Defence & Security

Government Approves 78 Gallantry Awards on Eve of 80th I-Day

15 August 2026UPSCSSCDefence

In Brief

Government approves 78 gallantry awards, including 9 Kirti Chakras and 19 Shaurya Chakras, honoring military and police personnel.

On the eve of India's 80th Independence Day, the President of India approved 78 gallantry awards for personnel belonging to the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State Police forces. The decorations recognize outstanding acts of courage, selfless devotion to duty, and tactical valor during counter-terrorism, anti-Naxal, and border security operations nationwide.

Gallantry awards in India are categorized into wartime decorations (Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra) and peacetime decorations (Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra). Established after independence, these honors are formally announced twice a year—on Republic Day and Independence Day—by the Ministry of Defence following recommendations from military and home ministry evaluation boards.

The approved list includes 9 Kirti Chakras (4 posthumous) and 19 Shaurya Chakras (2 posthumous), alongside Sena Medals, Nao Sena Medals, and Vayu Sena Medals. Notably, personnel involved in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) conflict zones bagged a significant share of awards, with the Chhattisgarh Police receiving a record 141 total operational and gallantry medals for successful anti-Maoist operations.

These recognitions highlight ongoing internal security challenges and military operational readiness across vulnerable border corridors and insurgent zones. For candidates preparing for defense, SSC, and civil service exams, understanding the hierarchy of peacetime gallantry awards and internal security awards is essential for Prelims static GK and interview rounds.

UPSC Study NotesMEDIUMGS3 — Internal Security & Prelims Static

GS3 — Internal Security & Prelims Static

📌 Exam Angle

Prelims can test the hierarchy and order of precedence between wartime (PVC, MVC, VrC) and peacetime (AC, KC, SC) gallantry awards. Mains GS3 can frame questions on how recognition boosts morale in counter-insurgency and anti-LWE (Left-Wing Extremism) operational theaters.

⚠️ Key Concerns

High casualty rates among security forces in LWE regions highlight lingering intelligence gaps and asymmetric warfare risks. Additionally, delayed civil-military administrative coordination often bogs down post-humous welfare delivery to decorated officers' families.

💡 Why It Matters

Operational recognitions reflect India's shifting internal security dynamics, demonstrating tactical success against Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh. They reinforce state authority while institutionalizing the valor of personnel defending national sovereignty against internal and external threats.

🔑 Must Remember

• Peacetime gallantry awards hierarchy: Ashoka Chakra (highest), Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. • Gallantry awards are announced twice yearly on Republic Day and Independence Day by the Ministry of Defence. • Wartime awards (Param Vir Chakra, etc.) were instituted in 1950, whereas peacetime awards were introduced in 1952.

📝 Key Terms

Peacetime Gallantry AwardsAshoka ChakraKirti ChakraShaurya ChakraLeft-Wing ExtremismAnti-Naxal OperationsMinistry of DefenceCounter-terrorism

Government Approves 78 Gallantry Awards on Eve of 80th I-Day

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