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4 Controversial Pakistani Short Films Online That You Won’t See On TV

short films
Image Source: YouTube

Content differs according to the platform it airs on. If the content is made for TV, it has the masses as its audience. But unlike this assumption, people who do not have TV, have smartphones and a connection to the internet. Hence, the digital platform, as well, has access to the masses. But with digital, what is different is that everyone consumes it separately; there is an element of privacy. Therefore, you will definitely come across short films with controversial plots that you will not see on TV.

Following are 4 short films that have controversial concepts in them.

1. Dancing Doll

Dancing Doll features Anoushay Abbasi in the role of a call girl. The story is heart-wrenching, but you will never see such explicit symbols of being a call girl on TV. The film even shows cars arriving towards the areas call girls who then negotiate their rate.

Read More: 5 Pakistani Short Films That Are Way Better Than Dramas

2. Daughter By Law

Daughter By Law shows the concept where an adult son has to come to terms with his mom being in a romantic relationship and going out on dates. He realizes that his mom has a life of her own and she can get married at this age if it makes her happy. This concept will be rarely shown on TV where you still see dramas showing how children, breaking away from the joint family system, are evil.

3. Client

Client shows Azekah Daniel in the role of a prostitute. The visuals only show a young boy ending up in a brothel within the prostitute’s room. This idea makes the film already controversial but they also delve further as Azekah delves into an emotional monologue of what happens to the agency of the woman when she ends up in this place.

4. 2 Sey 5

2 Sey 5 is full of numerous law-breaking acts and supernatural elements. It is a story of a man who figures out his wrong ways and vows to be better; all of it in a span of three hours.

Read More: 7 Pakistani Films That Are Soon To Hit The Cinemas

This is not to say that PEMRA should create problems for the digital platform because the stories are definitely eye-openers. Plus, they are not hurting the culture if people are not watching them in groups, isn’t it? But they are definitely controversial plots that you will not see on TV.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

Tips On How To Survive Till The End In PUBG Mobile

surviving in PUBG mobile till the end
Image Source: dotesports.com

PUBG Mobile has become one of the most widely played games of all time. It all started off from a tournament and it has developed into something more. You can find quite a lot of players on the map these days. A person does not even have to wait long before finding an online match. The pandemic has only helped in speeding up the popularity of the game. Being forced indoors has brought a lot of people together through PUBG Mobile. However, there are certain tips and strategies to this game.

When you are released on a map with 100 other players, your survival chances may not be too high. If you land in a player infested region, you might find yourself dead before you even pick up a melee weapon. So, what are these tips that can last a player till the end of a PUBG Mobile match? There must be something that we can do to survive till the end.

mobile gaming and survival tips
Image Source: indianexpress.com

1. Don’t Engage In Unnecessary Firefights

It takes quite a lot of brain to know when to attack and when to defend. Many times, you may get an opportunity to shoot a passerby player. However, if you are not armoured and armed well, picking a fight could land you in deep waters. What if the other player has a long-range weapon and you have a shotgun? Pick your fights cleverly. Sometimes, it is better to hide and wait till the perfect moment strikes.

how to win and survive till the end in game
Image Source: jalurnyaman.com

2. Stick With Your Teammates

If you are playing with a squad, it would not do well to run off and attempt a solo match. You may come face to face with a whole enemy squad. It takes an immense amount of skill to do a squad wipe so it is better to stick with your team. This way, you can keep pushing forward till the end, without being in big trouble.

tips on how to survive longer in game
Image Source: factschronicles.com

Read More: Top 10 Underrated Mobile Games You Should Check Out

3. Go From Cover To Cover

If you are playing solo and a highly defensive game, then it is better to keep moving whilst in cover. If you are in an open area, we suggest you go prone and slowly make your way out of the area. People may not shoot you in the open area, but they might tail you for a while and shoot you when you least expect it. It is always recommended that you take cover when under fire or when crossing open areas.

taking cover in game for survival
Image Source: mobigyaan.com

4. Wait For Health Regeneration

You don’t want to run into a firefight when your health is low. It is better to hide away and let it regenerate for a while before going back in. It is also wise to use the medical kit before re-engaging in a battle. Revival can be difficult when teammates are far away or dead so make sure you hide for regeneration. Apart from that, keep extra health packs on you for quick healing.

healing and regeneration in PUBG mobile
Image Source: technobrotherzz.in

Read More: 10 PS5 Games You Should Totally Get Your Hands On

5. Know Where To Land

This must be emphasised quite a lot. How you start a PUBG match can depend a lot on where you land. If you are in a player-infested area, you might want to salvage as quick as possible, with whatever weapon and armour you can get. If you are in an empty area with fewer supplies, you might have to hide for a while before coming upon good drops. So, it is of utmost importance that you know where you are landing. If you wish to play it safe, landing in a residential area can be beneficial.

landing on pubg mobile and survival tip
Image Source: pinterest.com

Read More: 5 Things Only Pro PUBG Players Can Relate To

6. Keep An Eye On the Play Area

The map gets smaller as time progresses in PUBG mobile. It is an important survival tip that you know where the map is going to pinpoint the shrink zone next. This way, you can plan in advance and lie in wait for approaching players. You can always hide near the end of the shrink zone and pick off players as they struggle to enter the safe zone.

pubg mobile and survival tips
Image Source: gurugamer.com

Stay tuned for more from Brandsynario!

Dawlance Completes Its 10,000 Tree-Plantation As A Sustainability Project

Karachi: 16th June 2022 – Dawlance is the technology-leading enterprise in Pakistan’s home-appliances industry, which recently hosted a vibrant ceremony to celebrate the successful completion of its 10,000 Tree-Plantation projects. Dawlance has the vision to ensure the well-being of humanity and environmental sustainability, whereby the company has collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the University of Karachi (KU), for large-scale tree plantations in Pakistan, while also nurturing the vast mangrove forests along the coastal regions.

The Chief Executive Officer of Dawlance – Umar Ahsan Khan, unveiled a monument, built at the KU, for commemorating this plantation drive. He stated that: “Being a responsible corporate citizen – Dawlance remains committed to make resourceful contributions, for ensuring socio-economic development for the wellbeing of the community and preservation of nature, in sync with the Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations. This collaboration is a part of the “Dawlance for Humanity” initiative, which is enabling a better quality-of-life, education and healthcare for the nation.”

