Independence Day 2026: 301 Gallantry Medals Awarded to Police and Fire Personnel

Exam-focused facts from the 15 August 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

On Independence Day 2026, the Centre awarded 301 Medals of Gallantry to Police and Fire Service personnel.
Of the 301 Gallantry Medals, 197 were awarded to personnel serving in Left Wing Extremism affected areas.
The Gallantry Medal is awarded for conspicuous acts of gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals.
Among the Gallantry Medal recipients, 272 were police personnel and 29 were fire service personnel.
The Centre also awarded 92 President's Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) to police and other services.
A total of 664 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) were awarded, with 606 to Police, 28 to Fire Service, 18 to Civil Defence & Home Guard, and 12 to Correctional Service.