The Shillong Times

Rongjeng, May 8: In another heartbreaking addition to the calamitous situation faced, mostly by government lower primary schools in the region, a single teacher, since the retirement of his colleague in September last year, has been struggling to run his school, ever since. The school in question is the Darugre Nengbrok Government LP School which []

NEW DELHI, May 7: Indias four-member mens contingent will aim to make a strong impression at the World Squash Championships, which gets underway in Giza, Egypt, on Friday. The Indian challenge will be led by Abhay Singh, alongside Veer Chotrani, Ramit Tandon, and Velavan Senthilkumar, in the prestigious tournament organised by the Professional Squash Association. []

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a visit to the sports and recreation arena in Silvassa. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, May 7: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stressed on timely elections and transparent selections in a day-long stock-taking meet with National Sports Federations (NSFs) here on Thursday, while also urging them to aggressively tackle the menace of doping. Representatives from 37 NSFs, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, Sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao []

AHMEDABAD, May 7: India is set to host the inaugural edition of the World Yogasana Championship from June 4 to 8 here at TransStadia with participation from over 40 countries. Organised under the aegis of World Yogasana, the championship will be hosted by Yogasana Bharat to bring together leading athletes from across the globe. The []

ROME, May 7: Italian Open organizers are supporting tennis players who are urging a boycott unless the Grand Slam tournaments improve their prize money. Angelo Binaghi, the president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, is also campaigning to turn the Rome event into a fifth Grand Slam. The players have targeted the coming French []

Mumbai, May 7: The rupee pared initial losses and settled for the day on a positive note, higher by 27 paise at 94.22 against the greenback on Thursday, as Brent crude and the US dollar index retreated from their elevated levels. Forex traders said Brent oil prices have fallen below USD 100 per barrel on []

SHILLONG: Batanggimin sal somoirangonin, Opposition dol aro Trinamool Congress (TMC)-ni dilgipa Dr Mukul Sangma, National Peoples Party (NPP)-o napna miksongenga ine jangbingbanganirangko knasona manengon, dao dipet iani bidingo NPP-ni dilgiparangde maming kobor dongkuja ine parakatskaaha. Dr Mukul Sangma, NPP-o napna miksonganirang donga ine jangbingbangenggipa kattarangni gimin singdoatengon, dao dipet ua antangde iani bidingo maming kobor []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, May 7: The Meghalaya government has acknowledged that the sheer scale of coal mining in the state, running into over 22,000, especially in East Jaintia Hills, makes effective monitoring and enforcement against illegal operations extremely difficult. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma admitted that the 37th Interim Report of the Justice (retd) []

Protesters storm district council; Hima, dissatisfied, to convene public gathering in Mawkdok By Our Reporter SHILLONG, May 7: Hundreds from Hima Sohra besieged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Thursday, accusing the VPP-led Executive Committee of strangling traditional democracy after the Council refused to formalise the appointment of Maremdor Syiem as the full-fledged []

The exercise would not disrupt academic activities and that teachers would only be required for limited hours over a period of one month: Dy CM By Our Reporter SHILLONG, May 7: The state government on Thursday defended the engagement of schoolteachers for Census 2027 house-listing work, maintaining that the exercise would not disrupt academic activities []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, May 7: PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak on Thursday justified the cost escalation of the Shillong Township Water Supply Scheme (Phase-1), a day after the Hynniewtrep Youth Council had raised concern over it. The projects cost has been revised to Rs 772.96 crore from Rs 538.44 crore. Marak said the revision []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, May 7: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday met the Tourism department to review proposed glamping projects designed to promote high-end tourism in Meghalaya. The chief minister stated that these initiatives will provide sustainable travel experiences and strengthen Meghalayas position as a destination for luxury and eco-friendly tourism. Department officials also []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, May 7: Chief Minister and NPP national president, Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said political parties are free to make claims about forming the next government, but maintained that the final decision would rest with the people and electoral numbers. His remarks came in response to recent assertions by the Meghalaya []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, May 7: The Union of Cook-cum-Helpers under PM POSHAN Meghalaya on Thursday urged Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to release their pending honorarium for the period of February to April 2026. The unions president, Gina Nengnong, made the appeal following a Central Executive Committee meeting at Mawtneng in Ri-Bhoi. She noted []

From Our Correspondent NONGPOH, May 7: Commuters travelling along National Highway-6 have reported significant traffic snarls at the 20 Mer Pahammawlein toll plaza in Ri-Bhoi following a nationwide directive to discontinue manual transactions. Staff at the NHAI-operated plaza informed that the congestion followed an order by the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) to stop []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, May 7: The youth wing of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Thursday sought clarification from Prof Sumarbin Umdor, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong Campus, over the fate of the institutes 2023 recruitment advertisement for non-teaching posts under Group A, Group B, Group C and Group []

