Gallantry Awards — Set 3
Awards & Honors · वीरता पुरस्कार · Questions 21–30 of 60
What motif is used on the obverse of the Maha Vir Chakra?
Correct Answer: D. Five-pointed Star
The Maha Vir Chakra features a five-pointed heraldic star in the center with the state emblem. The medal is circular and made of silver. It is the second-highest decoration for wartime valor.
Which rank in the Indian Navy is equivalent to a 'Major' in the Army for award eligibility?
Correct Answer: A. Lieutenant Commander
A Lieutenant Commander in the Navy holds the same seniority as a Major in the Army. Gallantry awards are open to all ranks, from soldiers to senior officers. Understanding equivalent ranks helps in following citations for various awards.
Which award is primarily given for 'distinguished service of an exceptional order' during peace?
Correct Answer: C. Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) is a service decoration rather than a gallantry award. It is given for high-order meritorious service to the nation. Gallantry awards, on the other hand, require a specific act of bravery in a life-threatening situation.
Which state of India has produced the highest number of Param Vir Chakra recipients?
Correct Answer: D. Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is often called the 'Land of Heroes' as it has produced four PVC winners. These include Major Somnath Sharma and Captain Vikram Batra. The state has a very high per capita representation in the Indian Armed Forces.
What represents the 'Ashoka Chakra' on the peacetime gallantry medal?
Correct Answer: A. Wheel of Dharma
The Ashoka Chakra award features a replica of the Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Duty found in the Sarnath Lion Capital. It is the same wheel that appears in the center of the Indian national flag. It symbolizes the eternal nature of truth and duty.
The Sena Medal (Gallantry) is awarded specifically to members of which service?
Correct Answer: A. Indian Army
The Sena Medal is the service-specific gallantry award for the Indian Army. The equivalents are the Nao Sena Medal for the Navy and Vayu Sena Medal for the Air Force. It is given for individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage.
Which award was Captain Vikram Batra honored with during the Kargil War?
Correct Answer: C. Param Vir Chakra
Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his legendary leadership during the 1999 Kargil War. He famously used the code name 'Sher Shah' and the success signal 'Yeh Dil Maange More'. His bravery at Point 5140 and Point 4875 is etched in Indian military history.
What is the order of precedence for peacetime gallantry awards from highest to lowest?
Correct Answer: D. Ashoka, Kirti, Shaurya
The Ashoka Chakra is the highest, followed by the Kirti Chakra and then the Shaurya Chakra. This hierarchy mirrors the wartime PVC, MVC, and Vir Chakra structure. All these medals recognize bravery in situations other than direct war.
Which of these is the lowest wartime gallantry award in India?
Correct Answer: A. Vir Chakra
Among the three primary wartime awards, the Vir Chakra is the third or lowest in rank. It is still a very prestigious honor given for bravery in the face of the enemy. The Sena Medal is a separate category for distinguished service or courage.
Which award is the highest for 'meritorious service' in the Indian Navy?
Correct Answer: A. Param Vishisht Seva Medal
The PVSM is the highest service decoration for all branches of the armed forces, including the Navy. While Nao Sena Medal is specific to the Navy, it is ranked lower than PVSM. Gallantry awards like Vir Chakra are categorized differently based on combat action.