Pakistani Food Goes Global With National Foods

May 14, 2022

Karachi – May 13, 2022: Built on the vision of creating food that enriches the lives of people everywhere, National Foods has been working to provide mouth-watering, scrumptious products to millions of people around the world for over 50 years.

National Foods is a household name in Pakistan that provides a variety of food options consisting of Recipe Mixes, Salts, Ketchups, Pickles, Snacks, Desserts, Jams, Jellies, and Seasonings that are loved by consumers across all continents. With its rich heritage, National Foods represents the culinary traditions of Pakistan that have been passed down generation after generation.

The essence of National Foods revolves around inspiring possibilities and providing consumers the freedom to express themselves through food and from the comfort of their homes. From our international consumers, one avenue through which inspiring possibilities manifests is exploring what is possible through fusion – a flavorful mixture of the eastern food profiles amalgamated with western dishes to create a diverse palette. Keeping this concept in mind, National Foods has enabled consumers to create fusion recipes, bringing them the best of both worlds. This was the intent that drove their most extensive digital program – National Ka Pakistan Made Easy (NKPME). This multi-structure digital platform built on food, culture & experiences helps people to do more with every-day items in their pantry by bringing together different cuisines from across the globe whilst adding an eastern flavor twist.

Accessible at www.instagram.com/nationalfoodsglobal, it is the go-to place for food enthusiasts, giving them an outlet to be creative and to inspire possibilities. National Foods understands that people experience cultures through food. With the ongoing shift towards openness to try new and authentic experiences, the food buffs seek new ways to satisfy their cravings while feeding their experimental side.

Speaking about NKPME, Senior Brand Manager Mr. Mustafa Nadeem said, “On this journey of creating flavor and culinary blend, we are reaching out from our own platform and influencer audiences to show people how to create delectable recipes and wide exposure to global cuisines relevant to each market”. The expansive set of markets covered includes USA, UK, Canada and the UAE.

Through this platform, National Foods speaks to the immersive, novelty-seeking people. From delectable Cottage Pie to Scotch Kofta Eggs, Tandoori Fried Chicken Sandwich to Pickle-spiced Aubergine Curry, NKPME has everyone covered. Moreover, on a weekly basis, live master class sessions are also conducted where our experts engage the audiences through discussions and demonstrations based on different food and kitchen topics.

The Former CEO for NF DMCC – The International Division for National Foods, Mr. Zahid Majeed, said “Pakistan’s geography and history embraces a huge diversity of cultural influences as the gateway to the subcontinent as a neighbor to Iran and China. The food tradition of Pakistan reflects these influences from spicy Biryani (a localized variant of Persian origin) to the great Pakistani BBQ (introduced by the Moghuls) to the vegetarian delicacies of the Indus Valley Civilization. We would like to celebrate this tradition by further blending these flavors and adapting them to the cooking and eating habits of the new multi-cultural generation both in Pakistan and abroad through NKPME.”

National Foods has presence in 5 continents across 40 countries worldwide, elevating lifestyles from local to global audiences, thus making it internationally national.

Hands-On: HUAWEI Sound X, A Wireless Speaker With Remarkable Bass

Web Desk

May 14, 2022

Hands-On: HUAWEI Sound X, a Wireless Speaker with Remarkable Bass

In recent years, we’ve seen all sorts of speakers flooding into the market, but most of these are lower end devices which offer nothing but a voice assistant and mediocre sound in exchange for their relatively low price.

That’s why it’s so refreshing to see the HUAWEI Sound X putting the focus firmly back on audio quality. Huawei has co-engineered the Sound X with Devialet, and the French audio giant has certainly brought a lot to the table. Powerful subwoofers, SAM® (Speaker Active Matching) bass enhancement technology, and Push-Push acoustic configuration combine to deliver a high fidelity audio experience. The Sound X also showcases handy features like OneHop Audio Sharing, so you get a good experience as well as fantastic sound.

Superior bass: Subwoofers and SAM® technology

As any audiophile will tell you, powerful bass can improve any genre of music by enriching the tapestry of sound and enhancing the sense of rhythm. Lossless music, when played through subwoofers, simply makes for a more immersive listening experience.

To achieve the best possible bass effects, Huawei has fitted the Sound X with two customized Devialet subwoofers which fill any normal-sized room with surging and powerful sound. Theoretically, the size limitations of Bluetooth speakers take a toll on the quality of low-frequency sound. But the Sound X makes up for this with its magnetic rare-earth materials. It can hit amplitudes of up to 20 mm, so it’s certainly not lacking in the power department.

I tested the Sound X with Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy in a regular-sized living room. With the Bluetooth audio volume set to about 50%, I could hear the tune clearly wherever I was in the room, with the sound output fluctuating between 65 dB and 85 dB. I turned my phone’s volume to maximum, and the speaker hit highs of 109 dB (at 110 dB you begin to feel uncomfortable, while 120 dB is equivalent to an electric saw). So whether you’re kicking back on the sofa or dancing vigorously, the Sound X will provide the perfect backing track.

As well as its powerful volume, the bass produced by the Sound X is boosted by Devialet’s SAM® bass enhancement technology. This means it can adapt sound signals in real-time to match the specific characteristics of the speaker, and ensure that the acoustic pressure reproduced by the speaker precisely matches the original recording. As a result, when you listen to music, it’s like you’re right there in the place where the track was originally recorded.

For anyone who doesn’t know Devialet, it’s one of the world’s top professional audio brands, and has played a key role in the advancement of acoustic technology, thanks to over a decade of relentless R&D. Devialet’s goal is to make immersive, distortion-free Hi-Fi audio universally accessible, so it’s no surprise that Huawei wanted to recruit the brand to co-develop the Sound X.

In practice, the bass produced by the Sound X can hit as low as 40 Hz, which really does shake you to the core. Details of the bass parts in The Who’s My Generation which I don’t get when I listen with my earphones are faithfully and meticulously reproduced by the Sound X. The drums are hard-hitting and the bass is booming.

Hi-Fi stereo sound: Crisp highs and rich midrange

In addition to remarkable bass, the Sound X also delivers crisp treble and rich midrange, which work together to create a 360° high-fidelity sound field.

