Gujarat ATS arrests man for sharing sensitive info with Pak spy for Rs 200 per tipUnpacking IT challenges Few years ago, Pakistan ranked as fourth-largest freelancer market globally, with potential to become number one The Information Technology (IT) sector holds immense potential to transform businesses and create new job markets for entrepreneurs. IT encompasses a broad range of areas, including software development, hardware manufacturing, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing. The future undoubtedly lies with IT. However, it is alarming that Pakistan’s IT sector faces multiple challenges, ranging from structural reforms, IT infrastructure, policy formulation, and regulations to bottlenecks in providing high-speed internet and facilitating freelancers. Addressing these challenges is an urgent priority for the government of Pakistan. IT infrastructure is the foundation for IT exports and e-commerce. A few years ago, Pakistan ranked as the fourth-largest freelancer market globally, with the potential to become number one. Thousands of IT professionals and young entrepreneurs work as freelancers for international clients, earning valuable foreign exchange for the country. These individuals need encouragement and facilitation at all levels. High-speed internet is crucial for efficient IT operations and unlocking the full potential of freelancers. With adequate support, Pakistan’s freelancers could generate up to $100 billion in revenue within five to ten years. Unfortunately, internet speed often suffers due to cybercrime control mechanisms, commonly referred to as a ‘firewall’ in the security paradigm. Pakistan is still in the process of developing a robust IT infrastructure to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector. Establishing software technology zones (STZs) and software technology parks (STPs) is essential to boost IT and IT-enabled services. The government must energise and activate entities like the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) to facilitate the IT services sector. The National Incubation Centre (NIC) also needs to play a proactive role in enhancing exports and fostering innovation as a hub for economic growth. Policymakers’ inertia in adopting successful models like the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina (USA), Zhongguancun in Beijing (China), and Kista Science City in Stockholm (Sweden) is baffling. These hubs have produced tech giants like Skype and Spotify. Pakistan must emulate such initiatives to establish itself as an IT hub. The IT sector’s growth is hindered by slow-speed internet, negatively impacting IT services and IT-enabled services exports. Affordable and reliable high-speed internet, state-of-the-art data centres, and uninterrupted power supply are critical to the sector’s promotion. Expanding 5G coverage is also essential for advancing IT. AI is reshaping industrial infrastructure, and its efficiency hinges on high-speed internet. The government should prioritise restoring broadband facilities to help the sector thrive, contributing significantly to export earnings. Innovations in data analytics and blockchain are necessary to enhance exports, but these are currently lacking, which adversely affects the sector’s overall performance. Pakistan is losing its share in the freelancers’ market due to several factors, particularly slow internet speeds. Young IT professionals involved in IT services exports frequently report disruptions caused by unreliable internet connections, which affect their ability to meet deadlines and fulfill orders. Freelancers in Pakistan handle various tasks, including web development, content creation, graphic design, and digital marketing. However, their productivity is hampered by these connectivity issues. While virtual private networks (VPNs) offer some relief, they are not robust or accessible enough to support business needs effectively. Moreover, the cumbersome process of obtaining VPN access adds another layer of difficulty, further impeding IT exports. Immediate action is required to address these challenges. IT and fintech startups also face hurdles due to overly complex regulatory frameworks, which undermine the confidence of aspiring entrepreneurs. Freelancers also struggle to open bank accounts for their export proceeds. While the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has made efforts to facilitate this process, many freelancers still resort to opening accounts abroad. This is primarily due to the stringent monitoring of remittances by the SBP, which stems from commitments to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Lengthy payment processing times and scrutiny by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) further exacerbate these challenges. These obstacles compel many young entrepreneurs to relocate abroad, seeking environments where IT businesses can thrive without bureaucratic hurdles. While there are multiple reasons for the brain drain, the lack of facilitation for IT entrepreneurship is a significant factor. Ensuring ease of doing business within Pakistan is critical to retaining talent and capitalising on the lucrative IT services market, which has the potential to generate billions of dollars. The prime minister’s commitment to increasing IT and IT-enabled services exports to $25 billion within the next five years is commendable. However, the follow-up actions necessary to achieve this target are lacking. The Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT and ITeS (P@SHA) has already identified gaps and deficiencies in the policy framework and its implementation. Addressing these issues is essential to not only meet but surpass the target. With increased facilitation and the removal of excessive taxation, Pakistan can achieve exponential growth in IT exports. The world is advancing rapidly in IT and IT-enabled services and Pakistan must keep pace to capitalise on emerging opportunities. This is especially important as the sector enters a transformative era driven by AI. A robust policy framework and regulations for AI are urgently needed, but Pakistan currently lacks such measures. Data privacy is a fundamental concern in the age of IT and AI, and policymakers