October 27, 2026 - IndiaVerve

Odisha Vigilance conviction rate rises to 65%, says CM Majhi

October 27, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday warned corrupt government officials and employees that his government would continue to take strict action against corruption.

He highlighted a rise in the state Vigilance Department’s conviction rate to 65% this year up to September.

Addressing the state-level Anti-Corruption Awareness Week 2026 programme at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Centre, Majhi said governance was moving beyond government offices to reach people directly and address their grievances.

He described the Jana Sunani public grievance hearing programme as an important measure to tackle corruption at the grassroots, enabling people to bring instances of corruption to the attention of ministers and the Chief Minister, with action taken on the complaints.

The Chief Minister administered an integrity pledge to officials and guests present at the programme. He said the Vigilance department served as the eyes and ears of good governance, adding that governance was not limited to framing policies and schemes but also required preventing corruption and ensuring that public funds reached their intended beneficiaries.

He said the state government had taken extensive steps to strengthen Odisha Vigilance and improve its efficiency in line with the state’s development.

Majhi also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the JAM system, saying technology had helped eliminate corruption at the grassroots and stop cuts taken by middlemen. He described the system as a major benefit for the poor.

Outlining the state government’s anti-corruption approach, Majhi said it rested on three principles: zero tolerance for corruption, intelligence-based legal action regardless of an official’s rank or tenure, and punishment for officers arrested in corruption cases. He said Odisha Vigilance was implementing these measures professionally and without fear.

Citing the department’s record over the past two and a half years, the Chief Minister said action had been taken against one IAS officer, eight Chief Engineer-rank officers, two Divisional Forest Officers, a Joint Commissioner of Excise and STA, three Mining Deputy Directors, five Tahasildars, four Block Development Officers and several other government officials.

He further said 41 government employees had been dismissed from service following convictions in corruption cases, while the pensions of 91 retired government employees had been stopped.

The conviction rate of Odisha Vigilance, which stood at 50% in 2025, rose to 65% in 2026 up to September, according to the Chief Minister. He expressed satisfaction that the department’s performance was receiving recognition both within and outside the state.

Emphasising the role of technology in preventing corruption, Majhi said the state government had approved the Odisha IT Policy to support the use of modern technology in this area.

A Preventive Vigilance Research Wing is also being established within Odisha Vigilance to identify areas where corruption occurs and those involved, to make governance more transparent and efficient.

Referring to this year’s theme, “From Integrity to Prosperity”, the Chief Minister said strong ethics, transparency and integrity were essential to tackling corruption. He urged government employees to demonstrate integrity and dedication in their work and called on people to make integrity a guiding principle of their lives.

During the programme, Majhi presented awards for 2025 in recognition of outstanding work in vigilance and anti-corruption efforts. Koraput Division was named Best Vigilance Division, while the Angul Unit received the Best Unit award.

Odisha releases Rs 19 crore in relief funds to eight districts ahead of Cyclone Arnab

October 27, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday released Rs 19 crore in relief funds to eight districts as it steps up preparations to deal with the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab and associated heavy rainfall.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting at the State Emergency Control Room in Rajiv Bhawan, attended by the Special Relief Commissioner and senior officials. The meeting reviewed preparedness measures, emergency response arrangements, and the readiness of district administrations.

The minister directed officials to ensure that all cyclone shelters are ready for use and that district administrations remain prepared to handle any adverse situation. The state government has adopted a “Zero Casualty” approach to prevent loss of life and has urged people to follow official advisories, cooperate with the administration and avoid rumours.

Eight districts – Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Kalahandi – have been placed under special focus due to the threat of heavy rainfall and the possible impact of the cyclone.

As part of the emergency response, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire service teams have been deployed across the vulnerable districts.

Ganjam has been assigned nine ODRAF teams, two NDRF teams and 24 fire service teams. Gajapati has six ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and eight fire service teams, while Rayagada has three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 11 fire service teams.

Koraput has three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 14 fire service teams. Malkangiri has three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and nine fire service teams. Nabarangpur has three ODRAF teams and 12 fire service teams. Fire service teams have also been deployed in Nuapada and Kalahandi.

The government has ordered schools and Anganwadi centres to remain closed in view of the situation. Leave has been cancelled for Collectors and key officials in the concerned districts, who have been directed to remain at their headquarters. District-level control rooms are functioning round the clock to provide emergency assistance to the public.

Senior IAS officers have been assigned to the more critical districts to strengthen coordination and monitoring. During the review meeting, the Minister assessed field-level preparedness with district Collectors and officials from various departments.