Most speakers struggle beyond 8 kHz, whereas the Sound X hits as high as 40 kHz. In terms of distortion, maximum sound pressure (the Sound X can reach a staggering 93 dB), and gain flatness, the Sound X performs admirably. Even when you play faster paced songs, like The Strokes’ Reptilia or Juicebox, the vocals are crystal clear, and none of the songs’ detail is lost.

When it comes to nailing the perfect listening experience, the sound field is just as important as sound quality. Some speakers sound great in the store, but disappoint when you set them up at home. This is because the sound effect is affected by the environment where the speaker is located. This is true of the cinema, too. It’s only when you’re sitting in one of just a few seats that you get the full Dolby Audio effect. To tackle this issue, Huawei has fitted the Sound X with six powerful full-frequency tweeters, which are evenly distributed in a ring. This setup produces stunning surround sound effects, and you can hear high-fidelity sound radiating in a 360° sound field wherever you stand.

Design: A premium-looking speaker

Now let’s turn to the appearance of the Sound X.

The speaker has a sleek, black body. Its glossy upper part has been created using an advanced electroplating process. The interior is coated with premium, impact-resistant polycarbonate material which protects its components. The lower part of the speaker is covered in a fine mesh, which helps the audio signals move freely and sound clear.

On the top of the Sound X, there are touch-sensitive buttons which you can use to mute the speaker, configure the network, and adjust the volume. Around these buttons there are 12 RGB tri-color lights which spin and dance when you do things like use voice commands or pair to other devices. When you’re playing music, you can see the two subwoofers vibrating, and this stops dust from accumulating.

The Sound X also features OneHop Audio Sharing, so you can switch music or calls from your phone to the speaker with just one tap.

Unilever Partners With Akhuwat And NOWPDP To Drive Inclusion In The Workplace

Web Desk

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022: Unilever Pakistan has partnered with Akhuwat and NOWPDP to develop an inclusive and sustainable recruitment process to ensure equitable employment opportunities across the business in Pakistan.

The launch of the program follows a long-standing commitment by Unilever Pakistan to drive inclusion in the workplace. With a dedicated Diversity & Inclusion team, the organization has carried out several successful initiatives to achieve an inclusive culture across its ecosystem with the use of tools for fair recruitment, and specific goals for inclusion.

The current initiative also aims to enable specially-abled persons and transgender persons with the professional tools necessary to succeed in corporate careers. As part of this ambition, Unilever Pakistan is launching a one-year contract Trainee program, which is designed to upskill participants and prepare them for entry into their preferred career roles.

Amir Paracha, Chairman & CEO, Unilever Pakistan highlighted, “Diversity and inclusion are among the greatest catalysts for social and economic change globally, and having a balanced workforce should be a requirement, not an aspiration. We aim to enable equitable opportunities for employment across our value chain and this partnership is yet another milestone for increasing livelihoods for all segments of society.”

Omair Ahmad, CEO NOWPDP also added that, “With grit, we have solicited staunch supporters from the grassroots up and have laid the foundation on which we are able to stand strong. Working towards our mandate of economic empowerment of persons with disabilities, we look forward to creating a more Bashamool Pakistan through our partnership with Unilever.”

NOWPDP works to promote an inclusive society through holistic and sustainable endeavors in the areas of education and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities. Akhuwat, through its Khwajasira Support Program, carries out economic and social interventions to support the transgender community through direct financial assistance, health services, psychological support, and participation in this training.

CFO Conference 2022 – Embracing The Role As Chief Value Officer

Web Desk

May 13, 2022

Karachi, 13 th May, 2022: The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) is organizing CFO Conference 2022 on May 17 & 19 in Karachi and Lahore respectively. The conference will be attended by government officials, leading economists, finance leaders, national and international key opinion leaders and subject matter experts. Since 2010, ICAP has organized 20 CFO Conferences across the country with participation of over 9,000 participants, business leaders and finance professionals. In 2020, online conference was held in which around 25,000 professionals participated from across the globe.

The world has dramatically and drastically changed and is ever-evolving at a faster pace than expected. The shifts and transformations are challenging the existing economic and business models, thereby pushing the business leaders to think differently and redefine their business strategies and leadership styles to lead and succeed. Considering the ever-evolving role of Chief Financial Officer into Chief Value Officer, the theme of this year’s Conference is ‘Embracing the role as Chief Value Officer’.

The CFO Conference 2022 will gather finance and business leaders to discuss the trends shaping the financial and economic landscape of Pakistan and the rest of the world. This year Conference agenda includes a blend of 40 international and local speakers, thought leaders sharing their experience and knowledge on CFO’s role in ESG-led value creation, agile organizations, becoming a transcendent leader, the rise of high growth ventures and gaining strategic and financial leverage with technology.

The conference keynote speakers are Dr. Alnoor Bhimani, Professor and Director of South Asia Centre at the London School of Economics and Political Science and Paul Papadimitriou, CEO, Intelligencr. Mr. Farrukh H Khan, MD & CEO, Pakistan Stock Exchange, Mr. Kevin Dancey, CEO, International Federation of Accountants, Dr. Amjad Saquib, Founder, Akhuwat Foundation and Dr. Nurmazilah Dato Mahzan, CEO, Malaysian Institute of Accountants will also share their thoughts in the Conference.

Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui, Chairman, Professional Accountants in Business Committee and Council Member, ICAP, and Mr. Ashfaq Tola, President ICAP will share the Conference objectives, vision, and the Institute’s contribution to the finance and economic sector of Pakistan. The conference will also feature an evening with Pakistan’s legendary poets Mr. Iftikhar Hussain Arif and Mr. Ata ul Haq Qasmi.

PepsiCo And Pizza Hut Are Teaming Up To Launch A Mobile Game

Dr. Rida Qamar

May 13, 2022

Pepsi is teaming up with Pizza Hut and KFC to bring even more fun to the final days of the UEFA championship. With the release of “Score with Pogba,” an augmented reality game created with Pizza Hut and starring professional superstar footballer Paul Pogba.

