Tiny village on the edge of Merseyside where time stands stillSindh seeks tech-driven motor vehicle tax reform KARACHI: Sindh’s Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah has directed the Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department to implement tech-driven reforms aimed at making the Motor Vehicle Tax system more user-friendly. The goal is to enhance efficiency, transparency and convenience for taxpayers by minimising manual intervention in the tax collection process. During a high-level meeting to review the department’s development initiatives, Shah added the importance of adopting modern technology to simplify processes and improve the taxpayer experience. He also proposed offering taxpayers the option to prepay motor vehicle taxes for up to five years, providing a flexible and convenient solution for those wishing to settle their obligations in advance. The meeting, which included Secretary Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Department Muhammad Saleem Rajput, Secretary Implementation & Coordination Shahab Qamar Ansari, and other senior officials, highlighted significant achievements in revenue collection for the fiscal year 2024-25. As of November 2024, the department has collected Rs6,532 million under motor vehicle tax, Rs707 million through professional tax, and Rs85,172 million via infrastructure cess. Additional revenues included Rs49 million from entertainment duty, Rs3,756 million in excise enactment tax, and Rs71 million from cotton fee. The department also discussed its ongoing development projects, including six infrastructure initiatives and one IT project under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), aimed at improving operational efficiency and public service delivery. These efforts are part of the department’s modernisation agenda, which includes biometric verification for vehicle registration, cashless transactions, and online auctions for premium vehicle number plates. Further efforts to modernise the department include proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance (1965) and revisions to tax rates for the 2024-25 budget. These changes are expected to streamline operations and align the department with modern standards. The chief secretary was updated on the department’s work under the Sindh Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 2024. The department reported the registration of 114 narcotics-related cases and the arrest of 142 individuals in 2024. To support these efforts, Shah approved Rs40 million for the procurement of modern equipment to enhance the department’s capacity to combat narcotics-related challenges. Shah commended the department for its progress and reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to supporting the ongoing modernisation efforts. He stressed the importance of continued innovation and public service improvement in ensuring a transparent, efficient and secure environment for the people of Sindh.
Sparks scores 20 off the bench, Ball State knocks off Evansville 80-43
BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored the Celtics’ first 15 points on five consecutive 3-pointers and finished with 29 points, before Boston withstood a late charge to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 107-105 on Sunday. Jayson Tatum added 26 points and eight rebounds to help Boston post a season-high fifth straight victory. Anthony Edwards had 28 points and nine rebounds for Minnesota, which has lost five of its last seven. Julius Randle added 23 points, and Rudy Gobert finished with 10 points and 20 rebounds, his eighth double-double of the season. Minnesota got within 55-54 early in the third quarter, before a 14-0 run by Boston. The spurt featured four 3s by the Celtics, including two by Tatum. The lead grew to 79-60 with 4:26 to play in the period. But the Timberwolves chipped it all the way down in the fourth, getting within 107-105 with 34 seconds left on a driving layup by Randle. Timberwolves: Minnesota will be looking to for some wins at home, after dropping four of its last five on the road. Celtics: The Celtics have struggled at home at times this season but improved to 6-2 at the Garden. The Timberwolves had the ball with 7.1 seconds and a chance to win. Edwards got the inbounds and tried to drive on Brown. But he was cut off, and the ball swung to Naz Reid, who failed to get off a 3 as time expired. Boston assisted on 25 of its 37 made field goals. The Timberwolves host Houston in NBA Cup play on Tuesday, beginning a four-game homestand. The Celtics host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nbaIn the cryptocurrency arena, two presales, Pepe Unchained and BlockDAG, are currently the center of attention. Pepe Unchained has successfully gathered over $52 million, spotlighting its Ethereum-based Layer 2 solution that offers quicker, more affordable transactions. On the other hand, BlockDAG (BDAG) , operating on a Layer 1 blockchain, has amassed more than $158 million, showcasing its practical applications and emphasis on functionality. Both initiatives present distinct advantages, but which one truly capitalizes on its promises? Let's delve into an analysis of their advantages and challenges. Pepe Unchained Presale Reached $52M Pepe Unchained has captured significant interest by securing over $52 million in its presale, reflecting robust community engagement. Yet, as a Layer 2 platform built atop Ethereum, it does not enjoy the autonomy of Layer 1 networks and depends on Ethereum’s framework. It vows to deliver transactions up to 100 times faster than Ethereum’s mainnet. However, these enhancements are directly affected by Ethereum's performance, potentially limiting their effectiveness during high traffic periods. The initiative intends to introduce Pepe Chain, incorporating a decentralized exchange (DEX), a bridge, a block explorer, and staking rewards. Despite its impressive fundraising, Pepe Unchained has not yet reached any major milestones or results. Moreover, the project boasts a fast-growing community with over 52,800 followers and 12,000 Telegram participants. Nonetheless, the anonymity of its team members creates transparency issues, leaving the community uncertain about the leadership driving the project. BlockDAG's Impressive $158M Presale: Vision, Utility, and Real Achievements BlockDAG is currently experiencing significant success with its presale, having raised over $158 million and sold more than 16.9 billion BDAG coins. Now in its 26th batch at $0.0234 per coin—up from just $0.001 