The administration has been directed to ensure round-the-clock readiness, maintain cyclone shelters properly, stock essential supplies in advance, issue emergency public alerts, and continuously monitor India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletins.

The Health Department has also been instructed to prepare medical relief centres, mobile health teams and hospitals to respond to emergencies involving pregnant women and newborns. Arrangements include adequate emergency medicines, uninterrupted power backup and emergency delivery services. The administration will also arrange fodder distribution for livestock in the affected areas.

According to the available data, 48,010 people from vulnerable areas across the eight districts have been identified for possible evacuation or shelter support. A total of 466 shelters have been kept ready to accommodate them.

Nabarangpur has identified 11,270 people and prepared 134 shelters. Gajapati has identified 11,000 people and arranged 175 shelters, while Malkangiri has identified 9,850 people and prepared 35 shelters.

Ganjam has identified 6,500 people and arranged 37 shelters. In Koraput, 5,000 people have been identified, with 47 shelters kept ready. Kalahandi has identified 2,415 people and prepared 14 shelters, while Nuapada has identified 1,675 people and arranged 17 shelters. Rayagada has identified 300 people, with seven shelters prepared.

To strengthen coordination in flood-prone areas, nodal officers have been assigned specific responsibilities. A dedicated WhatsApp group has also been created to maintain communication among the officials and personnel involved in emergency management.

The state government has urged residents of vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, follow official instructions, and rely only on verified information as preparations continue to address the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab.

Can Cyclone Arnab compel the integration of rooftop solar (RTS) systems into disaster risk reduction?

October 27, 2026 by Avilash Roul

The rapid pace of rooftop solar installation in India has not kept pace with the risks posed by climate emergencies like tropical cyclones. Although India now installs more than 3 lakh rooftop solar systems on average each month, it does not adequately account for climate emergencies such as tropical cyclones. As of this writing, Andhra Pradesh is bracing for the impact of very severe cyclonic storm Arnab, the first in the Bay of Bengal this year. Can rooftop solar (RTS) systems under the PM Surya Ghar scheme withstand such intense wind forces?

Cyclone Arnab, with projected sustained winds of 125-135 km/h, would be a litmus test for current RTS systems in Andhra Pradesh’s coastal districts and neighbouring Odisha. Meanwhile, last month’s deep depression, which affected 11 states, including South Odisha, North Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh, could have seriously threatened the installed RTS. Although the depression’s sustained winds (50-60 km/h) were well below the typical minimum solar panel ratings (100 km/h), coverage of the event showed no widespread damage to solar installations.

However, RTS systems in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar were damaged during violent thunderstorms in May due to the North-Western Monsoon, locally called ‘Kala Baisakhi’. Pre-monsoon storms across India in May cracked and shattered RTS panels, damaged frames, and displaced modules, suggesting poor material quality and weak mounting practices. As a result, vendors lost credibility and faced direct financial burdens for replacements. Is there a standard operating procedure (SOP) to address tropical cyclones or Kala Baisakhi for RTS systems?

Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, India aims to provide solar electricity to 1 crore households by March 2027. Undoubtedly, India is inching towards renewable energy targets faster than any other country. It is heartening to see India’s progress in harnessing abundant solar energy and leading the global green energy transition through RTS. To meet the Paris Climate Agreement by increasing its renewable energy share, meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets, and amid political populism around free electricity, India has been aggressively installing RTS systems. As of October 26, 2026, 54,22,833RTS systems have been installed, totalling 18.8 gigawatts (GW) of capacity and benefiting 64,15,156households. India aims to install 874 GW of generation capacity by 2031-32. So far, Odisha has installed 2,63,938 RTS systems, added 583.8 MW of capacity, and benefited 2,65,371 households. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh has installed 4,90,275 RTS systems, added 1,349.79 MW of capacity, and benefited 4,97,090 households.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cyclone Arnab will make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, in the wee hours of October 28. Let’s check the status of RTS in these ground-zero districts. Bapatla has already installed 20,809 RTS systems, added 56 MW of capacity and is benefiting 20,935 households. With 13,458 RTS systems in Visakhapatnam, 20,011 in Kakinada, 11,969 in Konaseema, 17,494 in Anakapalli, 24,118 in East Godavari, 11,737 in Alluri Sitharama Raju, 19,177 in West Godavari, 25,763 in Eluru, 20,965 in Guntur, and 18,797 in Krishna, these districts are in Cyclone Arnab’s impact zone. Can these RTS systems remain intact as Cyclone Arnab barrels down?

