President approves 78 Gallantry awards (13 posthumous) & 89 Mention-in-Despatches on the eve of 80th Independence Day

On 14 August 2026, President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 gallantry awards for Defence Forces and Central Armed Police Forces, including 13 posthumous awards. The awards comprise 9 Kirti Chakras (7 posthumous), 1 Bar to Shaurya Chakra, 19 Shaurya Chakras (1 posthumous), 5 Bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry) (5 posthumous), 3 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 5 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). Additionally, 89 Mention-in-Despatches were approved – 75 from the Army, 4 from the Navy and 10 from the Air Force – covering operations such as Rakshak, Hifazat, Orchid, Meghdoot, Snow Leopard and others.