The Shillong Times News

Kareena Kapoor Khan has taken to her social media account to reflect on the year 2025, which she called tough for her and her entire family. Sharing a beautiful picture of herself posing with husband Saif Ali Khan, she wrote, As we sit down and reflect on the fact that we made it to the []

IN MEMORIAM Dharmendra, Asrani, Manoj Kumar, Kamini Kaushal 2025 was the year that Indian cinema lost some of its brightest and best, those who have passed away but will live on through their work in the movies that mirror the concerns of an evolving India. Here are some who we said goodbye to: Dharmendra: One []

Before we bid adieu to 2025, lets take a look at the new mommies and daddies of tinsel town. Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani In July, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, one of the most loved jodis of Bollywood, became three from two as they were blessed with a baby girl. The announcement post featured []

ILP-kon chugimik ragatchina dabia SHILLONG: Gital ragatgipa Immigration & Foreigners Act 2025-o Inner Line Permit (ILP) gita dakgipa niamrangko ondapna mamong sorkari kurachakaha ine Mongolbar salo, adokni Deputy Chief Minister aro Home (Police) Minister Prestone Tynsong-ni parakataniko Budbar salo, Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) jegalatenba, ian adoko ruutbea bilsirangna ILP-ko ragatchina dabianiko bilgriatna jotton kaanisa ongenga []

SHILLONG: Bangladesh asongo sosojengjeng ongengani gimin Meghalaya adokko manchape salgro salaramni pilak adokrangnan kenchakna nangani ongengon, Meghalaya adoko gipin biaprangoni napsrukbaenggipa manderangko champengsona gita rakgipa niamrang dongkujani gimin Meghalaya adokan Bangladesh asongoni napsrukbaenggipa manderangna katnapram gita ongani cholrang donga ine Khasi Students Union (KSU), mikrakataniko onangaha. Bangladesh asongo mitam dilgiparang, salgro salaram adokrangkoba rasekna kuwatso

SHILLONG: India asongni salgro salaram adokrangko Bangladesh asongni bak ongatna gita kamikkenataniko nome rajachina aro iani bidingo gisik nangbate jakurangko dechina National Peoples Party (NPP), mamong sorkariko didiataha. Iani bidingo kobor ratimgiparangna talataniko onangengon, iandakgipa kamikkenatanirangna mamong sorkari gisik nangbebeenga ongode, bilakgipa niamrangko ragatan baksana Meghalaya aro Bangladesh asongni pilak simarangon bilake kapengna nangenga ine []

SHILLONG: Meghalaya adokni batanggimin bilsi 53-na janggi tanganiko gimagimin somoi ine United Democratic Party (UDP)-ni gitcham general secretary Jemino Mawthoh parakatenba, ia gital 2026 bilsio ia gimagimin somoirangko manpilna gita rakbate kamrangko kana nanggen ine aganaha. Ia gital bilsina antangni namgipa skanirangko adokni manderangna onatengon, Meghalaya adoko nambate sorkariko chalaina aro manderangna namgni onggipa namroro []

TURA: Bangladesh asongo sosojengjeng ongenganichi, West Garo Hills aro Bangladesh asongni simarango onggija dakgipa manderangni reruraani aro mamanti bosturangko badingsrukanirangna kenchakna nangani ongengani gimin Bangladesh asong baksa nangchapgipa West Garo Hills ajani pilak simarangon, zero line-oni asongni ningo metre 200-ona kingking Night Curfew ba walni curfew-ko ragataha ine West Garo Hills ajani District Magistrate In-charge []

Editor, There are some stories that persistently haunt our minds, no matter how much time passes. The Unnao rape case is certainly one of them. Just picture this: a young girl from a small town in Unnao, who goes to a powerful politician, hoping he might help her find a job. She trusted the leader []

Pessimism and gloom marred the last few days of the outgoing year 2025 with news of the death of Anjel Chakma an MBA student in Dehra Dun in what is purportedly a racist crime committed by a group of hotheads. While the demand for justice in this case must not lag with time, civil society []

