India, Jan. 25 -- Ahead of the 77th Republic Day, the Centre has announced gallantry and service medals for 982 personnel from the police, fire services, home guards, civil defence, and correctional services, recognising their bravery and distinguished service.

Among the 125 gallantry awards, 35 will be given to personnel serving in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 45 to those deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, five to forces in the northeast, and 40 to personnel from other regions for acts of exceptional bravery, according to an official statement.

The gallantry medals are conferred for rare and conspicuous acts of courage, including saving lives and property, preventing crimes, and arresting criminals, with due consideration given to t...