What if India Boycotts American Goods? RS MP Ashok Mittal Pens an Assertive Letter to Trump

August 8, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP and Founder-Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal today penned a sharp and compelling open letter to U.S. President Donald J. Trump following the imposition of an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports—raising the cumulative tariff hike to 50%.

In the letter, Dr. Mittal described the move as “deeply disappointing,” especially given the values-based partnership and mutual strategic interests that India and the U.S. have historically shared.

“Should a nation pressurize India against trade with Russia when it itself relies on the Kremlin for its domestic interests?” he asked, pointing to ongoing American and European trade with Russia, including U.S. imports of uranium and palladium.

Dr. Mittal strongly refuted President Trump’s recent characterization of India as a “dead economy,” highlighting India’s position as the world’s fourth-largest—and fastest-growing economy.

“American companies generate $80+ billion annually from the Indian market. The U.S. digital economy runs on code—much of it written in India,” the letter noted, while also reminding that India’s aviation sector alone signed $2.45 billion in deals with American firms in 2022.

The letter also drew historical parallels, reminding that August 7 marks the anniversary of the Swadeshi Movement of 1905. “If 146 crore Indians were to channel that spirit today and initiate a restriction of U.S. businesses, the impact would be far more severe for the United States than for India,” Dr. Mittal cautioned.

Within the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Dr. Mittal urged the U.S. to choose coordination over coercion. “The future now lies in the hands of those who understand that diplomacy and cooperation are the way forward, not sweeping tariffs,” he concluded.

With this latest intervention, Dr. Mittal once again affirmed his commitment to national interest, lending his voice to the call for a principled, equitable, and mutually respectful Indo-U.S. partnership amid an increasingly volatile global order.

Top CEOs and Industry Leaders Give First Lecture to New Students During LPU Freshmen Induction 2025

Jalandhar, August 8, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

Lovely Professional University (LPU) is redefining what it means to be career-ready, and it starts from Day One.

In a powerful demonstration of its “learning with the real world” ethos, LPU’s Freshmen Induction 2025 opened with some of India’s most accomplished CEOs and industry leaders addressing and mentoring the newest members of the LPU community.

From boardrooms to classrooms, LPU continues to be a torchbearer in integrating academic life with real-world experience.

The three-week-long induction program was not just about welcoming students, it was a masterclass in leadership, entrepreneurship, and industry foresight. Whether it was FMCG trailblazers or manufacturing giants, every session aimed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, between aspiration and action, setting the tone for an education rooted in relevance, innovation, and global impact.

From the very first day, students were immersed in an environment designed to spark inspiration and confidence. With top minds from industries ranging from manufacturing and mobility to Ayurveda, sustainability, and branding, the induction featured interactive sessions that helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world impact.

Among the keynote speakers was Akshay Sangwan, Director; Development & Commercial at Sonalika Group, a Fortune 500 (2024) company with a ₹10,000 crore global footprint. He offered valuable insights into global leadership and mobility innovations, encouraging students to think beyond borders and lead with purpose.

Prann Sharma, President of Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhawan Pvt. Ltd., shared his journey of evolving a legacy Ayurvedic brand by blending traditional wisdom with modern strategies. His message resonated with students eager to build future-forward businesses while staying rooted in Indian values.

In one of the most engaging sessions, Saurabh Munjal, Co-Founder & CEO of Archian Foods Pvt. Ltd. (Lahori Zeera), captivated students with the entrepreneurial journey of transforming a homegrown beverage into a nationally recognized brand. His talk on branding, grit, and perseverance struck a deep chord with aspiring entrepreneurs.

Lokesh Jain, Director at TK Steels, shared powerful lessons of resilience and reinvention from India’s core industrial sector, while Vishal Vinayak, MD of Nano Tech Chemical Brothers, spotlighted sustainability and niche innovation as key drivers of impactful entrepreneurship.

The leaders directly interacted with students on essential topics like career readiness, resume building, personal branding, presentation skills, and staying agile in today’s fast-changing world.

Beyond leadership talks, the induction was a vibrant celebration of discovery, collaboration, and belonging. The campus came alive with startup showcases, academic exhibits, AI installations, cultural performances, and club orientations. Students explored interdisciplinary opportunities, discovered their interests, and began building their unique journeys at LPU.

As the induction continues, students will take part in campus tours, mentorship sessions, hands-on workshops, and club registrations, all curated to foster a strong sense of community and purpose. From building meaningful relationships to aligning with LPU’s values of innovation, inclusion, and integrity, this journey marks the beginning of a truly transformative chapter.

