August 2025 News Archive – India Startup Digest
August was a busy month for India and the world, and we’ve pulled together the most talked‑about stories you don’t want to miss. From Bollywood drama to housing auctions, from tennis breakthroughs to climate alerts, here’s a quick run‑through of what kept us scrolling.
Entertainment, Culture & Festivals
Bollywood sparked headlines when Dia Mirza recalled a 15‑minute race by Salman Khan that allegedly saved her mother’s life – a story that resurfaced amid his legal troubles. Meanwhile, Tamil star Vishal celebrated his 48th birthday with a surprise engagement to Sai Dhanshika, sharing heartfelt photos from Chennai.
Ganesh Chaturthi stole the limelight with a detailed 10‑day schedule, muhurat timings and eco‑friendly idol workshops in Ghaziabad, where kids crafted clay Ganeshas to curb river pollution. The festival’s start on August 27 gave families a blend of tradition and sustainability.
Business, Real Estate & Tech Updates
The Delhi Development Authority rolled out its Premium Housing Scheme 2025, putting 250 ready‑to‑move flats on an e‑auction platform. Prices begin at ₹39 lakh for lower‑income units and climb to ₹2.54 crore for premium homes across Vasant Kunj, Dwarka and more.
Toyota gave a timely nudge to hybrid buyers, offering up to ₹94,000 off the Urban Cruiser Hyryder – a move that could attract commuters looking to cut fuel costs without a full EV switch.
On the corporate front, Timex Group announced a 15 % stake sale in its Indian arm at a discounted ₹175 per share, signaling a strategic reshuffle in the watch market.
Tech chatter spiked when a Twitter spat between Donald Trump and Dmitry Medvedev brought Russia’s “Dead Hand” nuclear system back into the news, reminding us how quickly geopolitical tension can turn into a viral meme.
Sports & Health Moments
Emma Raducanu breezed past Naomi Osaka at the Washington Open, securing a spot in the quarter‑finals without dropping a serve. In cricket, India’s Asia Cup squad was confirmed with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma opening, while Kuldeep Yadav eyed a comeback.
Back home, India’s men’s hockey team clinched bronze at Paris 2024, with captain Harmanpreet Singh’s ten goals and veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh’s last‑minute heroics making the final moments unforgettable.
Weather, Health & Public Alerts
The Indian Meteorological Department issued orange and red alerts for heavy rain across Uttarakhand, Haryana and other northern states, prompting travel warnings and flood‑risk advisories. A sudden downpour in Faridabad on August 23 offered brief relief but also highlighted the city’s growing urban‑flood challenges.
In health news, Armaan Malik’s two‑year‑old son Zaid was diagnosed with rickets, prompting the family to call out online trolls and stress the need for better child‑care awareness.
Legal, Education & Governance
The Bombay High Court put a leash on activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s protests during the Ganpati festival, citing permit rules. Meanwhile, the BHU got a new vice‑chancellor, Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, after a three‑decade gap, promising fresh leadership for the historic university.
PM Modi inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan in Delhi’s Central Vista, a modern, eco‑friendly complex meant to streamline government work and set a new standard for public‑sector infrastructure.
Finally, an Airtel network outage on August 18 left millions across Delhi‑NCR without voice calls for hours, underscoring how dependent we are on reliable telecom services.
That’s the pulse of August 2025 in a nutshell – a mix of excitement, challenges, and everyday moments that shaped the month. Stay tuned for deeper dives on each story, and keep coming back to India Startup Digest for the latest updates.
Salman Khan and the 15-Minute Race: How Dia Mirza Says He Helped Save Her Mother
Dia Mirza says Salman Khan helped save her mother during a medical emergency by getting her to a hospital within 15 minutes. She shared the story in 2015, amid his legal troubles, and later clarified her support was personal, not a comment on any verdict. The episode highlights quick thinking, proximity, and a network that can matter in Mumbai’s emergencies.