Chief Marketing Officer of Dawlance – Syed Hasan Jameel said: “For this plantation-initiative, we engaged the Dawlance family and the students of Karachi University and the WWF teams, along with a large number of volunteering citizens. All these participants were also trained through Green-Workshops, to create public awareness about; the importance of vegetation and forests for maintaining the ecological balance of nature.

Dr. Tahir Rasheed – the Regional Head of WWF in (Sindh & Balochistan) said that: Trees have a long-term positive-impact on the environment and the society while promising the prevention of global-warming & climate-change, to ensure a safe and healthy future for our coming generations. It is heartening to see the Karachi University students gaining awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability”.

The parent-company of Dawlance – Arcelik is the second-largest manufacturer in Europe, offering a wide-range of globally leading products and technologies that meets and inspires European standards for sustainability, by promising more than 50% energy-conservation for a healthier, greener Pakistan. Over the years, Dawlance has invested over 35 billion dollars to setup 3 large-scale factories in Pakistan and its nationwide network of 1800+ dealers for sales & service.

Some of the other distinguished guests representing the KU at the Dawlance plantation ceremony included: Professor Dr. Nasira Khatoon – Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Anjum Perveen – Director of the Centre for Plant Conservation (Botanical Garden & Herbarium) and Dr. Saboohi Raza – Chairperson, Department of Agriculture & Agribusiness Management.

Edge To Boost Base Salary By 150% Of Pakistan-Based Employees In Face Of Inflation

Islamabad – 16 June 2022: Edge, U.S founded HR-tech startup, is raising base salaries for its Pakistan based client relations employees to PKR 200,000 minimum. This represents a 150 percent increase in base pay in a move seeking to provide relief to employees in the face of rising inflation and fuel costs.

More than 190 people working in the client relations department will benefit from this welcome development. Edge also plans to increase its global company-wide compensation budget in the near future.

“We are aware of the global economic downturn and its impact on our people, especially in Pakistan. More than ever, we understand our responsibility towards our people and the need to invest in them,” said Iffi Wahla, Founder and CEO, Edge. “I sincerely hope this decision starts a momentum for wage increases in the country. Our mission is to democratize fair wages and access to work across the globe.”

The company was founded in 2020 and operates in the insurance, health, and retail sector providing global remote employees to North American companies. A total of 320 employees are a part of the company which has offices in the United States, Pakistan, and Peru. Edge plans on expanding to seven more countries by the end of this year and 150 countries by 2024.

Is Oreo Launching Another Exciting New Flavor?

Oreo has announced that its newest limited-edition flavor is inspired by Neapolitan ice cream. The news broke on the TikTok app. The classic three-flavored ice cream is honestly a genius new Oreo variety. I mean, who doesn’t love cookies and ice cream?

The new flavor features three layers of creme—vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate—sandwiched between two waffle cone-flavored cookies. Talk about satisfying a sweet tooth.

Oreo’s Latest Addition 

When you picture snacks for summer, you probably first think of cooling treats like fresh slices of watermelon, cones from the ice cream truck, or the many flavors of Slurpee. But with too many ice-cold summer snacks, you’ll end up with a head freeze.

There are plenty of other iconic summer foods to get you in the mood for sprinklers, barbeques, and beach days. Meanwhile, the snack brands are always ready to drum up a new flavor for the summer months. In the coming months, when you’re going to the grocery store to pick up something to bring to the next social gathering, you’ll have the option of a brand-new flavor of Oreos to bring to the table.

With a single layer of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry crème sandwiched between a delicious waffle cone-flavored cookie, who needs a trip to the local ice cream shop when you can just head straight to your cabinet?

Read More: Retail Brand Zara Under Fire For Disrespecting Food

Launch Date

While the fans couldn’t wait to get their hands on the limited-edition flavor, Oreo announced that the new Oreo Neapolitan cookies will hit mid-July in the market. When it does hit, however, don’t hesitate on picking it up as this limited-edition treat is only available while supplies last.

Read More: 5 Delicious Savoury Mango Recipes That Are Worth Giving A Shot

Oreo Limited-Edition Flavors

Oreo began introducing special limited-edition flavors after their 100th anniversary in 2012 when they had a special Birthday Cake cookie to celebrate their centennial. Since then, according to People, they’ve released 65 limited-edition flavors, such as Gingerbread for the Holidays, Easter Egg, and Tiramisu. Oreo loves to play around with its fans on social media, teasing upcoming flavors. On June 14th, they tweeted that there would be a flavor announcement on Tiktok the next day.

Last month, the brand came out with a special collaboration with another superhit product on the market – the Ritz cookie.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Pepsi & Snapchat Join Hands For Their Latest Campaign ‘Thirsty For Music’

pepsi snapchat
Image Source: Arab News

Pepsi and Snapchat have partnered up for the best latest campaign. The campaign centers around music and is one of a kind as you would expect anything with Snapchat to be. The campaign is also there to celebrate the musical scene in Saudi Arabia and many new things will be launched. Read all about that here:

Read more: Netflix Announces A Real-Life Version Of Squid Game Show ‘The Challenge’

What Will The Brand Do?

The brand will launch five limited-edition interactive cans. These cans will feature classical and new musical instruments so all of them will be celebrating the music scene in Saudi Arabia. These cans also have many variants of Pepsi. For instance, there is Pepsi Blue, Pepsi Max, and Diet Pepsi too. All of them represent a specific instrument and sound bite, including oud, guitar, drums, keyboard, and darbuka.

pepsi snapchat
Image Source: iSpot.TV

How Are The Cans Interactive?

The cans are interactive because the featured instrument can come to life. Simply scan the Snapcode on the can! This will animate the can alongside various audio bites from the campaign’s soundtrack. So in other words, this is a full-fledged augmented reality experience.

pepsi snapchat
Image Source: sian Age

Moreover, Snap has also created a body-tracking lens that Snapchat users can dance to. It features two different dances — hip-hop and K-pop — inspired by the campaign’s film choreography!

