Everyone’s Fave Chocolate Brownie Is Now A Delicious Cornetto Flavour!

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Mar 11, 2021

Our TV sets are always full of surprises, and it’s usually the plethora of dramas that make us realize that. However, in the past two weeks, something else happened that spiked the curiosity of many, when a flood of chocolate madness took over screens. While several wondered something was wrong with their screens or questioned the dripping chocolate, nobody minded the always favourite chocolate oozing down. Social media was taken over with many sharing screenshots of what they had witnessed to share their confusion and ask if anybody could understand what was happening.

It all started when the super-popular Pawri Hori Hay’ girl, Dananeer Mobeen, and famous Tik-Tok influencer, Pir Ahmed, took to their social media accounts to report that their favourite dramas just got taken over by a black screen with chocolate dripping from all over, and a line that said that an ultimate brownie was about to arrive soon!

Turns out it wasn’t just these two. Soon, all over social media, there were hundreds of queries talking about the same choco-frenzy. Clearly, something was up and no one had any answers as to what exactly was coming. Was it a new bakery? A new biscuit? Chocolate buttons?

Luckily, consumers weren’t left curious for too long and we finally got to know what was happening when everyone’s favourite frozen dessert Cornetto revealed it was them behind this. They finally showed us what the chocolate goodness was all about, and introduced the Cornetto Brownie via their latest TVC!

Full of creamy brownie flavour entwined with brownie bits and of course, an iconic and innovative soft chocolate disc to top it all, the new Cornetto Everyone’s Fave Chocolate Brownie Is Now A Delicious Cornetto Flavour!

is truly what sumptuous dessert dreams are made of – the perfect match of brownie and ice cream. For any fan of frozen desserts and indulgent chocolates, there’s absolutely nothing else than the Cornetto Brownie to satiate all your senses!

So, where do we grab our fave new Cornetto Brownie? Turns out, it’s now available anywhere and everywhere. Try the nearest grocery store around you!

6 Things To Do After Receiving The COVID-19 Vaccine

By

Lyza Rashid

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Mar 11, 2021

As the coronavirus vaccines start rolling out into countries, there are safety procedures and protocols you need to be aware of. Here’s why the work isn’t finished after your first dose of vaccine and what all you need to do.

Risks Are Uncertain

There is still a plethora of research that needs to be done on the vaccines even though they have been developed in an unprecedented span. Most vaccines require two doses that are administered two/three weeks apart. Hence, you need to remain defensive until you have completed your course.

Moreover, doctors suggest that your immunity to the virus builds completely two entire weeks after your doses are complete. Don’t go out partying just yet.

What To Do After?

If you have already received the vaccine or are caring for someone who has, here are the best tips to follow.

1. Take Care of The Area

Put a cold washcloth over the area where the injection has been given. It is likely that the area will be sore and will hurt slightly. If the redness or tenderness in the area does not preside in 48 hours, consult your doctor.

2. Dress Lightly

In most cases, people have reported feeling warmer and heavier. Considering warmer temperatures are already upon us, dress in softer, lighter fabrics to feel at ease.

3. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Your body might become tense or lethargic and there may be a slight fever too. In such a case it is best to keep yourself hydrated with refreshing drinks. If your symptoms do not settle 48 hours after the vaccine, it is best to consult your doctor.

4. Remain Cautious

Even after getting the vaccine, the risk of transmission is uncertain according to researchers. If you are in the vicinity of people who themselves are not vaccinated, do not take your mask off. Sanitise your hands repeatedly.

5. Care of Children

If you are in a house with children – who will most likely qualify for the vaccine much later – do not hold small gatherings. Many are misinformed to think they can enjoy small gatherings after being vaccinated.

That is unlikely or unsafe if others in that gathering are not vaccinated!

6. Remain Outdoors With People

Even after being vaccinated, people are advised to meet with others in outdoor settings. Again, this is to ensure that no risk is borne for the transmission of the virus and the safety of all is ensured.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Tabish Hashmi & Guest Make Fun Of Transgender Community On TBH

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Web Desk

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Mar 11, 2021

Already in its second season, TBH (To Be Honest) with Tabish Hashmi is garnering a lot of attention. From the very first episode, the show has invited famous celebrities from Ayesha Omar to Mustafa Kamal. Considering the show is for the masses, Tabish keeps the show interactive and addresses stereotypes that would make the conversation relatable to millions. But does that give you a free pass to make insulting jokes for a specific group?

Adnan Shah Tipu

In the recent episode of TBH 2.0, Tabish invited Adnan Shah Tipu. Tipu is a method actor who has made his name in Indian films and is more popularly known in current times as the phuppa in Suno Chanda.

On the show, he shared how he got into acting and what his life before that was. He also mentioned that people cast actors based on looks and popularity when they should be doing so to fit the character well.

TBH By Tabish Hashmi

As the show proceeded, Tabish gave a very problematic context, and Tipu gave an equally disturbing response. Tabish said that women abroad are used to taking compliments such as ‘You are beautiful,’ but the local ones not so much. So, he asked if Adnan Shah Tipu had been in a similar situation. To that, Tipu replied that these women do want such comments when they get ready and leave their house, but when they get them, they get offended.

Well, no Tipu. They do not get ready to impress you. They do that for themselves. And if your compliment is unwelcome, then it is not a compliment but harassment.

The situation got further complicated when at the end of the show, Tabish asked Tipu to perform a character. He said that since he had previously played the role of Transgender, he should do that on the show again. And Tipu did. Almost spontaneously, as if their subconscious was guiding them, they conveyed a scenario where a transgender person was ready to give indecent favors. According to his implication, any transgender you would see on the road would readily be available for extra-marital relations for a reward.

