A ‘Living Medicine’ Can Now Treat Lung Infections

Jan 25, 2023

Scientists have developed a new living medicine that is known to cure lung infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria naturally resistant to many different types of antibiotics. This specific bacteria is also a source of hospital infections. Scientists are working on a treatment that involves using a modified version of the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The bacteria’s ability to cause disease will be removed and it will be repurposed to attack P. aeruginosa instead.

This modified bacterium will be used in combination with low doses of antibiotics that cannot work on their own.

Bacteria As A Living Medicine Treatment

The efficacy of the medicine was studied in mice. The results suggested that the ‘living medicine’ has the potential to double the survival rate in mice compared to those which didn’t undergo any treatment.

“We have developed a battering ram that lays siege to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The treatment punches holes in their cell walls, providing crucial entry points for antibiotics to invade and clear infections at their source. We believe this is a promising new strategy to address the leading cause of mortality in hospitals,” says Dr. María Lluch, Chief Scientific Officer at Pulmobiotics, co-corresponding author of the study and principal investigator at the International University of Catalonia.

Dr. Ariadna Montero Blay, co-corresponding author of the study in Molecular Systems Biology states,

“Live biotherapeutics such as M. pneumoniae provide ideal vehicles to help overcome the traditional limitations of cytokines and unlock their huge potential in treating a variety of human diseases. Engineering cytokines as therapeutic molecules was critical to tackle inflammation. Other lung diseases such as asthma or pulmonary fibrosis could also stand to benefit from this approach.”

The potential of M. pneumoniae to tackle infections in the lung can open multiple avenues for researchers to study new strains of the bacteria. This will help scientists to develop treatment options for other types of respiratory diseases such as lung cancer or asthma.

“The bacterium can be modified with a variety of different payloads — whether these are cytokines, nanobodies, or defensins. The aim is to diversify the modified bacterium’s arsenal and unlock its full potential in treating a variety of complex diseases,” says ICREA Research Professor Dr. Luis Serrano.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Mathira Gets Extremely Angry After TikToker Accidentally Confesses He Beats His Wife

Unzila Riaz

Jan 25, 2023

Areeshay Soomro and Asad Ray were interviewed by the extremely talented actress and TV host Mathira on the eminent Insta show exclusively on BOL Entertainment.

Tiktoker Asad Ray had a fight with his wife. He reveals on the live show that he slapped her wife before coming to the show, on which Mathira got extremely angry. She was astounded by his statement and struggled to find the right words to express her disgust at this domestic violence.

Mathira aggressively responds to the Tiktoker Asad Ray that a man should respect her wife. The wife is not to be considered the husband’s slave. She further added that she disgusts those men who proudly beat their wives at home.

She criticized the Tiktoker by saying that a beaten wife is not something on which you shamelessly cackled on National Television. The Tiktoker claimed that he respect her wife first. He continued by saying that a couple without conflict would not be in love.

In the end, he admits that he only gave her a little smack and that it was not a severe incident. Mathira came to the conclusion that his choice of words was poor.

Best Podcasts For Learning A New Language

Dr. Rida Qamar

Jan 25, 2023

Learning a new language isn’t just fun. It can provide you with a whole new set of skills and amp up your intellectual space. While reading and writing might seem like the most difficult task, listening is another great way to spruce up your understanding of a new language. If you are already learning a language or plan to in near future, take a look at these podcasts which can help you figure it out.

1. One Thing In A French Day

This french podcast channel is run by French native speaker Laetitia’s podcast. One Thing In A French Day is a “small piece of a Frenchwoman’s day”. These discussions include small daily tasks about something as small as grabbing a croissant or getting a haircut done. The podcast comes out with three fresh episodes every week. One Thing In A French Day is an excellent way to pick up some new vocabulary as well as get a better grip and knowledge about the french culture in a daily routine.

2. Spanish Obsessed With Rob & Liz

Speed up your Spanish learning skill ‘Ahora’ with Rob and Liz. The podcast offers episodes for all Spanish learning levels making it easier for you to catch up at your own pace. With this podcast, you can also get access to transcripts on the website with free registration.

3. SlowGerman.com

German is known to be one of the most difficult languages out there. Hence, this slow German podcast can come in quite handy if you want to catch up to German quickly. Slow German also offers lessons in English so that learners can help navigate through the language easily.

4. SlowChinese.com

This podcast is great for learners who might struggle with the tonal aspect of the language. This podcast channel offers transcripts in both Chinese and English which can be accessed from the website for free.

5. Korean Class 101

If there is one language that is taking the world by storm, it’s Korea. Otherwise known as Hangul, Korean class 101 is a great way to learn Korean phrases and gain fluency while listening to discussions and hot Korean topics.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

U Microfinance Bank And Pathfinder Group Join Hands To Extend Digital Financial Services

Unzila Riaz

Jan 25, 2023

Today, January 24, U Microfinance Bank (U Bank) and Pathfinder Group have entered into a strategic collaboration to utilize organizational strengths to offer digital financial services and other banking-related services to customers.

Signing Ceremony

The signing ceremony took place at the Pakistan Pavilion, held on the sidelines of World Economic Forum 2023 in Davos – Switzerland, where the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Mr. Kabeer Naqvi, President & CEO of U Microfinance Bank and Mr. Zarrar Sehgal, Chairman – Pathfinder Group. in the presence of Mr. Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman – of Pathfinder Group, and other senior management members from both organizations.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Kabeer Naqvi, President & CEO – of U Microfinance Bank stated, “As a mission-driven bank with financial inclusion for citizens across all societal segments as our objective, we are glad to have entered into this collaboration with Pathfinder Group. This gives us an opportunity to expand our digital outreach and bring the unbanked population into the financial ecosystem in an efficient manner.”

