Home Blog Page 362

Here’s How 2021 Brought In More Health Challenges For Women

A medical technology company launched the Global Women’s Health Index – a global survey in 2020 in collaboration with Gallup. The survey took data from countries which was scored based on women’s answers to questions in five different categories. Including general health, preventative care, mental health, safety and basic needs including food and shelter.

Women’s Health Challenges 

The data concluded an average score of 53 out of 100 points for 2021 — a point lower than in 2020. The data shows a massive shift in the gender health gap further impacting women’s lives and access to care and treatments they receive.

According to the report, last year women were more stressed, worried, angry, and sad than they were in the past 10 years. Forty-three per cent of women reported feeling worried and 41 per cent said they felt stressed for a lot of the day before the survey.

About 37 per cent of women reported that they did not have sufficient funds to afford food which resulted in the inability to meet their basic needs.

Image source: ej insight

This number was higher compared to 33 per cent of men. The gap addresses larger issues for families, as the report stated that “women are culturally the primary caregivers and typically eat last and least in countries facing conflict, famine and hunger.”

Read More: Here’s How A Fly Leaves Disease On Your Food Via Vomit

“We understand you can only impact and improve what you measure,” said Dr Susan Harvey, vice president of worldwide medical affairs at Hologic and former director of breast imaging at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

“Overall, the data is sobering. And we understand that we need women to be healthy to fully engage and be empowered. It’s clear that the time has come to work together and begin to find solutions and improve women’s health care.”

Countries With A Higher Point Index Score 

The 10 countries that scored the highest on the 100-point index include,

Taiwan — 70, Latvia — 69, Austria — 67, Denmark — 67, Estonia — 66, Switzerland — 66, Germany — 66, Czech Republic — 65, Israel — 65, Norway — 65 points.

The United States scored better in Preventive care in 2021 than in 2020. It ranked second best in this dimension in the Global Women’s Health Index, after only Latvia.

Image source: gec centre

“It was a small improvement, but we have to be joyful about that,” Harvey said. “Overall, though, the world is failing women in preventive care.”

“Overall, the data is sobering. And we understand that we need women to be healthy to fully engage and be empowered,” she said. “It’s clear that the time has come to work together and begin to find solutions and improve women’s health care.” She added.

Gender Equality & Healthcare 

“Investing in women and girls’ health to reclaim and accelerate progress is extremely critical at this point,” says Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, said of that report.

Read More: Here’s How A Smartphone Is Reducing Your Brain Power

“The data show undeniable regressions in their lives made worse by the global crises – in incomes, safety, education, and health. The longer we take to reverse this trend, the more it will cost us all.”

“I hope that we come out stronger from the pandemic,” Stadler said. “The pandemic has brought the importance of preventive behaviours to more people’s attention. People learned a lot about the importance of joint action to protect each other.”

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

PTA Issues Revised Broadband Regulations – Here’s What You Need To Know

pta broadband regulations
Image Source: Tech Times

PTA is onto something else as they just released new broadband regulations. The changes have sparked a debate as people trace the changes and discuss what else has been changed and why. Read all about that here:

Read more: Do Your Airpods Keep Disconnecting? Here’s How To Fix Them

What Has Happened?

The Broadband Quality of Service Regulations of 2014 have been reviewed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). New broadband regulations have been released. The authority released a statement saying, “The regulations have been changed following due consultation with all the parties.” The “Fixed Broadband Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations, 2022” will be the name of the new rules.

What Are They There For?

pta broadband regulations
Image Source: Business Rceorder

These laws have been revised to take into account new and current fixed broadband technologies. For example satellite, cable, xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line), fixed wireless, and DOCSIS 3.x. The objective is to more accurately assess the services that service providers and end users have agreed upon. According to the revised rules, fixed broadband internet download data throughput must now be at least 4Mbps (up from 256 kbps). Besides that, upload data throughput must be at least 2Mbps.

What Does It Represent?

pta broadband regulations
Image Source: Phone world

The updated and improved fixed-line broadband specs represent a positive step forward. The information technology (ICT) expert Parvez Iftikhar said, “Up until recently, a download speed of 256 kbps was thought of as broadband. This seems absurd in the modern era. This action will guarantee better internet quality for fixed broadband consumers.” These changes seem must-needed.

The fact that there are only about two to three million fixed broadband consumers in the nation is the reason. Pakistan also has a lower penetration of optical fibers than any other country in the region except Afghanistan. Iftikhar noted that in order to enhance service delivery, both the government and the regulator must develop new solutions. In addition, it was suggested to invest in optic fibre infrastructure rather than leaving it totally up to the private sector.

For The Customers

pta broadband regulations
Image Source: Brecorder

According to a statement from PTA, end customers should always have access to 80% of the specified internet speeds. Besides this, PTA will implement and carry out the ongoing National Broadband Measurement Program (NBM). Then there will be the QoS surveys and tests of the quality of services being offered to consumers.

Read more: Here’s How A Smartphone Is Reducing Your Brain Power

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Second Transparency Report Reaffirms Kuaishou International Business’ Commitment To Protecting Users

Image Source: Retail in Asia

Sep 28th, 2022 – KARACHI: Kuaishou International Business (KSIB), parent business to leading short-form video platforms – Kwai and SnackVideo – released today their second Transparency Report covering from January 1st, 2022 to June 30th, 2022. Based on the results of the report, KSIB (Kwai/ SnackVideo) has set stricter Community Guidelines in order to further enhance protective measures taken by the platform to ensure user digital safety and wellbeing.

“Transparency Reports are important to us,” said Calvin Liu, Head of Compliance, Communication, and Partnership. “They not only help us create a safer environment for our users but also ensure we are accountable to the actions we take to safeguard our platforms and protect its integrity.”

Key highlights from the report include:

Community Safety Efforts that emphasize on Integrity and Authenticity, Suicide and Self-Harm, and Dangerous Content to better balance the safety and experience of users.