No, Sir. They get so bullied everywhere else and have no other employment opportunities; that’s why many of them get involved in such jobs. But you cannot define the entire transgender community by just one profession.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

Daraz Ibtida – A Platform For Female Entrepreneurs To Build A Sustainable Income

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Web Desk

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Mar 11, 2021

Karachi: Daraz, the leading e-commerce platform in Pakistan, has announced the launch of “Ibtida” on this International Women’s Day with the mission to empower local female entrepreneurs on its platform. Ibtida is a program that will enable women to establish online shopping stores on Daraz and take advantage of the platform’s hundreds of thousands daily active users, generate higher sales and grow their businesses.

This initiative is a promising source of sustainable income for small and large business owners to get access to e-commerce technology during these challenging economic times and will empower females to run their own stores while sitting at home.

Daraz as a platform has spearheaded successful seller empowerment initiatives previously as well and given financial support of up to PKR 8 crore during COVID lockdown and supported 45,000+ sellers previously. With the launch of Ibtida, Daraz aims to empower specifically women, who otherwise might not get as many opportunities to sell with ease in the offline markets due to societal pressure and cultural norms.

Through this program, Daraz offers 0% commission, free packaging and storage to female sellers for the 90-day incubation period. The sellers will also have access to Daraz University which is a customized learning center to help sellers belonging to different cohorts improve their performance. Register for Online Selling in Pakistan with Daraz Today!

Additionally, through business performance manager sellers will also have access to insights from seller marketplace business performance tools.

In line with International Women’s Day’s theme for the year, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world,” Daraz also steps forward to celebrate efforts by women and extends its support to shape a more equal future during recovery from COVID-19 pandemic. Even though women were at the forefront of the battle against COVID, they were paid 11% less than men. This initiative that has been launched by the platform will add to the efforts made for gender equal future.

“Women get a lot less opportunities than men; and even when they do get an opportunity, there is either a descrimination either in the form of salary or the responsibility/trust that is placed upon women. We want to change that. Women are equally capable of doing whatever men do and hence should be compensated equally.” Said Arusha Imtiaz – Global Head of Seller Marketplace at Daraz.

She also further added that, “There are a lot of talented women who can make something as simple as a scarf while sitting at their homes and start earning money. They don’t do that right now, because there aren’t a lot of options to start online businesses in Pakistan right now and selling in the offline markets is a concept that is not acceptable for women in our society. But this is unfair and unacceptable. With Daraz Ibtida, we want to encourage female sellers to start online businesses.”

Daraz provides services to more than 5 million customers every month as they are looking forward to this initiative bringing a unique and diverse product range for its customers.

Here’s How You Can Travel To The Moon For Free

By

Mehak Zehra

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Mar 11, 2021

Have you ever daydreamed about traveling to space? And have you ever felt dejected because only astronauts can get to do that? Well, not anymore. This Japanese billionaire has bought nine tickets from Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO, and he has announced that he will be taking eight other civilians with him. So guess what? You will actually get to travel to the moon!

So what’s the story?

Elon Musk and Yusaku Maezawa are working on something they are calling Dear Moon Project. As part of this, civilians will be able to travel to the moon for the first time. It is being forecasted that this will happen in 2023. So if you love space, why don’t you apply to get the chance? And yes, it can be you who is part of the crew.

Dear Moon Project

It is even more amazing that it is open to the entire world’s population. So it is not like only Japanese or Americans would get the chance, no. You, me, all Pakistanis, can apply and be a part of it.

There will be a systematic process for the selection of the eight candidates. And even though the mission will take place in 2023, the process is already live right now.

Dear Moon Application Timeline

The schedule released on the dear moon website has also been released. According to that schedule, the pre-registration continues until 14th March, so there is still time, guys. After the registration, there will be a screening that will happen until March 21st. The short-listed candidates will have to do an assignment, an online interview, and then the process will end with a final interview and a medical checkup in late May 2021.

So what do you say, would you apply for it? I know I will!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

Solar Power System Installed By Karachi University

By

Usman

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Mar 10, 2021

Karachi University solar installation — Image Source: semprius.com

As the world moves towards clean energy, everyone wants to be a part of the race. Karachi University has recently installed a solar power generation system!

Are you familiar with fossil fuels? Do you know how they have been made and preserved in the earth for many years. However, as readily available as they are, they are still limited. There will come a time when fossil fuels run out and we will be left without a power source.

To tackle this issue, humans came up with alternate energy solutions. This includes systems like solar, wind, geothermal as well as hydroelectric. Two of the most widely used ones these days are wind and solar. Out of these two, solar is one of the most sought after alternate energy solutions. People want their electricity bill to be lighter and they decide to invest in solar.

Solar system installation at KU — Image Source: pv-magazine-usa.com

Solar Power At Work:

So, what is the principle behind solar energy? Without diving into the boring details, let us get you through a crash course. Solar energy is exactly as it has been named. It derives itself from the energy the sun gives out. When photons hit the surface of the solar panel, they generate direct current. It is then converted to alternate current, using an inverter, and used. This is the simple principle behind solar power.

Now, when people see how well they are saving in electricity bills, they want this energy. Everyone wants to be a part of the clean energy future vision. Residential and commercial, both industries are running after solar panel installation. It is a hefty investment at first but it pays off over the long term. You cannot think of short term and go for clean energy. For that, we have fossil fuels and non renewable sources.

Installation At Karachi University:

In light of clean energy, Karachi University has taken an initiative. They have recently had a solar power system installed at their site. This will not only benefit them but the environment too. As huge as the location is, it can definitely provide ample power through solar panels. The project itself is a huge one. It has a rating of 30 kilo watts and is intended for the faculty of Arts.

