From Coldplay to AQI and Dhurandhar — What India talked about in 2025
SOURCE:Times of India|BY:KANCHAN YADAV
2025 was a year of extremes for India, marked by the spiritual grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, a tragic stampede, and Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan's stabbing. The year also saw significant policy shifts like zero income tax up to Rs 12 lakh and a strong counter-terror response with Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam attack.
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"There are two days in the year that we can not do anything, about yesterday and tomorrow," Mahatma Gandhi once said. But between those two days lies memory, and 2025 gave India plenty to remember.It was a year of extremes. Of faith and fury, viral moments and violent turns, celebrity controversies and national security flashpoints.A year where timelines moved faster than reality, where policy decisions sparked street debates, and where pop culture often collided head-on with politics.From the banks of the Ganga at Prayagraj to courtrooms in Mumbai, from cricket stadiums to global fashion ramps, 2025 unfolded like a relentless scroll, one headline bleeding into the next.Lets’ see how India lived, argued, celebrated, mourned and searched for meaning, month by month.
January
Maha Kumbh 2025: The most awaited event after 144 years
The year opened with spirituality on a scale rarely witnessed. The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 in Prayagraj and continued till February 26, marking a celestial alignment that occurs once every 144 years.Millions arrived seeking purification at the Triveni Sangam, turning the riverbanks into a sea of humanity!The key bathing dates were January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
The event saw an unprecedented footfall.Yet devotion gave way to disaster when a stampede broke out on January 27, just ahead of the ‘Amrit Snan’.As crowds surged towards the ghats, chaos erupted. At least 30 deaths were officially confirmed, though reports from multiple states suggested the toll could be as high as 48.The administration maintained that several deaths occurred due to " other causes" within the Mela area, but the tragedy exposed the failure in crowd management.Amid the enormity of the event, social media found its own story.A 16-year-old flower seller, Monalisa Bholsle, became the unexpected face of the Kumbh. Her natural charm and unfiltered innocence turned her into the viral girl of Prayagraj, reflecting how digital fame now blooms even in the most traditional spaces.
Another personality who drew widespread notice was Abhey Singh, popularly known as ‘IIT Baba’, whose distinctive presence at the gathering captured the interest of both devotees and social media users.The online buzz was further fuelled by viral videos and photographs showing people taking a holy dip at the Sangam along with their dogs. Adding a quirky twist, a cheeky advertisement also went viral, offering a " dip from home" for Rs 500. Aimed at those unable to visit the Kumbh, the ad promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience, asking people to simply send a photograph and the payment, after which the organisers claim they will immerse on their behalf.
On January 16, the film industry was jolted when Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times inside his Bandra apartment.An intruder allegedly entered the 11th-floor flat with the intent to rob and attacked both Khan and a staff member using a blade and a wooden object.The incident occurred between 2 am and 2.30 am, with family members present at home. The accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, was arrested shortly after.
The attack sparked widespread concern over urban security and shattered the illusion of celebrity invulnerability.
Udit Narayan controversy
The topic of consent entered the spotlight!Singer Udit Narayan found himself at the centre of a heated debate after a video surfaced showing him kissing a female fan during a concert. The controversy escalated when older clips of him kissing fellow singers Shreya Ghoshal and Alka Yagnik resurfaced.
Addressing the backlash, Narayan said he was a " decent person" and would never force himself on anyone. He explained that the excitement of live performances often leads to fans hugging or shaking hands, and urged people not to sensationalise such moments. Yet the incident reignited conversations about consent, power dynamics and celebrity boundaries.
Coldplay comes to India
Music offered respite as Coldplay launched their ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour’ in India.
Starting January 18 in Mumbai and culminating in Ahmedabad on January 26, the band’s five-city run became one of the biggest live music events of the year, blending global pop culture with local euphoria.
February
‘India’s Got Latent’ row
February saw digital content under scrutiny after YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on comedian Samay Raina’s show ‘India’s Got Latent’ sparked a debate.Clips from the show, featuring Allahbadia along with Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh and Apoorva Mukhija, went viral, with many viewers calling the jokes, especially those involving explicit references to parents, " vulgar and obscene.”The All Indian Cine Workers Association demanded an immediate ban on those involved, registration of FIRs and stricter regulation of online platforms. Subsequently, FIRs were filed for " promoting obscenity”.Allahbadia later apologised, saying, " My comment wasn’t just inappropriate, it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte." Facing parallel proceedings across multiple states, Allahabadia moved the Supreme Court seeking to quash or club the cases.
Budget 2025: Zero tax up to Rs 12 lakh
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered a major relief to the middle class by announcing zero income tax for earnings up to Rs 12 lakh under the new regime.For salaried individuals, the effective nil-tax threshold rose to Rs 12.75 lakh after standard deduction.The sweeping slab changes were hailed as one of the most people-friendly tax reforms in recent years, reshaping household financial planning across urban India.
Ed Sheeran vs Bengaluru police
British singer Ed Sheeran made headlines when a Bengaluru police officer unplugged his microphone during an impromptu street performance on Church Street. The officer cited lack of permission, triggering a viral debate on public space, bureaucracy and spontaneity.
March
Sunita Williams returns home
On March 18, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams finally returned to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station.What was meant to be an eight-day mission turned into a prolonged chapter of endurance, capturing global admiration!Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore had been on the ISS since June 2024, with technical and scheduling changes extending their stay far beyond initial plans. The prolonged mission became a test of endurance and adaptability, drawing global attention and admiration.As the astronauts touched down, celebrations poured in from around the world.
The extended stint adds another remarkable chapter to Williams’ illustrious career, already defined by multiple space missions, record-setting spacewalks, and long-duration flights.
The Ghibli art dilemma
AI took centre stage when ChatGPT’s image-generation capabilities sparked a flood of ‘Studio Ghibli-style’ artwork across social media.The world-renowned Japanese animation studio has long captivated audiences with its lush visuals, gentle storytelling, evocative settings, and poetic portrayal of nature and human relationships.Online excitement surged when users discovered that ChatGPT could generate images reminiscent of Ghibli’s aesthetic.
Photo credit: x/@ivivekch
Memes multiplied, everyday photos were reimagined, and personal moments were transformed into whimsical, pastel-toned scenes echoing the studio’s signature look. While several AI tools offered similar transformations, the trend gained momentum after ChatGPT popularised it.While users marvelled at the aesthetics, artists raised concerns over originality, copyright and the future of creative labour.
India wins ICC Champions trophy
India clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy on March 10, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The win marked India’s first ICC ODI title in over a decade, ending a drought that stretched back to their 2013 Champions Trophy triumph under MS Dhoni.The latest success also followed India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024, highlighting a strong resurgence in ICC tournaments.The triumph further strengthened India’s rich ICC legacy. The team’s trophy cabinet now includes two ODI World Cups, two T20 World Cups and three Champions Trophy titles, reaffirming India’s position as one of the most dominant forces in world cricket.
Kunal Kamra vs Shiv Sena
Comedian Kunal Kamra sparked a political storm after referring to Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde as a " gaddar" (traitor) during a stand-up act, triggering violent backlash and a fresh debate on free speech.
The commentary included a parody of a popular Hindi song from 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai.”Following the remarks, properties at the studio and adjoining hotel where he performed were damaged, prompting police action. Mumbai Police also registered an FIR against Kamra for his comments, while 12 people were arrested for vandalism.Amid the row, Kamra issued a statement on social media, that he would not apologise, turning the episode into a nationwide flashpoint over satire, political sensitivity and freedom of expression.
April
Pahalgam attack shakes the nation
India was shaken on April 22 after terrorists linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, carried out a brutal attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam.The assailants opened fire at close range, killing 26 people in one of the deadliest terror strikes in recent years.The timing intensified the shock. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, while US Vice President JD Vance was in India on a private trip.
As news broke, PM Modi immediately cut short his visit and returned to New Delhi.Union home minister Amit Shah rushed to Srinagar and later visited the attack site in Anantnag district to review the situation and meet victims’ families.The incident triggered a series of strong diplomatic and military responses, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and culminating in one of India’s largest cross-border operations in recent years.
Indus Waters Treaty suspended
A day after the attack, on April 23, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the landmark 1960 water-sharing agreement with Pakistan.The move marked a significant shift in India’s strategic stance, signalling that terrorism and cooperation could not go hand in hand.The treaty governs the use of six rivers of the Indus basin: Ravi, Beas and Sutlej (eastern rivers), and Indus, Jhelum and Chenab (western rivers).Long viewed as a rare symbol of cooperation despite strained ties, the suspension of the IWT underscored the gravity of India’s first response to the Pahalgam attack.
