As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the events that shaped the past twelve months. From political upheavals and technological breakthroughs to cultural milestones and environmental reports, 2025 has been a year of significant developments. How closely have you been following the news? This end-of-year quiz challenges your recall of key stories across politics, science, and global affairs.
Below are twenty-eight questions covering major headlines. The answers will be revealed tomorrow. Consider this a lighthearted test for yourself or a diversion to share with others.
1. Which Chinese artificial intelligence application surged to the top of the U.S. free app downloads in January, causing a notable dip in technology share prices?
2. In European politics, Friedrich Merz assumed the role of German Chancellor in May. Which political party does he lead?
3. A very public rift between two prominent business and political figures, Donald Trump and Elon Musk, captured headlines this year. During which summer month did their most notable disagreement occur?
4. Following a papal conclave, the Catholic Church welcomed a new leader, Pope Leo XIV. What was his name prior to his election?
5. NASA has been actively working on its program to send astronauts back to the lunar surface. What is the official name of this moon mission?
6. A prolonged strike by sanitation workers in a major English city led to significant waste accumulation in the streets. Which city was affected?
7. In a significant political event in Asia, the South Korean president was removed from office after an impeachment tied to an attempt to declare martial law. Who was that leader?
8. Political turnover in France continued at a notable pace. How many prime ministers have now served under President Emmanuel Macron since he took office?
9. The leadership of the Green party in England and Wales changed hands this year. Who did the new leader, Zack Polanski, defeat in the election?
10. In the United Kingdom, Black History Month is observed annually. During which month does this celebration take place?
11. A major protest group in the UK, known for its environmental activism, staged what it called a “final day of action” in London during April. In what year was this group originally founded?
12. The long-discussed HS2 rail project faced further speculation. Which station is currently proposed to serve as its London terminus instead of the originally planned location?
13. The relationship between a major UK political figure and a backbench MP deteriorated publicly, leading to the MP’s departure from their party. Who was that MP?
14. A UK government scheme designed to assist disabled individuals with vehicle access became a topic of intense political debate in March. What is the name of this program?
15. A sobering environmental report in March highlighted a significant reduction in Antarctic ice coverage. By what percentage was the ice reported to be below the historical average?
16. In a remarkably close by-election result, a traditionally safe seat for the Labour party was lost by a margin of only six votes. Which constituency was this?
17. Astronomers reported promising signs from a distant exoplanet that may suggest the presence of biological activity. What is the name of this planet?
18. In North America, the Canadian federal election proceeded amid international trade tensions. Which candidate emerged victorious to become Prime Minister?
19. The United States experienced its longest-ever federal government shutdown this year. How many days did this political stalemate last?
20. A senior figure in the UK broadcasting world stepped down unexpectedly from their role as Director-General in November. What was this individual’s name?
21. A new political party in the UK, after a period of consultation, decided on its official name. What did the members choose?
22. A senior member of the UK cabinet resigned abruptly, citing personal reasons related to a past legal matter. Who was this minister?
23. A communication mishap at the White House in March inadvertently included a journalist in a sensitive discussion group. Which encrypted messaging application was being used?
24. In the world of music, a globally renowned artist released a new album this year titled “Confessions of a Showgirl.” Who is this performer?
25. The political landscape within the UK’s Conservative Party was analyzed in October, with questions raised about its future direction under a particular MP. Which constituency does this MP represent?
26. Coverage of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine frequently featured its national leader. Which European head of state appeared most often in major news imagery this year?
27. The final edition of a regular news feature included a personal anecdote about the author’s pet. What was the dog reportedly doing?
28. A weekly news quiz, upon which this year-end review is loosely based, is published on which day of the week?
We hope you enjoyed testing your memory of the year’s events. The answers to all questions will be available tomorrow. Best wishes for the season from our editorial team.