Safeguarding Election Integrity contributing to the integrity of electoral processes and liberties, and limiting threats that misinformation poses online and offline to individuals and democratic institutions and norms.

Community Guidelines Enforcement marking 8,205,948 videos removed worldwide for violating our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service.

Legal Requests identifying that KSIB established a centralized law enforcement portal to receive government requests in 2022 in order for authorities to be able to submit court orders and emergency requests where we assure them to respond promptly.

“Publishing a Transparency Report is one way for us to increase understanding and awareness of the policies, enforcement actions, and approach to privacy and security as well as to show our commitment to ensuring our users’ online safety,” concluded Liu.

KSIB Transparency Reports are available and downloadable through the following links :

Transparency Report 2021:
https://www.kwai.com/safety/resources?id=transparency
https://snackvideo.com/transparency

Transparency Report 2022:
https://www.kwai.com/safety/resources?id=transparency https://snackvideo.com/transparency

 

Official Poster For The Much-Awaited ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ Finally Revealed

28th September, 2022, Karachi: After the release of the character posters, the filmmakers have finally released the official poster for the much anticipated ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’. The movie hits the theatres worldwide in two weeks on 13th October and advance booking starts this Friday, 30th September from 7:00 p.m. onwards in Pakistan.

The official poster features the largest ensembled cast ever for a Pakistani movie including Fawad Khan as Maula Jatt and Hamza Ali Abbasi as his arch nemesis, Noori Natt. Mahira Khan, Humaima Malick, Mirza Gohar Rasheed, Faris Shafi, and Ali Azmat are also some of the leading names amongst the cast. The character posters had already caused a lot of hype around the film, and now audiences are even more intrigued to watch it. With international standard VFX expertise, The Legend of Maula Jatt is the kind of film that has never been seen before in Pakistan and viewers are on the edge of their seats for its release.

TLOMJ has already been cleared for release in Sindh with a PG rating by Sindh Censorboard. Based on the rivalry between Maula Jatt and Noori Natt, the film is a hard reboot of 1979 original ‘Maula Jatt’.

The Bilal Lashari-directed masterpiece has been produced by Ammara Hikmat under the joint venture of Encyclomedia & Lashari Films in association with AAA Motion Pictures. The screenplay is by Bilal Lashari and dialogues have been penned down by Nasir Adeeb.

The filmmakers have partnered with Geo Films, Pakistan’s largest media conglomerate and an important contributor to the revival of Pakistani cinema, as their presenting partner. The film will be locally distributed by Nadeem Mandviwalla of Mandviwalla Entertainment, who is well known for his work and contribution to the cinema over the decades, and internationally the film will be distributed by MovieGoers Entertainment.

State Life Insurance partners with JazzCash to Digitize Payment Collection

State Life Insurance, Pakistan’s Largest Life & Health Insurer has partnered with JazzCash, Pakistan’s leading Fintech, to provide premium collection services to State Life customers directly via mobile wallets.

Agreement signed by between Mr. Shoaib Javed Hussain Chairman State Life & Mr. Murtaza Ali, Chief Operating Officer, JazzCash.

This strategic partnership will enable the State Life to provide digitized collection of Premium & Policy Loan to its customers, as well as payment of digital insurance Policy, through the JazzCash app. Additionally, State Life plans to launch the State Life mini program within the JazzCash app, which will offer products like Health Insurance, Takaful, Individual life, and Group policy to JazzCash customers. The partnership also entails setting up a working group to jointly create insurance products catered exclusively to the JazzCash segment.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Shoaib Javed Hussain, Chairman State Life Insurance, said, “State Life served the country for past 50 years to build legacy of trust & Protection, we are doing in a way to digitize services for policyholders, the handshake with JazzCash further to enhance relation with customers bringing ease of payment by increased security, convenience & digital protective products.”

Murtaza Ali, Chief Operating Officer, JazzCash said, “Today’s announcement is another step forward in JazzCash’s vision of digitizing the payment mode in Pakistan. As the largest mobile wallet in the country, we deem it our principal duty to assist the shift to a cashless economy. This strategic partnership will also allow 16.1 million Monthly Active JazzCash users to perform digital payments for State Life’s services in a more secure and convenient manner.”

Total PARCO And Its Retail Business Partners Will Contribute 1 Million PKR Per Day For One Month, To Support Flood Stricken Communities

The CEO of Total PARCO Pakistan Limited (TPPL), Mr. Mehmet Celepoglu, extended heartfelt condolences to the flood-stricken families affected by the recent disasters in different parts of Pakistan and expressed that Total PARCO stands with them during this difficult time.

He announced the launch of Total PARCO’s nationwide Natural Disaster Relief initiative ‘Project Daffodil’ that is mobilizing its entire stakeholder base across Pakistan, a big family of TPPL. To ensure the effectiveness of these efforts, the initiatives will be rolled out in phases aimed at creating a sustainable impact.

Immediate support in Phase 1 has already commenced for the provision of fundamental necessaries through its partner organization. TPPL, together with their Retail Business Partners, will contribute One Million Rupees every day for a month to support the flood victims. In more than 20 cities, 70+ service stations of Total PARCO have been dedicated as Natural Disaster Relief Corners with their helpline, Muawin – 0800 – 87751, acting as a hotline for TPPL’s flood relief efforts.

As part of Phase 2, Total PARCO will continue to work with hospitals and universities for the rehabilitation of the displaced communities.

Over thirty million people in Pakistan have been affected by the unprecedented rains and catastrophic floods. Many areas are still submerged underwater and there is an urgent need for emergency assistance. TPPL has always initiated endeavors to support people’s well-being and will continue to do so. Mr. Mehmet assured that the big family of Total PARCO will leave no stone unturned in the efforts to help revive the lives of flood affectees.

InspecTest Conducts 3rd AMPP Pakistan Chapter: Corrosion Conference

The 3rd AMPP Pakistan Chapter: International Corrosion Conference 2022 was recently held on the 27th of September, 2022 at Pearl Continental in Karachi. This prestigious forum was organized by InspecTest, a certified Integrated Service Provider, which also collaborates with the Association for Materials and Performance (AMPP) to engage industry experts in the proceedings.

