Context:
4 Mechanised Infantry battalions get President’s Colours
President’s Colours:
- Highest honor that can be bestowed upon a military unit in India.
- It is a ceremonial flag bearing the unit’s insignia and motto, symbolizing the unit’s excellence and meritorious service.
- Historical Background –
- The tradition of awarding Colours has its roots in historical military practices where flags represented a unit’s identity and served as rallying points in battle.
- In India, the practice of presenting Colours began with the British Indian Army and continues in the Indian Armed Forces.
- Eligibility and Criteria –
- Units are eligible for the President’s Colours after completing a specified period of meritorious service, typically 25 years.
- The award recognizes the unit’s contributions in both operations and peacetime.
- Presentation Ceremony –
- The President of India, as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, usually presents the Colours during a grand ceremonial parade.
- In the President’s absence, the Service Chief may present the Colours.
- Recent Awards – In 2024, the President’s Colours were awarded to 4 battalions of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment and Brigade of The Guards
- Notable Recipients – Indian Navy was the 1st to receive the President’s Colours in 1951.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards:
1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18 (1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.
Which of the above statements are not correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is not correct. National awards such as Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri do not amount to titles within the meaning of Article 18(1) of the Constitution.
Statement 2 is not correct. The government suspended the practice of granting the Padma awards for two years in 1977. It was again suspended in mid-1992 when 2 PILs were filed in the High Courts of India.
Statement 3 is not correct. A maximum of 3 people can be awarded the Bharat Ratna annually.