The Shillong Times

The Spaniard becomes youngest man to complete career Grand Slam Melbourne, Feb 1: Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest man ever to complete a career Grand Slam after securing the Australian Open title against Novak Djokovic, who had never lost in his 10 previous finals at Melbourne Park. The top-ranked Alcaraz dropped the first set Sunday []

Tata Steel Masters Wijk Aan Zee (The Netherlands), Feb 1: World Champion D Gukesh played out a draw with Hans Moke Niemann in the 12th and penultimate round while Nodirbek Abdusattorov regained sole lead with a crushing victory over Matthias Bluebaum to inch closer to the title, here Sunday. Javokhir Sindarov did not risk anything []

WPL 2026 Vadodara, Feb 1: Delhi Capitals huffed and puffed but eventually got over the line in a modest run-chase by five wickets to beat UP Warriorz and make their way into the Eliminator clash of the Womens Premier League, here on Sunday. Delhis win, with five wickets and eight balls to spare, also knocked []

Editor, The Shillong Times of Jan 30, 2026 carried a letter titled The Youth of Today. The writer made several observations about the behaviour of children today. These observations are no doubt visible to all of us. Adolescents and teenagers are still transitioning into adults. Formation into adults happens only by the mid or late []

The Union Budget presented in Parliament, unusually on a Sunday, is at best, lacklustre. The government has not even made any pretence at populism. Nor is there any big push on any front. Income Tax rules remain mostly untouched this time, but some reliefs in the regulations are evident. More funds have been earmarked for []

By H.H. Mohrmen There were two news items that appeared in the public domain recently which had a connection with Bangladesh. The first was the arrest of a Bangladeshi national near Lad Denthring, close to Jowai, and the second was the visit of the Shillong MP to the border. In this article, I will try []

By Shahruk Ahmed Mazumdar When it comes to air pollution, most Indians think of North India, especially Delhi. It is a fact, though. However, recent reports indicate that states in northeastern India are also facing air pollution issues. But compared to Delhi or North India, the air pollution condition in the northeastern states is particularly []

PAKISTAN to boycott India MATCH ON FEB 15 but compete in tournament Lahore, Feb 1: Pakistan on Sunday formally announced that it will boycott its marquee group-stage clash against India at the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, while confirming participation in the remainder of the tournament, a decision that ends days of speculation but []

New Delhi, Feb 1: The International Cricket Council is set to take a slew of punitive actions against Pakistan in the wake of their governments decision to boycott the T20 World Cup match against India, including a possible ban from the upcoming edition of the marquee event. The other sanctions could range from top member []

Nagpur, Feb 1: Defending champions Vidarbha defeated Uttar Pradesh by four wickets but still failed to qualify for the knockout round as Andhra and Jharkhand progressed to the quarterfinals of the elite Ranji Trophy on net run rate from Group A here on Sunday. Despite win over UP, Vidarbha finished third in Group A on []

Mohali, Feb 1: Skipper Devdutt Padikkal continued with his run-scoring spree as his 85-ball-120 took Karnataka into the quarterfinals of Ranji Trophy, with a five-wicket victory over Punjab in their final Group B encounter here on Sunday. Karnataka (27 points), thus joined Madhya Pradesh (28 points) who had already beaten Maharashtra on Saturday, to make []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Feb 1: The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated over Rs 328 crore to Meghalaya under various Finance Commission grants to strengthen grassroots governance, urban services, and disaster preparedness. The allocations include Rs 190 crore for Rural Local Bodies (RLB), Rs 49 crore for Urban Local Bodies (ULB), Rs 63 crore for []

Dehradun, Feb 1: Uttarakhand thrashed Assam by an innings and 42 runs to clinch a bonus-point victory in their final league match here on Sunday and join Group C table-toppers Bengal in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals. Bengal (36 points) had already secured their knockout berth and stayed unbeaten in the group, completing a commanding 188-run []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Feb 1: The state government will soon implement the Meghalaya Sportsperson Direct Recruitment Policy, under which sportspersons who bring laurels to the State at national and international events will be directly appointed to government jobs, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla announced on Saturday. Speaking at the closing ceremony of []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Feb 1: With the tenure of National Peoples Party (NPP) Rajya Sabha MP Wanwei Roy Kharlukhi set to end on June 21, internal discussions within the party have reportedly intensified over the choice of nominee for Meghalayas lone Upper House seat. The deliberations have sparked quiet rumblings, particularly along regional lines. []

Mumbai, Feb 1: Skipper Ayush Dosejas unbeaten 159 helped Delhi force a draw against table-toppers Mumbai, while Jammu and Kashmir joined the 42-time champions in the quarterfinals from Elite Group D of the Ranji Trophy here on Sunday. Dosejas 230-ball 159 which included 11 fours and two sixes kept Mumbai at bay and the two []