Corrosion Pakistan (CorPak) is a pioneer of International Corrosion Conferences in Pakistan. It has resumed its activities after a few years’ break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The conference provides great opportunities to exhibit advancements and research, share ideas and experiences, as well as exchange important insights. Eminent speakers from across the globe attend the conference to make insightful presentations.

Speakers at the conference included Mr. Liao Haixue from Canada, Mr. Nizar Marjaba from Lebanon, Mr. Rob Haak from USA and Mr. LI Jinwu from China along with professionals engaged locally.

The conference provides networking opportunities and highlights the most effective strategies, concepts, and best practices for corrosion prevention and control. Key topics covered in this year’s conference included internal corrosion, pipeline integrity management systems, and cathodic protection. MD SSGC, Mr. Imran Maniar, was the Chief Guest of the event. Vibrant stalls and booths were set up to display the latest products, services, and solutions like coatings, corrosion assessment & mitigation tools.

Highlighting the functions of InspecTest, its General Manager said, “InspecTest specializes in the areas of testing, inspection, reliability certification, and project execution. With offices in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, InspecTest caters to the needs of major local and foreign enterprises all over Pakistan. It has a highly trained and qualified workforce, equipped with the most innovative technologies, to serve our clients and strategic partners with the highest standards of customer care and operational effectiveness. InspecTest is honoured once again to bring together leading members of the International Corrosion community for this conference. Not only is this a chance for us to share our expertise and knowledge, we continue to work towards raising the level of knowledge around combating corrosion in Pakistan.”

AMPP brings together the world’s leading corrosion prevention and protective coatings organizations with a vision to create a safer, protected, and sustainable world. In addition to corrosion and coatings, the association focuses on the future of materials protection and performance.

10 Lesser Known Facts the Playboy Founder, Hugh Hefner

Playboy is known to the world as the pioneer adult magazine being unabashedly explicit about mainstream nudity.

For obvious reasons was looked down upon by many for objectifying women. But there was more to Hugh Hefner than just that, there was his support for racial integration and gay rights.

In short, he was a character more complex than tabloid editors allowed. Here are some lesser-known facts about Hugh, that might leave you surprised.

1. Involvement in Civil Rights 

Image result for playboy magazine martin luther king interview

Despite always having a gorgeous looking woman on the cover, the magazine’s most significant interviewees included civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, Beatle John Lennon, and Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro.

2. Politically Impactful Series 

In 1962, this famous Alex Haley magazine interview with Miles Davis inaugurated a series of important conversations with leading black cultural and political figures.

3. Launched Marilyn Monroe 

Image result for playboy magazine marilyn monroe

The first issue of Playboy which featured the iconic Marilyn Monroe sold 50,000 copies.

4. Guinness World Records

Hugh holds two Guinness World Records: Longest tenure as editor-in-chief and the largest collection of personal scrapbooks

5. First Club to Allow Blacks 

In 1960, when racial segregation denied black Americans equal rights, Hefner started the first Playboy Club in Chicago and offered admission to people of all races.

6. Centrefold Concept 

The centerfold or centerfold of a magazine refers to a gate folded spread, usually a portrait such as a pin-up, inserted in the middle of the publication, or to the model featured in the portrait. The term was coined by Hugh Hefner.

7. Sky High I.Q.

Hugh had an exceedingly high I.Q. of 152 but surprisingly, he never excelled as a student.

8. Interview With The President of United States

Hefner also interviewed the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. Where Mr. President got a little too candid saying,“I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.”

9. Preserving the Famous ‘Hollywood’ Sign 

In 2010, he donated $900,000 to preserve the 138 acres surrounding the Hollywood sign.

10. Served in WWII

He enlisted in the Army during WWII as an infantry clerk. He wrote and drew cartoons for the Army newspaper.

Dove’s Recent Campaign #StopTheBeautyTest Sends Out A Strong Message

Image Source: YouTube

According to Dove’s new campaign, 3 out of 4 Indian women are rejected for their looks during the arranged marriage process.

Dove – Stop The Beauty Test

Dove’s #stopthebeautytest campaign has revealed the second leg of its promotional campaign covering a harsh truth about society. The video features a voice-over of a girl who shares all the comments the society has to share about them as soon as they reach a certain age. From having dark skin to curly hair and a curvy body, it is a contest where a report card is being made on how they look.

Dove also ran full print ads as part of this campaign. The ads were featured in the Sunday Times paper in different parts of the country.

Check this out:

HUL Chairman Sanjiv Mehta took to Linkedin to reshare the piece with a caption on daughter’s day. Here’s what he had to say,

“As a father to two lovely daughters, I feel deeply for the cause. You would agree that our children’s formative years are critical, and if done right, we set them up for life. Therefore, we must create an environment where girls can feel more confident about themselves and focus on who they are as individuals, not how they look,” he wrote as a caption to the video.

Read More: Why Are People Asking ‘Almarai’ To Change Its Packaging

#Stopthebeautytrends Campaign Part-1

Dove’s campaigns relating to the beauty test have tried to draw emphasis on societal standards of beauty and how flawed these ideals are. The last edition of #StopTheBeautyTest also dealt with the issue of how women in arranged marriage scenarios are viewed. The film follows the story of different girls who had to fit into a certain beauty criterion to look appealing for the matrimonial proceedings.

Speaking on the initiative, Priya Nair, Executive Director, HUL & VP – Beauty and Personal Care South Asia, opined, “In a country of 631 million women, it is unfortunate that there is such intense pressure to adhere to one definition of beauty. Being owners of some of the largest beauty brands in the country. The onus to make beauty more positive and more inclusive is on us. Dove has always believed that beauty should be the source of confidence, not anxiety. With #StopTheBeautyTest, we want to go one step forward in that direction.”