must prioritise its protection. While AI represents a monumental achievement in technology, its potential risks must be mitigated through proper regulation. AI should complement human efforts rather than replace them entirely, as is often feared. A balanced approach to AI governance is critical for achieving significant technological milestones while safeguarding human interests. Data privacy and national security require impregnable frameworks and legislation, which are currently absent in Pakistan. Enacting comprehensive data protection laws is imperative to ensure both individual privacy and national security. Pakistan has yet to leverage its most significant resource – its youth – in the field of IT and IT services. With proper training and guidance, young graduates could become key contributors to economic growth. The government should collaborate with private companies and universities to develop this untapped potential. A capable workforce is essential to establish Pakistan as a global IT hub. Private sector involvement is crucial for achieving the desired results in expanding the IT and digital markets. By training a larger number of young freelancers, Pakistan can realise its dream of dominating the global digital economy. The future of the IT sector lies in empowering the next generation of IT experts. Essentially, Pakistan’s IT sector is brimming with potential but faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth and contribution to the economy. High-speed internet, regulatory reforms, data protection, and ease of doing business are essential for unlocking this potential. The government must take immediate and comprehensive steps to address these issues, ensuring that the country does not lose its competitive edge in the global IT market. By prioritising the development of IT infrastructure, facilitating freelancers and startups, and embracing technological innovations, Pakistan can position itself as a leading player in the IT and IT-enabled services sector. The future of Pakistan’s economy depends on its ability to harness the transformative power of IT. The writer is a former additional secretary and can be reached at: hassanbaig2009@gmail.com
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Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara released a statement Friday slamming the "100% false" media reports that suggested he had thrown his final pass for the Hawkeyes. McNamara has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion during the Oct. 26 win against Northwestern. Backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan has started the last two games for the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) but is out with an ankle injury for Saturday's game at Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said earlier this week that Jackson Stratton will be the likely starter against the Terrapins if McNamara is unavailable. McNamara's cloudy status prompted speculation on a podcast this week that he was "not mentally ready to play." The podcast hosts from the Des Moines Register and The Athletic also suggested that McNamara -- who played three years at Michigan (2020-22) before transferring to Iowa -- is not "fit to play quarterback in the Big Ten right now." "We don't want to bury his career yet, but it does seem like that interception against Northwestern was his last snap as a Hawkeye," Leistikow said. McNamara, who passed for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games this season, released a statement updating his current status. "My status is the same as it's always been -- a proud member of this football team," he said. McNamara said he has not yet been cleared to play. He said he was cleared to practice on Sunday but suffered an "adverse reaction" and was unable to practice this week and therefore unable to travel with the team to Maryland. "I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, as well as engaging in hyperbaric treatments as frequently as possible," McNamara said. "I have every intention to play versus Nebraska next Friday night and I am confident that my teammates will return from Maryland with a win." Including his time with the Wolverines, McNamara has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,703 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 34 games. --Field Level MediaNostalgia on the menu: Sydney’s famed fish market serving up its last Christmas catchShare Tweet Share Share Email As we gear up for 2025, Binance Coin ( BNB ), Tron ( TRX ), and Rollblock generate some buzz among investors. BNB battles key resistance levels after reaching a new ATH earlier this month. Tron ’s growing adoption, including its integration with Trust Wallet , strengthens its utility. Meanwhile, Rollblock, a next-gen utility token, could be the next crypto to explode . Rollblock could be the next crypto to explode Rollblock is a project with both innovation and practicality at its core. It has already raised $7 million in its presale, and this utility-focused token is uniquely positioned to bridge blockchain technology with the booming gaming sector. What makes Rollblock truly stand out is its emphasis on real-world integration. The platform enables seamless access to over 7,000 games, live casino options, and sports betting markets, all secured by Ethereum-based smart contracts. Another differentiator is Rollblock’s economic design. The token employs a deflationary model, where strategic buybacks and token burns continuously reduce supply while staking options provide attractive APY rewards. Analysts highlight Rollblock’s potential as a key player in the $500 billion gaming industry, a market ripe for blockchain integration. With a solid foundation of practical utility and investor-focused features, Rollblock is emerging as a top contender for the title of the next crypto to explode . BNB defends $720 resistance and eyes the $1,000 mark BNB hit an ATH of $722 on December 4, but the coin faces bearish pressure. Key technical indicators, like a spike in the Average Directional Index (ADX) to 31, signal there could be challenges on the way. The support levels for BNB are at $647 and $622, so if BNB wants to keep moving upward, the price has