The Shillong Times

New Delhi, April 2: Between Tehran and Tel Aviv, a book available on Amazon, written by Col. Rajeev Agarwal, Senior Research Consultant at Chintan Research Foundation, Delhi, serves as an urgent expos of the ongoing West Asia conflict. It unravels the intricate web of alliances, hostilities, and historical grievances shaping the volatile region today. As []

Indian Premier League | IPL 2026 introduces ball change after tenth over Mullanpur, April 1: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was fined Rs 12 lakh after his team maintained a slow over-rate during their IPL match against Gujarat Titans here. Punjab Kings defeated GT by three wickets to start their IPL 2026 campaign on a []

Mumbai, April 1: India will head to Zimbabwe for a three-match T20I series in July scheduled to be played at the Harare Sports Club. The BCCI informed in a statement on Wednesday that the Indian mens team will play three games against hosts Zimbabwe on July 23, 25 and 26. India will be taking on []

Indian Premier League | IPL 2026 introduces ball change after tenth over Kolkata, April 1: Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Daniel Vettori has played down Kolkata Knight Riders poor start with the ball, saying experienced spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy remain a major threat and the battle against them will be crucial in their IPL []

Indian Premier League | IPL 2026 introduces ball change after tenth over Match today Knight Riders (KKR) vs sunrisers (SRH) at 7:30 pm Kolkata, April 1: Kolkata Knight Riders will be desperate for their spinners to rediscover the bite against Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL match involving two batting-heavy sides here on Thursday. This []

Indian Premier League | IPL 2026 introduces ball change after tenth over No excuses, we take whats in front, says KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar Kolkata, April 1: Having started their IPL season on an ominous note, former champions Kolkata Knight Riders returned to the familiar home territory expecting favourable conditions, but early signs suggest []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 1: On December 29, 2025, Bethlyne Grace Makris coaches at the SAI Sports Training Centre (STC), Shillong, suddenly discovered a spark in the teenager as a race-walker. Ironically, Bethlyne herself knew almost nothing about the event, let alone its technical demands. Until last year, the young athlete from Meghalaya had []

The Bombay High Court has dismissed the plea of actress Anita Advani seeking legal status to her marriage with late superstar Rajesh Khanna. The court upheld the earlier verdict of the Dindoshi sessions court. The case has been mired in controversy ever since Rajesh Khanna passed away in 2012, amid a long-drawn legal battle between []

Superstar Salman Khan at an event held in the city recently, appeared visibly restless, as he was repeatedly seen fidgeting with his blue ring. In a video on social media, the superstar was seen attending the grand opening ceremony of the President Cup 2026 along with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Thane. The []

Rumours around filmmaker Aditya Dhars ambitious 7.5-hour directors cut of Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, have sparked curiosity online, with claims suggesting a limited theatrical release on April 5. As per reports, the extended version combines the duology Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge has surfaced through a CBFC certificate dated March 31, 2026. However, when IANS []

Malaika Arora and Aditi Rao Hydari during the Grazia Fashion Awards 2026 in Mumbai on Tuesday night. (PTI)

Pathum Thani (Thailand), April 1: The Indian U-20 womens national football team is set to kick off its AFC U20 Womens Asian Cup Thailand 2026 campaign against formidable Japan on Thursday in its bid to end a 20-year-old wait to play in the tournament. For India, this is more than just an opening fixture, it []

Hyderabad, April 1: Sreenidi Deccan FC and Shillong Lajong FC played out a goalless draw in a top of the table clash of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena here Wednesday. The two teams came into the match level on points, and the contest lived up to expectations with a tactical []

ULAANBAATAR, April 1: Indias Vishvanath Suresh and Sachin delivered impressive performances to secure victory for the country on Day 3 of the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 on Wednesday, advancing to the next rounds in their respective weight categories. Competing in the mens 50kg division, Vishvanath Suresh showcased exceptional technical ability and ring awareness to outclass []

TANGIER (Morocco), April 1: Indian trap shooters failed to reach the finals in both the mens and womens events after two days of qualification rounds at the inaugural ISSF Shotgun World Cup here on Wednesday. Kynan Chenai was the highest-placed Indian at 13th with 119 after five rounds in the mens trap event while Bhowneesh []