Read More: Here’s How Cadbury Is Encouraging People To Learn Sign Language

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Money Experts Are Cutting Back On These Things To Combat Inflation

Image Source: Everyday Health

Rising inflation has put everyone in a tight spot to manage their expenses and build cash reserves. The experts, on the other hand, have started to look for ways to cut down on the budgets to that they can juggle cash more mindfully.

Since inflation is at the highest as ever been since the early 1980s, many people — especially those living paycheck to paycheck — may be struggling to save any money at all.

Tammy Trenta, the founder and CEO of Family Financial, an adviser service for entrepreneurs, says,

“You may find that you will not only survive tough times but imagine if you could actually thrive. It can be a fun and empowering exercise.”

Managing your money might seem like a daunting task but it is never too late to look for inspiration and learn from the experts. Take a look at how experts are budgeting their money for everyday expenses.

Read More: Cash stuffing: A New Money-Saving TikTok Trend?

Gas / Petrol

The surge in gas/petrol prices has become the most difficult to manage with. For people, who especially have to travel miles for their work managing expenses for everyday fuel, has become extremely difficult. Working from home, carpooling, and planning trips accordingly, are some of the ways experts advise spending less on fuel.

Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, a personal finance blogger at Making Sense of Cents, pinpoints fuel as one area she is spending less on these days.

Image source: theguardian.com

“I do have the great privilege of being able to work from home, so it does help that I don’t need to go anywhere very often,” Schroeder-Gardner says. “But I do think about the trips and errands that I need to make a little more carefully.”

Dining

Dining out has been a favourite activity for most including everyday trips to the coffee shops and casual lunches. President of credit counselling company Illinois Credit Services, Jim Droske shares his newfound love for cooking food to replace eating out.

Image source: forbes

“I’ve become more adventurous with cooking in the kitchen and trying to make those meals you’d only typically eat at a restaurant,” Droske says. “Like grilled calamari and homemade pasta — that’s a lot of fun! It’s more work, but it’s fun to look up a new recipe, grab a glass of wine and roll up the sleeves.”

Groceries

The pandemic of the increasing pricing stickers in grocery stores has become the new norm for many. From using coupons to monthly discounts, visiting the local farmers market and planning budget-friendly meals are some of the ways to cut down the costs, but it still is difficult to step out without spending over the limit.

Bola Sokunbi, certified financial education instructor, founder of Clever Girl Finance and author of “Choosing to Prosper,” has also shared some tips about grocery shopping.

Image source: weekly

“My grocery budget and list are very much focused on the essentials,” Sokunbi says. “The ‘nice-to-haves-but-not-necessary’ are not a priority on my list due to the high costs.” According to her, she would rather save and use any extra money to bulk up her emergency savings given the ongoing economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, buying into the market to take advantage of the dip.

Read More: Why Is Comfort Zone Bad For Your Career?

Self-care

As much as we liked to think otherwise, self-care days also require a little money to indulge in your favourite activities. Cutting down on weekly salon visits to twice a month has helped many to budget their spending costs.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments belowl.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

The Legend of Maula Jatt’ advance booking opens this Friday 7 pm in Pakistan

26th September, 2022, Karachi: The countdown begins! Advance booking for Pakistan’s most anticipated movie ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ has been announced for the 30th of September from 7:00pm onwards in Pakistan. The movie is set to release on the 13th October, 2022, in all the leading cinemas and the audiences can start booking their tickets.

The Legend of Maula Jatt is a hard reboot of the 1979 classic ‘Maula Jatt’ and it is based on the rivalry of Maula Jatt and his arch nemesis Noori Natt. The release of the character posters has already created a lot of hype all around the world, and the biggest cinema screen in Norway is almost sold out.

The film boasts one of the largest ensembled star-cast including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Humaima Malick, Mirza Gohar Rasheed, Faris Shafi and Ali Azmat. It not only marks the comeback of Fawad Khan, but also the comeback of the most cherished on-screen couple of Mahira and Fawad. With international standard VFX expertise, TLOMJ is the kind of film that has never been seen before in Pakistan and viewers are on the edge of their seats.

The film has already been cleared for release in Sindh with PG rating by Sindh Censorboard.

The cinematic masterpiece has been directed by Bilal Lashari, known for his directorial debut with ‘Waar’ and produced by Ammara Hikmat under the joint venture of Encyclomedia & Lashari Films in association with AAA Motion Pictures. The screenplay is by Bilal Lashari and dialogues have been penned down by Nasir Adeeb.

The filmmakers have partnered with Pakistan’s largest media conglomerate and an important contributor to the revival of Pakistani cinema, Geo Films, as their presenting partner. The film will be locally distributed by Nadeem Mandviwalla of Mandviwalla Entertainment, who is well known for his work and contribution to cinema over the decades and internationally the film will be distributed by MovieGoers Entertainment.

Free Fire Community Donates 25,000 KG Rice To Flood Victims In Pakistan

The gaming community of Free Fire, one of the most popular mobile games in Pakistan, has pledged to donate 25000 Kg of rice as humanitarian assistance to support the people affected by the unprecedented floods in Pakistan. According to preliminary estimates, 65% of Pakistan’s main food crops including 70% of its rice have been swept away during the floods. The rice is expected to provide immediate relief to around 200,000 people in the most affected communities.

A call for support was issued to the whole community through an online event, held inside the game, where each Free Fire player could donate the virtual tokens that they earned by simply playing the game. Each token collected was equivalent to 100g of rice. This event produced an overwhelming response and ended up creating a social media movement where users circulated the hashtag #KheloApnoKayLiay and over 250,000 tokens were generated within just 3 days, which was equivalent to 25,000 Kg of rice.

