TIRUNELVELI l friday l may 01, 2026 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l CITY EDITION China-Pak military axis deepens as Pak navy gets Hangor-class sub The Pakistan Navy on Thursday commissioned its first Chinese-built submarine with state-of-the-art weapons and advanced sensors, in Sanya, China Equipped with air-independent propulsion AIP on Indian subs to be ready by year-end Pak President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior officials from the Pakistan Navy and China’s People’s Liberation Army were present on the occasion. Built on China’s Type 039A design, the vessel is the lead unit of an eight-submarine programme. It is equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) and advanced sensors ■ ■ AIP allows subs to remain underwater for extended periods without surfacing for atmospheric oxygen, enhancing the stealth feature The AIP feature gives Pakistan an edge as currently, India doesn’t have AIP in any of its submarines. DRDO’s indigenous fuel-cell based AIP system is expected to be ready for integration later this year | P7 80% of Pakistan’s arms imports are from China, according to sipri 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 Fast track nod Amend abortion law on rape, says SC for China FDI in seven sectors S U C H I TR A K A LYA N M O H A N T Y @ New Delhi e x p r e s s r e ad Exit poll results put TN parties in a flux Chennai: Amid rising political tension in TN following the exit polls results, CM MK Stalin on Thursday urged DMK functionaries to remain vigilant on counting day. While AIADMK chief EPS rejected the exit poll predictions, TVK chief Vijay has urged all winning candidates of his party to rush to Panaiyur immediately on result day | P4 Chennai hits 40.2°C as heat roils north TN Chennai: Chennai recorded its first 40°C-plus day of the season, with Meenambakkam touching 40.2°C on Thursday, indicating intensifying heat across northern Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, rainfall brought some relief to western and southern districts, with parts of Tirunelveli and Coimbatore receiving 2–7 cm of rainfall | P2 HC fines TN, revokes YouTuber’s detention Chennai: The Madras HC has revoked the detention of YouTuber Varaaki under the Goondas Act, saying that the state government has unnecessarily targeted him. The court also imposed a fine of `50,000 and asked the government to pay the fine amount to the YouTuber within four weeks | P2 Priority to manufacturing in critical sectors like rare earths, polysilicon and ingot wafer D I PA K M O N D A L @ New Delhi THE government has identified seven critical sectors/manufacturing activities for faster approval of investments from China, a senior official told this newspaper. These are capital goods, electronic capital goods, electronic components, polysilicon and ingot wafer, advanced battery components, rare earth permanent magnets, and rare earth processing. Capital goods include plant machinery, heavy equipment or accessories required for manufacturing. Electronic capital goods mean equipment and machinery used for manufacturing lithium-ion battery, mobile phones etc. Electronic components include display module, camera module, printed circuit board, enclosures for mobile phones, etc. Polysilicon is the primary raw material used to produce silicon wafers. This is melted in a crucible to produce an ingot, which is a solid cylindrical or block-shaped mass of crystalline silicon. More sectors could be added to this list, a document reviewed by this daily showed. Under the amended Press Note 3 (PN3) framework, the Cabinet has introduced an expedited approval mechanism to clear investment proposals from countries sharing a land border with India (land-bordering countries or LBCs) in specified manufacturing sectors within 60 days. These are referred to as LBC investments. In March this year, the government eased restrictions on investments from neighbouring countries, including China, to encourage inflows into critical sectors. The restrictions were originally introduced in 2020, at the peak of tensions between India and China. 600 proposals await govt approval After India put FDI curbs through Press Note 3 in April 2020, investments from China dropped. According to DPIIT, nearly 600 investment proposals from China are awaiting approval. The amended PN3 is expected to clear the backlog and open up the investment flow into India Investments to be cleared with caution Officials said while India is open to investments from all countries, including China, it will proceed with caution. “We are keeping our eyes wide open. Safety and security are paramount. The government is willing to facilitate investments, but only with due diligence,” said an official The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to hear a curative plea by AIIMS, Delhi regarding the medical termination of a 15-year-old rape survivor, as it asked the government to consider amending the law to permit rape survivors to terminate unwanted pregnancies even beyond 20 weeks. “Unwanted pregnancy cannot be thrust on a person. Imagine, she is a child. She should be studying now. But we want to make her a mother. This is a case of child rape. Victim will have lifelong scar and trauma. It is now a fight between foetus vs child. Minor child cannot be forced to bear a pregnancy,.. Law needs to be