Air Marshal PN Pradhan took over as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations)

Air Marshal PN Pradhan took over as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations)

Question: Which one of the following is the second highest peacetime gallantry award?
(a) Kirti Chakra
(b) Ashok Chakra
(c) Paramveer Chakra
(d) None of the above.
Ans: (a)

  • On May 12, 2017, Air Marshal PN Pradhan took over as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).
  • He was commissioned as a pilot in the Transport stream of the Indian Air Force in 1981.
  • He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and has been a pilot examiner on the Boeing and AN-32 aircraft.
  • He was closely associated with the induction and operationalisation of Embraer-135, BBJ and C-130 fleets in the IAF.
  • He has had four command tenures including command of two operational bases & an Air Force Selection Board. He has held several important appointments at Command and Air Headquarters which include Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Transport and Helicopters) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personal Airmen & Civilians) at Air Headquarters and served as the Senior Air Staff Officer of Southern Air Command.
  • For his distinguished service of an exceptionally high order he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal on Jan 26, 2014.
  • It is notable that the peacetime gallantry awards in order of their precedence are Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra. Param Vir Chakra is the highest Wartime gallantry awards.

Reference:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=161962