Score with Pogba

The players control the Pogba 3D Avatar dribbling the ball, weaving left and right. While sliding under obstacles with the goal of going the distance. The AR game – an updated take on a classic runner game – is the latest example of PepsiCo’s success. In an attempt to bring global brands together with its roster of pro athletes and stars to create unparalleled experiences for fans.

“At every turn, we try to make the Pizza Hut experience as customer-centric as possible and our AR game with Pepsi, which puts fans in the player’s shoes, is an extension of that commitment,” said Courtney Vogel, Chief Transformation Officer, Pizza Hut International.

“Through our beverage partnership with PepsiCo, we’re able to access the incredible talents of Paul Pogba to deliver fun content for fans of the most popular sport in the world.”

“Wherever sports, gaming and entertainment intersect, you will find Pepsi,” said PepsiCo’s Alexandre Chiavegatti in a press release.

“PepsiCo developed ideas for KFC and Pizza Hut based on territories that both Yum! brands have tapped into in the past. We highlight the incredible combination of KFC and Pepsi coming together in a playful environment, and for Pizza Hut, PepsiCo tapped into the fun of AR gaming that keeps fans engaged during the perfect pizza night with family.”

How To Access The Game?

Using their mobile devices, consumers in more than 20 countries can scan product-placed QR codes on social media platforms, branded products, and points of sales. They can also go to scorewithpogba.com to play the game. The farther your Pogba 3D Avatar runs, the more pizzas and Pepsi you collect, the higher your score. Each score lands the player a place on the leaderboard with potential bragging rights. As well as the option to create and share a custom player card of game stats on social.

PepsiCo And KFC

Pepsi and its creative collaborators are serving up a deliciously cinematic and high-tech experience with the unveiling of a Rube Goldberg-inspired machine that serves up KFC’s famous fried chicken with ice-cold Pepsi.

The first-of-its-kind machine was fabricated and filmed in New York City, with Paul Pogba’s soccer ball setting things in motion. This exclusive machine can only be seen via fast-action video on digital and social while echoing the ways micro-moments throughout the UEFA championships ladder up to a grand moment.

While Pepsi has a longstanding relationship with Pogba, this is the first effort that puts him in a standalone video game where he is the star.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

7 Delicious Cucumber Salad Recipes To Enjoy In This Heat

Dr. Rida Qamar

May 13, 2022

When the weather gets warm, it’s hard to resist the allure of a classic cucumber salad. Crunchy, juicy cucumbers combined with a zesty or creamy dressing will always leave you feeling refreshed on a hot day. It’s a great side for just about anything you put on the grill – chicken, steak, and fish.

Try these delicious recipes when you are in the mood for light and healthy lunch.

1. Cucumber Vinegar Salad

This cucumber-vinegar recipe has the perfect balance between sweet and sour flavors, plus a hint of fresh dill. The red onion adds nice crunch. Enjoy this salad right after you’re done making it or store it away to snack on for later.

2. Pineapple-Cucumber Salad

Enjoy this sweet, refreshing salad alongside grilled meat or fish to cut through the richness and refresh the palate. When pineapple is in season, it’s best to buy fresh and chop it yourself. Look for a pineapple with a golden-yellow exterior, which is a good indicator of ripeness.

3. Creamy Cucumber Salad

A refreshing accompaniment to a main course of meat or fish, this cucumber-yogurt salad also makes a tasty filling for pita bread. If the cucumbers are grated instead of chopped, this mixture can be served as a dip.

4. Cucumber Pasta Salad

This light and tangy pasta salad is fresh and bright. The pasta holds the dressing for flavor in every bite, and you can use different small pasta shapes if you like. This easy recipe is perfect for a warm day or to serve as a lunch dish for company! For a fruitier flavor, try apple-cider vinegar in place of white distilled vinegar.

5. Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

This creamy tuna-cucumber recipe is an easy side dish for any summer BBQ. The tuna provides an enriched flavor without feeling heavy on the stomach. Enjoy this salad the day you prepare it so the ingredients don’t turn watery.

6. Watermelon, Cucumber & Corn Salsa

This refreshing summer salsa combines cooling watermelon and cucumber with the kick from tomatoes. The tomatoes provide a tangy flavor while balancing the overall taste. Serve with tortilla chips on the side.

7. Cucumber & Avocado Salad

This healthy cucumber-avocado salad takes just five minutes to prep. Lime juice and fresh herbs boost the bright flavors in this crunchy recipe that’s a perfect side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or steak.

Which recipe did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments section below.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Netizen Tries To Defame Behroze Sabzwari, Posts Unethical Tweets From A Fake Account

Lyza Rashid

May 13, 2022

behroze sabzwari twitter — Image Source: Daily Times

Behroze Sabzwari is a senior veteran actor in the Pakistani entertainment industry. He is considered one of the best actors of his time who has now retired. Currently, the actor is finding himself stuck with millenial netizens who are trolling him with a fake account. However, Sabzwari does not play around and has clarified himself on social media.

What Happened?

Someone made a fake account with Behroze Sabzwari’s name and started tweeting random and strange things. The tweet that is circulating on social media reads that ‘maybe I did eat haram earnings to have a child-like Shehroz in my home.’ Funny or strange? You make the call.

Moreover, other reports suggest that some tweets also had to do with politics. The fake tweet suggested that he supports PML-N which the actor does not.

A fake twitter account with senior actor Behroze Sabzwari’s name, tweeted something unethical. Behroze came up to clear the misconception. He reported in cyber crime too.#behrozesabzwari #actor #pakistan #celebrity #twitter #facebook #insta #cczdigitalproductions #cczdigital pic.twitter.com/htSYMqxiun

— CCZDigital (@cczdigital) May 12, 2022

The Clarification

The actor then took to social media to clarify things. He made a video and then posted it on social media. In the video, he’s speaking his side of the story. He told his fans and followers that he is not on any social media site. Moreover, he also shared that he has reported this incident to the cyber crime wing.

He will ensure that whoever has done this will bear the consequences. Call it his age or just his demeanor, he handled the matter with utmost grace and decency. Since then, the account has been deleted on Twitter. People are so scared after this that they have also deleted any and every other fake account with the actor’s name.

