The Shillong Times

London, July 4: Arch-rivals Australia and England will lock horns in a clash of unbeaten teams when crickets most celebrated rivalry takes centrestage in the final of the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup at the iconic Lords Cricket Ground on Sunday. The title clash has all the ingredients to deliver a blockbuster finale and []

Zagreb (Croatia), July 4: Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won three matches in a row on the final day to tie for the first place with Firouzja Alireza of France on 12 points as the rapid section of the Croatian leg of the Grand Chess Tour ended here. Having fallen a little behind after the second []

New Delhi, July 4: All the Asian Games-bound track and field athletes will compete in the final leg of the Indian Athletics Series scheduled to be held here on September 10, the national federation said on Saturday. The Indian athletics team for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan from September 19 to October 4 []

Para Archery World Series Nove Mesto (Czech Republic), July 4: India enjoyed another fruitful day at the World Para Archery Series here on Saturday with Bhawna clinching the womens recurve title in dramatic fashion, while reigning world champion Sheetal Devi completed a three-medal haul by adding an individual silver to the compound mixed team gold []

Silverstone, July 4: Kimi Antonelli returned to winning ways in Formula 1 with a sprint race victory and pole position for the British Grand Prix on a day of struggles for his title rival George Russell. After overtaking Lewis Hamilton to deny the British star a crowd-pleasing victory in the sprint, Antonelli doubled up with []

Manchester, July 4: Ravi Bishnoi became the perfect party pooper on Vaibhav Sooryavanshis much-hyped debut, conceding 29 runs in an over as England romped home by four wickets against India in the second T20 International here on Saturday. The 17th over, bowled by a profligate Bishnoi, saw him deliver two no-balls in the first two []

Manchester, July 4: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old boy wonder from Bihars Samastipur district, on Saturday became Indias youngest debutant in international cricket surpassing the legendary SachinTendulkar who held the record for nearly 37 years. The contrast in eras and personalities could not be starker though. At 16 years and 205 days, Tendulkar walked into the []

New Delhi, Juy 4: Vaibhav Sooryavanshis devil may care approach towards batting looks magical but other teenagers trying to ape the boy wonder should ponder if that template is sustainable, Australian legend Matthew Hayden cautioned. When Hayden, who very recently saw Sooryavanshi perform in the IPL while sitting in the Gujarat Titans dug-out, was asked []

MUMBAI, July 4:The Indian equity benchmarks posted a fourth consecutive week of gains, over sustained correction in crude oil prices and expectations of a more favourable global interest rate environment. Nifty added 0.89 per cent during the week and edged up 0.39 per cent on the last trading day to reach 24,270. At close, Sensex []

MUMBAI, July 4: Gold recorded its first weekly gain since May as trader expectations for further US Federal Reserve rate hikes moderated, pushing bullion prices around 3.1 per cent for the week. Soft US job numbers and lower energy prices led to investors reducing the expectations of monetary policy tightening. However, on Friday, MCX gold []

MUMBAI, July 4: HDFC Bank Indias largest private lender on Saturday reported double-digit growth in both deposits and advances for the quarter ended June 30 (Q1 FY27). According to the banks latest business update, total deposits increased 14.7 per cent year-on-year to Rs 31.70 lakh crore as of June-end, the bank said in []

NEW DELHI, July 4: Auto sector demand in India remained resilient in June, with personal mobility segments continuing to outperform, a report has said. The report from Asit C Mehta Investment Intermediates said easing of supply-side bottlenecks at several OEMs, healthy retail demand and sustained export momentum supported volume growth during June. Export momentum for []

Local retailers enjoy price monopoly; Shilllongs consumers should not be denied discounts offered by e-commerce platforms, says Nongrim Dorbar Shnong SHILLONG, July 4: In a rare pushback against the KHADC, the Dorbar Shnong of Nongrim Hills has challenged the Councils ban on Blinkit, accusing local retailers of maintaining a price monopoly and arguing that Shillongs []

SHILLONG, July 4: Despite the High Court of Meghalaya slamming the state police for a total non-application of mind in the Sonam Raghuvanshi murder case, BJP MLA AL Hek on Saturday defended the forces investigation, even as he admitted that such high-profile accused should not normally be granted bail. The High Court recently upheld a []

