A strong earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale hits many cities in Pakistan

Photo credit: Brandsynario

A powerful-magnitude earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, shook parts of Pakistan for at least 30 seconds on Tuesday, but it was not immediately clear whether the tremor caused damage or casualties.

earthquakes were felt in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Peshawar, Kohat, Lakki Marwat and other parts of the country.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the epicenter of the earthquake was in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan and its depth was 180 kilometers.

The effects of the earthquake were also felt in Peshawar, Swabi, Lodhran, DG Khan, Bahawalpur, Skardu, Kohat, Toba Tek Singh, Parachinar, Nowshera and Khanewal.

aftershocks were felt as far away as the Indian capital New Delhi, Reuters reported.

Large areas of South Asia are seismically active as a tectonic plate known as the Indian Plate pushes north into the Eurasian Plate.

"People ran out of their homes and recited the Koran," an AFP correspondent in Rawalpindi told AFP.

Pakistan, China agree to strengthen security & political cooperation (FO)

Photo credit: APP | Pakistan-China Delegation to Meet for Third Round of Pakistan-China Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) in Beijing, March 18, 2023 - APP

The two countries are also discussing strengthening mechanisms for high-level engagement and dialogue.

As part of an attempt to overhaul bilateral ties, Pakistan and China agreed to expand and strengthen political and security cooperation, bilateral trade, economic and financial cooperation, tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties, Das said State Department in a statement on Sunday.

The development came as the two countries met in the third round of bilateral Pakistan-China (BPC) political consultations - a regular institutional mechanism between the two countries - held in Beijing on March 18. The Pakistani delegation of

was led by Foreign Minister Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, and the Chinese side was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.

Pakistan and China will also strengthen high-level engagement and dialogue mechanisms and further strengthen communication channels, according to the FO. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), both sides reaffirmed their commitment to CPEC, which remains the main pillar of bilateral cooperation and a symbol of deepening friendship between the two countries.

They also agreed to continue their efforts to develop the CPEC, including involving third parties, to enhance regional connectivity and collaboration. Dr Majeed thanked the Chinese side for their continued generous support for Pakistan's economic stability and humanitarian aid provided to the country during last year's devastating floods. Separately, Sun reiterated China's support for Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic security.

"The two sides exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction with their close cooperation and involvement in key regional developments, including in Afghanistan," the press release reads.

He added that Pakistan and China will continue to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in multilateral platforms.

Lahore Qalandars are led to a Second PSL Championship by Shaheen, who Shines with Bat & Ball

Photo Credit: Twitter / @thePSLt20 | Lahore captain Qalandars Shaheen Shah Afridi gestures after his side won the PSL title for the second time after beating Multan Sultans March 18, 2023 in Lahore.

Lahore Qalandars successfully defended their Pakistan Super League (PSL) title after beating Multan Sultans by one point in the final of the tournament at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. The Sultans' pursuit for the intimidating 201-point goal came very close to their goal, but they lost by one point in a game that was a roller coaster of emotions for all fans.

During the chase, David Wiese broke through in the fourth round after defeating half opponent Usman Khan. The right foot scored 18 runs from 12 balls.

Despite an early loss, the Sultans made sure to keep up the pace needed as Rilee Rossouw and Mohammad Rizwan delivered an impressive pairing of 64 runs from 42 balls. However, Rossouw was knocked out by Rashid Khan when the batsman threatened to take Qalandars out of the game. The South African scored 52 runs from 32 balls.

Rashid struck again in his final when Rizwan, 34 to 23, died trying to cross a long line. It required excellent outfield play from David Wiese, who caught the ball, kept his balance and then kicked the ball in the air over the top rope before returning to the boundary to finish the catch.

Shaheen, who had lost 34 runs in his first two overs, returned in his second spell to take the wicket from the dangerous Kieron Pollard. The versatile Windies player hit 19 runs from 16 balls.

Shaheen also scored three goals in their grand final to put their team in a strong position to win the game.

However, Haris Rauf dropped 22 runs in the penultimate inning to make for an exciting ending to the game. But Zaman Khan kept his composure to finish his side in the final round of the game.

Previously, Qalandar went 200-6 in his 20 overs allowed. After a quick start with the Qalandars scoring 34 runs in the first three overs, Flyhalf Tahir Baig was knocked out by Ihsanullah with a short, sharp ball. The right-hander hit 30 runs from 18 balls.

The strike combined with good bowling helped the Sultans stem the tide of the series as Lahore went 82-1 at halftime.

Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique provided the second goal on 57 carries from 38 balls, but just as they were looking to increase their batting average, the Sultans thwarted the batting side's plans with four quick goals. Leg spinner Usama Mir scored three goals in her first two overs, including scalpers Zaman (39), Sam Billings (9) and Ahsan Hafeez (0). As the Qalandars fought, Captain Shaheen came onto the field and attacked the Multan players with sensational punches. He went unbeaten in 44 15-ball carries, including two fours and five highs.

Shafique also restarted at the bottom of the inning and hit 65 runs from 40 balls. He hit eight fours and two sixes. Osama Mir was the Sultans' favorite bowler with numbers 3-24 in three overs.

Sultans defeated Qalandars in qualifying and secured a spot in the finals. While Lahore defeated Peshawar Zalmi to qualify for the championship game.

Players Xls

Sultans from Multan: Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan (sep/c), Rilee Rossouw, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Khushdil Shah, Anwar Ali, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Sheldon Cottrell and Ihsanullah.

Qalandar from Lahore: Mirza Tahir Baig, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Sam Billings (Week), Ahsan Bhatti, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf and Zaman Khan.

Samsung Invests in Meg- Chip Production Plan in South Korea

Photo credit: Korea joongAng Daily| Samsung Invests in Meg Chip Production Plan in South Korea

Electronics giant Samsung said it plans to raise around 300 trillion won ($230.8 billion) over 20 years.

Five chip factories are to be built with this, the company told the BBC. Samsung is the world's largest manufacturer of memory chips, smartphones and televisions.

According to the official plan, high-tech companies are to be offered incentives such as extended tax breaks and infrastructure subsidies.

