Barcelona’s Lionel Messi wins 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or award

Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player for the fifth time. The Barcelona and Argentina forward took 41.33 percent of the votes followed by the Portuguese and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo (27.76 percent), with Brazil and Barcelona forward Neymar third (7.86 per cent).

  • Earlier he was conferred with this award in 2009, 2010 , 2011,  and 2012.
  • Barcelona’s Luis Enrique was voted coach of the year while United States World Cup winner Carli Lloyd, who scored a hat-trick in the final against Japan, was named women’s player of the year.
  • England coach Mark Sampson was beaten to the women’s football coach of the year award by USA boss Jill Ellis.

Telangana becomes first State to make gender education compulsory

Telangana has become the first State to introduce compulsory gender education at the graduate level; without repeating gender stereotypes in its bilingual textbook titled, ‘Towards a World of Equals.’

Devender Kumar Sikri to take oath as CCI chairman

Devender Kumar Sikri will take oath today as the Chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Sikri, 62, a former Gujarat cadre IAS officer, will become the third chairman of the fair trade regulator. He will succeed Ashok Chawla, who superannuated on January 7.

Golden Globes 2016: Winners list

The 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony was organized at Beverly Hills, California, United States (US). The winners of various awards are as follows:

  • Best Motion Picture Drama: The Revenant.
  • Best Motion Picture Musical/Comedy: The Martian.
  • Best Director in Motion Picture-Drama: Alejandro Inarritu for The Revenant.
  • Best Actor in Motion Picture-Drama: Leonardo DiCaprio for The Revenant.
  • Best Actress in Motion Picture-Drama: Brie Larson for Room.
  • Best Actor in Motion Picture or Musical or Comedy: Matt Damon for The Martian.
  • Best Actress in Motion Picture Musical or Comedy: Jennifer Lawrence for Joy.
  • Best Actor in a Supporting role in Motion Picture: Sylvester Stallone for Creed.
  • Best Actress in a Supporting role in Motion Picture: Kate Winslet for Steve Jobs.
  • Best Original Score Motion Picture: Ennio Morricone for The Hateful Eight.
  • Best Foreign Language Film: Son of Saul (Hungary).

Singer David Bowie dies at 69

Singer David Bowie, one of the most influential musicians of his era, has died of cancer at the age of 69. He was one of the most influential musicians of 1970s and was famously known for his creative musicianship to break pop and rock boundaries.

Milos Raonic wins 2016 WTA Brisbane International Tennis trophy

World No. 14 Milos Raonic from Canada has won the 2016 WTA Brisbane International Tennis trophy in the men’s single category. He defeated Roger Federer (world No. 3) from Switzerland by 6–4, 6–4 score. It is Milos Raonic overall 8th career title and 1st of the 2016 season.

Wawrinka wins fourth title at Chennai Open

Stan Wawrinka won his fourth title at the Chennai Open with a 6-3, 7-5 win over upcoming Borna Coric of Croatia. This was his third consecutive ATP Chennai Open title for Wawrinka (won in 2014, 2015 and 2016) and overall fourth, first won it in 2011. With this win, Wawrinka pocketed US $ 75,700 and won 250 ranking points.