India’s Manika Vishwakarma out of Miss Universe 2025 race; Top 5 finalists announced
India's hopes for the 74th Miss Universe crown were dashed early as Manika Vishwakarma, the contestant from Rajasthan, failed to secure a spot in the Top 12. The pageant, currently underway in Bangkok, Thailand, has been overshadowed by multiple controversies, including a dramatic exit, judicial walkouts, and public accusations of professional misconduct.
21-year-old Manika Vishwakarma, a Political Science and Economics student from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, represented India on the global stage. Having been crowned Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024, she was the first contestant to initially make it to the Top 30. However, her journey concluded as the finalists were narrowed down, missing out on the coveted Top 12 spot.
Top 5 contenders emerge
Despite the surrounding drama, the competition has progressed, with the final top five contestants announced:
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Venezuela
- Mexico
- Cote d'Ivoire
The final ceremony for the 74th annual Miss Universe 2025 contest is being hosted in Bangkok, Thailand.
The ceremony began at 8:00 am local time (Thailand), which is 6:30 am IST (Indian Standard Time). In India, the Miss Universe 2025 competition was livestreamed on the official Miss Universe YouTube channel.
Pageant mired in controversy and drama
Dispute and accusation: Controversy erupted after an alleged dispute over promotional content on social media, where the host, Nawat, appeared to single out Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, calling her a "dummy" and belittling her intellect.
Walkouts: Following the incident, Miss Mexico made a dramatic exit from a livestream session. Adding to the turmoil, as many as two judges have dramatically resigned just days before the finale in Thailand. The most severe turmoil stems from composer Omar Harfouch, who publicly quit and accused the organisers of rigging the selection process, claiming that a "secret vote" by an unauthorised panel had pre-selected the Top 30 finalists.
Pre-final mishap: Just a day before the finals, Miss Jamaica had a dramatic fall, further adding to the pageant's chaotic atmosphere.
Looking ahead, the 75th, silver jubilee edition of the Miss Universe pageant in 2026 will be hosted in Puerto Rico. It will be the third time the country hosts the competition.