From Our Correspondent TURA, May 7: Amanche Marak, daughter of the Danakgre Nokma, has formally objected to the district administration convening meetings and attempting to issue land titles (Assam Schedule pattas) for areas she claims are ancestral clan lands. In a complaint addressed to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of West Garo Hills, Marak highlighted that []

Baghmara, May 7: The FKJGP Nongalbibra circle, through a complaint to the union minister of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari, has supported the call of social activist, Greneth Sangma opposing the transfer of the upcoming NH 217 to the NHIDCL over what they called negligence. Two days ago, Sangma had []

Itanagar, May 7: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday announced the strengthening of the Creative Economy Cell within the Chief Ministers Office to provide institutional support for the states emerging creative sector. He said that the cell will serve as a bridge between local talent and the global industry by facilitating industry linkages, []

Tura, May 7: The daughter of the Nokma of Danakgre under Tura, Amanche Marak has objected to the convening of meetings with presidents and secretaries of various localities which the Government claims as Government land (GAD) without acquisition or compensation. Through a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner, Amanche stated that Writ Petition (C) No. 671 []

TV producer and filmmaker Ekta Kapoor has praised veteran Bollywood actors Jeetendra, Dharmendra, and contemporary star Akshay Kumar, saying their discipline, consistency, and work ethic have played a major role in keeping the Hindi film industry financially strong and creatively active. In a social media post, Ekta Kapoor shared pictures of Jeetendra and Akshay Kumar []

Actors Pedro Pascal, left, and Sigourney Weaver attend the Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu fan event, in Paris, on Tuesday. (PTI)

Kajol shared a handmade thread-based creation on Instagram after the Met Gala 2026, highlighting craftsmanship and dedicating it to artisans. She also referenced her close friends, filmmaker Karan Johar and designer Manish Malhotra, noting their recent participation in the global fashion event. In her post, Kajol wrote that the piece was inspired by the Met []

The Lost Boys and Schmigadoon! led the 2026 Tony Awards nominations with 12 each, followed by Ragtime with 11 and Death of a Salesman with nine. Twenty-four productions were nominated across 26 categories in a strong Broadway season. The nominations also set records. Actress June Squibb became the oldest Tony nominee in history at 96, []

SHANGHAI, May 6: Indian compound mens and womens teams, considered strong medal contenders, endured a disappointing outing in Stage 2 of the Archery World Cup, failing to secure a podium finish after crumbling in crunch situations here on Wednesday. The biggest setback came from the womens team, who had won Indias only gold medal at []

LONDON, May 6: Indias underwhelming campaign at the World Table Tennis Team Championships ended with womens 1-3 loss to USA in the round of 32 here. The men too lost in a round of 32 clash against Austria on Tuesday. Manika Batra was the only one who made an impact in the rubber, winning her []

TUMAKURU, May 6: The exit of eighth seed Akanksha Dileep Nitture in the womens singles was the lone jarring note in an otherwise impressive second day outing for Indian players in the ITF W15 Tumakuru Open here on Wednesday.Akanksha was outplayed by Arina Arifullina in a one-sided 6-1, 6-1 Round of 32 match. Akanksha, coming []

NEW DELHI, May 6: The Sports Ministry on Wednesday said the blanket ban on bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan that was imposed last year will remain in force but athletes from across the border will not be stopped from coming here for multi-lateral events. The ministry also reiterated its commitment to simplify the visa process []

CPF scheme-ni bidingo dilsretna jotton kaa ine skigiparang matnanga SHILLONG: Meghalaya Non-Government Schools and Colleges Employees Centralised Provident Fund Scheme, 2026-ko adokni deficit skul aro college-rango kam kagiparang jegaltokengani gimin Budbar salo, Education department-ni official-rang baksa tome chanchirimani chusokgipa ongna manjaha. Education department-ni tomaniko ongatanio official-rang, CPF 2026 scheme-ni gimin dilsretna jotton kaaha ine Khasi []

Ja 15-ni gisepon kamrangko matchotnaba gnang SHILLONG: Meghalaya adoko tourism aro rea doani cholrangko tangdoatna gita Shillong airport-ni runway-ko bakrodapate tarina mamong sorkari, contract-ko onmanaha ine Budbar salo, adokni Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma parakataha. Ia kamko ja 15-ni gisepon matchotna kadongenga ine janapatengon, kamrangko matchotahaode Shillong airport-oni dalkalgipa sildorengrangkoba watna mangnok ine Chief Minister []

SHILLONG: Bilsi 15-na sorkariko chalaiani jaman ia bilsini West Bengal Assembly election-o Trinamool Congress (TMC) amako manahaoba ia party, Meghalaya adoko aro asong gimikon bilgria ongkuja ine TMC Meghalaya-ni dilgiparang akangataha. TMC-ni state president aro Nongthymmai-ni MLA Charles Pyngrope-ni aganani gitade, West Bengal adoko TMC sorkari ia chang amako manahaoba ian party bilgriaha ine mesoka []

