Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The President approved 132 Padma awards, including five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri awards. The list features 30 women, nine from the category of “Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI,” and nine posthumous awardees.
About Padma Awards
It is among India’s highest civilian honours, announced annually with brief interruptions in 1978-1979 and 1993-1997. Instituted in 1954 with three classes, renamed in 1955 as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. They recognize exceptional service in various fields like art, social work, science, sports, civil service, etc., and are conferred without being a title under Article 18. The announcement is made on Republic Day each year.
