June 17: Pakistan Advertisers Society is partnering with WFA in launching the World’s first-ever global census of the Marketing and Advertising industry, designed to provide hard data on the people who are working in the profession.
The survey will assess where the local and global advertising and marketing industry is in relation to diversity, equity and inclusion by investigating workforce composition across the industry as well as people’s perception of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including their sense of belonging and their perception of progress.
The initiative builds on work already carried out in the UK as part of the highly successful All In Census – as well as the many efforts led in the US by ANA and 4As and in other markets – with the aim of establishing a tangible baseline for the global industry, which will help inform an action plan for improvement.
The participating markets in this census are Pakistan, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Greece, the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), Hong Kong SAR, China, India, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the USA.
National associations and publications such as APNS and Brandsynario have extended full support in the cause of DEI in Pakistan. A lot of Multinational, Local Companies and Agencies have also joined hands with PAS in the bigger initiative.
The questionnaire will go live between June 21 and July 2, 2021. The results will be compiled and analyzed by Kantar and the key findings will be published by Campaign’s global network of editions later in the year and presented at leading industry events in October 2021. The results will also be used as the basis for an action plan devised and led by WFA’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. The WFA intends to team up with Kantar and Campaign again in 18 months’ time to measure progress.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!
There are 1.4 billion Apple users around the world, and each one of them seems to be in trouble as an Isreali company has claimed that it can hack into each one of them.
Cellebrite – an Israel-based forensics firm has unveiled a new system, which they claim is capable of hacking and unlocking any iPhone, iPad, and other high-end smartphones.
This claim has now raised serious concerns as if it is true, this means the security of the device owner as well as each country’s national security is at risk.
Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED), named UFED Premium was created to help police officials and other law enforcement agencies in unlocking phones of potential criminals and lawbreakers to extract data from locked iOS and Android services.
The features of this phone hacking system, as noted by Cellebrite, are as follows;
Bypass or determine locks and perform a full file system extraction on any iOS device to get much more data than what is possible through logical extractions and other conventional means.
Gain access to 3rd party app data, chat conversations, downloaded emails and email attachments, deleted content and more, increase your chances of finding the incriminating evidence and bringing your case to a resolution.
Apple has worked really hard to keep their devices away from such firms by offering the best security the company can get.
However, the question which has now raised in many minds is will Apple be able to keep its promise of security?
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.
Mango season is here and no one celebrates it better than Pakistanis! Here are the best snacks you can make from Mangoes
1. Something with Nachos?
Make a mango salsa and we promise you’ll never look back. Chop your other choice of vegetables as preferred. We love tomatoes, jalapenos and onions. For this version, cube mangoes the same way. Add some lime juice, a pinch of sugar and some vinegar if you’d like. The balance of flavours is divine.
Image Source: Cinco
2. Mango Smoothie
All you need to make this delicious smoothie that tastes like Mango ice cream is a blender and some pantry staples. Take mangoes, some milk/water, ice, bananas and lemon juice. Add them to the blender together and adjust the sweetness as you like.
Image Source: Mango Smoothie
3. Mango Trifle
Okay hear us out: you might be thinking what is a trifle doing in a list of snacks? But trifle is a snack for us especially when they’re this tasty and easy to make. Take some tea cake available at home, mix condensed milk with cream and layer on top. Add either mango puree or mango cubes and it will taste like your next favourite snack.
4. Mango Mousse
Mango mousse is super easy to make and tastes just as good. All you need is regular heavy cream, some whipping cream and some cream cheese (if you’re feeling it) and mangoes.
Image Source: My Latina Table
First, whip the whipping cream to stiff peaks. Then blend heavy cream with condensed milk and cream cheese and fold into whipping cream. Puree the mangoes in a blender. Add this to the final mixture!
5. Mango Lassi
This one beats it all. Next time you’re feeling like having some lassi, elevate your taste and go for mango lassi. It’ll taste like a blissfully chill summer evening. Mix yogurt with sugar as usual. Add milk to it in a blender and ice to your liking. As the final step, add some cut mangoes.
6. Mango and Peach Juice
The best homemade juice you can ever have either as a snack or as a breakfast side. Add frozen cut mangoes to a blender with ice, sugar, water and sliced peaches. Tastes sweet and tangy, just how we like it!
