The number of nominations for the prestigious Padma awards has dropped significantly this year. According to reports, the total number of nominations received for the awards is less than a lakh, a significant drop from the 4.85 lakh nominations received in 2022. The Padma awards are considered to be one of the highest civilian honors in India and are given in various categories including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. The decrease in nominations could be attributed to several factors including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the nomination process. The final list of recipients of the Padma awards for this year is yet to be announced.