In Graphics | From politics and conflict to tragedies, a look back at India's biggest headlines of 2025

As we count down to the end of the year, here is a series of high-profile events in 2025 that dominated national and international headlines.

The Maha Kumbh, which commenced in January and February, witnessed millions of devotees thronging to the Sangam. However, it soon turned tragic after the crowd rushed during Mauni Amavasya at the Kumbh site on January 29. The state authorities confirmed dozens of fatalities and injuries.

In February, the BJP secured a thumping victory in the Delhi Assembly Elections, reclaiming power after 27 years. The same month, a stampede occurred at the New Delhi railway station, leaving several dead, which also exposed transit safety gaps.

In April, terrorists opened fire on innocent tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgham in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people. Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on the intervening nights of May 6 and 7, targeting terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC).

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It was not the end of tragedies: On June 12, 2025, the jarring Ahmedabad plane crash killed 260 people on board and off. The world closely watched the catastrophic crash that probably changed the meaning of takeoff and landing in aviation. Families were left inconsolable, standing hours outside the hospital for DNA samples as bodies were charred or mutilated after the Boeing 787 Dreamliner turned into a huge fireball seconds after takeoff. 

Politics, tragedy, conflict, and moments of pride that shaped India’s headlines. Here's the story behind the year in graphics.