What August 2025 Looked Like on Progressive Broadcast Circle News
August was a roller‑coaster on PBC News. From a sudden 50% US tariff that rocked India’s carpet makers to unexpected exits in badminton and cricket, the month forced readers to keep up with fast‑changing headlines. Add in big‑ticket business moves, festive music picks, and serious weather warnings, and you’ve got a packed archive worth a quick scan.
Trade, Business & Economy
The biggest shock came when the United States slapped a 50% tariff on Indian carpet exports. Bhadohi, Kashmir, and Agra all reported stalled orders, layoffs and cash‑flow stress. Exporters are now demanding relief packages, faster tax refunds, and fresh credit lines to survive the sudden market loss.
At the same time, Reliance Industries’ 48th AGM turned heads. Shares slipped 2.3% after Mukesh Ambani announced a Jio IPO slated for early 2026 and revealed a new AI arm called Reliance Intelligence, in partnership with Google. Investors worried about a holding‑company discount, but analysts still see upside over the next year.
Sports: Upsets, Comebacks, and Records
Badminton fans felt the sting when PV Sindhu was knocked out in the first round of the Japan Open 2025, losing 21‑15, 21‑14. It marked her fifth opening‑round loss this year, while Satwik‑Chirag and Lakshya Sen pushed on to the last 16, giving India a breather.
Cricket delivered equal drama. Pakistan’s Champions Trophy run at home collapsed after a 60‑run loss to New Zealand and a defeat to India, with dropped catches by Salman Ali Agha highlighted as a key flaw. Yet, just days later, Pakistan rescued a 39‑run win over Afghanistan in Sharjah, thanks to Agha’s calm 50 and Haris Rauf’s four‑wicket haul.
On the IPL front, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement after 221 matches, leaving behind five iconic performances that still make fans talk. Meanwhile, Gael Monfils, at 38, became the second‑oldest player to win a match at the Miami Open, proving age is just a number.
Football fans got a Messi moment when the Argentine star scored twice and assisted once to lead Inter Miami to a 5‑1 thrashing of the New York Red Bulls. Even at 38, his impact feels fresh.
Culture, Lifestyle & Weather
August also brought a festive vibe with a curated list of seven Bollywood tracks perfect for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. From “Deva Shree Ganesha” to classic aartis, the guide helps readers build a playlist that works for both grand pandals and home pujas.
On the weather front, the monsoon hit Madhya Pradesh hard. The Narmada River overflowed in Dindori, roads vanished across districts, and the IMD issued orange alerts for several areas. Similar heavy‑rain warnings spread across Delhi‑NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, J&K, and Himachal, with red alerts in Noida prompting traffic chaos and localized flooding.
These alerts reminded citizens to stay prepared, avoid low‑lying zones, and keep an eye on official updates as the monsoon season peaks.
Overall, August 2025 proved that economic policies, sports results, and natural events can all reshape daily life in a blink. Whether you were watching a match, tracking market moves, or bracing for rain, PBC News kept the story straight and the facts clear.
Ready to dive deeper? Browse the archive for full articles, expert analysis, and on‑the‑ground reports that helped you stay informed throughout the month.
A 50% US tariff on Indian goods has thrown the carpet and footwear sectors into crisis, with Bhadohi, Kashmir and Agra reporting stalled orders, layoffs and cash flow stress. Exporters want a relief package, faster tax refunds, and credit support. Many are scrambling to find new markets as the US, their biggest buyer, becomes unviable overnight.
PV Sindhu fell 21-15, 21-14 to Sim Yu Jin in the Japan Open 2025 first round, marking her fifth opening-round exit of the year. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy–Chirag Shetty and Lakshya Sen advanced to the second round, offering relief for India. The Panda sisters lost in the women’s doubles opener. Sindhu said training feels fine but match consistency and endurance remain concerns.
Pakistan’s home Champions Trophy unraveled fast: a 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi, a defeat to India, then a washout against Bangladesh. Dropped catches—most notably by Salman Ali Agha—highlighted fielding flaws that sapped the bowlers and the crowd. With infrastructure issues and shaky preparation also in focus, Pakistan exited without a win despite arriving as defending champions.
Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 39 runs in the UAE T20I Tri-Series opener in Sharjah. Captain Salman Ali Agha steadied Pakistan from 83/4 to 182/7, backed by Mohammad Nawaz and a late burst from Faheem Ashraf. Afghanistan raced to 92/2 but then lost five wickets for four runs in 17 balls. Haris Rauf took four, Sufiyan Muqeem added two, and Rashid Khan’s 39 off 16 was not enough.
Reliance Industries shares fell 2.3% during the 48th AGM as Mukesh Ambani said Jio will list in the first half of 2026 and announced a new AI arm, Reliance Intelligence, alongside a Google partnership. The market reacted to no direct benefits for RIL shareholders and a potential holding company discount. Despite the drop, analysts still see upside over 12 months.
Sri Lanka named a 17-man T20I squad for the Zimbabwe series, dropping Dinesh Chandimal and bringing in Nuwanidu Fernando for Avishka Fernando. Wanindu Hasaranga is not in the squad, raising fitness questions, but he could return for the Asia Cup 2025. With the Asia Cup squad deadline set for August 30 and the tournament starting on September 9 in the UAE, this series is Sri Lanka’s final tune-up.
Set the mood for Ganesh Chaturthi with 7 Bollywood tracks that blend devotion and energy. From Agneepath’s “Deva Shree Ganesha” to the classic aartis, this curated list covers processions, aarti, and home pujas. Get context, artist credits, and timing tips to build a festive playlist that works for both grand pandals and intimate gatherings.
Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from the IPL after 221 matches and 187 wickets, leaving a legacy built on skill, control, and big-match nerve. From CSK’s title runs to Rajasthan’s late-stage pushes, he shaped games with the carrom ball and smart plans. Here are five standout performances that defined his IPL story and why his influence will linger long after the numbers.
Ireland Women rolled Netherlands for 110 and chased it with seven balls to spare in the Europe Division 1 qualifier. Arlene Kelly led the attack with three wickets, backed by tight spells from Jane Maguire and Leah Paul. Gaby Lewis (56) and Orla Prendergast (49) handled the chase. The result gives Ireland two more points and a handy net run rate boost in the race for the next stage.
A Bihar entrepreneur turned a Tata Nano into a helicopter-style wedding car and built a rental business around it. Another young maker from Chhapra spent seven months and Rs 7 lakh on a similar dream project. These replicas don’t fly, but they offer the drama of a helicopter entry at a fraction of the cost. The craze highlights India’s jugaad culture and a growing market for wedding showpieces.