LAHORE, April 1: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan is unhappy with the massive fine imposed on fast bowler Naseem Shah by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his reported comments against a political leader on social media, saying that such actions is not in the best of the players and the game. Shah was reprimanded []

NEW DELHI, April1: In a unique multilingual initiative to develop sports culture in India, the Sports Alphabet Booklets were released simultaneously in 21 languages in a first-of-its-kind event, here on Wednesday.Developed by sports researcher Dr. Kanishka Pandey under the aegis of Sports: A Way of Life, the booklets aim to integrate sports with early education []

MELBOURNE, April 1: Cricket Australia on Wednesday handed maiden central contracts to opener Jake Weatherald and pacer Brendan Doggett while all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and opener Sam Konstas were among those dropped ahead of a demanding 2026-2027 season. Weatherald and Doggett, who both made their Test debuts during the Ashes, were rewarded for their performances, while []

RAIPUR, April 1: Race walker Dasharath Talawar and middle-distance runner Nagini added a gold medal each to table toppers Karnatakas tally while Chhattisgarhs Gajendra Thakur bagged a silver in the mens 800m on Day 8 of the Khelo India Tribal Games here on Wednesday. Dasharath led Karnatakas 1-2 in the mens 10km race walk with []

A weightlifter in action during the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, in Raipur. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, April 1: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has constituted a four-member ad-hoc committee to run the affairs of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), acting on directions of the Delhi High Court, which had called for restoration of democratic governance in the sport. The ad-hoc panel will be headed by Yashodhara Raje Scindia []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 1: Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) on Tuesday formally handed over key research and community engagement materials to the Mawmluh village community, marking a milestone in their collaborative partnership. The deliverables included a comprehensive research report, a village map and posters and brochures detailing the Mawmluh cave. The handover follows []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 1: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday called on the states youths to raise their aspirations and strive for excellence to buck a worrying trendthe failure of indigenous tribal students to crack the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (CSE) since 2013. Addressing students at an event in Shillong []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 1: The state governments initiative to regulate roadside parking has begun showing results, with Laban becoming one of the first areas to witness a visible improvement in traffic flow. Enforcement began a few days ago along the stretch from Howell Road to St. John School and the Streamlet area, though []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 1: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday raised serious safety concerns after an unexpected alarm went off during the Meghalaya IT Awards ceremony at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, yet failed to trigger an evacuation. Pausing his address midway, the chief minister stated that any alarm, whether real or []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 1: In a major push to strengthen disaster preparedness and response, the Meghalaya government on Wednesday raised two battalions of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). This is part of a comprehensive restructuring of the SDRF and the Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG), aimed at building a more efficient, specialised []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 1: The Madanrting Dorbar Shnong, supported by the Khasi Students Union (KSU), temporarily shut down a Hindi-medium school in the locality on Wednesday for failing to introduce Khasi as a subject. The action was taken against Madan Hindi Pathshala Secondary School, as the management failed to honour repeated assurances to []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 1: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has urged the state government to immediately implement a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and initiate an amendment to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950. In a representation submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday, the organisation set []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 1: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem on Wednesday said the police will move the District Magistrate to cancel the firearm licence of the individual accused in the March 27 road rage case. Although the offence is punishable by less than three years of imprisonment, a notice under []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, April 1: The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills has invited nominations from individuals in the district for the Padma Awards 2027. The awardsPadma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shrirecognise work of distinction and exceptional achievements in fields such as Art, Literature, Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science, Public Affairs, Civil []

Baghdad, April 1: An American journalist has been kidnapped in Baghdad by a suspected Iran-backed Iraqi armed group, the US Department of State confirmed, raising fresh concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in the region. The State Department said it is actively working to secure the journalists release at the earliest. The US Department []

Indian Premier League Mullanpur, March 31: Young southpaw Cooper Connolly marked his IPL debut with a decisive 44-ball 72 after Yuzvendra Chahals artistry with the ball to power Punjab Kings to a three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans here on Tuesday. After PBKS opted to field first, leg-spinner Chahal (2/28 in 4 overs) brought his years []

Indian Premier League Bengaluru, March 31: The atmosphere in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp is much calmer than last year and players have a lot more understanding of their roles this season, says Krunal Pandya. RCB won the Indian Premier League trophy for the first time in 18 years in 2025 and Pandya was the []

