Military Awards & PVC — Set 13
Defence GK · सैन्य पुरस्कार और PVC · Questions 121–130 of 160
The Param Vir Chakra medallion features the four Vajras (thunderbolts) of Lord Indra. This design element was chosen because:
Correct Answer: C. Both reasons — Indra as war god and vajra as supreme weapon
The PVC design featuring four Vajras was chosen by designer Savitri (Eve) Khanolkar because Indra is the god of war in Hindu mythology and the Vajra is considered the supreme weapon. The four Vajras represent the four directions/cardinal points, symbolising protection of the nation from all sides. The design reflects deep roots in Indian martial tradition.
How many PVC recipients have been from the Kumaon Regiment?
Correct Answer: B. 2
Two Param Vir Chakra recipients are from the Kumaon Regiment: Major Somnath Sharma (4 Kumaon, 1947-48 war, posthumous) and Major Shaitan Singh (13 Kumaon, 1962 war, posthumous). Both were posthumous awards. The Kumaon Regiment remains one of India's most decorated infantry regiments.
What does the 'Sena' in 'Sena Medal' mean?
Correct Answer: B. Army
'Sena' in Sanskrit/Hindi means 'Army.' The Sena Medal is thus the 'Army Medal,' awarded specifically to Indian Army personnel. The naval equivalent 'Nao Sena Medal' means 'Naval Medal' (Nao = ship/navy), and the air force equivalent 'Vayu Sena Medal' means 'Air Force Medal' (Vayu = air/wind).
The Param Vir Chakra citation for Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat mentions that he fought for how many days single-handedly against Chinese forces?
Correct Answer: C. 3 days
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat reportedly fought single-handedly against Chinese forces for approximately three days (November 17-19, 1962) at Nuranang in NEFA. He used multiple machine guns positioned at different points to create the impression of a larger force. This delayed the Chinese advance significantly before he was finally overwhelmed.
Which Kargil War hero, though not a PVC recipient, was captured and tortured by Pakistan, becoming a symbol of Pakistan's violation of Geneva Conventions?
Correct Answer: C. Captain Saurabh Kalia
Captain Saurabh Kalia of 4 JAT Regiment was captured along with five soldiers by Pakistani forces in the Kaksar sector in May 1999. Their bodies, returned to India weeks later, showed evidence of severe torture including burning, mutilation, and broken bones. The family continues to seek justice under international law.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is the only Indian to hold the rank of Field Marshal. He received which gallantry award for his bravery in World War II?
Correct Answer: A. Military Cross (British)
Sam Manekshaw was awarded the Military Cross (MC) by the British for his bravery in Burma during World War II in 1942, where he was shot through the abdomen. He was told he would not survive but recovered. His bravery in WWII showed the early promise of a brilliant military career that culminated in India's 1971 victory.
The Ghatak platoon (Ghatak Commando) in each Indian infantry battalion is tasked with which special mission?
Correct Answer: C. Deep penetration raids and special missions
The Ghatak platoon in each Indian infantry battalion is a special assault platoon trained for deep penetration raids, special missions, and capturing key terrain. 'Ghatak' means 'lethal/deadly' in Hindi. Captain Vikram Batra commanded his Ghatak platoon during the Kargil War operations at Point 5140 and Point 4875.
Which of these PVC recipients from the 1965 war belongs to the artillery/infantry support category?
Correct Answer: A. CQMH Abdul Hamid
CQMH Abdul Hamid was from the Grenadiers infantry regiment but used a jeep-mounted RCL (Recoilless Rifle) gun — which is an anti-tank weapon of the infantry support category. Lt Col A B Tarapore commanded an armoured/cavalry regiment (Poona Horse). Both are infantry/cavalry, not pure artillery.
Subedar Sanjay Kumar of 13 JAK Rifles was awarded the PVC for clearing enemy positions in the Mushkoh Valley during Kargil. What rank did he hold at the time?
Correct Answer: B. Rifleman (private equivalent)
Subedar Sanjay Kumar held the rank of Rifleman (the lowest rank, equivalent to Private) at the time of his act of bravery at Area Flat Top in Mushkoh Valley on July 4-5, 1999. He has since been promoted to Subedar rank. His rank at the time demonstrates that extraordinary courage is found at all levels.
The Param Vir Chakra carries what pension for a widow or next of kin of a posthumous recipient?
Correct Answer: A. Same as for living recipient
The monetary allowance associated with the PVC is paid to the widow or nominated next of kin in case of a posthumous recipient, at the same rate as for a living recipient. State governments also provide additional pensions. The Central Government pension has been periodically revised and as of recent years stands at Rs 10,000 per month per bar.