President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel on 25 January 2026. These Republic Day gallantry awards mark the eve of the 77th Republic Day. Notably, six of the awards are posthumous. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. In addition, the President approved 301 military decorations.
Ashoka Chakra for Shubhanshu Shukla
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force flew on the Axiom-4 mission in 2025. During that mission, he became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. Later, on 26 January 2026, the President conferred the Ashoka Chakra on him. So, he stands among a rare group of peacetime gallantry heroes.
Kirti Chakra Recipients
The President approved three Kirti Chakras. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, an IAF astronaut, is one recipient. Also, Major Arshdeep Singh of 1 Assam Rifles won it for a mission on the Indo-Myanmar border. Further, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba of 2 Para (Special Forces) won it for a counter-terror operation in Kishtwar.
Shaurya Chakras and Other Medals
The list includes 13 Shaurya Chakras, one of them posthumous. Notably, Navy officers Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A won the Shaurya Chakra. Both sailed around the world on INSV Tarini during Navika Sagar Parikrama II. Moreover, the list has 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry), with five posthumous. It also includes six Nao Sena Medals and two Vayu Sena Medals for gallantry.
About Peacetime Gallantry Awards
India instituted peacetime gallantry awards in 1952 as the Ashoka Chakra Class I, II and III. Later, in 1967, the government renamed them Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra. In contrast, the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra honour valour against the enemy. Also, the government announces these awards twice a year.
Republic Day Gallantry Awards: Key Facts for Revision
- Approved by: President Droupadi Murmu, 25 January 2026
- Total gallantry awards: 70, including six posthumous
- Ashoka Chakra: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
- Kirti Chakra: Gp Capt Prasanth B Nair, Maj Arshdeep Singh, Nb Sub Doleshwar Subba
- Shaurya Chakra: 13, including Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A
- Military decorations: 301, including 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals
Why Republic Day Gallantry Awards Matter for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, award questions often test the order of precedence and the recipients. So, remember the Ashoka Chakra winner, the three Kirti Chakra names and the total of 70. Also, link Shukla’s award with India’s human spaceflight plans. For official updates, also visit the Gallantry Awards portal. Next, for a related story, read about Gaganyaan mission progress.
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