By Jairaj Chhetry There is a quiet saying often heard in the hills: Every year teaches its own lesson; wisdom lies in learning it. For Meghalaya, 2025 was such a teacher -firm at times, uncomfortable at others, yet deeply meaningful. It was a year that revealed cracks without breaking spirit, exposed shortcomings without erasing []

By Roy Kupar Synrem When God wanted to make a King out of David, He did not give him a crown; He gave him Goliath. This truth speaks directly to the times we are living in. Before David was recognised, he was tested. Goliath was not sent to destroy David but to prepare him for []

London, Dec 31: Arsenal ensured it will end the year top of the Premier League after beating Aston Villa 4-1 at home in a powerful statement win with all goals scored in the second half. The fourth goal, scored by substitute Gabriel Jesus one minute after coming on, highlighted the depth of Arsenals bench this []

Rabat (Morocco), Dec 31: Tanzania and Tunisia secured the last two available spots in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16, completing the lineup before half of the groups had concluded their final games. Tanzanias 1-1 draw with Tunisia in Group C wrecked Angolas hopes of squeezing through as one of the best third-place finishers []

Dhaka, Dec 31: Hundreds of thousands of people on Wednesday bid an emotional farewell to former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, who was laid to rest with state honour beside her husband Ziaur Rahmans grave near the parliament building amid tight security. Zia, the three-time prime minister and a towering political figure, died []

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Group C Jaipur, Dec 31: Sarfaraz Khan ended 2025 with a magnificent 75-ball 157 studded with 14 sixes as Mumbai inched closer towards knock-out with a 87-run victory over Goa in a group C game of the Vijay Hazare Trophy here on Wednesday. Sarfaraz, who was also in prime form during []

From political churn and lingering controversies to natural disasters and a high-profile murder that drew national attention, 2025 kept Meghalaya in the spotlight. While crimes and unresolved issues cast long shadows, swift policing and tourism gains offered some relief. As the state looks to 2026, hopes remain high for cleaner governance and a better future.

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Group B Rajkot, Dec 31: Aryan Juyal slammed an unbeaten 150 to steal the thunder from Sumit Ghadigaonkar as Uttar Pradesh registered a 58-run win over Assam via the VJD method in a rain-hit Vijay Hazare Trophy match to stay on top of Group B here on Wednesday. Opting to bat, []

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Group A Ahmedabad, Dec 31: Defending champions Karnataka continued their unbeaten run in the tournament defeating Puducherry by 67 runs in a fourth round Group A match at the Vijay Hazare Trophy here on Wednesday. Skipper Mayank Agarwal (132 off 124) and Devdutt Padikkal (113 off 116) struck fluent centuries and []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 31: Meghalaya produced a clinical performance to beat Arunachal Pradesh by 6 wickets in a Vijay Hazare Trophy plate group match in Ranchi today. Electing to bat first Arunachal managed to put 189 runs in 44.2 overs before being bowled out. Meghalaya pacer Akash Chaudharys 5/26 stopped the run flow []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 31: Aaira H Wahlang secured a bronze medal at the 31st Kyorugi and 12th Poomsae All Bodoland Taekwondo Championships Representing the Shillong Taekwondo Academy, affiliated with the All Meghalaya Taekwondo Association, Wahlang demonstrated outstanding skill after a closely contested competition against an opponent from Assam to secure the medal. Hosted []

The year 2025 brought some memorable breakthroughs for Meghalaya in the world of sports. The year began with the Shillong hosting ISL for the first time and Turas Alotgre Cricket Ground hosting the first ever BCCI domestic matches. Meghalaya also host the Blue Tigers and the Blue Tigresses for international matches in Shillong. Athletes from []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 31: As Meghalaya enters a new year marked by ambitious economic goals and multiple development projects across sectors, people from different walks of life have articulated their expectations, concerns and priorities, highlighting the need for peace, inclusive growth, environmental responsibility and improved urban management. Speaking to The Shillong Times, renowned []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 31: Joy, colour and exuberant celebrations from all walks of life marked the New Years Eve in Shillong on Tuesday night as the city came alive to a truly festive spirit. Khyndai Lad, the heart of the city, witnessed a massive rush of revellers, including a large number of tourists, []