Total Tokens donated: 250,000+

This 25,000 kg of rice was then donated to the trusted JDC Foundation to be distributed to the flood victims in the most adversely affected areas. A well-known content creator from Free Fire’s Community, Rauf Khalid, otherwise known as Rufe Bhai, was present on-site to handover the rice to JDC Foundation: “I am extremely honoured and proud of how the gaming community has come together to help our nation in such times. It was amazing to see community members from all over Pakistan join hands and be able to create this impact. A huge shout out to Free Fire for helping make all of this possible”

 

Top 10 Tourist Destinations In Pakistan That Are Worth Visiting

tourist destinations pakistan
Image Source: Daily Times

It’s difficult to think of a more beautiful landscape than Pakistan’s rocky peaks, undiscovered settlements, and windswept plains on World Tourism Day! Pakistan is an incredibly beautiful nation and we’re here to add some places from it to your travel list!

Read more: 5 Popular Mandi Places You Should Definitely Try In Karachi

1. Swat Valley, Swat District

Swat Valley looks like it came straight from a fairytale. Just imagine lush green fields and forests, charming towns, and rivers with shades of blue so pure and beautiful you will not believe they are real.

tourist destinations pakistan
Image Source: Advisor

2. Ushu Forest, Kalam

The Ushu forest has deodar trees abound in this lush, and well-kept forest. Moreover, it is a great location to get lost in with your friends and loved ones. The highway that enters the woodland is just as beautiful and worth a drive on.

Image Source: Tour and Trips

3. Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan

How have you not heard of Hunza yet? Hunza is a sizable region made up of multiple valleys and communities, so don’t let the word “valley” fool you. It has gorgeous lakes, attractions, and forts too!

tourist destinations pakistan
Image Source: Trip Advisor

4. Phander Lake, Koh-i-Gizar (Gilgit Baltistan)

This is nearly too good to be true. Phander Lake, which is situated in Phander Village, is a sight to behold. The light-green trees and turquoise lake look like they belong in a landscape painting and you can see it yourself.

Image Source: Wikipedia

5. Broghil Valley, Chitral District

The Broghil Valley, which is far to the north and near to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, was formerly only reachable on horseback. The once-secret location is now accessible only by a perilous jeep track. It is so worth the effort. Secluded, charming, and chilly.

tourist destinations pakistan
Image Source: Istock

6. Hingol National Park, Makran Coastal Region

The Hingol National Park seems other-worldly and is our best-kept secret. The park, which spans an area of more than 6,000 square kilometers, is home to countless animal species, enormous canyons, and even a mud volcano. You can see it for yourself!

Image Source: Rising Pakistan

7. Kalash Valley, Chitral District

Most of our parents went on their honeymoon here. The Kalash Valleys, which are made up of Bumboret, Rumbur, and Birir, are insanely gorgeous. Kalash has been called Pakistan’s most picturesque location.

tourist destinations pakistan
Image Source: Zameen

8. Shimshal Valley, Gilgit Baltistan

The Shimshal Valley is well worth the effort required to reach it. The locale is known for being a major adventure destination that’s particularly popular amongst climbers and mountaineers.

Image Source: Travel Girls Pakistan

9. Deosai, Skardu

Simply heaven on earth. The Deosai plain is often referred to as the roof of the world. And it basically is at 4,117 metres (13,497 feet). The massive plateau is the second-highest on the planet and is only really accessible during summer.

tourist destinations pakistan
Image Source: Wander Adventures

10. Fairy Meadows, Gilgit Baltistan

Fairy Meadows is no doubt a stunner. The meadows offer an incredible view of Nanga Parbat, the world’s 9th highest mountain peak. You will forget all your worries at this tourist destination.

Image Source: Skardu City

Read more: Travelling to Europe This Fall? Keep in Mind a Few Things

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

World’s Average Adult Will be Worth $100,000 by 2024, says Credit Suisse

Image Source: BBC

With surging inflation and rising real estate prices, the world is witnessing its middle-class shrink day by day, and millions of individuals living below the poverty line. However, when some people lose money, some make money which is what is happening. According to Bloomberg reports, millionaires will see their wealth increase by 40% in the next 5 years and the “how” is very simple. The rich own most of the assets and with the asset prices increasing day by day, money is going into their pockets. In addition to that, Credit Suisse Group claims that by 2026, the world would witness 87.6 new millionaires with net worth amounting to $1 million.

Forecasts indicate that the number will increase more quickly in emerging economies with China’s population of millionaires nearly doubling. Despite the fact that the world’s 500 richest people collectively lost $1.4 trillion in wealth in the first half of the year, Credit Suisse predicts a quick rebound, particularly for developing economies. Even while its economy is beginning to show symptoms of strain due to Covid-19 lockdowns and crackdowns in areas like IT and real estate, the Swiss bank expects China to continue accumulating enormous amounts of wealth. Private wealth is expected to increase by 36% to $169 trillion by 2026, according to Credit Suisse, with wealth per adult expected to increase by 28% globally and reach $100,000 in 2024. There will be 385,000 people who are ultra-high net worth, defined as having more than $50 million.

Image Source: Council on Foreign Relations

Although many individuals and corporate sectors had seen their assets plummet downward due to the pandemic and the lockdown that followed it, these corporate industries were quick in gaining their lost momentum and are making all-time-high profits now. Within the next five years, according to Credit Suisse, they should close the gap with the developed world. Compared to a 4.2% increase in high-income countries, fortunes will increase by 10% yearly in emerging economies.

Read more: A Passwordless Future? What is Stopping Businesses?

Global wealth increased by 9.8% to $463.6 trillion in 2021 from 2020, registering the largest rise since the century’s commencement. The richest 10% of persons controlled 82% of the world’s wealth, while the top 1% owned 46% of all household assets. More than 140,000 ultra-high net worth individuals were found in the US, followed by 32,710 in China.

Image Souce: Investopedia

Although the gap between the middle class and upper class is widening in some economies, this is not the case with countries in general. The gap between rich and not-so-rich countries is narrowing down since economies are growing exponentially using technology to their advantage and shifting to renewable sources of energy, especially as the Russia-Ukraine war has strained the supply of oil and petroleum.

