Shillong

MWire Labs, a technology startup based in Shillong, has announced the release of NE-BERT, an AI model built specifically for the languages of Northeast India. The new model supports nine languages: Khasi, Garo, Pnar, Assamese, Manipuri (Meitei), Mizo, Nyishi, Kokborok, and Nagamese. Unlike global Al models which primarily focus on English or Hindi, NE-BERT is designed to help digital tools and apps understand the unique languages of the Northeast.

The U Soso Tham Auditorium roared to life as acclaimed actor Vinay Pathak delivered a gripping performance in a play inspired by Shakespeare’s King Lear at the Shillong Literary Festival. Directed by the visionary Rajat Kapoor, the production blended tragedy, dark humour, and contemporary drama into a spellbinding theatrical storm. Pathak’s portrayal of the tormented monarch unraveling under the weight of betrayal held the audience captive from the first moment. Kapoor’s signature minimalist direction gave the classic tale a fresh heartbeat, turning Shakespeare’s centuries-old tragedy into a modern emotional spectacle. The crowd rose in a standing ovation as the curtains fell, marking the performance as one of the festival’s most electrifying highlights. In just one evening, Shillon...

Shillong was shaken on the evening of 17 November 2025, when a horrifying incident unfolded near Gate-2 of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU). At around 7:00 PM, two young students from the Chemistry Department — Daritngen Pohdukhei and Stephanie Shadap— were violently struck by an overspeeding vehicle, leaving the campus community in disbelief and fear. Both students were rushed to Nazareth Hospital, where they remain in critical condition, battling severe injuries. Speaking to the media with visible distress, Lenin Kwong Thao, a family representative of Daritngen, described the gravity of the situation: He further revealed that the incident has already been reported to the police, but the family is anxiously waiting for concrete action. The shocking accident has triggered outrag...

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly conducted an inspection of four major health facilities in Shillong on Monday to review the on-ground implementation of the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS). The inspection team visited Civil Hospital Shillong, Ganesh Das Hospital, the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), and Super Care Hospital. During the visit, the Committee engaged with hospital authorities and MHIS personnel to assess administrative processes, beneficiary experiences, and systemic challenges impacting the effective delivery of the scheme. Inspection Team- Smti. Miani D. Shira, MLA & Chairperson, Public Accounts Committee, Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, MLA & Member, Shri Brightstarwel...

In an inspiring display of discipline, determination, and family support, Hamiwell Marwein from Mawlai Mawroh, Shillong on Nov 9 has successfully completed the prestigious IRONMAN 70.3 Goa Triathlon - one of the world's most demanding endurance events. His achievement was the result of a year of focused training, balancing professional and personal responsibilities with unwavering purpose. Guided and motivated by Colonel Jangvir Lamba, a serving Indian Army officer and experienced Ironman triathlete, Hamiwell prepared for the 1.9 km open-water swim, 90 km cycling leg, and 21.1 km run-all completed consecutively within strict time limits.Training amidst Shillong's challenging hills and unpredictable weather, Hamiwell embodied the resilience and quiet strength for which the Northeast is ...

Iran secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Nepal to win the Women’s Tri-Nation International Tournament at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, putting on a show of attacking football that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The first half saw both sides create chances but fail to convert, with Iran controlling possession and Nepal pressing when possible. Iran’s Sara Didar broke the deadlock just four minutes into the second half, followed quickly by Zahra Ghanbari’s precise set-piece strike in the 52nd minute. Shabnam Behesht capped the match with a brilliant left-footed goal, sealing Iran’s dominant performance. Nepal, led by captain Sabitra Bhandari, had opportunities but struggled to penetrate Iran’s defence, ultimately finishing the tournament without a win. The result confirmed Iran as...

Nepal and IR Iran’s women’s football teams will meet on October 24 in a decisive clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Polo Ground, Shillong, as part of the Women’s Tri-Nation International Tournament. Nepal head coach Nabin Neupane said his squad is fully prepared and determined to claim all three points. Having previously visited Shillong, Neupane acknowledged the strength of both India and Iran but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to perform consistently throughout the match. “I believe the players are ready to give their best for the entire 90 minutes,” Neupane stated during the pre-match press conference. Iran’s head coach, Marziyeh Jafaribaravati, described Nepal as a formidable opponent and predicted an entertaining encounter. She added that her side has been addre...

The Trophy Unveiling Ceremony for the Women's Tri-Nation International Friendlies took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, setting the stage for an exciting series of international football matches. The event saw the participation of officials, players, and organisers who expressed optimism about the competition's role in promoting women's football in the region. The tournament, featuring national teams from India, Iran, and Nepal, promises to deliver high-intensity matches and showcase emerging talent from across Asia. With Shillong hosting all fixtures, the city is set to witness a celebration of sport, teamwork, and international camaraderie.

Dr Sanku Dey from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, has secured a place among the world's elite researchers for the fifth consecutive year, ranking 54,006th globally in Stanford University's prestigious 2025 list of top 2 per cent scientists. The achievement is particularly significant as Dr Dey remains the sole representative from Meghalaya on this globally acclaimed list since 2021. The statistics professor, who heads the Department of Statistics at the college, has demonstrated remarkable consistency in maintaining his position amongst the world's leading researchers across five consecutive years. His latest ranking represents a notable improvement from his 2024 position of 57,410, demonstrating sustained research impact in a competitive global landscape. Dr Dey's work has garnered 5...

Shillong has once again distinguished itself as India's cleanest air city, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of just 17 after Diwali a level categorised as "good" and posing almost no health risk. National data placed the Meghalaya capital at the top of the list of cities with the lowest pollution levels, followed by Yadgir in Karnataka (24), Tirumala and Madikeri (25 each), Davanagere (29), Karwar (30), Gangtok (34), and Raipur (40). In stark contrast, India's major metros continued to choke under thick post-Diwali smog. Delhi's average AQI soared to 346, falling under the "very poor" category, with some areas like Bawana and Wazirpur exceeding 400. Despite the Supreme Court permitting only green firecrackers, the national capital region remained engulfed in haze and poor visibilit...