Thursday, September 24

Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM announces ‘Hello Meghalaya’ conclave 2024 film production grants
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
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
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
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
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
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...
More than 749 state water sources are deemed “critical”, and the government will act
Meghalaya

More than 749 state water sources are deemed “critical”, and the government will act

Marcuise N. Marak, the minister of Meghalaya Public Health Engineering (PHE), disclosed that more than 749 water sources in the state had been classified as "critical." "The state government will take appropriate measures aimed at the revival of the resources," the minister told reporters. He added that in order to protect the water sources, the state has called in specialists to create a project, establish policies, and carry it out. Marak also revealed intentions to use Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor the condition of the water in Meghalaya's rivers and other bodies of water. Additionally, it was disclosed that the state plans to fully execute the Jal Jeevan Mission by March 2025. According to Marak, authorities have finished 81.39 percent of the job thus far, with the...
Schools in Shillong to remain closed for a day due to large-scale program
Meghalaya

Schools in Shillong to remain closed for a day due to large-scale program

Schools in Shillong will remain closed on December 10 due to a major program organized by the Directorate of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya. The decision, issued by the Directorate of School Education & Literacy, aims to address anticipated traffic congestion and existing restrictions within the city during the event. The closure affects all schools within the municipal limits of Shillong. In an official order, Swapnil Tembe, Director of School Education & Literacy, instructed all school heads to ensure compliance. Parents have been advised to make alternative arrangements for their children for the day. The large-scale event is expected to draw a significant number of atte
Meghalaya CM hails George Jacob Koovakad’s appointment as Cardinal
Meghalaya

Meghalaya CM hails George Jacob Koovakad’s appointment as Cardinal

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has extended his heartfelt congratulations to George Jacob Koovakad on his elevation to the esteemed position of cardinal by Pope Francis. This historic recognition marks a significant milestone for both the Catholic Church in India and the country’s ecclesiastical presence at the Vatican. Koovakad’s appointment brings the number of Indian cardinals to six, further strengthening India's representation in the Vatican. At 51, Koovakad is a distinguished diplomat-priest who has earned praise for his dedicated service, particularly his role in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State. His leadership in organizing key papal trips to countries such as Canada, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo has earned him international acclaim. In a t...
Meghalaya Police announce revised dates for Physical Efficiency Test
Meghalaya

Meghalaya Police announce revised dates for Physical Efficiency Test

The Meghalaya Police have rescheduled the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for candidates, following technical glitches encountered during the initial rounds held from November 18 to December 21, 2024. The PET, which was originally notified on November 7, has now been cancelled due to these errors. In a press release, the Central Recruitment Board outlined the revised PET dates and venues: Candidates scheduled for the PET at the 3rd MLP Bn., Sahbsein, Jowai, can begin downloading their admit cards from December 6, 2024. Admit cards for other PET centers will be available from December 16, 2024. Candidates are advised to verify their personal information before downloading the admit card, with the option to correct data online. Those seeking to change their PET date must submit an appl...