Gallantry Awards — Set 2
Awards & Honors · वीरता पुरस्कार · Questions 11–20 of 60
Who designed the Param Vir Chakra medal?
Correct Answer: D. Savitri Khanolkar
Savitri Khanolkar, of Swiss-Hungarian origin, designed the Param Vir Chakra at the request of the Indian Army. She was the wife of an Indian Army officer and had deep knowledge of Indian culture. She chose the motif of Dadichi's bones (the Vajra) to symbolize ultimate sacrifice.
Which of the following awards is NOT specifically for gallantry?
Correct Answer: A. Param Vishisht Seva Medal
The Param Vishisht Seva Medal is awarded for 'distinguished service of the most exceptional order' rather than valor in combat. Gallantry awards are strictly for acts of bravery, whereas PVSM is a merit-based service decoration. It is usually awarded to senior officers for long-term administrative excellence.
The Vayu Sena Medal is a gallantry award specifically for which branch?
Correct Answer: C. Indian Air Force
The Vayu Sena Medal is awarded to members of the Indian Air Force for individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage. It was instituted in 1960. While it can be awarded for distinguished service, it is often given for gallantry in flight.
Who was the only Air Force officer to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra?
Correct Answer: D. Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon
Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was awarded the PVC posthumously for his defense of the Srinagar base in 1971. He single-handedly engaged six enemy Sabres with his Gnat aircraft. His bravery remains a legendary chapter in the history of the IAF.
On which day are the gallantry awards usually announced in India?
Correct Answer: A. Independence Day and Republic Day
Gallantry awards are announced twice a year, on the occasion of Republic Day and Independence Day. These announcements honor the personnel who have shown exemplary courage during the year. The President of India officially confers these awards in an investiture ceremony.
The Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal is the highest category of which type of award?
Correct Answer: A. Distinguished Service in War
The Yudh Seva series of medals are awarded for distinguished service during wartime or conflict operations. Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal is the highest among them, followed by Uttam and Yudh Seva medals. These are different from gallantry awards as they focus on operational service rather than specific acts of valor.
Which metal is used for the Vir Chakra medal?
Correct Answer: C. Standard Silver
The Vir Chakra is made of standard silver and is circular in shape. It features a five-pointed star with the chakra in the center. The ribbon is half blue and half orange, distinguishing it from other honors.
Which is the highest gallantry award for the Indian Coast Guard?
Correct Answer: D. President's Tatrakshak Medal
The President's Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) is the highest gallantry and service award for the Indian Coast Guard. It recognizes exceptional devotion to duty and acts of valor at sea. This is distinct from the Tatrakshak Medal, which is the second tier.
How many Param Vir Chakras have been awarded in India to date?
Correct Answer: A. 21
Total 21 individuals have been honored with the Param Vir Chakra since its inception. Out of these, 14 were awarded posthumously for their ultimate sacrifice. The most recent awards were given after the Kargil Conflict in 1999.
The Ashoka Chakra was originally named as what in 1952?
Correct Answer: C. Ashoka Chakra Class I
In 1952, the peacetime awards were instituted as Ashoka Chakra Class I, II, and III. In 1967, they were renamed as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra respectively. This change helped in giving distinct identities to the different levels of peacetime valor.