Olive Defence
General Knowledge

Awards, Honours & Appointments

📘 AFCAT GK Section · CFA06

Awards & Honours is a reliable scoring area in AFCAT GK. The gallantry award hierarchy is tested every cycle without fail. AFCAT specifically tests IAF-related gallantry awards, Vayusena Medal, and Vayu Sena Chief appointments. The Param Vir Chakra vs Ashoka Chakra distinction — wartime vs peacetime — is the single most tested fact.

📌 AFCAT Pattern — Awards & Honours:
• Gallantry hierarchy: wartime vs peacetime order  |  • IAF-specific: Vayu Sena Medal, PVSM
• Bharat Ratna: recent recipients + their field  |  • Nobel: winner + country + discovery
• Key appointments: CAS, CJI, NSA, RBI Governor  |  • International org heads

1. Gallantry Awards — Complete Hierarchy

🏆 Wartime Gallantry (acts in presence of the enemy)

  • 1. Param Vir Chakra (PVC): India’s HIGHEST wartime gallantry award. Equivalent to Victoria Cross (UK). 21 recipients total; most posthumous. Most recent: Kargil War 1999 recipients (Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, Capt Vikram Batra, Lt Manoj Pandey, Subedar Sanjay Kumar). Announced on 15 August and 26 January. Designed by Mrs Savitri Khanolkar (Swiss-born wife of Indian Army officer).
  • 2. Maha Vir Chakra (MVC): 2nd highest wartime gallantry. For acts of conspicuous gallantry in presence of the enemy (not necessarily act of greatest valour like PVC).
  • 3. Vir Chakra: 3rd highest wartime gallantry. Most common wartime award.

🏆 Peacetime Gallantry (acts NOT in presence of enemy)

  • 1. Ashoka Chakra: India’s HIGHEST peacetime gallantry award. Announced ONLY on Republic Day (26 January). For acts of bravery, courageous action, or self-sacrifice in peacetime. Covers anti-insurgency, counter-terrorism, disaster rescue, extraordinary courage. Frequently awarded to IAF and Army personnel for anti-Naxal, anti-terror operations.
  • 2. Kirti Chakra: 2nd highest peacetime gallantry.
  • 3. Shaurya Chakra: 3rd highest peacetime gallantry. Largest number of annual recipients.
⚠ AFCAT Trap (asked every cycle): “India’s highest gallantry award?” = Param Vir Chakra (wartime). “India’s highest peacetime gallantry award?” = Ashoka Chakra. PVC = announced 26 Jan + 15 Aug. Ashoka Chakra = announced ONLY 26 Jan. Shaurya Chakra can be awarded to IAF pilots for combat bravery in peacetime ops (anti-terror).

🏅 IAF-Specific Service Medals

  • Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM): Highest service medal for distinguished service of exceptional order by officers. Applicable to all three services including IAF. Ribbon: dark blue with red stripes.
  • Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM): 2nd highest service medal. For distinguished service of a specially high order.
  • Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM): 3rd highest service medal.
  • Vayu Sena Medal (VSM): Awarded exclusively to IAF personnel for devotion to duty, resource, and inventive qualities OR for an act of courage not qualifying for a gallantry award.
  • Chief of Air Staff Commendation Card: For significant contribution to IAF. Given by CAS on Air Force Day (8 October).
  • Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC): For exceptional gallantry, courage or devotion to duty while flying in active operations against the enemy. IAF pilots who fly in combat or combat-support roles.

2. Civilian Awards

🏅 Bharat Ratna 2024 (Record 5 in One Year)

  • P V Narasimha Rao (posthumous): 9th PM; architect of 1991 economic liberalisation (LPG reforms) with Dr Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister.
  • Chaudhary Charan Singh (posthumous): 5th PM; champion of farmers. Born: 23 December (Rashtriya Kisan Diwas).
  • MS Swaminathan (posthumous): Agricultural scientist; “Father of Green Revolution in India”; developed high-yielding wheat/rice varieties; made India food-sufficient.
  • L K Advani (living): Senior BJP leader; Deputy PM 2002–04; Rath Yatra 1990; role in Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
  • Note: 5 Bharat Ratnas in 2024 = unprecedented (previous maximum was 3 in one year). Total BR recipients since 1954: ~53. India’s highest civilian award. Dr Manmohan Singh (passed away Dec 2024) may receive posthumous award in 2025.

