COIMBATORE  SATURDAY  SEPTEMBER 12, 2026  `9.00  PAGES 12  LATE CITY EDITION SC SEEKS TIMELINE FOR FSSAI’S FOOD WARNING LABEL ROLLOUT Supreme Court has asked FSSAI to come up with more clarifications on its planned labels of nutrients of concern — fat, sugar and salt ‘CLARIFY THRESHOLD LEVELS OF NUTRIENTS’ SC FOR NUTRITIONAL LITERACY IN SCHOOLS Food Safety and Standards Authority of India proposed phased implementation of front-of-package labelling (FoPL) on packaged foods high in added saturated fat, added sugar and salt. The bench asked FSSAI how it proposed to identify sweetened beverages which fall under Phase I; and what are threshold levels of the specific nutrients for such beverages ■ ■ A bench of justices J B Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran also asked the Centre how it plans to increase nutritional literacy in schools while flagging that children are under risk of unhealthy eating behaviours The bench said FSSAI should revisit its design of the FoPL labelling keeping in mind consumer behaviour and online sale of food products 10 days TIME GRANTED TO FSSAI TO FILE ITS AFFIDAVIT ON THE SC’S QUERIES CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOGGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI 1 Modi suggests study to remove the bloc’s top 10 trade barriers, supporting 100 startups a year to expand into other BRICS markets and creating 1,000 new business partnerships annually 2 3 Maritime security mandatory for expanding global trade, says PM, warning economic growth and supply-chain resilience could not be separated from the security of shipping routes Putin highlights BRICS’ growing economic weight relative to G7, saying the former accounted for over 40% of global GDP over the past five years, compared with 29% for the G7 4 Modi holding Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s hand and walking side-by-side along with other global leaders showed not just solidarity, it sent a loaded message to the US Big PM push for BRICS trade integration Security, peace, minerals widen ties with Russia P U S H P I TA D E Y @ New Delhi PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for a threepillar strategy to deepen trade within the expanded BRICS grouping, while stressing that stronger economic integration would depend on secure sea lanes, open supply routes and the safety of seafarers as geopolitical conflicts increasingly disrupt global commerce. Addressing the BRICS Business Forum here, Modi urged the BRICS Business Council to identify and remove the bloc’s top 10 trade barriers, support 100 startups every year to expand into other BRICS markets and create 1,000 new business partnerships annually with progress reviewed every year. , “As BRICS enters its third decade, I would like to urge the BRICS Business Council: Can you prepare a report on removing the top 10 trade barriers among BRICS nations? Can we support 100 BRICS startups annually to scale up in other BRICS markets? Can we forge a thousand new partnerships among our businesses? We should review our progress on these three parameters every year,” Modi said. At the same time, Modi placed maritime security at the heart of his vision for expanding global trade, warning that economic growth and supply-chain resilience could not be separated from the security of shipping routes. This carries significance as conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea have disrupted shipping routes, raised freight Global trade can and insurance costs and exposed the vulnerability of global supply chains. only progress if Modi’s proposals came against a sea lanes are broader backdrop of rising protectionsecure, supply ism, sanctions and geopolitical fragmenroutes remain tation, with emerging economies seekopen, and ing to build more resilient trade and investment links within the Global seafarers are safe. South. His pitch was to move BRICS toIndia is a staunch wards measurable economic supporter of integration. freedom of “The economic strength of BRICS has grown at nearly twice the pace of the navigation and rest of the world,” Modi said, describing safety of seafarers BRICS nations as emerging hubs for inNarendra Modi novation and solutions. The economic agenda unfolded alongside a sharper geopolitical message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who criticised sanctions and what he described as coercive economic pressure. Putin also sought to highlight BRICS’ growing economic weight relative to the Western-led G7. “Over the last five years, more than 40% of the world GDP has been produced by the BRICS countries, whereas the contribution of the so-called G7, the Group of Seven—I don’t know why they call that the Group of Seven—stands at only 29%,” he said. Putin stressed that Russia is not working against anyone. “What we are doing is not against anyone. We are in favour of our interests,” he said while calling for greater cooperation in infrastructure, logistics, finance and technology . ON P7 XI JINPING’S FIRST BILATERAL TRIP IN SEVEN YEARS TODAY J AYA N T H J A C O B @ New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi walks hand-in-hand with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian along the red carpet of the BRICS Business Forum. Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also seen in the picture | PTI India, Iran seek long-term ties J AYA N T H J A C O B @ New Delhi INDIA and Iran have agreed to pursue a long-term, ‘win-win’ approach to their bilateral relationship as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held talks against the backdrop of an escalating conflict in West Asia. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, was the second interaction between the two leaders in two weeks. They had met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on August 31. “From Bishkek to Delhi, the productive discussions continue,” Modi said after the meeting. He said the two sides discussed the India-Iran friendship and agreed on the need to take the relationship forward with a Local currency pitch Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the existing global financial system remains vulnerable because of its concentration on a limited number of currencies. He called for a stronger shift toward local currencies in BRICS trade long-term perspective. The escalating situation in West Asia figured prominently in the discussions. “The prevailing situation in the region was also discussed. India remains steadfast in its commitment to the pursuit of enduring peace,” Modi said. According to the official readout, Modi reiterated India’s INDIA LINES UP 15 BILATERAL ENGAGEMENTS IN THREE DAYS consistent position that all issues in the region must be resolved through “dialogue and diplomacy”. He underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability while safeguarding free, dom of navigation and commerce and the safety and well-being of seafarers. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum, Pezeshkian called for greater use of national currencies in trade among BRICS members. “One of the most important steps is to expand the use of national currencies in trade among the members,” he said, stressing that the move should be accompanied by mechanisms for managing currency risks and enabling reciprocal settlements. MODI GIFTS PUTIN A RUSSIAN TRANSLATION OF THIRUKKURAL PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said “dialogue and diplomacy” remained the way forward to resolve conflicts as he and Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed an expanding India-Russia agenda spanning maritime security, critical minerals, industrial partnerships and civil nuclear cooperation. Modi said India was ready to assist in peace efforts. In a post on X after the meeting, Modi said the two leaders discussed closer trade ties, including implementation of the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030, as well as cooperation in infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture. India-Russia According to the official readout, the leaders “shared perspectives on key reeconomic gional and global issues of mutual interpartnership est, including the conflicts in West Asia gathers and the Black Sea region which have immomentum. pacted maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers.” President Putin The talks also covered the broader Inand I participated in INNOPROM, dia-Russia strategic partnership. The two leaders “agreed to remain engaged ... to bringing together further strengthen the Special and Privicompanies from leged Strategic Partnership between the two countries”, which they said continboth countries ued to show “significant growth”. Trade Narendra Modi, PM and economic diversification are expected to shape the next phase of the relationship. India and Russia are working towards a $100 billion bilateral trade target by 2030, even as the sharp increase in Russian energy imports has widened the trade imbalance. The economic agenda is moving beyond oil and defence. Rail and tunnelling cooperation is being explored as part of an industrial push. Critical minerals is another strategic priority Officials said . the two sides are looking at cooperation across exploration, processing and recycling. Both countries are also examining a potential steel value-chain partnership, spanning raw materials to finished products. Civil nuclear cooperation remains another key pillar. Discussions also covered nuclear fuel-cycle cooperation and life-cycle support for existing Russian-designed reactors in India, while keeping alive talks on a second Russiandesigned reactor site. UNIFIED DIGITAL PAYMENT SYSTEM CALL FOR THE BLOC RUSSIA EXPLORING SERVICES, PHARMA IMPORT FROM INDIA ‘Honour killing’ attempt: Man hacks son-in-law, daughter in TN Girl ends life after sexual TAMIL SCHOLAR DIES AT 90 harassment by teacher The voice of Pattimandram falls silent E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Tenkasi A Class 10 student of a government school near Kachirayapalayam in Kallakurichi district died at the Salem Government Medical College Hospital on Thursday night, three days after she allegedly attempted suicide following sexual harassment by a teacher. Kallakurichi police have arrested the teacher under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. According to police, the girl was allegedly sexually harassed IN a suspected honour killing attempt, a 51-year-old man from the MBC community allegedly attacked his daughter and her BC-community husband with a sickle on Thursday night. The assault, driven by the attacker’s opposition to their inter-caste marriage, took place at Sivagamipuram near Pavoorchatram in Tenkasi. The couple, who fell