The Shillong Times News

Dhaka, Dec 11: Bangladesh will hold the general elections on February 12, its first since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in a violent student-led protest in August 2024. Voting will take place on February 12, 2026, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin said in []

Agencies warn of rising LeT-JeM activity next door DHAKA, Dec 11: Indian intelligence agencies have uncovered what they believe to be a major ISI-backed terror mobilisation centered in Bangladesh, raising alarms about a potentially significant strike being prepared against India. According to officials, a group of operatives from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has []

BANGKOK, Dec 11: A military airstrike in Myanmar destroyed a hospital in Mrauk-U township, Rakhine state, killing 34 patients and staff and injuring around 80 others, local rescue workers and media report. The hospital, a vital healthcare facility in a region where most hospitals have closed due to ongoing conflict, is in an area controlled []

Islamabad, Dec 11: The United States has approved the sale of advanced technology and support for F-16 fighter jets valued at USD 686 million to Pakistan. The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), in a letter sent to Congress on Monday, gave the approval. The package includes Link-16 systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics updates, training, and []

KATHMANDU, Dec 11: Former Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has asserted that ongoing efforts by both domestic and international forces to weaken or eliminate Nepals communist parties will not succeed. Speaking at a media interaction ahead of the Communist Party of NepalUnified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) 11th General Convention, Oli argued that similar attempts in Nepals []

WASHINGTON, Dec 11: Mexicos Congress has approved a bill imposing higher tariffs on imports from India, China, Brazil, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and other nations with which it lacks free trade agreements (FTAs). The measure, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, was passed by the Senate after []

Deir al-Balah, Dec 11: A winter storm swept through Gaza, flooding tent camps and highlighting the territorys dire humanitarian crisis. Thousands of Palestinians displaced by the Israel-Hamas war faced waterlogged shelters, leaking tents, and unsanitary conditions, with over 2,500 distress calls reported since the storm began. Children, the elderly, and sick residents were particularly affected. []

Mumbai, Dec 11: The rupee plunged 38 paise to close at an all-time low of 90.32 against the US dollar on Thursday amid uncertainty over the India-US trade deal. Traders said the rupee is expected to trade with a negative bias as the delay in the trade deal between India and US may continue to []

Mumbai, Dec 11: The US should sign the free trade agreement with India if Washington is happy with what has been offered by New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday. Goyal welcomed the Trump administrations views on Indias offer, but refrained from giving a deadline for the signing of the long-awaited []

Mullanpur, Dec 11: The lean run of Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav was extended as Indian batters stumbled on a good batting surface to lose the second T20 against South Africa by 51 runs here on Thursday. Quinton de Kock made an effortless 90 of 46 balls, pushing South Africa to a challenging 213 for []

U-19 Asia Cup | starts today Dubai, Dec 11: Indias Asia Cup U-19 campaign will be fronted by Gen Z batting sensations Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, but equal focus would be on whether the BCCI allows the youngsters to exchange handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts, in what would be construed as maintaining sporting civility []

Growing mistrust of tap water has helped turn bottled water into a global staple, even in countries where public supplies are among the most rigorously tested. Marketing has positioned bottled water as purer, healthier and more convenient, but the scientific evidence tells a different story. This perception of purity is central to bottled waters appeal, []

Ocean temperatures warmed by human-caused climate change fed the intense rainfall that triggered deadly floods and landslides across Asia in recent weeks, according to an analysis released on Wednesday. The rapid study by World Weather Attribution focused on heavy rainfall from cyclones Senyar and Ditwah in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka starting late last []

Melbourne, Dec 11: Australia has named its 15-member squad for the ICC Under-19 World Cup scheduled for early next year, with two Indian-origin youngsters Aryan Sharma and John James earning spots in the travelling party. The squad, headed by U-19 mens head coach Tim Nielsen and supported by assistants Luke Butterworth and Travis []

New Delhi, Dec 11: Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers said he agrees to a certain extent with India head coach Gautam Gambhirs belief that ODI batting orders are overrated, but stressed the need for teams to balance flexibility with clearly defined roles. Following Indias 2-1 ODI series win against South Africa, Gambhir had []

Wellington, Dec 11: Mitch Hay scored 61 in his first Test innings on Thursday to help New Zealand to a 73-run first-innings lead over the West Indies on the second day of the second Test. The wicketkeeper-batter who cut his teeth in seven one-day internationals and 12 T20s was called into Test cricket as a []

TURA: West Garo Hills ajani Demdema C&RD Block ningo MGNREGA-ni kamrango bangen onggija dakanirang donga ine matnanganirangko manani jaman, ia onggija dakanio jak donggipa block official-rang aro village employment council (VEC)-ko dilenggipa manderangni kosako rakgipa jakurangko dechina Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (COMSO)-ni advisor Cherian Momin, State Rural Employment Society (SRES)-ni Mission Director-ko didiataha. Demdema []