United Nations, Dec 31: The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday launched a $1.71 billion humanitarian needs and response plan for Afghanistan in 2026, which is expected to remain one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises next year. In 2026, an estimated 21.9 million people will require humanitarian assistance, a []

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 30: Bowlers produced a spotless effort after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur led the way with a doughty 68 as dominant India defeated Sri Lanka by 15 runs in the fifth T20I to complete a 5-0 whitewash, here on Tuesday. Harmanpreets first fifty of the series came at an important juncture in the game when []

World Chess Blitz Doha, Dec 30: Top Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi demonstrated strong endgame technique and quick calculation to stun Magnus Carlsen and emerge joint leader, with the Norwegian world No.1 slamming the table in frustration, on day one of the World Blitz Championships here. Erigaisi then went on to defeat another top GM Nodirbek []

Ranchi Royals players celebrate a goal against Shrachi Bengal Tigers during Womens Hockey India League match, in Ranchi, on Tuesday. Royals won 5-0. (PTI)

New Delhi, Dec 30: An Abhinav Bindra-led Task Force set up by the Sports Ministry has pointed out systemic deficits in Indias sports administration, including inadequate and ill-equipped athletes for governance roles, and recommended the setting up of an autonomous statutory body to train a specialised cadre that would also feature IAS officers. The 170-page []

Ebenesar Khongsit of Meghalaya won gold in the 70kg bodybuilding category and was crowned Overall Open Bodybuilding champion at the Mr & Ms Northeast 2025, becoming the first athlete from the state to achieve the feat.

Islamabad, Dec 30: A knee injury has forced fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi to return home after playing four games for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. Due to an unexpected injury; I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the []

London, Dec 30: The opening stretch of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership has delivered a rare and compelling narrative, one that threatens to disrupt a hierarchy dominated for decades by Glasgows twin giants. Nine matches into the new campaign, it is Heart of Midlothiannot Celtic or Rangerswho find themselves setting the pace at the summit of []

The year 2026 is set to be a major year for Hindi cinema, with several big-budget and star-driven films lined up for release. From large-scale mythological dramas to high-octane action thrillers, filmmakers are bringing strong stories, popular stars and grand visuals to draw audiences to theatres. Let us look at the most anticipated films of []

Actors Tabu, Ameesha Patel and Rekha during the special screening of Ikkis in Mumbai, on Monday night. (PTI)

Indian govt sources say cinemas artistic expression Cinemas are an artistic expression and India does not restrict it, government sources said on Tuesday as Salman Khans Battle of Galwan, based on the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley, found itself in the news after its 1.12 minute teaser. The big []

People gather outside the hospital where former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia died, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Tuesday, (PTI)

Palestinians stand next to a tent set up on the rubble of buildings destroyed during Israeli air and ground operations in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, in Gaza City, on Tuesday. (PTI)

BANGKOK, Dec 30: Myanmars military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed a strong lead in the first phase of the countrys first general election in five years, though the election commission has not confirmed results. Voting took place Sunday in 102 of 330 townships, with the remaining phases set for January 11 and 25; []

MUMBAI, Dec 30: Gold and silver prices showed signs of correction in the domestic market on Tuesday after sharp gains earlier. MCX gold February futures rose 0.59% to Rs 1,35,744 per 10 grams, while MCX silver March futures jumped 4.08% to Rs 2,33,700 per kg. Globally, spot gold fell 4.5% to $4,330.79 an ounce, and []