"The mega-cluster will be the fundamental foundation of our semiconductor ecosystem," South Korea's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said in a statement on Wednesday. Said it plans to secure about 550 trillion won in private sector investment and "rise as a leading country in fierce global competition in cutting-edge industries." South Korea's move comes as "key players step up efforts to increase onshore production in the semiconductor sector," Paul Triolo of global consultancy Albright Stonebridge Group told the BBC.

“I would like to emulate Taiwan's concentration effect to some extent, where the trifecta of science parks.... form a huge cluster that has attracted many other companies, both upstream and downstream,” he said. The semiconductors that power everything from cell phones to military equipment are at the center of a bitter dispute between the United States and China.

In October, Washington announced it would require licenses from companies that export chips containing American tools or software to China, regardless of where in the world they are made. Last week, the Netherlands said it would impose export restrictions on its "most advanced" microchip technology to protect national security.

Around the same time, the South Korean Department of Commerce expressed concern about US semiconductor policy. The department said the Chip Act "could increase business uncertainty, undermine companies' management and technology rights, and make the United States less attractive as an investment option".

China often calls the United States a "technological hegemon" in response to Washington's export controls. South Korea is home to other major microprocessor manufacturers such as SK Hynix. 

In the Face of Crisis Fears, the US Declares the Banking Sector to be "Sound."

Photo Credit: BBC 

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen insisted the country's banking system was sound, despite reports that another regional bank might need bailing out. Concerns about the San Francisco-based First Republic stem from a series of US bank failures that raised fears of a broader financial crisis.

The unrest has spread across the world, with the Swiss National Bank providing giant Credit Suisse with up to £44 billion in emergency funds. Markets recover after aid. The major indices across Europe, which fell on Thursday amid concerns over the collapse of Credit Suisse, recovered.

Authorities intervened to secure deposits to stop further attacks on bank deposits as panic spread. Ms. Yellen told the Senate Treasury Committee, "This week's actions demonstrate our strong commitment to protecting savings."

Meanwhile, European Central Bank (ECB) Vice President Luis de Guindos said that the banking sector in Europe was “resilient” and that companies had “limited exposure to US institutions”.

He was speaking as the ECB announced another rate hike from 2.5% to 3%, sticking to its rate-hike plan despite concerns about how the move could trigger market turmoil. 

Bilawal Proposes Setting up a Special Task Force to Ensure Financial Justice

Photo Credit: The economic times| Bilawal Bhutto 

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday proposed setting up a special task force of experts within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to develop a strategy to ensure equal treatment in rules and in the financial, trade and tax structure develop.

“We must also call for rapid debt restructuring of 60 financially troubled countries, redistribution of unused SDRs (Special Drawing Rights) to developing countries, huge loans from multilateral development banks, massive investments in public-private partnerships, sustainable infrastructure, and the mobilization of $100 billion in climate finance He said during his keynote speech as Chairman of the United States Council of Foreign Ministers OCI (CFM) during the two-day 49th session of the CFM in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

The Foreign Minister recalled that Pakistan was hit hard by devastating floods last summer after coping with the negative impact of COVID-19, inflation, the economic collapse in Afghanistan and the aftermath of the war in Ukraine.

He thanked fraternal Islamic countries for their generous support of Pakistan at this difficult time. On the Palestinian issue, the Foreign Minister said that OIC member states should continue to condemn Israel's repeated aggression against Al-Aqsa Mosque and the occupied Palestinian territory.

The Palestinian people must have their own state within the 1967 borders with the capital at Al Quds. "It may seem like a tall order today, but I am convinced that the arc of history in the hands of the Almighty leads toward justice."

Banks Accept Hajj Applications from March 16th to March 31st

ISLAMABAD:

Religious Affairs Minister Mufti Abdul Shakoor said Friday that 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will make the pilgrimage this year, blaming the high cost for high prices in the kingdom and the devaluation of the Pakistani rupee. The minister made remarks on the Hajj 2023 policy announcement at a press conference, saying applications can be submitted to 14 designated banks from March 16 to March 31.

The minister declared that the Hajj voting would take place on April 5 as planned. “According to the financial breakdown, the estimated cost of pilgrimage from Northern region (Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Sialkot) is Rs 1,175,000 while for Hajj sponsorship program (Northern region ) are approximately $4,325".

He added that the estimated cost of pilgrimage from southern region (Karachi, Quetta, Sukkur) is Rs 1,165,000 while pilgrim sponsorship scheme (southern region) was about US$4,285.

The minister assured that any savings from the Hajj register will be returned to pilgrims to bank accounts provided by them, adding that those who apply for the Hajj sponsorship program and do not have a bank account will receive cash.

He said that this time global inflation has increased the cost of facilities in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The fall in the value of the Pakistani rupee also had a significant impact on the hajj package. Abdul Shakoor said last year that Pakistani pilgrims could not use the trains, but this year they could use the trains in Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat. However, he argued that pilgrims should bear the cost of this facility.

The minister shed light on the Hajj sponsorship scheme, saying it was launched this year for Pakistanis abroad and would help raise $194 million as the ministry needed funding, a total of $284 million. He said that according to the quota, 179,210 people would perform Hajj this year, adding that this figure would be split 50% between public and private Hajj programs.

It also said that 50% of the share of public and private hajj programs or 44,802 seats in each program were reserved for the sponsored hajj program.

"Pakistans abroad are exempted from the voting process due to the transfer of allocated dollars to this account for themselves or their relatives in Pakistan. The deposit of Pakistani dollars is prohibited," he added. Abdul Shakoor said that the Hajj sponsorship scheme award is given on a first come, first served basis, which is determined by the time and date of submitting the Hajj form to the bank.

He added that registrations for the Hajj sponsorship program will be suspended once the stated limit is reached. He said that this year there is no age limit for Pakistani pilgrims because Saudi Arabia has lifted the age limit of 65 years.