Trolling Actors For Fun Or For A Message?

This is a common occurrence in this day and age. Actors and actresses who are not on social media are often made victims of identity theft in this way. People, rather netizens, make fake accounts with their names to either defame them or get across a message. Sure, Behroze Sabzwari’s son may not be the most popular and well-liked guy out there. But what role does his father have to play in anything?

The actors have deep pockets and connections. Surely, the person who did this as a joke for a laugh will eventually pay for this. Would this be worth it or not? Stay tuned to see how this unfolds.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Pakistan Exports Its First Vehicle Made By Master Changan Motors

Lyza Rashid

May 13, 2022

changan export — Image Source: Daily Lead Pakistan

Changan Motors Limited is a Chinese automobile manufacturing company that recently began its operations in Pakistan. Now this collaboration between Pakistan and China has taken to another level altogether by leading Pakistan into its first automobile export. Have a read to see what is happening in the automobile industry in Pakistan.

What Is The Latest?

The latest news is that Pakistan has exported its first vehicle recently. It was made by Master Changan Motors. This has all been made possible under the new Auto Industry Development and Export Policy (AIDEP 2021-26). The news reached the eyes and ears of Pakistanis according to a press release issued by the company on Thursday.

What Did The Press Release State?

The press release made many important remarks. The company stated that all OEMs would require to initiate vehicle exports under the new policy.

Changan Oshan X7 is the car we’re talking about! This is even greater news because Pakistan is the only country besides China to produce this latest model of Changan Oshan X7. Additionally, the press release also included the company’s CEO Danial Malik’s quote. In the ceremony in Karachi, he said, “We are delighted and proud to lead Pakistan into a new chapter for the auto industry and make its mark on a global level”. According to him, “The Changan Oshan X7 is the first of many more vehicles to be exported. This is all a part of our vision to stay Future Forward, Forever and the Auto Industry Development and Export Policy”, he added.

The Future Plans

Moreover, the company also stated that Pakistan is Changan’s first and only RHD manufacturing base. Pakistan is playing an exponential role in helping the brand expand globally and reach its full potential. Moreover, reports suggest that Pakistan could be working on its next project.

The state-of-the-art plant in Pakistan finished in a record time of just 13 months. Now, it has the brilliant capacity of producing 50,000 vehicles annually. All in all, we all have something to be proud of. The automobile industry is going to improve drastically in the near future.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

TikTok Wraps Up Successful Ramadan Campaign With Close To 2.5 Billion Views

Web Desk

May 13, 2022

TikTok, The New Digital Advertising Phenomenon — Image Source: Neil Patel

12 May 2022: Popular short video-sharing platform TikTok recently concluded its Ramadan campaign in Pakistan titled ‘#StitchKindness’ that encapsulated the spirit of the holy month and imparted the message of kindness and sharing among users. The campaign, powered by five hashtags to celebrate Ramadan and Eid, garnered close to 2.5 billion views during the month.

The vibrant and eye-catching campaign featured actress Urwa Hocane, singer Bilal Khan, and popular TikTok content creators Romaisa Khan and Aiman Zaman. A highly acclaimed advertisement became the symbol through which TikTok showcased its vision of uplifting communities and connecting Pakistanis through entertainment.

The hashtag #StitchKindness crossed 1 billion views and featured videos highlighting selfless and hardworking people who help others while fasting and adhering to their duties in trying conditions. Content creators across Pakistan created a chain of kindness by stitching their videos with the TikTok ad for this campaign that celebrated and honoured the efforts of these unsung heroes during Ramadan.

Another hashtag, #MaheRamzan which crossed 675.5 million views, celebrated the essence and spirit of Ramadan as people shared their favourite Ramadan traditions with the community throughout the month. Moreover, the #RamzanRoutine initiative educated TikTok users about fitness and self-care while enjoying Sehri and Iftar and it received more than 208.1 million views on the platform. Users also shared their favourite Ramadan food videos using the hashtag #IftarKiTayyari, which garnered over 257.3 million views.

The campaign ended with one of the most celebrated events in the country – Eid Ul Fitr. To celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid, the community interacted with #EidKiKhushiyan over 268.3 million times along with exciting in-app effects and filters launched exclusively for Eid.

As a part of the Ramadan campaign, TikTok also collaborated with the Rizq Foundation and successfully conducted ration drives across multiple cities in Pakistan. This donation marked the start of a long-term collaboration between TikTok and the Rizq Foundation, with the aim to play a significant role in addressing the food shortage and nutritional challenges faced by several communities in the country.

Ramadan has always been a month of great spiritual gains, celebrations and gatherings whether in-person or virtual. With its campaign, TikTok aimed to celebrate with its community across the world to convey the spirit of the holy month, while continuing to inspire creativity and bring joy to its ever-growing community worldwide.

KE’s Leadership Monitors Operational Effectiveness

Web Desk

May 13, 2022

Karachi: In line with the efforts to provide maximum relief to consumers during the ongoing harsh weather, KE’s Chief Distribution Officer – Amer Zia, who is also presiding over the utility’s heatwave emergency cell, visited different parts of the city to review the on-field operations to resolve the consumers’ queries instantly.

While commenting on the current power supply to the city, he said, “While there is an evident surge in power demand as the mercury rises, K-Electric is undertaking all possible measures to provide maximum relief to its consumers. Currently, the power supply to most K-Electric’s service areas is stable, and all our on-ground teams are working tirelessly to resolve any consumer complaints as quickly as possible.”

While denying any claims of over 12 hours of load shed in any parts of KE’s service areas, he further stated that “Residential feeders having less than 20% recovery losses are undergoing zero load-shed which includes the industrial zones of the city. Furthermore, the area-wise schedule for all potentially affected consumers has been uploaded on KE’s website well in advance and kept up to date. Moreover, KE issued preemptive messages to customers so that they remain apprised of their potential load shed timings.”

