The Shillong Times News

2025 IN REVIEW Indian cinema has once again proven its box-office might in 2025, delivering a string of massive blockbusters that continued the trend set in previous years by Jawaan, Pathaan, Animal and others. From grand period dramas such as Chhaava to the latest crowd-puller Dhurandhar, filmmakers and actors across industries have offered audiences a []

The makers of Prabhas starrer The Raja Saab have released a second trailer of the movie on Monday, offering a stronger glimpse of the films story and Sanjay Dutts character in the story. Led by Rebel Star Prabhas, the trailer builds toward a gripping confrontation with Superstar Sanjay Dutt, whose character appears to control fear []

The makers of Netflixs popular sci-fi show Stranger Things have opened up about what fans can expect from the finale episode of the series. Creators Matt and Ross Duffer, aka the Duffer Brothers, told The Hollywood Reporter that after working for a long time on Stranger Things 5, they are now ready to bring the []

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 29: India will look to continue their aggressive intent and complete a 5-0 series whitewash against a vanquished Sri Lanka in the fifth and final womens T20 International here on Tuesday. The five-match series has formed a significant part of Indias preparation for the T20 World Cup in England in June-July next year. []

Doha, Dec 29: Indian chess stalwart Koneru Humpy suffered a massive heartbreak in her bid for a third world rapid title, finishing with a bronze in the womens section of the FIDE World Rapid Championships after being cruelly done in by the tie-break rule, here on Sunday. Humpy, the winner of the world rapid title []

New Delhi, Dec 29: The BWF India Open Super 750 badminton tournament will be held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium instead of the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall from January 13 to 18, marking a significant step up in scale and fan experience. With India set to host the prestigious World Championships in August next []

Dubai, Dec 29: Nick Kyrgios won the latest version of the Battle of the Sexes in tennis, beating top-ranked womens player Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match that represented light entertainment rather than another landmark moment for gender equality. There was laughing and joking between the players, some under-arm serves, over-the-top grunting on []

Lahore, Dec 29: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that the governing body will manage the Multan Sultans franchise in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League. Naqvi said due to time constraints the board would appoint a team headed by a former cricketer to run the Multan franchise during PSL 11. []

Mumbai, Dec 29: The rupee depreciated eight paise to close at 89.98 against the US dollar on Monday, weighed down by foreign fund outflows and a negative trend in domestic equities. Forex traders said persistent capital withdrawals from foreign investors, alongside heightened dollar demand from importers, dented investor sentiments. At the interbank foreign exchange, the []

Mumbai, Dec 29: Commercial banks maintained robust performance in 2024-25, with the gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio declining to a multi-decadal low of 2.2 per cent at March-end, according to a RBI report released on Monday. The banking sector remained resilient during 2024-25, supported by a strong balance sheet, sustained profitability and improved asset quality, []

The millions of species humans share the world with are valuable in their own right. When one species is lost, it has a ripple effect throughout the ecosystems it existed within. But theres a hidden toll. Each loss takes something from humanity too. Extinction silences scientific insights, ends cultural traditions and snuffs out spiritual connections []

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may not replace professional care, chatbots like ChatGPT may help reduce mental health stigma, particularly for people hesitant to seek traditional face-to-face support, according to a study. The team from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia surveyed 73 people who had used ChatGPT for personal mental health support, investigating ChatGPT use and []

SHILLONG: Adita salrangna skang, Uttarakhand adoko Tripura adokni bilsi 24 onggipa MBA chatro Anjel Chakma-ko kragija dake chadrapenba siatahani gimin Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO), kalimpaaniko, kaa dingchaoaniko aro ia aseko raken jegalataha. Ia chatro, Uttarakhand adoko, kalstekako aro doke roako manenba December-ni 26 tariko siangna gita nangahachim. Salgro salaram jolni manderangko iandake asongni []

TURA: Garo Hills-o, mongsongbate West Garo Hills ajani akawe jolrango, bijolini kajinarangko bariata ine matnanganiko Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) jegalataha. West Garo Hills ajani akawe jolrang, chongmotan Rajabala, Phulbari, Bhaitbari, Tikrikilla aro uandakgipa biaprango bijolini kajinako bariate raenga aro bijoliko name onna manjaenga ine matnangenba, adita salrangna skang jinma tombimonganiko ongatangani jaman, iako []

MENDIPATHAR: Robibar salo, skanggipa changna North Garo Hills ajao donggipa Mendipathar Railway Station-oni koelarangko rel gario watataha aro ian Meghalaya adokna gisik raani salba ongaha. Ia koelarangko, West Khasi Hills ajani Shallang-o donggipa koela adamoniko, Rongjeng, Songsak, Soksan rama gita Mendipathar Railway Station-ona rabaaha aro ia koelarangko skanggipa changna rel gario, asongni gipin biaprangona watataha. []