Mr. Zarrar Sehgal, Chairman – of Pathfinder Group, shared his views on the importance of this strategic partnership agreement. He stated that such partnerships will help economically empower the masses and have a long-lasting impact on digital financial inclusion in Pakistan. Pathfinder group looks forward to working closely with U Bank to create impact and bring inclusion.

Best Samsung Phones You Can Get In 2023

Usman Kashmirwala

Jan 25, 2023

Finding the ideal Samsung phone for your requirements might be difficult because there are so many fantastic Samsung phone alternatives available. There is a Samsung phone for everyone, whether they desire a high-performance phone with amazing camera skills and a plethora of fascinating features, or a less expensive handset that does the bare minimum.

In the end, personal choice will determine the greatest Samsung phone. Here’s how to choose the best Samsung phone for yourself because there are so many alternatives available.

Best Samsung Phones 2023

Galaxy S22 plus

Price: PKR 231,000

Although it is the middle child in the Galaxy S22 family, the Galaxy S22 Plus is still important to consider. Its 6.6-inch screen size is ideal for the majority of users, it has a modern glass and metal appearance, and its camera has significantly improved over the S21 generation. Even though it costs $1,000, it seems like the appropriate choice for people seeking a screen that is sizable but not enormous together with one of the best cameras available.

Galaxy S22

Price: 185,000

Other than that, the Galaxy S22 offers many of the same advantages as the Galaxy S22 Plus. This features an updated design that feels sleeker than the S21, a 50-megapixel camera with enhanced low-light shooting, and a new CPU. It is essentially a scaled-down Galaxy S22 Plus, minus the Plus’s larger battery, quicker charging, and capability for ultrawideband.

Samsung A53 5G

Buy Samsung Galaxy A53 5G 6/128GB Blue (SM-A536BLBNEUE) — Source: Shopdrive

Price: PKR 104,000

Fans of Samsung will value what they are receiving here, especially given the low cost. The Galaxy A53 5G enables night photography and includes an ultrawide lens for photographs with a wider field of vision. Although it’s not as nice as what you’d get on a more costly Samsung phone like the Galaxy S21 FE or Galaxy S22, the image quality is still bright and vibrant enough for simple photographs. A long-lasting battery, four generations of upgrades to the Android operating system, and a microSD card slot for additional storage are further benefits.

Samsung Z Fold 4

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 (Phantom Black 512GB + 12GB) - PakMobiZone - Buy Mobile Phones, Tablets, Accessories — Source: PakMob

Price: PKR 416,000

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 typically costs $1,800 (ouch! ), which is still significantly more than the average smartphone. However, the most recent iteration of Samsung’s book-style foldable is full of minor upgrades that together make for a far more pleasurable experience. When closed, it seems more natural to use as a phone because of the narrower hinge, modest weight reduction, and broader cover screen. This is in addition to more commonplace smartphone updates like a new CPU and an improved camera akin to the Galaxy S22’s. It was referred to as his “favorite Android tablet” by reviewer Patrick Holland.

Samsung A42 5G

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Price in Pakistan and Specifications — Source: Bestetch

Price: PKR 92,000

The A42 5G Android phone is slightly below the A52, has less RAM, does without the macro camera, and has a front-facing camera with inferior quality. For those of you who watch a lot of videos while you’re on the go, it still features 5G connection, a larger battery, and a somewhat larger display, which might make it a wonderful budget Samsung phone alternative.

Samsung A12

Price: PKR 41,000

For those of you who just want a phone for all of life’s necessities, the Galaxy A12 is one of the most affordable models that Samsung offers. With this approach, you won’t have to spend for costly cameras or processing power comparable to supercomputers. Although it lacks 5G, it has four back cameras, a 6.5-inch display, and a sizable 5,000-mAh battery. Given the specifications’ relatively minimal requirements, the battery should easily last all day.

Stay tuned to Brandsynari for the latest news and updates.

Here’s Why You Tend To See Dead People

Usman Kashmirwala

Jan 25, 2023

The links between poor sleep and paranormal beliefs have been linked scientifically, according to a recent study that was published in the Journal of Sleep Research.

According to the study, greater belief in ghosts, demons, the ability to communicate with the dead, the soul continuing to exist after death, near-death experiences as proof of life after death, and that extraterrestrials have visited the earth was associated with poorer subjective sleep quality among subjects, as measured by lower sleep efficiency, longer sleep latency, shorter sleep duration, and increased insomnia symptoms.

Does it have to do anything with aliens?

Additionally, sporadic cases of “exploding head syndrome” and sleep paralysis were linked to “the assumption that aliens had visited Earth,” according to the investigators.

Survey results were primarily utilized in the study. 8,853 people who were all at least 18 years old completed the survey and provided their opinions on their personal sleep patterns and propensity towards the paranormal.

Smartphones linked to poor sleep quality - WTOP News — Source: WTOP

It’s really just poor sleep quality

Even after adjusting for age and gender effects, it was discovered that a higher level of paranormal belief was linked to lower subjective sleep quality for all correlations, the authors write, adding that the study shows links between paranormal belief and several sleep factors.

What gives, though? The mechanisms linking the associations, according to the researchers from Goldsmiths University of London, are probably intricate and need a close examination, but they did offer up a few theories, such as the possibility that some of the more severe sleep problems include visual and auditory hallucinations.

