1. Ballon d’Or 2025 Winners Announced
On 22nd September 2025, the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony was held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, celebrating football’s finest achievements with global stars, clubs, and coaches in attendance.
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Men’s Ballon d’Or: Ousmane Dembélé
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Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmatí
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Kopa Trophy (Men): Lamine Yamal
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Kopa Trophy (Women): Vicky López
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Yashin Trophy (Men): Gianluigi Donnarumma
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Yashin Trophy (Women): Hannah Hampton
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Johan Cruyff Award (Men’s Coach): Luis Enrique
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Johan Cruyff Award (Women’s Coach): Sarina Wiegman
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Gerd Müller Top Scorer Award (Men): Viktor Gyökeres
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Gerd Müller Top Scorer Award (Women): Ewa Pajor
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Club of the Year (Men): Paris Saint-Germain
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Club of the Year (Women): Arsenal
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Socrates Award: Xana Foundation
2. Sourav Ganguly Re-Elected CAB President
On 23rd September 2025, Sourav Ganguly was re-elected unopposed as President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) during its 94th Annual General Meeting, marking his return to the role after nearly six years. He succeeded his elder brother, Snehasish Ganguly, who had served as CAB President for nearly three years.
3. Legendary Cricket Umpire Dickie Bird Passes Away
On 23rd September 2025, Harold Dennis “Dickie” Bird, one of cricket’s most iconic umpires, passed away at the age of 92. A former first-class English cricketer, Bird turned to umpiring after an injury cut short his playing career.
He made his Test debut as an umpire in 1973 and went on to officiate 66 Tests and 76 One-Day Internationals (including both men’s and women’s matches) over a distinguished 23-year career. Known for his fairness, integrity, and deep understanding of the game, Dickie Bird’s contribution left an indelible mark on cricket history.
4. New Nanomaterial for Non-Invasive Brain Therapy
In September 2025, researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, under India’s Department of Science and Technology, announced a breakthrough nanomaterial capable of directly interacting with neurons, opening new possibilities for non-invasive brain disorder treatments.
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Material Used: Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) was found to naturally interact with neurons, supporting growth, maturation, and communication.
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Research Findings: The study revealed g-C₃N₄ increased dopamine levels in brain-like cells and reduced harmful proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease in animal models.
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Non-Invasive Advantage: Unlike deep brain stimulation, which requires surgery, g-C₃N₄ offers therapeutic effects without invasive procedures.
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Mechanism: The nanomaterial generates electric fields in response to brain activity, activating calcium channels to promote neuronal growth and connectivity.
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Scientific Significance: This is the first instance of semiconducting nanomaterials modulating neurons without external stimulation, acting as a “smart switch” that turns on under negative potential and off under positive potential to prevent fatigue.
5. TRAI’s Draft Amendment to Broadcasting Interconnection Rules
On 23rd September 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the draft Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Seventh Amendment) Regulations, 2025, inviting stakeholder feedback before finalisation.
This draft follows a consultation paper released on 9th August 2024, which focused on audit-related provisions and updates to the Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual. The amendment aims to strengthen the regulatory framework by incorporating industry feedback and improving the overall compliance process before formal implementation.