Consider the following statement about ‘Param Vir Chakra’: 1. It is the highest peacetime gallantry award. 2. It is the replacement of British Victoria Cross. 3. It can be awarded to civilians. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

The correct answer is A. 1 only.

The Param Vir Chakra is the highest peacetime gallantry award in India. It is awarded to members of the Indian Armed Forces for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air. The award is not given posthumously.

The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for gallantry in the face of the enemy to members of the British Armed Forces. It was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856, during the Crimean War. The Victoria Cross is not awarded to civilians.

The Param Vir Chakra was instituted in 1950, after India gained independence from British rule. It is a replacement for the Victoria Cross, but it is not the same award. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded to members of the Indian Armed Forces, while the Victoria Cross is awarded to members of the British Armed Forces.