London, Dec 11: Sergio Ramos, who bade farewell to Monterrey fans on Tuesday by closing the latest chapter of a career that has spanned more than two decades, is likely to be roped in by Manchester United to strengthen their defence. It is reported that United have made an offer to the 39-year-old Ramos and []

Cooch Behar Trophy By Our Reporter Shillong, Dec 11: Meghalaya required around 90 minutes to remove the remaining four Nagaland batters and win their U-19 mens Cooch Behar Trophy 2025-26 plate group match by a convincing 109 runs on the morning of the fourth and final day at the MCA Ground here. Resuming on 208/6 []

By Our Reporter Shillong, Dec 11: Meghalaya took a decisive step toward reshaping its sporting future on Wednesday as Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma laid the foundation stone for the ambitious Mawkhanu Football Stadium Complex in New Shillong. Envisioned as a 40,000-seater arena and carrying an estimated cost of 732 crore, the project is being []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 11: The High Court of Meghalaya on Thursday fixed strict deadlines for the state government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to remove all hurdles and ensure the early commencement of the long-pending expansion of Shillong Airport. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh, []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 11: Black flags and banners appeared across the city on Thursday as the KSU marked the sixth anniversary of the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019. The protest was part of a coordinated action by the North East Students Organisation (NESO), of which KSU is a constituent member. []

From Our Correspondent NONGPOH, Dec 11: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday inaugurated Meghalayas first Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Pahamsyiem in Ri Bhoi district. Constructed with support from the Tribal Affairs Ministry, the school has already started its academic session. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones for two additional projects []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 11: Amid growing whispers of dissatisfaction following the recent Cabinet reshuffle, United Democratic Party (UDP) chief and Cabinet Minister Metbah Lyngdoh on Thursday attempted to steady the partys public posture, asserting that the organisation remained confident about its direction. When asked about reports that several leaders were unhappy and rumours []

FIH Mens Junior World Cup CHENNAI, Dec 10: India produced a brave-heart performance, nullifying a two-goal deficit to beat Argentina 4-2 and clinch the bronze medal in the FIH Mens Junior World Cup here on Wednesday. India, who won the title in 2016 in Lucknow, failed to finish on the podium on the last two []

NEW DELHI, Dec 10: The inaugural edition of the Shooting League of India (SLI) will be held from February 16 to 26 next year, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) said on Wednesday. The dates have been finalised in alignment with the International Shooting Sport Federations (ISSF) 2026 calendar to avoid clashes with major []

SANTIAGO (Chile), Dec 10: Goalkeeper Nidhi made several brilliant saves as India defeated Uruguay 3-1 in shootout after an intense 1-1 draw to stay in contention for a ninth place finish in the hockey Junior Womens World Cup here. Manisha (19) scored for India while Justina Arregui (60) slammed the equaliser for Uruguay on Tuesday []

LONDON, Dec 10: Linda Caicedo raced clear from halfway to score the goal that clinched Real Madrid a 2-0 win over Wolfsburg in the Womens Champions League on Tuesday, while there were also victories for defending champion Arsenal and Juventus. Paris Saint-Germain stayed winless after five rounds after a 0-0 draw with OH Leuven, however, []

ODISHA MASTERS CUTTACK, Dec 10: Top seeds Unnati Hooda and Tharun Mannepalli as well as other leading Indian shuttlers progressed comfortably to the pre-quarterfinals across singles categories of the Odisha Masters Super 100, here on Wednesday. In womens singles, Unnati began her campaign in commanding fashion, defeating UAEs P. Bharath 21-12, 21-18. Sixth seed Anmol []

LAHORE, Dec 10: A Cricket Australia (CA) delegation is in Lahore to review security arrangements ahead of the teams three-match T20I series against Pakistan in January. The delegation includes an independent security advisor and an official of the Australian Cricketers Association. Australia will tour Pakistan in early next year for a white-ball series, scheduled to []

DUBAI, Dec 10: India great Virat Kohlis push to regain the top ODI batter spot received a boost as he moved up to the second place in the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday. Kohli hasnt held the No.1 position for ODI batters since he was displaced by Pakistans Babar Azam in April 2021. But []

FORT LAUDERDALE, Dec 10: Best player. Best team. Inter Miamis Lionel Messi is the unquestioned force in Major League Soccer right now, on a run like nobody else the league has ever seen. =The 38-year-old Argentine star and captain of the MLS Cup champions has become the first back-to-back MVP in MLS history, []

UEFA Champions League London, Dec 10: Even from the penalty spot, Liverpool managed just fine without Mohamed Salah. After leaving the Egypt forward in England, Liverpool got a much-needed boost with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. Barcelona and Bayern Munich celebrated comeback wins and Chelsea lost. With regular []

