As 2025 draws to an end, India witnessed a year filled with landmark events, political changes, major tragedies and natural calamities. From unprecedented religious gatherings and sporting triumphs to security incidents and aviation disruptions, the year left a significant mark on the nation. Here’s a month-by-month recap of the most notable events that shaped India in 2025.
January: Prayagraj Mahakumbh draws record crowd
The Prayagraj Mahakumbh began on January 13 with Paush Purnima and continued until Mahashivratri on February 26. Over 65 crore devotees visited the Triveni Sangam, witnessing one of the largest religious gatherings in history. Pilgrims took holy dips in the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, creating a spiritual spectacle celebrated across India and internationally.
February: BJP wins Delhi Assembly elections
On February 8, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a historic victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, winning 48 out of 70 seats. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 22 seats, while Congress failed to win a single seat, marking a historic blank despite its long-standing presence in Delhi politics.
March: Champions Trophy glory
India defeated New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Captain Rohit Sharma’s 76-run innings helped India chase 252 runs, securing a 4-wicket win and the prestigious trophy.
April: Terror attack in Pahalgam
On April 22, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, targeted unarmed tourists at the Baisaran meadow. Several visitors lost their lives, underlining ongoing security challenges in the region.
May: Operation Sindoor
In retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, India launched precision strikes on May 6-7 on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Bahawalpur, a known base for Jaish-e-Mohammed. Nine locations were targeted to send a strong message against cross-border terrorism.
June: Air India Flight 171 tragedy
On June 12, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad en route to London. Only one passenger survived among 242 onboard, and 19 people on the ground also died. Investigations revealed that engine fuel switches were unintentionally cut off after takeoff, a mix of human error and cockpit confusion.
July: India-US trade tensions
In July, former US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports, effective August 7, citing trade imbalance and India’s reliance on Russian energy and defense. The move stirred debates on bilateral trade and economic impact.
August: Vaishno Devi landslide
Heavy rainfall on August 26 triggered a landslide near Ardhkuwari on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, killing 34 devotees and injuring several others. Authorities suspended the Yatra and issued flood warnings, managing rescue operations amid rising river levels.
September: Punjab floods
Severe flooding affected 23 districts in Punjab, submerging over 1900 villages and claiming nearly 50 lives. Rising water levels at Bhakra and Pong dams led the state to declare disaster-affected zones, highlighting northern India’s vulnerability to monsoon disasters.
October: Cyclone Montha hits Andhra coast
Cyclone Montha, forming over the Bay of Bengal, made landfall on Andhra Pradesh’s coast in late October. Heavy rains and strong winds caused widespread disruption, though the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported the cyclone weakened after landfall.
November: Red Fort car bomb explosion
On November 10, a car bomb near Delhi’s Red Fort killed at least 11 people and injured over 20. The attack is classified as a terrorist incident and is under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), raising concerns over urban security.
December: IndiGo flight chaos
The year ended with major air travel disruption as IndiGo faced operational issues in the first week of December. Over 5000 flights were cancelled across eight days, stranding passengers. Technical problems, schedule changes, congestion and winter weather highlighted systemic challenges in India’s aviation sector.