What are hallucinations? | Ohio State Medical Center — Source: Healthwork

The researchers want to learn more about this intriguing link, including whether sleep-deprived people mistake eerie sounds and visuals for ghosts and aliens or whether their beliefs are what truly makes them anxious and prevent them from falling asleep. Maybe they can just take a nap till then.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

#easyBro-Did Our Lives Finally Just Get Easier Because Of easypaisa?

Unzila Riaz

Jan 24, 2023

Opening a bank account is a daunting task; from papers to verification, the process can take several hours, if not days. This is a nightmare in the digital age. People require rapid and convenient access to their money around the clock, and very few industry participants can give this.

easypaisa has evolved over time into a dependable payment platform that allows individuals to access financial services in a simple and safe manner. With over 250+ use cases such as bill payment, mobile top-ups, loans, and much more, it has now added another feather to its cap by launching the easypaisa VISA debit card, which would make life easier for millions of Pakistanis.

Unique features

The slim and sleek Visa debit card is intended to make the lives of 14 million easypaisa users easier. Customers can use their Visa debit card to make secure POS payments at over 90,000 terminals and withdraw cash from over 16,000 ATMs around the clock. These cards have an EMV chip, which makes them extremely secure and removes the possibility of fraud.

This new Visa Debit Card is also a contactless card using NFC technology which enables the customer to make payments by simply tapping the card on the merchant POS. Additionally, customers can also pay by scanning the VISA QR code.

How Can You Order easypaisa VISA Debit Card?
In only a few steps, you can order your debit card. Customers can order through the easypaisa app (available for both Android and iOS) or by phoning the USSD channel *786#. The card has no annual cost and customers must only pay a one-time modest fee.

Life is #easybro

Your life is literally #easybro with an easypaisa VISA debit card. The company wisely recognised that it is not easy for everyone, especially women, to go to a bank for financial concerns all of the time. Furthermore, there are few options for women to invest and save from the comfort of their own homes. easypaisa tackles all of these worries and offers its customers the option of not only doing routine transactions with simplicity but also investing their money intelligently. This is also consistent with their objective of creating a financially inclusive, cashless Pakistan.

Without further ado, obtain your easypaisa VISA debit card immediately and regain control of your finances.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Here’s How Krave Mart Is Expanding Revenue Streams

Ariba Raza

Jan 24, 2023

Manifesting New Vertical into Reality

Companies often incorporate advertising as a strategy to monetize their traffic or allow advertisers to drive visitors to their own sites or listings within a marketplace to increase income and drive sustainable growth in a competitive digital industry.

Similarly, by monetizing their digital assets, Krave Mart, an online grocery app that delivers groceries and everyday items to customers’ doorsteps, has become a home for many local and international companies across Pakistan. This may come as a surprise, but Krave Mart’s Non Retail division is swiftly pioneering the new vertical monarchy. As a result, the market has been able to adapt its traditional advertising solutions into a speedier, more effective, and measurable option.

With Non-Retail Revenue being a wonderful step toward revenue generation and driving sustainable growth, a number of firms have adapted and leveraged their assets to their advantage. Careem established a deal with Lambda Marketing Solutions in March ’22 to launch a digital out-of-home advertising platform. Similarly, Krave Mart anticipated producing extra revenue streams by establishing their supplementary wing early last year. In order to fulfil their purpose, they created this vertical in mid-2022, and as of now, it has assisted countless businesses in saving one-fifth of the amount they would otherwise spend on traditional media.

“Krave Mart has delivered exponential results with every campaign we do and it has been a phenomenal learning journey for both of us. Really excited as to how the year 2023 is going to take it to the next level.” stated, Amna Raheel, Asst. Campaign Manager & Visibility-Ecom Hub, Unilever Pakistan.

A number of brands benefitted from the visibility Krave Mart’s platform had on offer – to name a few;

Muzz, Bisconni 20 years celebration, Knorr Blazin made use of Krave Mart’s digital platform to get the word out.
Fashion brands such as Sana Safinaz, EdenRobe & more, who are not available on the platform yet, but wanted traffic diversion to their platform upon check out.
Blue band locked a partnership with back-to-back 3 campaigns in 3 months, which was a depiction of a successful campaign.
National Foods grew from a low 6-digit brand to a multi-million brand.
Surf Excel got a phenomenal response by giving away gift items worth millions via a massive cricket campaign.

Brands also used the assets to promote new product launches, such as Surf Excel Liquid. Continental Biscuits Limited’s (CBL) successful sampling activity is noteworthy – generating free trials as part of Krave Mart’s ‘Deal Of The Day’ was a solid hook to increase orders of Wheatable Cardamom, resulting in an organic uplift for the brand.

“Krave Mart is the fastest growing q-commerce brand in Pakistan, and with their growth comes the growth for our brand too. Blue Band enjoys a great top of mind awareness and consideration, while Krave Mart has also helped us reach our audiences with Flora.

In the last 6 months, I have worked very closely with Krave Mart’s team to increase visibility and sales of both; Blue Band and Flora and are planning a strong innovative approach with them in 2023,” said Neelam Patel, Digital & Media Manager – Upfield Pakistan.

Krave Mart’s Ancillary Business Offerings

Brands are now demanding premium assets, recognising that they provide unrivalled results and outcomes. Krave Mart provides digital and offline elements as a complement to a 360-degree campaign.

Digital assets are linked to Krave Mart’s App and Website, which has resulted in a 30% increase in proven brand homepage impressions to date. The number of people that frequent the app has increased by more than 100% in the last six months, making it a fantastic reach platform.