7. Grilled Shrimp Salad with Mangoes
Image Source: A Couple Cooks
We love shrimp salads! Do you? Next time you’re making one, make sure to marinate your shrimps and grill them in a sour mixture. Amp up the lime juice and vinegar quantities. When all is done, assemble as usual but add mangoes to it. It. will. not. taste. like. a. Salad.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
When it comes to relationships, there is no one size fits all. Relationships are different for everyone. Both girls and boys have different views on what is acceptable and what is not in a relationship. That also implies the things we go through in a relationship and the preferences we have. However, the bottom line is a trusting and happy relationship, and one must do whatever they can to maintain that.
The Latest Twitter Debate
In a series of events, a Twitter user posted a question on social media. It reads,
“Girls, will you be okay with your husband having a lot of female friends?”
Girls will you be okay with your husband having a lot of female friends?
This question started a debate among many girls who gave their opinion regarding the matter, and we have some exciting answers.
While the majority gave their answers in a simple big ‘NO’ or ‘NEVER,’ some of them had very compelling things to say.
“Girls hi nhi boys Bhi dono ko acha nhi lgta keh opposite gender keh friend ho or yeh achi bat hai.
Another user wrote, “But why he’d need a female friend if I’m with him for a lifetime. Never!” And we see a point in that!
“Nope. My jealous and possessive a** could never allow that”. Because yes, jealousy can be a significant factor when it comes to relationships.
Some of them even mentioned how comfortable they are with their husbands having female friends, and this seems like a breath of fresh air amidst all the tweets full of justifying possessiveness and jealousy.
Kinda surprised at how many people have said no. I find that so weird. My husband has female friends, and I am as comfortable with them as he is comfortable with me having male friends.
I have told my fiancé about the female friends i have literally about everyone of them. And she has no problem with it.
— Hunzla | Penguin's stan account (@hunzla_mehmood) June 14, 2021
No girl or boy will be “OKAY” while the other half has people of opposite gender. This isn’t cringe or narrow mindedness. This is possessiveness that’s much needed in any relationship
While no one is obligated to change their minds about their choices and principles, it remains questionable as to the cause behind the big NO? Is it because of the lack of trust or mere jealousy and possessiveness? And is it ok to justify your possessiveness? But, then again, isn’t explaining your answer with possessiveness a little too much?
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
TCL Pakistan, Pakistan’s No.1 LED TV brand, join hands with Daraz, the leading online retailer, to deliver one of the biggest sales this Mobile Week. The sale will commence on 16th to 23rd June. Every year TCL and Daraz aim to bring high-quality products at incredible pricing. After witnessing the amazing response from the customers on the previous sale, TCL and Daraz is coming with exciting offers and discounts this Mobile Week.
Being co-sponsors, both TCL and Daraz promises the customers to give a unique shopping experience this Mobile Week. TCL is giving discounts on TVs and Air-conditioners listed on TCL’s Flagship Store on Daraz, along with free shipping and discount vouchers.
Speaking of the Mobile Week, Majid Khan Niazi, Marketing Manager of TCL said, “We are thrilled to work again with Daraz this Mobile Week. We are giving customers premium products and aim to give them the best deals and offers.”
Ibrahim Khan – Head of Brands of Daraz said, “The Mobile Week will make Pakistani’s enter a new age of shopping. The sale promises to give customers an entertaining experience. Customers are urged to tune into the Mobile Week as there will be something new to grab each day”.
TCL is one of the leading players in the Global Consumer Electronics industry with a global presence in over 150 countries.
15th June, 2021: Lahore, Pakistan: AkzoNobel -the world industry leader in paints and coatings and producer of Dulux paints in Pakistan- has entered its 4th year of partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan, as part of its global Let’s Colour initiative between the two organizations. The initiative is designed to use education and renovation to drive a positive impact on youth unemployment.
During a ceremony held on June 14, 2021 AkzoNobel made a generous donation of 15,000 Euros to SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan. Mr. Mubbasher Omar, CEO AkzoNobel Pakistan, presented the cheque to Ms. Saba Faisal, National Director SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan.
Continued efforts are being made by AkzoNobel together with SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan towards nurturing the future of tomorrow by extending a helping hand as well as a support system to young people who are at risk or have lost parental care.