The Saudi Community

According to the leaders of the campaign, “Our Saudi community is curious and eager to explore new experiences”. For Snapchat, teaming up with Pepsi on new AR experiences means that a unique source of entertainment is created. It helps Saudis develop and discover new content in an interactive setting. Pepsi has also partnered with various artists for the campaign. Artists like Rashed Al-Fares, Molham, and Abdullah Al-Manea are all a part of the campaign. The campaign’s theme song “We Are The Anthem” also is special because it encourages Saudis to challenge themselves and show their talent on the big screen.

pepsi snapchat
Image Source: Mobile Marketing Magazine

The whole campaign brings diversity and excitement to the campaign. Snap and Pepsi have come together to bring a bunch of creatives for a purpose that transcends borders. This campaign is not limited to just KSA only, it goes beyond that. The “Thirsty for Music” ideology shows throughout the campaign fully. What a well-executed idea, we must say!

Read more: This ACCA Ad Is Making Netizens Ask The Same Question –…

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Yasir Hussain’s ‘Javed Iqbal’ Gets Selected For Berlin Film Festival

yasir hussain berlin film festival
Image Source: Dawn

Another movie of Pakistan is making it internationally. Unfortunately, that also means another movie of Pakistan that Pakistanis themselves are not allowed to watch. ‘Javed Iqbal’ starring Yasir Hussain has been selected for the Berlin Film Festival. Read all about the big achievement here:

Read more: Here Is Who We Would Cast If Squid Game Was Made…

The Announcement

The announcement was made on Twitter by the talented director, Abu Aleeha. He announced that his film had been selected for an international film festival. What’s more, is that Javed Iqbal has bagged two other awards in the UK. Abu Aleeha won the ‘Best Director’ and the film won the ‘Best Actor Award’ in the UK which is a huge win for the team too. Now, it’s all set to rock Berlin on behalf of Pakistanis.

yasir hussain berlin film festival
Image Source: Fuschia Magazine

Why Can’t We See It?

The film is based on Javed Iqbal, a serial killer, and pedophile who killed over a hundred children between 1989 and 1999. When he was finally caught after a decade by the police he also admitted to all his crimes. His crime and story still remain one of the most haunted ones that Pakistan has ever experienced.

 

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The film had essentially cleared all censors prior to its release. However, 2 days before its screening it was announced that the Punjab Information and Culture Department has an issue with the film which is why it’s being banned. This makes it one of the many films that the Pakistani audience will not be able to see.

yasir hussain berlin film festival
Image Source: Samaa English

What Are People Saying?

The people are ecstatic to hear that another film of their own is making to the big leagues. However, the disappointment that it has still not been able to meet the eyes of Pakistanis is very visible and also expressed. Why is it that the films made in the motherland win awards and gain appreciation outside of it? How can we hope to progress as a nation?


Read more: Did Mahira Khan Just Claim She’s ‘Taken’?

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Kamli: A Unique Cinematic Experience

Image Source: Dawn

Sarmad Khoosat’s feature film Kamli, released on June 3, 2022 is currently running across Pakistan and holding well during its second weekend at high-end multiplexes, reaching nearly the Rs. 3 crore mark so far. The hype has not slowed down and in gatherings, you overhear people asking each other whether they have watched the movie or not.

I have watched the movie thrice. It is a mix of sensuality, romance, and eeriness that talks about the female desire and female gaze in the most surreal way.

On the surface, Kamli revolves around Hina (Saba Qamar), who lives with her visually-impaired sister-in-law Sakina (Sania Saeed). In the movie, Hina’s husband is shown to be missing for long with no signs of return. Her routine is monotonous and limited to household chores. The only breathing space she finds is at Zeenat’s house, where she is the subject or muse of her paintings. Zeenat’s character is very well-played by Nimra Bucha, who is a bitter woman; dealing with infertility and an unhappy marriage with Nadir (Omair Rana).

Image Source: Twitter

One day, Hina encounters Alamtaas (Hamza Khawaja), and they both fall in love with each other. The entry of Alamtaas in the film is indeed one of the most sensual and intimate ones that I have seen in most movies.

On a deeper level, Kamli focuses on the emotions, fantasies, and desires of women which, when, suppressed in one way or another, lead to mental health issues. These emotions are depicted through different symbolic and metaphorical references such as a pink umbrella, mosquito net, a rabbit or a swan, rainwater, or fire. Hence, the entire ‘mise-en-scene’ of the film creates an atmosphere that draws you into the psychological world of emotions experienced by women.

Qamar as Hina, the protagonist, stuns yet once again in one of the most complex roles of her career. Casting Hamza Khawaja as Amaltaas seems a great choice as the young former Mr. LUMS does complete justice to his role – ‘a soothing sight for Hina’s sore eyes and restless mind’. Sania Saeed representing the blind eye tradition that is numb towards Hina is convincing and believable in every way.

Image Source: Trendsmap

The screenplay is written by Fatima Sattar and the brilliant cinematography done by Awais Gohar makes this film a visual treat to watch. Music is yet another highlight of the film, perhaps one of the best that has come out so far. Songs such as ‘Naina’ and ‘Mukhra’ composed by masters like Zulfiqar Ali (Nairray Ahh – in the film Chooryaan), sound design by super-talented Saad Sultan with powerful vocals of Reshma Jee and Atif Aslam will haunt you even after the film ends.

To conclude, Kamli is a thought-provoking film that leaves you with a lot of questions when you come out of the cinema hall. A must-watch if you wish to see artistry, the craft of filmmaking that we all miss or rather complain about when it comes to our local cinema.

Retail Brand Zara Under Fire For Disrespecting Food

Spanish retail giant Zara is under fire once again. This time for using food as shoe props, and the internet is furious. The derogatory pictures were posted on the brand’s Turkish and German websites and have received significant backlash from the public.

Who thought your heels might come with a side of ice cream? Sounds weird, right?

Zara Disrespects Food In Latest Campaign 

While using food as props have been in the world of marketing for years, one must assume it is on the table just as a decorative piece or being eaten by the models. Meanwhile, Zara took the food props to the next level by stuffing shoes with different food items. The doughnuts sitting on the platform sandals or the sourdough bread used to make a stack for the shoes to stand might look cool in pictures for the advertisers. However, it is infuriating given the rising inflation and the lack of access to necessities worldwide.

Take a look at the campaign below. 