Shopping bags, rider bags, helmets, Dark Store fascia, sample, and other offline assets are available! OOH is a popular choice for brands such as Lipton, LU, Shan, and others, to name a few. With an ever-increasing rider fleet of 450+ riders & coverage in 85% of Karachi, Lahore & Rawalpindi, it has proven to be a good medium of communication that trickles down to small streets, lanes, & neighborhoods.

Bilal Safder, Head of Ancillary quoted: “In the age of digitization, brands don’t shy away from exploring new marketing channels to amplify brand communications in order to create awareness, generate trials or to gauge valuable consumer insights. Henceforth, Krave Mart Ads serves as a new catalyst for the brands to serve the very ambition via digital, in-app and offline brand visibility campaigns. These help them win customer delight, while also letting Krave Mart associate itself with brands, thereby creating a stronger brand equity and improving the financials to help the business sustain in the longer run.”

Final Analysis of the New Vertical (App Monetization)

Krave Mart has revalued itself by rethinking its monetization approach, and with the expertise of the company’s valuation combined with the expanding potential, this domain provides Krave Mart the perfect ingredients to become one of the most successful online shopping platforms in South Asia.

Hira Mani Becomes Target Of Hate Once Again

Unzila Riaz

Jan 24, 2023

Hira Mani has been criticized multiple times for multiple things. Every now and then, she says, does, or supports something that makes her receive severe backlash. However, once again, she is getting negative reactions for a video she posted on her Instagram. The question is whether the hate is justified or not. Here is the video, have a look.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hira Mani (@hiramaniofficial)

The video she posted shows her husband Mani and her enjoying their Sunday when they are free from all other daily duties. She even jokingly talked about how the camera is a ghost because they’re alone in her caption. Unfortunately, some people found nothing funny about this video. Here are some comments.

The couple was bashed for PDA and “behayai” as Pakistani audiences call it. Fans were of the opinion that this video should’ve been private and these moments are better when in between the couple only. They also thought that this was another one of Hira’s attention-seeking tactics and all she wanted to do was to stay relevant because she hasn’t been getting any dramas lately. Some people also bashed Hira for irrelevant things that were not linked to the video at all like this.

But, at the same time, there were fans who showed support for her video. Such fans blamed the toxic Pakistani mentality and double standards. Here’s one.

Here’s another one talking about double standards and favoritism. This has been seen many times that Pakistani fans change their stance according to convenience. When their favorite celebrities do the same thing they are not bashed for it but when another celebrity does, they are wrong.

Recently, Minal and her husband also got backlash for sharing their PDA-filled pictures on Instagram. So, is it actually the fault of the celebrity couple when they only want to share their special moments with the world without the fear of judgment? Or is the fault in the mentality of the fans?

What do you think? Let us know the comments below.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Iffat Omer Opens About Undergoing Treatments To Look Young

Dr. Rida Qamar

Jan 24, 2023

Going under the knife to preserve your youthful features is not a big deal nowadays. However, acknowledgment about getting the treatments done to keep aging at bay often becomes difficult. Many celebrities over the years have received plastic surgery and facial aesthetic treatments to maintain their youthfulness. However, not everyone gathered the courage to talk about it.

Iffat Omer is another social media star who has been vocal about going under the knife. The actress on multiple occasions has shared her raw thoughts about receiving facial treatments.

In a recent interview, the actress-turned-host discussed how her work requires a certain level of investment when it comes to keeping your facial features alive.

Iffat Omer Opens Up About Aesthetic Treatments

In a series of questions, the interviewer asked the actress about not changing much even after serving for decades in the showbiz industry. To which the actress responded, “We women are aware of our diet and take care of our health. Then, of course, there is help from the doctors, I won’t lie.”

“There are a lot of procedures including lasers, fillers, skin tightening, botox, thread lifts. These are our tools. Since we are actors working in the industry.”

Take a look at Iffat Omer’s detailed podcast interview below.

The actress who has been very vocal about getting facial treatments done shares her response to being open about the discussion and not hiding anything from the public.

“The main reason why I have always talked about it is the fact that the viewers and kids who watch us must know that we do take help from doctors to look a certain way.”

Facial treatments and aesthetic procedures are known to be quite heavy on the pocket. While talking about these treatments from a price point the actress mentions,

“This is my investment in my work and the money I earn I tend to spend it on myself as well.”

She then also talked about actresses receiving these treatments but not being open about them adding that she can surely tell if someone has gotten something done but will never share it on screen.

What are your thoughts about celebrities undergoing cosmetic surgeries to look young? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Shadab Khan Off The Market As He Announces His Nikkah

Unzila Riaz

Jan 24, 2023

After Haris Rauf, it is now Shadab Khan’s turn. The Pakistani international cricketer recently announced that he is also nikkahfied. He revealed this through Twitter and Instagram while maintaining his and his wife’s privacy. He also ended his message with a little joke.

Alhamdulilah today was my Nikkah. It is a big day in my life and start of a new chapter. Please respect my choices and those my my wife’s and our families. Prayers and love for all pic.twitter.com/in7M7jIrRE

— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) January 23, 2023

The vice-captain of the Pakistani Cricket Team has always had many girls around him. Especially, recently, when he became one of the heartthrob cricketers in the World Cup. After Haris Rauf recently tied the knot, Shadab has also tied the knot with Saqlain Mushtaq’s daughter although he has not been as public about it as Rauf.

Saqlain Mushtaq is a former international cricketer who, as of January 2023, is the Head Coach of the Pakistani national cricket team. Shadab Khan is now set to marry his daughter. However, Saqlain Mushtaq and his family have always been very private and now Shadab is respecting their privacy while maintaining his too. In the statement, he said, “When I started playing cricket, I wanted to keep my family life separate, my family has also opted to stay out of public light. My wife has asked for the same, she wants her life to remain private. I would kindly request everyone to respect her choice and our family’s choice.”

