On the eve of Republic Day 2026, a total of 982 personnel from Police, Fire, Home Guard and Civil Defence, and Correctional Services were awarded gallantry and service medals. The government statement on January 25 revealed that 125 persons received the Medal for Gallantry (GM). Out of these, 121 were police personnel and 4 from Fire services. These medals recognize rare and conspicuous acts of bravery in saving lives, property, crime prevention, or arresting criminals. Among the gallantry awards, 35 recipients are from Left Wing Extremism areas, 45 from Jammu and Kashmir, 5 from the North-East, and 40 from other regions. Jammu and Kashmir personnel received the highest number at 45 medals, followed by 35 from Naxal-affected zones, and 5 from the North-East. Jammu and Kashmir Police were awarded 33 medals, Maharashtra Police 31, Uttar Pradesh Police 18, and Delhi Police 14. The CRPF earned 12 gallantry medals, the highest among Central Armed Police Forces. In addition to gallantry awards, 101 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 756 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) were presented. Of the PSM, 89 went to Police Service, 5 to Fire Service, 3 to Civil Defence and Home Guard, and 4 to Correctional Service. Among MSM recipients, 664 belong to Police, 34 to Fire Service, 33 to Civil Defence and Home Guard, and 25 to Correctional Service. The bravery medals honor courageous acts involving personal risk while performing official duties. PSM awards recognize a special distinguished service record. MSM honors valuable service characterized by devotion and resourcefulness, as outlined in the official release.