Amer Zia also interacted with the citizens during his visit, distributed goods to mitigate heat-wave effects and advised citizens to remain hydrated with the appropriate water consumption while avoiding unnecessary and direct exposure to sunlight, particularly during extreme hot hours from 11 am to 4 pm. Furthermore, he reiterated that KE’s call center 118, SMS Service 8119, KE Live App, social media platforms, and WhatsApp Self Service Portal remain active 24/7 to support customers with their queries.

5 Best Air Conditioners You Can Buy Under Rs. 80,000

Dr. Rida Qamar

May 13, 2022

With the onset of summer and the upcoming heatwave in Pakistan, the temperature will rise to 48°C. The summers are long, and the excruciating heat during the heatwaves makes the homes scorching hot. Owing to this intense heat, buying air conditioners in Pakistan has become more of a necessity than a luxury.

The air conditioners help cool down a room and reduce the chance of heatstroke while maintaining the overall temperature. While the markets are full of plenty of models and designs, looking for the one on a budget becomes a daunting task. While the features and prices of the air conditioners vary due to their quality, brand, and country of origin, there are a few things that need to be considered before you make your next purchase.

So, if you are planning to buy one on a budget but do not know where to start, take a look at this list of air conditioners you can buy for under 80,000.

1. PEL 12K Invert-O-Cool

The 1.0-ton Inverter Air Conditioner is priced at PKR 51,000. The features include a high-quality compressor with an energy efficiency ratio of 3.1, along with a warranty of 10 years.

The specifications include,

Cooling Capacity (BTU/Watts): 3.5 KW
HeatingCapacity(BTU/Watts): 3.5 KW,
Gas: R410a
Voltage: 220-240 V
Rated Frequency: 50 HzEER: 2.4
Cooling Power Input (Max.): 1.7 KW
Cooling Current Input (Max.): 9 KW
Rated Power Input: 1.09 KW
Rated Current Input: 4.8A
Indoor Unit Weight: 11 Kg

2. Haier DC Inverter UPS Enabled

This UPS-enabled inverter is the perfect option for load shedding days to beat the heat. The 1.0-ton Inverter is priced at PKR 75,000 and comes with a variety of features, including,

Turbo cool,
Cooling Capacity (BTU): 12000
Strong Airflow, One Touch Cleaning
Exquisite Dust Filter
3M Purify Filter
Concealed LED Display
Easy Operation of Controller
Long Distance Airflow
Anti – Corrosion, R410a Refrigerant, and is priced at PKR 75,000.

3. Haier Split AC Non-Inverter

The Haier piece comes in a size of 1 ton and is priced at PKR 71,000. The specifications include,

100 % Copper
Long Air Throw
Hidden LED
Sleep Mode
Low Voltage Operation
Low Noise
Environment Friendly
Voltage Stabilizer
Turbo Cooling
1 Ton Capacity
Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner
Cool Only
Cooling Capacity (BTU): 12000
R410a Refrigerant

4. Gaba National GNS -1519HD

This 1.5 ton split air conditioner comes with a free installation policy from the company. The AC is priced at PKR 48,999, and the specifications includes,

Heat Cool Technology
BTU: 18000
Compressor

5. Haier Turbo Cool

The Haier Turbo Cool comes with a capacity of 1 ton and is priced at PKR 74,999. The specifications include,

10 Years Compressor Warranty
Strong Airflow
Exquisite Dust Filter
Super P C B
Powerful Cooling
100 % Copper
Easy Operation of Controller
Hidden LED
Sleep Mode
Low Voltage Operation
Super Quiet
R32 Refrigerant
Low Noise
Voltage Stabilizer
Turbo Cooling
Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner
Cool Only
Cooling Capacity (BTU): 12000
Indoor Dimensions W*D*H: 850*295*210
Outdoor Dimensions W*D*H: 700*245*535

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Standard Chartered Announces The Launch Of Scwomenintech Cohort 4

Web Desk

May 12, 2022

KARACHI, 12 May 2022 – After three successful years in Pakistan, Standard Chartered Bank in partnership with INNOVentures Global (Pvt.) Limited, announced the launch the Cohort 4 of SCWomeninTech.

SCWomeninTech (WiT) supports female-led entrepreneurial teams with business management training, mentoring and seed funding. The WiT programme is designed to help address gender disparity in the technology sector and to use technology to tackle social challenges faced by communities. They are an important part of our entrepreneurship offering within Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, our global initiative to tackle inequality and promote economic inclusion.

In Pakistan, this initiative was launched in 2019 and so far out of the 700+ participating enterprises, 66 female founders have graduated and 19 of them have also received seed funding. Through this programme the Bank focuses on capacity building for women-owned small enterprises.

Commenting on this launch Mr. Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Pakistan said, “I feel privileged to announce the launch of Cohort 4 of the SCWiT, curated with the objective of removing barriers, providing opportunities and furthering financial inclusion for women in Pakistan, which is a key priority of the Government and State Bank of Pakistan as well. Over the years this programme has surfaced to be a great platform for aspiring women entrepreneurs in Pakistan by helping them realise their true potential. This initiative further builds upon Standard Chartered’s focus on increasing women’s access to entrepreneurial finance and supporting adolescent girls and women through capacity building. It encapsulates the essence of the Bank’s sustainability strategy of Futuremakers, enabling the next generation to learn, earn and grow.”

Partnering with INNOVentures Global, the Standard Chartered Women in Tech programme aims to promote the economic and social development of women in Pakistan through innovation or technology-led entrepreneurship. This initiative was launched in Pakistan in 2019. #SCWomenInTech is aimed at helping identify and grow female-led businesses by bringing their unique business ideas to the market whilst celebrating women in Pakistan.

The WiT Incubators were first launched in October 2014 by Standard Chartered Americas as a local community project. The programme is now active in nine countries and since 2019 has reached a total of 1,632young people along with providing a seed funding of USD 447,000.

Here’s What You Need To Know About The Latest Google Updates

Web Desk

May 12, 2022

This article is submitted by Humayoun Ahmed Khan

The search engine giant, Google, organised the I/O Developer Conference 2022 on May 11 at Shoreline Amphitheatre. The conference, as expected, was aimed at outlining the plans and updates that Google intends to bring this year.

On Day 1, the popular search engine briefed the attendants as to what new software features and changes the users will witness in the next few days, weeks, and months. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at all of them.