Indian Premier League Bengaluru, March 31: In a landmark moment that once again underlined his enduring greatness, Virat Kohli became the first batter in the history of the Indian Premier League to surpass 4,000 runs in successful run chases. The milestone was achieved during the IPL 2026 season opener between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru []

Indian Premier League New Delhi, March 31: In an era where noise often drowns nuance, Auqib Nabi has quietly carved a space of his own built not on hype, but on balance, clarity, and an unwavering belief in his craft. Fresh from securing an INR 8.4 crore deal with Delhi Capitals at the IPL []

Indian Premier League Match today Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants at 7:30 pm Lucknow, March 31: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant will have little room for error in a critical year as his side begins its IPL 2026 campaign against a well-rounded Delhi Capitals here on Wednesday. Pant could not deliver as []

Indian Premier League Sydney, March 31: Cameron Green is dealing with huge expectations both in the IPL and in the Australian cricket set-up but the all-rounder has what it takes to balance it out for a career that will trend upwards, his national head coach Andrew McDonald has said. Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahanes []

Indian Premier League Guwahati, March 31: Ravindra Jadeja etched his name further into the record books by becoming the ninth-highest wicket-taker in the history of the Indian Premier League, overtaking former Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga during Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 opener here on Monday. The milestone came as Jadeja claimed two wickets in the []

Indian Premier League New Delhi, March 31: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi taking down world class bowlers in his IPL 2026 opening knock was a reflection of his special talent and fearless approach, feels former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar. The 15-year-old smashed a 15-ball fifty to set up Rajasthan Royals roaring win over CSK on Monday. A []

Indian Premier League New Delhi, March 31: The IPL governing council on Tuesday expressed deepest condolences on the untimely death of Jan William Langford, a British broadcast engineer who was working with the BCCI for the 2026 edition of the league, and assured help to his bereaved family. The 76-year-old Langford was found unconscious in []

Kochi, March 31: Australian-born Ryan Williams made a dream India debut as his fourth-minute strike set up the home sides 2-1 win over Hong Kong in an inconsequential Asian Cup qualifying round match here on Tuesday. Akash Mishra scored the other goal for India in the 50th minute, also his first international strike, to help []

Dubai, March 31: President Donald Trump expressed frustration Tuesday with allies who have been unwilling to do more to support the US war effort, telling them to go get your own oil as the conflict with Iran and its closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent average US gas prices past USD 4 a gallon. []

Bystanders look at rising smoke as an Israeli strike hits a building near the airport road in Beirut, Lebanon, on Tuesday. (PTI)

WASHINGTON, March 31: Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are urging President Donald Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran, arguing that Tehran hasnt been weakened enough by the monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to US, Gulf and Israeli officials. After private grumbling at the []

London, March 31: King Charles III is going ahead with a state visit to the United States next month despite calls for the ceremonial event to be called off due to US President Donald Trumps repeated criticism of the British government for failing to support the war in Iran. The king and Queen Camilla would []

Kyiv, March 31: European foreign ministers visited Ukraine on Tuesday to mark the fourth anniversary of atrocities committed in a town near Kyiv by Russias invading forces. A group of 12 European foreign ministers arrived by train in Kyiv, where they were welcomed by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who noted the grim anniversary of []

Kathmandu, March 31: The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) on Tuesday announced a two-week-long protest starting April 11 against the arrest of deposed prime minister and party chair K P Sharma Oli. The former prime minister and then home minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on Saturday for their alleged involvement in suppressing last years []

Havana, March 31: The Russian vessel Anatoly Kolodkin docked Tuesday at the Cuban port of Matanzas laden with 730,000 barrels of oil, marking the first time in three months that an oil tanker reached the island. The administration of US President Donald Trump had allowed the shipment to proceed despite its ongoing energy blockade. Cubans, []

Editor, The recently concluded Shillong International Film Festival is a welcome and much-needed initiative for Meghalaya. As highlighted in its vision, the festival aims to create a platform for cinematic exchange, celebrate regional and global storytelling, and nurture a film culture within the state. Such intent is both timely and important, especially in a region []

Curiously, but certainly, the reach of social media has expanded beyond expectations. The spread of mobile phones with internet links in recent years created a wired community, which has both information and entertainment on their fingertips without resorting to any additional communication equipment. With the Internet having become cheap, unlike in the initial years when []