Loading…
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced 1,057 Gallantry and Service Medals on 14 August 2026, the eve of the 80th Independence Day.
The list has 301 Medals for Gallantry, 92 President's Medals for Distinguished Service and 664 Medals for Meritorious Service.
Of the 301 Gallantry Medals, 197 went to personnel in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 51 to Jammu and Kashmir and 12 to the North-East.
Chhattisgarh Police took the largest share among state forces with 141 Gallantry Medals; three medals were awarded posthumously.
The 2026 total of 1,057 is higher than the 1,037 medals announced for Independence Day 2024.
The Medal for Gallantry (GM) is awarded for conspicuous courage in saving life or property, preventing crime or arresting offenders — the risk faced is judged against the officer's normal duties. The President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) rewards a special and distinguished record of service over a career. The Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) recognises valuable service marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty. Only the first is an act-based bravery award; the other two are career awards.
Simple Analogy: One medal is for what you did on a single dangerous day; the other two are for how you served across many ordinary ones.
General Awareness > Awards and Honours
General Awareness > Current Affairs
General Knowledge > Defence and Internal Security Awards
General Awareness > National Current Affairs
The "Param Vir Chakra" was replaced by which award after independence (referring to the British equivalent)?
Answer: Param Vir Chakra
Police award for conspicuous courage in saving life or property, preventing crime or arresting offenders
Career award for a special and distinguished record of service
Award for valuable service marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty
Maoist insurgency affecting parts of central and eastern India; the main theatre for police gallantry awards