Previously known as Man of the Year, Time Magazine's Person of the Year is an annual issue that features profiles of a person, group, idea or an object that has done the most influence for the events of the year.

2013 is a busy year in politics and entertainment. It's no surprise that most of its nominees are from these sectors. Here are the 10 nominees for Time Magazine's Person of the Year:

1. Miley Cyrus - Currently topping the online poll, Cyrus is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to massive online buzz. Since her controversial MTV Video Music Award performance, she generated many followers and fans. Thanks to her fearless transformation, she is now one of the most talked about celebrities worldwide.

2. Narendra Modi - The 14th and the current Chief Minister of the State of Gujarat, Modi is the prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming 2014 Indian general elections representing the Bharatiya Janata Party. Described as a Hindu nationalist by media and scholars, the 63-year-old politician is a controversial figure within India and globally.

3. Edward Snowden - An American computer specialist, Edward Snowden is a former CIA employee and former NSA contractor who disclosed up to 200,000 classified documents to the press. His expose revolves primarily around the U.S. NSA mass surveillance program. Considered as a fugitive by American authorities, the 30-year-old whistleblower is charged with espionage and theft of government property.

4. Bashar Al-Assad - Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has served as the country's commander-in-chief since 2000 when he succeeded his father, Hafez Al-Assad, who led Syria for 30 years. The 48-year-old president made headlines when he ordered a mass crackdown and military sieges on pro-rebel protesters during the recent civil war. His action was described by some commentators as related to the wider "Arab Spring" movement.

5. Vladimir Putin - The fourth and current Russian President, Vladimir Putin, previously served as the vice-president from 2000 to 2008, and as prime minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and from 2008 to 2012. He served as an officer in the KGB for 16 years, and as president most of Putin's actions are regarded by the domestic opposition and foreign observers as "undemocratic."