Rimpu Bagan case By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Feb 1: State BJP vice president and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak has said that the Meghalaya Human Rights Commissions decision in the Rimpu Bagan case has established that the youths arrested during the raid were unlawfully and illegally implicated. Marak stated that the relief granted to the []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Feb 1: The Supreme Court of India has allowed the appeals filed by Bernard Lyngdoh Phawa and Boni Lyngdoh Phawa, overturning the judgment of the High Court of Meghalaya that had sentenced them to life imprisonment in a 2006 murder case. The matter pertains to the death of Biplab Das, a []

From Our Correspondent MAWKYRWAT, Feb 1: Despite being contracted by the government to build a protective flood wall, a Guwahati-based construction firm, Bhagya Traders, has been served a 10-day ultimatum by villagers in Balat, South West Khasi Hills, for allegedly violating a previous official ban and rampantly extracting stones, thereby accelerating soil erosion and risking []

I myself left the religion long ago Uorfi Javed expelled from Islam, given Hindu name Geeta Bharadwaj Actress and social media personality Uorfi Javed has finally reacted strongly to news circulating online about her religion and identity, stating that she does not follow any religion. The clarification from Uorfi has come after social media influencer []

A teaser from the new track from producer Sajid Nadiadwalas ORomeo has been unveiled in Saturday. Titled as Ishq Ka Fever, and sung by Arijit Singh, the song arrives as a quiet reminder of why his voice has long been the sound of love for a generation: intimate, aching, and deeply human. Dropping at a []

This is a Colonels look Actor Salman Khan has brushed aside online criticism surrounding his look from the upcoming film Battle of Galwan, saying that he is portraying the role of a Colonel and the appearance reflects the characters responsibility of motivating and leading his men. A video shared by a fan account on X []

Hollywood actress Halle Berry is not bending against age-shaming by society. The actress has said that she refuses to be ashamed of her age and feels more valuable now than ever as she approaches her 60th birthday. The Hollywood actress, who will hit the milestone in August, has opened up about the difficulties facing women []

SHILLONG: Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Examinations 2027 ba porikkako December jao ongatgen ine Meghalaya sorkari parakaha. Education Department-ni Under Secretary J.G Kharbuli-ni uiatani gita, December jao porikkako ongatna gita sorkari tik kaaha jekon bilo donge kam kagipa authority rachaka. School Education and Literacy, Meghalaya-ni Director-ko adokni gimik secondary school-rangko porikkani tarikna skang uamangni academic []

TURA: South West Garo Hills District-o Indian National Congress (INC)-na kam kagipa agipi dilgiparang Sonibaro Party-oni ongkatgrimanga. South West Garo Hills District Congress Committee (DCC)-ni President Learmilford A Sangma unbaksa gipin agipi dilgiparang aro office bearer-rang party-oni ongkatgrimtokaha. Party-oni ongkatgiparangara, Pillarson B. Marak, General Secretary, DCC SWGH; Tengman M. Marak, Vice President, Salmanpara Block Congress []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Jan 30: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday called on Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi. Sources said the meeting focused on issues concerning Meghalaya, including matters related to development initiatives and coordination between the Centre and the state. The interaction comes amid the state governments continued engagement with []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Jan 30: Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya on Friday observed the 78th Martyrs Day (Shaheed Diwas) with solemn tributes and a two-minute silence in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Indias freedom. The day also marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. In Shillong, senior government []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Jan 30: A 27-year-old man from Shillong has been missing since January 27 from his residence. According to a lookout notice issued by the Office of the East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, the missing person has been identified as Dinesh Chettri, son of (L) Ratna Bahadur Chettri and a resident []

At the much-talked-aboutSnow Festival,Joziah Ryan K Lyngdohdiscovers a striking contrast between idea and reality. The Snow Festival, recently held in Shillong, was introduced as a novel attraction aimed at offering visitors a unique experience in the city. Designed to spark curiosity and excitement, the event drew attention through extensive promotion and the promise of an []

By BIJOYA SAWIAN The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) was the brainchild of Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple and established in 2006.Now, twenty years later,it has emerged as the most prestigious gathering of writers, thinkers, artists, critics,scholars, publishers and readers from across the globe.They call it the greatest literary show on earth. Frankly,I dont like the []

BRUSSELS, Jan 29: The European Union on Thursday sanctioned 15 Iranian officials, including top commanders of the Revolutionary Guard, and six organizations over Tehrans deadly crackdown on nationwide protests, which activists say have killed over 6,300 people. The sanctions come amid growing US threats of military action and deployment of naval forces to the Middle []

BEIJING/London, Jan 29: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged the United Kingdom to jointly advocate and practice true multilateralism during talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing, the first visit by a British prime minister to China in eight years. Meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said international law can []