ECI Enhances Remuneration for Presiding, Polling, Counting Officers: Sibin C

Chandigarh, August 8, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C said that conduct of elections involves diverse activities carried out by an election machinery consisting of officials and staff requisitioned from various departments of the Central Government, State Governments, PSUs, Local Authorities etc.

During the election period, the entire machinery, deployed on the ground, performs arduous and sensitive duties, which extend for long hours and even continue for many months, so as to ensure a conducive environment wherein electors are able to exercise their franchise and elect a government of their choice.

For ensuring that personnel on election duty are compensated suitably, the Election Commission has decided to revise the rates of remuneration/honorarium to be paid to personnel on election duty. The last such major revision of remuneration/honorarium was done between 2014 and 2016.

He said that ECI has enhanced remuneration for Presiding Officers, Polling Officers, Counting personnel, Micro Observers and other officials. ECI also enhanced honorarium for Dy. DEOs, CAPF personnel and Sector Officers, CEO added.

Name Old Delhi Railway Station After Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur: MP Vikram Sahney

August 8, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha from Punjab urged the Government in Parliament to rename Old Delhi Railway Station as Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Railway Station to honour the unparalleled sacrifice of the ninth Sikh Guru.

Dr. Sahney recalled that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, known as Hind Di Chadar, gave his life in 1675 not for his own faith alone but for the protection of human rights and freedom of religion.

The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is the first recorded sacrifice for human rights in world history. Renaming Old Delhi Railway Station, located near the sacred site of his martyrdom at Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib will be a befitting tribute.

Highlighting the historical and moral significance, Dr. Sahney reminded the House of the atrocities under Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and the courage with which Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji stood against forced conversions. This renaming will not just be symbolic, but it will reaffirm India’s commitment to religious freedom, tolerance, and unity in diversity.

Punjab to Build 2 Modern Hostels for Backward Classes at a Cost of Rs.6.99-Cr: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, August 8, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today announced that, for the first time in Punjab, two modern hostels will be constructed for students belonging to Backward Classes.

The first instalment of ₹1.12 crore has been approved for these hostels, which will soon be transferred to the accounts of Punjabi University, Patiala, enabling construction to commence immediately.

These hostels — one for boys and one for girls — will have a capacity of 100 students each and will be built at a total cost of ₹6.99 crore.

Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that each hostel will cost ₹3.49 crore. Both hostels will be equipped with modern facilities, comfortable rooms, a conducive study environment, and other essential amenities to help students focus entirely on their education.

She added that this initiative is part of the Punjab Government’s continuous efforts towards the construction of hostels for students from Backward Classes. This step will remove obstacles faced by students coming from remote areas by providing them with proper residential facilities to pursue higher education.

Reiterating her government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government is dedicated to student-centric development, self-reliance, and capacity building. She pointed out that due to the shortage of hostels, many students from Backward Classes were earlier deprived of educational opportunities, which is why the government is prioritizing new hostel projects.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that the Punjab Government has invited proposals for constructing new hostels in other higher educational institutions across the state, so that students from all regions can access quality residential facilities.

She emphasized that this project is not merely about infrastructure development but is also a significant step towards empowering the youth from Backward Classes socially and making them active contributors to the state’s progress. She expressed hope that such initiatives will pave the way for more student-friendly schemes in the future.

Rajniesh Duggall shares fond childhood memories of Raksha Bandan, reveals how he plans to celebrate the festival this year

Mumbai, Aug 8, 2025
Bollywood actor Rajniesh Duggall has opened up about his cherished childhood memories of celebrating Raksha Bandhan.

Speaking to IANS, he shared how he plans to mark the occasion this year, keeping the spirit of sibling love and tradition alive. Sharing his plans for Rakshabandhan, which will be observed on August 9, Rajniesh shared, “This year it’ll be at our place, as everyone will be meeting after a long time.”

Remembering his childhood Rakhi days, he shared that the focus was never on lavish celebrations but on honoring the essence of tradition. “Rakhi for me is a festival that straight away takes me back to when we were all kids and everyone used to come home and surround Chaiji or Daadi.” He even recalled how the entire house would buzz with energy when all five of his aunts and their children gathered to celebrate the festival.