Inflation in Argentina exceeds 100%

Photo Credit: Anita Pouchard Serra | copyright ©️ 2022 Bloomberg Finance LC

Argentina's inflation rate exceeded 100% for the first time since hyperinflation ended in the early 1990s. Inflation hit 102.5% in February, the national statistics agency said, meaning the prices of many consumer goods have more than doubled since 2022. Argentina has had economic difficulties for years and most of the population now lives in poverty.

Your government is trying to stop price increases by capping the prices of food and other products. However, the food and beverage sector has seen the most dramatic growth of late, with prices up 9.8% in February versus January.

Argentinian media reported that the increase could be partly due to an increase in meat prices, which have risen by almost 20% in a month. Severe weather conditions, a prolonged heatwave and drought have severely affected livestock and crops, according to local media Ambito.

While the symbolism of inflation above 100% is striking, the impact of rising inflation in Argentina has been felt for some time. Last September, protesters took to the streets to demand action against the rising cost of living, and in February Argentina's central bank announced it would issue a new 2,000 pesos (£8.13; consumption) in response to rising prices.

Argentina's government has long tried to curb inflation, but divisions have hardened the country's economic policies.

Three economy ministers replaced each other in a span of four weeks last summer as the country's economic crisis worsened and President Alberto Fernández reportedly clashed with his deputy Cristina Fernández de Kirchner over how to solve Argentina's economic problems.

In December, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a further $6 billion (£4.9 billion) in bailout funds. This was the last disbursement to Argentina under an expected 30-month program totaling $44 billion. 

Imran Khan waves to Supporters after Police exit the Former PM's Home

Photo Credit: Arif Ali |Imran Khan 

Pakistani opposition leader Imran Khan saluted supporters after violent clashes outside his home hours when police tried to arrest him.

He addressed the crowd and took photos with those who had gathered near his fence in the city of Lahore.

In a video he can be seen with a gas mask. Police fired tear gas canisters at clashes throughout the night. An official told the BBC that the arrest operation had been suspended.

Punjab Interim Information Minister Amir Mir said the court-ordered operation to arrest Khan was suspended on Wednesday to allow for a cricket tournament nearby after the brawl sparked protests.

He said the deal is likely to go ahead after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final on March 19.

International cricket was not played in Pakistan for six years after gunmen attacked a Sri Lankan team in 2009. International players have also returned after years and the current tournament includes a major security operation.

"We cannot afford to compromise the security of the PSL," a senior police official told Reuters.

Paramilitary officers and guardsmen were seen exiting the suburb of Zaman Park where the home is located, some reportedly exiting checkpoints and checkpoints.

Imran Khan then appeared outside and addressed his followers. "The police and guards sent to harm Imran Khan were opposed by the population," his PTI party tweeted.

Release from Lahore court for Khan by Thursday 10Am

Photo Credit: The economic times| live update on Imran Khan

• A court in Lahore ruled that former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan cannot be arrested before 10:00 AM on Thursday.
• Security forces withdrew from near Khan's residence in Lahore due to a cricket match scheduled for Wednesday in the city.

The Lahore High Court ordered police to stop arresting former Prime Minister Imran Khan until 10:00 (05:00 GMT) Thursday.

The court heard a petition from Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Fawad Chaudhry, calling for an end to the “atrocities” at the Khan Zaman Park residence in Lahore.

The Islamabad Supreme Court is also expected to rule on another PTI indictment of Khan's arrest warrant on Wednesday.

Imran Khan Arrest live updates

Photo credit: The economic times| Imran Khan news live updates

After nearly 24 hours of clashes with protesters, Pakistani police withdrew from former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's residence in Lahore. Pakistan's Geo News attributes the decision to the Pakistan Super League cricket match, due to be played in Lahore today. Subsequently, the Lahore High Court ordered an arrest operation to stop Khan's arrest by 10am Thursday.

Clashes broke out between Khan's supporters and the police who wanted to arrest him in the Toshakhana case Tuesday night. The PTI chairman said today that the Islamabad police's "real intention" was not to arrest him but "to kidnap and kill him".

Photos of placeholders allegedly fired by police are shared on social media. Protests have spread to Pakistan's major cities including Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi and Rawalpindi after Khan urged his supporters to continue fighting the government. 

Updates on Imran Khan's Arrest: Protests Against the Arrest of Imran Khan

Photo Credit: Desiblitz | Imran Khan

Pakistani workers and supporters of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have taken over Zaman Park in Lahore after police who earlier arrived to arrest former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Toshakan case were removed from Canal Road, reported ARY News on Tuesday. Police failed to arrest the PTI leader seven hours later, according to a Pakistani news channel, as PTI workers besieged the path leading to Imran Khan's home and Canal Road.

During the takeover of Zaman Park, PTI staff and supporters chanted pro-Imran Khan slogans.

Similar protests also broke out in many other cities.

The Top 10 Most In Demand Software Skills In Future

We collected data for 10 programming languages/skills that we filtered from the Stack Overflow survey based on perceived popularity and available data. So, if you feel that some basic language or structure is missing, please let us know. The 20 skills tested are (in alphabetical order): Bash/Shell/Power shell, C, C#, C++, Go, HTML/CSS, Java, JavaScript, Kotlin, Objective-C, Perl, PHP, Python, R, Ruby, Scala, SQL, Swift, TypeScript, VBA.

Python, SQL and Java are the most published software skills

We counted the number of times each language appeared in a job posting on Indeed. This ranges from about 2,500 great jobs with Golang at the bottom to 84,000 pending jobs for Python at the top. SQL is second only to Python, but we found that in many cases it was necessary to combine SQL with many other skills.

Around 500,000 applications are currently pending for these 20 competencies.2/3 concern the first five:

• Pythons
• SQL
• Java
• JavaScript
• C++ C# HTML/CSS
• ruby
• pearls
• C Bash/Shell/PowerShell PHP
• Fast
• Typescript Scale

The bottom three are Objective-C, Kotlin, and Go, which account for fewer than 8,000 great jobs.