Are there guidelines for protecting RTS systems during tropical cyclones in Andhra Pradesh or Odisha, or, for that matter, in India? However, Many RTS vendors believe that no SOP exists for climate change-induced extreme weather anomalies, especially tropical cyclones. In general, vendors say RTS can withstand wind speeds up to 100 km/h. Neither the PM Surya Ghar nor the state distribution companies have adequately formulated protocols to protect RTS installations during disasters, at least in nearly 100 districts of India that are prone to tropical cyclones. The existing SOPs are formulated solely with RTS system implementation in mind. Even the operational guidelines (2024) for capacity building for the 3 lakhs RTS installers under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) do not explicitly address RTS protection or safety during tropical cyclones.

Whether it’s April-May (pre-monsoon) or October-December (post-monsoon), tropical cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea affect thirteen Indian coastal states and union territories. West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar, and Gujarat are highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), among 100 cyclone-prone districts, 12 are very high, 25 are high, and 48 are moderately prone to cyclones. Does this geographical area not warrant special attention in terms of guidelines for the RTS with regard to cyclones?

Andhra Pradesh or Odisha, like other vulnerable coastal states, can model how to ensure the safety and protection of RTS systems. With its ambitious target in the ‘Sapath Patra’, or Letter of Commitment (2024), to achieve 7.5 GW of solar energy by 2030, Odisha must not delay addressing concerns about RTS installations in districts within basic wind speed zones up to 198 km/h. Coastal Odisha never forgets the fury of the October Super Cyclone (1999). People in Andhra Pradesh have also witnessed dozens of very severe cyclonic storms in the last three decades. Cyclone Fani (wind speed 175-185 km/h) in May 2019 damaged some solar systems along its path. Another high-intensity cyclone in recent memory was Phailin (2013). So, what constitutes an SOP for protecting RTS systems in cyclone-prone districts?

Despite minimal downside impact during RTS installation, such as clearing nearby tree crown cover or branches to a) allow abundant sunlight and b) protect solar panels from monkeys leaping, the quality of RTS mounting is paramount for withstanding strong winds. The condition of the buildings or premises where installations are planned must not be overlooked. As the number of vendors increases each month, it is increasingly important to closely oversee the materials used for the mounting structure; they must also pass quality control. Corrosion in the coastal districts is the major impediment to long-term RTS benefits. Scale up and prioritise adopting RTS designs that withstand wind speeds of 200 km/h in these highly vulnerable districts.

Beyond these structural aspects, non-structural measures can protect RTS, especially solar panels, during disaster cycles. Insurance for solar panels is being considered to benefit consumers, but awareness remains very low. Without insurance for the panels, can customers be compensated for damage to solar panels during cyclones or other extreme weather conditions? State and Union governments should consider compensating at least ration-card holders by providing solar panels and other items after post-disaster assessments.

A larger concern remains that during a cyclone or severe thunderstorm (Kala Baisakhi), damaged solar panels or flying debris from them may pose a serious risk of trauma and death. Additionally, damaged solar panels may significantly add to electronic waste (e-waste). By 2060, the world is expected to generate up to 402 million tonnes of photovoltaic (PV) waste from discarded or damaged solar panels. To avoid these risks, it is highly recommended to dismantle the solar panels before the cyclone and reinstall them thereafter. Therefore, integrating RTS into disaster risk reduction is vital. Can Surya Mitra, RTS installers under the MNRE, be tasked with this?

Distribution companies (DISCOMs), RTS vendors, and local ‘apada mitras’ (volunteers) can be roped in to plan these swift activities and integrate RTS systems into infrastructure restoration and recovery under the District Disaster Management Plans (DDMPs). Since the 2024-25 implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, hardly any DDMP mentions integrating RTS into restoration and recovery measures. With the exact GPS locations of RTS systems from wards to villages, and from rural to urban areas, it is possible to dismantle solar panels in a timely manner. Identify a local group of Surya Mitras or volunteers and provide training to strengthen their skills in dismantling and installing solar panels. With financial support, connect these volunteers to the grid, under the District Collector’s supervision, with DISCOMs. To make the RTS revolution succeed, India must secure the RTS from climate emergencies.

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Dr Avilash Roul is an international advisor on climate change risks and transboundary rivers , and a Senior Fellow at the Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict (SSPC), New Delhi. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of IndiaVerve.

Abhishek Sharma’s 35-ball century powers India to T20I series win over New Zealand

October 27, 2026 by India Verve Desk

India chase down 199 in just 13.2 overs as Abhishek and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smash 133 runs in a record-breaking opening stand

India produced a breathtaking batting display to defeat New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20 International in Wellington on Tuesday, chasing a target of 199 in just 13.2 overs to seal the series with two matches still to play.

Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a blistering 113 off just 38 balls, reaching his fourth T20I century in only 35 deliveries. Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided explosive support with 45 off 21 balls as the pair added 133 runs for the first wicket in just 7.1 overs.

Their assault propelled India to 118 without loss in the powerplay, setting a new record for the highest powerplay total in T20 Internationals. India also reached 50 in just 2.2 overs and brought up their hundred in five overs, leaving New Zealand’s bowlers struggling to contain the onslaught.

Abhishek brought up his half-century in 15 balls and continued attacking almost every delivery. The opening partnership left India needing only 66 runs from the remaining 12.5 overs, effectively taking the contest away from the hosts.

India lost Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson towards the end, when the target was within reach, but the brief interruption did little to slow their progress. They crossed the finish line with 40 balls remaining, underlining the gulf between the two sides’ batting performances in the series.

Earlier, New Zealand had posted 198 for three after being asked to bat. Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls, while Finn Allen contributed 40. Bevon Jacobs added an unbeaten 39 off 23 deliveries, sharing an unbroken 75-run partnership with Mitchell to give the hosts a competitive total.

India’s fast bowlers initially struggled to adapt to the ground’s short square boundaries, with New Zealand reaching 88 for one by the end of the eighth over. Nitish Kumar Reddy, however, broke the momentum by dismissing Allen for 40 with a full, straight delivery in the ninth over.

India’s seamers subsequently tightened their lines and lengths, using reverse swing and targeting the longer straight boundaries to restrict the scoring. Mitchell, after reaching his half-century in 26 balls, found it harder to accelerate and managed 35 runs from his final 26 deliveries.

The disciplined bowling effort set the stage for India’s extraordinary chase. Abhishek and Sooryavanshi then overwhelmed the New Zealand attack, turning a target of 199 into a routine pursuit and securing the series in emphatic fashion.

Odisha government transfers eight IAS officers in major administrative reshuffle

October 27, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has transferred and reassigned eight IAS officers, bringing changes to key positions in agriculture, health, revenue administration, urban development, and other departments.

The reshuffle includes new appointments and additional responsibilities for senior officers, including changes in the leadership of the Agriculture and Food Production Directorate, the National Health Mission (NHM), the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and the Odisha Milk Federation (OMFED).

Dr Poma Tudu, who was serving as Additional Secretary in the ST&SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, has been appointed Director of Agriculture and Food Production, Odisha. She will also hold the additional charge of Managing Director of the Odisha State Cashew Development Corporation Ltd.

Shubham Saxena, who was serving as Director of Agriculture and Food Production, has been posted as Vice-Chairman of the BDA.

Sangram Keshari Mohapatra, Revenue Divisional Commissioner (in-charge) of the Southern Division at Brahmapur, will now serve as RDC of the Northern Division at Sambalpur. He will continue to hold the additional charge of Chairman-in-Charge of the Western Odisha Development Council.

Vijay Amruta Kulange, who was serving as Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services with additional charge as Managing Director of OMFED, has been posted as RDC of the Southern Division at Brahmapur.

Dr Gavali Parag Harshad, who recently joined the state government following his repatriation from central deputation, has been appointed Managing Director of the National Health Mission, Odisha.

Chakravarti Singh Rathore, Director of Technical Education and Training, has been assigned the additional charge of Director of Horticulture.

Pranati Chhotray, who was serving as Additional Secretary in the Home Department, has been appointed Managing Director of OMFED.

Meanwhile, Subra Kumar Panda, Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development, has been given the additional charge of Managing Director of the Odisha Agro Industries Corporation Ltd.

CM Majhi flags off special train for National Unity Day

October 27, 2026 by IndiaVerve Staff

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday flagged off a special train from Bhubaneswar New Railway Station, carrying around 1,000 representatives from 19 Naxal-free districts to Ekta Nagar in Gujarat for the National Unity Day parade on October 31.

The event will mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India. The representatives will participate in the national-level celebrations near the Statue of Unity, showcasing Odisha’s journey towards peace, security and development.

Addressing the media after flagging off the train, Majhi paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his historic contribution to national unity. He said Patel’s extraordinary leadership and determination had brought together more than 550 princely states, laying the foundation for a united India.

The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been honouring Patel’s legacy by observing his birth anniversary as National Unity Day every year since assuming office in 2014. He added that this year’s National Unity Parade would reflect the achievement of a Naxal-free India.

Majhi credited the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the firm leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the efforts of security forces at the national and state levels for eliminating Naxalism in India and Odisha.