organic and in sync with evolving times,” said a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The court asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for AIIMS, to speak to the parents of the victim and left it for them to decide whether or not to end the pregnancy . The AIIMS had argued that since it’s been 30-weeks of pregnancy the foetus is now a viable , Contempt notice The SC issued notice on a contempt petition alleging non-compliance by AIIMS of its order permitting medical termination of the minor’s pregnancy. It directed health ministry principal secy, health dept secy and AIIMS director to appear via video conference on May 4 life and termination would not be successful. “The child would be born with serious deformities, organ failures and even the minor victim would face lifelong issues, such as not even be- 0.2% & falling, participation of TN men in sterilisation hits a new low S I N D U J A J A N E @ Chennai Sterilisation in Tamil Nadu remains an overwhelmingly female burden, with men accounting for just two out of every 1,000 procedures performed across the state. As per official data, in 2025-26 financial year, Tamil Nadu recorded 2.15 lakh tubectomies compared to just 426 No-Scalpel Vasectomies (NSV) performed on men — a participation rate of just 0.2%. While NSV numbers had shown a gradual rise from 863 in 2021-22 to 1,304 in 2022-23, peaking at 1,357 in 2023-24, they have since declined sharply to 659 in 2024-25 and further to 426 this year, a drop of 35% within a year. Female sterilisation figures, too, have been on the decline, from 2,54,702 in 2023-24 to 2,27,438 in 2024-25 and 2,15,825 NSV safer, done with local anaesthesia Health experts point out that No-Scalpel Vasectomies (NSV) is a simpler, safer and quicker procedure compared to tubectomy. It is performed under local anaesthesia, and involves minimal recovery time after the procedure this year. Health experts point out that NSV is a simpler, safer and quicker procedure compared to tubectomy. It is typically performed under local anaesthesia anaesthesia, takes less than 30 minutes, and involves minimal recovery time after the procedure. A senior health department official told TNIE that accept- ance of male sterilisation has historically been low and has declined further over the past two years, in line with falling female sterilisation rates. Officials attribute this broader trend to the state’s declining fertility rate. “The total fertility rate in Tamil Nadu is now 1.3, well below the replacement level of 2.1,” the official said, noting that fewer couples now require per manent contrace ptive methods. However, officials also cite social factors. “One of the main barriers is that women themselves are reluctant to allow men to undergo the procedure,” the official added. Field staff indicated that, with both fertility and birth rates declining, they have been informally encouraged to promote temporary contraceptive methods over permanent ones.  P5 Brent crude hits $126 as Trump reviews war plan FRESH provocative statements from Iran and fears of renewed attack by the US caused oil prices to fluctuate on Thursday and surge toward their highest levels since the war with Iran began. Oil prices struck a four-year high on Thursday, with international benchmark Brent crude soaring more than 7% to $126 a barrel, before easing in afternoon trading in London. In a show of defiance against the US threats, Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday said Tehran will now call the shots, claiming it has an upper hand in the crisis. In a written message broadcast through the state television, Khamenei said Iran would respond with “long and painful strikes” on US positions if Washington renewed attacks. “We have already seen the fate of your bases in the region; we will also see your warships” face the same, he added. He also reasserted Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, complicating US plans for a coalition to reopen the waterway . According to news site Axios, day Trump is expected to receive a briefing on new plans for potential military action in Iran from Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command. Dropping hints that resumption of attacks against Iran was likely Israeli Defence Minister , Israel Katz warned that it was “possible that we may soon have to act again” against Iran to achieve the objectives.  P9 62 Brent crude price per barrel in US$, 2021-2026 Russia invades Ukraine $100 After touching $126.31, the highest since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the price came down to around $114 US and Israel attack Iran $50 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 $126 Source: BBC A G E N C I E S @ Tehran / Washington Haj fare up by $100 due to aviation fuel cost hike Pa r v e z S u ltan @ New Delhi Amid strong opposition to a hefty airfare hike for Haj pilgrims following the spike in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, the Centre on Thursday said it had scaled the fare down to an additional `10,000 per individual. Union minister of minority affairs Kiren Rijiju said though airlines had sought $300-400 more per pilgrim, the government negotiated and settled it at $100. The decision was taken transparently, in good faith, to ensure no disruption in the Haj operations this year, he added. The proposed hike had