As 2025 draws to a close, Google has unveiled its annual "Year in Search" report, offering a fascinating snapshot of the world's collective curiosity. The trends for the year paint a vivid picture of a planet captivated by rapid artificial intelligence advancements, high-stakes sporting rivalries, and shocking political events that sparked global conversations.
AI Takes the Crown: Gemini and Nano Banana Capture Imagination
Dominating the global and Indian search charts was Google's own AI creation, Gemini. The public's fascination was driven by Google's continuous enhancement of its AI capabilities and the integration of Gemini into daily search experiences. A significant surge in searches followed the announcement of new features, most notably the Nano Banana application and its 2.5 Flash Image model.
This new tool became an overnight sensation on social media platforms. Its ability to restore old photographs, generate miniature figurines, and edit pictures with ease resonated widely. Google, in a blog post, highlighted that "Nano Banana was a big step in image editing that empowered casual creators to express their creativity." The AI race also saw interest in competitor DeepSeek, a Chinese firm that launched powerful, cost-effective open-source models challenging US dominance.
Sporting Glory and Political Tragedy Drive Searches
In second place globally was the fiercely competitive five-match Test cricket series between India and England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Held in England from June to August 2025, the series concluded in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with India clinching the final Test by a narrow margin. The event shattered viewership records, cementing its place as a highlight of the cricketing calendar. Other sporting events like the India vs Australia series and the Asia Cup T20 tournament, won by India against Pakistan, also featured prominently.
The third most-searched topic was a tragic event that sent shockwaves worldwide: the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September. The founder of 'Turning Point USA' was publicly shot during a campus debate event at Utah Valley University. The graphic video of his killing circulated online, leading to extensive media coverage.
Kirk was a polarizing figure. Supporters viewed him as a champion of free speech and patriotism, while critics accused him of spreading extremism and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. According to a Mint report, his death ignited a national debate in the US on political polarization, gun violence, and the limits of free speech, with social media exploding with conflicting viewpoints.
Global Events and Tech Launches Round Out the Top Trends
The rest of the top 10 searches reflected a mix of international tensions, technological releases, and regional conflicts. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the USA, the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, and the launch of Apple's iPhone 17 series all captured significant attention.
A grim entry was the terror attack in India's Pahalgam region in April, which killed dozens of civilians and prompted India's retaliatory 'Operation Sindoor'. The event, highlighting tensions between India and Pakistan, became a major trending topic online.
In the category of most-searched personalities, musical artists d4vd and Kendrick Lamar, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, actor Tyler Robinson, and Pope Leo XIV led the list, showcasing diverse public interest across entertainment and religion.
Google's 2025 Year in Search ultimately serves as a digital time capsule, revealing a year where technological wonder, sporting passion, and profound human drama collided to define the global narrative.
