Global Impact Makers of 2025: From Trump's Second Term to Historic Firsts in Space and Politics

The year 2025 has witnessed a remarkable array of influential personalities who dominated headlines across various sectors. From politics to space exploration, these individuals have significantly shaped public discourse and global events. US President Donald Trump commenced his second term with controversial policies including high tariffs, while Shubhanshu Shukla achieved a historic milestone as only the second Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh also captured attention for their leadership in India's military operations.

Here are the 10 most significant newsmakers of 2025:

Donald Trump

Since returning to the White House in January, the 78-year-old Republican President has maintained a constant presence in global news. Trump implemented extensive deportation policies and imposed significant tariffs on multiple nations, including India over its oil purchases from Russia. His administration authorized military strikes against Venezuelan drug vessels and claimed credit for negotiating ceasefires in eight international conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions between India and Pakistan.

Elon Musk

The billionaire entrepreneur remained a fixture in media coverage throughout 2025, not just for his business ventures but also for his political involvement, legal challenges, and controversial public statements. Musk began the year with an appointment to DOGE, a newly established department in Trump's administration. However, he unexpectedly resigned from this position in May, citing the substantial personal cost and expressing a need to refocus on his private enterprises.

Maria Corina Machado

The Venezuelan opposition leader became internationally prominent after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for her "tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy." This recognition brought renewed global attention to Venezuela's ongoing crisis and intensified international scrutiny regarding authoritarianism, human rights violations, and democratic regression. Notably, Machado's award came during a period when President Trump was actively pursuing Nobel Peace Prize recognition for his alleged peace-brokering efforts. She dedicated her award to Trump for his "decisive support" of Venezuela's pro-democracy movement.

Sheikh Hasina

The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh received a death sentence for 'crimes against humanity' committed during the anti-government protests of 2024 that led to her Awami League government's collapse. Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal found the 78-year-old guilty on three counts: incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities. Currently declared a fugitive, Hasina has been living in self-imposed exile in India since August 5, 2024, when massive protests forced her from power, ending her 15-year tenure.

Sofiya Qureshi and Vyomika Singh

These two military officers made history by jointly leading India's first briefing on 'Operation Sindoor' – a precise military action in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir responding to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22. Wing Commander Singh is an accomplished helicopter pilot who received permanent commission in the Indian Air Force's flying branch on December 18, 2019, following her engineering education and participation in the National Cadet Corps. Colonel Qureshi serves in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals and holds the distinction of being the first female officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise – one of the largest foreign military operations conducted on Indian soil.

Shubhanshu Shukla

Astronaut Shukla achieved remarkable recognition this year by becoming only the second Indian to journey into space since Rakesh Sharma's historic flight in 1984. As group captain of Axiom Mission 4, Shukla conducted numerous experiments focused on space biology, health research, and sustainability initiatives.

Sanae Takaichi

Takaichi made history in October by becoming Japan's first female prime minister. However, her predominantly male cabinet appointments and conservative social positions have generated mixed reactions in a country still struggling with gender equality issues. Beyond her political responsibilities in diplomacy, economics, and defense, Takaichi is known to play heavy metal drums as a personal stress-relief activity, using an electronic drum kit at home when governmental pressures become overwhelming.

Pope Leo XIV

On May 8 this year, Pope Leo XIV was elected as the first American Pope in history, following the death of Pope Francis.

Samay Raina

The comedian faced significant controversy early in 2025 when his show 'India's Got Latent' sparked outrage due to offensive content in one episode. This resulted in multiple police complaints, cybercell summonses, and ultimately led him to remove all episodes from his YouTube channel. Later in the year, however, Raina resumed his nationwide comedy tour.

Taylor Swift

The singer's Eras Tour officially became the highest-grossing concert tour in history, cementing her position among 2025's most influential figures. Spanning 149 performances across five continents, the tour attracted millions of fans worldwide and generated approximately $2 billion in revenue.