Rakesh Agarwal Appointed New NIA Chief: India's Top Anti-Terror Sword

• Rakesh Agarwal, a 1994-batch IPS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
• He previously served as the Special Director General (SDG) within the NIA, bringing extensive familiarity with the agency's operations and ongoing investigations.
• Agarwal's tenure as NIA chief will last until August 31, 2028, his date of superannuation, and he is appointed at Pay Matrix Level-16.
• The central government's decision underscores a strategic move to strengthen India's internal security against terrorism and organized crime.
• Simultaneously, Praveen Kumar has been appointed DG BSF and Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor DG ITBP, marking significant leadership changes in key security forces.

Why It Matters: Rakesh Agarwal, an experienced IPS officer, takes charge as NIA DG, signaling a reinforced anti-terror strategy.