The whole project has been funded by the alumni of the university. It features an on-grid system which ties in to the K-electeic grid. It will help save a lot in electricity bills. The spokesperson of the government of Sindh even acknowledged the fact that this is entirely efficient and clean energy generation. This is because solar systems don’t even emit greenhouse gases.

Solar plants at Arts in KU — Image Source: academiamag.com

Renewable Generation:

The project was initiated in October 2020. The University managed to raise approximately Rs.3 Million for the installation of this solar system. This is definitely a matter of pride for the institution. It shows how open-minded they are in terms of clean energy. Everyone wants to see this planet survive, but select few are working on it.

We hope this project opens up further opportunities for Karachi University to use solar power. Not just this, but we also hope other places are encouraged to use solar. It is not a fool’s errand to get this system, unless you are doing well without it. Solar is not for everyone.

Stay tuned for more from Brandsynario!

Dawlance Collaborates With Daraz To Offer A Wide Range Of Appliances On DarazMall

By

Web Desk

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Mar 10, 2021

Karachi: March 10, 2021 – Dawlance the #1 home-appliances brand in Pakistan, a subsidiary of Arcelik – the 2nd largest white goods manufacturer in Europe, celebrates its 40 years of Reliability by making its products available to a wider customer base on DarazMall. The brand launched its official E-Commerce store in 2020 and now, as a second phase, it has officially introduced its wide range of products on DarazMall.

A signing ceremony was recently held at Daraz head office, the two market leaders committed to customer excellence. This partnership is a testimony to the reliable online shopping experience which Pakistani consumers can expect while purchasing innovative Dawlance home-appliances.

This collaboration in Pakistan is a part of the global partnership between Arcelik and Alibaba – the world’s largest E-Commerce entity and Daraz’s parent company. Creating these synergies between the two global giants has added great value to the operational capabilities of the partners, to serve this growing segment of tech-savvy consumers, on-the-go, round-the-clock. This is a great milestone towards transforming Dawlance into a futuristic enterprise, promising great products and a highly responsive customer-care network as per its omni channels strategy “be wherever your customers are”.

The Chief-Marketing Officer of Dawlance – Syed Hasan Jameel expressed his pleasure on this resourceful alliance and stated that: “After going live on Daraz Mall, the consumers will now be able to purchase Dawlance appliances from the official flagship store at Daraz. With this partnership, Dawlance and Daraz would add great value to consumers’ online shopping experience through competitive prices and reliable appliances, so our consumers can order their favourite appliances, to be delivered at their doorstep, with many options for convenient payment. Dawlance and Daraz are known for great ‘Reliability’, in their respective industries, so now the online buyers can transact with complete confidence”.
The strategy to go digital, promises many additional advantages, for all businesses, especially during ongoing pandemic whereby people are observing social-distancing and other safety-protocols to stay indoors and minimize personal interactions at public-places.
Ehsan Saya, Managing Director at Daraz Pakistan welcomes the global brand on the platform and noted that the potential for appliances within the Pakistani e-commerce space is phenomenal. He adds, “Dawlance and Daraz both believe in providing an exceptional shopping experience and with this partnership we are confident that our customers will have access to Dawlance’s reliable assortment on DarazMall with a premium service. This is a strategic partnership and we’re very excited to work closely with Dawlance to grow Pakistan’s e-commerce space” He further elaborates on the importance of digitization in the country and explains how Daraz will continue to provide its platform to brands to access a customer base of millions in all corners of the country.

After the successful launch of the E-Commerce store of Dawlance, DarazMall will now serve as yet another exciting touch-point for the consumers, where the consumers can enjoy the most convenient way of shopping for the widest variety of products and the fastest check-out. As Dawlance is known for its superior customer service, shoppers at Daraz will be able to purchase premium Dawlance appliances with its quality after-sales service.

Samsung To Hold Much Awaited Unpacked Event On 17th March

By

Mehak Zehra

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Mar 10, 2021

In today’s age, you will find numerous smartphones brand emerging. But the ones that have remained on the top are Apple and Samsung. So you can bet on it that when these two have a launch event, it is grand.

Samsung A-Series

In recent news, Samsung is planning to launch two of its mid-range devices this March. They will be the recent addition to their A-Series lineup, following the Galaxy S21 series. Galaxy A52 and A72 will be released in two variants; 4G as well as 5G. So considering technology has advanced quite a lot, gone is the time for the 3G device.

Samsung Awesome Unpacked

The event they will be releasing these devices at, Samsung is calling it Galaxy Awesome Unpacked event. It has been scheduled for March 17th and is expected to start at 10 am. Of course, Galaxy has only announced the event’s date and time and has not confirmed the devices’ names. But we all are assuming it’s going to be the A52 and A72 based on the past rumors.

That said, it could definitely be a completely new device given how much A52 and A72 have already gotten eyeballs. Maybe this is why, instead of calling it a launch event, the tech brand is calling it an ‘awesome’ unpacking—an unpacking of the box where the emerging product would surprise the people attending the event.

The A-series

Although considering how they have added the word ‘Awesome,’ it may be a hint from their end saying they definitely are A-Series products.

We don’t have many details, and neither has anything been released by the company, but we can rest assured that it will be A-series products because the A52 and A72 are the only upcoming mid-range devices. Moreover, these products, with the information we have on them, seem they could be the perfect successor to Samsung’s bestselling A5x models.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

Yasir Hussain Thinks This Director Should Stop Making Films

By

Web Desk

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Mar 10, 2021

Yasir Hussain, an actor, writer, and TV host, but known more for his controversies, recently made an appearance in The Couple Show. The host couple, Agha Ali and Hina Altaf invited Yasir along with his wife, Iqra Aziz.

