On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu approved prestigious gallantry awards for personnel from the Indian Armed Forces, recognising acts of extraordinary bravery and service. Among these honours, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was conferred the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for his remarkable contributions as an astronaut and Indian Air Force officer.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a distinguished officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and an astronaut who made history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) during the Axiom-4 mission. He became the second Indian ever in space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma.
In June 2025, Shukla embarked on the Axiom-4 mission, a collaborative spaceflight involving NASA, ESA, and private company Axiom Space. During this mission, he spent approximately 18–20 days in space, conducting experiments and representing India on a global stage. His mission contributed valuable experience toward India’s ambitions in human spaceflight, especially connected to the future Gaganyaan programme.
The Ashok Chakra is awarded for most conspicuous bravery, courage, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. Shukla’s recognition reflects his outstanding courage under extreme conditions, pioneering spirit, and service that transcends conventional boundaries of defence service.
Alongside Shukla’s Ashok Chakra, several other gallantry awards were announced:
The conferment of the Ashok Chakra to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is more than just a gallantry award; it is a symbol of national pride and achievement. Unlike most recipients, Shukla’s recognition comes not from battlefield action but from his exceptional contributions in space, marking a paradigm shift in how courage and service to the nation are recognised. His award signifies India’s advancing capabilities in space exploration, human spaceflight, and international scientific collaboration — all of which are increasingly relevant in UPSC, CDS, CAPF, and SSC exams under national security, defence, and science & technology sections.
The story exemplifies how Indian defence personnel are not only heroes on the battlefield but also pioneers in scientific achievement and international cooperation, offering aspirants rich material for both static and current affairs sections of competitive exams.
The Ashok Chakra is India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, instituted on 4 January 1952. It recognises the most conspicuous bravery or selfless sacrifice away from the battlefield — in civil or military roles. Over the decades, it has been awarded to soldiers, police, and civilians who displayed exceptional courage.
India’s human spaceflight aspirations took a major step forward with the Gaganyaan programme, spearheaded by ISRO, aiming to send Indian astronauts into orbit. Previous milestones include:
Q1. Who was awarded the Ashok Chakra on the 77th Republic Day 2026?
A: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force.
Q2. What is the significance of the Ashok Chakra?
A: It is India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, given for conspicuous bravery, courage, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
Q3. Which mission did Shubhanshu Shukla participate in to become the first Indian on the ISS?
A: Axiom-4 mission.
Q4. Who was the first Indian to travel to space before Shubhanshu Shukla?
A: Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma.
Q5. How many Armed Forces personnel were awarded gallantry awards along with Shukla?
A: 70 personnel, including recipients of Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, and other honours.
Q6. Why is Shukla’s award historically significant?
A: Because he is only the second Indian astronaut to be awarded India’s highest peacetime gallantry honour.
Q7. Which areas of competitive exams can this news be relevant for?
A: UPSC CSE, CDS, AFCAT, SSC, Railways, Police exams, Teaching and Banking GK sections.
Q8. When was the Ashok Chakra instituted?
A: 4 January 1952.
Q9. What contribution of Shukla was recognized by the award?
A: His exceptional courage, service in space exploration, and representation of India on ISS.
Q10. What future Indian space programme is connected to Shukla’s mission?
A: Gaganyaan programme, India’s manned spaceflight initiative.
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