5 Popular Mandi Places You Should Definitely Try In Karachi

Arabic cuisine is all about rich, exotic flavors with a hint of spice. The dishes from the Greek, Roman, Persian, and Turks cultures also have a major influence on Arabic cuisine. From falafels to shawarma and mandi, the Arabic menus are full of delicious tasting recipes made with a handful of ingredients. Mandi is an Arabic delicacy that was introduced in Pakistan a few years ago by small-scale eateries. Ever since then, Pakistanis developed the taste for it and gave more room for the expansion of the treat.

Today, we share such eateries where you can try delicious Arabic Mandi.

1. Al-Ridan House Of Mandi 

Al-Ridan was one of the eateries which set the ground for Mandi restaurants in Karachi. Their exquisite and consistent taste is still one of the reasons why Mandi lovers go to the restaurant again and again.

2. Ibn e Batuta Mandi

This Arabic-themed eatery is famous for its delicious Arabic menu which offers a wide range of options including Arabic desserts and Mandi. With a decent ambiance and a dedicated staff, the restaurant’s signature Mandi dishes are some of the best in town.

Read More: 10 Quick And Easy Snacks That Can Help You Lose Weight

3. Maskan Mandi 

Maskan Mandi is another favorite restaurant of the Karachiites located in the vicinity of phase 5 in Defence. Maskan Mandi is in business for 15 years with a professional team. Their Bajaj Mandi and Kharif Mandi are quite a hit!

4. Mandi House

Curb your Mandi cravings with a home delivery service from Mandi house. The middle eastern themed restaurant serves a variety of mandi platters known for their signature taste with meat cooked to perfection.

Read More: In A Rush? 7 Foods You Can Make In A Microwave

5. Mandi Al Khaleej

Try the Middle Eastern flavors and delicacies by Mandi Al Khaleej and get a first-hand experience of what Arabic cuisine tastes like. Their Mandi can be customized according to the level of spice and comes with a variety of options making it a perfect place to visit at least once.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Spotify Talks Reflects on the Experiences of Pakistani Women in Music With EQUAL Ambassadors, Momina Mustehsan, Natasha Baig and Zoha Zuberi

Today, Spotify launched the first episode of its digital series Spotify Talks, dedicated to women in music. Hosted by Anoushey Ashraf and featuring Momina Mustehsan, EQUAL Pakistan Ambassador for September, alongside previous EQUAL Ambassadors Natasha Baig and Zoha Zuberi, the episode sheds light on the journeys women creators embark on when pursuing a career in music.

From the lack of social support for their career choices to having limited opportunities in the music industry, the panelists discussed the resistance they faced and how they persisted. Creating a path for themselves in a male-dominated industry requires hard work and personal drive to find the right avenues for their work to be seen and heard.

“For me, the reason that I ever made music is because I feel like it’s a tool of storytelling. So, I never even imagined a scenario where anyone would really be paying much attention to it,” tells Momina on why she started making music.

“I think everything comes with a cost. And yes, it was very hard to deal with the attention that I was getting initially, but looking back at it, I think every learning experience comes with some kind of process. And either you are able to deal with it or it takes you a little longer to try and figure it out,” she added while sharing her experience of going viral overnight.

Speaking of her experience as a woman hailing from Hunza Valley and choosing a career that is still not considered appropriate widely, Natasha shared how her choice impacted her relationship with her father. “My father never believed in my dreams. Although I was the first Hunzai girl coming all the way from the North who was dreaming about going into this commercial scene, I was quite confident about myself and so, I just told my father that I really want to do this.”

“I grew up with two brothers and what frustrated me the most was why all the rules were made for me and not for them. Just because I didn’t get to choose my gender does not mean that I give up all my dreams,” added Natasha.

The episode, spanning 60 minutes, also highlights how Spotify is leveling the playing field for women in audio through its music program EQUAL Pakistan which is opening doors for women, regardless of their career stage or genre, to have their music discovered across the globe.

“Women artists added to our EQUAL Pakistan playlist are 20 times more likely to get discovered by a new fan. We are seeing fans listening to EQUAL Pakistan from the US, UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia and India,” shared Rutaba Yaqub, Spotify’s Music Manager for Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Despite barriers surrounding music careers, many young creators find comfort in it, including Zoha Zuberi, who talked about how music empowered her to express herself.

“For me, music was always about how I felt, and it was nothing else. So I wrote down my feelings, composed what I wrote, and I just wanted to share that with the world like a personal diary that you are putting out there. Because as an introverted child, I had nothing else to communicate with. I only had music,” said Zoha.

Towards the session’s conclusion, the panelists highlighted the importance of educational avenues for the younger generation of Pakistani musicians while also discussing the value of collaboration between artists and how it fosters creativity.

Acknowledging the importance of collaborations Anoushey Ahsraf added, “This generation of musicians is more open to collaboration. It’s amazing to see Meesha Shafi and Atif Aslam collaborating with younger generations of musicians. They’ve decided to evolve instead of rejecting the idea of collaboration.”

As a close to the insightful and lively discussion, Natasha Baig performed a soulful rendition of her song, Wajood-e-Zan.

To watch the entire “Women in Music” episode, head to the Spotify Talks Ep 1 Session Link.

 

The Kashmir 8th HUM Awards in Toronto Celebrate the Global Popularity of Pakistani Entertainment with a Star-Studded Event

Image Source: Dramaspice

TORONTO: The Kashmir 8th HUM Awards were a testament to the worldwide clout of Pakistan’s entertainment industry and the popularity of HUM TV, one of the country’s most established TV networks. Held in Toronto, Canada at the First Ontario Centre on 24th September 2022, the star-studded event featured well-loved stars and was attended by an audience of over 12,000. Many miles away from Pakistan, the masses of fans gathered on the red carpet and the huge crowd attending the awards ceremony were an indication of the immense following that HUM TV’s dramas have worldwide. Also taking place on the red carpet was a donation drive for Pakistan’s flood-affected areas where attendees could simply donate by scanning a particular QR code on their phones.

The enthusiasm and love received by this year’s awards are truly an eye-opener to the power of the HUM TV Network and Pakistan’s burgeoning entertainment industry. The Hum Awards is the only Pakistani entertainment show to regularly take place internationally and has received a tremendous response in the UAE, the USA, and in Canada. The event could not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and the two year lapse seems to have had built public anticipation to a high.

