National & Padma Awards | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

Republic Day Awards

The Republic Day Awards are a set of prestigious awards presented annually in India on the occasion of Republic Day, which is celebrated on January 26th. These awards recognize and honor the exceptional contributions and achievements of individuals in various fields. The main Republic Day Awards are:

• Bharat Ratna: The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India. It is awarded for exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. The award includes a medal and a citation.
• Padma Vibhushan: The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India. It is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including art, literature, science, sports, social work, and public affairs. The award includes a medal and a citation.
• Padma Bhushan: The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India. It is awarded for distinguished service in any field. The award includes a medal and a citation.
• Padma Shri: The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India. It is awarded for distinguished service in any field. The award includes a medal and a citation.

Param Vir Chakra

The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest military decoration awarded for acts of exceptional valor in the presence of the enemy during wartime. It is equivalent to the Medal of Honor in the United States and the Victoria Cross in the United Kingdom. Here are some key details about the Param Vir Chakra:

• Number of Awards: The Param Vir Chakra has been awarded a total of 21 times since its inception in 1950.
• Eligibility: The Param Vir Chakra can be awarded to members of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Criteria: The award is given for acts of bravery and valor, involving risk to life, in the face of the enemy.
• Design: The Param Vir Chakra consists of a circular bronze medal with a centrally placed "Param Vir Chakra" inscription in Hindi and English, along with the state emblem of India. It is worn around the neck.

Mahavir Chakra

The Mahavir Chakra is the second-highest military decoration in India, awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy. Here are some key details about the Mahavir Chakra:

• Number of Awards: The Mahavir Chakra has been awarded several times to Indian military personnel.
• Eligibility: The Mahavir Chakra can be awarded to members of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Criteria: The award is given for acts of exceptional bravery and valor, involving risk to life, in the face of the enemy.
• Design: The Mahavir Chakra consists of a circular silver medal with a five-pointed star in the center, surrounded by a lotus wreath. It is worn around the neck.

Vir Chakra

The Vir Chakra is the third-highest military decoration in India, awarded for acts of bravery and valor in the presence of the enemy. Here are some key details about the Vir Chakra:

• Number of Awards: The Vir Chakra has been awarded numerous times to Indian military personnel.
• Eligibility: The Vir Chakra can be awarded to members of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Criteria: The award is given for acts of gallantry and courage, involving risk to life, in the face of the enemy.
• Design: The Vir Chakra consists of a circular bronze medal with a "Vir Chakra" inscription in Hindi and English, along with a wreath. It is worn on the left chest.