Thu Dec 26 00:39:04 UTC 2024: ## Top News: Jnanpith Winner M.T. Vasudevan Nair Passes Away at 91

**KOZHIKODE, KERALA –** Renowned Indian writer and Jnanpith Award recipient M.T. Vasudevan Nair passed away on December 25th at the age of 91. Nair, celebrated for his contributions to Malayalam literature and cinema, was also a prolific screenwriter whose work revolutionized the art of screenplay writing in Malayalam cinema. His directorial debut, *Nirmalyam*, won the National Award for Best Film in 1974.

**Other major headlines:**

* **Myanmar Border Restrictions:** India has tightened border controls along its shared border with Myanmar, suspending the Free Movement Regime and implementing new protocols for residents within 10 kilometers of the border.
* **Pope Francis’ Christmas Appeal:** Pope Francis issued a global plea for peace, specifically addressing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
* **Supreme Court Ruling on Illegal Constructions:** The Supreme Court criticized state governments for condoning illegal constructions, highlighting the long-term environmental and urban development damage caused by such practices.
* **Svamitva Scheme Property Cards:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute over 5.8 million property cards under the Svamitva scheme across 12 states.
* **Goa Boat Capsizing:** One person died and 20 were rescued after a tourist boat capsized off Calangute beach in Goa.
* **Manipur Peace Appeal:** Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh appealed for peace and understanding between warring communities in the state.
* **Kazakhstan Plane Crash:** 38 people died in an Azerbaijani airliner crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan.
* **India’s Fiscal Deficit Target:** The Indian government aims to reduce its fiscal deficit to 4.5% of GDP in fiscal year 2026.
* **Salman Rushdie’s “The Satanic Verses” Returns to India:** Salman Rushdie’s controversial novel, previously banned, is quietly back on sale in India.
* **Delhi Government Disputes AAP Schemes:** The Delhi government’s health and women’s development departments distanced themselves from AAP’s promised pre-election schemes.
* **India-Saudi Arabia Defence Ties Strengthen:** India and Saudi Arabia are deepening defense cooperation, exploring joint ventures and technological sharing.
* **Bhaderwah Snowfall Attracts Tourists:** Heavy snowfall has drawn tourists to the scenic town of Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir.
* **Vinod Kambli’s Health Update:** Former cricketer Vinod Kambli is recovering in the hospital after treatment for a urinary tract infection.
* **Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan:** Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan reportedly killed civilians, prompting condemnation from the Afghan government.

This report summarizes key events from various sections of The Hindu newspaper, published December 26th, 2024.

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