President Approves 78 Gallantry Awards and 89 Mention-in-Despatches on Eve of 80th Independence Day

Summary

On 14 August 2026, on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 Gallantry Awards, including 13 posthumous awards, along with 89 Mention-in-Despatches for Armed Forces personnel.

What Happened

The Ministry of Defence announced the list of gallantry awards and honours conferred on Armed Forces personnel for acts of exceptional courage and distinguished service. The list included honorary ranks and separate lists of gallantry awards for Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force personnel, along with Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) Commendation Card awardees.

Background

Gallantry and other awards are traditionally announced by the President of India on the eve of Independence Day and Republic Day each year, recognising acts of bravery and distinguished service by Armed Forces and paramilitary personnel.

TNPSC Relevance

Defence honours and awards conferred by the President are relevant to the Defence and Awards and Honors sections of TNPSC current affairs.

Important Facts

• Total Gallantry Awards approved: 78 (including 13 posthumous).
• Mention-in-Despatches: 89.
• Approving authority: President Droupadi Murmu.

TNPSC MCQs

Q1. How many Gallantry Awards were approved by the President on the eve of the 80th Independence Day (2026), including posthumous awards?

A) 65 B) 78 C) 89 D) 92

Answer: B) 78

Explanation: The President approved 78 Gallantry Awards, of which 13 were posthumous, on 14 August 2026.

Q2. How many Mention-in-Despatches were approved along with the Gallantry Awards in 2026?

A) 78 B) 89 C) 65 D) 45

Answer: B) 89

Explanation: Alongside the 78 Gallantry Awards, 89 Mention-in-Despatches were also approved.

Q3. Who is constitutionally empowered to approve Gallantry Awards for Armed Forces personnel in India?

A) Prime Minister B) Defence Minister C) President of India D) Chief of Defence Staff

Answer: C) President of India

Explanation: As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President of India approves gallantry awards, typically announced on the eve of Independence Day and Republic Day.