So, fortunately for them, they have been receiving immense love from the public, but unfortunately for their fans, they have not shared any information or pictures. Other than fans, many fellow cricketers and Shadab’s friends have also congratulated him.

On a more humorous note, since Shadab Khan is one of the most liked cricket players many girls have shown disappointment at the news of his nikkah.

People also started making jokes about whether it was because of Shadab’s nikkah that the country went through a major power breakdown. And that maybe the lights were shut off to keep it a secret and “maintain privacy”

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Big Companies That Are Laying Off Employees Across The World

Usman Kashmirwala

Jan 24, 2023

Big Companies That Are Laying Off Employees Across The World — Image Source: TIMES

In the corporate sector, mass layoffs are a terrible but frequent occurrence that often leaves employees unsure of how they’ll be affected and what to do in the event that they receive a pink slip. The US employment market is now healthy, with low unemployment rates and rapid job creation, but as many firms struggle to adjust to the changing economy, this might all change soon.

With all of this in mind, mass layoffs have already started this year at several US corporations.

Google (alphabet)

Source: Wired

Alphabet’s main firm, Google, said Friday that it will be letting 12,000 employees go.

Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, said in an email to the business’s workforce that the company will start making layoffs in the United States right away. According to him, the procedure in other nations “will take longer owing to local laws and procedures.” In November, CNBC reported that Google staff members had been anticipating layoffs due to company-wide budget cuts and modifications to the company’s performance evaluation process.

Microsoft

Source: Yeteezy

As the software company prepares for slower sales growth, Microsoft is laying off 10,000 employees through March 31. Additionally, the business is incurring a $1.2 billion charge.

In a statement to staffers that was published on the business website on Wednesday, CEO Satya Nadella declared, “I’m optimistic that Microsoft will emerge from this stronger and more competitive.” He said that some workers would learn this week whether they will keep their jobs or not.

Crypto.com

On January 13, Crypto.com revealed that it will be laying off 20% of its staff. According to statistics from PitchBook, the business had 2,450 workers, indicating that 490 people may have been let go. The cryptocurrency exchange developed “ambitiously,” according to CEO Kris Marszalek, but was unable to withstand Sam Bankman Fried’s empire FTX’s demise without further layoffs.

Crypto's Wave of Layoffs Is Just Beginning, Experts Warn | Time — Source: Time

Amazon

More than 18,000 people will be laid off, mostly in the human resources and retail departments, according to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, who made the announcement earlier this month. It followed Amazon’s announcement in November that it was considering workforce reductions, particularly in its device and recruitment divisions. At the time, CNBC claimed that the corporation intended to fire around 10,000 workers.

During the Covid-19 outbreak, Amazon hired a lot of people. By the end of 2021, the company’s worldwide employment has increased from 798,000 in the fourth quarter of 2019 to over 1.6 million.

Twitter

Elon Musk, the new owner of Twitter, let go of about 3,700 workers shortly after finalising his $44 billion acquisition of the company in late October, according to internal messages seen by CNBC. That is around half the workforce. Since Musk revised several restrictions about working from home and stated that he expects all workers to adhere to a “hardcore” work environment, a substantial number of staff have left the company.

Musk said in a tweet on November 4 that the firm was losing $4 million per day and that there was “no choice” but to fire workers.

Lyft

Lyft said in November that it will be eliminating 700 positions, or 13% of its workforce. CEO Logan Green and President John Zimmer warned of an impending recession and soaring ride-share insurance costs in a letter to staff.

Netflix

There have been two rounds of layoffs at Netflix. The streaming service cut 150 positions in May after reporting its first ten-year customer decline. It announced 300 further layoffs in late June. Netflix stated in a message to staff that while they still make large investments in the company, they have had to make these changes since their costs are rising at a slower rate than their revenue growth.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Why Is Microsoft Shutting Down Its VR Platform?

Usman Kashmirwala

Jan 24, 2023

Microsoft is scaling back its plans for the metaverse. The business stated it will shut down AltspaceVR, the social virtual reality platform it bought in 2017, on March 10th, 2023, in a blog post seen by VentureBeat (via The Verge).

Is Microsoft Diversifying?

Microsoft explained that it made the choice in order to concentrate on Mesh, the mixed reality platform it first unveiled in 2021 and subsequently stated would be integrated into Teams.

Microsoft expressed excitement for future developments, including the introduction of Microsoft Mesh, a new platform for connectivity and collaboration that will first enable offices worldwide. The business is concentrating its VR efforts on work-related experiences in the near future, learning from and working with its early clients and partners while doing so, and making sure to create a foundation that supports security, trust, and compliance. Eventually, with the intention of expanding to consumer experiences as well.

Does this mean it will be laying off workers?

After Microsoft announced it will fire 10,000 workers until the end of March, news of the closure broke. Windows Central reports that as part of the restructure, Microsoft intends to eliminate the whole AltspaceVR team.

Microsoft partners with Meta to bring Teams, Office, Windows, and Xbox to VR - The Verge — Source: The verge

According to Bloomberg, the business also cut the size of its HoloLens team’s workforce. The division has had several changes in the previous year, including the resignation of the division’s former chief Alex Kipman, who departed Microsoft in June following allegations of sexual misconduct, and the suspension of a contract with the US military. Microsoft apparently gave up on its ambitions for a new HoloLens gadget in 2022 as well.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

“Bharo Digital Export Ki Nayi Uraan”- Alibaba Gathers Exporters At B2B E-Commerce Summit

Unzila Riaz

Jan 23, 2023

Today in Lahore, 20 January 2023 – Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) trade, hosted “B2B E-COMMERCE SUMMIT. “Bharo Digital Export Ki Nayi Uraan – Lahore Se” which would facilitate Pakistani exporters’ understanding of and access to the global B2B market.

