Lalduhoma Sworn In As New Mizoram CM, 11 Other Ministers Take Oath

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by Hemanta Pande

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) President Lalduhoma was sworn in as the 14th Chief Minister of Mizoram on Friday.

Aizawl, Dec 8: Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) President Lalduhoma was sworn in as the 14th Chief Minister of Mizoram on Friday.

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati administered the oath of office and secrecy to Lalduhoma and 11 other ministers, including seven cabinet ranks and four state ministers, at a function at the Raj Bhavan here.

Lalrinpuii is the lone woman minister in the 12-member council of ministry.

Seven of the 12 ministers are first-time winners.

The other ministers who took oath on Friday include, K. Sapdanga, Vanlalhlana, C. Lalsawivunga, Lalthansanga, Dr. Vanlalthlana, P.C. Vanlalruata, Lalrinpuii -- all cabinet ministers rank, F. Rodingliana, B. Lalchhanzova, Prof. Lalnilawma and Lalnghinglova Hmar -- all state ministers rank.

Outgoing Chief Minister and Mizo National Front (MNF) leader Zoramthanga, former Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla (Congress), several political leaders, newly elected MLAs, senior civil and security officials and many dignitaries were present at the swearing-in ceremony.

Also Read: After Ruling For 22 Years, Congress Almost Wiped Out In Mizoram

Earlier on Tuesday, former IPS officer-turned-politician Lalduhoma was elected as the ZPM Legislature Party leader and senior party leader K. Sapdanga as the deputy leader by the newly elected MLAs.

The ZPM, which was registered as a political party only in 2019, voted out the MNF-led government in the November-7 polls (result declared on Monday) securing 27 seats in the 40-member assembly.

The four-year old party got eight seats in the 2018 polls, when its candidates contested the elections as independents. (IANS)

Meta adds new ways to organise events in WhatsApp Communities

by Utkalika Mohanty

New Delhi, May 2: Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday announced new features for WhatsApp Communities and its groups.

Now, groups belonging to a WhatsApp Community can create events, making it easier to come together in person and online.

He also announced that members can now reply to admin announcements in Community Announcement groups, so that admins can get feedback from members.

Zuckerberg announced the new features on his WhatsApp Channel, saying "If you're in a WhatsApp Community, you can now create events in your groups and reply to admin announcements."

"Over the next few months more groups will be able to create events," he added.

With events, users can now easily plan their get togethers directly in WhatsApp, whether it’s setting up a virtual meeting or birthday dinner. Anyone can create an event and others can respond so the whole group knows who is coming.

Events are coming to groups that belong to a Community first, and will roll out to all groups over the coming months, the company said.

Moreover, the company said adding replies to Announcement Groups will allow admins hear from their members while "keeping these groups an easy place to catch up on what’s happening in your Community".

Replies are grouped together and minimised so users can see what others have said in context, and notifications are muted for everyone.

Over the next few months, the tech giant will keep rolling out new features to Communities and groups so people have more tools to keep their lives organised on WhatsApp.

(IANS)

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"Virat Kohli-one of the best to ever play cricket": AB de Villiers

by Utkalika Mohanty

New Delhi, May 2: Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers heaped praise on India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli and said he is one of the best players to ever play cricket.

Currently, Kohli is the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2024. He scored 500 runs at a strike rate of 147.49 after appearing in 10 matches. He hammered 46 fours and 20 overhead boundaries in the ongoing T20 tournament.

While speaking on his official YouTube channel, De Villiers said he is fed up with seeing "data-driven pundits" criticizing Kohli's strike rate.

The former Proteas cricketer hailed the talisman Indian batter and said that he has been "incredible" in IPL

"Virat Kohli, catching criticism about his strike rate. It's been going on for way too long and I am sort of fed up with that now. I'm frustrated to say the least. This guy is one of the best players to ever play the game of cricket. He's incredible in the IPL, he plays a certain role for RCB, and I've pretty much had enough of data-driven pundits who keep criticising this man. When you don't really have knowledge of the game. How many games of cricket have you played, how many IPL hundreds have you scored?," De Villiers said.

During RCB's previous match against GT, Kohli stood out with his quick-fired 70* and played a significant role in Bengaluru's triumph and brushed off the recent debate around his strike rate.

During the game, the 'chase master' Virat Kohli achieved a landmark feat during RCB's clash against GT.

In his unbeaten knock of 70 runs from 44 balls, struck at a massive strike rate of 159.09, Kohli completed 24 half-centuries while chasing a target, he now stands second in the list. Dhawan holds the third place with 23 fifty-plus scores. Meanwhile, David Warner stands in the top spot with 35 half-centuries while chasing a target.

The 35-year-old also equalled David Warner's record of most 500-plus runs in IPL seasons. Both Kohli and Warner have crossed the 500-run mark seven times in an IPL season.

(ANI)

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Files Nomination Papers From Kantabanji Constituency

by Utkalika Mohanty

Balangir, May 2: The Chief Minister of Odisha and BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik on Thursday filed his nomination papers from Kantabanji assembly constituency.

Patnaik filed his paper before sub-collector in Titlagarh. V.K Pandian along with several BJD Leaders were present during his filing of papers.

Earlier, BJD supremo filed the nomination papers for the Hinjili Assembly seat for upcoming elections on April 30.
For the first time CM Patnaik is going to contest the election from Kantabanji Constituency. Since 2000, CM Naveen has been winning from Hinjili consistently.