The Shillong Times

Johannesburg, April 21: Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and senior all-rounder Deepti Sharma would like to bring out their respective A games with the Indian womens team trying to pulls all its stops to get back to winning ways against South Africa in the third T20 International here on Wednesday. The Proteas women lead the five-match series []

Cairo, April 21: Leading Indian shooter Shiva Narwal marked his return to the global stage after a long hiatus by clinching gold in the mens 10m air pistol event at the ISSF Junior World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) while Chirag Sharma added to the tally by securing bronze in the same event, here on Tuesday. In addition []

Madrid, April 21: Defending two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz has put his participation at the French Open in doubt because of a right wrist injury. Medical tests in the next few days will determine whether Alcaraz will be able to play in the Grand Slam tournament in a month, he said on Monday. Well see, said []

New Delhi, April 21: Left red-faced after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) designated India as a country with an extremely high risk of doping, the national federation on Tuesday said it will work with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the Sports Ministry to quickly come out of the category of worst doping offenders. India []

Rajgir, April 21: Haryana were crowned the mens champions at the 13th Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship after registering a hard-fought 17-12 victory over Maharashtra in the final here on Tuesday. Haryana held their nerve in key moments to edge past Maharashtra, reclaiming the national title after finishing runners-up last year. Earlier in the day, []

New Delhi, April 21: With an eye on the upcoming Asian Games and the long-term build-up to the 2028 Olympics, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Tuesday appointed three foreign coaches and a High Performance Director to bolster the national camps, marking a return to overseas expertise after a gap of several years. Georgias []

Junior & Youth National TT Cships: TN, WB in semifinals Dehradun, April 21: Top seeds Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with Assam and Maharashtra, booked their places in the semifinals of the boys team event at the UTT Inter-State Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships here on Tuesday. Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam []

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD, April 21: US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Iran if no agreement is reached before the end of a fragile two-week ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday, sharply escalating tensions as Pakistan continues efforts to mediate talks between Washington and Tehran. His remarks come amid growing uncertainty over whether the planned second []

CAIRO, April 21: After the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, Irans leadership has not collapsed but is entering a fragile and uncertain phase, with upcoming negotiations posing a major challenge. His successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has remained largely out of public view amid reports he was wounded, leaving questions about how effectively []

Mumbai, April 21: Stock markets advanced for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, with Sensex jumping by 753 points and broader Nifty closing above 24,550 following a drop in crude oil prices and hopes for progress on peace talks between Iran and the US. The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 753.03 points or 0.96 per cent []

Mumbai, April 21: The rupee declined 32 paise to close at 93.48 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday, weighed down by a steady American currency and volatile crude oil prices amid uncertainties over the progress of West Asia peace negotiations. Positive domestic equity markets failed to boost local currency, which also had some impact []

Bijoliko kimitna nangani somoirango pangnan uiataniko onchengronga ine akanga SHILLONG: Maiba kamrangna bijoliko kimitna nangani somoirango pangnan sorkari, uiatanirangko onchengronga ine Mongolbar salo, adokni Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh akangatenba, daororo bijolini sianiara, mikka balwarang tarakani aselsa ongenga ineba talataniko onangaha. Power Minister-ni parakatani gitade, adokni badiaba biaprango maiba kamrangna bijoliko kimitna nangani somoirango, pangnan manderangna []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 21: Families in East Jaintia Hills, traditionally dependent on coal-mining, have seen their livelihoods crushed since the 2014 National Green Tribunal ban on rat-hole coal mining. Once bustling with mining activities, villages in the district now grapple with debt and despairas indirect jobs vanish alongside direct mining work. Sutnga-Saipung MLA []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 21: The Airports Authority of India has allotted the tender for the expansion of the Shillong Airport, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Tuesday. The contractor is expected to start the work shortly, he said while adding that officers of the Transport Department have been asked to communicate with []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 21: A day after a landslide claimed two lives inside a vehicle at Mawlieh along the Shillong-Dawki Road, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, announced plans for further land acquisition to permanently resolve recurring landslides. Tynsong called the incident unfortunate and revealed he had directed the SDO (Civil), police, NHIDCL, and []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 21: The UDP has backed the state governments decision to exclude Lumpongdeng Island from the proposed Umiam Luxury Resort and Spa project. Cabinet Minister and UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh said the government has taken a conscious decision by respecting the peoples voice.