in love during their college days, had wed four months ago despite intense opposition from the bride’s parents. The accused, E Murugan of Vadakku Ariyanayagipuram in Tirunelveli, has been arrested, and a case has been registered against him under BNS section 109 (attempt to murder), among others. His daughter Sushmitha (20) and her husband T Akash (21) of Alangulam are currently under treatment at the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TvMCH). While Akash, who sustained severe injuries to his head, hand and legs, remains critical, Sushmitha is stable. According to sources, the couple fell in love while studying at a private college at Idaikal village in Tirunelveli. P5 EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Kallakurichi by the teacher at the school. He had allegedly called the girl to the teachers’ room during school hours, sexually harassed her and warned her not to disclose the incident to anyone. Police said the girl, who was under mental distress after the incident, tried to kill herself at her house on Monday. She was initially admitted to a private hospital in Chinnasalem and later shifted to Kallakurichi Government Medical College Hospital. She was subsequently referred to Salem Medical College Hospital, where she was undergoing intensive care. EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Madurai VETERAN Tamil scholar, orator and popular Pattimandram (debate) moderator Solomon Pappaiah passed away in Madurai on Friday at the age of 90. He died at a private hospital in the city after suffering chest pain. His mortal remains were later taken to his residence at Gnanaolivupuram, and will be cremated as per his wish. The last rites will be held at 10 am on Saturday . Sundaram Solomon Pappaiah, born on February 22, 1936, is celebrated for bringing Tamil literature out of Solomon Pappaiah | 1936 — 2026 academia and into the public sphere through his engaging, witty, and accessible speaking style. After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Madura College and a master’s degree in Tamil from Thiagarajar College, he joined the American College’s Tamil Department as a professor, eventually rising to become the Head of the Department. His jour ney as a public speaker began while he was still a student, when he took part in several speech competitions. He was inspired by the speeches of leaders of the Dravidian movement as well as Muthuramalinga Thevar and K Kamaraj. At American College, he served as the president of the Thiruvalluvar Kazhagam and organised several literary programmes featuring speakers such as Kundrakudi Adigalar, R Nedunchezhiyan and K P5 Anbazhagan. EXPRESS READ TN plans SIPCOT park on 424 acres near Parandur Chennai: The state government has issued a GO to establish a SIPCOT industrial park on 424 acres of land at Maduramangalam near Parandur, days after CM C Joseph Vijay announced the cancellation of the greenfield airport project in the region | P4 Political parties, fishers oppose new secretariat Chennai: Days after the TN govt accorded in-principle approval for a new secretariat at Pattinapakkam, political parties, including the Left and AIADMK, urged the TVK govt to give up the move terming it unnecessary. Fishermen have also raised concern over the project’s impact on coastal community | P4 Gauhati High Court upholds talaq-e-hassan, says it is a valid form of divorce EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Guwahati THE Gauhati High Court has ruled that talaq-e-hassan is a valid form of divorce and is not prohibited in India. Justice Arun Dev Choudhury passed the order on September 8 after hearing a petitioner, Rakibul Bhuyan, who sought registration of his divorce pronounced through ta- How is it different from talaq-e-biddat Talaq-e-hassan spaces three pronouncements of divorce by at least a month each; the first two are revocable, permitting reunion, while the third makes divorce irrevocable, as clearly prescribed in the Quran. Talaq-e-biddat means instant triple talaq, which the SC banned laq-e-hassan, where a husband pronounces the word talaq once a month over three straight months. According to the petitioner, he got married in 2016 but his wife left him and returned to her parental home in 2018 following differences with him. Despite efforts by the petitioner, she did not return to her husband’s house. Later, the man pronounced talaq-e-hassan on three different days in March, April and May this year in the presence of witnesses. The petitioner argued that following the pronouncement of the third talaq-e-hassan, the marriage had become void. However, the state government submitted that since the 1935 Act for divorce registration had been repealed and the post of Registrar of Muslim Marriages and Divorce consequently abolished, the petitioner’s divorce could not be registered under the repealed law. The government further submitted that the petitioner could approach the jurisdictional marriage and divorce registrar. The court held that if the petitioner satisfies the requirements under Section 12 of the Act of 2024 and its proviso, the jurisdictional registrar will record the divorce in the divorce register and if it is refused, he may seek recourse under Section 17 of the Act. The court said the wife, who was not present, was free to challenge the talaq-e-hassan before an appropriate forum.