Kerala in 2025 witnessed major events across politics, environment, and culture. The United Democratic Front (UDF) achieved a strong victory in local body polls for the first time in a decade, securing 505 of 941 grama panchayats and four of six municipal corporations. Meanwhile, Malayalam actor Dileep was acquitted by a Kerala court in a high-profile 2017 abduction and assault case, though six others were convicted. The government plans to appeal the verdict. Kerala became the first fully digitally literate state in India by August, successfully training 99.98% of nearly 22 lakh digitally illiterate people. The state also emerged as the first in the country free from extreme poverty by November, after identifying over 1 lakh individuals and providing tailored aid. Tragedies struck with the sinking of the Liberian-flagged ship MSC Elsa 3 off Kerala’s coast in May, releasing hazardous cargo and oil, harming marine life and local livelihoods. Another ship, MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire near the coast in June, with rescues made but some crew missing. On infrastructure, portions of National Highway 66 collapsed in May, sparking concerns over public safety and project feasibility. Politically, the Nilambur assembly by-election saw UDF’s Aryadan Shoukath win by a large margin, while controversies brewed around displaying religious symbols at Raj Bhavan and Kerala University’s administration. Notable deaths this year include singer P. Jayachandran in January, veteran CPI(M) leader V.S. Achuthanandan in July, critic M.K. Sanoo in August, and actor-screenwriter Sreenivasan in December. The film industry also saw fresh leadership with Shwetha Menon elected AMMA president. Sabarimala temple faced a scandal when a theft of gold from its shrine was exposed, leading to police investigations and arrests including top temple officials. Health concerns arose with a sharp increase in deadly amoebic meningoencephalitis cases. The government unveiled new policies to boost exports and industry sustainability in October but faced backlash over a deal to implement PM SHRI schools, leading to withdrawal amid party opposition. In late December, over 24 lakh voters were excluded from an electoral roll draft, although claims remain open for corrections. Kerala ended the year with political shifts and administrative appointments resolving earlier clashes between the Governor and state government.