Military Awards & PVC — Set 8
Defence GK · सैन्य पुरस्कार और PVC · Questions 71–80 of 160
Which is the highest military decoration awarded to Indian civilians who have made an extraordinary contribution to national defence?
Correct Answer: B. Padma Vibhushan
The Padma Vibhushan can be awarded to civilians who have contributed extraordinarily to national defence and security. The Bharat Ratna has also been awarded to defence scientists like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr Vikram Sarabhai. The Param Vir Chakra is exclusively for military personnel.
During the 1971 war, Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon flew which aircraft when he was killed defending Srinagar airbase?
Correct Answer: B. Gnat (Folland Gnat)
Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was flying a Folland Gnat (Indian Air Force designation: HAL Ajeet prototype/Gnat) when he engaged six Pakistani F-86 Sabres over Srinagar airbase on December 14, 1971. He shot down two Sabres before being killed. The Gnat became famous as the 'Sabre Slayer' in the 1971 war.
The Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) is the highest service distinction in India. Who can receive it?
Correct Answer: C. All ranks of the Armed Forces
The Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) can be awarded to officers of all three services — Army, Navy, and Air Force — who have rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order. It is the highest peacetime service medal. General V P Malik received the PVSM during his tenure as COAS.
Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav's extraordinary feat at Point 5140 in Kargil involved climbing a near-vertical face. He was shot how many times yet continued fighting?
Correct Answer: D. Fifteen times
Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was shot at least fifteen times while climbing the near-vertical face of Point 5140 during the Kargil War. Despite his grievous wounds, he continued to climb and cleared three enemy bunkers with grenades. His extraordinary endurance and valour in the face of such injuries is what made his PVC action legendary.
The Vir Chakra ribbon is half orange and half:
Correct Answer: B. Blue
The Vir Chakra ribbon is half blue and half orange. Blue typically represents the Navy and sky, while orange represents service and sacrifice. The medal itself is circular, made of standard silver with a state emblem design. It is India's third highest wartime gallantry award.
Which PVC recipient from the 1962 war is believed to be still guarding a Himalayan pass, venerated as a deity by local tribes?
Correct Answer: D. Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat of 4 Garhwal Rifles, who died fighting Chinese forces at Nuranang in NEFA (Arunachal Pradesh) in 1962, is venerated as a local deity. Local tribes and the Indian Army believe his spirit guards the Nuranang/Sela Pass area. A temple dedicated to him is maintained near Sela Pass.
How many Indian soldiers received the Param Vir Chakra during the entire Kargil War period?
Correct Answer: B. 4
Four Param Vir Chakras were awarded for the 1999 Kargil War: Captain Vikram Batra (13 JAK Rifles, posthumous), Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey (1/11 GR, posthumous), Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav (18 Grenadiers, survived), and Subedar Sanjay Kumar (13 JAK Rifles, survived). Two recipients survived, two were posthumous.
The Ashoka Chakra is awarded on which occasion?
Correct Answer: C. Both Republic Day and Independence Day
The Ashoka Chakra and other gallantry awards are announced on both Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15) each year. The actual investiture ceremonies take place later at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Unlike war-specific PVCs, the Ashoka Chakra is frequently awarded in both announcement cycles.
In how many wars/operations has the Param Vir Chakra been awarded till 1999?
Correct Answer: B. 7
The Param Vir Chakra has been awarded in approximately 7 distinct wars/operations: 1947-48 Kashmir War, 1961 Congo (UN), 1962 Sino-Indian War, 1965 India-Pakistan War, 1971 Bangladesh War, 1987 IPKF (Sri Lanka), 1987 Siachen operations, and 1999 Kargil War. This covers the full history of Indian post-independence military conflicts.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration at Drass War Memorial features which tradition?
Correct Answer: D. All of the above
The Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration at Drass War Memorial features all these elements — an air show with IAF jets, parade by veterans, wreath laying at the memorial, and the lighting of the eternal flame. The PM and senior government officials attend the ceremony. Surviving Kargil war heroes including Yogendra Singh Yadav and Sanjay Kumar are often present.