1. Meghalaya Government launches ‘Asia's first Drone delivery hub for easy access to healthcare’
Tags: Science and Technology State News
The Meghalaya government in partnership with Startup TechEagle has unveiled Asia's first drone delivery hub and network Meghalaya Drone Delivery Network (MDDN), which is aimed at providing universal access to healthcare for the people in the state.
The Meghalaya Drone Delivery Network (MDDN) project is aimed at delivering vital supplies like drugs, diagnostic samples, vaccines, blood and blood components quickly and safely to different regions of the state using a dedicated drone delivery network.
The first official drone flight took off from Jengjal Sub Divisional Hospital on 5 December 2022, which acts as the hub, and delivered medicines to Padeldoba primary health centre in less than 30 minutes, which would otherwise have taken 2.5 hours by road.
It expected that the Meghalaya Drone Delivery Network (MDDN) would bring universal access to healthcare for 2.7 million people of Meghalaya.
Now with the help of drones, it will be possible to overcome the problem of lack of visibility, high delivery costs, outdated technology and inaccessibility through roads and railway networks and deliver better healthcare facilities to people of Meghalaya.
State of Meghalaya
It is also known as the abode of clouds. It is one of the 8 North Eastern states of India.
It became a state on 21 January 1972.
Governor: B.D.Mishra
Chief Minister: Conrad Sangma
Capital: Shillong
2. Rising Sun Water Fest-2022 on ‘Umiam Lake’ ends in Meghalaya
Tags: Festivals State News
The first of its kind Rising Sun Water Fest ended on 5 November 2022 with a grand closing ceremony at Umiam Lake, Meghalaya showcasing the cultural heritage of the North eastern region.
The water sports and cultural extravaganza held from November 3-5 was aimed at encouraging the sports loving youth to take up water sports like Rowing and Sailing. It also aimed at promoting tourism in the North East.
Organizers of the Fest
The Rising Sun Water Fest was organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in cooperation with the governments of Assam and Meghalaya.
The Festival was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma on 3 November.
The Chief minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma and Lt Gen RP Kalita, Army commander Eastern Command were the chief guests at the closing ceremony on 5 November.
Speaking on the occasion Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Assam and Meghalaya will work with the Indian Army to transform the Umiam Lake into a world-class venue for aquatic sports.
Umiam Lake
The Umiam Lake also known as Barapani Lake is an artificial lake which was created after a dam was built on the river Umiam in early 1960s. Umiam hydroelectric project supplies electricity to Meghalaya and Assam. The lake lies in the capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong.
State of Meghalaya
Meghalaya means the abode of clouds.
Meghalaya was created as an autonomous state within Assam in 1970 and achieved full statehood on January 21, 1972 by carving out hilly areas of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo.
It has the wettest region in the world, Mawsynram village near Cherrapunji. Mawsynram has recorded rainfalls of 700mm per year.
The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong which was made Assam's capital in 1874, remained so till January 1972,
Some of the famous cultural festival of Meghalaya
Nongkrem dance festival
Ka Pomblang Nongkrem dance, also popularly known as Nongkrem dance, is a five day religious festival of the Khasis tribe. It is celebrated during November month. Nongkrem Dance Festival is performed to appease the all-powerful Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a rich bumper harvest and prosperity of the people.
Wangala Festival
The Wangala Festival is also known as the 100 drums festival. It is a most popular festival among the Garos tribes of Meghalaya. Wangala Festival is a harvest festival held in honour of Saljong, the Sun-god of fertility.
Behdienkhlam Festival
Behdienkhlam Festival is the most celebrated Cultural festival among the Pnars tribes. Behdienkhlam (chasing away the Demon of Cholera) is celebrated annually in July after the sowing period, the most important dance festival of the Jaintia tribes