He said the state was moving rapidly towards development, with infrastructure creation and social and economic progress receiving top priority in areas previously affected by Naxalism.

Under the Gramodaya Plus scheme, various public welfare programmes are being implemented in an integrated manner across 10 affected districts to ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive the intended benefits and become part of the mainstream.

The Chief Minister also said the collective efforts of the country’s 140 crore people continued to advance the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

In a separate announcement, Majhi said the Central government had sanctioned a new express train connecting Puri with Badampahar in Mayurbhanj district.

President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to flag off the new service in the first week of November.

The proposed service is expected to strengthen railway connectivity across six Odisha districts – Puri, Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj – improving transport links across the state.

Cyclone Arnab intensifies into a very severe storm

October 27, 2026 by India Verve Desk

Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal, prompting authorities in Odisha and neighbouring states to step up preparedness measures ahead of its expected landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28.

According to the latest update, the cyclone moved west-northwest at 23 kmph during the six hours leading up to 11.30 pm on Monday. At that time, it was centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal near latitude 15.9°N and longitude 86.0°E.

The storm was located approximately 400 km south-southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha, 350 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 420 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 520 km east of Machilipatnam and 590 km east of Bapatla in Andhra Pradesh. It was also about 870 km west-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands, according to the India Meteorological Department.

The cyclone is very likely to continue moving west-northwestwards until the evening of Tuesday before changing direction towards the northwest. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm.

At the time of landfall, the system is expected to bring maximum sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph.

Separately, the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department of Odisha has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state to remain on high alert and take necessary precautionary measures to protect public safety in view of the prevailing wind warning and the advisory issued by the Special Relief Commissioner.

Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the H&UD Department, has instructed ULB authorities to closely monitor local weather conditions and maintain coordination with the respective district administrations.

The department has also directed all urban local bodies to strictly follow advisories and instructions issued by the competent authorities and remain prepared to respond promptly to any emerging situation.

Emphasising the need for heightened vigilance, the department has called for timely action to minimise risks to human life and property. ULBs have been instructed to ensure that essential municipal services continue without interruption while taking appropriate steps to address any eventuality arising from adverse weather conditions.

The H&UD Department has urged citizens to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary movement during adverse weather conditions and follow advisories issued by local administrations and other competent authorities.

It has also stressed the importance of close coordination among urban local bodies and district administrations to ensure a timely and effective response as Cyclone Arnab approaches the eastern coastline.

With the cyclone expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28, affected states are maintaining preparedness measures, while Odisha’s urban local bodies have been directed to remain vigilant and ensure residents’ safety and well-being.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Dr T. V. Somanathan chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee on Monday to review preparedness and response measures.

Chief Secretaries and senior officials from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh, along with officials from the Union Territory of Puducherry, briefed the committee on the precautionary steps being undertaken by their respective state governments and local administrations.

The meeting was informed that adequate cyclone shelters and evacuation arrangements had been put in place. National Disaster Response Force nd State Disaster Response Force teams have been kept on standby to respond to emergencies.

District Control Rooms have also been activated to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate preparedness and response efforts.

As part of the precautionary measures, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal, as well as along and off the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Yanam in Puducherry, from October 26 to 29.

England Captain Harry Kane wins 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or

October 27, 2026 by India Verve Desk

New Delhi: Harry Kane won the 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual honour, at a ceremony held at the London Palladium Theatre in England on Monday.

Kane, who represents England and Bayern Munich, finished ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, who were also among the favourites for the men’s award, according to UEFA.

Kane’s goal-scoring record has been a major highlight of his performances. He has scored 89 goals for club and country since the beginning of August 2025, underlining his impact as a prolific forward.

The Ballon d’Or awards have been jointly organised by France Football, part of the L’Équipe Group, and UEFA since 2024. The annual honours recognise outstanding performances and achievements in both men’s and women’s football.

The event marked the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, which has been presented annually since 1956.

Alexia Putellas of Spain, who represents FC Barcelona and London City Lionesses FC, won the Women’s Ballon d’Or.

Vicky López of Spain, who plays for FC Barcelona, was named Women’s Young Talent of the Year.

Lamine Yamal of Spain, also representing FC Barcelona, won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Cata Coll of Spain and FC Barcelona received the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Unai Simón of Spain and Athletic Club was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while Pere Romeu of Spain and FC Barcelona won the Women’s Coach of the Year award.

The 2026 ceremony recognised achievements across men’s and women’s football as the Ballon d’Or celebrated seven decades of honouring outstanding individual performances and contributions to the sport.