Symposium on plasma-based waste management begins
SHILLONG, May 15: A two-day national symposium exploring the use of plasma physics for sustainable waste management and conservation commenced at Sankardev College on Wednesday, bringing together scientists, environmental experts and policymakers. The event is organised by the college’s Departments of Physics, Environmental Science, Botany and IQAC, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB). MSPCB Chairman R. Nainamalai attended the inaugural session as the chief guest, while Member Secretary GH Chyrmang delivered the keynote address. During the event, principal Eureka FP Lyngdoh welcomed the participants, who included environmental engineers, health officials and researchers from various medical and academic institutions. The symposium features technical sessions led by prominent resource persons, including Nirav Ishwalal Jamnapara, Bharat Kakati and Ngangom Aomoa. A panel discussion involving experts from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the state Health Department and the MSPCB focused on scientific waste disposal strategies under the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026. It may be mentioned that the programme aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application, with a specific focus on plasma pyrolysis technology. Organisers have, meanwhile, noted that the initiative seeks to promote waste-to-energy solutions and support the circular economy through advanced biomedical and solid waste treatment methods.
Shillong student secures 7th rank in Commerce after result rectification
SHILLONG, May 15: Laban Bengalee Boys’ Higher Secondary School student, Ritesh Chettri, has been placed 7th in the Commerce stream merit list of the HSSLC examinations after a technical error in his initial result was rectified. According to a statement here, Ritesh also secured the highest marks in Economics in the Commerce stream. With the correction, Laban Bengalee Boys’ Higher Secondary School has now secured a total of five positions in the state merit lists—5th, 6th and 7th in Commerce, and 3rd and 5th in the Science stream.
IFAD delegation lauds state’s agri potential
SHILLONG, May 15: A high-level delegation from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) began a two-day field visit to Ri-Bhoi district on Wednesday to review community-led initiatives under the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Project (Megha-LAMP). The delegation includes IFAD Associate vice-president Dr. Donal Brown, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Reehana Raza, and Country Director for IFAD India, James Mach Dsousa Shield. The visit focuses on inspecting farmer collectives, processing units, and grassroots institutions supported by the project. Speaking during the visit, Dr. Brown noted that while Meghalaya is geographically remote, it possesses significant potential for high-value agricultural products. He then praised the quality of native crops such as turmeric, black pepper, cashews, and pineapples, but emphasised that presentation is vital for entering international markets. “If you’re looking to export to other parts of India, to urban centers like Delhi, or to export markets like the Middle East or Europe, it’s not just the quality of the product, it’s the branding and the packaging. It’s got to look attractive, and you’ve got some really good branding. I look at the packaging and I think, ‘this must be good,’ even before I’ve tasted the product,” Dr. Brown remarked. On the first day, the team visited the Integrated Village Cooperative Society (IVCS) and Collective Marketing Centre (CMC) in Umwang to interact with local farmers. They also inspected the upcoming Organic Spice Unit in Bhoirymbong, which is set to become the largest organic spice industrial facility in the Northeast. Reehana Raza highlighted the two-decade partnership between IFAD and Meghalaya, stating that long-term collaboration is essential for sustainable investment in smallholder farming. She expressed satisfaction with the advancements made by local communities across different project phases.
Dorbar felicitates meritorious Ri-Bhoi student
NONGPOH, May 15: The Dorbar Shnong of Umdohbyrthih on Thursday felicitated Daiakmen I Ka Talang for securing the 20th position in the SSLC examination results declared by the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBoSE). Talang, a student of Ferrando Higher Secondary School, secured the rank with a total of 555 marks. She earned letter marks in English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social Science, Health and Physical Education, and Khasi. Talang is now set to pursue her higher secondary education in the Science stream at Kendriya Vidyalaya NEHU, Shillong. It is pertinent to note that her academic success is particularly significant given the series of personal tragedies she faced. In 2023, she lost her father in a road accident, and shortly after, her family’s home was destroyed in a fire. Despite these financial and emotional setbacks, Talang remained focused on her studies. Addressing the gathering, Talang expressed gratitude to her teachers and family for their unwavering support. She urged fellow students to remain determined in the face of adversity. “Do not lose hope; persevere to achieve your goals,” she said, adding that she hopes her success encourages more students from the area to excel. The felicitation programme was attended by headman PB Sylliang, village secretary TB Sun and the Headmistress of Landmark Secondary School, E. Sylliang, along with residents and students. Describing Talang as an inspiration, the village leaders said that her achievement proves that difficult family circumstances and poverty cannot hinder those with the will to succeed. They remarked that Talang’s success has brought immense pride to the entire village.
Pension Adalat held in Jowai to settle pending cases
JOWAI, May 15: The Office of the Accountant General (A&E), Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Finance (Pension Cell) Department, organised a Pension Adalat on Thursday at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Jowai. The initiative focused on resolving long-pending pension cases from state government offices across West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills. Senior Deputy Accountant General Rupak Saha described the Adalat as a proactive measure to ensure the timely resolution of grievances. He urged Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) to utilise the ‘e-Pension Portal’, launched in January 2026, to ensure that pension cases are submitted online in a complete and structured format. During the session, pending cases were reviewed individually. Officials noted that many delays were primarily due to missing documents and forms that pensioners had failed to submit during their actual service period.
