Context:
On Republic Day 2026, the President approved 301 gallantry and distinguished service awards, including the Ashok Chakra to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his June 2025 space mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Key Highlights:
- Major Awards Approved
- 1 Ashok Chakra
- 3 Kirti Chakras
- 12 Shaurya Chakras
- Multiple Param Vishisht Seva Medals (PVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medals (VSM)
- Recognition of Space Achievement
- Shubhanshu Shukla honoured for exceptional courage and service during ISS mission.
- Other Operations Recognised
- Operation Rakshak (Counter-insurgency in J&K)
- Operation Snow Leopard (Eastern Ladakh deployment)
- Operation Meghdoot (Siachen Glacier control since 1984)
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Ashok Chakra: India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
- Followed by Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.
- Wartime equivalents: Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra.
- Operation Meghdoot launched in 1984 to secure Siachen Glacier.
- ISS is a multinational space station in low Earth orbit.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Recognition of Military & Scientific Bravery:
- Expands gallantry recognition to space domain, reflecting evolving security frontiers.
- Defence Modernization & Space Security:
- Space emerging as a strategic domain (anti-satellite capability, surveillance).
- Civil-Military Integration in Space Sector:
- Supports India’s ambitions under Gaganyaan & ISRO missions.
- National Morale & Military Ethos:
- Gallantry awards reinforce honour, courage, and service values.
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen India’s military-space synergy.
- Invest in astronaut corps and human spaceflight ecosystem.
- Expand public awareness of armed forces’ diverse roles.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3 – Science & Technology (Space Missions)
• GS 3 – Security (Defence Operations)
• Prelims – Gallantry Awards & Military Operations