🏅 Padma Awards Hierarchy

  • Padma Vibhushan: 2nd highest civilian honour (after Bharat Ratna). Exceptional and distinguished service.
  • Padma Bhushan: 3rd highest. Distinguished service of a high order to the nation.
  • Padma Shri: 4th highest. Distinguished service in any field. Largest in number each year. Announced on Republic Day (26 January).

3. Nobel Prizes 2024

📌 Nobel Prize 2024 — Key Winners

  • Peace: Nihon Hidankyo (Japan). Atomic bomb survivors’ organisation. Nuclear abolition advocacy. First Japanese organisation to win since 1974.
  • Physics: Hopfield & Hinton (USA). AI neural networks foundational work. “Godfather of AI” Hinton is a co-winner. Surprising choice for physics.
  • Chemistry: Hassabis, Jumper (Google DeepMind) + David Baker. AlphaFold protein structure prediction. Revolutionises medicine and drug development.
  • Medicine: Ambros + Ruvkun (USA). Discovery of microRNA. Fundamental gene regulation mechanism.
  • Literature: Han Kang (South Korea). First Asian woman Nobel Literature laureate.
  • Economics: Acemoglu, Johnson, Robinson. Institutions & prosperity theory. “Why Nations Fail.”

🎬 Oscars (India-related)

  • “Naatu Naatu” (RRR, 2023): Won Best Original Song at 95th Academy Awards. Composed by MM Keeravani. First Indian song to win an Oscar.
  • “The Elephant Whisperers” (2023): Won Best Documentary Short. Directed by Kartiki Gonsalves (Tamil Nadu). About elephant caretakers at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. First Indian production to win in this category.

4. Key Appointments (2024–2025)

Chief of Air Staff (CAS)
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
Appointed Sep 2024. Fighter pilot; 5,000+ flying hours. Su-30MKI and Mirage-2000 background. Champions Tejas Mk1A induction.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
General Anil Chauhan
Appointed Oct 2022; 2nd CDS. Theatre Command restructuring underway for all three services.
Chief Justice of India (CJI)
Justice Sanjiv Khanna (51st CJI)
Appointed Nov 2024. Known for Electoral Bonds bench and NJAC judgment.
RBI Governor
Sanjay Malhotra
Appointed Dec 2024 (3-year term). Succeeded Shaktikanta Das (2018–2024). Ex-Revenue Secretary, Finance Ministry.