The Couple Show

Just like every other show, this one also had a few games. The one Agha played with Yasir was the cliched Rapid Fire, but it had two interesting twists to it. Number one, the host is not the only person who gets to ask the question. In this show, Agha would ask a question, and Yasir would ask the next. If one chooses not to answer the question, they will have to drink one of the many assortments laid out in front of them. And that is the next twist; the drinks range from raw eggs to sauces made of garlic.

In that round, Agha asked Yasir some questions, and just as expected, Yasir answered all without shying away from them. Amongst those questions, there was one where Agha asked him if he thinks someone should stop making films. Without hesitating, Yasir said it was Syed Noor.

Yasir Hussain on Chain Aye Na

He elaborated that he has seen many of Syed Noor’s films, and he is a fan. But after watching Chain Aye Na, his recent most film, he thinks it’s time Syed Noor stopped making films.

Moreover, Yasir had also added that if there were one TV actor who should have gone towards films, it would be Shahroz. Starring Shahroz Sabzwari in Chain Aye Na, one could ask what was so bad about the film. And was it really the film that was questionable? The answer is no. It wasn’t the film; instead, it was the time.

In recent times, Pakistani cinema has seen a makeover. Before that, Lollywood was full of movies made by Syed Noor. And he did precisely that. In fact, Chain Aye Na was a remake of his previous successful film. However, the current times did not accept it.

Maybe when he says that Syed Noor should stop making these films, it’s because the changing times have altered the audience for it, not because Syed Noor has lost the talent.

But you can catch up on the rest of the show because Yasir made many huge statements about some other celebrities.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

TCL Pakistan Opens Its Second Flagship Store In Islamabad

By

Web Desk

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Mar 10, 2021

10th March 2021: TCL, Pakistan’s No. 1 TV brand has opened its second flagship store in Islamabad. The newly launched store is located at Rauf Tower, DHA 2, Islamabad. The brand aims to provide consumers a hassle-free shopping experience as they venture out to buy new electronics. To commemorate the opening, the brand is offering exclusive discounts, offers and gifts with every purchase.

Here’s the location:

https://bit.ly/2PO5rFW

The flagship store further aims to strengthen TCL Pakistan’s presence in the country by bringing a full array of LED TVs including QLED TV, UHD TV, and Smart TVs alongside its expanded range of Smart Air Conditioners and Sound Bars to give customers a premium shopping experience for the entire TCL product range.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch of the store, Majid Khan Niazi, Head Of Marketing of TCL Pakistan, said: “The new flagship store reflects TCL’s strong relationship with their customers in Pakistan and portrays the brand’s commitment to making the best technology readily available all across the country.

This store will help customers experience TCL’s cutting-edge Smart Connectivity where you can control your devices like your AC, Lighting, Curtains all through your voice or through the TV or the TCL App on your phone. We will continue to work on expanding our network and bringing the latest technology and innovation to provide the best experience to our customers.”

TCL has maintained its position of being the No. 1 in Pakistan and the 2nd Largest TV Brand in the Global Consumer Electronics industry, with a global presence in over 150 countries and aims to further broaden its footprint across the country, giving customers the best Smart CE solutions available globally.

5 Apps That Will Help Every Student Study Smarter

By

Lyza Rashid

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Mar 10, 2021

student app study smart — Image Source: ELearning Industry

It’s officially midterm season, and that means bucket loads of stress, anxiety, and disorganization. We’re here to ease that myriad of problems with this list of amazing apps that can help you study smartly!

1. Google Translate

If you’re a language student, Google Translate can be the best weapon to have in your arsenal. It takes whatever piece of text you provide and effectively translates it into the language of your choice.

In many courses, there are always texts from different languages that are especially harder to get by. Google Translate will ensure you are at the top of your game.

2. My Study Life

My Study Life is another app that helps students organize notes, and schedule/organize—class timetables. The best part is that you can sync this to your mobile to get notifications all the time. Notifications can also help you keep ahead of deadlines because we’re humans; after all, there are only so many deadlines we can remember.

3. Exam Countdown

This app helps you organize exam dates and timetables to keep you motivated and geared up for the exam season. It helps you know everything in a systematic order so you can stay on track and have a countdown to help you organise.

You can also color-code exams, add symbols for subjects, and share them on social media! You can always flex how you have your stuff together- many don’t.

4. Quizlet Exam App

This is a top-rated app with teachers and students. It allows you to create your own study tools with a wide range of subjects and material available to Quizlet users. This can also enable you to find supplementing material for your course.

Moreover, Quizlet allows you to learn in various ways, be it through audio or visual means. It realizes that not everyone learns the same way— you get to choose your style.

5. Pocket

Students are bombarded with the study material in the day and age of social media, especially online learning. There are extra credit articles, research articles, and participating material you need to get through. But what about those who can’t read this extensively or keep track?

Pocket helps you counter that problem. It can allow you to save articles, topics, and videos vibrantly and easily so you can read them on any device. You can get through articles in no time with its powerful search and tagging tools!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Amna Ilyas Infuriates Fans With Her Latest Video

By

Lyza Rashid

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Mar 10, 2021

Amna Ilyas’ Instagram videos are a gift that keeps on giving. The model and actress has now created another video which has invited the ire of her fans.

The Instagram Video Making People Talk

The model is hell-bent on creating Instagram content that is controversial and hilarious at the same time. Be it speaking about social issues in her characteristic, undaunting manner or be it simply creating funny videos… she does it all!

In tandem with her usual content, she created a video captioned “abhi hum jawan hain” and you can only imagine what it could be!

Dadi Got Moves

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amna Ilyas (illy) (@aamnailyas)

As you can see, Amna Ilyas dressed as an old woman while blasting a typical Gen Z song. The lyrics “there are some hoes in this house” are playing while Dadi Ilyas gets twerking. In only a few seconds not only the model bursts into laughter, so does the person recording the video.