Read More: Sunsilk Rolls Out An Immersive Metaverse Experience

Twitter Reacts To The Campaign 

Since the pictures went viral, the public has been requesting the brand to take down the pictures from the website. Meanwhile, others have urged the brands to stop using food in the name of fashion.

The tone-deaf attempt of Zara to connect its leather pieces with food has backfired. In a world where synthetic leather is being emphasised for apparent reasons, brands must be mindful of such acts, especially when people are starving from east to west.

The use of food is not just acceptable from a specific standpoint. It is exceptionally unethical given that it holds religious values in different sects.

Many users also urged fashion enthusiasts to boycott the brand and stop giving in in the name of capitalism.

The need for creativity sometimes leads to a disaster, and the high-street brand has proven this time and again. From selling overpriced clothes overlooking cultural appropriation to giving political statements, Zara has left all hell loose in the name of fashion.

Read More: McDonald’s Smoke Detector Automatically Orders Your Meal – Here’s How

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

11 Instagram-Worthy Restaurants In Karachi You Should Visit At Least Once

11 Instagram-Worthy Restaurants In Karachi You Should Visit At Least Once
Image source: foodtribune.com

Despite how excellent a restaurant’s foods and services are, one of the most critical factors we tend to consider is the restaurant’s ambiance. How comfortable and relaxing is it? How well do the restaurants look in the pictures or, in other words, how Instagram-worthy it is? Social media has changed our narrative when it comes to dining out. And as much as it sounds superficial, it has become more about taking cool pictures for the gram than indulging in food. Regardless if it makes you happy, then there is no harm in it.

Read More: 5 Delicious Lotus Cheesecake Desserts To Try In Karachi

That is why, today, we are doing a round of all the Instagram-worthy restaurants you can visit to get some incredible shots.

1. Swing 

Swing can take the award for being one of the best aesthetically pleasing restaurants in Karachi. The colossal flower wall has been one of the main attractions of the restaurants ever since it was launched. The place is a dream come true for all the girls to take aesthetically pleasing pictures, from cute mirror selfies to portraits. The pink couches and swings add a touch of elegance and feminity to the place, making it perfect for a girl’s night out.

2. Colette

Xander’s baby sister, or in other words, Colette, has an interior to die for. The vibrant shades of red and royal blue make the place lively and attractive. The indoor seating area has a huge tree installed which looks not only pretty but absolutely gorgeous. However, to make out the most of it, try and visit it in the evening to get some bright pictures under the dim lights.

3. Easy 

Easy’s huge donut display is a sight for sore eyes enough to combat your sugar cravings. Not to mention the enormous neon-bright board, which is hanging just above the counter. Easy stays true to its name by providing a chill and laidback vibe. The pastel grey and pink color palette add a perfect hint to the eatery, making it one of the most famous Instagrammable restaurants in the city.

4. Loco 

A treat for all the art lovers, Loco offers huge bright-coloured paintings installed along with bright wallpapers. As if their interior was not enough to capture your attention, their food is sight-worthy and can make for some of the best food pictures.

5. Jucy Lucy 

The picture-perfect decor with huge bright yellow-colored windows and doors is the most eye-catching thing about the restaurant. The minimal sleek interior and furniture make this one perfect for the snaps.

6. Maribelle 

More like a flower garden than a restaurant, Maribelle is the epitome of an Instagram-worthy restaurant. The perfect place to host birthday parties and bridal showers, Maribelle offers lots of scenic displays and beautiful decor. Not to mention an old school car right outside the restaurant. The pink-colored phone booth adorned in flowers along with massive flower walls is the perfect spot for an Instagram-worthy lunch.

7. Praha 

Another restaurant that offers a blend of Instagram-worthy decor is Praha. From its sleek interior to pastel-colored decor, the restaurant is an absolute feast for someone who likes everything pretty but not done over the top.

Read More: 6 New Food Trucks In Karachi That Are Worth Stopping By

8. Cocochan

Cocochan’s interior offers a blend of modern and vintage. The amalgamation of black and white flooring with pastel flowers and decoration on the roof and the pretty sunset views makes it worth a visit at least once.

9. Manhattan 

The sleek design of the interior and the coziness the place offers makes it a go-to for all entrepreneurs and working people. Manhattan might not be one for big flower walls or photo ops, but the scenic views from the rooftop are some of the best, which makes it lands amongst the Instagram-worthy restaurants in Karachi.

10. Yoshi’s 

A treat for all anime or manga lovers, Yoshi’s offers cute photo props so that you don’t forget to have fun while taking pictures. However, the restaurant’s highlight is the pink door designed like a vending machine as if you are entering one.

11. Thyme 

Another one on the list that deserves the spot for being an Instagram-worthy restaurant is Thyme. With its bright coloured interior and artistic installations, the restaurant offers some of the best backdrops for pictures. The restaurant offers different decor in different areas which amalgamate to create a blend of modern and classic.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

5 Homemade Mosquito Repellents That Work Like Magic

5 Homemade Mosquito Repellents That Work Like Magic
Image source: https://www.homemadebklyn.com/

With dengue on the rise, protection from mosquitoes is a must for both, yourself and your family. And while it is difficult to get out of the situation, given that we have to spend most of the time outdoors, certain repellents can do the trick. If you are on the hunt for one, take a look at these homemade mosquito repellants, which are easy to make and can be perfect to pop in your bag.

1. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Lemon eucalyptus oil contains compounds like citronellal and p-methane 3,8-diol (PMD). While citronellal is believed to show a little repellency against mosquitoes, PMD is highly effective against these tiny creatures.

Image source: pinterest.com
You Will Need
  • 10 mL of lemon eucalyptus oil
  • 90 mL of any carrier oil (olive or coconut oil)
What You Have To Do
  1. Take a 100 mL bottle and add 10 mL of lemon eucalyptus oil to it.
  2. Add 90 mL of any carrier oil to the lemon eucalyptus oil and mix well.
  3. Apply this mixture directly to the affected area.

2. Peppermint Oil And Coconut Oil

Peppermint oil is another essential oil that works well in repelling mosquitoes. Combining it with coconut oil enhances its mosquito repellent potential and makes it your very own natural bug repellent. While peppermint contains compounds like limonene and menthol that keeps mosquitoes at bay, coconut oil contains unsaturated fatty acids and emulsifiers that slow down the evaporation of the repellent molecules of peppermint oil.