drawn criticism from various quarters, including opposition lead- ers, who termed the increase as injustice to the community . But the ministry said that it remains committed to making Haj accessible and affordable. “This is not exploitation. This is the government absorbing pressure and protecting pilgrims from a far larger burden. The circular is transparent, the process was lawful, and the decision was made in good faith to ensure Haj 2026 operations are not disrupted for over a lakh pilgrims already registered. Notably private tour operators , had already revised fares sharply and subsequently imposed a further increase of around $150,” the ministry stated. Demanding revocation of the circular, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, “Are pilgrims being punished for going through the Haj Committee?” Boat capsize At least four passengers drowned after a tourist boat carrying 29 passengers and two crew overturned in the Bargi dam on the Narmada in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. Fifteen people have been rescued so far | X ing able to go through another pregnancy Bhati said. ,” But the CJI contended that “In cases of child rape, the choice to bear or terminate pregnancy should always be with the victim.” He also urged the media to be extra sensitive while reporting this case. The court exercised its extraordinary powers under Article 142 to override statutory time limits, and directed that the minor and her parents be provided comprehensive psychiatric and medical counselling to take the final call. Another bench had on April 24 allowed the minor to terminate her pregnancy . sentence on tue Court convicts youth for rape, murder of girl in Pondy in ’24 D e b jani D u t ta @ Puducherry A Pocso Fast Track Court in Puducherry on Thursday convicted Karunas (20), the lone surviving accused, for the sexual assault and murder of a nine-year-old girl at Muthialpet in 2024. The case had triggered a nationwide outrage. Special Judge MD Sumathi held the accused guilty on multiple counts and posted the matter for arguments on the quantum of sentence on May 5. The incident dates back to March 2024, when the child went missing from near her residence in Muthialpet. Her body was recovered on March 5, stuffed in a sack and dumped in a sewage canal in the locality . Police had arrested Karunas and his alleged accomplice, Vivekanandan (56), in connection with the crime. The prosecution stated that the accused, allegedly under the influence of ganja, abducted the child and took her to a secluded house belonging to Vivekanandan, where she was sexually assaulted. She was later strangled to death, and her body was dumped in a drain in an attempt to destroy evidence. During the course of the trial, Vivekanandan died by suicide when he was in judicial custody at Kalapet Central Prison. Special Public Prosecutor S Patchaiyappan submitted a 48page written argument, supported by 54 witnesses, 37 material objects including forensic and medical evidence, and 81 documents. The court convicted Karunas under Sections 376AB, 302, 367, 368, 342, 201 and 34 of the IPC (Indian Penal Code).  P5 h A n c h o t idi n g s appy r slug TN tops marine fish landings in ’25, beats Gujarat S V K R I S H N A C H A I TA N YA @ Chennai Tamil Nadu has emerged as the country’s leading state in marine fish landings in 2025, overtaking Gujarat to claim the top spot, according to the latest assessment released on Thursday by the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). The state recorded an estimated 6.85 lakh tonnes of marine fish landings, registering a marginal 1% increase over 2024. At the national level, India’s marine fish landings stood at 3.57 million tonnes in 2025, up 3% from 3.47 million tonnes recorded the previous year, indicating overall resilience in the sector. Fish landing refers to the total quantity of fish brought ashore and unloaded from fishing vessels at a port or beach, marking the first point of sale. Officials attributed Tamil Nadu’s rise primarily to a sharp 15% decline in Gujarat, which slipped to second place with 6.43 lakh tonnes. The fall in Gujarat’s output was linked to multiple disruptions, including adverse weather conditions, an extended fishing ban between June and mid-August, and cyclonic disturbances such as Cyclone Shakti. Despite securing the top rank, Tamil Nadu’s fisheries sector was not without challenges. Cyclone Montha in late October and Cyclone Ditwah during November-December 3.57 million tonnes recorded at national level Tamil Nadu recorded an estimated 6.85 lakh tonnes of marine fish landings, registering a marginal 1% increase over 2024. At the national level, India’s marine fish landings stood at 3.57 million tonnes in 2025, up 3% from 3.47 million tonnes recorded the previous year temporarily affected fishing operations along the coast. However, steady landings across districts helped the state retain its lead. Within the state, Kanniyakumari district accounted for the highest share of landings at 23%, followed by Thoothukudi (16%) and Pudukkottai (14%). The Chennai Fisheries Harbour alone contributed around 12% of the total, as per official data. On the species front, lesser sardines continued to dominate for the fifth consecutive year, contributing about 0.70 lakh tonnes, although this marked a 9% decline compared to the previous year.  P5