in the first batch—the price has surged by 2240%. With a target of $600 million in sight for the best crypto presale , the window for early participation is closing fast, highlighting the urgent opportunity for involvement. Unlike other presales, BlockDAG is built as a Layer 1 blockchain, ensuring complete independence and broad potential for developing new crypto applications. BDAG is designed as a utility coin, focusing on long-term practical use and sustainability, distinguishing itself from transient meme coins. This strategic approach supports ongoing relevance and aligns with the platform’s goal to implement impactful solutions. BlockDAG’s progress is concrete and significant. The mainnet is fully developed and currently under audit. Strategic partnerships, like one with major European soccer club Inter Milan, bolster its standing. The leadership team remains active in the community, frequently conducting AMAs to discuss updates, future plans, and current achievements. With solid milestones and a defined direction, BlockDAG’s presale is a promising gateway to a project poised to influence the future of blockchain technology. Which Leads the Presale Race in 2024? Both Pepe Unchained and BlockDAG are capturing the crypto community’s attention, yet they follow distinctly different trajectories.Pepe Unchained capitalizes on the excitement with its Ethereum-based Layer 2 solutions but depends on Ethereum’s fluctuating performance and has not yet realized significant achievements. Conversely, BlockDAG’s Layer 1 foundation promotes true autonomy and unlimited potential for innovation. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.The kids walked in and the men and women of the Alchemy Chorus beamed. Black Friday Sale Subscribe Now! Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue A community choir for people with dementia and their partners, the Alchemy Chorus was thrilled to welcome preschoolers and students from Hughes Primary to sing with them on a sunny morning this week. It was billed as an event promising some "intergenerational joy". And it so was. Singing What a Wonderful World and When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along , the old and young were in perfect harmony. The age difference between the two groups slipped away and they just enjoyed the simple pleasure of sharing a tune together. Hughes Primary School students including Adelene White singing with the Alchemy Chorus choir. Pictures by Keegan Carroll A special relationship has developed over the years between the chorus and the children, starting with regular greetings delivered by the preschoolers as they passed by the window of Barrie and Claire Virtue at St Andrews Village. The children would call out "Barrie and Claire, are you there?" The Alchemy Chorus were delighted to team up with the children. After the passing of Claire in 2023, a memorial bench seat was installed in the front garden: Claire's Chair. Barrie continues to sing in the choir and the preschoolers and students now come to join them, most recently on Thursday, at the Hughes Community Centre. The children mixed with the older singers. Alchemy Chorus founder Brian Trigione said the children were another lovely distraction from the constant presence of dementia in their lives, both the person with the condition and the people looking after them. "We leave talking about dementia at the door," he said. Year five students also came along - and loved it. Retired teacher Jenne Kelson, a member of the Alchemy Chorus, was especially moved by the students' involvement. "It takes me back into the classroom," she said. Jenne believed music was a glue to connect the generations. "It's wonderful - and it's great to see the involvement of the teachers as well," she said. Hughes Primary piano teacher Emma Drew accompanied the kindergarten and year one students from the school's junior choir to the performance. The year two students were away, so Emma organised some year five students to come and have a sing, including her daughter Talitha, 11. "They loved it, actually," she said. "The year five girls were afterwards thanking me for the opportunity, which was lovely." Emma agreed music could connect generations. "It brings a lot of joy," she said. Choir committee member Mick Eley said Thursdays were becoming the favourite day of the week for the choir members and their families. Other recent visitors to the Alchemy Chorus were students from Erindale College, were the older singers were introduced to the songs of Taylor Swift. Trish Cran, the choir's gig manager, said the Thursday morning visits by younger people were always "so appreciated". "These sessions are always uplifting and fun and demonstrate the inclusiveness that is a feature of Alchemy's business," she said. Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Megan Doherty Journalist I like telling local stories and celebrating Canberra. Email: megan.doherty@canberratimes.com.au I like telling local stories and celebrating Canberra. Email: megan.doherty@canberratimes.com.au More from Canberra 13 years ago six kinder kids were front page news. They just finished year 12 1hr ago No comment s Accused work Christmas party rapist claims he was only 'reaching for vape' 1hr ago How to play a fan-made Survivor series (from an unexpected challenge beast) 1hr ago No comment s Our safety nets have gaping holes. Who is going to fix them? 1hr ago No comment s Just beyond reach: the life and work of Carol Jerrems 1hr ago No comment s 'It's an exciting future': Jenni Tarrant starts her own charitable foundation 1hr ago No comment s Newsletters & Alerts View all DAILY Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Loading... WEEKDAYS The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Loading... 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MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — Payton Sparks scored 20 points off of the bench to lead Ball State past Evansville 80-43 on Saturday. Sparks had five rebounds for the Cardinals (5-6). Jermahri Hill added 13 points while going 5 of 14 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) while he also had eight rebounds and four steals. Jeremiah Hernandez had 12 points and shot 3 of 9 from the field, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 5 from the line. Michael Day led the Purple Aces (3-9) in scoring, finishing with 13 points. Evansville also got 11 points and seven rebounds from Tanner Cuff. Gui Tesch also recorded five points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .