Rewind 2025: Donald Trump to Shubhanshu Shukla, Top 10 Newsmakers of 2025

The year 2025 proved to be a defining chapter in global and Indian current affairs. From dramatic political comebacks and historic space missions to military operations, cultural controversies, and record-breaking achievements, several personalities dominated headlines throughout the year. These individuals not only shaped public discourse but also influenced policies, diplomacy, science, and popular culture.

Here is a well-curated list of the Top 10 Newsmakers of 2025, featuring leaders, innovators, achievers, and influencers who remained at the centre of attention in India and across the world.

1. Donald Trump – US President (Second Term)

Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, marking one of the most dramatic political comebacks in US history. His second term was characterised by strict immigration policies, high import tariffs, and an aggressive foreign policy stance.

Trump imposed punitive tariffs on multiple countries, including India over Russian oil purchases, ordered strikes on Venezuelan drug trafficking boats, and claimed credit for brokering ceasefires in several global conflicts, including the Russia–Ukraine war and India–Pakistan tensions. His actions kept global markets and diplomacy on edge throughout the year.

2. Elon Musk – Tech Billionaire and Political Influencer

Elon Musk continued to dominate headlines beyond technology. Early in 2025, he was appointed to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump’s administration. 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 (formerly Twitter). His influence on both tech innovation and public opinion made him one of the most talked-about figures of the year.

3. Maria Corina Machado – Venezuelan Opposition Leader

Venezuelan leader Maria Corina Machado emerged as a global icon of democracy after winning the Nobel Peace Prize 2025. The award recognised 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 Donald Trump, acknowledging his support for Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement, further fuelling geopolitical debates.

4. Sheikh Hasina – Former Bangladesh Prime Minister

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made headlines after being sentenced to death for crimes against humanity by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal. The verdict stemmed from last year’s violent anti-government agitation that ended her 15-year rule.

Declared a fugitive, Hasina has remained in self-imposed exile in India since August 2024, making her case one of the most significant political developments in South Asia.

5. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi & Wing Commander Vyomika Singh

Two Indian women officers, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, became symbols of military leadership and gender empowerment.

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.

6. Shubhanshu Shukla – Indian Astronaut

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.

7. Sanae Takaichi – Japan’s First Woman Prime Minister

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.

8. Pope Leo XIV – First American Pope

Following the death of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8, 2025, becoming the first American Pope in history.

His election marked a generational and geographical shift within the Vatican, drawing global attention to the future direction of the Catholic Church.

9. Samay Raina – Comedian in Controversy

Indian comedian Samay Raina found himself at the centre of controversy after his show India’s Got Latent triggered outrage over offensive remarks.

Multiple FIRs and cybercell notices followed, forcing him to remove episodes from YouTube. Later in the year, Raina made a comeback with a nationwide comedy tour, keeping him firmly in public discourse.

10. Taylor Swift – Global Pop Icon

Singer Taylor Swift ended 2025 as one of the biggest global newsmakers after her Eras Tour became the highest-grossing concert tour in history, earning nearly $2 billion.

Spanning 149 shows across five continents, the tour redefined the global music industry and cemented Swift’s legacy as a cultural phenomenon.