VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Disney layoffs: CEO Josh D’Amaro’s memo announcing 1,000 job cuts tells employees that ‘fast-moving pace of our industry requires us to …’ Sykkuno controversy deepens as NamiKitsunami shares shocking meetup story after HemomaIVT cheating allegations go viral . US President Donald Trump dialled PM Narendra Modi to discuss the situation in the West Asia region, including the importance of securing safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, and to review what the Indian leader described as substantial progress achieved in bilateral cooperation in various sectors. This was the second time that Trump spoke to Modi since the war between the US, Israel, and Iran broke out on February 28. Responding to a question from TOI shortly after the conversation, Gor said both sides were hoping to finalise “incredible deals” in time for the visit by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India next month for the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting. Watch PM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia Situation Gor was asked if the leaders had discussed the possibility of a visit by Trump to India for the Quad summit. The ambassador said that the focus now is on Rubio’s visit. “The Secretary is coming here next month, which we’re very excited about. And he doesn’t just show up,” said Gor, speaking to journalists on the margins of a reception at the US embassy. He also confirmed that the 2 leaders spoke about the US decision to blockade Iranian ports, which followed the failed peace talks with Iran in Islamabad over the weekend. Responding to media queries, Gor didn’t elaborate much on the nature of the deals that are being finalised, but said that these will be related to energy and other items. He said “big-ticket items” would be announced in the next few days and weeks. While announcing the framework for an interim trade deal with India in early February, Trump had said that India had committed to buying $500 billion worth of energy and other items from the US. According to Gor, while Trump updated Modi about the West Asia situation, he also discussed these “big-ticket items” in bilateral relations that are under discussion in Washington. Modi had earlier said in a post on X that both sides are committed to further strengthening their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas. “We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure,” said Modi in a post on X. India has so far focused more on diplomacy with Iran than on thoughts about joining any military coalition to secure safe passage for its tankers through the key energy waterway. On whether the US would extend the deadline for India’s import of Russian oil, and also a sanctions waiver for the strategic Chabahar port in Iran that India helped develop, Gor said he didn’t want to speak prematurely on these issues, but added there will be a decision at some point in time. The leaders had last spoken on March 24 amidst the raging war in the West Asia region that culminated in a 2-week ceasefire last week. Gor said that Trump wanted to update Modi about the situation when he spoke to him on Tuesday. There were reports the same day that the US and Iran could have another round of talks in Islamabad later this week. Asked about the prospects of more talks before the temporary ceasefire ends, Gor said it wasn’t for him to announce any future dialogue but said that the leaders discussed the blockade and the need to reopen the Strait. “They did talk about the blockade and the importance of reopening as soon as possible. Frankly, this whole region…the whole world is suffering because of this. Why should one country be able to turn off the lights anywhere else in the world? It’s unfair. It needs to stop, and the United States is determined to make that happen,” said the ambassador. “These are international waterways. There’s an international treaty. The only reason prices have gone up is that somebody is holding this area hostage. So obviously, the United States wants to open this waterway. And I think it benefits the whole world, including India,” added Gor. We are in the business of delivering results: Gor US ambassador Sergio Gor said that the last words that President Trump told the PM were, “I just want you to know, we all love you” Gor was speaking at a reception in the US embassy shortly after the talks. “And literally, that was the last thing. And a lot of times, people don’t see that sign. They do have an incredible relationship,” said Gor. Gor said that Trump was very clear that the era of performative diplomacy is over. “We are in the business of delivering results, from securing resilient supply chains, building the silicon backbone of modern computing. The relationship between our two nations is on a very strong footing. Almost every single day, we have engagement at the highest levels,” said Gor, adding that the 2 countries were not just witnessing history, but were also shaping it for the benefit of both countries.