The Summit

The event featured a line-up of speakers from Alibaba.com as well as prominent industry leaders from Lahore. It included Miss Amy Li, Marketing Head of Alibaba.com Pakistan; Mr. Rana Mansoor Qadir, Former Executive Member – PAAPAM, Mr. Hafiz Ahmed, Ecommerce Influencer and CEO of Ecomrades, and Mr. Shahbaz Siddique, Alibaba.com Certified Trainer.
During the event, global consumer trends in the food and agricultural sectors which have had an implication for export from Pakistan were discussed. According to a statista.com report, consumer spending in the global food and beverage market amounted to US$8.66 trillion in 2022. It will rise by 7.0% per year from 2019 to 2025. Asia accounted for the greatest profit share of the industry in 2022, with a market volume of US$4.3 trillion. For Pakistani exporters, rice is a promising and significant category.

At the event, it was also revealed that the top buyer markets in the agriculture category on Alibaba.com include the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Bangladesh. Among the top buyer markets in the food category are the United States, Bangladesh, and Turkey. Pakistan is also a major buyer market in both categories.
Talking on the occasion, Mr. Rana Mansoor Qadir, Former Executive Member – of PAAPAM, said: “We are thankful to Alibaba.com for its efforts to open newer avenues for local businesses to enhance their sales and profitability. The world is changing fast through digitization; therefore traditional businesses should also change for good. Through Alibaba.com’s global platform, our businesses can access markets all over the world and contribute effectively to the national economy.”

A COVID Vaccine That You Can ‘Drink’?

Dr. Rida Qamar

Jan 23, 2023

Good news for all with needle phobia is around the corner. Scientists are working on a vaccine that can be drunk rather than injecting it with a needle.

Drinkable COVID Vaccine

With COVID-19 still hanging on heads and with increasing cases in Asia and major parts of Europe, developing COVID-19 vaccines come in quite handy. However, injectable vaccines were quite a task for those who suffer from needle phobia.

While the idea of drinkable vaccines is still farfetched, researchers are working and expanding their focus on them. Meanwhile, scientists also plan on developing nasal vaccines. The “swish and swallow” oral vaccines such as QYNDR, have completed their phase 1 clinical trial and are currently waiting on more funding to conduct the more detailed, advanced trials that could bring the vaccine to market.

According to Kyle Flanigan, founder of QYNDR’s maker, US Specialty Formulations,

“The QYNDR vaccine is pronounced “kinder,” because it’s a softer way to deliver a vaccine.”

The clinical trial results from New Zealand offer promising results in a hope that QYNDR will be a great option for protection against the string of COVID-19 variants circulating. However, the findings still have to be peer-reviewed.

“It’s challenging to have a vaccine survive making it through your digestive system,” Flanigan said. “We were able to figure out how to get a vaccine past the stomach and into the gut and have it be effective and induce the appropriate response.”

Mucosal Vaccine Response

While talking about the response of mucosal vaccines, Dr. Amesh Adalja, who is a physician and senior scholar with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, says that,

“A new type of immune response and better infection protection – such as what’s induced by mucosal vaccines – is what people will be looking for in future vaccines. That generates a different type of immune response, including different antibodies.” About the way mucosal vaccines provide immunity, he added that there’s “a rationale” to pursue them.

Nasal mucosal vaccines are already available in the markets in China and India. However, they are not being used greatly as the efficacy is very less compared to those traditional vaccines.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

The Impact Of Social Media On Beauty Standards And Body Image

Dr. Rida Qamar

Jan 23, 2023

Beauty standards and what is deemed as a perfect feature, or a beauty notion has changed over decades. What was perceived as beautiful decades ago might not be considered the same in today’s world. Likewise, certain beauty standards are more prevalent and considered more beautiful today. However, the major difference between the two is the presence of social media and how it has redefined the standards of beauty. Research suggests that social media use has greatly contributed to dissatisfaction with the body and eating disorders.

How Social Media Influences Beauty Standards?

The use of social media has turned our lives into an idea that we must always look picture-perfect. With perfectly swept locks and plumped lips, a sun-kissed look, and airbrushed skin. Studies show that the correlation between negative body image and time spent on social media is especially true when the content consumed on social media is appearance-related. Comparing ourselves to the ideal beauty standards can badly hurt our body image. Furthermore, the accessibility to photoshop and filters can further derange the idea of beauty coming in all shapes and sizes since these filters specifically cater to modifying features.

Sharing edited pictures and videos on social media isn’t just related to sharing content where you feel content with yourself. The constant validation which is sought out with likes and comments in disguise leaves a trail of temporary euphoria. This feeling of getting compliments from those around you often feels like a drug. This leads to an obsession with edited content where the person’s image is split into outsider’s standards of beauty which certainly doesn’t sit well with their inner critic. This sure is a recipe for disaster and can develop serious self-esteem issues in the long run.

Social Media Is A Culprit

Despite many brands taking adversity on like a pro, the concept of individuality and acceptance is still very much neglected. The beauty campaigns run on social media platforms offer a substandard standpoint of beauty. With a slim waist and contoured cheeks, this idea is subconsciously engraved into the human mind that they need to look a certain way further leading to body dissatisfaction and body image issues.