Kudos to her for getting into the get-up so accurately. From the facial prosthetics and makeup, the clothes and the way the dupatta is draped to the bulk she’s wearing on her stomach!

Read also: 3 Times Amna Ilyas Has Been Part Of Major Controversies

Mixed Reactions?

There are many who share her sense of humour while there are also many who loathe it. Some people could not stop laughing at her attempt of bringing the dadi look into Gen Z mode while others feel it is plain disrespectful.

What are your views on it?

Two Ways To Look At It

The video is undoubtedly funny. However, there are always two sides to a coin!

We could perceive it as a harmless joke of people dressed as senior citizens and doing strange things. Such pranks are all over social media and are viewed as harmless, good-natured content for a laugh.

However, considering the Pakistani audience, many would find this as ‘shameless’ and disrespectful towards older women.

Amna Ilyas- How Much Is Too Much?

Previously her video on colourism in Pakistan became controversial. Perhaps it was because it was too direct or perhaps it was out of context. However, we can not deny that it had the weight of truth to it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amna Ilyas (illy) (@aamnailyas)

In this video, however, there is no social issue at stake. Only a video just for laughs. It’s important for us to consider that not everyone will be happy always and it seems Amna Ilyas has caught onto that. She makes funny videos and she posts them— those who want to laugh can laugh away!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Irfan Ahson In Hot Waters For Defaming A Female Photographer

By

Web Desk

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Mar 10, 2021

Wedding Photographer Izzah Shaheen Malik or more commonly known by her insta handle pictroizzah took to her Instagram stories a traumatic experience she had. The experience that she terms harassment is related to a senior photographer, Irfan Ahson.

Pictroizzah reveals in her stories that ever since she entered the industry, she has met with all kinds of people, those who have both made her comfortable as well as those who made her unwelcome. Irfan Ahson belonged to the second category of people. She says that when she wanted to pursue the issue in private, not many people were up for supporting her, and it makes sense because no one would like to be blacklisted by a senior member of the fraternity.

The issue she unfolded goes somewhat like this:

Irfan Ahson had problems with how Izzah was using ‘her’ wider focal length.

Hold up! What?

And he was putting up pictures on his Instagram from where she could have been cropped out.

It was a wedding, and since there are a lot of people there, they can get photographed. But he should definitely have asked for her consent.

The harassment by Irfan Ahson began on WhatsApp

She would also understand this but considering what was happening in a private group; she knew that this was no honest mistake, rather targetted harassment.

He also alleged that all women photographers misuse their gender to ‘hijack coverage’.

This angle was quickly embraced by other male members present on WhatsApp, and the next day, memes against women and Aurat March were tweaked and used against her. But Izzah claims she chose to stay quiet and not extend the already complicated situation.

Izzah says that she had stayed quiet then, and she would have stayed that way had Irfan deleted her pictures. And then, on Women’s day, when people called her strong, she wondered that was she really strong if she stayed quiet and did not speak for herself?

As a result, nearing the end of 8th March, she decided to take to the public the harassment she faced that left her so traumatized she would return from events hyperventilating and crying.

After she took the issue to public, numerous people from the fraternity, and the general audience came out in support for Izzah and called out Irfan for putting her through this.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

KU Offers Preparation Courses For CSS Examinations

By

Mehak Zehra

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Mar 10, 2021

Central Superior Service (CSS) is the gateway for numerous Pakistanis into the world of bureaucracy. It is that examination where people from every class appear, attempt to prove themselves, and join the inner circle ranks without discrimination. The only discrimination probably is based on the marks gained on the CSS examinations.

CSS Examinations

The reason people still give CSS the same importance is the level they uphold even now. This test is said to be so complicated that even if you have studied in the best universities, there is a chance that you may not advance from that phase. So people keep looking for the best prep courses nearby.

You must have heard of prep classes in Sadar, at Frere Hall, and nearby areas. But unfortunately, given Karachi is so vast, these places are not accessible to everyone. It is hard for someone with office work to manage to attend preparatory class after office timing somewhere in Sadar and return late at night back home at the other end of the city. It is not safe either considering it’s Karachi and it takes moment for the city situation to deteriorate even now. Plus if you are a girl, it is not safe for you even if the entire city is at peace.

How to apply for CSS Preparation?

Thankfully though, Karachi University (KU) has finally decided to offer preparation courses for candidates. You can submit the application form for CSS exams at Student Guidance Counseling and Placement Bureau with only a two hundred rupees (200) fee. The office will remain open between 9 am to 4 pm until March 12th, 2021.

KU announced in a statement that:

“The applicants can obtain and submit the CSS preparation course registration form from the office of Student Guidance Counseling and Placement Bureau located on the ground floor of the New Administration Block from 9 am till 4 pm.”

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

IWD2021 Campaign Overview: Are We Ready To #ChoosetoChallenge?

By

Web Desk

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Mar 10, 2021

A day before International Women’s Day 2021, one of Pakistan’s leading brands launched a campaign to highlight the country’s digital gender gap. An often neglected topic amongst the plethora of issues facing women in Pakistan, the campaign reveals that 50 percent of women do not own a mobile phone, while only 19 percent of women have access to mobile internet.

In today’s digital world, these statistics are woeful. The harrowing bit is that instead of taking notice of these figures, certain individuals on social media attacked the campaign, calling for the authorities to take notice.

Given the mixed response to this campaign, we decided to review it and see whether the brand was wrong in its execution or if the negative response was slightly over the top.

The campaign video starts with what seems like an interrogation room. The interrogator asks the man seated in front of him a set of questions on why he chose to beat his sister. The accused replies, “nahe, uskay pass mobile tha (she owned a mobile phone).” The video then cuts to the stats that we have mentioned above.

