Rajesh Kumar Singh and Samir Kamat NEW DELHI: Defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has been given additional charge of the posts of secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, and chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as the current DRDO chief Samir V Kamat is retiring.Singh will take over the additional responsibilities from May 31 as the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) issued the orders on Friday evening.During Kamat’s tenure as DRDO chairman since Aug 2022, the research organisation focused on structural reforms, advancing cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing and stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicles, and accelerating indigenous systems for the armed forces.Kamat pushed for advancements in the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), indigenous electric propulsion for warships, and heightened space-based Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). His tenure also witnessed the expansion of 15 DRDO industry academia centres of excellence to steer translational research.A 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre and the current defence secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh took over as defence secretary at South Block on Nov 1, 2024. Before assuming the post, he had taken charge as OSD (defence secretary-designate) on Aug 20, 2024. Prior to his appointment as defence secretary, Singh served as Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade from April 24, 2023, to Aug 20, 2024. Before it, Singh had earlier held several key positions, including director (works and urban transport) in the ministry of urban development, commissioner (Lands) in DDA and joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTechnical Glitch Or Governance Failure: Who Is Accountable For Tourist Safety Disasters?Congress Eyes “Kerala Model” For Karnataka Cabinet Amid Siddaramaiah Exit Buzz“Some People Trying To Misuse CID”: Kunal Ghosh Questions Agency Visit To His HomeSupreme Court Pulls Up NTA Over NEET 2026 Leak | Centre Says PM Modi Supervising Reforms’No Need To Sing Vande Matram In…’ Pinarayi Vijayan Hits out at Centre, BJP After Row In Assembly₹1,000 Crore for Damage Control: The Real Cost of India’s Exam CrisisWhy Japan Banned Indian Mango Shipments, Alphonso & Kesar Exports Face Major Crisis?335 Detainees Held As Bengal Activates Holding Centres Under Detect Delete Deport PolicyCyprus Plans BrahMos Missile Purchase From India, Raising Security Concerns In TurkeySupreme Court Allows Vinesh Phogat To Participate In Asian Games Trials123PhotostoriesBefore Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 7 sports child wonderkids who changed historyMeghan Markle’s favourite summer fashion picks just got a massive price dropFrom ‘National Treasure’ to ‘Longlegs’: Top 5 Nicolas Cage movies you need to watch right nowPoha turns mushy and soggy? 4 common mistakes that people commit and easy fixes7 foods linked to healthy aging and longevityThis is where snakes hide in Australian homesWhy scientists are telling anemic women to drink this juice5 stunning looks of Tejasswi Prakash from ‘Desi Bling’ that broke the internet5 High-protein foods for heart, kidney and liver health8 terrifying prehistoric creatures that once ruled the Earth123Hot PicksDhanendra KumarNew Labour CodeCOMEDK UGET resultCBSE 12th re-evaluationPunjab election resultStrait of HormuzGold price predictionTop TrendingBenjamin NetanyahuD GukeshVaibhav sooryavanshi IPL auctionPunjab Local Body Election ResultCockroach Janta PartySupreme CourtNEET UG 2026 fee refundBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak
NEW DELHI: Defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has been given additional charge of the posts of secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, and chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as the current DRDO chief Samir V Kamat is retiring.Singh will take over the additional responsibilities from May 31 as the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) issued the orders on Friday evening.During Kamat’s tenure as DRDO chairman since Aug 2022, the research organisation focused on structural reforms, advancing cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing and stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicles, and accelerating indigenous systems for the armed forces.Kamat pushed for advancements in the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), indigenous electric propulsion for warships, and heightened space-based Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). His tenure also witnessed the expansion of 15 DRDO industry academia centres of excellence to steer translational research.A 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre and the current defence secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh took over as defence secretary at South Block on Nov 1, 2024. Before assuming the post, he had taken charge as OSD (defence secretary-designate) on Aug 20, 2024. Prior to his appointment as defence secretary, Singh served as Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade from April 24, 2023, to Aug 20, 2024. Before it, Singh had earlier held several key positions, including director (works and urban transport) in the ministry of urban development, commissioner (Lands) in DDA and joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas.