Bottomline

With new beauty apps and social media tools coming out every day, the body changes depicted online are ever-changing. While the negative aspects of social media on beauty are widely discussed, measures must be taken to develop an interest in body positivity while using social media as a medium for self-acceptance.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Fascinating Secrets You Didn’t Know About Samsung

Dr. Rida Qamar

Jan 23, 2023

Samsung’s technology has taken over our lives. From smartphones to smart TVs and home appliances, the South Korean tech giant has made our lives efficient, easy, and convenient to say the least. The company which was founded on 01 Mar 1938 initially started as a grocery store. However, it wasn’t until 1970 that the company released its first electronic product which was a black-and-white TV.

Since Samsung’s history dates back decades, there are some of the company’s well-kept secrets and historical landmarks you must know.

1. Samsung’s Opera House

Samsung’s Opera House is known as one of the largest Samsung stores in the world. Situated in Banglore India, the store houses some of the most expert technology experts from whom you can learn about a variety of things. The Samsung Opera House makes for a perfect visit for any technology geek.

2. Company’s ManPower

Samsung is known for improving the skills of its workforce and manpower. One of the company’s motives is to make sure that all its employees offer top-notch skills with improved learning. Currently, the company house 2,36,000 employees from 79 countries all over the world.

3. Quality Assurance

The quality of Samsung’s products speaks for itself. The company is known to release some of the finest quality software and gadgets. Back in 1995, Samsung destroyed almost 150,000 smartphone unit’s which cost $40M simply because the quality of the lot didn’t meet the company’s expectations. Since then Samsung has always made sure not to compromise in quality.

4. Brand Strategy

Samsung’s red ocean strategy to find out the flaws in their products always helps them eliminate the problems that might come up in their products unexpectedly. The company’s approach to launching one-a-kind statement products such as Galaxy note is what make the set apart from other brands.

5. Samsung’s Innovation

Samsung’s innovative products have always set a standard among its rival companies. Samsung was the first to launch the digital TV in 1998. Meanwhile, the company also manufactured a mp3-supported phone in 1999 as well as its first 3D home theatre in 2010.

6. Samsung’s Supply Chain

Samsung is a pioneer in developing products. The company produces the spare parts of gadgets and tech at their own companies. Meanwhile, Samsung also produces spare parts for other big companies such as display and chips for their biggest competitor, Apple.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Pakistani Humor At Its Best During Power Crisis

Unzila Riaz

Jan 23, 2023

Today, Monday morning, the first day of the new week, the country faces a major power breakdown. Reports have been received from across the nation of no electricity. It is said to be triggered by a “frequency variation” in the national grid. However, large parts of the country including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta are now left without electricity.

ابتدائی اطلاعات کے مطابق آج صبح 7:34 پر نیشنل گرڈ کی سسٹم فریکوئنسی کم ہوئ جس سے بجلی کے نظام میں وسیع بریک ڈاؤن ہوا
سسٹم کی بحالی پر کام تیزی سےجاری ہے

— Ministry of Energy (@MoWP15) January 23, 2023

The power outage has led Pakistani people to get ready and start the day in the dark. But their light humor has really turned the day around. As soon as people lost access to energy in their homes they turned to Twitter to show off their witty and clever humor by making memes and jokes. Be it about people complaining about dead cell phones or having breakfast in the dark, here are some really hilarious ones.

Some also sarcastically bashed the government for its lack of responsibility.

Exactly we are on same page #poweroutage #ElectricityShutDown #چوروں_کا_چور_CM_نامنظور #محسن_نقوی_نامنظور #خان_کو_روکنا_ناممکن #چھین_کےلینگےمینڈیٹ_اپنا #سیاست_کا_سلطان_عمران_خان pic.twitter.com/tctJbNoTUU

— Hassan SAEED (@HassanSaeed07) January 23, 2023

Hearing ountrywide power breakdown.#poweroutage pic.twitter.com/AeaISjmjcK

— Haroon (@ThisHaroon) January 23, 2023

According to netizens Pakistan has also been said to be gone into “dark mode”. They can not stop referring the situation to political matters and it is pretty funny.

#poweroutage

When the light come back on pic.twitter.com/NLlPB9vccC

— Syed Ali Hasnat Bukhari (@SyedAliHasnatB3) January 23, 2023

Office-going people have also joined in on the mocking of the power outage movement.

Me waking up to no electricity: #poweroutage pic.twitter.com/LCgcdCLZEc

— Brownie ✨ (@the_desi_dream) January 23, 2023

At least the public is self-aware and is also making fun of themselves for being so non-serious.

Every one tweeting about power outage
Le me who don't care:#ElectricityShutDown #poweroutage pic.twitter.com/eCIP1Psy8x

— Rao🇵🇰 (@Mr_Rao_007) January 23, 2023

Wifi users and people who are now left with less charging on their phones are specifically “crying” about the whole situation.

Phone ki 100% charging:#poweroutage pic.twitter.com/t9lxQLiz1C

— Areesha (@AreeshaAthar) January 23, 2023

WiFi Users :- #poweroutage | #Breakdown | #Blackout pic.twitter.com/wPpKKT1lal

— Malik Shoujaat 🇵🇰 (@Malok_Shoujaat) January 23, 2023

Some people are also reporting low signals and even no cell service during the power outage. They are feeling completely cut off but still are using jokes as their coping mechanism.

