Shubhanshu Shukla, who flew to space, gets Ashok Chakra, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• President Murmu approved Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards for armed forces personnel on Republic Day.
• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was awarded the Ashok Chakra for his space mission to the International Space Station in June 2025.
• Awards include 1 Ashok Chakra, 3 Kirti Chakras, and 12 Shaurya Chakras, along with other gallantry and distinguished service medals.
• A total of 301 military decorations were approved, including Param Vishisht Seva Medals and Vishisht Seva Medals.

Detailed Insights:

• Shubhanshu Shukla's Ashok Chakra recognizes exceptional courage demonstrated during his mission to the International Space Station.
• The awards acknowledge acts of bravery and distinguished service across various operations, including Operation Rakshak and Operation Snow Leopard.
• The Ashok Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award, recognizing valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
• The awards also recognize contributions to operations like Operation Meghdoot and rescue efforts, highlighting the diverse roles of the armed forces.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Ashok Chakra: India's highest peacetime gallantry award, given for valor, courageous action or self-sacrifice.
• Gallantry Award: An award recognizing acts of bravery and courage, typically in military operations.
• Operation Meghdoot: The codename for the Indian Armed Forces operation to seize control of the Siachen Glacier in 1984.