Hiring a Scala, Go or Perl developer is the most expensive 

While not literally one of the most sought-after software skills, Go is certainly one of the relatively rare skills. Looking at developer salaries, Go tops the list:

• Scale
• Go
• pearls
• lens-C
• ruby
• Kotlin
• C
• Swift
• Bash/Shell/PowerShell
• Java

The most in-demand Perl, VBA, and C++ programmers

It is also interesting to see which software skills are becoming more or less expensive. This tells us if the relative demand for those skills is increasing. In other words, which skills become more of a challenge at the source?

Based on data from Dice, we ranked the salary level on offer by skill and compared it to last year. What was noticeable was the relatively poor dynamics of "expensive" skills like Scala, Go, Objective-C, and Kotlin (all four in the bottom five). Microsoft-related skills have become more important: VBA (Visual Basic for Applications, a language developed by Microsoft for its applications), C# (the core language of .NET) and even C (the heart of most operating systems is C). whose dynamics are neutral.

• VBA
• C++
• PHP
• C#
• JavaScript
•  ruby
•  SQL
•  C
• Go
• typescript

On average, Perl, Ruby, and C++ are the three most requested programming skills

What if we combined all of these and created an equivalent ranking based on the number of open job postings, salary levels, and salary dynamics? This should give us a good idea of ​​what programming skills will be most in demand in the coming year.

• Perl
• ruby
• C++
• Pythons
• SQL C#
• Java
• JavaScript
• C 
• Go
• Bash/Shell/PowerShell

This is an exciting result since Perl and Ruby are widely considered to be doomed languages. But if we look at the actual number of open positions, they still occupy 8th and 9th place. And perhaps the negative press they've received has prevented developers from considering them as a new ability, resulting in a relative scarcity led in the process. While they may not be the most popular languages ​​in the long run, in the short term they will be at the top of our most in-demand programming skills.

The Best Laptop Brands for 2023

The best laptops of 2023 are revolutionizing our expectations of these laptops, with some of the biggest brands like Apple, Dell, Lenovo and Asus launching some truly spectacular products for every budget. Laptops come in all shapes and sizes, but that doesn't mean buying a new laptop has to be difficult or complicated. We've listed the best laptops below for a variety of budgets and uses, and each laptop has been extensively tested and reviewed by us, so rest assured you're getting an absolutely fantastic device when you buy one of these laptops below. With the cost of living rising, decent laptop deals are more in demand than ever, and we've made sure to include not only high-end laptops in this list, but also the best budget laptops and the best Chromebooks. Read on for our list of the best laptops.

DELL

Dell's work, particularly in the Ultrabook space, has resulted in an incredible new line of powerful ultra portable laptops with great battery life. Dell computers are a good choice if you need a computer for work or school and you want it to last as long as possible. And Dell arguably has one of the best choices of business laptops in its Latitude 7430 lineup. These models offer solid build quality and multi-day battery life.

This is especially true for XPS models that do everything at a high level. 

Photo Credit: WaooMart | Dell laptop 

They feature the latest high-resolution screens, connections and software, as well as innovative materials. The XPS 13 is no exception, it is now available in two versions. The former, the XPS 13 9315 offers modern design, great design and good performance at a lower price. The XPS 13 Plus is an innovator with a hidden touchpad, frameless keyboard and LED function keys. For those who like bigger screens, the 17-inch XPS 17 is one of our favorite 17-inch laptops. 

Dell laptops look great, offer decent internal hardware, and have tons of style (plus some of the best rugged options out there). They are made of the highest quality materials, have a solid battery, are lightweight and portable. Some of Dell's budget or business laptops might be a bit boring, but they're an afterthought in the XPS lineup.

APPLE

If there's one thing almost everyone agrees on, it's that Apple laptops are reliable and of predictable quality. It's been around for a long time, with updates to support older laptops as other brands' models bite the dust. When you buy a MacBook, you know what to expect. You get a great screen, solid battery life, and a nice body with slim bezels. They tend to be more expensive than their Windows counterparts, but when it comes to style, ease of use, and reliability, Apple laptops excel.

Photo Credit: Mashable | Apple laptop 

Apple's previously updated the MacBook line with faster processors and improved connectivity, while removing the controversial Touch Bar without increasing the price. From solving long-standing keyboard design problems to moving laptops to their own internal ARM chip, the M2 currently in the MacBook Air and the blazing-fast M2 Pro and M2 Max variants in the MacBook 14 and 16, it's the perfect one Time to be an Apple lover.

HP

HP may not always have had the best reputation for laptops, but HP's latest laptops take design cues from their competitors and raise the bar. The company's current laptops are fast, powerful and easy for consumers to use for their personal projects. They're quite nice too, with an understated, jewel-sized design that graces the Specter line and the sleek, modern looks of the latest Envy 15. This has earned HP a reputation for reliable laptops with very capable client work.

Photo Credit: Mega.pk | HP laptop

Today, HP competes with the best laptop manufacturers in the world. Its Specter x360 stole the show from the Surface laptop in our comparison and continues to impress with HP's constant philosophy of improving designs. The OLED versions of the Specter x360 16 and Specter x360 13.5 offer incredibly bright and vibrant displays that will appeal to both creators and Netflix fans. 

MICROSOFT

Ten years ago nobody would have thought that Microsoft would be one of the best laptop brands in the world, but today it has a well-deserved spot on this list. After several iterations of Surface tablets with some reliability issues, the latest crop rivals the best laptops from Dell, HP, and Apple. Microsoft's Surface Pro 9 is one of our favorite 2-in-1s right now. 

Microsoft also updated its hardware offering ahead of the Windows 11 launch. Last on the list is the Surface Laptop Studio, which replaces the Surface Book for creative professionals, while the aforementioned Surface The Pro 9 is a significant upgrade that adds refinement and sophistication at a price.

Photo Credit: TechGlobe.pk | Microsoft laptop

Even more mid-range devices like the Surface Laptop 5 (13-inch and 15-inch versions) and an affordable tablet like the Surface Go 3 help Microsoft to be one of the best laptop brands. The company also offers a standard one-year warranty on Surface products in case new owners encounter problems, as well as 90 days of free technical support. 

