President Approves Ashok Chakra for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

India has recognised extraordinary courage and service by its armed forces through a major announcement of gallantry and service awards. The President has approved a wide range of decorations, honouring personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Among these, the conferment of the Ashok Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry award, stands out as a landmark recognition.

Why in News?

Droupadi Murmu has approved gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel, including the Ashok Chakra for Shubhanshu Shukla, along with several other gallantry and distinguished service medals.

Ashok Chakra for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
• He made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, marking a milestone in India’s aerospace and defence-linked achievements.
• The award recognises exceptional courage, leadership, and contribution beyond the call of duty.
• The Ashok Chakra is awarded for acts of valour, self-sacrifice, or devotion to duty away from the battlefield, underscoring the national importance of his achievement.

Other Gallantry Awards Announced

• Along with the Ashok Chakra, the President has approved Kirti Chakras for Major Arshdeep Singh, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba Singh, and Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair. In addition, 13 Shaurya Chakras were conferred, including one posthumous award.
• The honours also include one Gallantry Bar to the Sena Medal, 44 Gallantry Sena Medals (five posthumous), six Gallantry Nao Sena Medals, and two Gallantry Vayu Sena Medals, recognising bravery across all three services.

Military Decorations for Distinguished Service

• Beyond gallantry awards, the President approved 301 military decorations for Armed Forces and other personnel.
• These include 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, and nine Yudh Seva Medals.
• Several Distinguished Sena, Nao Sena, and Vayu Sena Medals were also approved, highlighting exemplary service, leadership, and professionalism in both operational and non-operational roles.

Mentions-in-Despatches and Operational Recognition

• The President also approved 98 Mentioned-in-Despatches, including five posthumous recognitions.
• Most were awarded to personnel of the Indian Army, covering operations such as Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Rhino, and Operation Sindoor, among others.
• Personnel from the Indian Navy and the Border Roads Development Board were also recognised, reflecting contributions in combat, rescue, logistics, and infrastructure support.

Gallantry Awards in India

• India’s gallantry awards system honours acts of bravery in both wartime and peacetime.
• The Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra are peacetime gallantry awards, while medals such as the Param Vir Chakra are awarded during war.
• These honours uphold the values of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty, strengthening morale within the Armed Forces and inspiring future generations.

Question

Q. Which is India’s highest peacetime gallantry award?

A. Param Vir Chakra
B. Kirti Chakra
C. Ashok Chakra
D. Shaurya Chakra