“All the kids would then play all over the house or the garden till the elders finished their Rakhi ceremonies, and then slowly all the kids would come in and get their Rakhis tied,” the ‘Wajah Tum Ho’ actor shared.

Although Rajniesh doesn’t have a biological sister, he revealed that his and his brother’s wrists were always adorned with rakhis, thanks to the affection of their cousin sisters. “We had two more sisters waiting for us there, plus Mom had to tie her Rakhi to Mamaji too, and oh yes, that used to be our place to go play and watch WWF again,” he said.

Rajniesh also shared how Raksha Bandhan celebrations have evolved over the years. With most of his cousins now living in different cities, the festival has become more virtual, with rakhis arriving by courier instead of being tied in person.

Despite the distance, one tradition remains intact—his sister in Mumbai continues to tie all the rakhis sent by others, keeping the spirit of childhood celebrations alive.

While she ties her own rakhi as well, Rajniesh joked that she receives a gift only for hers. Speaking of gifts, he fondly remembered how envelopes of money were usually given from the brothers’ side, while the sisters would bring thoughtfully wrapped presents to exchange.

This year Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 9.(Agency)

Jannik Sinner secures spot in ATP Finals, joins Carlos Alcaraz

New Delhi, Aug 8, 2025
Jannik Sinner has secured his spot at the 2025 ATP Finals, joining rival Carlos Alcaraz in the season-ending event in Turin. The world No. 1 will return to his home nation to defend the year-end championship title he won in 2024 without losing a set. This year’s ATP Finals will be held at the Inalpi Arena from November 9–16.

Sinner will feature in the ATP Finals for the third year in a row and the fourth time overall. According to the ATP Win/Loss Index, he holds a 10-2 record at the event, with his only defeat in the past two editions coming against Novak Djokovic (in the 2023 final).

The Italian has enjoyed another stellar season, winning two majors for the second straight year and reaching the ATP Masters 1000 final in Rome. He successfully defended his Australian Open title and captured his first Wimbledon crown, while also holding three championship points in the Roland Garros final before a heartbreaking loss to Alcaraz.

The 23-year-old – the only player to top the ATP Rankings this season – has remained World No. 1 for 60 consecutive weeks since first reaching the summit last June. He is now locked in a close battle with Alcaraz for the ATP Year-End No. 1, with the race likely to be decided at the season’s end.

Sinner debuted at the ATP Finals in 2021 as an alternate, replacing Matteo Berrettini. That year, he pushed Daniil Medvedev to a final-set tie-break and defeated Hubert Hurkacz. In his two appearances in Turin since then, he has claimed victory in nine of his 10 matches.

Sinner withdrew from the Canadian Masters in Toronto last month due to an elbow injury. Refreshed after nearly a month away from competition, the Italian is set to return to action and defend his Cincinnati Open title.

The 23-year-old has had a difficult early summer, losing a gruelling French Open final to Carlos Alcaraz before bouncing back to beat the Spaniard at Wimbledon and claim his fourth Grand Slam title.(Agency)

Shubman Gill answered all challenges and questions perfectly with his bat, says Parthiv Patel

New Delhi, Aug 8, 2025
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel believes Test skipper Shubman Gill answered all challenges and questions through his prolific run-scoring spree during the recently drawn Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series against England.

Gill’s first assignment as India’s Test captain ended in the visitors’ forcing the scoreline to be at 2-2 in the five-match series in England. He was also the leading run scorer in the series, finishing with a whopping 754 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.40, including hitting four centuries and was adjudged as India’s Player of the Series.

“Four centuries, an average of 75.40, and more than 750 runs — all scored across different conditions. Earlier, when he walked out to bat, there were questions: Will he be able to perform in the SENA countries? Can he deliver consistently? But look at the answers he’s given. 147 runs in the first innings at Headingley.”

“In the second innings, people said he threw his wicket away after that big score. Then came 269 runs in the first innings at Edgbaston. Again, the talk was that it might prove to be less, but he followed it up with 161 in the second innings.”

“In the third Test, he got out early in both innings, and questions about his form began again, even though he had already scored 430 runs in the previous match. And then came that hundred in Manchester, in a match India needed to draw. Whenever there’s been a challenge, whenever questions have been asked, Gill has answered them perfectly with his bat,” said Patel on JioHotstar.

He also went on to talk about the importance of the often-underappreciated value of Ravindra Jadeja brings to the table with his batting skills. Jadeja made 516 runs for India, including hitting five half-centuries and a gritty unbeaten century that helped India draw the fourth Test at Manchester.