If you're more interested in a 2-in-1 tablet for business use, Microsoft has also bundled a 5G model into the Surface Pro 9 range, offering an alternative to the iPad Pro with more connectivity options and Windows 11 in one ARM aborted. Not all Surface devices are great, and their prices go up very quickly if you opt for higher specs, but they're still among the best task-oriented laptops out there.

ASUS

Asus laptops don't often top our lists, but they usually secure a top spot thanks to their fantastic all-round capabilities. The company's current lineup of laptops ranges from thin-and-light Zenbooks to budget Chromebooks and powerful gaming machines like the incredible ROG Zephyrus G14 of 2023. And like everyone else, Asus is leading the movement toward small chassis that come in so many Laptops as possible fit in the smallest form factor.

Photo Credit: ASUS 

For the knowledgeable consumer who prefers attractive and distinctive technology, the Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED is for you. This laptop features a beautiful OLED display and AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor for amazing performance in such a small laptop.There are other great models in the Asus family, including the ZenBook Pro 16X, which offers an innovative keyboard design and great performance, and the ZenBook Pro 14 Duo OLED, which has not one, but two beautiful displays. Both laptops have slim bezels, strong performance and a well-built body.

The Asus experimented boldly with new designs and was one of the first companies to offer its own take on a dual-screen laptop, but in a more traditional form factor as we know it today.

Asus looks very similar to David in the story of David and Goliath. The lesser-known company continues to compete with giants like Dell, HP and Apple.They make reliable laptops at really affordable prices, and the company takes it a step further by adding a year of free crash and leak protection.

RAZER

Razer is known for its flashy gaming accessories, but the brand also offers a powerful line of gaming laptops designed to take on even the most demanding games on the go and support more versatile VR experiences that aren't limited to your office space. Razer laptops are well built and last forever, at least until they can no longer run the latest title at a decent frame rate.

Photo Credit: RAZER 

How well do we speak? The 2022 Razer Blade 15 introduced a stunning 240Hz refresh rate to its OLED display, delivering amazing HDR gaming. And the Blade line regularly makes our best gaming PC lists, delivering the horsepower, RAM, display and cooling performance gamers need to perform at their best.And with the release of our pick for the best gaming laptop, the Razer Blade 14 with AMD Ryzen 6000 chips, the future is looking very bright. The Razer doesn't just impress with gaming laptops, though: the Razer Book 13, essentially a gaming-style powerhouse, impressed us enough that we wondered if it's a "laptop". Nearly perfect".

LENOVO

Lenovo is a brand we've long associated with reliability, as the long line of ThinkPad/IdeaPad computers show up in offices and classrooms year after year. They might not always be impressive, but they are durable and more than capable of getting the job done. The brand is increasingly mastering this.

In recent years, Lenovo has made great strides toward ultra portable laptops and 2-in-1s without compromising on specs, and the results have been particularly impressive. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon lineup continues to be one of the best business laptops available, and the 10th gen updates have been well received.

Photo Credit: LENOVO

The Slim 9i has proven to be one of the best 14-inch laptops of 2022, and the latest ThinkPad X1 Nano is one of the best choices among ultraportable laptops weighing under 2 pounds. Meanwhile, the detachable ThinkPad X12 is a good alternative to the Surface Pro and Surface Book. Lenovo announced an all new range at CES 2022, the ThinkPad Z, and the ThinkPad Z13 and ThinkPad Z16 are fantastic but different additions to the ThinkPad range.

The 5 Best Gaming Laptop in 2023

The Best Gaming Laptop has changed a lot over the years. The early days of mobile gaming were largely desktop replacements: a bulky chassis, lots of power supplies, and lots of RGB lighting. But the top contenders are different now. Manufacturers are finally packing powerful specs into slim gaming machines: slimmer, more portable, more professional designs. They have excellent fast-refreshing screens, which are essential for big games. These laptops are not only perfect for gaming, but also for everyday work.

Photo Credit: PB Tech 

The best gaming laptop of 2023 is the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. It can handle the most demanding games on the market today, is portable and makes a great daily driver. Another thing to keep an eye on when it comes to the best gaming laptops is how much horsepower you can expect. 

Not all chips with the same name are created equal: an RTX 3070 in one laptop might not deliver the same frame rate as an RTX 3070 in another laptop due to its performance (as well as power, other factors like processor and cooling). Nvidia now requires companies to list clock speeds and graphics performance on each model's product page, but many manufacturers are yet to do so.

Of the many gaming laptops we review each year, here are the ones that make the list. If you're looking for a more versatile device, visit our best laptops page. If you're an Android gamer, we also have a list of the best Chromebooks to buy.

Asus ROG Zephyr G14 

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best gaming laptop for its price. There are multiple configurations and you should make sure you buy the $1649.99 SKU with the 6700S GPU. We think this model in particular is the best 14-inch gaming laptop you can buy.

The is a great gaming device for travel and on the go, for just £3.79 lbs and 0.77 inches thick. It has an excellent keyboard, touchpad, port selection, and display. The frame rates produced in our tests were solid, and we didn't see much of a difference in performance between the 6700S and 6800S. We also get all-day battery life, which isn't something too many gaming laptops see these days. 

Photo Credit: HotHardware | Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | Gaming Laptop

If you are interested in an animated color light grid on your PC, you can also pay more for an Asus AniMe Matrix model. We don't think these templates are particularly good value, but they do have some nice perks you can customize them to display any word or image you want. 

Razer Blade 16

If you want your games to look their best, consider the Razer Blade 16. The Blade comes with an optional mini-LED display that can switch between native UDH Plus/120 Hz and FHD Plus/240 modes with a single Hz click. Packed with high-end chips from Nvidia and Intel, the Blade can run today's most demanding games on the highest settings with all the affects you expect. If a dual-mode display isn't a priority for you, you can opt for the cheaper (but we still understand expensive) models. 

Photo Credit: Razer |Razer Blade 16

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

The Legion 5 Pro is the best gaming laptop Lenovo has ever made. For under $2,000 you get the excellent performance of AMD Ryzen 5000 processors in an attractive 16-inch form factor. It delivered decent results in every game I tested, even at a native resolution of 2560 x 1600. And with a 165Hz display, you can get the most out of the Legion 5 Pro's performance. 