Mumbai, Dec 30: The rupee rose 23 paise to close at 89.75 against the greenback on Tuesday primarily on account of dollar selling by the Reserve Bank. Strong industrial output numbers supported the local unit, but a stronger greenback, higher global crude oil prices, and foreign fund outflows prevented sharper gains, forex traders said. At []

NEW DELHI, Dec 30: Indias GDP is forecast to grow 7.4% in FY2026, up from an estimated 6.5% in FY2025, according to ICRA. Growth is expected to be strong in the first half, around 8%, before easing below 7% in the second half due to fading base effects and weak exports. Economic activity remained healthy []

In artificial intelligence, 2025 marked a decisive shift. Systems once confined to research labs and prototypes began to appear as everyday tools. At the center of this transition was the rise of AI agents AI systems that can use other software tools and act on their own. While researchers have studied AI for more []

SHILLONG: Meghalaya adokni State Reservation Policy (SRP)-ni bidingo Expert Committee-ni ongipa report-ko adok sorkari nipilmanahaode, jinmana parakanio maming nengnikanirang dongna nangja maina ia report-ko jinmana mesokachi parak ongani dongbatgen aro jinmaba iani bidingo nambate chanchirimna cholrangko mankugen ine adokni BJP parakataha. Iani bidingo kobor ratimgipa manderang baksa agangrikengon, Reservation Policy-ni bidingo Expert Committee-ni ongipa report-ko []

TURA: Dehradun-o MBA-ko poraienggipa Tripura adokni chatro saksako, kragija dake chonnikenba soote galanina jegale North East Students Organisation (NESO), Uttarakhand adokni Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami-na sedoataha. Ia aselko jegalatengon, dos dakgipa manderangni kosako rakbatsranggipa sastiko onchina gitaba NESO didiataha. Ia NESO-o salgro salaram jolni mongsonggipa chatro chatrirangni dolrang, chongmotanKhasi Students Union (KSU), All Assam []

SHILLONG: Meghalaya adoko niam gri napsrukanirangko champengna gita adita salrangna skang ragatgipa Immigration & Foreigners Act 2025-o Inner Line Permit (ILP) gita dakgipa niamrangko ondapna mamong sorkari kurachakaniko onaha. Iako adokni Deputy Chief Minister aro Home (Police) Minister Prestone Tynsong, Mongolbar salo parakataha. Tynsong-ni parakatani gitade, adita salrangna skang, New Delhi-o Union Home Minister Amit []

TURA: South Garo Hills ajao Central Agriculture University (CAU)-ni Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Swachhta Pakhwada Campaign 2025-ni bak gita reanggipa December 16 tarikoni 31 tarikona dingtang dingtang program-rangko ongatangaha. Ia Swachhta Pakhwada Campaign-ara, rongtal antale janggi tangani aro samtangtango ongtelaigiparangko ripinge rakkiani bidingo game gee chagiparangna aro songni manderangna uiatani program onga aro ia campaign-ni []

Editor, The special article Who is a Khasi? Tradition, Genetics and the politics of identity by Bhogtoram Mawroh (ST December 30, 2025) made interesting reading. According to Hamlet Bareh the author of The History and Culture of the Khasi People Kha means born of a mother and si means ancient mother. The Khasi have a []

Students and young professionals from the north-eastern states who are forced to move out of their hearths and homes to study or work outside the region have long felt slighted and in many cases have been subjected to racial abuse. The word Chinki to define all North-easterners because of their Tibeto-Burman or Austro-Asiatic features is []

By Dominick Dauni Roising Rymbai Hail, Mary, full of grace/The Lord is with thee/Blessed art thou amongst women/ And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. So greeted the angel Gabriel to Mother Mary in the Gospel according to Luke 1:26-28. Being a virgin, with no relations to a man, Mother Mary had doubts. []

By Neha Desai In a heartbreaking incident that has reignited national conversations on racial prejudice, Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, was fatally stabbed in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, after confronting a group of men who hurled racial slurs at him and his younger brother. The attack, which occurred on December 26, 2025, stemmed from []