Through this campaign, the brand chose to challenge the digital gender gap by not only highlighting the issue, but also provide a solution by offering women free SIMs and a discounted 4G mobile phone.

Reviewing some of the top negative comments, it seems people were upset with the execution more than the message. The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Information Dr. Shahbaz Gill led the charge, mentioning that no social stigma is associated with a women’s use of mobile and the ad is not a reflection of our society.

Note to reader: The accused in the campaign video did not ‘kill’ his sister but as the interrogator mentions, “phir behen ko itna kyun mara? (Why did you beat your sister this much?)” –w.r.t Dr. Shahbaz’s tweet that states the video mentions the brother killed the sister for owning a mobile.

Obviously, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But to state that the campaign is out of sync with reality is a bit of a stretch. In November 2019, a woman was killed in Swat for ‘using a mobile phone’, allegedly by her brother and her brother-in-law. That is just one incident. As per the Human Rights Watch report 2019, violence against women and girls—including rape, honor killings, acid attacks, domestic violence, and forced marriage—remains a serious problem with an estimate that there are about 1,000 “honor” killings every year[1].

But maybe the brand could have made a more grandiose campaign video with elaborate dances and a catchy tune because it seems people are not yet ready to accept reality.

We also had random tweets hinting at all this being an elaborate ‘Yahoodi Sazish’. Because, of course, all is well for women in Pakistan and liberals are out to sabotage this in full force.

The theme for this year’s IWD was #ChooseToChallenge. The idea behind it was that we can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality, and choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. This campaign in question did exactly that; it challenged the patriarchal mindset that chains women in some segments of society to never truly benefit from the technological advancements around them.

But there were some individuals that understood the underlying message the brand aimed to communicate and appreciated it for addressing this societal issue. We might deny it, but many of us have heard of stories in our society, where a woman isn’t ‘allowed’ to own a cellphone or an independent number.

In our opinion, this was one of the few campaigns on IWD that stood out, despite the negativity. We can discuss how it could have been better executed, especially the brand’s decision to provide discounted mobile sets for PKR 1000. But in the end, it is the thought that counts. The campaign managed to ignite a discussion around gender disparity, which goes to show that brands need to stop shying away from asking the tough questions.

Women face countless issues daily. The future belongs to brands that use their platforms and resources to challenge societal norms and tackle gender bias. These brands also need to shake off the stereotypes that have influenced ads and product design for generations. Because, irrespective of what the majority thinks, one can’t ignore the social shift that’s taking place. The younger generations’ attitude towards gender and stereotypes is changing. Keeping in mind Pakistan’s youth bulge, these young consumers cannot be ignored any longer.

Xperia Compact Flagship Phones Not Being Launched By Sony

By

Usman

-

Mar 9, 2021

Sony not launching Xperia compact — Image Source: droid.news

Amongst many brands releasing new phones, there lies sony. It is a brand known for its robust, flagship products. However, it seems that they are designing their compact flagship phones after all!

Sony is one of the prime front runners in the race of technology. They stand ahead in quite a lot of domains and are always making developments. Their electronics are some of the most long-lasting ones on the market. If you have ever come across a Sony product, you might have found it impressive.

They make their products in such a way that you cannot ever go wrong with an investment. Just like this, sony has its fair share of technology in smartphones too. The Sony Xperia is one of the most sought-after smartphones of today. Not only are they worth the buy, but the technology embedded in them is quite modern.

Sony compact phones — Image Source: techradar.com

Sony Products:

Imagine you are walking on a street in the 90s. You come across any electronics shop with products in the window. You wish to get a video camera to tape family vacations. Sony is probably going to be the first one that the shopkeeper shows you. That is how popular and widespread sony is. Even now, it is regarded as quite high on the tech brand list.

So, with new compact phones releasing, sony has also dipped in this industry. iPhone 12 is a compact phone with the latest technology in its body. It has gotten so popular over the months that everyone wants a piece of it. Naturally, people came to believe that Sony may be doing the same thing. Thus, this gave light to rumours.

Read also: Sony Xperia Compact Details Have Just Been Leaked!

Putting Rumours To Rest:

It was long rumoured that the company is also set to release compact flagship phones. People were expecting a release at any moment in 2021. However, in recent news, we have found out that the company is not releasing any such phones. They do intend to release a smartphone though.

It will not be as compact as a compact-sized phone should be. It is said to have a 5.5 inch screen with a decent Snapdragon processor. The phone will also feature about 3-4 GB ram as well as 32 GB storage. However, the phone itself does not lie in the compact flagship domain. While that may come as a bit of a sad news, a new phone release is definitely something to look forward to!

New Sony Xperia launch — Image Source: gsmarena.com

Future Of Smartphones:

So, what does this tell us about the future? While there is no compact flagship, by sony, in sight, there may be one in the future. Maybe we get to see the latest technology being embedded in the smallest of sizes. Chip sizes are getting smaller, the screen sizes are too. Maybe one day, the screen disappears and moves towards virtual!

We hope that the sony phone recurved good feedback and continues to rise through the ranks. It would not do well to have such a company have negative consequences.

Stay tuned for more from Brandsynario!

Iqra Aziz Reveals Why Everyone Thinks Yasir Hussain Is Rude

By

Web Desk

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Mar 9, 2021

Agha Ali and Hina Altaf got married some time ago, and their cute videos and pictures on Instagram have made the couple itself a brand. Hence came forth, ‘The Couple Show’. As a lovely couple host, the two invite power couples of the industry in each episode. Their recent most episode had Iqra Aziz and Yasir Hussain.

Iqra Aziz and Yasir Hussain – the love talks

Now, most people invite Yasir because his uncensored statements are famous for starting controversies. But the two of them together proved to be cuteness overload. They talked about how they met, fell in love, and how Yasir just knew he was going to marry her. And just as abruptly they met, they got married even though some of his 12 members could not even come to Pakistan.

