Military Awards & PVC — Set 14
Defence GK · सैन्य पुरस्कार और PVC · Questions 131–140 of 160
India's highest distinction to a foreigner or civilian not in the armed forces is the Bharat Ratna. Which scientist, known as 'Missile Man of India,' received both Bharat Ratna and has an arms research connection?
Correct Answer: B. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, known as the 'Missile Man of India,' received the Bharat Ratna in 1997. He was the Project Director of India's SLV-III and played a key role in developing Agni and Prithvi missiles under IGMDP. He later became the President of India (2002-2007).
During the 1971 Bangladesh War, which Indian regiment's brave actions at Sylhet led to one soldier being recommended for the Param Vir Chakra (eventually not awarded at PVC level)?
Correct Answer: D. Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry
The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) participated in several battles during the 1971 war including Sylhet. Extraordinary acts of individual bravery were recommended for PVC but not all recommendations were approved. The 1971 war PVCs went to Arun Khetarpal, Hoshiyar Singh, Albert Ekka, and Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon.
Which of these statements about the Kargil War PVC recipients Yogendra Singh Yadav and Sanjay Kumar is CORRECT?
Correct Answer: D. Yogendra Yadav is from 18 Grenadiers, Sanjay Kumar from 13 JAK Rifles
Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav is from 18 Grenadiers while Subedar Sanjay Kumar is from 13 JAK Rifles. Both survived their acts and are living PVC recipients. Sanjay Kumar and Vikram Batra both served in 13 JAK Rifles. The four Kargil PVCs came from two different regiments.
Subedar Joginder Singh's PVC action at Tongpen La in 1962 — how many waves of Chinese attacks did he repel before being overwhelmed?
Correct Answer: C. 3
Subedar Joginder Singh repelled three waves of Chinese attacks at Tongpen La in NEFA during the 1962 war. He continued fighting even after he was wounded. On the third attack, his ammunition ran out but he charged the enemy with his bayonet before being captured and subsequently dying in captivity.
The Mahavir Chakra awarded to Indian soldiers for the Kargil War — approximately how many were awarded?
Correct Answer: C. About 25
Approximately 25 Maha Vir Chakras were awarded for bravery during the Kargil War. Additionally, about 45 Vir Chakras were awarded. The full complement of gallantry awards during Kargil included 4 PVCs, 25 MVCs, and numerous VCs and lower decorations. The Kargil War produced significant gallantry recognition.
Which regiment produced both a 1965 PVC (CQMH Abdul Hamid) and is counted as one of India's oldest infantry regiments?
Correct Answer: C. The Grenadiers
The Grenadiers regiment produced CQMH Abdul Hamid, the 1965 PVC recipient. The Grenadiers is one of India's oldest infantry regiments, tracing its origins to the Bengal Army. It also produced the 1999 Kargil PVC recipient Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, making it the only regiment with two PVC recipients from different wars.
In a military funeral for a PVC recipient, whose flag drapes the coffin?
Correct Answer: B. National flag (Tricolor)
In Indian military funerals, the national flag (Tricolor) drapes the coffin of all armed forces personnel, including PVC recipients. The national flag is then folded and handed to the next of kin. Captain Vikram Batra's famous statement — 'I'll come back wrapped in the tricolor' — referenced this tradition.
The PVC award hierarchy specifies that in case of multiple PVCs to the same person (bars), how is it worn?
Correct Answer: B. A bar is added to the ribbon for each additional award
For each subsequent award of the Param Vir Chakra (and other gallantry awards), a bar is added to the ribbon and brooch. The medal itself is worn only once, with additional bars indicating multiple awards. No Indian recipient has ever received more than one PVC, making this a theoretical provision.
The family of Albert Ekka, the 1971 war tribal PVC recipient, lives in which state?
Correct Answer: B. Jharkhand
Albert Ekka's family lives in Jaridag village in Gumla district, which is in the state of Jharkhand (carved out of Bihar in 2000). His memorial and statue are maintained in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. The Jharkhand government provides a pension to his family.
Among India's gallantry medals, which combination correctly lists wartime-only awards?
Correct Answer: B. PVC, MVC, VC only
PVC (Param Vir Chakra), MVC (Maha Vir Chakra), and VC (Vir Chakra) are exclusively wartime gallantry awards given for acts in the face of the enemy. Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra are peacetime gallantry awards. Shaurya Chakra, though given in peacetime, is not a wartime award.