Daily News Digest for April 13, 2025: Odisha, India, and International Affairs

​A comprehensive roundup of key news from Odisha, India, and around the world as of April 13, 2025.​

Odisha Highlights

Odisha Government to Install Over 21,000 Tubewells to Combat Water Crisis: In response to the impending summer water scarcity, the Odisha government has announced plans to install 21,300 new tubewells across the state.

Establishment of Four New Medical Colleges in Odisha: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has unveiled plans to set up medical colleges in Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal, and Nabarangpur districts.

National News

India-US 'Tiger Triumph' Military Exercise Concludes: The fourth edition of the 'Tiger Triumph' joint military exercise between India and the United States concluded on April 11 in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The exercise included maritime, amphibious, and humanitarian assistance operations, with participation from approximately 3,000 personnel. ​

International News

Iran and US Agree to Continue Nuclear Talks: Iran and the United States concluded a successful first round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Oman, agreeing to reconvene on April 19. The talks aim to prevent Iran from weaponizing its nuclear program and to revive elements of the 2015 nuclear deal. ​

North Korea Holds Pyongyang Marathon After Six Years: North Korea hosted the Pyongyang International Marathon on April 6 for the first time in six years, with over 500 participants, including more than 200 international runners.

Weather & Environment

Early Heatwave Sweeps Northern India: An early and extreme heatwave has swept across northern India, with temperatures surpassing 40°C this week. Barmer in Rajasthan peaked at 46.4°C, significantly above April averages. The Indian Meteorological Bureau forecasts a particularly intense summer with more heatwave days than usual. ​

April Pink Moon to Rise as Rare 'Micromoon': The 2025 Pink Moon will appear on April 12, reaching peak illumination at 5:52 am IST on April 13. In India, it coincides with Chaitra Purnima, a significant cultural and religious festival. ​

Business & Economy

RBI May Cut Rates Further Amid Growth Risks: Economists believe the Reserve Bank of India might adopt a deeper rate-cutting cycle due to slow urban consumption, weak private investment, and global uncertainties like the US-China trade war. ​

India Seeks to Fast-Track Trade Deal with US: With President Trump suspending reciprocal tariffs until July 9, India plans to revive bilateral trade agreement talks and aims to speed up negotiations for the initial phase of a proposed trade deal.

Adani Enterprises to Start Copper Smelter in Four Weeks: India's Adani Enterprises Ltd is set to commence operations at its new copper smelting facility, Kutch Copper, within the next four weeks. This project represents the largest metallurgical complex for copper and other metals globally.