As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the major headlines that defined the past twelve months. From political upheavals and technological breakthroughs to cultural moments and environmental reports, 2025 has been a year of significant developments. How closely have you been following the news? The following questions cover key events from around the globe.
1. Which Chinese artificial intelligence application surged to become the most downloaded free app in the United States at the start of the year, triggering a notable decline in technology sector stocks?
2. Following a federal election, Friedrich Merz assumed the role of Chancellor in Germany. To which political party does he belong?
3. In a significant political shift within the United Kingdom, which MP representing Great Yarmouth was expelled from the Reform party by its leader in March?
4. A communications mishap in March saw White House staff inadvertently include a journalist in a private group chat discussing military strategy. Which encrypted messaging platform was involved?
5. The Catholic Church welcomed a new pontiff this year, Pope Leo XIV. What was his name prior to his election?
6. What is the official designation of the ongoing NASA initiative aimed at returning American astronauts to the lunar surface?
7. A major industrial dispute in one English city led to prolonged disruptions in waste collection services, resulting in significant accumulations of refuse in public areas. Which city was affected?
8. The president of South Korea was removed from office this year following an impeachment process initiated after an attempt to declare martial law. Who was this political figure?
9. Political instability in France continued, with President Emmanuel Macron appointing multiple individuals to the role of prime minister throughout his tenure. How many individuals have now held that position under his administration?
10. The deputy leader of the UK’s Labour Party resigned from the cabinet this year. What was the primary reason given for her departure?
11. Who was elected as the new leader of the Green Party of England and Wales?
12. In the United Kingdom, which month is officially designated for the annual observance of Black History Month?
13. Which constituency does the Conservative MP currently seen as a potential future party leader represent?
14. Who emerged victorious in the Canadian federal election held this year?
15. The environmental activist group Just Stop Oil announced a “final day of action” in London during April. In what year was this organization originally founded?
16. Ongoing debates about high-speed rail infrastructure in the UK have raised the possibility of an alternative London terminal station. Which location is under consideration?
17. A very public disagreement between two prominent business and political figures captured headlines this year. In which month did this clash between Donald Trump and Elon Musk occur?
18. What was the duration of the record-breaking federal government shutdown in the United States, the longest in the nation’s history?
19. A government scheme in the UK designed to assist disabled individuals with vehicle access became a focal point of political debate in March. What is the name of this program?
20. Scientific reports in March indicated a concerning reduction in Antarctic sea ice. By what approximate percentage was the ice cover reported to be below the historical average?
21. In a remarkably close by-election result, the Labour Party lost a traditionally safe seat by a margin of only six votes to a candidate from the Reform party. Which constituency witnessed this upset?
22. Astronomers reported promising signs that may indicate the presence of biological activity on a distant exoplanet. Which planet was the subject of this report?
23. Finally, in a lighter note to conclude the year’s news cycle, what mischievous activity was attributed to a newsletter editor’s dog in a final column?