Google Maps just got better!

Google Maps come in handy when you are travelling to a place you have never been before or are just bad at remembering routes. Right? Well, sit tight as Google is now planning on introducing the real world-view of certain cities on Google Maps so that the users will know what the traffic is like at different times of the day and what the actual place looks like! How cool is that!

According to the search engine giant, the idea behind the immersive Google Maps is to make the users feel as if they are actually present on the ground. As of now, Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco and Tokyo are the cities that the users will be able to get the real world-view of, but Google says that it will add more cities to the list.

Google Translate expands its horizon

Taking a step towards inclusivity, Google has announced that it is adding 24 more languages, mainly from Africa and India, to its fold, taking the tally to a total of 133 languages that the tool will be able to translate. The search engine giant has said that the languages would be available on the tool in the next few days.

Monk Skin Tone Scale

Another step towards inclusivity is the inclusion of the Monk Skin Tone Scale, developed by Harvard professor Ellis Monk, for AI. The said skin tone scale differs from the usual Fitzpatrick scale in the sense that it has more skin shades, 10 to be precise, instead of six used by the latter.

Google has also made the tool open source for others to use it without having to worry about anything. The Real Tone feature will be available to users at the end of this month. It will enable the users to use filters on Google Photos that best match their skin shades. The users will also be able to run beauty-related image searches by choosing their desired skin shade on the Monk Skin Tone Scale.

My Ad Centre

The latest entrant in the long list of initiatives taken by Google to ensure that your data remains private is ‘My Ad Centre’. Not only will the users be able to choose the services and products they want to see more ads of, but more importantly, they will now be able to bid farewell to all those annoying ads they were never interested in viewing in the first place. Mind you, the users will still see ads on Google and its platforms such as YouTube but they would be empowered to do away with the unwanted ones, based on their personal preferences.

Making your data private

In a bid to ensure that your data remains private and your online presence remains completely hidden from the prying eyes, a new feature would be rolled out in a few months using which the users will be able to hide their personal information from Google search results.

Virtual Cards

To make sure that users remain safe from fraud while and after making online purchases using Android or Google Chrome, Google has come up with a new feature called the ‘Virtual Cards’. The said card numbers will be generated using the feature, hiding your real credit card information from the vendors you are making your online purchases from. Initially, the feature will only be available to American audiences.

So, these were a few of the latest features and updates that Google announced on Day 1 of the I/O Conference. Which one are you waiting for the most?

Ahsan Khan’s Wife Talks About Jealousy & How She Got Over It

Dr. Rida Qamar

May 12, 2022

‘The Couple’s Show’ hosted by Aagha Ali and Hina Altaf is in full swing. The celebrity couple sits down with other celebrity couples to talk about profession, marriage, and life in general. The latest episode of the couple’s show featured Ahsan Khan and his wife, Fatima Ahsan. The duo talked about how Fatima got over Ahsan’s acting carrier and made peace with him working with other actresses.

Ahsan Khan & Fatima Ahsan

In a series of questions, Hina Altaf asked Ahsan’s wife how she managed with a husband in the showbiz industry. She then asked if she ever felt jealous by the fact that Ahsan works with great actresses in the industry?

Aagha then asked Fatima Ahsan, ‘Are you the possessive kind?’

To which Fatima responded,

“Initially, yes, I was, but he never gave me an excuse. Since I never had an excuse so I then just let it go.”

Later, Hina Altaf asked the same question from Ahsan whether he is possessive of his wife?

“The moment we opened our eyes, we met each other. We met at the age of 16 since it is very young. It’s been twenty years since we have known each other. So now we are way past that age of getting jealous, and since our kids are all grown up, we are always thinking about them.”

Take a look at the complete interview below.

The duo then discussed how Ahsan has a lot of exposure, given that he has worked with many actresses over the long course of his acting carrier. Fatima, on the other hand, was very invested in Ahsan and their relationship from the very beginning because they got married at a very young age.

Share your thoughts about the whole discussion in the comments below.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

NFTs Coming To Instagram? Here’s What You Need To Know

Lyza Rashid

May 12, 2022

NFTs Coming To Instagram? Here's What You Need To Know — Image Source: The Next Web

NFTs are coming to Instagram and it’s been announced on Twitter by the big people of Instagram. The trend of NFTs is going to become more accessible and will infiltrate more into the mainstream now. So who gets to make them, who gets to share and who gets to buy them. Plus, when will all of this happen? If you’ve got any one or all of these questions, keep reading.

The Latest News

A group of the non-fungible token (or NFT) creators and collectors will be able to display their tokens on Instagram soon. Instagram announced that they’re testing NFTs for their users to be displayed with a shimmer effect. The Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed in a post that the company is testing NFTs on the platform. According to him, NFTs will be coming with “similar functionality” to Facebook soon.

NFTs on Instagram 💫

We’re testing ways for creators and collectors to share NFTs they’ve created or own on Instagram with a shimmer effect. pic.twitter.com/tXGoH1Z6Gf

— Instagram (@instagram) May 10, 2022

This means you will be able to connect your digital wallet and choose which NFTs you’d like to share.

We’ve updated our security features to protect your account and wallet when you connect. And there will be no fees when you post or share NFTs on Instagram.

— Instagram (@instagram) May 10, 2022

Who Will Have The Honour?

nfts instagram — Image Source: Fone Arena

Instagram head Adam Mosseri also took to Twitter with a video to explain things. He shared that in the beginning, a small group of US users will have the ability to display NFTs on their feed, stories, and messages. The NFT details will be displayed like how tagged profiles and products are. They will be visible as “digital collectibles.” Once you click on the tag, it will display details like the name of the creator and owner.

NFTs on Instagram 🎉

This week we’re beginning to test digital collectibles with a handful of US creators and collectors who will be able to share NFTs on Instagram. There will be no fees associated with posting or sharing a digital collectible on IG.

See you next week! ✌🏼 pic.twitter.com/VuJbMVSBDr

— Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) May 9, 2022

Why Are They Starting Small?