Photo Credit: Lenovo|Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

Aside from the performance, the highlight of the Legion 5 Pro is the 16:10 screen. A screen this big is hard to find in the gaming laptop market these days, and it gives you more room to multitask if you intend to use the Legion 5 Pro as your daily driver. The keyboard is fun too, with 1.5mm travel and four-zone programmable backlighting.

MSI GE76 Raider

The GE76 Raider costs an arm and a leg, but packs a lot of power. You can configure it up to the best mobile GPU from Nvidia and the best processor from Intel. And it's got cooling to keep it in line (it's currently shipping with 11th gen chips, but 12th gen models should be available in a couple of weeks.) You can get it with a QHD screen (the we recommend to most people as these beefy specs can make the most of it) as well as having a 1080p 360Hz display.

Photo credit : MSI | MSI GE76 Raider

Remember, this laptop is really just for gaming. Battery life is average and the case is quite thick and heavy. So you should look elsewhere if you're looking for a device that doubles as a wearable work controller. (The Brick is huge, too.) But if you're primarily looking for a desktop PC to travel with, the GE76 Raider offers a premium experience

Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition

The ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition is one of the few gaming laptops that has both an AMD processor and an AMD graphics card. Don't worry, it offers gaming performance on par with the best Nvidia GPUs. It also offers one of the best gaming battery experiences we've seen - it was able to maintain a playable framerate for over an hour in Red Dead Redemption 2 without the charger plugged in.

Photo Credit: Mega.pk | Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition

Speaking of the battery, we waited an average of nine hours and 16 minutes between charges, making the Strix G15 easily one of the longest-lasting gaming laptops out there. It's doubly impressive, as it drives a slew of flashing LEDs, including a per-key RGB keyboard and a colorful light bar on the front edge of the deck. If you're looking for a vibrant and bold design and you're going for AMD, the Strix G15 Advantage Edition is a great gaming laptop for you.

Five Steps to Developing a Personal Development Plan

Photo Credit: Marketing91 

As with any other goal, it is important to make a plan. By combining your personal development plan with a structure, you are more likely to achieve your goals. 

Identify the Areas in which you want to Improve

This first step will likely require Inner Work. Take a moment to consider where you are now. What are your strengths? Which areas would you like to focus on? What kind of growth and development would you like to see in yourself? If you have made a general assessment of the person, this can serve as a useful tool. After thinking about your personal goals, identify areas where you want to improve.

Work with a Coach or Mentor to Develop a Plan

Although this is your personal development plan, you do not have to do it alone. Rely on support systems such as life coaches or mentors to help you develop a plan. With the right structure (and feedback along the way), you'll be better prepared to put your plan into action.

Organize your Personal Development Goals

Follow your routine and develop consistency. Start analyzing your daily life and try to find ways to create habits or impose new ones on existing ones. I decided to put a yoga mat with weights next to my running shoes. Every time I go running, I have to think about weights next to my shoes. It helps me remember to do a quick 5-minute dumbbell workout.

Find a Responsible Partner

Sometimes holding someone accountable makes a big difference. As you and a friend set intentions and goals, think about how you can support each other.

Every new Better Up employee receives a stack of great books during the onboarding process. My teammate contacted me today to see if we could create a liability plan. Each of us sticks to 100 pages of reading a week.

Be Honest and Aware of your Progress

Your personal development plan requires honesty. Be honest with yourself about your growth and progress. It also requires a certain level of self-awareness. You can also gather feedback from friends, family, and coworkers to gain insight into your progress toward your goals.

Personal Development Guide

Photo credit: Jef Menguin | Personal Development 

There are days when I wake up and just go about my daily life. I make coffee and then sit down at the computer for the day's work. I'm used to exercising, walking the dogs, cooking dinner. So read, watch a show, go to bed. The next day? Wake up and start over.

Especially at the height of the pandemic, it feels like a cruel monotony. Our lives seemed stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Dreams, goals and ambitions seem buried in thick molasses or honey at the back of our brains. And even as we navigate this new normal, that "stuck" feeling can get stuck within us.

What is Personal Development?

Personal development is about looking inward and focusing on opportunities for improvement. Self-development increases self-confidence, self-esteem, increases skills, fulfills aspirations.

Personality development is more than just career development or self-development. It covers every aspect of your life where you would like to see personal growth and does not discriminate where it occurs. 

Five Areas of Personal Development

When it comes to personal development, it's hard not to relate to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. According to Maslow, basic needs must be met in order to reach one's full potential. In other words. Achieving self-actualization means achieving the highest level of self-awareness, self-confidence, self-development and self-actualization.

Mental

Training the brain and staying mentally fit is essential for personal development. At Better Up, this is done in a number of ways: coaching, learning opportunities and career development. For example, I now take a creative writing class to keep my creative mental muscles strong. (And Better Up foots the bill with our stipend.) 

Mental development can take the form of seminars, training sessions or just rest. Rest is just as important (if not more so) than mental exercise. In addition to improving mental performance, resilience, innovation and self-confidence also improve.

Social Networks

Social ties and relationships are also essential for any personal development. After all, self-improvement is not a solitary pursuit. Humans are social creatures and we need this connection to learn and grow. And through social relationships we learn important skills. Such as communication skills, problem solving, relationship building and the ability to receive (and give) feedback. We also learn from the people around us and their experiences.

Humorous

Personal growth and development, whether you are religious or not, can take place in spirituality. It is important to realize that religion and spirituality are not synonymous. Not even close. Spirituality is about investing in a deeper understanding of yourself in the world around you. It helps you get to know yourself and discover your values.

Emotional

Emotional personality development often goes hand in hand with emotional intelligence. Simply put, emotional intelligence is the ability to understand feelings. Going beyond feelings, it is about understanding how those feelings shape our thoughts and actions. 

Any number of experiences are suitable for emotional self-development. And these experiences can help you in your quest for self-improvement.

