Astronaut Shubhanshu to Receive Ashoka Chakra for Bravery
Astronaut Shubhanshu to be awarded Ashoka Chakra, highest peacetime gallantry award.
Photo by Prashant bamnawat
Key Facts
Award: Ashoka Chakra
Recipient: Astronaut Shubhanshu
Award type: Highest peacetime gallantry award
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
GS Paper III: Science and Technology - Achievements of Indians in science & technology
Potential question types: Statement based, Analytical
Visual Insights
Evolution of Ashoka Chakra Award
Timeline showing the key milestones in the history of the Ashoka Chakra award, highlighting its significance and evolution over time.
The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award, recognizing acts of exceptional courage and sacrifice away from the battlefield. Its history reflects India's commitment to honoring bravery in various fields.
- 1947Independence of India; need for gallantry awards recognized.
- January 4, 1952Ashoka Chakra Class I, II, and III instituted.
- 1967The awards renamed as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra respectively.
- 1999Kargil War; increased recognition of gallantry awards.
- 2008Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan awarded Ashoka Chakra posthumously for his bravery during the Mumbai attacks.
- 2019Nazir Ahmad Wani awarded Ashoka Chakra posthumously for his courage in counter-terrorism operations.
- 2026Astronaut Shubhanshu to receive Ashoka Chakra posthumously for bravery during a space mission.
More Information
Background
The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award. It was established on January 4, 1952, initially as the 'Ashoka Chakra, Class I'. In 1967, the designations were changed to Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.
The award is granted for "conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and self-sacrifice" not in the face of the enemy. It can be awarded to civilians or military personnel, posthumously or during their lifetime. The award is approved by the President of India and carries a cash reward along with the medal.
The design features a chakra in the center, surrounded by a lotus wreath.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny and discussion regarding the criteria and selection process for gallantry awards, including the Ashoka Chakra. There have been calls for greater transparency and public involvement in the nomination process. The government has been reviewing the existing guidelines to ensure that the awards are given to the most deserving individuals.
Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate about recognizing acts of bravery in non-traditional fields, such as space exploration and scientific research, reflecting the evolving nature of heroism and national service. The focus is shifting towards acknowledging contributions beyond the battlefield.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key facts about Astronaut Shubhanshu receiving the Ashoka Chakra for the UPSC Prelims exam?
For the UPSC Prelims, remember that Astronaut Shubhanshu is being posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, which is India's highest peacetime gallantry award. The award recognizes his courage and sacrifice during a space mission. The Ashoka Chakra was established in 1952.
Exam Tip
Focus on the 'peacetime gallantry' aspect of the Ashoka Chakra to avoid confusion with wartime awards.
2. What is the Ashoka Chakra and why is it important?
The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award, given for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. It is important because it recognizes individuals who display exceptional bravery and dedication to the nation in situations other than war.
3. How does the Ashoka Chakra differ from other gallantry awards?
The Ashoka Chakra is awarded for gallantry not in the face of the enemy, making it distinct from wartime awards like the Param Vir Chakra. It recognizes acts of exceptional courage and self-sacrifice in peacetime scenarios.
4. Why is Astronaut Shubhanshu's Ashoka Chakra award in the news recently?
Astronaut Shubhanshu's Ashoka Chakra award is in the news because it highlights his posthumous recognition for exceptional courage and sacrifice during a critical space mission. This event brings attention to the bravery of individuals in non-wartime situations and the importance of honoring such acts of valor.
5. What are the recent developments regarding the Ashoka Chakra selection process?
Recent developments include increased scrutiny and discussions regarding the criteria and selection process for gallantry awards, including the Ashoka Chakra. There have been calls for greater transparency and public involvement in the nomination process, and the government has been reviewing the existing guidelines.
6. What is the historical background of the Ashoka Chakra?
The Ashoka Chakra was established on January 4, 1952, initially as the 'Ashoka Chakra, Class I'. In 1967, the designations were changed to Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. The award is granted for conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and self-sacrifice not in the face of the enemy.
7. What are the important dates to remember regarding the Ashoka Chakra?
The key date to remember is January 4, 1952, when the Ashoka Chakra was established.
8. What are the pros and cons of posthumously awarding the Ashoka Chakra, particularly in a case like Astronaut Shubhanshu's?
Awarding posthumously ensures recognition of bravery even when the individual is no longer alive. However, a con might be the inability of the recipient to personally experience the honor. In Astronaut Shubhanshu's case, it honors his sacrifice but he cannot receive the award himself.
9. How does the Ashoka Chakra impact common citizens?
The Ashoka Chakra inspires common citizens by showcasing acts of bravery and self-sacrifice. It reinforces the values of courage and dedication to the nation, promoting a sense of patriotism and civic responsibility.
10. What is the constitutional or legal basis for gallantry awards like the Ashoka Chakra?
While there isn't a specific constitutional article mandating gallantry awards, the power to confer such awards is an executive function of the President of India. These awards are governed by regulations and notifications issued by the government.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Ashoka Chakra: 1. It is India's highest peacetime gallantry award. 2. It can only be awarded to military personnel. 3. It was established in 1952. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Ashoka Chakra is indeed India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: It can be awarded to both military personnel and civilians. Statement 3 is CORRECT: It was established on January 4, 1952.
2. The Ashoka Chakra is awarded for which of the following? 1. Conspicuous gallantry away from the battlefield 2. Intrepidity 3. Self-sacrifice Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
The Ashoka Chakra is awarded for conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. All three options are correct.
3. With reference to gallantry awards in India, consider the following pairs: List I (Award) List II (Order of Precedence) 1. Param Vir Chakra: Highest 2. Ashoka Chakra: Second Highest 3. Kirti Chakra: Third Highest Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All the pairs are correctly matched. Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award, followed by Ashoka Chakra and Kirti Chakra.