What is it?

• It’s the highest honour bestowed on a military unit in recognition of its exceptional service to nation.

Why in News:

• The President of India will award the President’s Colour to Indian Naval Aviation.

What is Naval Aviation?

• Naval Aviation came into being with acquisition of the first Sealand aircraft in 1951 and the commissioning of INS Garuda, the first Naval Air Station.
• Over the past decades, it had transformed into a modern, technologically advanced and highly potent force, with more than 250 aircraft comprising carrier-borne fighters, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft (RPA)
• Naval Aviation has played a major role in operations such as 
  • Operation Cactus– India launched an Operation Cactus to help the Maldives as the country faced  a mercenary invasion
  • Operation Jupiter– Indian Peace Keeping Operations in Sri Lanka
  • Operation Vijay– Operation by the Military of India that led to the capture of Goa, Daman and Diu and Anjediva Islands 
  • Operation Parakram- launched in the wake of the December 13, 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/naval-aviation-to-get-presidents-colour-on-september-6/article36220468.ece