New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday announced a series of key appointments and administrative decisions, including a one-year extension in the tenure of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the appointment of eminent scientist Umesh V. Waghmare as the new Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the assignment of additional charge of the Ministry of Tourism to IAS officer Vivek Aggarwal.
The appointments and recommendations were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and notified through separate orders issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Vikram Misri Gets One-Year Extension as Foreign Secretary
In one of the most significant decisions, the ACC approved a one-year extension in service for Vikram Misri (IFS: 1989), who is serving as India’s Foreign Secretary.
According to the order, IFS Misri’s tenure has been extended beyond July 14, 2026, up to July 14, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, under the provisions of Fundamental Rule (F.R.) 56(d).
The extension ensures continuity in India’s diplomatic leadership at a time when the country continues to engage on several important geopolitical and strategic issues across the world.
Who is Vikram Misri?
Mr Misri is a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer currently serving as India’s 35th Foreign Secretary.
Widely regarded as one of India’s most accomplished diplomats, Misri has built an extensive career spanning diplomacy, national security and strategic affairs.
Early Life and Education
Born in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, Mr Misri completed his higher education at Hindu College, University of Delhi. He later earned an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur before briefly working in the corporate sector in advertising.
Scientist Umesh V. Waghmare Appointed Secretary, Department of Science & Technology
The Centre has appointed noted scientist Umesh V. Waghmare as the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST).
As per the DoPT order issued on July 1, the ACC approved his appointment from the date he assumes charge until he attains the age of 60 years, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Waghmare is currently serving as President and Professor, Theoretical Sciences Unit, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru.
A distinguished theoretical scientist, he is widely recognised for his contributions to computational materials science and condensed matter physics.
Waghmare Succeeds Abhay Karandikar
Waghmare will succeed Professor Abhay Karandikar, who vacated the post after being appointed as a Full-Time Member of NITI Aayog on April 24, 2026.
Following Karandikar’s relinquishment of charge on May 15, the government had assigned the additional charge of DST Secretary to Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, until a regular appointment was made.
With Waghmare’s appointment, the Department of Science and Technology will now have a full-time secretary to lead the country’s scientific research and innovation initiatives.
Vivek Aggarwal Given Additional Charge of Tourism Secretary
In another administrative decision, Vivek Aggarwal (IAS: 1994, Madhya Pradesh cadre), who is currently serving as Secretary, Ministry of Culture, has been entrusted with the additional charge of Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.
According to the notification, he will hold the additional responsibility from July 3 to July 19, 2026, during the leave period of Bhuvnesh Kumar (IAS: 1995, Uttar Pradesh cadre), the regular Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.
The arrangement has been made as an interim measure to ensure the smooth functioning of the ministry during Kumar’s absence.
Key Administrative Decisions
The latest appointments reflect the Centre’s efforts to ensure continuity in governance across key ministries and strategic institutions.
While Vikram Misri’s extension provides stability to India’s foreign policy establishment, Umesh V. Waghmare’s appointment brings an eminent scientist to lead the Department of Science and Technology. Meanwhile, the temporary assignment of additional charge to Vivek Aggarwal ensures uninterrupted functioning of the Ministry of Tourism during the regular secretary’s leave.
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