President approves 127 Gallantry awards & 40 Distinguished Service awards for meritorious service

Context:

On the eve of Independence Day 2024, President Droupadi Murmu approved a large number of Gallantry Awards, Distinguished Service Awards, and Mentions-in-Despatches for personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, Border Roads Development Board, and the Indian Coast Guard.

Key Takeaways for UPSC:

1. Gallantry Awards Approved (127 total):

• Kirti Chakra – 4
• Vir Chakra – 15
• Shaurya Chakra – 16
• Sena Medal (Gallantry) – 58
• Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) – 6
• Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) – 26
• Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry) – 2

2. Distinguished Service Awards (40 total):

• Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM) – 7
• Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) – 9
• Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) – 24

3. Mentions-in-Despatches (290 total):

• Indian Army – 115
• Indian Navy – 5
• Indian Air Force – 167
• Border Roads Development Board – 3

4. Indian Coast Guard:

• Tatrakshak Medals – 5 personnel

Conceptual Understanding for UPSC:

• Gallantry Awards:
  • Wartime Gallantry Awards: Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), Vir Chakra.
  • Peacetime Gallantry Awards: Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra.
• Distinguished Service Awards:
  • During War/Conflict: Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal.
  • In Peace: Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
• Mention-in-Despatches (MiD):
  Recognition of a soldier’s distinguished service in operational duty.
• Tatrakshak Medal:
  Awarded to personnel of the Indian Coast Guard for gallantry, distinguished, or meritorious service.
  
  Updated: August 14, 2025, 8:54 PM | Newsonair