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted Voters123PhotostoriesWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demand‘Bhooth Bangla’, ‘Dacoit’ To ‘The Drama’: What to watch in theatres this Week5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against IsraelBaisakhi 2026 outfit ideas: Traditional looks inspired by Bollywood actresses123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup `Indian pharma must balance generics with innovation’ Rajpal Yadav recalls asking Shah Rukh Khan, ‘When will you act?’; SRK replied, ‘Until I have my smile…’ FBI takes down website that stole millions from internet users across the world Indian-origin immigration judge fired by Trump administration after blocking deportation of Palestinian student: ‘I tried to resist’ NEW DELHI: Siphoning or under-reporting toll revenue from overloaded vehicles on national highways will be impossible from April 15 (Wednesday). Toll collecting agencies will collect higher user charges from overloaded vehicles only via FASTag, and they must record such vehicles and report this to the government’s Vahan portal.The provision of reporting overloading to the Vahan portal is significant, as this will enable enforcement agencies to impose penalties for violation of the motor vehicle law. As per the updated MV Act of 2019, the penalty for overloading goods vehicles is Rs 20,000, and it also provides for an additional fine of Rs 2,000 per tonne for excess load.The road transport ministry on Tuesday issued a notification amending the NH User Fee Rules, which said that while overloading up to 10% will be allowed, vehicles with 10-40% overload will have to pay double the normal, and it will be four times in case overloading is more than 40%.The ministry said overloading will be determined using certified weight measurement devices installed at the fee plaza. It added that no overload fee shall be levied in cases where fee plazas don’t have weighing facilities.It said that provisions won’t apply to certain private investment projects executed prior to commencement, unless concessionaires consent to adopting the revised rules. In an official statement, the ministry said the amendment to toll fee rules is expected to improve compliance, reduce road damage caused by overloaded vehicles, and promote safer and more efficient movement of goods across NHs.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted VotersDelhi–Dehradun Expressway Inaugurated: How It Cuts Travel Time And Protects Wildlife123PhotostoriesWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demand‘Bhooth Bangla’, ‘Dacoit’ To ‘The Drama’: What to watch in theatres this Week5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against IsraelBaisakhi 2026 outfit ideas: Traditional looks inspired by Bollywood actresses123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup Paytm ownership shift: Domestic investors cross 50% stake; firm turns majority Indian-controlled Wedding chaos in UP after 2 baraats reach venue for one bride, cops ask woman to choose one Visa bulletin May 2026: US says demand for EB-5 from India increasing, situation being monitored Deemed univs to rake in Rs 2,000 cr thanks to lowering of 2025 NEET PG cut-offs | India News Crude oil prices today: Brent, WTI fall up to 6% on hopes of US-Iran talks; supply risks persist While Amazon and SpaceX are sending complaint letters about each other to FCC, Elon Musk compliments Jeff Bezos’ photograph of Blue Origin rocket; says … Indian-origin doctor in US seen wielding cane stick during a parking spot fight in viral video Apr 14, 2026, 22:39 IST Bobby Deol gets emotional remembering father Dharmendra: ‘What’s the point of fame and wealth if there’s no one to share it with?’ Why you should not wash a new clay pot with your hands inside: The right way to clean a matka | Starting June 2026, Google to classify these websites as spam; tells website owners: You have two months to … 90-year-old mother arrested for laundering son’s drug money in South Korea | World News Gold prices today (April 14, 2026): MCX gold jumps over 1%; June, August contracts extend gains After almost clearing Rs 2 crore debt, Rajesh Kumar now reveals he’s sold his car and takes public transport Alopecia Areata remedies: Home remedies to reverse bald spot in women How lighting a diya daily can improve your luck Why is Pakistan desperate for US-Iran truce? Leaked details about pact with Saudi Arabia expose reason UK border rules 2026: British woman denied entry, stranded abroad over passport law change IPL 2026: Injury scare? Virat Kohli trains with strapped knee ahead of RCB vs LSG game Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar franchise beats Baahubali, Pushpa, KGF; crosses Rs 3000 crore worldwide to become India’s biggest film series How to clean a ceiling fan without a ladder: A smart, quick method | After seeking Mark Zuckerberg’s help against Sam Altman and slamming Instagram, WhatsApp; SpaceX IPO may make Elon Musk do what has been unthinkable since years