Image source: pinterest.com

Read More: Horrors That Mosquitoes Leave Behind & Everything You Need To Know

You Will Need
  • 12 drops of peppermint oil
  • 30 mL of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix peppermint oil with coconut oil.
  2. Apply this mixture directly to your hands and legs.

3. Neem Oil And Coconut Oil

5 Diverse Roles Played By Saba Qamar In Pakistani Dramas

saba qamar
Image Source: Instagram

Pakistani drama industry is assumed to be very singular-minded. It may be so; featuring a crying and helpless damsel in distress as a protagonist. But time and again, you come across some dramas or characters that are a breath of fresh air. Not every actor takes on these different projects but Saba Qamar is one of those actors who do. The Pakistani dramas she is a part of are a treat for sure. Would you like to know which ones am I talking about?

1. Cheekh – Mannat Shayan

The drama showed a man who raped and killed a girl. The girl was his sister-in-law’s friend. Saba Qamar plays the role of that sister-in-law. Knowing that standing up for the right of the murdered may lead to her alienation, she still doesn’t back off. Mannat was goals when it comes to stubbornness.

cheekh episode 27
Image Source: YouTube

2. Digest Writer – Farida 

Farida is a writer for a digest. she makes money off of it as well. Being a career woman gives her confidence to survive in a society where men feel their authority challenged if they are not the bread earners.

Of course, I did not like the ending where she chose to live with her abusive husband just because he apologized and her children wanted to live with him. That said, this decision also comes from the above-mentioned confidence. So, the decision fits.

3. Maat – Saman

Once again, Saba Qamar surprised us with a diverse character; a character of a jealous person who can go to any extent to get what she deems better even if it is meant for her sister. She is able to, so perfectly, play out the antagonist.

4. Baaghi – Fouzia Azeem

Baaghi, as you may remember, made news because of its ties to Qandeel Baloch. It was a tribute to the celebrity who was killed for portraying herself as who she is.

5. Bunty, I love you – Dania

Dania is a character who does not tale whatever is sent her way. She is one who knows how to put in the effort for something that she wants. And amidst all that, she is also one who wants the man to confess to her. She is able to take the two extremes simultaneously, and it is something only Saba Qamar could have done.

There are other actors as well who play diverse characters such as Yumna Zaidi, Emmad Irfani, and Imran Ashraf. Some other day we will list down their characters as well. But, for now, so watch these shows and let us know if you agree with us.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

Pakistan’s Parenting Culture: Leaving Children With Domestic Help

Parenting Culture
Image Source: Meridian Magazine

Parenting is a whole world unto itself and many don’t give it the credit it’s due: it’s the most difficult job in the world. To have tiny humans rely on you for everything and to be responsible for either adding a new person into the world. Pakistan’s parenting culture is also especially difficult because of familial interruptions and rules. Thus, many come to rely on house help but is that always a great solution?

Pakistan’s Parenting Culture

In our society, parenting is – more often than not – helicopter parenting. The child is always being controlled and told what to do and what not to. If there is a set of parents who wish to avoid this, they’re labelled as ‘bad parents’. Helicopter parenting actually restricts a child’s development at the early ages of life. Additionally, in Pakistan, those who rely on house help are seen as incapable parents— “aik bacha nai sambhala ja raha?”.

parents leave children house help
Image Source: Health Line

Due to these reasons, parents often raise their children under a lot of stress, guilt and mismanagement. This translates onto children and hampers their growth into well-rounded humans as well.

Why Do Parents Rely on House Help?

Relying on nannies or house help has also become a class-related issue. The elite are known to have “Phillipino nannies” on their payroll who are extremely learned in their job. Others simply rely on whoever works in their house. There are also those who can not afford to keep a nanny or house help especially for the child, thus, having help is also a huge luxury.

Read more: 6 Things Pakistani Parents Need To Stop Saying To Their Daughters

parents leave children house help
Image Source: HBR

In many cases, people rely on house help if both the parents are working. Family can not always be relied on also which is where additional help comes in. Otherwise, house help can be there to support the mother in managing the home and the child. Let’s not underestimate how difficult it is to do both.

Should House Help Be Relied On?

However, even though it is acknowledged that sometimes parents have to, it is also important to note that this is not the best solution. There have been countless videos of house help abusing children in the absence of parents- be it physically or sexually. Leaving children with house help unsupervised is incredibly undesirable.

parents leave children house help
Image Source: tinies.com

Moreover, leaving children entirely with house help in their early years of growth can have negative effects. They can grow up feeling neglected or more attached to help than to their own parents. A huge tug of war between values also surfaces. The help guides the child according to their own worldviews which may not sit well with the parents— ultimately the child suffers.

Thus, reliance on help should also be supervised and kept as minimal as necessary!

Read more: It’s Time For Some Pakistani Parents To Unlearn Toxic Behaviour

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Top Five YouTubers That Will Help You In Learning New Skills

youtube skills
Image Source: Medium

Amid coronavirus quarantine & lockdown when all schools, colleges, and other educational institutions are closed or have completely shifted online, our education sector has suffered immensely.

Most educational institutes have either closed or are online studying, and as per the popular opinion of students, learning on Zoom & Google Meet has not been the same and up to the mark.

Image Source: Business Insider

In this entire scenario, the learning of students has suffered to a great extent. While some of them are waiting for things to get back to normal and are anticipating on-campus classes, many have taken this time as an opportunity to learn new skills.

What Skills Can Should You Learn?

Regardless of whatever your field of interest is, no skill would go to waste. In this highly competitive society, what will make you different from your peers is your skills.

One of the best ways to learn these skills is through Youtube. We’ll discuss the Youtubers that help their audience learn new skills and are proficient at it.

1. GFX MENTOR:

Based in Karachi, Pakistan, GFX Mentor, whose real name is Imran Ali Dina, is a professional graphic designer & illustrator with over 17 years of experience. As per his Youtube, he started his Youtube accounts to help those who want to learn Photoshop, Illustrator, and other mainstream graphic designing related software but do not have the money to enroll in such courses.