to hold above $720. The expansive Binance ecosystem continues to fuel the BNB utility. Applications range from trading fee discounts to DeFi integrations. If BNB can maintain momentum, breaking past $850 could position it for a run toward $1,000 in 2025. Tron expands utility with trust wallet staking Tron ( TRX ) is up because of its strategic collaboration with Bitget and its integration with Trust Wallet . This partnership allows users to stake TRX directly in Trust Wallet , enhancing accessibility and utility for retail investors. With over 278 million user accounts and $10 billion in average daily transactions, Tron has cemented its position as a leading Layer-1 blockchain for global payments. The recent acquisition of $10 million worth of TRX by Bitget underscores the increasing confidence in Tron ’s ecosystem. As Tron approaches $0.2688, a 15% increase driven by market enthusiasm, its integration with Trust Wallet provides a seamless staking solution that could further boost adoption. Where to focus? BNB , Tron , and Rollblock each present unique opportunities for investors. BNB ’s established utility and its push toward $1,000 make it an attractive choice for those seeking stability and growth. Tron ’s integration with Trust Wallet and its focus on global payments highlight its expanding utility in a competitive market. However, Rollblock stands out with its innovative approach and real-world applications. By targeting the growing gaming industry, Rollblock addresses a tangible market need while offering a sustainable economic model. 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G train riders are on track to catching a break. The crosstown is the next subway line to get the European-style train treatment – and straphangers on the isolated outer borough line are eager to take what they can get after a summer shutdown and subsequent evening repairs. “The reliability thing is more of a draw to me,” 44-year-old G train rider Chris Schillinger told The Post. “It used to be that the G was not super reliable. Improving that sounds great to me.” At least two five-car open gangway trains will be transferred from the C to the G line in the first quarter of 2025 – and riders will have about a 1 in 5 chance of riding an open gangway car, the MTA said. This summer’s months-long shutdown to modernize the line’s 90-year-old signals promised to make service more reliable by installing a new signal technology, though those hi-tech systems are only scheduled to go live in 2027. “That sounds really nice,” 38-year-old coffee shop worker Jenny said of the open-gangway G train plan. “With the G train, they were doing a lot of work over the summer, and I thought after that, the signal modernization would be better – but they keep closing part of the tracks and are still working on it.” “I’ll take it,” G train rider Nolan Johnson, 35, told The Post. “There’s more space for people to stand on. You can move between cars easier.” The antiquated system is now “past the end of its useful life,” the MTA has said – with some riders even calling the line the “ghost train” due to a perceived lack of reliable service for its 160,000 daily riders. The new R211T cars, however, are slated to “provide faster, more frequent and reliable service,” according to NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, who said wider doors, better signage and LED displays as just some of the perks G train riders can look forward to. All open-gangway cars are also equipped with video cameras “to improve the safety of our customers and employees,” Crichlow added. Some straphangers told The Post that the gangway cars could prevent disorderly and disobedient commuters from unsafely going car-to-car or smoking in between cars while the train is in motion. Some also wondered if limiting outdoor access would perhaps even deter would-be subway surfers. “As a New Yorker, I like to have an easy way to move out of a certain situation,” Bed-Stuy resident Selina Josephs, 40, told The Post. “So just the fact that I can and if something’s going on in my car, I can just move over without having to open the door.” “I like that the doors light up, showing you what side of the train the doors are going to open,” Josephs added. “Also I noticed that before you even leave the train, you can see where those stairs are at or if there’s an elevator ... in other countries you see that, but, here it’s like, ‘Good luck: Leave and try to find the stairway or elevator.’” Old train cars also break down six times as frequently as new ones, according to the MTA’s Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, who argues “replacing them is more than just a matter of aesthetics.” “This latest purchase will help us get the next generation of rolling stock on the rails sooner so we can keep making the system more reliable and dramatically upgrade the passenger experience,” the MTA CEO said in a statement. The G will only be the second subway line to get the doorless R211T cars, which historically have yielded mixed reviews from riders — some of which say the trains leave them feeling vulnerable to commotion happening in another car. Whether you’re a fan or not, New Yorkers will be sure to see many more of the new R211 cars in the next few years, with the MTA’s Monday announcement of a $1.27 billion purchase of 80 open-gangway and 355 regular train cars due by 2027. Those accordion-style cars are slated to eventually replace all R44 trains on the Staten Island Railway and the orange-and-yellow R46 subway cars used for decades on the A, C, N, Q, R and W lines, as well as usher in the replacement of the R68s used on the B, D, N and W lines. “This latest order is putting the MTA closer towards its goal of fully modernizing the system,” MTA Chief of Rolling Stock Tim Mulligan said in a statement. “The R211s are state of the art and less prone to breakdowns, which means smoother trips for tens of thousands of New Yorkers and more reliable service for decades to come.” One skeptical G train rider, however, said it’s going to take a lot more than just a few new trains to improve the crosstown line. “New trains are useful — it’s cleaner, it’s good,” the rider, named Steve told The Post, “but it needs more work.”
