In April 2025, Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN)-based Geographical Indications (GI) Registry, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), officially granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Meghalaya's indigenous textile, 'Ryndia' silk and Khasi handloom products.
- The GI recognition applies to Ryndia, a handwoven, hand-spun, naturally dyed, organically produced, and ethically sourced fabric, along with other traditional Meghalaya handloom products.
- The initiative was led by the Meghalaya Department of Textiles with support from NABARD and technical guidance from GI expert Dr. Rajnikanth, facilitating joint applications by the Textiles Department and the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association. It was further catalyzed by the recognition of Umden-Diwon Village (Ri-Bhoi district) as Meghalaya’s 1st Eri Silk Village on February 12, 2021.
Main Point :-
(i) "Ryndia" is the Khasi name for Eri silk, derived from the ryndia (castor) plant that feeds the Philosamia ricini silkworms. It is a unique heirloom fabric known for its traditional and sustainable qualities. Ryndia or Eri silk is also referred to as Peace Silk or Ahimsa Silk, as it is extracted without harming the silkworms, preserving Meghalaya's eco-conscious weaving heritage.
(ii) This fabric is primarily produced by the indigenous Khasi, Bhoi, and Jaintia artisans of Meghalaya, with Ryndia weaving being a woman-centric tradition among the Khasi tribes. The fabric is hand-spun, handwoven, and naturally dyed, reflecting both cultural legacy and ethical craftsmanship.
(iii) A Geographical Indication (GI) tag certifies products from a specific region with unique qualities or reputation. In India, it is governed by the GI Act, 1999 (effective from 15 Sept 2003). The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I) aims to reach 10,000 GI tags by 2030 to boost local heritage.
About Meghalaya
Chief Minister (CM) : Conrad Kongkal Sangma
Governor : Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar
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New Snakehead Fish Species 'Channa nachi' Identified in Meghalaya.
In March 2025, a newly discovered species of snakehead fish, Channa nachi, was identified in a remote stream in South Garo Hills, Meghalaya, a biodiversity hotspot in Northeast India.
- It was first collected in 2021 by local fish enthusiast Farham Sangma from a shallow, slow-flowing tributary of the Simsang River system.
- The species was officially recognized and described in the scientific journal Zootaxa.
Main Point :-
(i) The species is named nachi in honor of Farham Sangma, acknowledging his contribution to the discovery. The term nachi is derived from the Garo language, reflecting the indigenous culture's connection to local biodiversity.
(ii) Channa nachi is a newly identified species of snakehead fish, distinguished by its slender body and striking bicolor appearance.
(iii) Its coloration transitions from a creamish-yellow front to a deep blue back, complemented by 10-12 pale brown saddles on its dorsal half and pale-blue marbling along its sides.
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The 7th Act East Business Show Takes Place in Meghalaya.
In March 2025, the 7th Act East Business Show was inaugurated by Meghalaya Chief Minister (CM) Conrad Sangma in Shillong, Meghalaya. The three-day event, held from March 25th-27th, 2025, was attended by ambassadors and representatives from various countries. The event was organized by the Kolkata (West Bengal)-based Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in partnership with the Government of Meghalaya.
- The primary objective of the 7th Act East Business Show is to position Meghalaya as a key trade and investment hub, while strengthening economic ties between India’s Northeast and the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) regions, under India’s Act East Policy.
- The Act East Business Show was first launched in 2014, with annual editions held until 2018, followed by a gap before the 2021 edition.
Main Point :-
(i) Aligned with Meghalaya’s vision of achieving a USD 10 billion economy, the event focused on policy reforms, infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, and grassroots economic networks as key drivers of growth.
(ii) The state seeks to capitalize on its strategic location and the Act East Policy framework to attract cross-border investments and improve regional connectivity.
(iii) Launched in 2014 at the 12th ASEAN-India Summit in Myanmar, the Act East Policy succeeded the Look East Policy (1992) with the aim of strengthening trade and investment relations with Southeast Asian nations.
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IAF Carries Out Combat Training Exercise at Umiam Lake, Meghalaya.
In March 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a combat training exercise at Umiam Lake, Shillong, Meghalaya, to enhance interoperability with the Indian Army Special Forces and the Indian Navy.
- The exercise featured operations such as Combat Rubber Raiding Craft deployments, parachute jumps, and helocasting, where personnel jumped into the water from aircraft like the An-32 (Antonov-32), C-130 (Lockheed C-130 Hercules), and Mi-17 (military transport) helicopter.
Main Point :-
(i) National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets based in Shillong witnessed the exercise, gaining firsthand exposure to specialized tri-service operations.
(ii) The joint-service drill highlights the IAF's commitment to strengthening combat readiness, tri-service coordination, and rapid-response capabilities in diverse terrains.
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Union MoS Jayant Chaudhary Virtually Launches 'Swavalambini' Women Entrepreneurship Programme in Three Northeast States.
In February 2025, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, I/C) Jayant Chaudhary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Ministry of Education (MoE), virtually launched ‘Swavalambini,’ a women entrepreneurship programme in nine colleges and universities across three North Eastern (NE) states: Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
- The programme aims to empower female students in select Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the NE region by equipping them with an entrepreneurial mindset, resources, and mentorship.
Main Point :-
(i) For the first time, MSDE, through the Guwahati (Assam)-based Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), in coordination with the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), has introduced a structured, stage-wise entrepreneurial process covering awareness, development, mentorship, and funding support.
(ii) The initiative will facilitate structured training through the Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP), introducing entrepreneurship as a viable career option for 600 female students via a two-day session covering fundamental entrepreneurial concepts and opportunities.
About Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
Minister : Jayant Chaudhary
Headquarters : New Delhi
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The World Bank has approved a funding of USD 35 million to improve education in Meghalaya.
On January 7, 2025, the World Bank's (WB) Board of Executive Directors approved a loan of USD 35 million for the "Meghalaya Multisectoral Project for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment and Resilience" (MPOWER). The goal of this project is to improve education quality in Meghalaya. It aims to support the state's youth by enhancing resources and infrastructure.
- The loan comes from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), which is part of the World Bank Group. The loan has a 15-year term, with a 5-year grace period before repayments begin.
- The project aims to empower 500,000 adolescents by helping them transition from school to work. It will focus on reducing school dropouts, improving learning outcomes, and providing support for finding jobs and starting businesses.
- The project is inspired by similar initiatives in Jharkhand and successful World Bank projects in Tanzania and Bangladesh.
Main Point :-
(i) The MPOWER project, aimed at improving academic results in grades 6-12 and closing gaps in reading and math, has a total cost of USD 45 million, with USD 35 million funded by the World Bank and the rest by the Government of India.
(ii) The project aims to reduce dropout rates in Meghalaya, with a focus on providing career guidance, mental health awareness, and life skills training to both current and former students, as the state has one of the highest dropout rates in India.
(iii) The project will also provide business skills training to aspiring entrepreneurs and out-of-school adolescents, in partnership with the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS).
About the World Bank (WB)
President: Ajay Banga
Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
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