SHILLONG: Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) bobil dolni kamikkenataniko onahani gimin adokni Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar-na bilaken chelchakaniko onna adok sorkari, kurachakaniko onangaha. Adokni pilak manderangnan, janggina kenchakna nangani somoirango adok sorkari, naljokaniko onna kamko kaenga ine adokni Deputy Chief Minister aro Home (Police) Minister Prestone Tynsong parakataha. Talbate aganna nangani kattarang dongjaha indiba []

SHILLONG: Meghalaya adoko Inner Line Permit (ILP) ragatchina dabianiko aro Khasi-Garo kusikrangko Indian Constitution-ni Eighth Schedule-o napatchina dabianiko bilakbatatna gita dilgiparangni gisepo kucholsan ongchina, Shillong-ni Lok Sabha MP Ricky AJ Syngkon didiangaha. Shillong MP-ni aganani gitade, iandakgipa adokni nanganirangna dabianirango, Opposition dolrang pangnan dingtang ramakosa rerongani aselan iandakgipa dabianirango bilgriataniko manrongenga. Dingtang dingtang political party-ni

Editor, Almost a week has passed and we have had no response so far to the anguished plea of a NEHU student. A letter titled, A Students Plea for Sanity Amidst the Noise at NEHU was published in the Shillong Times on Dec 24, 2025. At last a student has spoken, even though she/he wrote []

A sudden showering of praise on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh by Congress veteran Digvijay Singh has sparked a major debate within the political spectrum. Ideologically, the Congress and the RSS that promotes the BJP are poles apart. Its rather unusual for a Congress leader to praise the RSS, also as the two sides always maintained []

By Bhogtoram Mawroh Recently, something extraordinary happened that marked a clear break from tradition. After the demise of Freeman Syiem, the Syiem of Hima Sohrawhom I had met during my PhDit was expected that the KHADC would appoint Marremdor Syiem as the acting Syiem until elections were held. Instead, the KHADC appointed Mynjurlang Majaw, a []

By Arpita Saikia It all started with a fake Gmail ID impersonating a renowned regional history association based in North East India. An email was circulated amongst 20 to 25 recipients announcing prizes for paper presentations at the associations annual conference. Strangely, no such prizes exist. Even more puzzling was the fact that three names []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 29: The BJPs Meghalaya unit on Monday cautioned that the increasing influence of radicalised Islamist groups in Bangladesh could pose serious security challenges for the northeastern region. Party spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said statements from certain quarters in Bangladesh about separating the Northeast is dangerous and warrants close attention. He observed []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 29: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) on Monday urged Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to take the lead in seeking the extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime to the entire Northeast, citing growing security and demographic concerns in the wake of recent remarks made by Bangladeshs []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 29: Police have identified three individuals involved in the arson attack that destroyed three vehicles in Dong Umkor, Pynursla, in the early hours of Sunday. Summonses have been issued to the accused, requiring them to appear for questioning. According to police sources, the incident stemmed from a late-night altercation involving []

A vendor sells seasonal fruit called Sohphlang at Motphran on Monday. (ST)

EPL PREVIEW London, Dec 29: When Aston Villa was on a five-match winless run to start the Premier League season, the team looked more like a potential relegation candidate than a title contender. Manager Unai Emery was describing his players as lazy. Villas big names including England internationals Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers []

Dubai, Dec 29: The ICC on Monday rated the pitch used in Melbourne for the fourth Ashes Test between England and Australia as unsatisfactory and handed the venue one demerit point after it was deemed to be too much in favour of the bowlers in match referee Jeff Crowes assessment report. Twenty wickets fell on []

From Our Correspondent MENDIPATHAR, Dec 29: In a historic first for Meghalaya, Sunday witnessed the first time that a train carrying a consignment of coal, left the states shores through the Mendipathar Railway Station in the district of North Garo Hills (NGH). The consignment of coal originated from Shallang in West Khasi Hills (WKH) from []

New Delhi, Dec 29: Bhutan spinner Sonam Yeshey has scripted history by becoming the first bowler to take eight wickets in a mens T20 International match. The left-arm spinner achieved the unprecedented feat during the third T20I against Myanmar in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, on December 26, according to ESPNCricinfo. The 22-year-old returned remarkable figures []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 29: Tura MP Saleng Sangma has condemned the racial killing of a Tripura student in Uttarakhand and instances of hooliganism by right-wing groups against Christmas revellers reported from different states. He called for stringent action against the killers of Anjel Chakma in Dehradun, pointing out that people from the Northeast []

Melbourne, Dec 29: Head coach Andrew McDonald was wary of making too many changes for the series finale, with valuable ICC World Test Championship points at stake as the Aussies strive for a third successive appearance in the final. The Aussies travel to the SCG for the fifth Test of the series, holding an unassailable []

Biplab Kr Dey Mendipathar, Dec 29: In a historic first for the state of Meghalaya, yesterday witnessed the first time that a train carrying a consignment of coal, left the state through the Mendipathar Railway Station in the district of North Garo Hills (NGH). The consignment of coal originated from Shallang in West Khasi Hills []

