Meghalaya Archives - Page 199 of 216

Conservation of heritage is a priority for the Meghalaya Tourism Department

21Dec

By Banasree SarkarNo Comments

Meghalaya

Conservation of heritage is a priority for the Meghalaya Tourism Department

For the Meghalaya Tourism Department, conserving Shillong's colonial-era heritage structures, which evoke the timeless allure of the "Scotland of the East," has taken center stage. In order to preserve their heritage for upcoming generations, efforts are being made to map and restore these historical sites. Paul Lyngdoh, the minister of tourism, highlighted the significance of this endeavor by saying, "Attempts are underway to identify all of these heritage sites. As you may know, we have started talks with UNESCO to have our live root bridges recognized as world-class heritage properties. In the upcoming year, that endeavor will be stepped up." With about 30 lakh tourists visiting the state this year, Meghalaya's increasing popularity as a travel destination is clear. On this mileston...

Meghalaya participates in PM Narendra Modi’s eighth edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’

19Dec

By Banasree SarkarNo Comments

Meghalaya

Meghalaya participates in PM Narendra Modi’s eighth edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’

Meghalaya will take part in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's eighth edition of "Pariksha Pe Charcha," which will take place in January 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The program allows students to discuss their test anxieties with the country's leader directly. In past rounds, the northeastern state has demonstrated a history of active participation. In January 2023, prominent Shillong representatives Owen Kharsawain from Shullai Progressive School and Langsongding Khuptong from St. Edmund's School met with the prime minister face-to-face. Students in grades 6 through 12 as well as their parents and instructors can enter an online competition, according to the State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya. Participants in the NCERT-conducted selection process must respond to mult...

Meghalaya Governor sets February 21 for KHADC, JHADC polls

19Dec

By Sonakshi SarkarNo Comments

Meghalaya

Meghalaya Governor sets February 21 for KHADC, JHADC polls

Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar has approved February 21, 2025, as the date for elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). Results will be declared on February 24. The state cabinet finalized the election schedule, with the notification to be issued on January 27. Candidates must file nominations by February 3, with scrutiny on the same day and withdrawals allowed until February 4. The draft electoral rolls will be published on January 13, and the final rolls will be ready by January 27. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong confirmed that the model code of conduct will take effect on January 27. Political activity is intensifying, with the Voice of the People Party (VPP) announcing candidates for all 29 ...

Meghalaya CM launches fiber-to-home broadband in Tura, inaugurates anti-narcotics police station

18Dec

By Sonakshi SarkarNo Comments

Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM launches fiber-to-home broadband in Tura, inaugurates anti-narcotics police station

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on December 17 launched the Fiber-to-Home broadband service in Tura, marking a significant stride in enhancing digital connectivity in the region. The service, introduced under the Last Mile Connectivity project, leverages the Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) network to provide high-speed, reliable internet with 99% uptime. Highlighting the initiative's importance, CM Sangma stated, “With our unique hilly terrain, providing reliable internet has always been a challenge, but today we take a big step forward.” He emphasized that the broadband service would open opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, and communication, empowering Tura’s residents and strengthening its future. “A connected Tura is a stronger, brighter Tura,” he remarked. In a pa...

Meghalaya CM announces ‘Hello Meghalaya’ conclave 2024 film production grants

18Dec

By Banasree SarkarNo Comments

Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM announces ‘Hello Meghalaya’ conclave 2024 film production grants

The Hello Meghalaya Conclave 2024, which was organized by the tourist department, demonstrated the state's determined efforts to grow its film industry by announcing large grants for filmmakers. Meghalaya's creative ecosystem reached a significant milestone when Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh introduced the "Financial Assistance Guidelines for Film Production," a structured policy that offers awards up to Rs 35 lakh across four categories. Nomination-based filmmakers are the subject of Category A, which offers the biggest reward of Rs 35 lakh. Phases of this financing will be distributed as follows: 20% will be paid upon script selection, 30% during pre-production, 30% during production, and the final 20% upon project completion or post-production. A ...

