Gallantry Awards — Set 4
Awards & Honors · वीरता पुरस्कार · Questions 31–40 of 60
The 'Vajra' symbol on the Param Vir Chakra represents whose mythological weapon?
Correct Answer: C. Lord Indra
The Vajra is the thunderbolt of Lord Indra, made from the bones of Sage Dadhichi. It symbolizes that the soldier's courage is as indestructible as the mythical weapon. The medal features four such Vajras arranged in a circular pattern.
Which award is given for 'conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy' and is made of standard silver?
Correct Answer: D. Kirti Chakra
The Kirti Chakra is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award. It is distinguished from the Ashoka Chakra (gold-colored) and Shaurya Chakra (bronze) by being made of silver. It is often awarded for bravery during counter-insurgency operations.
Which animal is depicted in the Lion Capital on top of the Ashoka Chakra award?
Correct Answer: A. Lion
The state emblem on the medal features the four lions of the Sarnath Lion Capital. These lions represent power, courage, pride, and confidence. It is a mandatory feature on all official state awards in India.
Who was the first woman to receive the Ashoka Chakra?
Correct Answer: C. Neerja Bhanot
Neerja Bhanot was a flight attendant who sacrificed her life to save passengers during the 1986 Pan Am hijack. She was awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously in 1987. She is the youngest recipient of this award.
The Param Vir Chakra awardees are entitled to use which abbreviation with their name?
Correct Answer: D. PVC
Recipients of the Param Vir Chakra use 'PVC' as a post-nominal title to denote their high honor. Similarly, MVC is used for Maha Vir Chakra and VrC for Vir Chakra. This practice follows international military traditions for prestigious awards.
Which of these is the only Param Vir Chakra recipient from the Indian Navy?
Correct Answer: C. None
The correct answer is 'None'. Currently, no member of the Indian Navy has been awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, who famously went down with INS Khukri, was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. The majority of PVCs have been awarded to the Army.
The 'Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak' is an award for saving life from which category?
Correct Answer: C. Civilian Bravery
The Jeevan Raksha Padak series are civilian awards for conspicuous courage in saving someone's life from drowning, fire, or other accidents. Sarvottam is the highest, followed by Uttam and Jeevan Raksha Padaks. These are awarded by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Vir Chakra medal has which color ribbon?
Correct Answer: D. Half Blue and Half Orange
The ribbon for the Vir Chakra is divided into two vertical halves of dark blue and saffron (orange). The blue represents the sky/sea and the saffron represents sacrifice. This makes the medal easily distinguishable from the MVC (half white, half orange).
In terms of hierarchy, the Shaurya Chakra comes immediately after which award?
Correct Answer: C. Kirti Chakra
In the order of precedence for peacetime bravery, Shaurya Chakra follows the Kirti Chakra. It is equivalent in rank to the wartime Vir Chakra. Both military and civilian personnel are eligible for this honor.
Which award is the highest gallantry honor for State Police forces in India?
Correct Answer: D. President's Police Medal for Gallantry
The PPMG (now renamed as Medal for Gallantry) is the highest honor for police officers showing conspicuous bravery. While police can also receive Ashoka, Kirti, or Shaurya Chakras, PPMG is their specific apex award. It is awarded on Republic Day and Independence Day.