During 2018-2020 AkzoNobel provided professional mentorship sessions and internship opportunity, for 225 young people between the age of 18 to 25. The sessions were designed to give the young children career guidance and exposure to a corporate environment and workplace. Over 60 AkzoNobel employees were involved so far. Besides this, and in order to renovate and transform the living space at SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan, 1,693 liters of Dulux paint were donated. AkzoNobel will continue to deliver more educational activities, and the renovation of SOS Children’s Villages in Sargodha in 2021.
Mr. Mubbasher Omar, CEO AkzoNobel, shared the company’s vision towards helping the new generation, “Our partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan shows that with consistent dedication and positive energy we can transform the lives of young people, which fits into AkzoNobel’s “People. Planet. Paint.” approach to sustainability. We are committed to providing soft-skills training and mentorship programs to the youth to help them transition smoothly into respectable jobs that further hone their talents and improve their chances of becoming responsible independent adults who not only work towards securing their future but also make it a duty upon themselves to give back to the community in a more responsible manner.”
Ms. Saba Faisal, National Director SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan expressed her gratitude to AkzoNobel, “We have always strived to not only bring joy to young children, but also to work with them towards a better future. SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan is happy to continue work with AkzoNobel in empowering these youth while providing them the best of skills to earn their living in the most dignified way.”
Excited for new Pakistani movies to be on screen soon? The cinemas are about to open after a long, long time! Here are some Pakistani movies that are waiting to be released soon!
1. The Legend of Maula Jatt
Directed by Bilal Lashari and produced by Ammara Hikmat under the banner of the production house, Encyclomedia, this movie is going to be big. The movie starring the likes of Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan is postponed due to COVID-19 and legal issues. We’re anxiously waiting!
Image Source: Wikipedia
2. Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad
A comedy coming soon. The movie is starring Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan and its trailer was released in October. It is an action-comedy directed by Nabeel Qureshi.
The movie is also co-produced by Fizza Ali Meerza. It is one of the most anticipated movies coming out in 2021 yet it does not have a release date so far.
3. Kamli
Saba Qamar’s Kamli is scheduled to release this summer. It has been written and directed by Sarmad Khoosat so one can only imagine a spectacular movie coming soon.
Image Source: The Current
The synopsis of the film is a tragic love story that depicts the vibrancy and humour of rural Punjab. Aside from Saba Qamar it stars Sania Saeed, Nimra Bucha, Eman Shahid, Umair Rana and Hamza Khwaja.
4. INTEZAR
Intezar is a drama film for which there is no release date yet despite the shooting being done. It is starringSamina Ahmad, Khalid Ahmed, Kaif Ghaznavia & many more. The cover looks like the calm before a storm and we’re more than excited. Intezar is also directed by Sakina Samo.
Image Source: Lollywood Online
5. DODA (Balochi)
Another drama release coming to theatres near you. However, the cast is already making us excited. The movie is starringShoaib Hassan, Abila Kurd, Fiza Akhtar & many more and is directed by Adil Binzanjo.
6. Dum Mastam
Dum Mastam is Imran Ashraf’s directorial debut. Details about the script and storyline have not been made public yet. All we are told is that Amar Khan will be the female lead and will have the role of a writer.
The movie is directed by none other than Mohammad Ehteshamuddin. He is the same director who made his debut who made his directorial debut with Superstar, the critically acclaimed Mahira Khan and Bilal Ashraf-starrer. Seeing how Superstar bagged so many awards, we’re beyond excited to see this.
The cast also includes Sohail Ahmed, Saleem Mairaj, Adnan Shah Tipu and Momin Saqib in significant roles.
7. Ishrat – Made in China
Image Source: Something Haute
This is a special movie because it’s bringing Sanam Saeed and Mohib Mirza back to screens together since Bachana (2016). it is an action flick that revolves around gang rivalries and is written by Ahsan Raza. The cast includes Mirza, Saeed, Shamoon Abbasi, Mani, Nayyar Ejaz, Shabbir Jaan, Ali Kazmi and designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin.
The film’s shooting has been largely delayed due to coronavirus.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
Apple made a lot of noise about protecting its people’s privacy. However, turns out some apps are still taking our data despite users’ consent.
Apple’s Failing Feature
The implementation of App Tracking Transparency is not appearing to be as successful as Apple had advertised. The new privacy framework, implemented with the iOS 14.5 update, allows users to accept or deny an app’s request to trace their activity. This is to eliminate apps serving the users’ targeted ads.
Image Source: CodeinWP
Apple had also made it mandatory for all apps to present prompts asking users for their permission to allow tracking across other apps and websites. It does do this, by the way, yet the issue is that our data still remains tracked.