HOLLY Willoughby left fans in awe as she flaunted her famously long legs while hosting ITV’s exciting new show, YouBet! The ex-This Morning star is lighting up our screens every Sunday at 6pm alongside Stephen Mulhern , proving once again that her legendary legs and infectious charm are a winning combination. 12 Holly Willoughby & Stephen Mulhern are presenting YouBet! together Credit: ITV 12 Over the years Holly has stunned showing off her legs black mini-dresses Credit: BackGrid 12 Holly Willoughby has been praised for her enviable legs on the show Credit: PA She has relied on a combination of gruelling workouts and a very surprising diet when it comes to achieving her enviable pins, according to her celeb pals. And her hard work certainly didn’t go unnoticed by fans who have often gushed about her “gorgeous” legs online. Holly, 43 is famously tight lipped about her diet and fitness, previously saying “it’s personal”, and claiming “people get obsessive” with it. However, her celebrity pals have previously let slip some of her keep-fit secrets, including her love of kickboxing and Pilates. Here we reveal how Holly got THOSE killer legs... 12 We reveal how the presenter got her killer pins Credit: Splash News 12 Holly is seen here back in November, 2015 Credit: Getty - Contributor 12 Holly knows how to always put one left forward when she's on stage Credit: PA PILATES PRINCESS After she gave birth to her eldest daughter, Belle 12 years ago, the new mum took up Pilates. It was the perfect exercise for the busy mum as she could train at home with Lynne Robinson - with one to one sessions costing £60 an hour. You Bet! given second series by ITV bosses - before reboot with Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern has even aired Lynne previously told The Sun: "I worked with Holly for several months, teaching her privately at her home once a week. "Holly had postnatal mat work classes which concentrated on strengthening and toning her core." 12 Holly has regularly attended Pilates since becoming a mum Credit: WENN 12 Moves like the bridge, side kicks and leg circles help to build up long and strong muscles in the legs Credit: Instagram Lynne also previously told the Daily Star that Holly’s workouts were no different to her average client. She explained: “A celebrity workout is no different to a normal workout. "Our focus is usually on toning the whole body so that they look (and feel) good 24/7 and 360 degrees!” Certain Pilates moves like the bridge, side kicks and leg circles help to build up long and strong muscles in the legs. BOXING BEAUTY 12 She is also reportedly a big boxing fan Credit: Getty - Contributor Holly also maintains her amazing legs with boxing classes, which can burn 300 calories every 30 minutes. Typically costing £60 for a one-to-one session, the discipline works out the whole body, but is also great for leg-specific moves. Slipping and rolling moves work your legs as perfecting a punch starts from your legs and works up. Celebrity Juice host Keith Lemon let it slip in an interview that he knows how Hols manages to keep fit. He said: "I’ve heard a rumour that it’s some sort of boxing." 12 Boxing helps to workout the lower body as well as the upper Credit: Instagram EVERYTHING IN MODERATION A source told Fabulous Online that Holly sticks to a relatively low-carb diet, mainly eating chicken and fish, served with lots of vegetables. Holly is adamant that her lifestyle should be all about compromise and she regularly posts on social media about her vices, which include calorie-laden cheese fondues and champagne. And it is this healthy approach to her diet that will help her to maintain her shapely pins. According to Healthline it is important to eat enough calories to build muscle and maintain strength in your legs. For maximum leg strength a well-rounded diet is encouraged with carbohydrates replenishing muscle glycogen and protein encouraging muscle repair. 12 A source told Fabulous Online that Holly sticks to a relatively low-carb diet Credit: Getty SWIMMING SENSATION While you catch many celebrities lounging by the pool, Holly is more of a water baby and can regularly be seen taking a dip - something that is known to help tone legs. Swimming can help to tone and define your legs. Experts recommend wearing flippers to build up resistance in the pool and using a kickboard float in order to focus your energy on your legs in the pool. 12 Holly looks after her body with a healthy diet and workout plan Credit: Rex The presenter is conscious of her status as a role model and avoids talking about her diet having previously told Prima she "doesn't want to encourage eating disorders". “I try not to focus too much on my appearance. As long as I’m being healthy, that’s good enough for me," she explained.