Rohtak, Jan 29: Veteran Sudip Chatterjee struck a resolute half-century to hold the Bengal innings together as the visitors recovered to 168 for five on a curtailed opening day of their Ranji Trophy Group C match against Haryana here on Thursday. Only 58 overs were possible after a delayed start due to dense fog, but []

Mumbai, Jan 29: Home team Mumbais players were on Thursday forced to put on face masks to protect themselves from pollution caused by construction on the first day of their Ranji Trophy tie against Delhi. India and Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan, his younger brother Musheer Khan and spinner Himanshu Singh were seen wearing face masks []

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Group D Mumbai, Jan 29: Sanat Sangwan struck a fine hundred for Delhi against Mumbai before the visitors were shot out for 221 on day one of their Group D Ranji Trophy contest, with Mohit Avasthi claiming 5/62 here on Thursday. While Sangwan (118) stood tall with a resolute ton his []

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Group B Mohali, Jan 29: Emanjot Singh Chahal made a gritty 77 not out in his first-class comeback to lift Punjab to a competitive 303 for nine against Karnataka on the opening day of their final league Ranji Trophy Group B fixture here on Thursday. Having reduced Punjab to 168 for six, []

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Group A Nagpur, Jan 29: India international Dhruv Jurel missed out on a deserving ton by just four runs as his team Uttar Pradesh was bowled out for 237, courtesy a six-wicket haul from Vidarbha left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey on day one of their final Group A Ranji Trophy league fixture here. []

Australian Open Melbourne, Jan 29: Not even a point penalty for hindrance slowed Aryna Sabalenkas run to a fourth consecutive Australian Open final. The top-ranked Sabalenka overpowered Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 Thursday night to move within one victory of a third Australian Open title in four years. A rematch of the 2023 final against Elena []

New Delhi, Jan 29: The Delhi High Court on Thursday clarified there was no stay on proceedings in the trial court in the sexual harassment case by several women wrestlers against former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma made the statement while listing the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chiefs []

From Our Correspondent Tura, Jan 29: The West Garo Hills district administration has issued an order prohibiting the digging of soil and any form of damage, alteration, or misuse of protected structures along the 15km stretch of the Wadagokgre archaeological site. The order, passed on January 27, aims to protect the historical site from decades []

WPL 2026 Vadodara, Jan 29: Former champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hammered UP Warriorz by eight wickets to enter the WPL final and virtually knock the opposition out of the playoff race here on Thursday. Nadine de Klerks superb 4/22 and Grace Harris 2/22 powered a spirited RCB comeback with the ball as UP Warriorz squandered []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Jan 29: Shillong will host an international conference titled Scaling Nature-based Solutions for Himalayan Resilience on January 3031, 2026. Organised by the Government of Meghalaya in partnership with the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the event will bring together policymakers, researchers, development []

Tura, Jan 29: In a major announcement that could be a game changer for the future, the district administration of West Garo Hills has passed an order prohibiting the digging of soil or damage, alteration, removal, misuse or injury to the protected structures all along the 15 (fifteen) km stretch of Wadagokgre Archaeological site. The []

Many whos who from the entertainment industry mourned the loss of Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who passed away in a tragic plane crash at his hometown, Baramati, at the age of 66. Irreplaceable void: Riteish Deshmukh Actor Riteish Deshmukh on Wednesday condoled the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, []

From left, actors Mona Singh, Anya Singh, Medha Rana and Sonam Bajwa during a get-together of Border 2 team in Mumbai, on Tuesday. (PTI)

Hollywood star and humanitarian Angelina Jolie has drawn attention to the human cost of the protests in Iran, sharing a poignant image of a seven-year-old girl standing at her mothers grave. Jolie, shared a photo of a child lying on her mothers grave and crying. Jolie identified the child as the daughter of Parisa Lashkari, []

The controversy erupted after social media influencer Orry made cryptic remarks and claims online, which went viral over social media, dragging Sara, Ibrahim and Amrita Singh. Actress Sara Ali Khan recently was spotted at the airport, turning heads with her sporty look. The actress was seen dressed in a casual athleisure outfit, pairing a zip-up []

Dhaka, Jan 28: As the law and order situation in Bangladesh continues to deteriorate, experts warned that patronage from the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government is inciting organised mobs in the country, local media reported. The remarks were made during a dialogue organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) titled Media Reform in Bangladesh: Between []

WASHINGTON, Jan 28: Uncertainty is increasing over Bangladeshs February 12 elections as US engagement declines and support for democratic institutions weakens, according to Mark Warner, chairman of the US Senate Intelligence Committee. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Warner said he could not assess whether the polls would be free and fair, citing reduced American []

BRUSSELS, Jan 28: The European Unions ambitious free trade agreement with India highlights Brussels drive to forge new global partnerships as long-standing reliance on the United States faces uncertainty under the Trump administration. The deal reflects growing concern across European capitals over Washingtons unpredictability on trade, defence and diplomacy, prompting the EU to seek greater []