Who’s Not Happy With This?
Facebook, for one, is not happy with these privacy frameworks. Facebook not only protested against this at first but also completely rejected the ATT framework. However, Apple has remained stubborn for its users and their privacy.
However, it is only now that the experts are claiming that App Tracking Transparency is not all that good. According to the Financial Times report, a marketing strategy consultant explained that the issue is extremely bad. “Anyone opting out of tracking right now is basically having the same level of data collected as they were before.”
It appears that in today’s world, there is no such thing as data protection or data rights. We can try our best but at the end of the day, technology betrays us.
How Can This Happen?
Thousands of apps are collecting our data despite Apple’s efficient framework. The reason for this is super technical but you must bear with it for your own good. There are third parties that utilize workarounds. For instance, they start collecting data including IP addresses to identify users. By picking up on this ‘fingerprinting’ tactic, some advertisers continue collecting data. This happens on more than 95-percent of their user base which is hooked to their iPhones and iPads.
Image Source: ScreenRant
Moreover, experts are also saying that there are some loopholes in Apple’s policy. These loopholes relate to the methods of collecting “temporary data” that they later aggregate. Through this method, these groups target the user base and aggregate information on their behaviour. All of it is put together later and we’re back to square one. This tactic is also commonly known as ‘probabilistic matching which many apps are continuing to do.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) consists of 57 member states. In 1981, they established COMSTECH, the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. Looking at the Palestinian suffering at the hands of Isreal, OIC wanted to play a part as well. They have announced scholarships for Palestinians.
COMSTECH Announces Scholarships
OIC is making their statement about Israel Palestine through COMSTECH’s Pakistani wing. According to that, Palestinian students will get fully-funded scholarship opportunities at Pakistani universities. COMSTECH coordinator general in Islamabad, Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, made the announcement on Tuesday.
As a part of this initiative, it will include 500 scholarships over the span of two years. This is not to be confused with the already existing 100 scholarships every year. The new quota focuses on research fellowships, technician training, and workshop grants for all disciplines.
Talking to a publication, COMSTECH’s media advisor said that this initiative has the support of 24 private and 14 public sector universities. Murtaza Noor adds:
“These are 500 fully-funded scholarships which will be given to undergraduate and postgraduate level students in partnership with the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP), and member institutions of the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence.”
Further, Murtaza Noor said:
“The work on scholarships will start by the end of this month. They will be offered in the coming academic year, which is starting from September this year at most universities. Each scholarship will cost around one million Pakistani rupees on average.”
“In order to support them, COMSTECH has taken this initiative as higher education is our mandate and we want to provide them modern education at the best Pakistani universities.”
Image Source: Al Arabiya
Moreover, the scholarship will also cover students’ travel, accommodation, logistics, academics, and other expenses.
“For selection, students shall meet eligibility criteria of the university for their respective discipline. COMSTECH is establishing a project management unit with the collaboration of universities to implement the scholarship scheme. We will also involve the Palestinian embassy in Islamabad in the selection process to verify the nationality of these students.”
Palestine responds
The Palestinian ambassador expressed his gratitude for this initiative.
🇵🇸🙏🏻🤝🏻🇵🇰 COMSTECH announces 500 scholarships for Palestinian students. From Palestine, all thanks, respect and love to Pakistan for this great educational scholarship that is added to their unlimited support for the Palestinian people.
He said: “From Palestine, all thanks, respect, and love to Pakistan for this great educational scholarship that is added to their unlimited support for the Palestinian people.”
Hopefully soon, most of the world and not just Muslims will take a stand against the slaughter of humanity. Consequently, Palestine too will be able to breathe freely.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!
There are many developments being made in the automobile industry. Despite there being a widespread pandemic, newer and newer vehicles are entering. It doesn’t matter whether you are a fan of compacts or sedans, they have them all. Now, it seems that KIA is set to launch a new SUV. It is expected to have impressive features and robust quality.
Now, KIA has been one of the most popular brands of 2020 and 2021. In fact, we may find KIA succeeding if we go as back as five years too. They made a daring comeback with the new Sportage back then. From that point on, KIA has only gone up and up. They have vehicles for people with every preference. Do you wish to drive a compact? The Kia Picanto is for you. An SUV fan? The Kia Sportage is your go-to.
