Independence Day 2024: Gallantry Awards and Recognitions

On the eve of Independence Day 2024, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu approved 103 gallantry awards to personnel from the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

1. This recognition highlights exceptional bravery and service across various military operations.

Gallantry Awards

1. Kirti Chakra

   1. Total Awards: 4 (including 3 posthumous)
   2. Details: Instituted in 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-II, renamed Kirti Chakra in 1967. Awarded for conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy.
   3. Design: Circular, made of standard silver, with an embossed Ashoka Chakra surrounded by a lotus wreath. Ribbon is green with two vertical orange lines.

2. Shaurya Chakra

   1. Total Awards: 18 (including 4 posthumous)
   2. Details: Instituted in 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-III, renamed in 1967. Awarded for gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy.
   3. Design: Circular bronze medal with the Ashoka Chakra in the center, surrounded by a lotus wreath. Ribbon is green divided by three vertical lines. Bars are awarded for subsequent acts of gallantry.

3. Sena Medal (Gallantry)

   1. Total Awards: 64 (including 2 posthumous and 1 Bar)
   2. Details: Awarded to personnel of the Indian Army for acts of bravery or exceptional service. The Bar recognizes additional acts of bravery.

4. Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry)

   1. Total Awards: 11
   2. Details: Gallantry award for the Indian Navy, recognizing exceptional devotion to duty or courage.

5. Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)

   1. Total Awards: 6
   2. Details: Instituted in 1960 to recognize exceptional devotion to duty or acts of courage by Air Force personnel. Includes awards for individual acts of bravery and devotion to duty.

Mention-in-Despatches

1. Total Awards: 39 (including to Army Dog Kent posthumously)

2. Operations Noted:

   1. Operation Rakshak: Ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
   2. Operation Snow Leopard: Response to standoff with Chinese forces along the LAC in Ladakh.
   3. Operation Sahayata: Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
   4. Operation Orchid: Counter-insurgency in the Naga Hills and Tuensang area of Nagaland.
   5. Operation Hifazat: Counter-insurgency in the Nagaland-Manipur-Arunachal Pradesh area.
3. Purpose: Recognizes distinguished and meritorious service in operational areas that do not warrant a gallantry award.

Police Medals

1. President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG)

   1. Total Awards: 1
   2. Recipient: Shri Chaduvu Yadaiah, Head Constable, Telangana Police.
   3. Details: Awarded for extraordinary bravery during a violent confrontation involving criminals.

2. Medal for Gallantry (GM)

   1. Total Awards: 213
   2. Details: Recognizes acts of gallantry, including decorations for firefighters and civil defense personnel.

3. President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM)

   1. Total Awards: 94
   2. Details: Awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in police work.

4. Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM)

   1. Total Awards: 729
   2. Details: Recognizes valuable service characterized by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.

Conclusion:

The Independence Day 2024 awards show the extraordinary bravery and commitment of personnel across the Armed Forces and CAPFs, highlighting their significant contributions in various operations and their continued dedication to national security and service.

 

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi

UPSC Prelims Result 2024 Out: Expected Cut Off & Other Details, UPSC Prelims 2024 Answer with Explanation, Daily Prelims Quiz, Daily Current Affairs, MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS TOTAL (CAT) MAGAZINE, Best IAS Coaching Institute in Karol Bagh, Best IAS Coaching Institute in Delhi, Daily Mains Question Answer Practice, ENSURE IAS UPSC Toppers, UPSC Toppers Marksheet, Previous Year Interview Questions, UPSC Syllabus