🌎 International Organisation Heads

  • UN Secretary-General: Antonio Guterres (Portugal). 9th UNSG. Since Jan 2017; 2nd term till Dec 2026.
  • World Bank President: Ajay Banga (USA, Indian-origin). Since June 2023. First Indian-descent World Bank President.
  • IMF Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva (Bulgaria). Since 2019; 2nd term.
  • WHO Director-General: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Ethiopia). Since 2017. First African DG of WHO.
  • WTO Director-General: Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria). Since 2021. First woman + first African DG of WTO.
  • NSA (National Security Advisor): Ajit Doval. Reappointed for 3rd term (Jun 2024). First police officer as NSA. IPS Kerala cadre. Former Director, Intelligence Bureau.
  • Foreign Secretary: Vikram Misri. Appointed Jul 2024. Ex-Ambassador to China.
📝 AFCAT PYQ
Awards & Honours — AFCAT Pattern Questions
Q1. Which is India’s highest gallantry award for acts in the presence of the enemy (wartime)? (AFCAT 2022)
(a) Ashoka Chakra    (b) Kirti Chakra    (c) Param Vir Chakra    (d) Maha Vir Chakra
Answer: (c) Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
PVC = India’s highest wartime gallantry award. 21 recipients; most posthumous. For wartime acts “in presence of the enemy.” Ashoka Chakra = highest peacetime gallantry (NOT in presence of enemy). Announced on Republic Day and Independence Day. Maha Vir Chakra = 2nd highest wartime. Kirti Chakra = 2nd highest peacetime.
Q2. The Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, is announced on which date? (AFCAT 2023)
(a) 15 August only    (b) 26 January and 15 August    (c) 26 January only    (d) 8 October (Air Force Day)
Answer: (c) 26 January only (Republic Day)
Ashoka Chakra is announced exclusively on Republic Day (26 January). It is for acts of bravery/self-sacrifice NOT in presence of the enemy — peacetime operations like anti-insurgency, counter-terrorism, disaster rescue. PVC is announced on both 26 Jan AND 15 Aug. Vayu Sena Medal is IAF-specific and not a national gallantry award.
Q3. Which individuals received the Bharat Ratna in 2024? Select the correct set. (AFCAT 2024)
(a) LK Advani, APJ Abdul Kalam, Atal Bihari Vajpayee    (b) PV Narasimha Rao, MS Swaminathan, LK Advani, Chaudhary Charan Singh    (c) Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi, MS Swaminathan    (d) LK Advani, Narendra Modi, MS Swaminathan
Answer: (b) PV Narasimha Rao, MS Swaminathan, LK Advani, Chaudhary Charan Singh (+ Dr Manmohan Singh posthumously, Dec 2024)
5 Bharat Ratnas were awarded in 2024 — unprecedented in a single year. PV Narasimha Rao (9th PM, 1991 reforms), Chaudhary Charan Singh (5th PM), MS Swaminathan (Green Revolution father), LK Advani (Deputy PM) — all were 2024 recipients. APJ Abdul Kalam received BR in 1997. Vajpayee received BR in 2015. Dr Manmohan Singh (passed away Dec 2024) likely to receive posthumous BR in 2025.
Q4. “Naatu Naatu” from the movie RRR made India proud at which 2023 awards ceremony? (AFCAT 2024)
(a) BAFTA Awards; Best Original Score    (b) Golden Globe Awards; Best Original Song    (c) Academy Awards (Oscars); Best Original Song    (d) Grammy Awards; Best World Music Performance
Answer: (c) Academy Awards (95th Oscars, 2023); Best Original Song
“Naatu Naatu” composed by MM Keeravani from SS Rajamouli’s RRR became the first Indian song to win an Oscar. At the same 95th Oscars, “The Elephant Whisperers” (Kartiki Gonsalves) won Best Documentary Short — two Indian wins in one Oscars ceremony. The film RRR (Rise Roar Revolt) became a global phenomenon before the Oscars win.
Q5. Who is the current Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force, and when was he appointed? (AFCAT 2025)
(a) Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari; September 2021    (b) Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi; 2007    (c) Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh; September 2024    (d) Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa; 2016
Answer: (c) Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh; September 2024
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh became CAS in September 2024, succeeding Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. He is a fighter pilot with 5,000+ flying hours (Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000 experienced). He strongly advocates for Tejas Mk1A induction to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet. AFCAT always includes the current CAS name — verify before exam for the latest appointment.
Q6. The Vayu Sena Medal (VSM) is awarded exclusively to personnel of which service? (AFCAT 2023)
(a) Indian Army only    (b) Indian Navy only    (c) Indian Air Force only    (d) All three services equally
Answer: (c) Indian Air Force only
Vayu Sena Medal (VSM) is an IAF-specific award for devotion to duty, resource, and inventive qualities, OR for courage not qualifying for a gallantry award. The Army has Sena Medal; Navy has Nao Sena Medal; IAF has Vayu Sena Medal — each service has its own service-specific honour. PVSM, AVSM, and VSM (Vishisht Seva Medal) are cross-service service medals, separate from Vayu Sena Medal.
🔥 TRICKY QUESTIONS
Awards — Hierarchy Traps Specific to AFCAT
🤯 T1. An AFCAT MCQ states: “Ashoka Chakra and Param Vir Chakra are both India’s highest gallantry awards.” Is this correct?
This statement is incorrect as stated — they are highest in separate categories:
Param Vir Chakra (PVC) = India’s highest gallantry award for wartime acts (in presence of the enemy). Overall highest gallantry award.
Ashoka Chakra = India’s highest gallantry award for peacetime acts (NOT in presence of the enemy).
If asked “highest gallantry award overall” = PVC. If asked “highest peacetime gallantry award” = Ashoka Chakra.
AFCAT-specific note: IAF personnel can receive Ashoka Chakra for exceptional courage in anti-insurgency air operations, rescue missions under fire, or test-flying extremely dangerous sorties. This is distinct from combat gallantry (PVC/MVC/Vir Chakra category).
🤯 T2. Distinguish between PVSM, VSM (Vishisht Seva Medal), and Vayu Sena Medal — all have “VSM” as abbreviation. How to tell them apart in AFCAT?
Three different awards with similar abbreviations:
PVSM (Param Vishisht Seva Medal): Cross-service. Highest service medal. For distinguished service of exceptional order. Awarded to all three services + Coast Guard. Ribbon: dark blue with red stripes.
VSM (Vishisht Seva Medal): Cross-service. 3rd highest service medal (after PVSM and AVSM). For distinguished service. Awarded to officers of all three services.
Vayu Sena Medal: IAF-exclusive. For devotion to duty, resource, or courage in IAF-specific roles. NOT a service medal in the PVSM/AVSM/VSM hierarchy — it is an IAF-specific service/gallantry medal.
AFCAT trick: “Which medal is specific ONLY to IAF?” = Vayu Sena Medal. PVSM and VSM are for all services.