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 21: The expansion of the Shillong-Dawki road is being paved with the lives of local residents, as the death toll rose to nine on Monday amid allegations that NHIDCL and its contractors are ignoring basic safety protocols in the treacherous Rngain-Mawlieh corridor. The latest tragedy occurred at approximately 5:30 pm []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 21: Employees of schools and colleges under the deficit grant-in-aid system in the state on Tuesday opposed the newly notified Meghalaya Non-Government Schools and Colleges Employee Centralised Fund Scheme 2026, stating that it has been unanimously rejected by the stakeholders. Speaking at a press conference at the Shillong Press Club, []

From Our Correspondent JOWAI, April 21: The Jaintia Students Movement (JSM) has urged the state government to intervene after a significant number of Meghalaya candidates appearing for the upcoming Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examinations were assigned centres outside the state. In a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, the JSM highlighted that while candidates []

From Our Correspondent TURA, April 21: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday attended the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Montfort Teacher Training College for Special Education at Danakgre, Tura, marking 25 years of service in inclusive education across the Northeast. The event was attended by Bishop Andrew R Marak, guest of honour Rev Bro []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 21: The Meghalaya government has admitted that the Rs 100-crore Polo Shopping Mall remains non-functional as high rental rates have deterred potential operators. Inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in July last year, the commercial hub has failed to start operations despite its high-profile opening. Deputy Chief Minister in []

From Our Correspondent KHLIEHRIAT, April 21: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Transport Association and the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association has announced an indefinite strike starting April 24 to protest the use of bulker trucks. Following a meeting at Tuberkmaishnong Tahkhniang, JAC secretary Kyrshan Dkhar stated that the []

Ri-Bhoi, (Meghalaya), April 21 : The University of Science & Technology Meghalaya organised a Special Talk on the theme India over the Years and the Future of its Youth at its Central Auditorium on Tuesday. The programme featured Shri Kumar Sanjay Krishna, Retired IAS, former Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, as the distinguished []

Phulbari, April 21: Imagine a household so big that it has a total of 176 voters and another household in the same village apparently has two different communities living under the same roof. Now imagine another household, which in 2005 showed a total of only 4 voters but in just two decades, the same household []

GUWAHATI, April 21: The Assam BJP is gearing for a statewide agitation on Thursday against Congress alleged anti-women stance, with party workers mobilising themselves at the district, mandal and booth levels. To effectively implement the protest programme, Mahila Akrosh, the state BJP has entrusted special responsibilities to 26 leaders, including Member of Parliament from Guwahati, []

Ampati, April 21: The South West Garo Hills Police have secured convictions in two separate cases after successful investigation and trial, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining law and order in the district. In the first case, registered as Ampati Police Station Case No. 78(11)2024 under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita []

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | PBKS FIRST TEAM TO WIN THEIR OPENING SIX MATCHES IN IPL MATCH TODAY SUNRISERS HYDERABAD VS DELHI CAPITALS AT 7:30 PM Ahmedabad, April 20: Tilak Varma played a knock for the ages as his maiden IPL century turned the corner for Mumbai Indians with the five-time champions crushing Gujarat Titans []

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | PBKS FIRST TEAM TO WIN THEIR OPENING SIX MATCHES IN IPL MATCH TODAY SUNRISERS HYDERABAD VS DELHI CAPITALS AT 7:30 PM Karachi, April 20: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a one-year PSL ban on Sri Lankas captain Dasun Shanaka. Shanaka, after initially being named in the Pakistan Super []

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | PBKS FIRST TEAM TO WIN THEIR OPENING SIX MATCHES IN IPL MATCH TODAY SUNRISERS HYDERABAD VS DELHI CAPITALS AT 7:30 PM Hyderabad, April 20: Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani has confirmed that skipper Axar Patel is fit and available for selection ahead of their IPL clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, []

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | PBKS FIRST TEAM TO WIN THEIR OPENING SIX MATCHES IN IPL MATCH TODAY SUNRISERS HYDERABAD VS DELHI CAPITALS AT 7:30 PM New Delhi, April 20: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fast bowler Rasikh Salam Dar said his ultimate ambition is to represent India across formats, and is open to representing the []

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | PBKS FIRST TEAM TO WIN THEIR OPENING SIX MATCHES IN IPL MATCH TODAY SUNRISERS HYDERABAD VS DELHI CAPITALS AT 7:30 PM Kolkata, April 20: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach Shane Watson praised young pacer Kartik Tyagi for his ability to deliver against the best batters in the world, saying []

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | PBKS FIRST TEAM TO WIN THEIR OPENING SIX MATCHES IN IPL MATCH TODAY SUNRISERS HYDERABAD VS DELHI CAPITALS AT 7:30 PM New Delhi, April 20: Punjab Kings well-rounded bowling attack has emerged as a defining force in their IPL 2026 campaign, drawing high praise from former South Africa captain Faf []

By Our Reporter Shillong, April 20: Gorkha Pathshala School and RB AnupChand Hindi Secondary School registered convincing victories in the Inter-School Under-18 Cricket Tournament 2026, organised by the Shillong Cricket Association, with both matches turning into largely one-sided affairs. Gorkha Pathshala School thrashed Little Angels School by 10 wickets after a disciplined bowling display. Opting []

