Air Crashes, Epstien Files, Operation Sindoor & Much More: 2025 A – Z

December 31, 2025

New Delhi: 2025 was not an easy year to digest. It was dramatic, tragic, chaotic, and at times hopeful. From deadly crashes and global wars to viral pop culture moments and historic political wins, the year had it all. Here is a simple A-to-Z explainer of the biggest events that defined 2025.

A for Air India crash

One of the deadliest tragedies of the year. On June 12, Air India Flight 171 crashed just seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people. Investigators found both engines shut down almost simultaneously. One passenger survived, but many questions remain unanswered.

B for Bondi Beach attack

Australia was shaken when gunmen opened fire at a Jewish gathering on Sydney’s Bondi Beach in December, killing 15 people. The attack was declared an act of terror, sparking grief and outrage across the country.

C for Charlie Kirk assassination

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead while speaking at a university event in Utah. His killing triggered conspiracy theories and reignited debates on political violence in the US.

D for DeepSeek

A Chinese AI startup stunned the world by overtaking ChatGPT in downloads. DeepSeek’s rise rattled US tech giants and wiped billions off stock markets, intensifying the global AI race.

E for Epstein Files

After months of pressure, the US released documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The files exposed ties between Epstein and powerful global figures, haunting Donald Trump’s presidency.

F for Floods in Asia

Severe floods across South and Southeast Asia killed over 1,600 people. Scientists blamed climate change for unusually intense storms and monsoon rains.

G for Gen-Z protests

Young people led major protests worldwide — from Nepal to Indonesia and Europe. In Nepal, Gen-Z-led protests even brought down the government.

H for Hong Kong fire

A massive fire tore through a residential complex in Hong Kong, killing 160 people. Poor safety standards during renovations were blamed.

I for Israel-Iran war

A 12-day conflict saw Israel and the US strike Iran’s nuclear facilities, with Iran retaliating using missiles. All sides claimed victory after a US-brokered truce.

J for Japan’s first woman PM

Sanae Takaichi made history as Japan’s first female prime minister, breaking a 100-plus-year male streak in leadership.

K for K-Pop Demon Hunters

Netflix’s animated film became a global sensation, topping charts, breaking streaming records, and dominating pop culture.

L for Louvre heist

Thieves stole over $100 million worth of jewellery from the Louvre in under seven minutes. Most pieces are still missing.

M for Mark Carney

Former central banker Mark Carney became Canada’s prime minister, navigating trade tensions with the US and improving ties with India.

N for Netflix-Warner deal

Netflix’s $82.7-billion deal to buy Warner Bros. shook Hollywood, raising fears about the future of movie theatres.

O for Operation Sindoor

India launched precision strikes inside Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. The four-day conflict showcased India’s defence strength.

P for Pope

Pope Francis passed away, and Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV — the first US-born pontiff, promising justice and unity.

Q for “Quiet Piggy”

Trump’s insult to a journalist went viral, becoming a meme and symbol of his confrontational politics.

R for Rob Reiner

Hollywood mourned director Rob Reiner and his wife, who were murdered. Their son was arrested, turning the case into a tragedy within a tragedy.

S for Signal-gate

A US security scandal erupted after classified war plans were shared on a messaging app, leading to resignations.

T for Tariffs

Trump imposed sweeping tariffs worldwide, triggering trade wars and slowing global economic growth.

U for Ukraine peace talks

Negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war continued, but peace remained uncertain.

V for Venezuela

US-Venezuela tensions escalated after American military strikes linked to drug trafficking allegations against President Maduro.

W for Women’s World Cup

India’s women’s cricket team created history by winning the ICC Women’s World Cup, sparking nationwide celebrations.

X for Xi Jinping

China asserted its power through trade restrictions, diplomacy, and military strength, challenging US dominance.

Y for YR4 asteroid

Astronomers tracked an asteroid that briefly posed the highest-ever recorded impact risk, before drifting away.

Z for Zohran Mamdani

Zohran Mamdani won New York City’s mayoral race, becoming the city’s youngest and first Muslim mayor — a historic political moment

From tragedy to triumph, 2025 reshaped politics, technology, and society. A year the world won’t forget anytime soon.