2. Graham Stephen:

Based in California, United States, Graham Stephen is a self-made Real Estate mogul who used to work as a data entry officer at a company but wanted to pursue entrepreneurship and real-estate. On his Youtube Channel, he discusses tips and strategies for savings that will help you make sensible and sound financial decisions and equip you in dealing with your finances a bit more sensibly.

3. ASAPScience:

Based in Toronto, Canada, ASAPScience is a channel that explains the everyday implementation of scientific concepts and why things are the way they are. They help their audience by breaking down things to a basic level and help everyone understand, that too, with very appealing visuals and engaging content. They have an audience of over 9.5 million people.

4. Blossom TV:

Blossom is a DIY channel that helps people learn everyday skills that are not only doable but also save a fortune on costs. With over 12 million subscribers and millions of views on each video, it has made the lives of millions of people all around the world easy and convenient with its DIY tricks and tips that help them every day.

5. Programming Knowledge

In a world where the importance of IT and computers cannot be diminished. It is essential to know the basics of a programming language if one is not well-versed. This is when Programming Knowledge’s Youtube account comes in handy.

They help you learn various programming languages like C++, Java, Python, and many others that help you understand and build everything over the virtual space.

So these were some of the most well-known channels that will help you equip you with new skills. Do you think we missed out on any that you’d like to be featured next? Let us know under the comments.

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5 iOS 16 Features That Android Users Have Been Flaunting Already

It was the start of the week when Apple announced the feature-packed iOS 16 at its Worldwide Developers Conference 2022. From a brand new lock-screen, improvements to messages, Live Activities, continuity camera, and a potential always-on display, Apple fans are all set to welcome the new update later this year once the stable version starts rolling out.

The Cupertino-based tech giant has added innovative features and much-needed improvements for iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and other supported devices, some of them could have been added sooner as Android devices have had them for a while now.

So, what are these ‘new’ features? Take a look.

1. Lock Screen

One of the most-talked-about features of iOS 16 is the new lock screen customisation experience that lets you add widgets for quick glances to the lock screen. These include the weather, the battery status of your AirPods, upcoming calendar events and more. The new lock screen on iOS 16 looks fantastic, but it’s a feature that made its debut on Android in 2012 with the launch of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. In fact, Google allowed users to add a clock, calendar, and other elements to the lock screen. With Android 5.0, Google removed this feature but Samsung OneUI still offers predetermined lock screen widgets. Suffice to say, Apple was heavily inspired by Google for a smarter lock screen.

Image source: 9to5mac.com

2. Photo Sharing 

A large focus of iOS 16 was on shareability features to make the Apple ecosystem even more cohesive. As a part of that, Apple allowed users to share preferred pictures with their friends and family by adding them automatically to a shared gallery stored in iCloud. Sounds similar? Google Photos has had this functionality for at least two years. Through its Partner Sharing feature, users can automatically share photos that include that person using an intelligent AI. And it can do everything else Apple will now be able to. Further, as Google Photos is a web-based platform, users can also share DSLR images through it, something which is not possible on iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 at this point.

Image source: 9to5google.com

Read More: 5 Popular Apps You Should NOT Install In Your Phone!

3. Live Captions 

Finally, device-wide live captions have been introduced by Apple, and in all fairness, it is a great feature that will generate real-time captions across any app. This feature has also been a part of Android devices since 2019. However, back then it was not extended to phone calls but in Google I/O this year, it has also been extended to calls.

Image source: tom’sguide.com

4. Map Stops

The iOS 16 has given maps a new functionality of adding up to 15 stops in a route. This feature has also sadly been part of the Android ecosystem for years. However, credit where it is due, Google maps only supports up to 10 stops.

Image source: 9to5google.com

5. Dictation

To Apple’s credit, the iOS 16 adds some much-needed improvements to the Dictation. Now the AI will be able to take a note of the pauses to automatically add punctuations. It also lets the user edit, remove and add to what has already been typed. However, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro introduced this exact feature called Google Assistant voice typing. This feature is now available on all Android devices. Earlier in Google I/O, it was also announced that Google Assistant will also be able to filter out thinking words like “um” from the sentences, which is another future milestone for Apple.

Image source: techgenie.com

Read More: TikTok To Launch New Screentime Management Tool To Boost Digital Well-being

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

How Huawei Keeps Driving Key Innovations In The Smartphone Industry With The Release Of Its Trendy Flagship HUAWEI Nova 9

Huawei has always surprised tech enthusiasts with hardware and software innovations that are leaps and bounds ahead of other players in the industry. While some brands limit their latest and greatest features only to their high-end flagships, Huawei makes some of those features accessible even in mid-range phones. This is why the mid-range nova series is one of the company’s most popular smartphone series and accounts for 190 million Huawei nova users worldwide.

Recently, the company launched another addition to the nova series, the new HUAWEI nova 9. Dubbed as the Trendy Flagship & Camera King, it was crafted keeping in mind young millennials. Young consumers like their phones to be well-designed as phones have become part of their everyday life. They even use their smart devices as a mean of self-expression, and Huawei understood that and kept it in mind when coming up with this trendy flagship. They even incorporated some features previously seen on flagships into this new mid-ranger.

HUAWEI nova 9 boasts a stunning new colorway called Color No. 9 created using their proprietary Starry Flash AG Glass process. The glass surface of the phones shows off purple and bluish hues from different angles. This glass panel responds to spotlights in such a way that it creates beautiful vivid and colourful patterns. Under normal lighting, the panel will appear like a gentle gradient. The camera design of the HUAWEI nova 9 is the stunning Star Orbit Ring design.

The phone has a 6.57-inch display that tapers on both sides like a waterfall giving the viewers an

immersive experience. As it can render 1.07 billion colors, images are going to look vibrant. The display has a refresh rate of 120Hz and a touch sampling rate of 300Hz. All of these together will make the content of the screen smooth and responsive. What is even more impressive is that for a phone with all these, it feels comfortable to hold with a thickness of just 7.77mm and a weight of 175g.

Another opportunity that Huawei taps on to is the recent boom in the content creation field. People are no longer just consumers of content. They are also content creators. So, the HUAWEI nova 9 is bringing a well-equipped camera to mid-range smartphone consumers, and that’s a huge plus.