Vishal engagement on his 48th birthday: Tamil star and Sai Dhanshika seal it with rings in Chennai
Tamil actor Vishal got engaged to Sai Dhanshika on his 48th birthday in an intimate ceremony at his Chennai home. The couple, friends for 15 years, publicly confirmed their relationship in May and chose engagement over a planned wedding date. Vishal shared photos and a note thanking fans for their wishes. The wedding is expected in early September, with details to follow.
Bombay High Court restricts Manoj Jarange Patil’s Mumbai protest, cites Ganpati security and permit rules
The Bombay High Court told activist Manoj Jarange Patil he can’t protest in Mumbai without permission, especially during the Ganpati festival. Despite that, he began an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, demanding Marathas be recognized as Kunbis for OBC benefits. The state said a sub-committee is studying options within the Constitution. The next hearing is on September 9.
DDA Premium Housing Scheme 2025 opens: Delhi flats from Rs 39 lakh via e-auction
The DDA has opened registrations for its Premium Housing Scheme 2025, offering around 250 ready-to-move flats across Delhi via e-auction. Prices start at Rs 39 lakh for LIG units and go up to Rs 2.54 crore for HIG options. Key areas include Vasant Kunj, Dwarka, Jasola, Rohini, and Pitampura. Auctions are slated for Oct 6–8, with registrations open till Oct 24. All properties are freehold.
Washington Open: Emma Raducanu stops Naomi Osaka in straight sets to reach DC quarterfinals
Emma Raducanu beat Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2 at the Mubadala Citi DC Open to reach her third straight quarterfinal in Washington. The Brit, ranked 46, didn’t face a single service break and won 74% of first-serve points, while Osaka hit seven double-faults. Raducanu now plays Maria Sakkari, a matchup she leads 3-0. The win continues her strong summer hard-court start.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: 10-Day Schedule, Muhurat, Rituals and Visarjan (Aug 27–Sep 6)
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 starts on Wednesday, August 27, with the main madhyahna puja and ends on Saturday, September 6, with Ganesh Visarjan. Here’s the complete 10-day schedule, key muhurats for major cities, panchang highlights, and how different states plan to celebrate. From eco-friendly idols to traffic advisories, this guide covers rituals, timings, and practical tips.
Eco-friendly idols take shape in Ghaziabad as children craft Ganeshas ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025
More than 50 children in Ghaziabad’s Sumrise Green Society spent August 25 making eco-friendly clay Ganesha idols under local artisans. The RWA-backed workshop used shadu mati and plant-based colors, with plans for immersion in on-site artificial ponds. Officials say such community steps cut pollution and transport emissions as Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 begins on August 27.
Nuclear submarines and 'Dead Hand': Trump–Medvedev clash revives Cold War fears
A sharp online clash between Donald Trump and Dmitry Medvedev has dragged Russia’s ‘Dead Hand’ doomsday system back into the spotlight. Trump said he moved two US nuclear subs after Medvedev’s nuclear-laced post; US officials haven’t confirmed any such deployment. Analysts say the US still holds an edge undersea, but nuclear rhetoric raises miscalculation risks in the Atlantic and Arctic.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder discount: Rs 94,000 off on hybrid SUV for a limited time
Toyota is offering up to Rs 94,000 off on the Urban Cruiser Hyryder for a limited time. The deal spans select variants and may include cash discounts, exchange bonuses, and dealer benefits. Prices for the Hyryder range from Rs 11.34 lakh to Rs 20.19 lakh (ex-showroom). With fuel costs rising, Toyota is leaning on hybrids as a practical bridge between petrol and full EVs.
Steve Smith to lead Australia in Sri Lanka Tests as Pat Cummins misses tour
Steve Smith will captain Australia on a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka with Pat Cummins unavailable due to paternity leave and a minor ankle issue. The Galle series, from Jan 29 to Feb 10, doubles as Australia’s final red-ball hit-out before the World Test Championship 2024-25 final. Cooper Connolly earns a first Test call-up; Josh Inglis and Sean Abbott could debut. Spinners Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann return.