Argus News - Highlights/ News Headlines, April 13

Farewell to Melody Queen
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle’s final rites took place at Shivaji Park, where thousands of fans and dignitaries, including Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, gather to bid her farewell. Mumbai streets echo with chants of “Asha Tai Amar Rahe” as her flower-decked funeral procession moves through the city.

Tribute through Art
Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik pays homage to legendary singer Asha Bhosle with a stunning sand sculpture at Puri Beach, featuring a 20-feet-long Veena and the message “Tribute to Asha Tai – your voice will live in our hearts forever.” Students from his sand art institute join in the creation, making the tribute even more special.

Transforming Indian Politics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan at Vigyan Bhawan, saying Parliament is on the verge of making one of the most significant decisions of the 21st century with amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The legislation ensures one-third reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Bhubaneswar Turns 78
Bhubaneswar celebrates its 78th Foundation Day with citywide events, parades, and cultural programmes. The main ceremony near the Odisha Legislative Assembly sees dignitaries offering floral tributes. Eminent personalities are honoured with the Rajdhani Gaurav Samman for their contributions. The day marks the city’s historic designation as Odisha’s capital on April 13, 1948.

Strengthening Academic Diversity
Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati has approved the Odisha State Public Universities (Reservation in Teachers' Cadre) Act, 2026, ensuring reserved teaching positions for ST, SC, and SEBC categories. Higher Education Minister Surjyabanshi Suraj said the legislation will boost equity and diversity in Odisha’s academic institutions.

Tragedy Strikes
Seven pilgrims from the Bharwad community are killed and several others injured after a speeding truck hits their group on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district. The victims, part of a larger group of 700 devotees, were walking towards Viramgam for temple rituals when the accident occurred. Police register a case against the truck driver, who fled the scene.

Heartfelt Tributes
On the 107th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pay heartfelt tributes to the martyrs, recalling their sacrifice as a defining moment in India’s freedom struggle. The massacre of April 13, 1919, remains one of the darkest chapters of colonial rule.

Record Prize Pool
The ICC announces a record prize fund of USD 8.76 million for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking a 10% increase from the previous edition. The tournament, expanding to 12 teams for the first time, will see winners receive USD 2.34 million, while runners-up earn USD 1.17 million. Set to begin on June 12 in England, the 33-match event will span 24 days across seven venues.

Oil Prices Soar
Global crude oil prices surged nearly 10% after the US Navy blockades the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of supply disruptions. Brent crude hits $103.40 while WTI climbs to $105.63, marking sharp intraday gains. On the domestic front, MCX crude futures trade higher at ₹9,850.

Two Killed in Crash
Two people are killed and three critically injured in a head-on motorcycle collision near Podakhari under Surada police limits in Ganjam district. The victims were on their way to watch the traditional Danda Nach performance when the accident occurred. Fire Services personnel rescued the injured, who were later shifted to MKCG Medical College in Berhampur for advanced treatment.