Tura, Dec 29: The Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) has issued a clarification over accusations made of power tariff being hiked across the board in the district of West Garo Hills (WGH) as well as the reliability of the power sector. The corporation firstly clarified that an investigation by them into the allegations showed []

New Delhi, Dec 28: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to unveil Indias One-Day International squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand in the first week of January, with a few notable changes on the cards following the tour of South Africa. The series will begin on January []

New Delhi, Dec 28: Australian batter Laura Harris etched her name into the record books on Sunday, equalling the fastest half-century in womens T20 cricket with a breathtaking 15-ball fifty during the Womens Super Smash in New Zealand. The 35-year-old achieved the milestone while representing Otago in their clash against Canterbury at Molyneux Park in []

Melbourne, Dec 28: Melbourne Cricket Ground head curator Matthew Page confessed he was in a state of shock after 20 wickets fell on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test, admitting that the pitch was heavily in favour of the bowlers. Page opted to leave 10mm of grass up from 7mm last year []

Cardiff, Dec 28: Hugh Morris, the former England cricketer who later spent time as chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, has died. He was 62. Glamorgan, the Welsh county team where Morris played his domestic cricket and was captain, said Sunday in a statement that Morris died after an extremely difficult last []

PREMIER LEAGUE London, Dec 28: A dramatic day in the Premier League saw contrasting fortunes at opposite ends of the table, with Leeds United salvaging a hard-earned draw at Sunderland while Aston Villa continued their relentless march near the summit with a stirring comeback victory over Chelsea. Calvert-Lewin extends hot streak as Leeds hold Sunderland []

London, Dec 28: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has acknowledged that his sides ongoing struggles defending set-pieces are proving costly, describing the problem as something that hurts and labelling the second phase of dead-ball situations as a killer for the team. Despite Liverpool securing a 2-1 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on []

New Delhi, Dec 28: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is waiting for a response from the continental body regarding whether Indian Super League (ISL) clubs will get AFC slots even if they play fewer than the mandatory number of matches this season, according to sources. India has two spots in the AFC Champions League []

Rabat, Dec 28: Victor Osimhen scored a rare Africa Cup of Nations goal and Nigeria booked its place in the knockout stage with an ultimately nervy 3-2 win over Tunisia. The Super Eagles almost squandered a three-goal lead as Montassar Talbi pulled a goal back in the 74th minute and Ali Abdi converted a penalty []

SERIE A Rome, Dec 28: Christian Pulisic is on pace for the best season of his career in a season that will conclude with a home World Cup for the United States. The American standout scored the opening goal for AC Milan in a 3-0 victory over Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday []

Rome, Dec 28: Late goals from Pierre Kalulu and Kenan Yildiz earned Juventus a 2-0 win at promoted Pisa as the Bianconeri won their third straight in Serie A. It was a challenge for Luciano Spallettis side, though, as Pisa threatened by twice hitting the woodwork. Following morale-boosting victories over Bologna and Roma, Juventus moved []

Casablanca, Dec 28: When Sudan player Ammar Taifour first heard gunfire outside his hotel room, he shrugged it off and went back to sleep. He had a soccer match to play. But hours later, gunfire erupted again and gunmen surrounded the hotel in Omdurman, central Sudan, trying to seize control of the area. Taifour, a []

Dhaka, Dec 28: Dhaka on Sunday rejected concerns raised by India over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, calling it an inaccurate, exaggerated, or motivated narrative that does not reflect the facts. Indias Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said the unremitting hostilities against minorities in Bangladesh are a matter of grave concern. It demanded []

Lahore, Dec 28: Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has admitted that India attacked its Nur Khan airbase in the early hours of May 10, in possibly a first-time admission eight months after the four-day armed conflict between the two countries. Dar also said that Islamabad did not request mediation between Pakistan and India during []

Kathmandu, Dec 28: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the fourth-largest political party in Nepals dissolved House of Representatives, will head into the upcoming parliamentary elections by presenting Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah as its candidate for the countrys next Prime Minister. RSP President Rabi Lamichhane and Shah, both widely regarded as popular political figures, []

Yangon, Dec 28: Voters went to the polls Sunday for the initial phase of Myanmars first general election in five years, held under the supervision of its military government while a civil war rages throughout much of the country. Final results will not be known until after two more rounds of voting are completed later []

New Delhi, Dec 28: The International Monetary Funds Executive Board has paradoxically approved another $1.29 billion as financial support for Pakistan despite the multilateral institutions own report highlighting the corruption in the debt-ridden country, which is coming in the way of repaying these loans. The IMF has just released a 186-page Governance and Corruption Diagnostic []

Refugee health is often discussed in terms of crises such as disease outbreaks, malnutrition and psychological distress. But some of the most serious effects of displacement are harder to see. One example is how forced migration can change the bacteria in the gut that support immunity and long-term health. The human gut contains trillions of []