Tourism-ko chusokgipa ongatna pilakkon bakrime kam kachina CM didia SHILLONG: Empowerment of Tourism Champions of Meghalaya program-ko Budbar salo, Ri Bhoi ajani Umiam-o donggipa Orchid Lake-o ongatangaha aro ia program-ko ongatanio adokni Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, mongsonggipa sokgipa onge bak raangaha. Ia program-ko ongatanio adokni Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Tourism Minister Timothy D []

AMPATI: 100 Days Tuberculosis (TB) Campaign-ni ningo TB aro Non-Communicable Disease (NCD)-na Screening Drive dakani program-ko South West Garo Hills ajani pilak sorkari department aro office-rangon, ia bilsini June jaona ongatanggen ine South West Garo Hills ajani Deputy Commissioner parakataha. Ia Screening Drive ba porikka raani program-ko SWGH ajani Health Department, dingtang dingtang department-rang baksa []

Madrid, April 27: Rayo Vallecano rallied late to draw 3-3 with Real Sociedad in a Spanish league match marked by a sudden turn of events after VAR erased a Rayo goal and awarded a penalty kick to Sociedad instead. Rayo thought it had equalised 2-2 through Pedro Diaz in the 69th minute at Vallecas Stadium []

Milan, April 27: Inter Milan moved a step closer to the Serie A title but the Nerazzurri made it slightly more difficult for themselves by letting slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Torino. That left Inter 10 points ahead of second-placed Napoli, with four rounds remaining. A win on Sunday would have left []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 27: The Meghalaya Cricket Associations (MCA) Indoor Cricket Academy at Kurkalang in Ri-Bhoi, is set for formal inauguration on Wednesday as part of a landmark ceremony in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate indoor stadiums across six north eastern states (Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradaesh) []

Lajong, Nangkiew Irat, Khimusniang continue winning run By Our Reporter Shillong, April 27: Big teams like Shillong Lajong FC, Nangkiew Irat SC and Khimusniang SC continued to win by large margins in the 5th Meghalaya State League but there were results in several other groups that made things extra interesting. Heavy rain was witnessed across []

By Our Reporter Shillong, April 27: Mawlai Mawroh came alive once again with the start of the State Boxing Championship 2025-26, with young pugilists giving it their all in the ring for the glory of their district or club. The four-day event is organised by the Meghalaya Boxing Association (MBA) with support from the Directorate []

Antoine Fuquas biopic Michael, based on the life of Michael Jackson, has achieved a strong global box office debut, earning about $97 million in the US and $217.4 million worldwide in its opening weekend. Despite its commercial success, the director revealed that the project faced significant creative, logistical, and ethical challenges during production. Fuqua described []

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt arrives at the National Commission for Women (NCW) office after being summoned over alleged obscenity in a song from the film KD: The Devil, in New Delhi, on Monday. (PTI)

Emily Blunt has revealed that she felt intimidated while working with Meryl Streep during the filming of The Devil Wears Prada. Speaking at a SiriusXM Front Row conversation hosted by Andy Cohen, Blunt reunited with Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Stanley Tucci to discuss both the original film and its upcoming sequel. Blunt admitted that she []

Actor Sanjay Dutt appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) over the controversy surrounding the song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from the film KD The Devil. He submitted a written apology, expressing regret for any unintended harm caused and addressing concerns about alleged vulgarity and the portrayal of women in the song. The NCW, []

A construction worker died while assembling the stage for Shakiras upcoming Brazil concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, organizers confirmed. The incident occurred on April 26 during preparations for the Todo Mundo No Rio event, part of Shakiras 2025 global tour. According to officials, emergency services were called immediately after the accident, and []

DUBAI, April 27: Iran has reportedly offered to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its own blockade and ending the ongoing war, according to two regional officials involved in mediation efforts. The proposal, passed to Washington through Pakistan, suggests that discussions on Irans nuclear programme would []

Iran cites gains in Pakistan talks as peace efforts falter MOSCOW, April 27: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described his recent visit to Islamabad as very productive after arriving in Russia on Monday, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts amid uncertainty over peace talks related to the West Asia conflict. Speaking upon arrival in St. Petersburg, Araghchi []

Fadi Al Zein, who lost both his homes in Israeli strikes in his village of Khiam and in Dahiyeh, searches through the rubble of his heavily damaged home as a child stands nearby, in Beiruts southern suburbs, Lebanon, on Saturday. (AP)

DHAKA, April 27: Members of the Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association have decided to bar lawyers affiliated with the Awami League from contesting the upcoming SCBA elections scheduled for May 1314, 2026. The decision was made during an extraordinary general meeting in Dhaka attended by around 300 lawyers. The meeting was chaired by Senior Vice []

Guwahati, April 27: Assam BJP Mahila Morcha president and Mangaldoi constituency candidate Nilima Devi on Monday extended strong support to the Womens Reservation Bill and claimed that the Congress had opposed measures aimed at empowering women politically. Addressing reporters here, Devi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken a historic and decisive step by bringing []