The correct answer is: D. the most conspicuous bravery or self sacrifice on land, air or sea but not in the presence of the enemy
The Ashoka Chakra is the highest peacetime military decoration in India. It is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry or self-sacrifice away from the field of battle. The award may be given to members of the Indian Armed Forces, as well as to civilians.
The Ashoka Chakra was instituted on 26 January 1952, the Republic Day of India. It is named after the emperor Ashoka, who ruled India in the 3rd century BC. The award is a circular bronze medal with a diameter of 35 mm. The obverse of the medal bears the image of Ashoka’s Lion Capital, which is also the national emblem of India. The reverse of the medal bears the inscription “Ashoka Chakra” in Hindi and English.
The Ashoka Chakra is suspended from a 32 mm-wide purple ribbon with a 3 mm-wide white edge. The ribbon is worn on the left breast, above all other decorations.
The Ashoka Chakra is a highly prestigious award, and it is considered to be one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon an Indian citizen.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option A: Acts of gallantry in the presence of enemy. This is the criteria for the award of the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military decoration in India.
- Option B: Gallantry by children. This is not a category of award under the Indian military awards system.
- Option C: Outstanding contribution to literature. This is the criteria for the award of the Sahitya Akademi Award, the highest literary award in India.
- Option D: The most conspicuous bravery or self sacrifice on land, air or sea but not in the presence of the enemy. This is the criteria for the award of the Ashoka Chakra.