Yasir Hussain Past controversies

But coming back to the controversy starter, Yasir, who had recently appeared in Vasay’s show and had managed to start a controversy with Nousheen Shah, and had also been in an apparent fight with Hania Amir in the past. He doesn’t hold back, and if it’s not a show, he ensures that his point of view gets conveyed to the public through his Instagram account. In fact, Muneeb Butt, when invited to Agha’s show, had said that Iqra should definitely take away Yasir’s Instagram access.

Is Yasir rude, Iqra?

If you are named a controversy-starter, people start labeling you. So Hina asked Iqra how she deals with that. To that question, Iqra had the cutest response ever. She said that’s because she knows who the real Yasir is. And if others knew that side of Yasir, all of them would want to marry him and live with him.

Aren’t they the cutest?

You can enjoy the rest of the show because Yasir did manage to make some fiery comments about other showbiz figures even amidst all the cuteness.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

Mercedes Pays Tribute To Bertha Benz On International Women’s Day

By

Usman

-

Mar 9, 2021

Bertha Benz tribute — Image Source: mercedes-benz.com

In light of International Women’s Day, Mercedes Benz has released a tribute video. It features a small portion of the life of Bertha Benz. You can assume which car we are talking about.

Women’s Day and the women in history

Women’s day is celebrated every year on the 8th of March. It is a day that represents the achievements of women throughout history. They ought to be celebrated for their work and deserve every bit of praise they get.

This day, we look back on some of the most powerful women in history. Madame Curie, the only woman part of the Manhattan Project, has done quite a lot of work. Then there is Grace Murray Hopper, whose work in computer science has boosted the world forward.

Today we take a look at another such person. They accomplished their goal because they believed in themselves and something bigger than themselves. Her name is Bertha Benz and Mercedes Benz gave her this tribute.

Mercedes Benz tribute to Bertha — Image Source: mercedes-benz.com

Bertha Benz In History

Bertha Benz is known as one of the most influential personalities in history. When she first started her journey, people looked at her with a gaze of ridicule and shock. They thought she was a witch because she was seen driving an early design automobile. Her work in the field gave her the recognition and respect that she deserves.

Bertha Benz is definitely a personality worth having a glance at. The video encompasses everything that she believed in. It shows that people can go quite far if they don’t give up. It takes quite a lot of willpower to move against the wind. However, it is not impossible.

The Tribute By Mercedes

The video starts off with a group of women pushing a cart. As we can see in the video, the cart takes quite a lot of effort to move through the plains. Suddenly, their eyes come across a piece of machinery moving fast across a dirt path. At that time, anything seen out of the ordinary was regarded as witchcraft. So bewildered at what they see, they shout, ‘Witch.’

When the Automobile suddenly stops in the middle of the town, the woman gets off and visits a shop. She is further stared at with feelings of hatred. Even the shop owner looks down on her as she asks him for a vehicle part. After she starts it up and moves away, the text appears on the video. It shows how she believed in something more than the car, she believed in herself.

https://www.facebook.com/MercedesAMGF1/videos/444536356880698/

Appreciating Achievements

Bertha Benz can serve as a role model for the women of the community. Not only is her story motivational, but it also talks about overcoming hardships. To enter the industry in such an era where women were kept at home is phenomenal. It shows that talent and vision cannot be kept under lock and eye. If we try hard enough, we can break through the shackles of society.

Bertha Benz certainly decided to move against the wind and succeeded in moving her husband’s inventions much forward. Today, Mercedes is one of the most prime brands in the world. We stand with women and encourage them to pursue their dreams. There is no mountain summit that they cannot reach, no sea they cannot dive in. Every person deserves appreciation for their work.

Stay Tuned for more from Brandsynario!

Igniting #SHEPOWER in a fast-growing tech space

By

Press Release

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Mar 9, 2021

Research shows that diverse teams perform better and are more innovative, often suggesting promising results for business.Despite so, the lingering issue of gender disparity between male and female representation in the technology industry continues to be a hot topic for many activists, government authorities, and public-alike.

In line with this year’s International Women’s Day 2021 (IWD 2021) theme #ChooseToChallenge, four superwoman from the fast-growing smartphone brand Infinix looks to share their personal story in challenging biases and misconceptions within the tech space through a #SHEPOWER video released by the company. The video can be found at (https://youtu.be/3gRg8Ox7LZY).

The #SHEPOWER in Infinix

Founded in 2013, Infinix is a frontrunner in combining stylish design and cutting-edge smartphone technology in their products. As a brand who aims to connect with the youths via their product innovation, the brand is also not one to shy away from burning social challenges – in this case, empowering women to take a stance in some of the most challenging environment. This time it is encouraging some of those women to share their stories. The #SHEPOWER means lot of more meaningful to Infinix than many other brands as the company seeks not only to foster the technological and innovative development of some of the less-privileged regions, it seeks to advocate social changes by promoting gender equality, as much as we don’t want to admit, some parts of the worlds aren’t very friendly to women who wants to develop a career of her own.

Fully aligning with the global goal, the company keeps growing its investment to contribute to turn Pakistan into a regional tech hub, and it just got one step further towards its mission and local commitment to put Pakistan on road to progress and prosperity. Infinix is contributing to Pakistan’s economy, while at the same time empowering labor, especially women, in the country. In the manufacturing facility at Pakistan, 60% of the workforce is comprised of women.

Talking of the women empowerment in Pakistan that how it has drastically increased over the past years, it would be great to mention Zuofyshan Ahmer, the community manager at Infinix Pakistan.

Owing to her profuse talent in singing, she had a global chance to portray her euphonious vocals and participate in the Guinness World Record for the most people in an online rap play.

