President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, on Major Bhargav Kalita and Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta from Assam at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

About the Shaurya Chakra

• The Shaurya Chakra is India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, after the Ashoka Chakra and the Kirti Chakra.
• It is awarded to military personnel and civilians for acts of bravery, courage and self-sacrifice during peacetime or non-wartime operations.
• The award was instituted in 1952 as the Ashoka Chakra Class III and was renamed Shaurya Chakra in 1967.
• Awarded for bravery.
• The medal is a 3-pointed star in bronze, with a central emblem of the Ashoka Chakra.

Major Bhargav Kalita

• Major Bhargav Kalita of the Kumaon Regiment (50 Rashtriya Rifles) was awarded for exceptional bravery during counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
• In December 2024, he led a meticulously planned operation against a highly wanted terrorist responsible for attacks on civilians and security personnel.
• Since 2022, his operations have resulted in the elimination of terrorists and the apprehension of several overground workers.
• He was recognised for his leadership, operational planning and fearless execution.

Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta

• Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta of 33 Assam Rifles received the award for his courageous actions during an ambush in Manipur in September 2025.
• While returning from flood relief duties, his vehicle came under heavy attack by armed insurgents.
• Despite sustaining multiple bullet injuries, he successfully drove the vehicle out of the ambush zone, saving the lives of eight fellow soldiers.
• His actions demonstrated exceptional courage, presence of mind and devotion to duty.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

1. Consider the following peacetime gallantry awards of India:

1. Ashoka Chakra
2. Kirti Chakra
3. Shaurya Chakra

Arrange them in descending order of precedence.

(a) 1 – 2 – 3
(b) 2 – 1 – 3
(c) 3 – 2 – 1
(d) 1 – 3 – 2

Answer: (a)

One-Line Wrap

Major Bhargav Kalita and Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta of Assam were awarded the Shaurya Chakra 2026 for displaying extraordinary courage during counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

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