NEW DELHI: Senior IPS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre Ravi Sinha has been appointed as the new chief of India's external intelligence Research and Analysis Wing or R&AW chief on Monday. The appointment is for two years from now. Currently, Mr. Sinha is a special secretary in Cabinet Secretariat.

Sinha has formerly proved his mettle and has worked under extensive situations in Kashmir and Chattisgarh, averting threats from Maoists. He is taking charge of the position at a crucial time, when Sikh extremism and ethnic violence in Manipur are likely to be some of his immediate challenges. Incumbent RAW Chief, Samant Kumar Goel will retire on June 30.