Image Source: ifworlddesignguide.com
A New KIA Launch
So, what is it that we can tell you about this launch? From what we know, it is slightly smaller than your standard Sportage SUV. However, that does not mean that it is lacking in features. According to our sources, the vehicle goes by the name of Kia Stonic. Yes, it is said to enter the Pakistani market now. For now, there are four available variants of the vehicle. Three of them are manual petrol engines with quite a lot of engine capacity. The 1.0-litre, 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre ones.
However, the fourth variant is a 1.6 litre 4-cylinder diesel engine. Additionally, it has two further variants in terms of transmission. You can either get the one with manual transmission or the Dual Clutch Automatic transmission. It also states that there may be a hybrid version of the vehicle in the future. This will bring even more diversity to Kia Stonic. The name may seem quite new but it is certainly promising according to the features.
KIA Stonic And Pakistan
Coming to the interior of the vehicle, it has a good-sized infotainment system. You can be sure of ease of access when you are driving this vehicle. Additionally, it supports features like Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Lane-keeping assist, speed limit warning system and a driver attention monitor are all part of the package. You can be sure to get a plethora of features and gizmos when you buy this vehicle.
One of the most shocking parts about the vehicle is that its price is expected to be as much as Civic, Elantra and Corolla. Considering you are getting an SUV for the price of a sedan, should speak on its own. This seems like quite a good bargain and something many people might consider. The exact price has not been confirmed yet but you can check out Civic and Corolla’s prices to confirm. Apart from that, no official release date has been announced. However, it is expected to release around the final quarter of 2021.
[Karachi: 15th June 2021]: KASB, Pakistan’s leading stock brokerage has raised $4.5m from global investors in one of the largest fintech investments in Pakistan. KASB will use the money to help Pakistanis better manage their savings and invests in Pakistani stocks and commodities.
KTrade is the most downloaded stock trading app in Pakistan with over 200,000 active downloads. KASB’s mission is to make 10 million Pakistanis invest in companies listed in Pakistan through KTrade.
Using KTrade Pakistanis can now invest in stocks at the comfort of their homes. They can track their portfolio 24/7, get access to KASB’s award-winning research and advice on investments and also practice trade using the virtual trading features.
Pakistan Stock Exchange has outperformed global markets on the back of the economic recovery and favourable government policies. KSE100 Index is up more than 40% over the past 12 months and many Pakistani stocks have outperformed even Bitcoin. The best performance is in the technology sector which shows the confidence of both local and global investors in Pakistan’s technology sector.
KASB’s fundraising and backing by global investors are making headlines in the global press and has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Tech in Asia, and other leading press.
Mr. Ali Farid Khwaja, Chairman of KASB said ‘Most people in Pakistan lack access to formal financial products. Their savings in real estate or gold offer inferior returns, these are inefficient and have high transactional costs. Hence we at KTrade believe in financial democracy and financial literacy by educating clients and giving them access to the stock market’.
Two people, a man and a woman, have been arrested for trying to break into a mosque in Scarborough, Toronto, in Canada. The custodian was able to stop them but they kept threatening to set off an explosive. Canadian Police got there in time and arrested the individuals. They have further stated that they did not recover any weapons or explosives.
Once again, the authorities have attempted to shield the terrorists by saying their actions do not seem to have stemmed from hate.
Will they claim that this too was no terrorist attack?
Image Source: alahednews
Attack on Muslim Family in Canada
This month saw a family killed in a hate crime against Muslims in Canada. A 9-year old boy was the sole survivor of the family. This led to quite an uproar amongst the Muslim community around the globe and especially in Pakistan.
Canada tried to hush it off by saying that the arrested man did not have any links to hate groups. Through this, Canada sheltered itself by dissociating the crime from Islamophobia. But they need to understand that this was a terrorist attack, because if one whole Muslim family or if a Muslim place of worship is attached, it is a statement that their Islamophobic citizens are making.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!
If you are an Apple lover and own most of the devices from Apple, then a home-pod is a must-have for you. It is one of the best-sounding wireless intelligent speakers available, and you can control it by voice using Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri.
However, there are multiple things that you might not know about a home pod. For instance, it is better to buy a home pod only if you’re an iPhone owner and a subscriber to Apple Music (or are willing to be). Likewise, let’s take a look at all the things you need to know about this cool gadget.