Physical

A healthy body nourishes a healthy mind. There is an inseparable connection between physical, mental and emotional well-being. This aspect of personal development focuses on physical health, such as diet, sleep, exercise, and exercise. 

When your physical self is nourished, your spirit is likely to reap these benefits as well. Think about how you can build this area of ​​personal development and notice how your body and mind feel.

The Best Software Engineer Skills on Today's Job Market

Photo credit: Springbroad

Computers touch almost every area of ​​life. You can thank the software engineers for that. If you want to succeed in this industry you need to hone your software engineering skills as you will be responsible for developing, designing, testing, writing, modifying and debugging software according to specific requirements. To keep up with the world's ever-growing interest in new and better computer programs, an entire crew of software engineers will be hired over the coming years.

While there are many full-time positions for software developers, it can also be a flexible position as outsourcing and freelance opportunities are common. Looking to beat the competition for one of Monster's thousands of software engineering jobs? You need to focus on developing these fundamental skills.

Computer Programming & Coding

There are many computer programming languages ​​and job requirements may vary depending on the job you are applying for. According to the programming site Bootcamp Coding Dojo, the five most popular programming languages ​​are:

• Java
• Pythons
• C#
• Average
• Ruby 

The good news is that these skills can be acquired through online courses or tutorials that teach programming languages, says Christine Julien, software engineering professor at the University of Texas at Austin. This might explain why the coding school’s industry continues to grow rapidly.

Software Development

Software development involves the ability to analyze user needs and then design, test, and develop software to meet those needs. Students can gain experience in this area by attending relevant courses and doing an internship at a software company. A software engineer's skills can also be honed by working with real systems and working with other high-level software engineers, Julien says.

The developer jobs are projected to grow 22% over the next decade, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The emergence of new applications for smartphones and tablets is one of the drivers of this rapid growth in employment. 

Object-Oriented Design (OOD)

"For the last 30 years, the focus has been on object-oriented programming," says David Garlan, professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University and co-author of Software Architecture: Perspectives on an Emerging Discipline. This approach involves the process of designing a system of interacting objects to solve a programming problem.

The object-oriented design incorporates four key principles:

• Summary
• Encapsulation
• Inheritance
• Polymorphism

If this sounds strange to you, don't worry: online courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy can give you a basic understanding.

Software Testing and Debugging

While many new artificial intelligence (AI) programs focus on automating software testing and debugging, job seekers still need those skills, says Anandkumar.

In fact, testing and debugging accounts for a large part of the time and cost of a software project, Julien explains. "These are also skills that are more like art than generating lines of code," he says. Testing and debugging software requires analytical thinking about the complexity of the system.

Software testing and debugging courses are available online, but "those skills are more of a craft that need to be honed through experience," says Julien.

Problem Solving and Logical Thinking

"It's the skills that definitely separate the great software engineers from the good ones," says Julien. Software problems can arise from even the smallest of mistakes, and programmers spend a lot of time debugging rather than programming. Therefore, the ability to not only identify software problems but also to solve them deductively is essential for many software engineering jobs.

Written and Oral Communication

In general, software engineers don't work in a vacuum: many of them interact with colleagues or customers. Therefore, communication skills are crucial for employers in the industry.

"One of the hallmarks of a good software engineer is the ability to explain something technical or complex to a layperson," says Garlan. "You don't want anyone to say, 'I solved the problem. But don't ask me how I did it."You should always be able to clearly articulate what you're doing." Communication also works when a customer has a problem with your company's software.

One of the best ways to improve your written and oral communication skills at work is to follow a more experienced software engineer who works directly with clients.

Find a Home for your Software Engineering Skills

As a software specialist, you are in high demand. Need help finding companies to hire? The Monster App is a quick, easy, and, shall we say, fun tool to help you organize and apply for the jobs you want. We'll help you find a great job like you. 

Top 10 Most In-Demand Programming Skills

Photo Credit: ITPro Today 

With hopes of opening up new positions in web development, cybersecurity and mobile application development, the competition for software engineers for the dream job will also increase. To stay ahead of the competition, we bring you the top 10 developer skills of 2023.

To take advantage of this privileged opportunity, programmers must be certified in specialized skills. We found that alongside the Java, Python, JavaScript, and C# skills that still hold the top spots, there are other skills that have become just as popular in 2023, such as Amazon AWS and React.js.

Driven by global organizations and startups, the IT landscape of 2023 also requires developers to improve their machine learning and artificial intelligence skills.

1. Mobile Application Development

The mobile app development industry is currently at its peak. With new technologies and skills being developed to innovate the global trading system, mobile app developers have much to gain. As in previous years, programmers will continue to be in demand as long as they know programming languages ​​and are competitive.

2. Creative Practices in UI/UX Design

Apparently, they are the same, UI and UX are slightly different concepts that are in high demand today. Designers who create interfaces for websites and mobile apps focus on improving the visual appearance and usability, while UX specialists do a lot of testing and think about different aspects to ensure seamless interaction and intuitive user experience. 

The interface is suitable for those who want to work on visual layers and layouts while trying to improve the appearance of the product. UX is ideal for those who want to combine graphic design creativity with analytical testing by collaborating with UI designers and developers. 

3. Design and Development of AR Applications

Augmented Reality has gone sober and is viewed more for educational and training purposes than its original gaming and entertainment reputation. In recent years, as dozens of companies began developing hardware and software capabilities to integrate AR, developers with experience in conceptualizing, designing, and building applications with interactive APIs have been in high demand.

4. Special Exhibition in Data Analysis & Science

It is evident that businesses and organizations across all niches recognize the value of collecting, monitoring and processing customer engagement data to develop personalized and relevant solutions. From finance, banking and insurance to e-commerce and healthcare, companies are willing to invest their fortunes in hiring the best talent in the industry. For this reason, data scientists and analysts specializing in big data and machine learning have become the most sought-after resources in today's industry.

5. Expertise in Cyber ​​Security

The need for better security solutions in a world of cutting-edge digital solutions has never been greater, especially after recent instances of system vulnerabilities and security threats. Companies, partners and stakeholders are increasingly concerned about strengthening cyber security and protecting the data flowing through their existing networks. IT security specialists with the relevant knowledge are employed on a permanent basis to support companies.