“The value of the 516 runs scored by Jadeja increases significantly because, in the first Test match, India suffered two batting collapses. That’s when the contribution of batters at number six and seven becomes crucial — and Ravindra Jadeja’s name naturally comes up, as he occupies that position.”

“After that, there wasn’t a single batting collapse in the rest of the series. The way he batted and the consistency he showed were extremely important for India. What applies to KL Rahul in this regard also applies to Ravindra Jadeja it’s vital for a senior player to stand up in such moments, and Jadeja has done exactly that in this series,” concluded Patel.(Agency)

Cabinet extends LPG subsidy for PMUY consumers at a cost of Rs 12,000 crore in 2025-26

New Delhi, Aug 8, 2025
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the targeted subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 9 reﬁlls per year (and proportionately pro-rated for 5 kg cylinder) to the beneﬁciaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) during FY 2025-26 with an expenditure of Rs 12,000 crore.

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in May 2016 with the objective to provide deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from poor households across the country. As of July 1, 2025, there are about 10.33 crore PMUY connections across the country.

All PMUY beneﬁciaries receive a deposit-free LPG connection, which includes a security deposit of the cylinder, pressure regulator, Suraksha Hose, domestic gas consumer card booklet, and installation charges.

As per the existing modalities of Ujjwala 2.0, the ﬁrst reﬁll and stove are also provided free of cost to all beneﬁciaries. PMUY beneﬁciaries are not required to make any payments for the LPG connection or the ﬁrst reﬁll or stove, as the cost for these is borne by the Centre through the public sector oil marketing companies.

Under the targeted subsidy to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana consumers to make LPG more aﬀordable for them and thereby ensuring sustained usage of the cooking gas by these households, the Government started a targeted subsidy of Rs 200 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 reﬁlls per annum (and proportionately pro-rated for 5 kg connections) to the PMUY consumers in May 2022.

The objective of the scheme is to shield PMUY beneﬁciaries from the impact of sharp ﬂuctuations in international prices of LPG since 60 per cent of India’s LPG requirement is met through imports.

In October 2023, the government increased the targeted subsidy to Rs 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 reﬁlls per annum (and proportionately pro-rated for 5 kg connections).

The average per capita consumption (PCC) of PMUY consumers, which was only about 3 reﬁlls in 2019-20 and 3.68 reﬁlls in 2022-23, has improved to about 4.47 refills during FY 2024-25, reflecting the success of the scheme.(Agency)

Supreme Court grants bail to former BJP MLA in jail for 8 years in murder case

New Delhi/Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Aug 8, 2025
The Supreme Court has granted bail to former BJP MLA from Jharkhand’s Jharia, Sanjeev Singh, who was in jail for eight years on charges of murdering his cousin and then Deputy Mayor of Dhanbad, Neeraj Singh.

Sanjeev Singh, the husband of Jharia’s current BJP MLA Ragini Singh, had appealed to the apex court after his bail plea was rejected by the lower court and the Jharkhand High Court.

His advocate Mohammad Javed said that the division bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice Vinod Chandran, and Justice N.B. Anjaria granted bail while hearing the petition on Friday.

Advocate Sunny Chaudhary presented arguments on behalf of Sanjeev Singh in the court.

Neeraj Singh was murdered in broad daylight in the Steel Gate area of Dhanbad on March 22, 2017.

The attackers climbed onto the bonnet of his SUV and fired on him indiscriminately. Neeraj Singh was hit by 25 bullets in his body.

In this attack, his personal bodyguard Munna Tiwari, driver Ghaltu, and close associate Ashok Yadav also died on the spot.

According to the police, Neeraj Singh was returning to his residence that day. As soon as the car slowed down on the speed breaker near the steel gate, the criminals fired about 100 rounds from three directions. The bodyguard was hit by 67 bullets.

After this incident, an FIR was lodged against Pintu Singh, Manish Singh, Mahant Pandey, Gaya Pratap Singh, and others on the written complaint of Neeraj’s brother, Abhishek Singh, at Saraidhela police station in Dhanbad.

During the investigation, the police arrested Sanjeev Singh on April 11, 2017, making him the main accused. Apart from him, a charge sheet was also filed against five others.

At present, the case is pending in the lower court, and the trial is going on.

After this decision of the Supreme Court, the way has been cleared for Sanjeev Singh to come out of jail.

The trial against him will continue in the lower court.(Agency)