The phone has an Ultra Vision AI Quad Camera system that consists of a 50 MP Ultra vision main camera, an 8MP Ultra-Wide angle camera, a 4cm macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. The 32MP front camera allows 4K selfie video. Also, HUAWEI nova 9’s 50MP main camera can produce better low-light pictures. The RYYB image sensor used in the primary camera can capture 40% more light than traditional RGGB sensors. Another key camera feature is the Continuous Front/Rear Recording. This feature allows to switch between the front and rear cameras and fluidly capture the story within a single video file. Dual-View Video recording allows users to showcase their live reactions to events simultaneously using the front and rear cameras with no editing required.

Phones get more and more powerful, and people rely on their smartphones more than ever. So, there is a huge demand for smartphones with bigger batteries. The 4300 mAh battery in HUAWEI nova 9 is a significant upgrade. It is also coupled with the 66W HUAWEI Supercharge, which enables the battery to fill up from empty to 100% in just 38 minutes. A quick 15 minutes of charging can bring the battery to 53%.

With the Distributed File System, the HUAWEI nova 9 can also function as a wirelessly connected external storage unit for the PC, meaning users can access the files they want more easily than ever before. This means when users are drafting an email on the PC, they can add smartphone files as an attachment or when they see an image they like when browsing the internet on the PC, they can save that image directly to the smartphone.

The innovative and secure AppGallery comes pre-installed on the HUAWEI nova 9. Users can search for and download a wide range of high-quality apps from it.

HUAWEI nova 9 is a competitively priced smartphone with a great design, an industry-leading camera system, a 4300 mAh battery with 66W fast-charging, and well-integrated connectivity features that make it not only an appealing choice for the young millennia’s but also a game-changer in the mid-range phone segment.

Netflix Announces A Real-Life Version Of Squid Game Show ‘The Challenge’

netflix squid games real life
Image Source: Youtube

Netflix has announced the real-life version of Squid Games that they will be opening up soon. The streaming website has apparently gotten inspired by the Squid Games series that took the world by storm. Netflix has announced the biggest cash prize at the end of its alleged series too, want to read more?

Read more: These iPhones Will Be Getting The Biggest Software Update

The Latest News

Netflix recently announced that the reality show will consist of 456 players. All of them will participate in mind-boggling, horrifying, and also scary games and compete with each other. The cash prize at the end will be $4.56 million. However, what we’re interested in is whether or not players will be eliminated like they are in Squid Games.

So far, we think the eliminated players will simply be asked to leave the game. According to critics, this is the biggest cash prize ever announced for a reality series and the biggest cast also ever gathered. The game has also been called a “social experiment”.

Squid Games Season 2

This announcement comes just after Netflix announced season 2 of Squid Games. The popular Korean show that broke all records and also brought other Korean shows to popularity is being renewed. The director mentioned that they were more stressed this time around for the season as the first one has received so much love.

netflix squid games real life
Image Source: Youtube

It might be possible that season 2 of the original Squid Games and the Netflix-inspired real Squid Games might be coming at the same time. The Challenge will be definitely attention-grabbing.

The Start of A New Era?

Such reality shows have not been encouraged before. There were those games in which people had to jump over balloons and work through water games. There’s the notorious Big Brother and its Indian version, Bigg Boss that have also enjoyed immense popularity. However, now that all is going to be changed forever with a show like this coming to reality

This will not be the last of its kind either as people will start getting inspired and creating new ones. Imagine a Pakistani Squid game— how funny could that get?

Read more: Did Mahira Khan Just Claim She’s ‘Taken’?

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Is Internet Explorer Finally Shutting Down After 27 Years?

internet explorer shutting down
Image Source: Microsoft

Internet Explorer reminds us of our childhood. How could an internet search engine do that? Well, this one was a little different. From its now seemingly endearing slowness to its look and optimization, it used to remind us of everything in our childhood. Now, the engine is retiring and it is making people on the internet sad. Read about that here:

Read more: Still Think Hybrid Cars Will Save You Money? Find Out Below

What Is Happening?

Internet Explorer has always been the butt of jokes and is always the second priority to other browsers. Now Internet Explorer is bidding the world bye. Could it be because of the hate it always received or because of the natural path of the tech landscape? Microsoft has officially announced that it will be retiring its oldest browser today, June 15, after 27 years.

internet explorer shutting down
Image Source: Internet Blog

The company has released details that Microsoft will now be placing the future of its functionality on its other browser. Microsoft Edge has become the main browser now as Internet Explorer says goodbye.

Other Details

The company also added that Internet Explorer may not retire for many others. Internet Explorer 11 desktop application will officially retire and go out of support on June 15, 2022. However, this is only for “certain versions of Windows 10”.

internet explorer shutting down
Image Source: Omnaroma

The Internet Explorer was first released in 1995. It came as an add-on package for Windows 95 and was never the best search engine out there. However, it still got popularity in another way. It is being considered a milestone in the internet’s timeline.

Netizens Reactions

Have a look at what people said about the news. People had a field day with the news in good ways and even bad. Get an insight into them here:

Read more: Interested In Learning About NFTs?

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Silkbank To Receive Rs12bn Investment, Cleans Up Balance Sheet

Image Source: Siasat.pk

Backed by the significant announcement by Silkbank Limited of an Expression of Interest from M/s. Park View Enclave (Pvt.) Limited (part of Vision Group) to inject Rs12 billion in the capital of the Bank and the subsequent approval of the Board of Directors to take the process forward, the Board of Directors, in their meeting held on June 8, 2022, announced the financial results of the Bank for the period ending December 31, 2020, declaring an after-tax loss of Rs6.57 billion.

The Bank attributes its posted losses due to various provisions taken against specific borrowers engaged primarily in the real estate businesses which were secured against mortgage of land. In December 2020, the Bank entered into an arrangement for disposal of the mortgaged land held by the Bank with Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Company.

The transaction was duly approved by the SBP. This development will substantially address the Bank’s NPL issue and result in major provision reversals. Moreover, another REIT consisting of Bank owned property will not only reduce non-earning assets of the Bank by Rs6 billion but is expected to record a capital gain of Rs6.1 billion approximately.
The Bank has already received approx. Rs2.6 billion as down payment against the said REIT structure.