Mosseri also said that they are testing at the start. They are going to start small so that Instagram can learn from the community. It is an error and trial basis for the moment. A lot is happening on social media as we speak. With Musk having devoured Twitter and people being distrustful of it, now Instagram is treading on eggshells.

Mosseri added, “I want to acknowledge upfront that NFTs and blockchain technologies and Web3 more broadly are all about distributing trust, distributing power”. “But Instagram is fundamentally a centralized platform, so there’s a tension there.” Hence, the small-batch testing in the start.

If you’d like to know the technical bits, the NFTs minted on the Ethereum and Polygon blockchains will be supported initially. Later, those with Solana and Flow will come.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Why Is Burger King Selling Ramen Instead Of Fries?

Lyza Rashid

May 12, 2022

burger king ramen fries — Image Source: Sora

The Burger King in Japan has been rocked by potato shortages so much that something else is being given to customers in deals rather than french fries. Are we going through an apocalypse? For sure. That day has come when your burger might not be coming with fries. Here’s everything that’s been going down in Japan:

What Has Happened Recently?

In the past few months, Japan has been affected severely multiple times by a potato shortage. People in Japan could contend that being affected severely is dramatic. But how does one explain the hundreds of complaints of customers as fast-food giants stop giving fries? The french fry sales of McDonald’s and Burger King both, have been stopped for the moment.

No Unlimited Quantity

For now, french fries are now back on the menu in Japan’s fast-food chains. However, the Japanese are advised to not have the illusion of an unlimited pipeline of potatoes coming into Japan. These continuing global uncertainties mean that the crisis is not over yet.

But as everyone knows, every door that closes leads to another open door. Japanese have taken this opportunity to take the side-order bliss for fast food combos to an even higher plane.

Hence, starting next week, Burger King Japan will be offering combo meals with a hamburger, drink, and ramen.

The New Tempting Combo

This new tempting combo is called the Daitai Potato, or “Sorta Potato.” This is a salty, starchy satisfaction of a bag of french fries even though it looks different. Now Instead of fries, the Daitai Potato Set will give junk food customers a bag of Baby Star Dodekai Ramen. This is a crunchy dried ramen noodle snack that’s popular enough to be a big seller on its own. So when you add a burger to it, how good does it get?

This is not to say that Burger King will never give french fries now. They haven’t officially stopped and have not given any statement during the current rationing crisis. But they have adapted by substituting ramen for French fries. It is a zero-additional-cost option for customers purchasing a King Value combo meal and also a bang for a buck!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

8 Underrated Burger Joints In Karachi You Need To Try ASAP

Dr. Rida Qamar

May 12, 2022

8 Underrated Burger Joints In Karachi You Need To Try ASAP — Image source: https://thebestburgerrestaurants.com/

Burgers have always been one of the most sought after food items. Regardless you have had a burger a million times; you may want to indulge in that one specific burger that might have been the current hype. Lately, burger joints have been on the rise, and the number of burger joints that have been recently introduced is so many that they can start a revolution of their own. Needless to say that you can enjoy a new burger every week, and you still may not get bored. Now you can easily find a burger joint that caters to everyone’s tastebuds.

So, let’s take a look at some of the best-underrated burger joints in the city.

1. K Town Burger Co.

K Town Burger Co. is a marginally underestimated place for burgers in Karachi. They serve one of the best juicy burgers in town with a variety of flavours. From their marketing skills to eye-catching phrases, everything is on point. However, they also offer a go-to meal kit for those oddly timed burger cravings so that you can enjoy the same restaurant-style flavour at home.

Location: DHA Phase 5 Commercial Area

2. Road House Kitchen

Road House Kitchen offers the biggest juiciest burgers you can try. They offer a special beast quad patty with different layers of sauces and cheese, which is their best selling item on the menu. The economical prices blended with perfect taste and generous quantity; this spot is a must-visit for all burger lovers.

Location: North Nazimabad, Block C

3. Burger n Barrel

Holy Chuck and Chick n Cheddar are some of their best selling products on the menu. The fantastic taste and food quality is one thing to look forward to; however, the ambience and staff’s hospitability has been catching the eyes of many. Moreover, the burgers are pocket friendly, and the taste is 10/10.

Location: Gulshan-Iqbal Block 7

4. 75 DH

75 degrees hot is one of the latest obsessions of karachities which is quite underrated. They offer a variety of burgers on the menu, which are served hot and fresh. From price point to taste and experience, everything is perfect on the menu.

Location: Nishat Commercial Area, DHA phase 6.

5. Burger Experts

Burger Experts are a new startup in town but are getting rave reviews over their taste and food quality. The burgers contain the juiciest and crispiest meat topped with lots of cheese available in various flavours.

Location: Gulshan e Iqbal block 13C.

6. Chick Magnet

Chick Magnet is an exclusive chicken place that serves the best crispiest and juiciest chicken burgers ever. Their fiery grilled burger is hot enough to satisfy your spice cravings. You can choose from a variety of sauces to top off the super juicy burgers.

Location: Khayaban-e-Sehar DHA Phase 6.

7. Aussie Burger

Aussie Burger is a must-visit place if you don’t want to disappoint next time you are craving a juicy meaty burger. The beef quality is spectacular, which makes them extraordinarily soft and tender.

Location: DHA- Khayaban-e-Nishat, KDA- Karsaz Road, I.I. Chundrigar Uni Towers

8. Meatmeoutside

Meatmeoutside is another underrated spot that offers the best quality burgers with delicious taste and economical prices. The variety of flavours on the menu are enough to keep you on the hook.

Location: Nishat commercial DHA

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

How To Allocate Your Salary & Easily Save For Traveling

Mehak Zehra

May 12, 2022

travel-money — Image Source: Travel Money Oz

Traveling today is hard. When you tell your friends or colleagues that you want to travel, they start sharing with you posts of travel groups and budgeted travel plans. But what is the point if you do not have even have a budget? Hence, today, we will be sharing how you can save up and be able to do whatever you want to relieve your stress.

Step 0: Save half the salary

If you earn, for instance, a salary of PKR 50,000, save half of it. Put it into your savings account. Once you only have PKR 25,000 you will be forced to follow the rest of the steps. In fact, you will limit your spending to that amount only.

