Question

In which year 'Bharat Ratna', the India's highest civilian award was instituted and how many persons have been honoured with this award so far? 
1. 1952, 67
2. 1954, 48
3. 1969, 45
4. 1972, 41

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : 1954, 48

The correct answer is 1954, 48.

• Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India.
• It is given for exceptional service in Art, Literature and Science, and in recognition of Public Service of the highest order.
• From 1954 to 2019, 48 Bharat Ratna awards have been given.
• Each year, maximum of 3 persons can be awarded.
• First recipient of Bharat Ratna was C. Rajagopalchari in the year 1954.
• The 2 non-Indians to win Bharat Ratna are - Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela.

• The highest military award is Paramvir Chakra during wartime and Ashok Chakra during peacetime.
• Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of Paramvir Chakra in the year 1947 for Battle of Badgam. 
• There are total 21 recipients of Paramvir Chakra till date. 
  • Only one award has been given to an Air Force Officer - Flying Officer Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon for Indo-Pak war of 1971.
  • 20 awardees are from Indian Army.
  • The latest awardee is Captain Vikram Batra for Operation Vijay in Kargil war of 1999.