SC pushes for food warning labels, industry lobby seeks fresh review before final call

Speaking to the media, CGTN correspondent Zeng Songfu shared the Chinese perspective on bilateral relations ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to India. Emphasizing bilateral ties and multilateral cooperation, Zeng noted, 'China always values the relationship between China and, uh, India, and also China always values BRICS', uh, cooperation.' Highlighting the economic weight of BRICS, Zeng stated that the bloc represents roughly 39% of global GDP and over 50% of global growth. Addressing border divergences, Zeng emphasized the mutual necessity for cooperation as two major nations with 1.4 billion people each, stressing that the primary focus should be on convergence, cultural ties, and people-to-people exchanges.

The stage is set for the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together global leaders representing significant shares of the world population, trade, and economic output. Chinese President Xi Jinping has confirmed his visit to India for the summit, marking his first trip to the country since the 2019 Mamallapuram engagement and the 2020 Galwan clashes. The visit follows previous interactions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi in Kazan, Tianjin, and Bishkek. Key agenda points for a potential bilateral meeting include peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control, border de-escalation, the boundary dispute, the trade deficit, visa processes, and direct flights. Recent diplomatic efforts, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's talks in China and corps commander-level meetings in the Eastern Sector, indicate ongoing dialogue amid persistent challenges such as the boundary dispute, Arunachal Pradesh claims, and water resource concerns.

A massive political confrontation has erupted in Punjab following the death of Gulzar Singh, who had questioned Finance Minister Harpal Cheema regarding the state's rampant drug crisis. Opposition parties, including the Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal, have targeted the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government after allegations surfaced that Gulzar took Cheema's name in his dying declaration and that his body was forcibly cremated under heavy police presence. Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders demanded Cheema's resignation and questioned his absence from the FIR. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes also stepped in to meet the victim's family. While AAP defended the government by asserting that prompt action was taken against named drug peddlers and claimed the accusations were part of a false narrative created by opposition parties, the BJP and Congress alleged widespread intimidation of citizens raising anti-drug concerns across Punjab ahead of the upcoming elections.

A debate on the escalating political controversy in Punjab surrounding the drug menace and the death of Gulzar Singh, who reportedly left a dying declaration naming Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Shashivir Sharma asserted that the victim made the accusation under pressure in a second video and highlighted that a Special Investigation Team has been formed. Opposing this stance, BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh argued that a dying declaration is sacrosanct and cited growing public distress over drug cartels in Punjab villages. Meanwhile, Congress National Spokesperson Gautam Seth demanded the resignation of the state finance minister to enable a fair probe, accusing the government of state-sponsored intimidation and institutional failure ahead of the upcoming Punjab assembly elections.