New Delhi, July 4: The Lashkar-e-Taiba, which suffered the heaviest losses during Operation Sindoor last year, has begun efforts to rebuild its network and leadership. After weeks of internal deliberations over succession, the outfit has finally decided to elevate its founder Hafiz Saeeds son, Talha Saeed, to lead the organisation. While some within the group []

Our Bureau NEW DELHI/SHILLONG, July 3: The Supreme Court on Friday declined to stay the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, prime accused in the murder of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, but listed the state governments challenge for further hearing next week. A Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Sheel Nagu []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, July 3: A major controversy has erupted over the manner in which Enumeration Forms are being illegally distributed under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Mawprem under 18-West Shillong constituency, with allegations that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) flouted Election Commission guidelines by distributing forms from the residence of []

Our Bureau SHILLONG, July 3: The Supreme Courts refusal on Friday to stay the bail granted to prime accused Sonam Raghuvanshi has once again spotlighted serious lapses by the Meghalaya Police in one of the most sensational murder cases the state has seen in recent years. The apex court effectively upheld the Meghalaya High Court []

15 years of Aquaculture Mission By Our Reporter SHILLONG, July 3: The Meghalaya governments renewed thrust on developing the fisheries sector in the state has once again raised a question why the state still remains far from self-sufficiency after more than a decade of interventions under the much hyped Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM)? Chief []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, July 3: Although Meghalaya is staring at one of its driest monsoons with 74% deficient rainfall between June 1 and July 1 as per IMD data, yet the state government has assured that there will be no power regulation, with the overall power position remaining comfortable. The India Meteorological Department data []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, July 3: With rainfall across Meghalaya plunging by more than 70 per cent in June, the state faces a serious threat from El Nio that could undermine its food and water security in the months ahead. There is now an urgent need to build stronger climate resilience and preparedness before the []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, July 3: The growing menace of drug abusers is causing nuisance in Khyndai Lad (Police Bazar) and GS Road, raising safety concerns and damaging Shillongs image as a tourist-friendly city. Khyndai Lad, the citys main commercial and tourism hub, attracts thousands of visitors daily. However, the rising number of drug users []

Our Bureau SHILLONG/JOWAI, July 3: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday stressed the need to strengthen reporting mechanisms in schools, saying Meghalayas Performance Grading Index (PGI) ranking does not accurately reflect the progress made in the education sector due to gaps in data submission and documentation. Addressing a gathering during the foundation stone-laying ceremony []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, July 3: The process to appoint the next Vice-Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) remains on hold as the Ministry of Education has yet to name the chairman of the search committee. Sources told The Shillong Times that the NEHU Executive Council has already nominated two members to the panel. []

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, July 3: Motorists in Shillong are unlikely to get any immediate relief at the petrol pump, even though global crude oil prices have slipped to a four-month low of around USD 70.15 per barrel. Petrol continues to retail at approximately Rs 102.60 per litre in the city. Just a few months []

Guwahati, July 3: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that the state government is working to bring governance to the fingertips of citizens through the Seva Setu platform, which has emerged as one of the largest digital public service delivery initiatives in the state. Highlighting the achievements of the platform in a []

SHILLONG: Shillong songjinmani Pine Mount School-o gital rikgipa Boarding Building ba hostel nokko Bristibar salo, adokni Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, nokdonggae onangaha aro gital hostel-ko nokdonggaanio, adokni Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui-ba dongpae bak raangaha. Ia skulni gital hostel-ko nokdonggae onanganio adokni Chief Minister, jinmana aganprakangengon, 2022 bilsini October jao ia skulona antangni reangako gisik []

TURA: Meghalaya adoko Electoral roll-rangko nipilna Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-ko dakani bak gita reanggipa June 30 tarik dipet Booth Level Officer (BLO)-rang, nokprakprakona ree, enumeration form-rangko sualna abachengatahaon, Bristibar salo, West Garo Hills ajani District Election Office, SIR-ni bidingo talate onna gita dingtang dingtang political party-rang baksa tomaniko, Tura-ni DRDA Conference Hall-o ongatangaha. Ia tomaniko, []

BELGIUM 3 | 2 SENEGAL Seattle, July 2: Belgium overturned a two-goal deficit and scored from the penalty spot deep into extra time to beat Senegal 3-2 on Thursday in the biggest comeback of the World Cup so far. Senegal held a 2-0 lead with just 5 minutes of regulation time remaining but late goals []

New York, July 2: Senegals midfielder Pape Gueye has decided to take a break from playing for his international side while the current management remains in charge. The 27-year-olds decision comes after his sides painful exit from the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup with a 3-2 defeat to Belgium in a match []

