Pahalgam attack, IndiGo chaos, Maha Kumbh: India’s biggest headlines of 2025

 Nepali student suicide at KIIT University |  An 18-year-old Nepali first-year B.Tech student at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar was found dead by suicide in her hostel room in May. This followed the February 2025 death of 20-year-old Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal. Her death led to protests and allegations from Nepali students about harassment and poor handling of complaints. (Image KIIT)

India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 win over New Zealand | India won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final in Dubai on March 9. New Zealand set a target of 252, but India chased it down with 254/6 in 49 overs. Rohit Sharma, then captain, scored 76 and won Player of the Match, with strong support from KL Rahul. The victory gave India their third Champions Trophy title.  (Image Reuters)

Trump tariffs on India | The US, under President Donald Trump, imposed high tariffs on Indian goods, initially around 26% and later reaching up to 50% on products like textiles, gems, leather, chemicals, and machinery, partly in response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Some sectors, like pharmaceuticals, were less affected. The tariffs hurt Indian exports and led to trade talks aimed at reducing duties to 10-15%. (Image Reuters)

Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor | At least 26 people were killed on April 22 when terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Four terrorists armed with M4 carbines and AK‑47s walked into the meadow and began shooting. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Pakistani terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor in May, hitting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir connected to the attack.

Bihar and Delhi assembly elections 2025 | The Bihar and Delhi elections 2025 delivered major political victories for the BJP-led NDA. In Bihar, assembly elections held on 6 and 11 November resulted in the NDA winning over 200 of 243 seats, dealing a major blow to the opposition Mahagathbandhan.  In Delhi, elections on 5 February returned the BJP to power after 27 years, securing 48 of 70 seats and appointing Rekha Gupta as Chief Minister. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was reduced to 22 seats. (Image PTI)

Women’s Cricket World Cup win | In the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup final, India beat South Africa by 52 runs and won their first-ever World Cup. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana led the team as India posted 298/7, highlighted by 87 from Shafali Verma and contributions from Deepti Sharma, before bowling out South Africa for 246. Deepti Sharma was Player of the Tournament, and Shafali Verma earned Player of the Match. (Image PTI).

Shubhanshu Shukla | Shubhanshu Shukla, an Air Force Group Captain, became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station on Axiom Mission 4. In space, he conducted experiments on microgravity’s effects on biological systems, aiding research for future missions, including India’s Gaganyaan programme. (Image PTI)

Vote Chori campaign | The Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, launched the “Vote Chor Gaddi Chhodd” campaign on October 6, accusing the BJP and the Election Commission of vote manipulation. The campaign showed issues across several states, including deleted voters in Aland, Karnataka, over 1 lakh fake voters in Mahadevapura, Bengaluru, duplicate entries, forged documents, and non-existent households in Bihar. The Election Commission dismissed these allegations as baseless. (Image X)

Supreme Court vs stray dogs | After reports of dog bites and rabies, the Supreme Court directed Delhi‑NCR authorities to manage stray dogs by catching, sterilising, vaccinating, and relocating them to shelters, especially near schools and hospitals. The order caused a huge uproar and was later revised to permit vaccinated and sterilised dogs to return home, excluding rabid or aggressive animals. (Image Shutterstock)

Nepal Gen Z protests | Nepal’s Generation Z led nationwide protests against government actions, including social media restrictions. The demonstrations, fuelled by frustration over corruption and lack of opportunities, faced government crackdowns that caused deaths and injuries. The unrest toppled Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government, leading to an interim administration headed by Sushila Karki, reportedly elected by Gen Z through Discord. (Image Reuters)

Vijay’s TVK rally stampede |  At least 41 people died and several were injured in a stampede at a political rally by actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, TVK, in Karur, Tamil Nadu, in September. The crowd, far exceeding allowed limits, caused a deadly crush near the stage and barricades. Police filed cases against senior TVK leaders, including Vijay. (Image X)

Red Fort car blast | Eight people were killed and over 20 were injured in a car bomb blast near the Red Fort Metro Station in Old Delhi on November 10. The explosion took place in a Hyundai i20 parked near Gate No 1 during evening traffic. The National Investigation Agency took over the probe, and DNA evidence identified Faridabad-based doctor Dr Umar Mohammad, linked to Al-Falah University, as the suicide bomber. (Image PTI)

Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal’s wedding controversy | Cricket star Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal were set to marry on November 23 in Sangli, but the wedding was first postponed after Mandhana’s father suffered a sudden health emergency, followed by reports that Palash was also unwell. Soon after, online speculation and rumours, including cheating allegations against Palash, spread widely. In early December, the couple confirmed that the wedding had been called off and unfollowed each other on social media. (Images X)

Indigo chaos | IndiGo has cancelled thousands of flights across the country in recent weeks, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers and causing chaos at major airports, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The airline has estimated it will pay out over ₹500 crore in refunds and compensation to customers impacted by the cancellations. The disruption has been blamed on new DGCA rules on pilot duty and rest periods. (Image X)