Argus News - News Headlines, April 6

Oath in Odia
Three newly elected Rajya Sabha members from Odisha — BJP’s Manmohan Samal, BJD’s Santrupt Misra, and Independent Dilip Ray — took oath in Odia in the presence of Chairman CP Radhakrishnan. With BJP securing three of the four seats, including Ray’s win backed by cross-voting, BJD’s candidate Dr Datteswar Hota lost despite Congress and CPI(M) support.

Security Breach
In a major security scare at the Delhi Assembly, a masked man rammed through the high-security boundary gates of the complex before managing to flee without being challenged. The Delhi Police tracked down the accused and took him into custody. The car has also been seized.

“Rupa Ghodani” Row
Daily rituals at the historic Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar were halted on Monday after a dispute broke out between two groups of servitors over the “Rupa Ghodaṇi” (silver covering of the Shiva Lingam). The confrontation, which occurred during morning hour inside the sanctum sanctorum, led to tension between members of the Badu Nijog and Suara Nijog.

Relief for Migrants, Students
Odisha government has allowed migrant workers and students to buy 5 kg LPG cylinders using valid ID. The Food Supplies Department said oil companies will supply them, benefiting those without regular connections, while tightening checks to curb black marketing.

No Permits for Aged Vehicles
Odisha has barred commercial vehicles over 10 years old from other states from getting permits. As per STA decision, RTOs will not process transfers, address changes or tax payments for such vehicles, aiming to improve transport efficiency and road safety.

3 Killed In Crash
Three persons died after a truck rammed into a stationary vehicle on NH-16 near Dahisada in Balasore late Sunday night. Fire services used gas cutters to rescue victims, who were taken to hospital but declared dead, our source from the ground said.

Major Appointments
Odisha government appointed chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of Special Development Councils in 23 districts. Basistha Nayak, Ballav Dharua and Bipin Marandi will head Angul, Bolangir and Balasore respectively, with several others named across districts under CM Mohan Majhi’s administration.

Record Transactions
UPI processed 228.5 billion transactions in 2025, up 33 per cent year-on-year, with total value at Rs 299.74 trillion, a Worldline report said. Person-to-merchant transactions grew 34 per cent to 143.82 billion, reflecting strong digital payment adoption across sectors.