Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer from Kerala cadre, today assumed charge as the Defence Secretary. Mr Singh succeeded a 1988-batch IAS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre Giridhar Aramane, who superannuated from service yesterday.         Before taking charge, Mr Singh laid a wreath and paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

Earlier, Mr Singh was holding the charge of Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He has held many other important positions in the Union Government. He has also held important positions in the State Government as Secretary, Urban Development and lately as Kerala Finance Secretary.