USA 2 | 0 BOSNIA San Francisco, July 2: The co-host USA relied on goals late in each half to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 here at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium to enter the Round of 36 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The co-hosts dig deep and hold on against Bosnia and Herzegovina. []

Atlanta, July 2: England captain Harry Kane etched his name into the record books after scoring twice in his sides 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, becoming only the second footballer in history to score 20 or more goals across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. []

SAT, jULY 4, AT 3:30 aM Miami, July 2: Defending champions Argentina will look to continue their march towards a fourth FIFA World Cup title when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in the Round of 32 at the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday. On paper, the knockout clash presents one of the biggest []

Kansas City, July 2: As Colombia prepare to face Ghana in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, memories of one of the darkest episodes in football history continue to haunt the South American nation. More than three decades ago, Colombia arrived at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the []

ISLAMABAD, July 2: Pakistan on Thursday rejected the alleged Indian effort to control rivers by treating water as a strategic asset, especially in the case of the Indus basin. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabis comments during his weekly press briefing were in response to a question about Indias decision to put the Indus Water Treaty []

Peshawar, July 2: At least three children were killed and eight others, including women, were injured after a house was hit in a suspected drone strike in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, police said on Thursday. The incident occurred late Wednesday night in Shinkot area close to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Police said a house []

WASHINGTON, July 2: US Vice President JD Vance said that negotiations with Iran in Doha were going well, while warning that President Donald Trump would not hesitate to use military force again if Tehran resumed its nuclear programme or attacked commercial shipping. Speaking to reporters before departing aboard Air Force Two after visiting Naval Air []

DHAKA, July 2: As Bangladesh continues to grapple with a public health crisis, hospitals remain overwhelmed by more than 900 daily measles admissions, while health experts warned that a rise in dengue cases could place further strain on the healthcare system and increase the risk of additional deaths, local media reported on Thursday. Reports suggest []

KATHMANDU, July 2: Nepal wants to maintain a balanced relationship with all friendly countries, including neighbours India and China, stress on economic diplomacy and pursue a new style based on national interest, Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal said Thursday. Talking about his recent visit to India, which was the first high-level contact between the []

ISLAMABAD, July 2: Pakistan on Thursday said its mediators, along with Qatar, concluded separate meetings with the US and Iranian negotiators in Doha and reported positive progress on various aspects of the MoU, with the two sides agreeing to further discussions. Qatari and Pakistani mediators concluded separate meetings with the US and Iranian negotiators in []

ISLAMABAD, July 2: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his top ministers will visit Iran on Friday to participate in the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes in February, the Foreign Office announced on Thursday. The prime minister will convey condolences on behalf of the people and []

The rumoured wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce is drawing closer, and new details about the celebration have started making headlines. According to PEOPLE, reports suggest the couple has planned a grand black-tie event at New York Citys Madison Square Garden, with strict rules in place for guests. According to PEOPLE, guests attending the []

The Ketan Agarwal case has once again ignited a massive debate on social media. Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta compared the accused Siya Goyal with the media trial of actress Rhea Chakraborty in his recent social media post. The director pointed out the social boycott faced by Rhea after the sudden demise of her ex-boyfriend, actor Sushant []

Mumbai, July 2: Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended nearly one per cent higher on Thursday amid softening crude oil prices, following positive developments on the geopolitical front and buying in blue-chip IT stocks. The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 579.48 points, or 0.75 per cent, to end at 77,502.12. During the day, it []

New Delhi, July 2: The series of free trade agreements (FTAs) finalised by India, including the ones with the UK and the European Union, will give a major boost to toy exports, according to industry officials. Under the free trade agreements with the EU and UK, Indian toys will get zero duty access, Toy Association []

Mumbai, July 2: The rupee pared initial gains and settled for the day on a negative note, lower by 19 paise at 95.35 against the US dollar on Thursday, as the support from easing crude oil prices was negated by robust dollar demand from importers and corporate hedgers. Forex traders said the Indian rupee opened []

By Dr Omarlin Kyndiah As the monsoon approaches Jowai prepares yet again to host one of its most profound cultural and spiritual expressions-Behdienkhlam, celebrated this year from July 6-9. Beneath the rhythm of drums, the splendour of decorated rong or rots, and the energy of thousands gathered at Aitnar, lies a deeper story that continues []