1. Power Efficient
A home pod is very power efficient. Even though it is plugged in most of the time, it utilizes minimum energy. The amount of energy it consumes while playing music is less than what a standard LED light bulb uses.
2. Earshot Range
The AI device can navigate when your iPhone is within earshot. This means even though your pod is switched on, it will only respond to your query on your phone after it detects that the phone is in your range.
Image source: https://www.macworld.com/
3. Voice Distinguisher
Even though Apple identifies specific waveforms to recognize your voice so that it can keep other people from accidentally summoning Siri, however, hope pod can’t do the same. Anyone in the house can have access to the home pod by just saying Hey Siri and getting whatever news they want.
4. Home Pod Can Make Calls or Messages
You can instruct Siri to make calls, dictate messages, and read your inbox aloud on the pod. And how would you do that? Similarly, how you ask Siri to run a message or make a call on your phone given that your phone is connected to the pod.
Image source: https://www.factmalta.com/
5. Find Music and Podcasts
Siri can help you find many music and podcasts, even if you sing one song lyric. You can also tell Siri to play music similar to the song that’s currently playing. With a home pod, your options for listening and navigating music are endless.
6. Privacy
You will be the only user is in control of the pod unless you buy a second one. According to Apple, the home pod only starts listening after you wake it up. Unlike Google Home or Amazon Echo, the conversations on the Home Pod are encrypted and will not be able to deliver personal information and notifications to anyone in the house.
Image source: https://www.howtogeek.com/
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
Karachi: 16th June, 2021 – The Global Green Finance Leadership Program (GFLP), recently held a webinar on green finance for the Central Asia region, attended by more than 300 participants from central banks, financial regulators, local banks, international organizations (IOs), and research institutions in the region. More than 30 experts from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, China and the UK were convened to share their insights on green investments, green taxonomies, environmental and social risk management, and biodiversity. The event was co-hosted by the Beijing Institute of Finance and Sustainability (BIFS), the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), and the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association (MSFA), with support from the UK PACT program.
This event was a timely response to the many carbon neutrality announcements that developing countries have made recently, such as those along the Belt and Road, like Kazakhstan. It is imperative to examine their current capacity and future needs for achieving these goals. As a network for knowledge sharing and capacity building in green finance, the GFLP looked into this issue and launched the report, Paving the Way for Green Finance Development in Central Asia, which assessed the baseline of green finance progress in the region and developed recommendations for multiple stakeholders to scale-up green investments, including local governments and IOs. The report estimates that significant amounts of green finance and capacity building will be needed to achieve carbon neutrality goals in Central Asia, where economies rely significantly on fossil fuel-related activities and therefore need deep and rapid energy transitions.
Jenny McInnes, Deputy Director of International Climate Finance, UK BEIS said in her opening remarks that, “UK PACT works in partnership with countries to accelerate the global climate transition. We need to raise the ambition and ability of all countries ahead of COP 26”.
Jenny McInnes, Deputy Director, International Climate Finance, BEIS
In parallel to major announcements on carbon neutrality, major banks and financial institutions operating in the Belt and Road region have signed up to the Green Investment Principles (GIP) for the Belt and Road to improve their capacity for environmental risk management and look for green investment opportunities. During this event, the GIP launched its first regional chapter, chaired by Mr. Yaseen Anwar, the former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and hosted by AIFC Green Finance Center. The main aim of this regional chapter is to enhance engagement with local stakeholders, identify prospective GIP members and collect green projects to be shared among existing members as potential investments.
Dr Ma Jun, President of the BIFS and Chairman of China Green Finance Committee, stated, “the greening of the global economy requires the greening of every single administration, including the involvement of local institutions of emerging market economies. That gives us our motivation for the launching of this regional chapter”.
Ma Jun, Chairman of China Green Finance Committee
“The core function of the chapter is to develop GIP knowledge and activities, build capacity for green and sustainable investment, as well as solve practical problems faced by investors and corporates who wish to make more green investments.” Mr. Yaseen Anwar, Chairman of GIP Central Asia.
Yaseen Anwar, Chairman of GIP Central Asia
Experts from investment institutions in Kazakhstan, Mongolia and the UK shared cases of green investments, specifically promoting green investment with energy transition and infrastructure development. Sima Kamil, Deputy Governor of the SBP emphasized that extensive financial resources would be needed to accelerate sustainability development and that they just launched a national program on environmental and social risk management.