SSA Champions Cup 2025 By Our Reporter Shillong, Dec 10: Shillong Lajong easily defeated Meghalaya Police 2-0 in the second semifinal of the SSA Champions Cup 2025, which means fans will be treated to the final they would have wanted all along between Nongkseh and Lajong this Saturday. Iohborlang L Lyngkhoi (41) and Deibormame Tongper []

Cooch Behar Trophy By Our Reporter Shillong, Dec 10: Meghalaya are four wickets away from victory against Nagaland in the U-19 mens Cooch Behar Trophy 2025-26 plate group after a crucial last 45 minutes of the third day saw the home side seize the upper hand on Wednesday. Set an imposing target of 375 to []

Dubai, Dec 10: Egypt and Iran, two Middle East nations which target gays and lesbians, have complained to FIFA over a World Cup football match in Seattle that is planned to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride. Leaders in the nations football federations publicly rebuked the idea of playing the match June 26 at Seattle Stadium, which local []

By Our Reporter Shillong-based singer Jayanta Saha has secured a place among the top 50 contestants of Indias Talent Fight Season 6, one of the countrys leading multi-talent reality competitions. The show, promoted by Bollywood personalities Anu Malik, Shakti Kapoor, and Neha Dhupia, and broadcast on major platforms including 9xm Music Channel, Hungama Play, Vi, []

Anurag Kashyaps globally acclaimed directorial Kennedy became the only Indian film to be selected for Letterboxds first-ever Video Store. Letterboxd, a social platform for film lovers to log, review, rate, and discover movies, will officially launch its online film-rental platform, Video Store, on Wednesday. It will feature a curated mix of acclaimed movies, exclusive Academy []

Actors Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia during a promotional event for Ikkis in New Delhi, on Wednesday. (PTI)

Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas is currently in town, in Mumbai. The actress was clicked on the sets of star comedian Kapil Sharmas show, The Great Indian Kapil Show season 4, which is all set to air in a few days. The actress, as always, left everyone mesmerised with her style. She opted for a []

Actor Salman Khan has approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his personality rights. The plea is scheduled to be heard on Thursday by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora. Khan has moved the high court seeking to restrain various social media platforms and e-commerce websites from unauthorisedly using his name, images, persona and likeness []

Mumbai, Dec 10: Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty declined for the third straight day on Wednesday to close at a nearly months low, dragged by a last-hour selloff in consumer durables, private banks and IT shares. In a volatile session, the 30-share BSE Sensex dropped by 275.01 points, or 0.32 per cent, to settle []

Mumbai, Dec 10: The rupee depreciated 7 paise to close at 89.94 against the US dollar on Wednesday, tracking a negative trend in domestic equities and sustained foreign fund outflows. Forex traders said investors are in a wait-and-watch mode, awaiting clarity from the US Federal Reserve before taking decisive positions. Investors are also awaiting cues []

New Delhi, Dec 10: Over two lakh entities have been recognised as startups by the government so far, the Commerce and Industry Ministry said on Wednesday. As on date, a total of 2,01,335 startups has been recognised by DPIIT, and these start-ups have created 21 lakh plus jobs across the country, the Ministry said. (PTI)

KATHMANDU, Dec 10: Nepal has charged 55 former ministers, officials, and the Chinese company China CAMC Engineering Limited with corruption over financial irregularities in the construction of Pokhara International Airport. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority alleged that the parties colluded to inflate project costs by over USD 74 million, making it one []

NEW YORK, Dec 10: A US judge has ruled that secret grand jury transcripts from Jeffrey Epsteins 2019 sex trafficking case can be made public, granting the Justice Departments request to unseal the material. US District Judge Richard M. Berman reversed his earlier decision to keep the files sealed, citing the recently passed Epstein Files []

A young girl looks on as she holds a sandwich at a tent camp for displaced Palestinians on the beach in Gaza City, on Wednesday. (PTI)

Online short-form video has shifted from a light distraction to a constant backdrop in many childrens lives. What used to fill a spare moment now shapes how young people relax, communicate and form opinions, with TikTok, Instagram Reels, Douyin and YouTube Shorts drawing in hundreds of millions of under-18s through endlessly personalised feeds. These apps []

Deodhar trees in Batseri, a scenic village in Sangla valley on the Baspa river in Himachal Pradesh, have revealed a story of shift from wetter spring conditions during the Little Ice Age to the progressively drier conditions since 1757 CE, with increased spring drought years in recent decades, buried in their rings, says a study. []

SHILLONG: Brigipa changna Shillong songjinmani Wards Lake-o ongatenggipa Tri Hills Ensemble-ko Budbar salo, adokni Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, abachengate onangaha aro ia program-ko abachengatanio, adokni Arts & Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai, adok sorkarini Advisor Paul Lyngdoh, adokni Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P Ahammed aro dingtang dingtang official-rangba bak raangtokaha. Ia Tri Hills Ensemble-o Meghalaya []