President Confers Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards

Why in news?

• The President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces Shri Ram Nath Kovind conferred three Kirti Chakras and fifteen Shaurya Chakras to Armed Forces Personnel for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty at a solemn ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
• Two Kirti Chakras and one Shaurya Chakra were given posthumously.
• The President also conferred fifteen Param Vishisht Seva Medals, one UttamYudh Seva Medals and twenty-five Ati Vishisht Seva Medals to senior officers of the Armed Forces for distinguished service of an exceptional order.

 What to know?

• Wartime gallantry awards

1. Param Vir Chakra — Highest military award, equivalent to the Victoria Cross (which was replaced once India gained its independence).

2. Maha Vir Chakra – Maha Vir Chakra is the second highest military decoration in India and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air.

3. Vir Chakra – Third in precedence in the awards for wartime gallantry.

• Peacetime gallantry awards

1. Ashok Chakra Award – An Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. It is the peacetime equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra.

2. Kirti Chakra – Second in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards.

3. Shaurya Chakra – Third in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards.

• Wartime/Peacetime service awards

1. Sena Medal / Nau Sena Medal / Vayusena Medal

2. Wartime Distinguished Service

3. Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal

4. Uttam Yudh Seva Medal

5. Yudh Seva Medal

• Peacetime Distinguished Service

1. Param Vishisht Seva Medal

2. Ati Vishisht Seva Medal

3. Vishisht Seva Medal

(National)(PIB)

Pic courtesy:Odisha Diary