Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
Who was the first recipient of India's highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra?
Answer
Major Somnath Sharma
Question
In which year was Major Somnath Sharma born?
Answer
1923
Question
Major Somnath Sharma was a member of which army regiment?
Answer
The Kumaon Regiment
Question
What was the name of the Pakistani operation launched in August 1947 to annex the Kashmir Valley?
Answer
Operation Gulmarg
Question
Who was the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir at the time of the 1947 invasion?
Answer
Maharaja Hari Singh
Question
On what date did the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir officially become part of India?
Answer
26 October 1947
Question
Why were Indian troops airlifted into Srinagar on 27 October 1947 rather than taking a land route?
Answer
The land route through Pathankot was in poor condition.
Question
Which specific company did Major Somnath Sharma command during the Battle of Badgam?
Answer
D Company of the 4th Battalion
Question
What physical injury did Major Somnath Sharma have when he was flown into Srinagar?
Answer
His left hand was in a plaster cast.
Question
Why was the village of Badgam considered a strategic location for protecting the Srinagar airport?
Answer
It was at a higher altitude than the airfield and controlled the access route.
Question
On what date did the Battle of Badgam take place?
Answer
03 November 1947
Question
Approximately how many infiltrators attacked Major Sharma's unit at Badgam?
Answer
500
Question
How many soldiers were in D Company under Major Somnath Sharma's command during the attack?
Answer
90
Question
Major Somnath Sharma requested _____ to combat the vastly superior numbers of the enemy at Badgam.
Answer
air strikes
Question
What did Major Sharma use to guide the Indian aircraft towards their targets on the ground?
Answer
Ground panels
Question
Major Somnath Sharma's famous last message stated he would fight to the last man and the last _____.
Answer
round
Question
What caused the immediate death of Major Somnath Sharma during the battle?
Answer
A mortar shell hit the ammunition near him.
Question
Term: Valour
Answer
Definition: Great courage, especially in battle.
Question
Term: Beacon
Answer
Definition: A person or thing that acts as a source of inspiration or guidance.
Question
Term: Infiltrators
Answer
Definition: People who secretly enter a place or organisation to cause damage or gain information.
Question
Term: Annex
Answer
Definition: To take possession of a territory, often by force or without permission.
Question
Term: Unfounded
Answer
Definition: Not based on any facts, reason, or evidence.
Question
Term: Tenacity
Answer
Definition: The quality of being very determined; persistence.
Question
Term: Resolute
Answer
Definition: Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.
Question
In a military context, what are 'magazines'?
Answer
Containers that hold cartridges to be fed into a gun.
Question
Term: Posthumously
Answer
Definition: Awarded or occurring after the death of the originator.
Question
What does it mean if a military award is given for 'conspicuous' bravery?
Answer
The bravery was clearly visible, noticeable, or remarkable.
Question
Major Somnath Sharma's name is recorded on the Honour Wall of which national monument?
Answer
The National War Memorial
Question
Major Somnath Sharma was born in which town and state?
Answer
Dadh in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Question
Who was Major Somnath Sharma's father?
Answer
Major General Amar Nath Sharma
Question
Which ancient Indian epic inspired young Somnath Sharma through tales told by his grandfather?
Answer
The Mahabharata
Question
Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into which regiment in 1942?
Answer
19th Hyderabad Regiment
Question
Collective Noun: A permanent unit of an army commanded by a colonel and divided into companies is a _____.
Answer
regiment
Question
Collective Noun: A unit of 12–24 aircraft and their crews is called a _____.
Answer
squadron
Question
Collective Noun: A group of ships sailing together or under the same ownership is a _____.
Answer
fleet
Question
Collective Noun: A large body of troops ready for battle, especially an infantry unit, is a _____.
Answer
battalion
Question
Verb: To flood or overpower someone emotionally is to _____ them.
Answer
overwhelm
Question
Verb: To forcibly remove from power or seize control of a government is to _____ it.
Answer
overthrow
Question
Verb: To invade or occupy an area in large numbers is to _____ it.
Answer
overrun
Question
What is the difference between 'practice' and 'practise' in British English?
Answer
'Practice' is a noun; 'practise' is a verb.
Question
What is the difference between 'advice' and 'advise'?
Answer
'Advice' is a noun; 'advise' is a verb.
Question
What is the British English spelling for the act of protecting against attack?
Answer
Defence
Question
In the phrase 'The bouquet of flowers _____ (is/are) beautiful', which verb is correct?
Answer
is
Question
In the phrase 'Mathematics _____ (is/are) an interesting subject', which verb is correct?
Answer
is
Question
The Param Vir Chakra signifies the 'Wheel of the Ultimate _____' in literal translation.
Answer
Bravery
Question
The design of the Param Vir Chakra is inspired by which ancient sage who gave up his bones for a weapon?
Answer
Sage Dadhichi
Question
What mythical weapon, representing the bones of Sage Dadhichi, surrounds the state emblem on the Param Vir Chakra?
Answer
The Vajra
Question
The Param Vir Chakra was introduced as a Gallantry Medal in which year?
Answer
1947
Question
Who receives the bravery awards presented on Republic Day?
Answer
Soldiers and civilians (including children) for acts of courage.
Question
What is 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'?
Answer
A celebration of India's 75 years of independence.
Question
Major Somnath Sharma attended which military college for his training?
Answer
Royal Military College, Sandhurst
Question
The phrase 'fight to the last man' means to continue fighting until _____.
Answer
every soldier has died or can no longer fight
Question
What does the expression 'to foil a plan' mean?
Answer
To prevent someone from succeeding in their aim.
Question
What does the expression 'to hold one's ground' mean?
Answer
To refuse to retreat or change one's position when attacked.
Question
The expression 'to deliver a blow' means to _____.
Answer
cause significant harm or a setback to an opponent
Question
In subject-verb agreement, 'Neither of the statements _____ (is/are) true.'
Answer
is
Question
Term: Etched
Answer
Definition: Permanently fixed or carved into a surface or memory.
Question
Major Somnath Sharma's actions allowed the Indian _____ to continue flying over Srinagar.
Answer
tricolour
Question
Identify the meaning of 'crouched' as used in the text.
Answer
Sat or stood with knees bent and the upper body brought forward and down.
Question
Major Sharma's bravery is described as 'unparalleled', meaning it is _____.
Answer
unmatched or having no equal