As 2025 comes to an end, the year is likely to be remembered for quiet shifts rather than dramatic turning points. Across sectors, there was a noticeable move towards steadiness, reflection and long-term planning, as societies continued to adjust after years of rapid and often unpredictable change.
Technology remained a defining force, with artificial intelligence becoming a routine part of everyday systems rather than a futuristic experiment. From offices and classrooms to hospitals and creative fields, AI found practical applications, while discussions around ethics, data privacy and accountability shaped how these tools were introduced and regulated.
Health and wellness stayed firmly in focus throughout the year. Preventive care, mental health awareness and personalised wellness solutions gained wider acceptance, with individuals paying closer attention to lifestyle-led health decisions. Skincare and wellness trends reflected this shift, leaning towards science-backed routines that prioritised consistency over novelty.
Culturally, 2025 saw renewed interest in local traditions, slower lifestyles and sustainable choices. Whether in food, fashion or travel, people showed a preference for mindful consumption, valuing purpose and quality over excess. Digital audiences, too, became more discerning, gravitating towards credible information, explainers and meaningful content rather than fleeting viral trends.
Globally, the year unfolded against a backdrop of ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges. Despite uncertainties, there was a visible push towards dialogue, climate responsibility and community-focused initiatives, offering cautious optimism amid complexity.
In hindsight, 2025 stands out as a year of recalibration one where progress was shaped by intention rather than urgency. As the world looks ahead to 2026, the lessons of the year point towards resilience, sustainability and a more considered approach to growth.
In this special year-ender edition of the Democratic Newsroom, the panel reviews the major events and newsmakers of 2025. The discussion highlights 'Operation Sindoor' as a significant military action against terror infrastructure in Pakistan, which is described as a defining moment for India's national security. The speakers also debate the global influence of Donald Trump and the resilience of the Indian economy amidst international turbulence. Additionally, the programme celebrates the achievements of women in sports, citing them as trailblazers for the year. The conversation concludes with the panelists sharing their personal hopes for 2026, emphasizing the need for stability, improved healthcare, and quality education for all.
On this special year-ender edition of the Democratic Newsroom, the India Today panel reviews the defining moments and figures of 2025. One speaker identifies 'Trumpian turbulence' as the year's dominant force, citing Donald Trump's disruption of the global order and foreign policy impact. Another view highlights the 'Women of India' as true trailblazers, celebrating achievements in sports, defense, and the electoral arena. The discussion also covers India's financial architecture overhaul led by the Reserve Bank of India and the decisive 'Operation Sindoor' against cross-border terror. The programme debates the contrast between global instability and India's assertive growth, while also touching upon the challenges facing democracies worldwide.
In this special year-end edition of the Democratic Newsroom, India Today's editors share their perspective on the major events and newsmakers of 2025 and the challenges that will define 2026.
In this Special Report, India Today chronicles the defining moments of 2025 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The programme details 'Operation Sindoor', India's decisive retaliatory strikes on Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, and the subsequent ceasefire. It highlights the economic resurgence with 7.2% GDP growth and the rollout of GST 2.0. The report also covers PM Modi’s diplomatic achievements, including the 'Order of Oman' and the 'Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia'. Additionally, it features Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic mission to the International Space Station and India's sporting glory.
In this special year-end broadcast of India Today Explains, anchor Akshita Nandagopal looks back at the defining news events of 2025.
In this detailed health wrap, the focus is on the transformative trends that defined 2025 in India. An unidentified speaker breaks down the massive disruption caused by GLP-1 weight loss therapies, revealing that Mounjaro clocked ₹100 crore in sales in October alone, overtaking long-established antibiotics. The report highlights how obesity is finally being accepted as a chronic condition rather than a lifestyle failure. The discussion also moves to the mainstreaming of the 'inflammation' conversation, with Indians shifting towards plant-based, anti-inflammatory diets. Finally, the programme explores 'Fiber Maxing' and the critical role of gut health in immunity and mental well-being, marking a shift from calorie counting to metabolic resilience.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor reflects on the geopolitical turbulence of 2025, terming it a year where the world became "far more embattled". Speaking to India Today, Tharoor highlights "Operation Sindoor" as the year's defining moment, citing his personal involvement in the subsequent multi-party delegations. He asserts that "multi-alignment", a concept he pioneered, has become the "term of art" for India's strategy. Tharoor also calls for domestic consensus, stating that when people rejoice at setbacks for PM Modi, "I tend to see setbacks for India". He discusses the "jagged edges" of global conflicts and India's role in the Global South.