A NHS has spoken out and revealed what happens to your brain when you drink just one pint. It's not good news for pub fanatics as it appears just one , whether it be beer, wine or spirits, can have a "staggering" impact on the brain. Dr Sermed Mezher, an award winning doctor, that warned even your first drink can have a bad impact, let alone your second or even a heavy night out on the town. The GP has worked in the NHS for six years. He says booze can play a huge role in Speaking on , Dr Mezher said: "Alcohol can damage your brain more than dementia." "In fact, a recent study from the University of Oxford showed there was no safe drinking limit and that was on over 25,000 adults studied by [Dr Anya] Topiwala and colleagues. They found quite clearly that the more you drink, the thinner the cortex part on the outer part of the brain actually got, which is really important for executive function; things like consciousness, planning, memory." Come and join The Daily Star on , the social media site set up by ex-Twitter boss Jack Dorsey. It's now the new go-to place for content after a mass exodus of the Elon Musk-owned Twitter/X. Fear not, we're not leaving , but we are jumping on the bandwagon. So come find our new account on , and see us social better than the rest. You can also learn more about The Daily Star team in what Bluesky calls a . So what are you waiting for?! Let's The study conducted surveyed adults with an average age of 54. Through several brain scans they collected data on the affect of moderate alcohol consumption. The results revealed a link between drinking any amount of alcohol and the health of your brain getting worse. This is not limited to a particular type of alcohol, either. "We found no evidence to suggest alcoholic beverage type confers differences in risks to the brain. This supports the hypothesis that it is ethanol itself, rather than other compounds in the beverage, that is on the biological pathway to damage. "The associations of wine-drinking with higher educational level and socioeconomic status may explain the apparent health benefits." Dr Mezher added that just one unit of alcohol a week increases cognitive decline. They knew this happened already with age, but the research from 2021 shows booze speeds up the process. "Those who like to pick their poison, though, it's not all doom and gloom," he explained. "That's because crews and colleagues found that within just a couple of weeks of stopping drinking, your brain activities stem cell circuits that can regenerate neurons that have been damaged with long-term alcohol use."
Hampton considers accessory dwelling units as solution to housing shortageUdupi: To shed light on the pressing issues of Udupi district, a delegation of legislators from the district will meet chief minister Siddaramaiah during the upcoming legislature session and submit a petition, said minister of women and child development Laxmi Hebbalkar. Speaking at the quarterly KDP meeting held at Udupi zilla panchayat office on Saturday, the minister instructed that the district's issues be addressed appropriately. During the meeting, she directed that the work being undertaken to supply drinking water to Udupi city from Varahi River be completed swiftly. The minister also called for a scientific report on the increase in groundwater due to the construction of a check dam and instructed that lake development work be undertaken within 15 days with the urban development fund. She noted that 80% of the development work on the Hejmadi fishing port was completed and instructed that the remaining work be finished. The social welfare department already approved two new hostels for Udupi district in the current year, and legislators requested the minister to open additional hostels during the meeting. It was brought to the notice of the minister that due to technical reasons, solid waste disposal in rural areas was not carried out properly for several days. The minister urged immediate resolution of the issue and emphasised making the district free of plastic waste. MLAs V Sunil Kumar, Gurme Suresh Shetty, Yashpal Suvarna, Gururaj Shetty Gantihole, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, deputy commissioner Vidya Kumari K, superintendent of police Dr Arun K, and zilla panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal were present.
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