May
Operation Sindoor
India signalled a new red line in its counter-terror doctrine with Operation Sindoor, launched in the early hours of May 7 in direct response to the Pahalgam attack.In a tightly coordinated military action, Indian armed forces struck nine major terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, showcasing speed, precision and strategic resolve.Using advanced weaponry, including air-launched cruise missiles, loitering munitions and long-range drones, the operation targeted high-value terror infrastructure such as Muridke and Bahawalpur, known as operational nerve centres of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The government maintained transparency through daily briefings led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, alongside Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, outlining developments and India’s calibrated responses.In the days that followed, continued airspace violations by Pakistan drew further precision retaliation from India. The subsequent strikes reportedly damaged 11 Pakistani airbases, including key facilities at Nur Khan (Rawalpindi) and Rahim Yar Khan.Addressing a rally in Bikaner, Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the scale and intent of the operation. " Within just 22 minutes, our forces destroyed nine of the biggest terrorist bases," he said." The enemies of India, both within and outside, have now seen what happens when sindoor turns into gunpowder," he added.Operation Sindoor not only marked one of India’s most significant cross-border actions in recent years, but also reshaped regional dynamics, reinforcing New Delhi’s message that terror will be met with swift and uncompromising force.
SRK & Diljit Dosanjh’s Met Gala moment
While geopolitics dominated headlines, pop culture had its own blockbuster moments!
Indian stars Shah Rukh Khan and Diljit Dosanjh made a splash at the Met Gala, commanding global attention with their red-carpet appearances and putting India firmly in the fashion spotlight.
The Labubu mania
At the same time, an unlikely style icon emerged: the Labubu doll. With its oversized eyes, mischievous grin and furry exterior, the quirky monster doll quietly became fashion’s most viral accessory.Spotted dangling from luxury handbags and embraced by celebrities and influencers, Labubu crossed over from the toy world into high fashion, capturing hearts with its odd charm and playful aesthetic.June delivered opposite ends of emotional spectrum
RCB’s long wait ends, team wins maiden IPL title
Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally buried years of heartbreak by lifting their first-ever IPL trophy. RCB edged past Punjab Kings by six runs in the 2025 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, defending a challenging total of 191 with composure.For Virat Kohli, it was a moment of long-awaited redemption, and for fans, a night when belief was rewarded after nearly two decades of near-misses.
Air India crash shocks the nation
Just days later, India was jolted by one of its deadliest aviation disasters.On June 12, Air India Flight AI-171 crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad for London, killing 260 people.Within seconds of lifting off, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner hit its maximum recorded airspeed before disaster struck. Both engine fuel switches were inexplicably moved to the cutoff position within a single second, abruptly cutting fuel supply and triggering a catastrophic loss of engine power moments after takeoff.Despite desperate attempts by the pilots to recover the aircraft, there was too little altitude and time.The tragedy raised haunting questions about cockpit procedures, human response under stress, and aviation safety protocols.Here is a clean, featurish, business-style rewrite with clear subheads, strong flow and human-readable narrative, keeping the facts intact and quotes exactly as given, without turning it into a list.
July
Aditya-L1 in halo orbit
July opened on a high note for Indian science as Isro announced a key milestone in the Aditya-L1 mission. On July 2, the space agency confirmed that India’s first solar observatory had successfully completed its first halo orbit around the Sun–Earth L1 Lagrangian point.Launched on September 2, 2023, and placed into its intended halo orbit on January 6, 2024, Aditya-L1 demonstrated its ability to maintain a complex and delicate trajectory nearly 1.5 million kilometres from Earth.
Runway row: Prada vs Kolhapur
While science soared, culture sparked controversy closer to home. Italian luxury brand Prada found itself dragged into a legal battle over its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection, which featured sandals inspired by traditional Kolhapuri chappals.A public interest litigation was filed in the Bombay High Court seeking compensation for Indian artisans, arguing that Prada had copied the design without proper acknowledgment.The petitioner, intellectual property advocate Ganesh Hingmire, claimed Prada’s acknowledgment of Indian inspiration came only after public backlash.The issue escalated when LIDKAR, a government-backed Karnataka body that co-owns the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kolhapuri chappals, issued a Rs 500 crore legal notice.The notice accused Prada of " selling, advertising, marketing GI-registered goods…without proper authorisation or permission, which seriously violates GI rights.”Prada denied wrongdoing, saying the footwear was described simply as " leather sandals" and did not use the term Kolhapuri or claim regional authenticity.