#poweroutage #InternetSlowDown
After the electric power outage the cellular networks have been degraded to #Edge 😢.
I have typed this and hoping this tweet to upload. pic.twitter.com/pBbD8Af9cx

— Rashid Qureshi (@rashidmq) January 23, 2023

These are some of the funniest tweets circulating through social media. And we are sure more are to come because it will take 12 hours for the electricity to be completely restored according to electricity minister Dastagir Khan.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

PSL 8 2023: Complete Schedule Of The Matches

Ariba Raza

Jan 21, 2023

PSL 8 2023: Complete Schedule Of The Matches — Image Source: InsideSport.in

After the eighth edition’s schedule was released on Friday, the countdown to Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) premier event, the Pakistan Super League 2023, officially started today.

The major competition will take place in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan between February 13 and March 19, 2023.

When Lahore Qalandars play Multan Sultans on February 13 in the PSL 8 opener at the Multan Cricket Stadium, they will have the chance to make history.

PSL 8 2023

The PSL 8 will be divided into two legs, with matches taking place at Multan Cricket Stadium and National Bank Cricket Arena from February 13 to February 26 and then at Gaddafi Stadium and Pindi Cricket Stadium from February 26 to March 19.

The qualifying, two elimination rounds, and the championship game will all take place from March 15–19 at the Pakistan Cricket Ground.

Three demonstration games will be played prior to the men’s matches on March 8, 10, and 11 in Rawalpindi, which will serve as the soft start for the Pakistan Women’s League.

Leading domestic and international athletes are anticipated to make up the two women’s sides; further information will be provided when available.

Here’s the complete PSL 8 2023 schedule:

HBL PSL 8 schedule announced

Read more: https://t.co/RIPchIAsFk #HBLPSL8 pic.twitter.com/k3xYhYkzM5

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) January 20, 2023

Feb 13 — Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars, Multan Cricket Stadium

Feb 14 — Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Cricket Arena

Feb 15 — Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Stadium

Feb 16 — Karachi Kings v Islamabad United, National Bank Cricket Arena

Feb 17 — Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Cricket Stadium

Feb 18 — Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Cricket Arena

Feb 19 — Multan Sultans v Islamabad United, Multan Cricket Stadium; Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Cricket Arena

Feb 20 — Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Cricket Arena

Feb 21 — Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Cricket Arena

Feb 22 – Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket Stadium

Feb 23 — Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United, National Bank Cricket Arena

Feb 24 — Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United, National Bank Cricket Arena

Feb 26 — Karachi Kings v Multan Sultans, National Bank Cricket Arena; Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium

Feb 27 — Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium

Mar 1 — Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium

Mar 2 — Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium

Mar 3 — Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium

Mar 4 — Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium

Mar 5 — Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium

Mar 6 — Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium

Mar 7 — Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium

Mar 8 — Pakistan Women’s League Exhibition Match 1, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium

Mar 9 — Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium

Mar 10 — Pakistan Women’s League Exhibition Match 2, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium

Mar 11 — Pakistan Women’s League Exhibition Match 3, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium

Mar 12 — Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium

Mar 15 — Qualifier (1 v 2), Gaddafi Stadium

Mar 16 — Eliminator 1 (3 v 4), Gaddafi Stadium

Mar 17 — Eliminator 2 (loser Qualifier v winner Eliminator 1), Gaddafi Stadium

Mar 19 — Final, Gaddafi Stadium

All afternoon matches will kick off at 2PM. The evening matches will begin at 7PM in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi – except for the tournament opener, which will start at 8PM. Evening matches in Multan will start at 6PM.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Pakistani Dramas To Look Forward To In 2023

Dr. Rida Qamar

Jan 20, 2023

Pakistani Dramas To Look Forward To In 2023 — Image Source: Instagram

Tis’ the season for new TV dramas and shows, as 2023 arrives our entertainment dose is about to get double. The new line of upcoming TV dramas shows some of our favourite characters and pairing on screen. Hence, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the most anticipated TV shows coming on your screens soon.

1. Kuch Ankahi

Kuch Ankahi is the perfect treat for all Rangreza lovers. The former Rangreza duo, Sajal Aly and Bilal Abbas Khan, is back together onscreen for an ARY project. Directed by Nadeem Baig the drama features some of the finest names in the industry including Asma Abbas, Babar Ali, Qudsia Ali, Ali Safina, Vaneeza Ali, Irsa Ghazal, and Annie Zaidi. The drama is an unconventional rom-com and features themes of women empowerment, family values and cultural norms making it worth a watch.

2. Yunhi

Directed by Mohammad Ehteshamuddin, the Hum TV’s upcoming serial Yunhi is starring Maya Ali and Bilal Ashraf. The story follows the lives of two people who grow up in different societies yet share the same values. Their love story is the masterpiece of mutual understanding, resilience, and growth.

3. Pyari Mona

Pyari Mona is another Hum feature that is set to break all body image stereotypes. The drama features Sanam Jung as a plus-size girl who is trying her best to settle in a world that takes pride in being smart. While talking about her role in Pyari Mona, the actress shared, “Playing Pyari Mona was quite challenging not only as an actor but also because our industry has very stringent standards of how a woman should look, especially when she’s the lead,” she wrote.

4. Hook

Hook is an intense star-studded drama featuring some of our favorites including, Faisal Qureshi, Shahroz Sabzwari, Kinza Hashmi, and Saima Jee in the leading cast. The drama is all set to air on ARY Digital and showcases the life of an influential couple and their relationship with each other.

5. Sar-e-Raah

Sar-e-Raah is another groundbreaking series that has the audience dying in anticipation. The stellar cast includes Saba Qamar, Hareem Farooq, Sunita Marshal, Saboor Aly, and Muneeb Butt as lead characters. The story revolves around the lives of the intersex community as well as discusses the stories of women empowerment, female infertility, and gender equality.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.