Meghalaya

Samsung plans to incorporate an NFC antenna at the top of the Galaxy S26 series next year to enhance contactless payment functionality. The current inconsistent positioning of the NFC coil on the back panel poses challenges for users, as it often requires them to position their wrist at an awkward angle on the NFC reader, resulting in payment failures on the initial attempt. While Samsung will not alter the location of the NFC coil, it intends to introduce a new antenna to provide a more seamless experience. The report references Apple's patents concerning this matter, compelling Samsung to invest time in finding ways to navigate around them. As Samsung has not yet finalized the design of the Galaxy S26 lineup, this modification could potentially lead to an improved experience...

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday extended warm congratulations to acclaimed filmmaker Dominic Megam Sangma for winning a National Film Award, calling it a proud moment for the entire state. Taking to social media, the Chief Minister praised the filmmaker’s unique storytelling style that reflects the cultural roots and identity of Meghalaya. “Dominic Megam Sangma's storytelling is not just powerful—it captures the essence of our culture, emotions, and identity,” Sangma wrote. “Winning at the National Film Awards is a moment of great pride for the entire state.” Dominic Megam Sangma is widely known for his deeply rooted narratives in indigenous cinema and has emerged as a strong creative voice from Northeast India. His latest recognition has brought national attention t...

An official of the Meghalaya Agriculture Department was swept away by strong currents of the Ganol River in West Garo Hills district while attempting to cross the water body during a family picnic, police said on Monday. The missing official, identified as Teseng M Sangma, was posted at Ampati in South West Garo Hills district and resided in staff quarters near Dolampong in Araimile police station area in Tura. Teseng had gone to Sella Wari near Ganol River for a picnic along with his family on Sunday, officials said. Sangma, who was posted at Ampati in South West Garo Hills and lived in staff quarters near Dolampong under the Araimile police station in Tura, had gone on the outing with his family. According to police, the incident occurred when he tried to cross the river despite it b...

The third edition of the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival 2025, hosted by the Government of Meghalaya at Dilli Haat, INA, concluded today after a vibrant three-day celebration that highlighted Meghalaya’s pineapples, farmer-first development model, and forward-looking public-private partnerships. Inaugurated by Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma, the festival drew thousands of visitors, business delegations, and buyers from across the country. Notably, over 15.4 metric tonnes of pineapples were sold during the three-day event, marking a significant commercial success for local farmers. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, praising the quality of the produce, said, “These are the tastiest pineapp...

Tourists visiting the Mawjymbuin Cave in Meghalaya's Mawsynram were reportedly asked to remove their shoes and refrain from taking photographs by organisers of a Hindu religious yatra on Sunday, triggering criticism from various quarters, including local tribal groups. Over 250 yatris arrived at the natural sandstone cave to offer prayers, drawing strong resentment from the Dorbar Shnong (village council) and many members of the local tribal community. Locals have consistently objected to attempts to designate the cave as a religious site, insisting it is a geological heritage location, not a shrine. Despite the tensions, yatra organisers were praised for maintaining cleaner surroundings this year, avoiding the litter that marred previous events. Authorities deployed a heavy police ...

Street vendors affiliated with the Meghalaya Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers Association (MGSPHA) organized an unexpected protest on Friday at the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) office, expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the ongoing delay in the issuance of Certificates of Vending (CoVs) to qualified hawkers. The association raised strong objections to the vending zones allocated at the MUDA Parking Lot and in front of the SBI Main Branch, criticizing these locations as cramped and inappropriate for conducting business. The protesters voiced their concerns that numerous vendors, who have not received CoVs, have been deprived of their sole source of income for weeks, with no official updates regarding the status of their applications. Democratic rights activist Angela...

The heart of the national capital pulsed to the beat of Meghalaya on Friday evening, as the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (CM-MGMP) brought the rich sounds of the northeastern state to India Gate and Dilli Haat, attracting large crowds of Delhiites and tourists alike.The lawns of India Gate, known for hosting national celebrations, turned into a vibrant cultural arena where traditional tunes met contemporary music. The open-air concert featured performances by over a dozen local artists and bands from Meghalaya, offering a unique blend of tribal folk traditions and modern musical styles.This landmark event was part of CM-MGMP — an ambitious ₹69 crore initiative led by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who has reimagined the project in 2025 to promote a structured music...

The Meghalaya government has launched an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of over 4,000 metric tonnes (MT) of coal in the state. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong said that instructions have been issued to district authorities and the police to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. "We have asked deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to investigate if there has been any misappropriation or illegal diversion of coal," the deputy chief minister told PTI. The directive comes close on the heels of a revelation by a High Court-appointed committee that over 4,000 metric tonnes of coal, already declared as extracted and inventoried, have vanished from two designated storage sites. The committee, in its latest report to the Meghalaya Hig...

The Meghalaya government has been unable to provide financial assistance to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), which has been without salaries for 42 months. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong stated that the ADCs are responsible for managing revenue and recruiting staff based on their capacity. Tynsong advised the ADCs to reduce unnecessary expenditures. The government has been assisting the ADCs by releasing advance shares, and a bailout package may be explored. Tynsong said it is too early to determine if the GHADC is experiencing a financial crisis due to misappropriation of funds.

Hundreds of Hindu devotees-both men and women-began their annual Yatra (pilgrimage) to the sacred Mawjymbuin Cave in Mawsynram, East Khasi Hills, on the morning of Saturday, August 2, 2025. The group commenced their journey from Mahadev Khola, Shillong, under the watchful presence of police personnel. As per reports, the pilgrims are scheduled to spend the night at Phanniewlahneng village, before proceeding to the cave the following day, Sunday, to complete the spiritual journey that has become a yearly tradition. It is important to note that the Meghalaya High Court has permitted the Yatra to take place but has prohibited religious rituals such as milk offerings at the site. Only symbolic practices like sprinkling water are allowed, as per the Court's directive aimed at protecting ...