By Our Reporter Shillong, April 20: Nongkseh SSCC rocketed to a humongous 13-0 victory against Umkaber SCC in Group A of the 5th Meghalaya State League at the SSA Stadium here on Monday. It was a day of consolidation for the five Shillong-based clubs who were involved as each registered comfortable victories to go to []

From Our Special Correspondent GUWAHATI, April 20: Assam Cricket Association (ACA) on Monday condoled the passing of Badal Thakur, one of the pioneering figures of Assam cricket and a distinguished former first-class cricketer. With his demise on Sunday evening, Assam cricket has lost one of its most respected torchbearers, whose contributions played a significant role []

From Our Correspondent Khliehriat, April 20: In a quiet but significant build-up to the much-anticipated District Level Inter-School Athletics Meet 2026, the Office of the District Sports Officer (DSO), East Jaintia Hills, on Sunday carried out an extensive screening and document verification drive for student-athletes across the district. Held at the Indoor Stadium in Dkhiah []

By Our Reporter The acclaimed Khasi feature film Ha Lyngkha Bneng The Elysian Field has earned international recognition with its official selection at the New York Indian Film Festival 2026, where it will have its United States premiere from May 29 to 31. Directed by Pradip Kurbah, the film has also been nominated in []

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the long-standing cultural and historical ties between India and South Korea during talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on his maiden state visit to India. He referred to the legendary story of Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya, also known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok, and King Kim Suro of the ancient []

Scottish DJ Calvin Harris wrapped up his debut India tour with a high-energy finale in Delhi-NCR on Sunday night, completing a three-city run that also included Bengaluru and Mumbai. The concert drew massive crowds and marked a major moment for Indias expanding live entertainment industry. Harris delivered a powerful electronic dance music set packed with []

Mumbai, April 20: The rupee pared its initial gains and settled with a loss of 25 paise at 93.16 against the US dollar on Monday, after fresh tension in West Asia led to an increased demand for the American currency and kept crude prices steady. Forex traders said the local currency remained under pressure due []

Mumbai, April 20: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed almost unchanged in a volatile session on Monday as investors turned cautious amid mounting geopolitical headwinds and rising crude oil prices. The 30-share BSE Sensex closed marginally up 26.76 points or 0.03 per cent at 78,520.30. During the day, it hit a high of 78,942.45 and []

Police officers stand guard at a checkpoint to ensure security ahead of the second round of negotiations between the US and Iran, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Monday. (PTI)

ISLAMABAD, April 20: Pakistan is moving ahead with preparations for a new round of talks between the United States and Iran, even as escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz cast doubt on whether the negotiations will take place. The talks are scheduled just days before a fragile ceasefire is set to expire, adding urgency []

BRUSSELS, April 20: More than 60 countries gathered in Brussels for talks with Palestinian representatives focused on stability, security, and long-term peace in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. The meeting comes as global attention remains fixed on broader Middle East crises, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, but signals the European Unions renewed effort to []

BEIJING, April 20: Xi Jinping called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure normal global shipping, emphasizing that it should function as an international waterway. Speaking during a phone call with Mohammed bin Salman, Xi said keeping the route open serves the shared interests of regional nations and the wider international community. []

Islamabad, April 20: Ishaq Dar spoke by telephone on Monday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, urging continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement amid uncertainty over the next round of USIran talks. According to Pakistans Foreign Office, Dar stressed the importance of early and sustained negotiations to resolve pending issues and reduce rising regional tensions. He []

TOKYO, April 20: Japan issued an advisory on Monday for its northern coastal regions after a powerful offshore earthquake raised the possibility of a slightly increased risk of a larger mega-quake. The alert followed a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck off the coast of northern Japan near the Chishima trough. The warning was jointly issued []

VIENNA, April 20: Several Central European countries have recalled HiPP baby food after rat poison was found in some jars. The contaminated 190-gram carrot and potato baby food, sold mainly at SPAR supermarkets in Austria, tested positive for poison in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Austrias health ministry warned parents and childcare centres to []

KYIV, April 20: A gunman wielding an automatic weapon killed six people and barricaded himself inside a supermarket with hostages in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Saturday, before he was shot and killed by police, authorities said. At least 14 people were wounded and taken to hospital. The 58-year-old attacker was not named by police, []

By K C Monnappa India is the worlds largest democracy, yet only about 14 percent of its Lok Sabha members are women. In a country where women constitute nearly half the population, cast roughly half the votes, and increasingly lead households, businesses, and even defence missions, this number is not merely a statistic. It is []