Mahesh Dixit Appointed Intelligence Bureau Chief

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The central government has named Mahesh Dixit as the new director of the Intelligence Bureau for a period of two years.
He is an Indian Police Service officer from the 1993 batch belonging to the Andhra Pradesh cadre.
He takes over the position from Tapan Kumar Deka, who completed a four-year term as the agency chief.

The Intelligence Bureau acts as India's main domestic security and intelligence organization under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The agency dates back to the British colonial era, with its origins often linked to the Central Special Branch established in 1887.
Some historical records trace its beginnings to the initial intelligence unit created by Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor in 1885.
Its primary duty involves working with law enforcement to fight terrorism, gather information, and safeguard vital infrastructure like aviation.
The agency also plays a key role in protecting the country from secessionist movements and internal threats.
It handles background checks and security clearances for high-ranking officials, diplomats, and judges.
Personnel in the bureau come from various law enforcement backgrounds, including the Indian Police Service, Indian Revenue Service, and the military.
The director of the agency sits on the Strategic Policy Group and the Joint Intelligence Committee of the National Security Council.
The bureau head reports directly to the Prime Minister regarding crucial security matters.