The year 2025 has been a whirlwind of big events and controversies, with personalities from several walks of life leaving a mark on the world stage. A look at the newsmakers who burst onto the scene this year and shaped narratives...
Donald J Trump
From deportations to tariffs, US President Donald J Trump has been garnering continuous global attention ever since his return to the White House in January this year. Strict immigration policies, high import tariffs, and an aggressive foreign policy stance characterized the 78-year-old GOP leader's second term.
He imposed punitive tariffs on multiple countries, including India, over Russian oil purchases, and claimed credit for brokering ceasefires in several global conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war and the India–Pakistan conflict.
In 2025 alone, Trump signed 225 executive orders, surpassing the number he signed during his entire first term.
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Elon Musk reportedly closed out 2025 with a personal fortune estimated at $726.3 billion. (Photo courtesy: Flickr)
Elon Musk
Tech billionaire Elon Musk was appointed to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump’s administration this year. However, his abrupt resignation in May sparked controversy. Musk remained in the spotlight due to his outspoken political views, legal disputes, and strategic decisions involving Tesla, SpaceX, and X.
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Maria Corina Machado
Venezuelan leader Maria Corina Machado emerged as a global icon of democracy after winning the Nobel Peace Prize 2025. The award recognized her relentless fight for democratic rights and peaceful transition in Venezuela.
Her victory brought renewed international attention to Venezuela’s political crisis. Interestingly, Machado dedicated her award to US President Donald Trump, acknowledging his support for Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement.
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Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (right) and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh made history by jointly leading the official press briefing for Operation Sindoor in May 2025. (Photo courtesy: Instagram@_vyomika_singh)
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi & Wing Commander Vyomika Singh
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, became symbols of military leadership and gender empowerment after they co-led the first official briefing of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a precision strike conducted in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Their calm, authoritative briefing earned nationwide respect and international recognition and their firm statements reflected not only India’s resolve to respond to terrorism but also the rising strength of women in the armed forces.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a distinguished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force and Colonel Sophia Qureshi is a decorated officer of the Indian Army's Corps of Signals.
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Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has said the next five to 10 years are going to be defining times for the Indian space sector. (Photo courtesy: X@IAF_MCC)
Shubhanshu Shukla
Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history by becoming the second Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) after Rakesh Sharma. As part of Axiom Mission 4, the Indian Air Force Group Captain conducted experiments on space biology, human health, and sustainability. His mission marked a major milestone in India’s private space collaboration and boosted aspirations for future human spaceflight missions.
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PM Sanae Takaichi has been referred to in the media as Japan’s “Iron Lady”. (Photo courtesy: X@LawrenceWongST)
Sanae Takaichi
In October 2025, Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female Prime Minister, creating history in a country struggling with gender inequality. While her appointment was widely celebrated, her male-dominated cabinet and conservative policies drew criticism. Beyond politics, her love for heavy metal drumming added a unique personal dimension to her public image.