📝 Rapid Revision — CFA06 Awards & Honours

🏆 Gallantry Hierarchy
  • WARTIME: PVC > MVC > Vir Chakra
  • PEACETIME: Ashoka Chakra > Kirti > Shaurya
  • PVC = highest overall; 21 recipients; announced 26 Jan + 15 Aug
  • Ashoka Chakra = peacetime; ONLY on 26 January
  • Vayu Sena Medal = IAF exclusive service award
🏅 Bharat Ratna 2024
  • PV Narasimha Rao: 9th PM; 1991 LPG reforms
  • Chaudhary Charan Singh: 5th PM; farmers’ champion
  • MS Swaminathan: Father of Green Revolution
  • LK Advani: BJP founder; Deputy PM
  • 5 in one year = unprecedented record
📌 Nobel 2024
  • Peace: Nihon Hidankyo (Japan; nuclear abolition)
  • Physics: Hopfield + Hinton (AI/neural networks)
  • Chemistry: AlphaFold (DeepMind; protein structure)
  • Literature: Han Kang (S Korea; 1st Asian woman)
  • Oscars: Naatu Naatu + Elephant Whisperers (both 2023)
👥 Key Officials
  • CAS: Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh (Sep 2024)
  • CDS: Gen Anil Chauhan (Oct 2022; 2nd CDS)
  • CJI: Justice Sanjiv Khanna (51st; Nov 2024)
  • NSA: Ajit Doval (3rd term; Jun 2024)
  • RBI Gov: Sanjay Malhotra (Dec 2024)

⚡ Quick Booster — CFA06

Award Hierarchy
  • Highest overall = PVC (wartime)
  • Highest peacetime = Ashoka Chakra
  • PVC: 26 Jan + 15 Aug
  • Ashoka Chakra: ONLY 26 Jan
  • Vayu Sena Medal = IAF only (not cross-service)
Nobel + Oscars
  • Nobel Peace = Nihon Hidankyo (Japan)
  • Nobel Physics = AI (Hopfield + Hinton)
  • Nobel Lit = Han Kang (1st Asian woman)
  • Oscar Song = Naatu Naatu (RRR; 95th Oscars)
  • Oscar Doc Short = Elephant Whisperers
AFCAT Traps
  • Ashoka Chakra = peacetime; 26 Jan ONLY
  • PVC = wartime + highest overall
  • Vayu Sena Medal ≠ PVSM (different medals)
  • CAS = A.P. Singh (Sep 2024)
  • World Bank = Ajay Banga (NOT IMF head)
📝 AFCAT Mock Tests 🎯 AFCAT Quizzes ✈️ Telegram
This material is for personal AFCAT exam preparation only.
Unauthorised reproduction or distribution is prohibited.
All rights reserved.  ·  ODEA.Classes@gmail.com