Beijing sacks senior diplomat Sun Weidong; offers no explanation as scrutiny of top ranks intensifies NEW DELHI: The “josh” is high for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Bihar is all set to get its chief minister from the saffron party. Samrat Choudhary was elected the leader of the NDA legislative party, paving the way for him to become the first BJP CM of Bihar. And with this, the BJP once again has delivered a masterclass on “how to own the alliance.”Choudhary, who is expected to take the oath on April 15, takes over the top post from Nitish Kumar, who resigned earlier in the day. It definitely is a high moment for the BJP, which has been trying to keep the alliance smooth and yet have the upper hand. The announcement also feels like a repeat of what happened in Maharashtra when Devendra Fadnavis was reinstated as the chief minister of the state. The ‘big brother’For most of the 2000s, the BJP was the quieter partner in Bihar, drawing strength from Nitish Kumar’s credibility and caste coalition. In 2005 and again in 2010, it was Nitish who led from the front, with JD(U) consistently getting more seats than the BJP.However, this balance began to crack in 2014. Nitish’s decision to walk out of the NDA over Narendra Modi as the prime ministerial candidate backfired badly. Fighting separately, JD(U) was reduced to just 2 Lok Sabha seats and Nitish Kumar resigned from the CM post, taking the moral responsibility.In the 2015 assembly elections, the BJP had the largest vote share of 25% and 53 seats, but still fell short of power as the Mahagathbandhan (RJD – 80; JD(U) – 71) stitched together a stronger social coalition. When Nitish returned to the NDA in 2017, the BJP was no longer the same player. By 2020, it had clearly moved ahead within the alliance, winning significantly more seats than JD(U). The party got 74 seats and JD(U) got 43 seats. Though Nitish remained the CM, the equation within the alliance had shifted.By 2025, the BJP had completely flipped the script. The NDA contested the assembly elections with Nitish Kumar as its CM face. However, the BJP with 89 seats, once again emerged as the bigger partner than the JD(U) that got 85 seats. While Nitish Kumar remained the CM, the BJP took control over key portfolios like Home. And finally within a year, managed to give Bihar its first BJP CM with Samrat Choudhary. The return of FadnavisBefore Bihar, it was Maharashtra where BJP applied the similar formula. Here, the BJP showed how alliances could be reworked from within, turning partners into dependents and reclaiming major control without breaking the coalition.There was a time when Devendra Fadnavis had to step down and Eknath Shinde was made the CM as the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) split and came together with the BJP. However, in the 2024 assembly elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the ruling Mahayuti with 132 of 288 seats. Backed by stronger numbers, the BJP pushed for leadership change, and on December 5, 2024, Fadnavis took oath as CM, with Shinde moving to the deputy CM role.Once back at the helm, the BJP moved to centralise power. Key portfolios like home, finance and law were retained by the CMO, reducing the operational space for both Shinde and Ajit Pawar, who also served as deputy CM. The alliance remained intact, but its internal balance shifted decisively. After Ajit Pawar’s death his wife Sunetra Pawar was given his post in the Maharashtra cabinet. The BJP’s electoral strength further cemented its position. In the January 2026 municipal elections, it performed strongly across urban centres, including Mumbai.In both Bihar and Maharashtra, the BJP’s rise within alliances has shown how to do it without breaking the coalition. By expanding its own voter base while narrowing the space for its partners, the BJP has shown that alliances can be a pathway to dominance, not compromise.About the AuthorPallaviNews desk journalist, digital, at The Times of India, with a focus on Indian politics. Over a decade of chasing stories, taming headlines and arguing with commas like they’re part of the opposition. Tracks elections, policy pivots, party drama and the fine print of power, where every word can tilt the narrative. Believes good journalism is clarity under pressure, ideally filed before the next breaking alert crashes in. Powered by deadlines, context, sharp edits and a steady supply of strong tea.