New Delhi, Jun 28: Parag Jain, one of the brains behind the meticulous planning of ‘Operation Sindoor’, has been appointed as the new Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), officials said here on Saturday.

The two-year tenure of Jain, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1989 batch of the Punjab cadre, officially begins on July 1.

He takes over from Ravi Sinha, who retires on June 30.

The decision to appoint Jain as chief of the external intelligence agency was made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet earlier this week, officials said.

Before this, Jain was the head of the Aviation Research Centre, an organisation that deals with aerial surveillance, SIGINT operations, photo reconnaissance flights (PHOTINT), monitoring of borders and imagery intelligence (IMINT).

Jain is known for his exceptional expertise in integrating both human intelligence (HUMINT) and technical intelligence (TECHINT) and is widely credited as the mastermind behind the planning of ‘Operation Sindoor’, providing intelligence support that enabled the armed forces to execute precise strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.

India hit nine terror camps across the border and Line of Control, including the headquarters of banned terror outfits Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba on May 7.

The missile strikes were guided by pinpointed intelligence gathered by a team led by Jain, officials said.

With extensive ground experience in Kashmir, Jain is well-positioned to counter Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to rebuild terror infrastructure in PoK.

Jain also brings extensive experience in addressing neighbourhood challenges and issues related to Khalistan terror groups.

He played a crucial role in J&K during the 2019 reorganisation of the erstwhile state of J&K.

Throughout his career, Jain has held several significant positions.

He was promoted to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) in Punjab on January 1, 2021, though he was on central deputation at the time.

His career includes significant operational contributions during the height of terrorism in Punjab, where he served as SSP and Deputy Inspector General of Police in various districts.

Jain has also served in Indian Missions in Sri Lanka and Canada.

During his tenure in Canada, he monitored Khalistan terror modules operating from the soil of that country.

Godhra, Jun 28: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday called for the youth to resolve towards making India a world leader in every sphere by 2047, when it celebrates the centenary of its independence. He also recalled the contributions of tribal leader Govind Guru in India’s freedom struggle, saying he awakened the conscience of the people from the region during the British rule. Shah was addressing via video link a programme where development works worth Rs 125 crore for Shri Govind Guru University at Vinzol near Godhra in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district were launched.

Describing Govind Guru a hero of India’s freedom movement who fought against the British rulers, Shah said, “Around 1,512 tribal brothers and sisters were martyred in that struggle against the British, and Mangadh (in Gujarat) became an important place in the history of India’s fight for independence.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken forward the heroism of Govind Guru, and is determined to make India a great nation by 2047, he said.

“It is a matter of importance for all of us. Our youth and children should make a resolution of creating an India where it attains the first position in every field in the world when the country celebrates the centenary of its independence,” Shah added.

The Union minister said the idea of setting up the Govind Guru University was conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister.

“Today, it is a very important day in the history of Panchmahal (district). As the then Gujarat chief minister, PM Narendrabhai conceived a university and memorial dedicated to Govind Guru which could serve as a place of inspiration for tribals from across the country,” Shah said in his brief virtual address as he could not remain present at the event physically due to inclement weather conditions. The university was set up in 2015, and today various initiatives worth Rs 125 crore are being inaugurated or foundation stones are being laid for them, he said. The infrastructure projects of the university that were launched include a centre for excellence, an indoor multipurpose sports complex, a synthetic track, football and cricket grounds, an artificial lake and a hostel building

Nagpur, June 28: Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Saturday said Dr B R Ambedkar envisioned one Constitution for the country to keep it united and never favoured the idea of a separate constitution for a state.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Constitution Preamble Park here, the CJI said the Supreme Court drew inspiration from Dr Ambedkar’s vision of a united India under a single constitution while upholding the Centre’s decision to abrogate Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Gavai was part of a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by then Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, that unanimously upheld the Centre’s decision to abrogate Article 370, which bestowed special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

“When Article 370 was challenged, it came before us, and when the hearing was underway, I recalled Dr Babasaheb’s words that one Constitution is suited for a country… If we want to keep the country united, we need only one Constitution,” he said, while addressing the gathering in Marathi.

On August 5, 2019, the Centre decided to strip Jammu and Kashmir of special status and divide it into two Union Territories.

Gavai said Dr Ambedkar had been criticised, saying the Constitution provides for too much federalism, and in times of war, the country may not remain united.

However, he had responded, saying the Constitution would suit all the challenges and keep the nation united, the CJI said.

“See the situation in the neighbouring countries, be it Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka. Whenever our country faces challenges, it has remained united,” Gavai said.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said he was happy that CJI Gavai inaugurated the Constitution Preamble Park and unveiled a statue of Dr Ambedkar.

Freedom, equality and brotherhood were Dr Ambedkar’s valuable gift to the country in the form of the Constitution, he said.

Gadkari said that the Constitution has clearly stated the responsibilities and rights of the four pillars of democracy, i.e. executive, judiciary, legislature and media.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Gavai was performing his responsibility as the Chief Justice of India ably.

Highlighting the importance of the Constitution, Fadnavis said the government has decided that the Preamble of the Constitution should reach every student to mark the Amrit Mohotsav of the Constitution.

“If we accept the values of the Preamble, 90 per cent of the country’s problems will be solved forever,” he said.