Step no. 1: Set a goal

First of all, set a goal. You may think that you already have numerous goals so once you have money, you can choose any and follow through. This practice is endorsed neither financially nor psychologically.

By financially, I mean that when you have numerous goals, your saving will not be able to help you afford all of them. And this will boil into psychology as well because midway when you look at your saving and 15 expensive goals, you will lose confidence. Therefore, one goal at a time!

For this article, let’s keep the goal as travelling.

7 Things To Remember Before Travelling To Northern Pakistan — Image source: https://theculturetrip.com/

Step no. 2: List your luxuries

List all your luxuries. You may think that you do not have any luxuries, but trust me, you do. All the online shopping that you do as soon as you get your salary, is a luxury. If you order food from restaurants while at work, that is a luxury. Basically, anything you can do without is a luxury. So, if you think that this month, you need two dresses, stop at two. Do not buy ten, thinking that you will be using them regardless. The eight dresses are a luxury.

Step no. 3: List your primary expenses

List your primary expenses as well. There are expenses that you cannot do without. This will include rent, utility bills, travel to and from work, food, toiletries, grocery shopping. At times, you do not have rent expenses on your head but you have to contribute, so add that amount.

Step no. 4: Filter the expenses

Now, filter these expenses. Rent and utility bills cannot change. However, see if you can make some changes to your daily transportation. If you are choosing expensive avenues, go for cheaper ones. As for food, see that if you are ordering online every day, start bringing food from home. When you go grocery shopping, do not buy more than what you need in a month. There is no point in getting four bottles of ketchup if you can do one.

Step no. 5: Set a daily limit

Once all that is set, also have a daily limit. The daily limit allows you to have a breath of air. It’s like pocket money that you give to yourself because if you don’t have anything to spend, you will suffocate and end up spending all your savings.

Step no. 6: Save the rest

This is rightfully the first point as well as the sixth point. Everyone has a different salary ratio. After you have made sure your primary expenses are taken care of, save the leftover amount.

Four months in, you will have your PKR 100,000. Even if you were forced to spend 20,000 somewhere in the four months, you will still be able to save PKR 80,000. You can easily travel in this amount.

Happy travelling!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

Should The Concept Of ‘Ghar Damaad’ Be Normalized In Our Society?

Mehak Zehra

May 12, 2022

Since Ramadan is the only time where the drama industry can deviate from its cliched norms, a number of TV channels try to show Ramdan special dramas. The Ramadan special dramas this year include but are not limited to Ishq Jalebi, Tanaa Banaa, and Chupke Chupke. In all these shows we see at least one ‘ghar damaad‘ residing with the in-laws.

Ghar Damaad in Ramadan special dramas

All three of these have different traits that they exude. So for instance, Aashiq Hussain Advocate in Ishq Jalebi lives with his in-laws but retains the patriarchal personality traits. However, Miskeen in Chupke Chupke is portrayed to be extremely submissive not just in front of his wife but all his in-laws; he is made out to be some sort of a joke. In Tanaa Banaa, the Shahid Phuppa plays the role of a very interesting ghar damaad. He is shown to be a person who proudly embraces the role of a loving house husband.

The concept in our society

In the South Asian culture, the idea that some one is a ghar damaad is considered an insult. Considering we our predominantly a patriarchal society where the man is ‘supposed’ to provide for the family, the fact that someone is not able to provide for the family is assumed to be the only reason why a man would stay with his in-laws.

Of course, in these dramas, the show creators have taken a woke turn and showed other reasons due to which someone has to live with the in-laws. In two of the dramas, the woman wanted to stay and take care of her family. In the other drama, it was the fact that the woman had a career and to maintain a healthy living, the man chooses to live with the in-laws.

Media representation?

Since forever, the ghar damaad concept is looked upon as an insult. But now that these dramas are showing them more and more, it only means that the concept is being normalized. But the fact, that the most hit character amongst all damaads is Miskeen who gets insulted, it shows that people are not ready for it to be normalized yet. Keeping that in mind, the concept should not be normalized.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

7 Apps You Can Use To Send Money Abroad Without Any Stress

Lyza Rashid

May 12, 2022

The pandemic has discouraged many from handling cash as it is but with the fast-pacing change in the world, bank transfers have now become the norm. If you’re looking to send money abroad but have reservations, now is when all your worries are eased.

To make things easier for you, we have shortlisted the apps which are best suited for your international money transfer needs.

1. TransferWise

Transferwise is known for its upfront fees and the real exchange rate, which means there are no hidden charges. TransferWise lets you send money directly to local bank accounts in regions from up to 59 countries.

money transfer apps — Image Source: Buzztribe

It’s best to use because its fee is low and is transparent. Transferwise has no minimum and maximum transfers. Plus, it uses real market exchange rates for each transaction. Have we mentioned that its app has also won an award because of how user friendly it is?

2. PayPal

PayPal has remained one of the leaders of online global e-wallets, and sending money through it is a matter of seconds. Though this internationally renowned app is yet to start its business in Pakistan, there are many rumors the process has been initiated. PayPal has also remained the top option for freelancers!

3. InstaReM

InstaReM is a modern money transfer service that also provides really competitive rates for transactions. Instead of a flat fee, they charge a percentage of the amount you are transferring. For some, this is better given that flat fees can be unpredictable and involve hidden charges too!

4. MoneyGram

MoneyGram is surely a name you have heard about. It is well known in the money transfer business, mainly because they allow convenient cash pickups. However, the only downside in transfers with MoneyGram is that if you are paying by credit or debit card, their fees can be expensive.

5. WorldRemit

WorldRemit is another fast and secure way to send money abroad. The app is trusted internationally and is well-reviewed on Apple’s AppStore and Google Play.

6. OFX

OFX allows you to deposit money directly into recipients’ bank accounts like many other service providers. What is unique about them is that they even allow transaction amounts larger than AUD 10,000.

7. Western Union

This company is undoubtedly the largest money transfer provider globally, but they are among the expensive ones. Their fees vary according to countries and currencies of transactions. However, western union is transparent, trusted, and has a host of policies that facilitate their consumers.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.