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted VotersDelhi–Dehradun Expressway Inaugurated: How It Cuts Travel Time And Protects WildlifeIndia Engages Israel On Iran And Hormuz Crisis As Jaishankar Pushes Dialogue Amid Rising TensionsWhy Samrat Choudhary Emerges As Likely Bihar CM As BJP Gains Edge With Strong Majority In Assembly123Photostories10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demandArgue without breaking up: 5 simple rules every couple needs to know‘Bhooth Bangla’, ‘Dacoit’ To ‘The Drama’: What to watch in theatres this Week5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against IsraelBaisakhi 2026 outfit ideas: Traditional looks inspired by Bollywood actresses123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup Akshay Kumar reveals son Aarav Bhatia was scared of Vidya Balan for six years after watching ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ 10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your time China-linked tanker that tested US blockade of Hormuz makes U-turn ‘MAGA grandma’ Sharon Simmons flown from Arkansas for DoorDash delivery to Trump: ‘No one is claiming it was real’ ‘We all love you’, Trump tells PM Modi during 40-min call on Iran war, Hormuz | India News US markets today (April 14, 2026): Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq rise on Middle East de-escalation hopes; earnings in focus Akshay Kumar fell unconscious, had 103 degree fever during a Vaishno Devi pilgimage, but here’s how he miraculously survived The secret to crispy fries: Why adding vinegar to potatoes works | Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife MacKenzie Scott who sold half of her Amazon stake now donates $70 million to Meals on Wheels America to support … Archaeologists discover 5,000-year-old human bone cups and masks in China’s Yangtze River Delta | World News Updated: Apr 14, 2026, 20:37 IST ‘Asha Bhosle will never die for me…’: Sachin Pilgaonkar pays an emotional tribute to the singer, recalls his first meeting Argue without breaking up: 5 simple rules every couple needs to know Why ‘Jesus’ Trump pulled a TACO against Pope Leo XIV | World News The Great Emu War of 1932: How 20,000 flightless birds outsmarted the Australian army | World News NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu on April 20, where he will address election rallies in support of the DMK and chief minister MK Stalin on April 20 and 21, the party said on Tuesday.AAP has not fielded any candidates in the Assembly elections and has extended support to the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Congress in-Charge Girish Chodankar said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy and Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, is expected to campaign in the state. The Congress is part of the DMK-led SPA. Watch Vijay Factor In Trichy East: Can Fandom Decide Tamil Nadu 2026 Result? Chodankar said an official announcement regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit would be made soon and that Priyanka Gandhi is also expected to participate in the campaign. He added that Rahul Gandhi and MK Stalin are likely to campaign together.”Rahul Gandhi will come and campaign for the Tamil Nadu elections, and all our leaders will come. All our leaders will start campaigning when the campaigning becomes very aggressive. We have already appointed party cadres and formed special committees in all 234 assembly constituencies so that we can help all the allied parties’ candidates with whatever forces we have in each assembly constituency, ” he added.He reiterated that an announcement regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit would be made within the next two to three days.Separately, chief minister and DMK candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin, conducted a door-to-door campaign in Vellore.Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.The main contest is expected to be between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance led by the AIADMK, with the BJP and PMK as allies.Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with his party, TVK, which could make the contest triangular.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted VotersDelhi–Dehradun Expressway Inaugurated: How It Cuts Travel Time And Protects WildlifeIndia Engages Israel On Iran And Hormuz Crisis As Jaishankar Pushes Dialogue Amid Rising TensionsWhy Samrat Choudhary Emerges As Likely Bihar CM As BJP Gains Edge With Strong Majority In Assembly‘Gross Injustice If Delayed’: PM Modi Seeks Backing for Women’s Reservation BillHow Secret Police Operation Uncovered Abuse, Coercion, Religious Pressure; Firm Promises ActionAfter Violent Noida Unrest, Uttar Pradesh Govt Raises Wages In Urgent Bid To Restore Calm And Trust123Photostories9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demand‘Bhooth Bangla’, ‘Dacoit’ To ‘The Drama’: What to watch in theatres this Week5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against IsraelBaisakhi 2026 outfit ideas: Traditional looks inspired by Bollywood actressesThese places have the most eerie and bizarre natural formations10 mysteries hidden beneath the ocean floor that scientists still can’t explain8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D DeficiencyMumbai’s first closed-door local arrives, big safety shift on tracks123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup US wholesale inflation data: Producer prices rise 4% as Iran war fuels energy surge, Fed faces policy dilemma AP Inter 1st, 2nd year result 2026 date: BIEAP to release IPE results on April 15 at 10:31 AM at resultsbie.ap.gov.in