Image Source: Bridesandyou

The event was off to a powerful start with the singing of the Pakistani and Canadian national anthems. The Pakistani celebrities who were especially in Toronto for the event came on stage and they were accompanied by thousands in the audience, all united while singing the Pakistani anthem together.

This was followed by the President of HUM TV Network, Sultana Siddiqui and CEO Duraid Qureshi, coming on stage and talking about the network’s consistent efforts towards organizing an event of this scale internationally and how it helps improve Pakistan’s global image. Sultana Siddiqui acknowledged the many achievements made by HUM TV even while in the midst of a pandemic and thanked the overseas audience at the event for their constant support. On a more somber note, she talked about the HUMDard initiative, which is entirely focused on giving back to society. During the coronavirus pandemic and now, in the face of the devastation wreaked by floods in Pakistan, the initiative continues with its rehabilitative efforts in rural Sindh. She asserted that the HUM TV Network will always be focused on helping out Pakistan and it was only by staying united that the nation could work towards a better future.

Image Source: Fashiontimesmagazine

Multiple celebrities hosted the evening, namely Ahsan Khan, Hareem Farooq, Ali Rehman Khan, Yasir Hussain, Ushna Shah, Aymen Saleem, Ahmed Ali Butt and Bilal Ashraf. The opening act for the night was a very funny rendition of the classic song Ko Ko Korina by Yasir Hussain and Ali Rehman Khan. Scheduled in between the awards announcements was a lineup of dazzling performances. The first performance of the night featured Farhan Saeed and Hania Aaamir. Later in the night, there was a musical act by Azaan Sami Khan, a dance performance by Bilal Ashraf and Mahira Khan, a musical act by Atif Aslam and a dance by Zara Noor Abbas and Urwa Hocane. There was also a hilarious comic act delivered by Ahmed Ali Butt.

Pakistani entertainment’s most prestigious names presented the awards; namely Sultana Siddiqui, Duraid Quraishi, Imran Ashraf, Bilal Ashraf, Anoushey Abbasi, Shahzad Sheikh, Adeel Hussain, Komal Mir, Urwa Hocane, Nomi Ansari, Iqra Aziz, Ahmed Ali Akbar, Ayeza Khan, Osman Khalid Butt, Naumaan Ijaz, Zeba Bakhtiar, Sania Saeed, Sonya Hussain, Bushra Ansari, Ahsan Khan, Reema Khan, Farhan Saeed, Hania Aamir, Atif Aslam and Mahira Khan.

The award nominations and winners were well-deserved. Spanning 2019, 2020 and 2021, they were a reminder of the high benchmarks that continue to be set by the Hum TV Network.

The winners were as follows:

Performance Award 2019

Ranjha Ranjha Kardi

Performance Award 2020

Ehd-e-Wafa

Performance Award – Soap

Wafa Bemol

Performance Award – Drama Serial

Yaar Na Bichray

Best New Sensation – Female

Hadiqa Kiani for Raqeeb Se and Aymen Saleem for Chupke Chupke

Best New Sensation – Male

Arslan Naseer for Chupke Chupke

Zaviyaar Naumaan Ejaz for Qissa Meherbano Ka

Momin Saqib for Raqs-e-Bismil

Best Supporting Actor – Female

Saboor Ali Ansari for Parizaad

Best Supporting Actor – Male

Adeel Afzal for Parizaad

Best Original Soundtrack

Parizaad

Most Impactful Character in a Serial

Sania Saeed for Raqeeb Se

Best Actor in a Negative Role

Ahsan Khan for Qissa Meherbano Ka and Shahzad Sheikh for Phaans

Best Writer Drama Serial

Hashim Nadeem for Parizaad

Best Director Drama Serial

Shahzad Kashmiri for Parizaad

Best On-Screen Couple – Popular

Osman Khalid Butt and Ayeza Khan for Chupke Chupke

Best Drama Serial – Popular

Parizaad

Best Actor Female – Popular

Ayeza Khan for Chupke Chupke

Best Actor Male – Popular

Ahmed Ali Akbar for Parizaad

Best On-Screen Couple – Jury

Osman Khalid Butt and Ayeza Khan for Chupke Chupke

Best Drama Serial – Jury

Parizaad

Best Actor Female – Jury

Iqra Aziz for Raqeeb Se

Best Actor Male – Jury

Ahmed Ali Akbar for Parizaad

 

The Massive Window of Opportunity for HomeChefs in Pakistan

Food and hospitality is undoubtedly one of the biggest industries, globally. By the end of the year 2021, the food service market size had grown to a staggering $2,750 billion and it is projected to surpass $3,600 billion in worldwide sales by 2027. It is an extensive sector that shows no signs of stopping in terms of growth. The love for food seems just too tempting to resist!

The situation is no different for Pakistanis. Local foodies throng food streets and eateries spread across the country, enjoying delicacies from a variety of regions around the world. The growth of Pakistan’s restaurant sector is fueled further by a relative lack of other entertainment options when it comes to going out with families and friends.

People in Pakistan are therefore regularly searching for options to satisfy the cravings of their taste buds. This is where the innovative capacities of online platforms like foodpanda and their diverse offerings come into play. The latest and most convenient option from the brand in this regard is HomeChefs.

Launched in 2020, foodpanda HomeChefs has become a game changer for not just the food industry but also for individuals who possess the creative ability to plate exquisite delicacies for customers. The offering has given not just men but more importantly women the chance to embrace financial independence with minimal capital requirements and personalized training for maintenance of health and hygiene, proper packaging and a lot else.

foodpanda Homechefs has positively transformed the lives of people across different cities of Pakistan. Atika Zaeem, the owner of Zaeem’s Kitchen, shared her story of how the platform changed her life.

