New Chiefs Appointed for BSF, ITBP, and NIA
Government appoints Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, Praveen Kumar, and Rakesh Aggarwal as chiefs.
Photo by Maninder Sidhu
Key Facts
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor appointed ITBP chief
Praveen Kumar appointed BSF Director General
Rakesh Aggarwal appointed NIA Director General
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Security Forces and Agencies
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Potential question types: factual, analytical, and evaluative
Visual Insights
Areas of Responsibility for New Chiefs
Map showing the areas of responsibility for the BSF (Pakistan, Bangladesh borders), ITBP (China border), and NIA (pan-India with focus on terrorism hotspots).
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More Information
Background
The Border Security Force (BSF) was established on December 1, 1965, in the aftermath of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, to ensure the security of India's borders and matters connected therewith. Prior to this, state armed police battalions guarded the borders. The ITBP, on the other hand, was created on October 24, 1962, in the wake of the Sino-Indian War, primarily to guard the Indo-China border.
The NIA was constituted under the NIA Act, 2008, as a central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The need for a dedicated agency to investigate terror-related cases across state boundaries was acutely felt, leading to its formation.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the BSF has seen increased responsibilities, including enhanced powers in border areas, leading to debates about Centre-State relations. The ITBP has been focusing on improving infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and enhancing surveillance capabilities. The NIA has been actively involved in investigating cases related to terrorism, Naxalism, and human trafficking, leading to increased scrutiny of its powers and jurisdiction.
There's an ongoing discussion about strengthening inter-agency coordination among these forces to improve national security. The government is also focusing on modernizing these forces with advanced technology and equipment.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Border Security Force (BSF): 1. The BSF was established before the Indo-Pak war of 1965. 2. The BSF is solely responsible for guarding India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. 3. The Director General of BSF is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.None
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect as BSF was established after the 1965 war. Statement 2 is incorrect as BSF also guards other borders. Statement 3 is correct as appointments to DG level are made by ACC.
2. With reference to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which of the following statements is NOT correct? A) ITBP was raised in the aftermath of the Sino-Indian War of 1962. B) ITBP primarily guards the Indo-China border. C) ITBP functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence. D) ITBP personnel are trained in high-altitude warfare and disaster management.
- A.ITBP was raised in the aftermath of the Sino-Indian War of 1962.
- B.ITBP primarily guards the Indo-China border.
- C.ITBP functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
- D.ITBP personnel are trained in high-altitude warfare and disaster management.
Show Answer
Answer: C
ITBP functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Defence. The other statements are correct.
3. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was established primarily in response to which of the following events? A) The 2001 Indian Parliament attack B) The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks C) The 1993 Bombay bombings D) The 2016 Uri attack
- A.The 2001 Indian Parliament attack
- B.The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks
- C.The 1993 Bombay bombings
- D.The 2016 Uri attack
Show Answer
Answer: B
The NIA was established in response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to investigate terror-related cases across state boundaries.
4. Consider the following statements: 1. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) is headed by the President of India. 2. The ACC decides on all senior level appointments in the Government of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The ACC is headed by the Prime Minister of India. Statement 2 is correct.