Saiyaara sparks frenzy among Genz
The month also saw cinema collide with fandom. Mohit Suri’s romantic drama Saiyaara, released on July 18, became a cultural talking point.Featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film became a talking point for its soundtrack, with viral videos showing fans dancing, singing and even tearing their shirts inside cinema halls.Unusual? Yes. But also a reminder that Bollywood’s emotional pull remains powerful, loud, and unapologetically alive.
August
Pop royalty says Yes!
On August 26, global pop icon Taylor Swift announced her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce through a series of Instagram posts that instantly went viral.The caption read: " Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married”—set the tone for a moment that captivated fans worldwide and dominated entertainment headlines.
Stray dogs, Supreme Court & swift reversal
The Supreme Court stepped into a contentious civic issue.On August 11, the court took suo motu cognisance of rising dog-bite incidents and rabies deaths, directing authorities in Delhi to pick up all stray dogs and house them in shelters.The order sparked mixed reactions, with concerns raised about infrastructure and animal welfare.Within days, the case was transferred to another bench, which modified the directive on August 22, ruling that strays must be sterilised, vaccinated and released back into their territories under the Animal Birth Control Rules.
Trump tariff trouble
Economics, however, casts a longer shadow.Effective August 27, India faced a steep 50% tariff on exports to the United States as trade talks with the Donald Trump administration hit a stalemate. The move threatened $48.2 billion worth of Indian exports. A draft order by the US Department of Homeland Security stated, " The duties…are effective with respect to products of India that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on August 27.
”The tariff escalation came on top of earlier measures, including a 25% reciprocal tariff implemented on August 7 and an additional 25% ad valorem duty linked to India’s oil purchases from Russia. With a US delegation’s visit to India postponed, uncertainty loomed large over bilateral trade negotiations.
September
H-1B shockwave
September brought geopolitical tension and civil unrest into sharp focus. On September 19, the White House signed a proclamation titled " Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers," imposing new conditions on H-1B visas.Under the rule, employers sponsoring H-1B workers would need to pay $100,000 per petition, with the restriction applying to applicants outside the US from September 21, 2025, for a period of 12 months.The move signalled a shift towards prioritising higher-paid, higher-skilled applicants, triggering concern among Indian professionals.
Scroll, protest, revolt: Gen-Z sparks Nepal chaos
In Nepal, a social media ban ignited one of the most violent uprisings in recent history.
The government’s decision to ban 26 platforms on September 4 was seen as an attempt to stifle dissent.Protests erupted on September 8, and security forces responded with force, killing 19 protesters.What followed was nationwide chaos, government buildings burned, courts and parliament were destroyed, and the army was deployed to restore order. Within days, Nepal’s state machinery effectively collapsed.The viral videos of the protest was circulated worlwide and made a name on social media, inclusing India.
Stampede at political rally
India also witnessed tragedy of a different kind!On September 27, a political rally addressed by actor-turned-politician Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, turned deadly when a crowd surge led to a stampede that killed 39 people, the deadliest such incident of 2025.The tragedy raised serious questions about crowd management and political accountability.
When the moon turned red
Amid the turmoil, nature offered a moment of awe.On the night of September 7–8, a rare Blood Moon lit up skies across Asia, Australia and parts of Europe.
The total lunar eclipse, the last of its kind until 2026, drew millions of viewers worldwide.
November
India’s women lift their maiden ODI World Cup
November was marked by extremes. Indian sport reached a historic high when on November 2nd, the Indian women’s cricket team delivered a landmark moment by winning their first-ever ODI World Cup in front of a roaring home crowd.Led by stalwarts Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, the team showcased skill, grit, and composure.
Jemimah’s match-winning knock in the pressure-packed semi-final set the tone, while the final saw a controlled, confident performance that sealed India’s long-awaited title.Alongside cricket, Indian women athletes across football and other sports continued to shine, making 2025 a defining year for women in Indian sport.
