PARAG JAIN APPOINTED AS RAW CHIEF

Current Context: Parag Jain, a seasoned 1989-batch IPS officer of Punjab cadre known for his role in Operation Sindoor, will assume charge as Secretary, Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) on July 1, 2025, succeeding Ravi Sinha.

• Experience & Background: Served as head of Aviation Research Centre, station chief in Sri Lanka, and has handled Pakistan desk, Kashmir operations, and counter-Khalistani efforts in Canada. Well-versed in both HUMINT and TECHINT
• Tenure: Appointed for a fixed two-year term (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027).

ABOUT RAW

• Full form : Research and Analysis Wing
• Formation: Established on 21 September 1968, post the 1962 India‑China War to handle foreign intelligence separately from the Intelligence Bureau.
• Role & Mandate:
• Primary functions: Collect foreign intelligence, conduct counter‑terrorism & counter‑proliferation ops, and advise Indian policymakers.
• Structure: Operates under the Cabinet Secretariat, headed by Secretary (Research), reporting directly to the Prime Minister and National Security Advisor .
• Sub-agencies:
  • Aviation Research Centre (ARC) – aerial surveillance
  • Electronics and Technical Services – signal and cyber intelligence
  • Radio Research Centre – intercept communications
  • Special Group – covert operations unit