“Being the only female layman candidate amongst the 5 other professional males with exceptional singing skills was not an easy thing to deal with. However, I had to be the strongest of them all as I was leading them as well through the platform of Infinix while representing my country, Pakistan”, said Zuofyshan while expressing her victory with glee.

Meet Shams Talaat, a 23-year-old marketer in Infinix, Iraq. Despite being in a place that has the lowest female employment rates in the world, Shams has always been a fighter when it comes to gender equality. Last year, she marched hand in hand with male and female protestors down the streets of central Baghdad as one of the organisers of the gender equality rally which made international headlines.

“We want to feel heard, equal – and be free to represent our own voices,” said the young girl who have just graduated from Nahrain University, one of the top universities in Iraq. “It’s uncommon for women to work in

“We want to feel heard, equal – and be free to represent our own voices,” said the young girl who have just graduated from Nahrain University, one of the top universities in Iraq. “It’s uncommon for women to work in technology company here. Being part of this industry, in Infinix, in particular, means a lot to me because I am part of a vision that aims to provide great technology at an unbeatable price for my country. At the moment, I’m the only female member in my office – but I believe that things will change as we continue to promote a safe and inclusive working environment for aspiring women who wants to take a stab at the tech industry in Infinix,” continued Shams.

Another employee which shared her story comes from a transcontinental country where it spans the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia – the Arab Republic of Egypt, a place which ranked 136 out of 145 countries worldwide in gender equality. Amani, the Head of Human Resources Department at Infinix, Egypt, has over 10 years of working experience under her belt. During her time with Infinix, Amani has been invited to attend the biggest HR conference in the middle east HRSE 2019 HR Summit and Expo.

“In Egypt, women are under tremendous societal pressure to get married and raise a child. Traditional Arabic culture sees us as weak and one that needs protection – even getting out of the house alone is a trouble for us. That’s why I take great pride in my work and what I’ve achieved so far,” shared Amani when asked about her views on common difficulties faced by female employees in their country. Despite the scrutiny, she was able to excel in her performance: “It was very challenging in the beginning because the brand was growing so fast that I needed to establish a team and expand it by three times of its original size in such a short period. Regardless, we did it in the end. Not only so, I also managed to finish my post graduate studies in Human Resource and Law while working. It’s truly a blessing.”

The last sharer comes from a place which represents a promising future for a highly progressive nation that has committed to itself to promoting greater gender equality in its once male-centric workforce – the People’s Republic of China. Jessica a 25-year-old mobile structure design engineer at Infinix Shanghai is turning heads with her talent in what seemed to be “a man’s job”.

With a childhood dream to be a fashion designer, Jessica finds joy in putting her creativity and passion into every aspect of Infinix mobile design: “ It’s a dream come true in an unexpected way. I’m really glad that fashion plays a critical role in Infinix’s product creation – it gives me an opportunity to see my ideas come to life in an everyday product like smartphones.” One of her greatest achievement includes a crossover project with popular mobile game PUBG where her designs were featured heavily on many prime advertisement spots.

Today, there are greater acceptance for women in the workforce globally. Infinix has never stopped to take challenges on, with a workforce of 42% women, it will continue to drive gender equality and diversity. It is not the ratio that counts but the culture of fostering diversity. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has also sped up the marathon for women’s rights in multiple aspects. That being said, companies – in this case, those in technology sector – will still need to relook and improvise some of their efforts in promoting gender equality in the workspace to ensure a sustainable change.

5 Pakistani Digital Campaigns That Paid Tribute To Women’s Day

By

Mehak Zehra

-

Mar 9, 2021

International Women’s Day has gotten quite a lot of recognition in recent years ever since women have started speaking up for themselves. So upon this day, brands decided to acknowledge women in general by curating numerous campaigns. Joining this trend were some digital campaigns of Pakistan. We decided to choose the best five and make a list out of them.

Digital Campaigns For Women’s Day

1. Colgate Palmolive

On the international women’s day of the year 2021, Colgate Palmolive decided to work with Syra Yousuf and choose to challenge some notions that women face in their everyday life. These are the three beauty stereotypes they are addressing: the unrealistic beauty standards and the idea that women want to look flawless to be accepted, harsh words that leave scars deeper than other wounds, and the ‘weight of expectations to be a certain size’.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Syra Yousuf (@sairoz)

2. KFC

On the occasion of women’s day, they decided to take pride in the existence of women. It said that the women who choose to challenge, inspire, achieve new heights, behind all of them, are that women themselves, not anyone else. So instead of giving the credit to someone else, it’s those women who should get it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KFC Pakistan (@kfcpakistanofficial)

3. Domino’s

Domino’s chose to inspire others by featuring its own female workforce. This is an inspiring ad because most people assume a woman can either teach or work a desk job. But through this, they should someone working at the counter, someone making a pizza, and someone else upholding the quality level of the products.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Domino's Pizza Pakistan (@dominos_pk)

4. Lifebuoy

The public service message by is not only creative but also gives you goosebumps. Lifebuoy ads are famous for featuring the relationship of a mother and a daughter. They maintain the tradition, but here they convey a powerful message that they do not have to stay silent about domestic violence.

5. CCL

The ad acknowledges working women’s struggles by taking on the example of a full-time doctor who got stranded away from her family during the lockdown. It tells you that women’s struggle is not limited to excelling at work because they also want to be emotionally and physically present for their loved ones.

https://www.facebook.com/womensofstrength/posts/267243874858705

These were only some of the creative digital campaigns of this year. Many other print and TVC campaigns acknowledged and embraced women. But we have to internalize the messages conveyed to us today and remember them for the next 364. Only then can we ensure no woman gets affected by toxic masculinity in the public and private sphere.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!