Delhi blast: Terror strikes
Just days later, on November 10, the capital faced one of its deadliest security shocks in over a decade.
A car laden with ammonium nitrate and TATP detonated near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort and Lal Quila Metro Station, killing at least 12 people and injuring around 20.Preliminary post-mortem reports revealed severe fractures, head trauma, and extensive internal injuries, highlighting the blast’s sheer force.For 5,178 days, Delhi’s streets had appeared deceptively calm, a long hiatus from terror since the 2011 High Court blast.But this attack exposed a dangerous evolution: what intelligence agencies now term " IM 2.0." Unlike its chaotic mid-2000s predecessor, this refined network operated discreetly, exploiting blind spots in the city’s security apparatus.
Stranger Things season 5 returns with Upside Down
Pop culture enthusiasts got their long-awaited fix as Stranger Things Season 5 debuted on OTT, reigniting the excitement of the Upside Down.The first part released on November 27, 2025, with the second dropping on December 25 and the finale scheduled for New Year’s Eve.Fans were treated to new twists and challenges for Eleven and her friends, with the series quickly becoming a global binge-watching sensation.
December
IndiGo faces major flight disruptions
Early December saw India’s largest airline, IndiGo, grappling with a severe operational crisis. From December 2, a shortage of available pilots and crew, triggered by the enforcement of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules that led to widespread cancellations and delays, affecting tens of thousands of passengers during peak winter travel.On December 5 alone, over 1,600 flights were grounded. The DGCA issued a show-cause notice, capped fares and ordered refunds, while CEO Pieter Elbers apologised publicly.
Delhi-NCR chokes as pollution levels spike
Air pollution across the Delhi-NCR region has plunged to hazardous levels, intensifying public concern as air purifiers increasingly become a household necessity—much like water purifiers once did. As air quality continues to deteriorate, the discourse around the health risks of breathing polluted air is growing more urgent.
Several social media users have shared images of their air purifier filters clogged with thick layers of dust and soot, triggering alarm over the quality of air inside homes. Adding to the concern, former DUSU president Ronak Khatri said the readings on his home air purifier were significantly worse than official data."The AQI that appeared on checking the AQI from the air purifier at my home turned out to be more than the figures displayed by the government," he said.
Others posted stark visuals of iconic landmarks vanishing into smog.
Winter Session adjourns amid protests, and unfinished debates
The Sixth Session of the Eighteenth Lok Sabha, beginning December 1, concluded after 19 eventful days marked by protests, disruptions, and confrontations between the government and Opposition.Despite passing several significant bills, debates were dominated by disputes over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, proposed replacement of MGNREGA, and the worsening air pollution crisis.The session also focused on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram and electoral reforms. However, a proposed discussion on Delhi’s severe air pollution could not take place before the Houses were adjourned sine die, leaving environmental concerns unaddressed.
Messi concludes GOAT India tour
Football legend Lionel Messi wrapped up his celebrated GOAT India Tour 2025 with a visit to Vantara, a wildlife rescue and conservation centre, hosted by Anant Ambani in Jamnagar.Arriving in Delhi on December 15 alongside former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi participated in a celebrity football match between the Minerva Messi All Stars and the Celebrity Messi All Stars.The tour drew unprecedented crowds across four major cities. Messi also interacted with young footballers, exchanging passes with Suarez and De Paul, leaving aspiring players inspired and awestruck.
Dhurandhar's bollywood buzz
Aditya Dhar’s action drama Dhurandhar, inspired by real incidents, follows Indian agent Hamza (Ranveer Singh) embedding within Karachi’s mafia network to dismantle terror operations. The 3.5-hour film balances immersive world-building with tight, stylish storytelling.Adding to the excitement, Akshaye Khanna’s entry song ‘FA9LA’ has gone viral, with its energetic beats and screen presence becoming a highlight for fans worldwide.
Rupee hits new low
The Indian rupee hit a record low against the US dollar on December 16, breaching the 91-per-dollar mark for the first time amid sustained foreign fund outflows and trade-related uncertainty.Through it all, India argued, adapted, mourned and marched forward.2025 was a year where news cycles felt like lived experiences and where every debate seemed personal. As the year closed, one question lingered beneath the noise: if 2025 was this turbulent, what lies ahead?Some joked online, in "2026 world ends." India, as always, laughed and kept scrolling!