Meghalaya Police intercepted and detained 15 overloaded Bhutanese trucks

17Dec

By Banasree SarkarNo Comments

Meghalaya

Meghalaya Police intercepted and detained 15 overloaded Bhutanese trucks

Meghalaya Police stopped and arrested at least 15 Bhutanese vehicles for transporting too much cargo close to Rongsai in the West Garo Hills area. These cars were on their way to export boulders to Bangladesh. The regular weight violations by Bhutanese trucks, which frequently surpass 40–50 metric tonnes, have alarmed the locals. These vehicles kept overloading in spite of many warnings, seriously damaging infrastructure and roadways. A bridge at Hallidayganj broke recently as a result of the vehicles' excessive weight, highlighting the seriousness of the problem. The administration then temporarily stopped exporting goods via the AMPT road. But when the trucks began to use the Paikan-Tura-Dalu National Highway 51, they broke load limitations and caused disturbances for the locals, the...

Meghalaya Minister opposes ultimatum over Mawjymbuin cave

17Dec

By Sonakshi SarkarNo Comments

Meghalaya

Meghalaya Minister opposes ultimatum over Mawjymbuin cave

Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma has called for understanding and respect for local sentiments amid demands by Assam-based Hindu group Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (KSP) to reopen Mawjymbuin Cave for rituals. KSP issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Meghalaya government, threatening to block key routes, including Jorabat near Guwahati and Paikan near Goalpara, if the cave is not reopened by December 25. Minister Sangma urged restraint, likening the situation to conducting church services near the Ram Mandir, which he said “would not look good.” He criticized the threats, questioning whether such actions align with religious principles. The Mawjymbuin Cave, located near Mawsynram, about 60 kilometers from Shillong, is revered by Hindus for its natural stone formation believed to ...

Bryan Adams’ sold-out show electrifies Gurugram

13Dec

By Banasree SarkarNo Comments

Meghalaya

Bryan Adams’ sold-out show electrifies Gurugram

Following a spectacular performance in Shillong, Meghalaya, on December 10, when fans referred to it as the "concert of a lifetime" and remarked, "you had to be there," rock legend Bryan Adams returned to Gurugram with the same fervor and intensity. At the third stop of his 'So Happy It Hurts' India Tour, Adams wowed a sold-out crowd of 15,000 fans at the Backyard Sports Club. The 65-year-old performer combined classic hits with songs from his most recent album to create an amazing evening during his nearly two-hour concert in Gurugram. Adams began with "Kick-Ass" from So Happy It Hurts and moved fluidly into a variety of well-known songs, including "Summer of '69," "Run to You," and "Can't Stop This Thing We Started." Heartfelt ballads like "Please Forgive Me" and "All For Love" were ...

Khasi Students’ Union and NESO observe ‘Black Day’ to oppose CAA

13Dec

By Sonakshi SarkarNo Comments

Meghalaya

Khasi Students’ Union and NESO observe ‘Black Day’ to oppose CAA

The Khasi Students' Union (KSU), in collaboration with the North East Students' Organization (NESO), marked 'Black Day' in Shillong, voicing strong opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019. The demonstration, part of a larger Northeast-wide movement, highlighted the perceived threats the Act poses to indigenous communities. NESO, an umbrella body comprising organizations like the All Assam Students' Union (AASU), Naga Students' Federation (NSF), and others, has consistently criticized the CAA, arguing that it could destabilize the region’s demographic balance due to an influx of immigrants. In Shillong, KSU-led protesters displayed banners demanding government action to safeguard local rights. They also called for clarity on the implementation of the Inner Line Permit...

Meghalaya Cricket Association shortlists 26 players for U-23 women’s T20 Camp

12Dec

By Sonakshi SarkarNo Comments

Meghalaya

Meghalaya Cricket Association shortlists 26 players for U-23 women’s T20 Camp

The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has announced a shortlist of 26 players for its Under-23 women’s cricket selection-cum-preparatory camp, ahead of the BCCI’s U-23 Women’s T20 Trophy 2024-25. The selection process was based on performances in matches held earlier this year in Jagiroad, Assam, where U-23 players competed alongside senior women. The shortlisted players are scheduled to report to the MCA Ground in Polo, Shillong, on December 13. The camp will run from December 14 to 16, with sessions beginning at 7 a.m. daily. The camp aims to refine players’ skills and finalize the state team for the prestigious tournament. MCA officials emphasized the importance of the camp in identifying and nurturing talent for the upcoming competition. The selected players include Blaridahun...