With reference to the institutional structure of India's Gallantry Awards, consider the following statements: 1. The wartime awards Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra were formally instituted on Independence Day, August 15, 1947. 2. The recommendations for these awards are processed twice a year by the Ministry of Defence alongside the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. 3. The final conferring authority for both wartime and peacetime gallantry decorations is the President of India. Which of the statements given above are correct? |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Notes:

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The three premier wartime gallantry awards (Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra) were officially instituted on January 26, 1950 (Republic Day), although they were given retrospective effect from August 15, 1947.
Statement 2 is correct: The administrative pipeline requires the Ministry of Defence to invite recommendations twice every year from the Armed Forces branches and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Statement 3 is correct: As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President of India is the constitutional authority who formally confers these honors twice a year on Republic Day and Independence Day.