners and Partner of Jalan in Jet Airways said, “I am totally aligned with Mr. Jalan and his vision for Jet Airways. I feel the people of India deserve Jet Airways to come back and our teams are working tirelessly to ensure its revival.” Florian clarified that ,“the decision to invest in Jet Airways has been well thought off by me and Mr. Jalan and we both feel that now is the time that next steps of plan implementation be complied with as per orders of the NCLT.” On the fleet type, Florian said, “Jet Airways will commence its operations in 2022 with 6 (six) Narrow Body Aircraft and reach 100+ Aircraft Fleet as a 5-year plan. Even with an aggressive expansion strategy, Jet Airways intends to be a ESG Compliant Aviation Company.” On his relationship with Mr Jalan and future plans of the Consortium, Florian said “I am very fond of Mr. Jalan. He is a true visionary who wants to maintain a low profile but has big plans. It was his idea to invest in Jet Airways and Kalrock is glad to have partnered with him on this transaction. We are also exploring other business opportunities together in Indo-Pacific Region and in Eastern Europe”. On the revalidation of its existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC), the Consortium clarified that the process of revalidation was initiated in August 2021 itself, within days of receiving the NCLT approval, and the process has now been fast-tracked. The Consortium is confident of receiving the AOC in the coming months and will start operations soon thereafter. The Consortium said “We are in regular touch with the DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to have Jet’s AOC revalidated and we thank the authorities for their continued support. Jet Airways has an existing AOC valid until 2023, which was only suspended in 2019 due to the financial health of the company then, and the current process taken up is towards removing the said suspension and therefore the time required for getting the AOC revalidated will be substantially lesser in comparison to obtaining fresh AOC by a new company”. On slots at key airports, including Delhi and Mumbai, the Consortium clarified that it is working closely with the relevant authorities and airport coordinators on slot allocation, required airport infrastructure, and night parking and is confident to get the initial slots required by to commence operations. The Consortium said, “We have held multiple rounds of discussions with all key airports which form part of the initial network plan and are confident to get the required slots in the Summer Schedule of 2022.” On operational details and manpower engagement, the Consortium said, “Jet Airways is a brand which has grown bigger and stronger over the last two decades and people are excited to join and work for Jet Airways. The company has received more than 35,000 applications across job categories and the team is shortlisting candidates as per its business requirements. Jet Airways 2.0’s new corporate office is in Gurugram and the Consortium is looking for a bigger office in Delhi NCR to house the entire team in one office.” On senior management hirings, the Consortium said that, “Most of the Senior Management Positions as per our approved organization structure has been filled and the Consortium will introduce the Entire Senior Management Team to all stakeholders soon.” The Consortium is ready with the required capital and have applied to the Hon’ble NCLT for the necessary approvals to start capital infusion in Jet Airways for further implementation of the plan approved by Hon’ble NCLT in June 2021.

New Delhi, 9th December 2021: In one of the major air crash India has witnessed in recent times, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff(CDS), the country’s most senior serving soldier, General Bipin Rawat, died in a helicopter crash in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, when he was flying to give a lecture at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington. He was traveling in a Russian made Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17V-5 helicopter along with his wife, Madhulika Rawat, and 11 other armed forces personnel. The only survivor was the pilot, Group Captain Varun Singh, who is battling for his life in Military Hospital Wellington. The incident shocked the entire top the Indian government and PM Narendra Modi in his message said, General Bipin Rawat was “an outstanding soldier” and “a true patriot” who greatly contributed to modernising India’s armed forces and security apparatus. “As India’s first CDS, General Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms.” Rawat and his team flown in the morning in an Embraer Legacy jet from Delhi to Sulur Air Force Base, near Coimbatore. At Sulur, they transhipped to a Mi-17 helicopter for the short trip to Wellington and land at the DSSC helipad. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said the bodies of the victims will be flown to Delhi. A tri-service enquiry, led by Air Marshal Manavendra Singh, is presently underway, he added. He also said Group Captain Varun Singh, decorated with the Shaurya Chakra on Independence Day this year, who was the lone survivor of the crash, is on life support and all efforts are being made to save him. It remains unclear whether the accident took place because clouds caused the pilots to misjudge the terrain, or whether a mechanical failure had occurred. General Bipin Rawat, India’s first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far reaching reforms in the Indian military’s higher defence organisation. He was instrumental in creating the foundation of India’s joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations. ( Pix Courtesy: Internet)