The Bank has further entered into arrangements with major borrowers to ensure expeditious recovery of loans classified in 2020. The Bank expects most of these provisions to reverse within the next 12 – 24 months through the settlement and sale of mortgaged properties.

The bank’s flagship Retail and Consumer Portfolio continues to be amongst the top performing businesses in the industry. As a testament of the customer confidence reposed in the Bank, the growth was led by its Consumer Division, with Credit Cards and Personal Loan products registering a growth of 41% profit before taxes from Rs1.57 billion in 2019 to Rs2.23 billion in 2020.

The deposits of the Bank substantially increased by Rs11 billion as compared to December 2019, taking the total deposit base to Rs160 billion. Local currency Current Account grew by 26% while CASA deposits improved from 58% in December 2019 to 61% in December 2020. The bank’s Net Revenue also increased by Rs2.96 billion registering 61% growth while expenses declined by Rs638 million, decline of 8%.

It is pertinent to mention that post capitalization, the Bank is expected to fully comply with regulatory capital requirements. With the continuous support of SBP, the Bank hereby ensures to protect the interest of all stakeholders.

The Bank attributes its posted losses due to various provisions taken against specific borrowers engaged primarily in the real estate businesses which were secured against mortgage of land. In December 2020, the Bank entered into an arrangement for disposal of the mortgaged land held by the Bank with Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Company.

The transaction was duly approved by the SBP. This development will substantially address the Bank’s NPL issue and result in major provision reversals. Moreover, another REIT consisting of bank-owned property will not only reduce non-earning assets of the Bank by Rs6 billion but is expected to record a capital gain of Rs6.1 billion approximately.
The Bank has already received approx. Rs2.6 billion as down payment against the said REIT structure.

The Bank has further entered into arrangements with major borrowers to ensure expeditious recovery of loans classified in 2020. The Bank expects most of these provisions to reverse within the next 12 – 24 months through the settlement and sale of mortgaged properties.

The bank’s flagship Retail and Consumer Portfolio continues to be among the top-performing businesses in the industry. As a testament of the customer confidence reposed in the Bank, the growth was led by its Consumer Division, with Credit Cards and Personal Loan products registering a growth of 41% profit before taxes from Rs1.57 billion in 2019 to Rs2.23 billion in 2020.

The deposits of the Bank substantially increased by Rs11 billion as compared to December 2019, taking the total deposit base to Rs160 billion. Local currency Current Account grew by 26% while CASA deposits improved from 58% in December 2019 to 61% in December 2020. The bank’s Net Revenue also increased by Rs2.96 billion registering 61% growth while expenses declined by Rs638 million, decline of 8%.

It is pertinent to mention that post capitalization, the Bank is expected to fully comply with regulatory capital requirements. With the continuous support of SBP, the Bank hereby ensures to protect the interest of all stakeholders

7 Tips For Traveling Solo In Times Of Inflation

Planning a vacation has become more challenging than ever. Thanks in large part to the global inflation. While finding a hotel, flight or dinner reservation is only a quick Google search away. But travelling is still rarely a bargain. There are lots of ways to save money when you’re travelling, from planning your travel budget carefully before you leave, considering backpacking and car-sharing, through to the choices you make (e.g. food) when you are on your trip.

Meanwhile, digging a little deeper, you can find everything from cheap flights to low-cost lodging alternatives. Here are seven ways to travel on a budget without sacrificing the quality of your vacation amidst the rising inflation.

1. Book AirBnb’s

Accommodation during holidays is one of the most significant needs. While everyone likes the luxury of an expensive hotel, spending thousands for a night can become quite heavy on the pocket. Hence, leaving less room for you to explore and spend on your experiences. Opt for websites including Airbnb and Couchsurfing, where you book a spare room in a local person’s house or apartment. It will cut down the price and allow you an authentic snapshot of real life in the city. Consider your host your tour guide, filled with insider tips for the best eateries and tourist spots in that neighbourhood.

Image source: airbnb.com

2. Pack Properly 

Make sure you bring everything you need, so you don’t have to shop while you’re away (apart from a few souvenirs). No matter where you’re heading, take at least one pair of long jeans, a warm hoodie and a waterproof jacket for unpredictable weather incidents.

Image source: Pinterest.com

3. Public Transport FTW

Buses and trains are cheaper than planes. It’s that simple! A journey on an overnight train also means you have one less night in a hostel to pay for. For city travel, opt for local buses and subway options rather than uber and private transport to save extra bucks.

Image source: explorers.com

Read More: 6 Clever Ways To Get Cheap Airline Tickets!

4. Plan Your Holiday 

Travelling spontaneously is excellent if you have the luxury of time and money to spare. But if you’re travelling on a budget, the first thing to do is develop a plan. You don’t need a tight, hour-by-hour itinerary, but you should at least know how long you’ll be spending in each city or country and know the route that your epic adventure will take. Leaving less to chance means less unexpected spending; last-minute flights and accommodation are often far more expensive.

Image source: Pinterest.com

5. Stick To a Budget 

While you might be tempted to hoard stuff at the local malls and stalls, spending too much will make things difficult for you in the long run. Allow a small sum of your money and set it aside for shopping, and once you have to spend it, do not revisit the mall. You don’t want to spend on useless stuff amidst the skyrocketing inflation.

Image source: Pinterest.com

6. Travel Out Of Season

Avoid trips during the school holidays. This is when the travel industry hikes prices to take advantage of families who can only travel during these weeks. Research the best time to visit your intended destination, and then travel just before or after these dates. This is called the ‘shoulder season’, where you’ll still have a great trip, but maybe the sun won’t shine quite as brightly (and, on the plus side, it won’t be quite as hot.) Hotels and airlines lower their prices to attract customers during this time.

Image source: Pinterest.com

7. Be Smart While Booking Your Flights 

With inflation, the ticket prices have gone up considerably the amount. Midweek travel prices are lower as a premium is added to weekend flights, and you’ll breeze through shorter queues at airport check-in desks and security. Fly economy, too – no need to upgrade, no matter how nice Business Class looks. The money you save on cheap seats can be spent on food or accommodation when you arrive. Low-cost, budget airlines are fine for short flights and regularly have cheap deals.

Image source: Pinterest.com

Read More: Here Are 5 Things You Must AVOID While Traveling Abroad

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.