Year-Ender 2025: A year that made headlines with wars, geopolitics, deaths and technology

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President in a historic second non-consecutive term, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. Along with Trump, JD Vance took the oath as the Vice President of the US.

In June 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a massive airstrike campaign targeting Iran's nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan, citing Tehran's program as an existential threat. Iran retaliated with missile barrages on Israeli cities and military bases, escalating a long proxy war into direct confrontation that drew US involvement, with American strikes on Iranian sites. Parallel to the Israel-Iran clashes, Israel's Gaza offensive intensified, with over 860 Palestinian deaths reported since mid-June amid stalled hostage talks. Netanyahu vowed to dismantle Hamas and the "Iranian axis" in the region.

The conflict between Sudan’s regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continued fiercely in 2025, marked by battles, drone strikes near airports and severe humanitarian crises. Millions have fled, and tens of thousands have died as the RSF and Sudan Armed Forces clash across key cities and regions, deepening hunger, displacement, and instability. The war remains unresolved, with shifting territorial control and international concern.

A wave of youth-led 'Gen Z' protests has spread from Nepal to the Philippines, Peru, Morocco and Madagascar, driven by the frustration of the youth for the corruption, inequality, poor public services and limited opportunities. In Nepal, demonstrations against corruption and social-media bans toppled the prime minister and reshaped politics. In Madagascar and Peru, protests over basic utilities and political grievances turned violent, with dozens killed and more injured. In Morocco and the Philippines, young demonstrators are demanding reforms in education, health care, accountability and transparency. These generational movements—organised largely via social media highlight rising political engagement and discontent among digitally connected youth.

2025 saw the dominance of “agentic AI”, with autonomous systems handling complex tasks like planning and decision-making. CRN highlighted it alongside HPE's $13.4B Juniper acquisition, Google's Wiz bid and Nvidia/Intel shifts. Layoffs, ransomware and tariffs shaped IT, boosting quantum and cloud security investments.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, from complications of a cerebral stroke and irreversible heart failure at his residence in the Vatican. His death, which took place just a day after his public Easter blessings, resulted in worldwide mourning and a planned funeral on April 26, 2025, with a conclave for his successor expected to follow, marking a significant moment for the Catholic Church.

Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, en route to London, killing 241 of 242 onboard and additional people on the ground. Preliminary reports suggest loss of engine thrust due to fuel-control issues. Only one passenger survived. Investigations continue into the cause as authorities recover victims and aircraft debris.

Zohran Mamdani won the 2025 New York City mayoral election on November 4, becoming the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor and its youngest in over a century. The Democratic candidate defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, securing just over 50 per cent of the vote. His campaign emphasised progressive policies and drew historic voter turnout.

On December 14, 2025, two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens. Police described the attack as terror-related with antisemitic motives, as homemade bombs were also found. One suspect was killed and the other arrested. The incident prompted national shock, condemnation and a push for tighter security measures.

On December 15, 2025, director Rob Reiner (78), known for When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride and All in the Family's "Meathead," was found dead with his wife, Michele, in their Brentwood home. LA Mayor Karen Bass and family confirmed the tragedy; LAPD investigates it as a homicide. Reiner's activism against Trump marked his legacy.