Description

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Context:

The President’s Colours were awarded to the 26th and 27th Battalions of Mechanised Infantry Regiment and the 20th and 22nd Battalions of Brigade of The Guards.

What is Insignia?

It is a sign or mark distinguishing a group, grade, rank, or function. It can be a symbol of personal power or that of an official group or governing body.

An insignia, which is typically made of metal or fabric, is a standalone symbol of a particular or general authority. Together, insignias form a decoration with the different elements of rank, grade, or dignity.

Many types of insignia exist, including civil and military decorations, crowns, emblems, and coats of arms.

Constitutional Provisions about the President of India:

It is the head of state of the Republic of India. The president is the nominal head of the executive,[a] the first citizen of the country, as well as the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces.

The office of president was created when India became a republic on 26 January 1950 when its constitution came into force. The president is indirectly elected by an electoral college comprising both houses of the Parliament of India and the legislative assemblies of each of India's states and territories, who themselves are all directly elected by the citizens.

Article 53 of the Constitution of India states that the president can exercise their powers directly or by subordinate authority, though all of the executive powers vested in the president are, in practice, exercised by the prime minister heading the Council of Ministers. The president is bound by the constitution to act on the advice of the council and to enforce the decrees passed by the Supreme Court under Article 142.

Military Awards:

Category	Award	Description
Gallantry Awards	Param Vir Chakra (PVC)	Highest military decoration for acts of extraordinary bravery in the presence of the enemy.
	Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)	Second-highest gallantry award for acts of conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.
	Vir Chakra	Third-highest gallantry award for bravery on the battlefield.
	Ashoka Chakra	Highest peacetime gallantry award for valor, courage, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
	Kirti Chakra	Second-highest peacetime gallantry award for conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice.
	Shaurya Chakra	Third-highest peacetime gallantry award for courageous actions.
	Sena Medal (Army)	Awarded for gallantry or distinguished service during peacetime.
	Nao Sena Medal (Navy)	Recognizes gallantry or distinguished service in the Navy.
	Vayu Sena Medal (Air Force)	Given for acts of gallantry or meritorious service in the Air Force.
Distinguished Service Awards	Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)	Awarded for distinguished service of the highest order during peacetime.
	Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)	Awarded for exceptional service to the armed forces during peacetime.
	Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)	For distinguished service of a high order during peacetime.
War-Time Distinguished Service Awards	Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal	Highest award for distinguished service during war or conflict.
	Uttam Yudh Seva Medal	Recognizes exceptional service in operational conditions.
	Yudh Seva Medal	For distinguished service during war or conflict.
Service Medals	General Service Medal	Awarded for participation in various military operations.
	Special Service Medal	Given for operations requiring special effort by personnel.
	Operation Vijay Star	Awarded for participation in Operation Vijay (Kargil War).
	Operation Rakshak Medal	For counter-insurgency operations.
Long Service Medals	30 Years Long Service Medal	Awarded to personnel completing 30 years of service.
	20 Years Long Service Medal	For personnel completing 20 years of service.
	10 Years Long Service Medal	Given to personnel completing 10 years of service.
Other Decorations	COAS/ CNS/ CAS Commendation Card	Awarded by the Chief of Army/Navy/Air Staff for exceptional service or achievement.
	Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Police Training	Recognizes exceptional performance in training police and paramilitary personnel.
	United Nations Medals	Awarded for participation in UN peacekeeping missions.

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President's Colour Award

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PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the President’s Colours?

The President’s Colours are awarded to military units in recognition of exceptional service and contribution to the nation.
The President’s Colours are awarded only to the regiments of the Indian Army.
The award of the President’s Colours is a ceremonial honour and is given directly by the President of India.
The 26th and 27th Battalions of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment and the 20th and 22nd Battalions of the Brigade of the Guards were recently awarded the President’s Colours.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

(a) 1, 3, and 4 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The President’s Colours are awarded to military units including regiments and battalions as a recognition of their exceptional service to the nation.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The President’s Colours are awarded not only to the regiments of the Indian Army but also to other branches such as the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.

Statement 3 is correct. The award of the President’s Colours is a prestigious ceremonial honour and is presented directly by the President of India during special ceremonies.

Statement 4 is correct. The 26th and 27th Battalions of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment and the 20th and 22nd Battalions of the Brigade of the Guards were awarded the President’s Colours as a recognition of their distinguished service.