Her husband was already jobless for 2 years and COVID made it even harder for him to find employment. That is when Atika had to step up and became the sole breadwinner of the family. foodpanda HomeChefs provided her with an ideal opportunity to do just that. With complete support from her husband and foodpanda HomeChefs team, she developed her food brand from the ground up, designing the menu, sourcing ingredients and developing a customer base through the platform.

Having started in January 2022, today she is among the best known HomeChefs on the application. With the income that she makes, she not only provides for her family but also takes care of her ailing mother. She is now in a position where I look forward to opening my own catering business in the future.

There are hundreds of similar stories that have accumulated under the HomeChefs banner. The platform has grown with more than 5000 registered HomeChefs delivering food across different cities of Pakistan.

Mustaqeem is another example of passion and grit. He launched Burger 99 and registered himself as a foodpanda HomeChef in May 2020 after losing his only source of income due to COVID. He used to work as a waiter and assistant chef at a local restaurant. Being his first experience of an entrepreneurial venture, he put in diligent efforts to carve out a sustainable market share in an already crowded market. Although his journey was challenging in the start, he found a reason to continue thanks to his perseverance. His homemade burgers were soon the talk of the town and Mustaqeem is now planning to expand in different areas of Karachi.

One more HomeChef capitalizing on foodies and their love for local cuisines is Erum Wahid, the founder of Lazeez Restaurant. Hailing from Karachi, she has built a promising business for herself, working from the convenience of her home. The venture has enabled her to support her family as now she is also contributing to the household income while taking a significant burden off her husband. Similarly, a lot of other women like Erum have now become sole bread earners for their families which were adversely affected during COVID and were looking for means to economically empower their families.

foodpanda HomeChefs vertical provides a window of opportunity where both men and women can explore simple avenues to prosper. Not only does it fill the existing gap in the market for the need of quality food but also offers a chance for people to build businesses out of their already functional kitchen at home.

Here’s How A Smartphone Is Reducing Your Brain Power

smartphone brain
Image Source: BBC

Do you know that your smartphones are reducing your cognitive ability even when you’re not using them? Recent studies have shown that when your smartphone is nearby, even if it is off, your cognitive ability is dramatically lowered. This is the key finding of a recent study from The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. Here’s how you’re becoming less cognitive-y:

Read more: With the Power of All Day Clarity realme 9 4G Delivers…

The Study

In a study involving nearly 800 smartphone users, McCombs Assistant Professor Adrian Ward and co-authors gauged something that concerns us all. It was discovered for the first time how well people can perform tasks when their smartphones are nearby—even when they are not using them.

smartphone brain
Image Source: Unsplash

In this experiment, the researchers needed study subjects to sit at a computer and complete a series of tasks that required complete focus to pass. The purpose of the tests was to gauge the participants’ available cognitive capacity. Alternatively, they wanted to know about the capacity of the brain to hold and process information at any given time. Before starting, participants were given the option of placing their smartphones face down on the desk, in their pockets, or in their personal bags. Everyone taking part was told to put their phones on silent.

What Happened?

The participants who kept their phones in another room fared noticeably better than those who left them on the desk. That’s not all. They also, slightly, outperformed those who kept them in a pocket or bag. The findings imply that even when people believe they are providing a task, their complete attention and focus, the sheer presence of a smartphone lowers available cognitive capacity and degrades cognitive functioning.

smartphone brain
Image Source: FDA

You keep looking towards it thinking the screen is blinking. The notification also keeps turning your attention to it. How can you focus?

The Report

smartphone brain
Image Source: BTrix24

“We detect a linear trend that shows that individuals’ available cognitive ability declines as the smartphone becomes more evident,” said Ward. Your conscious mind isn’t thinking about your smartphone but the act of forcing your mind to focus elsewhere consumes part of your limited cognitive capacity. It’s a brain drain.” So, are you going to be keeping your phone near you next time you want to complete a task?

Read more: YouTube Introduces Cash for Creators to Confront TikTok

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Free Fire Tales returns with a brand new chapter, Double Trouble!

Free Fire’s animated series, Free Fire Tales, is back with an all-new chapter, Free Fire Tales: Double Trouble. This latest chapter follows the journey of new character Tatsuya Garcia and his brother, Shirou, as they navigate the challenges of brotherhood and find out what it means to be “Stronger Together.”

Fans and players can look forward to dramatic plot twists and jam-packed action as Double Trouble delves deeper into the game’s lore with the release of its main film Free Fire Tales: Double Trouble on 24 September. In the lead up to the film’s release, an exciting lineup of activities such as a special web event and exclusive in-game content will also drop on 23 September.

Dive deeper into the Free Fire Universe as brothers Tatsuya and Shirou overcome evil

Set to premiere on 24 September, the main film, Free Fire Tales: Double Trouble, follows the story of brothers Tatsuya and Shirou as they learn to put aside their differences and work together to defeat a greater evil. Told through the lens of Tatsuya, the tale of self-discovery and buried secrets will show the brothers the importance of brotherhood, even as the life they once knew changes around them.

Check out the action trailer for the main film Free Fire Tales: Double Trouble here.

Free Fire Tales: Newest updates to this chapter

Hints of Tatsuya’s story will be unveiled within Free Fire through a full reskin of the lobby, various themed weapons and collections, and other in-game content. Starting 23 September, players and fans can immerse themselves further in the action by roleplaying as Tatsuya and competing against Shirou in the themed in-game mission. Furthermore, players can participate in the “Griza Fighter” Web event, where they will take on multiple villains and eventually battle against the ultimate boss.

Other Patch Day Highlights

In the same period, Free Fire will also introduce several updates to the game on 21 September:

  • Free Craftland Custom Rooms: Players will now get a certain number of “Free-Play” room cards to create Craftland custom rooms for free
  • Customizable Droid Apocalypse in Craftland: Easily modify the layout, parameters, and rules to create the perfect PvE battle according to your liking
  • “Official Recommendation” section on Craftland’s homepage: Players will now regularly get recommendations for new and interesting thematic maps to try out

Stay tuned for more updates and the latest Free Fire news on Facebook and YouTube.