6. Excellence in SaaS & Cloud Computing

In 2020, cloud computing and SaaS (Software as a Service) are still among the top skills developers need to master. To stand out as an outstanding talent, a developer must respect the importance of developing expertise across the entire cloud stack, including Amazon AWS, virtualization capabilities, Microsoft Hyper-V, IPv6 and other private cloud hosting services as well DevOps.

7. Digital transformation and the IoT

The implementation of digital platforms in various organizational processes is considered a skill that is in high demand. IoT sets the right target for today's passionate mobile app developers who need to adapt to upcoming trends and innovations of evolving technologies as part of their functionality.

According to visionary technology leaders and analysts, the IoT is expected to be the most powerful technology, and IoT applications are already contributing to the paradigm shift in enterprises. Despite the instability in the technology space, developers eager to hear about new launches will be among the winners who survive.

8. Enthusiasm for Programming & Engineering

Because the technology industry revolves around heavy programming and creative engineering, technology companies and IT managers need to hire software engineers. It's about applying what you've learned to create effective, high-quality solutions and applications. There is a bright future for developers who can apply a technically sound and concise code flow to make business logic work digitally.

9. Programming Language Talents

JavaScript, Python, Swift, .NET are just a few of the popular universal and universal languages ​​that programmers need to get their hands on.

If you want to advance your career as a professional software engineer or senior developer and you have long-term goals, these languages ​​will help you achieve your desired goal with power. Build scalable systems, automate processes, streamline line data management, and more with these popular 2023 languages.

10. Our Cognitive Approach to Future Trends

We've compiled a list of the 10 most in-demand skills for developers in 2023, based on extensive research and industry experience. Of course, it is impossible to predict exactly which skills will definitely gain popularity in the future.

However, the clamor of the market about what goes and what stays is usually the dominant perception of trends and instincts regarding the technologies used.

It is therefore advisable to adopt an adaptive approach to the changing ecosystem of digital technologies and evolving skill needs. In short, to survive in the uncertain landscape of a digital solutions provider, a developer must adopt an extensive education and training model that encourages flexible skills. 

The 10 Most in-Demand Freelancing Professional Skills

Photo credit: FlexJobs

The desktop environment has evolved. Work is no longer a place we “go” to, but a space we “work” from. Freelancers have been anticipating this particular curve for some time, but now employers are adapting to the flexibility needed by offering the ability to work from home to stay in business and stay busy.

For those with newfound career paths looking to translate their current skills into a more mobile offering, at the Australian Freelancing Hub we want to explore the most in-demand freelance skills that are essential in today's market. .

These skills are often grouped under one big umbrella - web development is a classic example - but there are so many arguments on this broll and not all titles are interchangeable. Let's break down these popular professions alphabetically and conquer them.

1. Website development

Keep it or delete it, yes — web development has always been, and will continue to be, the most in-demand freelance skill. With Internet access booming, small businesses are mobilizing a significant number of people to develop their websites. Amidst COVID-19, the demand for e-commerce websites has increased dramatically as you can see in this report. website builders are in high demand in the freelancer markets no matter which platform they choose to build their websites.

2. Software development

I don't understand why software development isn't a freelancer's most important skill. When I look at projects posted on Upwork and Guru, I see a huge demand for computer programmers. Customers are always looking for highly skilled developers to build desktop and cloud software/applications.

3. Bookkeeping & Accounting 

An accountant provides professional financial advice to private and corporate clients. Services include tracking customer spend and returns, analyzing and maintaining records, updating processes and systems, paying taxes and investigating fraud. 

Accountant are financial professionals who keep daily records of financial transactions, keeping their clients informed and organized. Responsibilities include processing receipts and payments, preparing invoices, accounting books, payroll, preparing returns, filing and paperwork.

4. Consultancy 

Consultant provide in-depth business knowledge to improve overall operations, productivity, profitability, facilities and strategy. Along with the direct search for expert knowledge about companies and the entire industry, they make recommendations, offer implementation procedures and offer employee training. 

5. Graphic Design

A computer needs graphics, so there will be a need for graphics. Whether it's social media, websites, or press-related needs, graphic projects are published in large numbers on all freelance marketplaces. As more websites are built, the demand for UX/UI increases. It also thrives on designing user interfaces for mobile apps.

6. Photographing and Filming

Photographer creates high quality, impactful photos that capture a moment, tell a story or sell a product. By mastering every step of the process, from lighting to photography, developing, printing, editing and retouching, on both film and digital media, they create powerful and compelling images. Writing captions, descriptions, or articles about the photos can also be part of their approach. 

Filming capture an idea, scene or event in moving images. Their ability to direct the action live allows them to communicate a briefing, brand or concept in a dynamic and fun way. Must be able to manage a studio or location, plan and collaborate with cast, crew and clients, and oversee post-production needs such as editing, sound and music.

7. SEOs

Everyone needs a website, but without traffic, a website is useless. SEO (search engine optimization) helps your website rank better in major search engines, including Google.

There are tons of online courses out there, but the one I love is Udemy. You can master this skill in 6 months and practice to learn more. Keep in mind that this area is changing rapidly as Google's SEO algorithm is changing rapidly.

8. WordPress

The demand for React Native, Angular JS and WordPress is reflected in the large number of projects being posted on major freelancer websites such as Guru.com and Upwork.com. It's not a bad idea to acquire these skills and have the courage to put forward a proposal for these projects.

9. Digital Marketing  

The demand for social media marketing and digital marketing services has arisen in recent years due to the increasing use of popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Linked In and Pinterest. This tells us that they will feature prominently as in-demand skills in the future. Small businesses are looking for DM (Digital Marketing) and SMMA (Social Media Marketing Agency) experts to help them reach potential customers and manage their online business.

10. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistant remotely coordinates the daily administrative activities of the employer. This includes but is not limited to scheduling calendars and appointments, archiving, researching, managing expenses and of course answering phone calls, emails and various courier services. Attention to detail is key as you can help multiple employers at once.