Speakers under the green taxonomies session introduced different major green taxonomies in the world, where Sean Kidney, CEO of the Climate Bonds Initiative, shared the global trends of green taxonomy development. Ms. Raux from UNEP FI presented the results of their internal test application of EU taxonomy and walked through how a taxonomy-aligned loan would be like. Experts from Mongolia and Kazakhstan also introduced their respective green taxonomies and implementation in their domestic markets.
As more and more banks have been aware of the role of Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM), Ms. Chuluunkhuu Baartar from Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia explained the bank’s E&S risk assessment process and its integration in the banking system. Ms. Yuan Wei from IFC shared their approach for risk assessment — an ESMS pyramid which emphasized the role of top-down behavioural change from the management, and training and capacity building among the employees, as well as ESG policy and procedures as benchmarks. Bankers from the Development Bank of Kazakhstan assessed the opportunity and risk of renewable energy in the country and their impacts on renewable energy projects.
The topic on the connection between biodiversity and the financial sector has been quite new. Experts from UNEP FI and WWF emphasized the importance of biodiversity and the accelerating crisis in nature by pointing out that the global living planet index reduced 68% from 1970 to 2016. Although biodiversity loss might cause finical risks, as presented by Nick Robins of the London School of Economics and Political Science and the NGFS from the perspective of central banking and financial regulation, nature and biodiversity protection would also create great financial opportunities, e.g. nature-related debt, bonds & funds and other instruments were already found in the market. BIOFIN expert Ainura Shalakhanova from UNDP Kazakhstan argued that financial support for biodiversity in Kazakhstan faced around 50% gap and the solutions for the gap could include ecotourism certification, carbon offsets, etc. (GFLP)
Generation, a clothing brand based in Pakistan, came under fire for posting an irresponsible picture in their Instagram story. The story was offensive to the Hindu community but thankfully, it was not just the Hindus but also, Muslims, speaking against this act.
Let’s see what the story was, first!
Generation took to their Instagram stories a photo that showed a wall with a poster taped on; they found it funny. The poster featured a meme but that meme was based on a Hindu belief, one of their gods. According to Hinduism, one of their goddesses has multiple hands. The one who created this meme, and the brand that reshared it weirdly found it funny. Knowing that if it was an attack on their religion, they wouldn’t tolerate it, it is sad that they felt someone else’s religion could be insulted.
Netizens school Generation
Offended, a number of people expressed their irritation at the ignorance. They couldn’t believe that a brand that portrays itself as socially aware, could do such a thing.
Image Source: FacebookImage Source: Facebook
Netizens also expressed discomfort on the idea that there is no blasphemy law when it comes to religions other than Islam.
Image Source: FacebookImage Source: Facebook
Anyway, after much schooling, just like any other brand would do to avoid conflict, Generation issued the apology. But it was still beyond the netizens’ grasp how could one even do this, regardless of whether the apology was made or not.
Image Source: Instagram
In Pakistan, we are quick to pass extreme fatwas and judgments against even alleged blasphemy cases when it comes to Islam. However, we do not exercise the same honesty when it comes to blasphemy against other religions. It hasn’t been that long when Jannat Mirza, the TikTok star had offended the Christian community. And now, a popular brand has offended the Hindu community.
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KARACHI, 14th June, 2021 – Bagallery announces its 4th year in the e-commerce industry with a mega Anniversary Party that has taken the internet by storm. The campaign will last for 5 days, starting from 26th– 30th June with more than 750+ brands on offer, featuring beauty, lifestyle & fashion products in this mega campaign with jaw-dropping discounts up to 80% off!
The #1 beauty, fashion e-commerce store in Pakistan is also partnering up with the industry’s leading names such as Unilever has announced its platinum partnership for the campaign, as well as L’Oreal who are on board as gold partners. Those customers who shop through HBL or Bank Alfalah can also obtain an additional 10% off through an exclusive payment partnership. Moreover, a virtual activity will take place called “#SpotthePartyBox” in collaboration with Maybelline New York, where participants can win big prizes! Lastly, Bagallery will collaborate with Teeli Productions for a web series exploring the various nuances of online shopping.
The leading online fashion store of Pakistan has a lot in stores for its customers. Firstly, the #partyonlinechallenge sees passionate beauty fans who showcase their creativity and get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win an iPhone 12! Secondly, Bagallery has created its own jingle for the campaign, and will allow it for public use for people to make humorous videos out of them. Lastly, Bagallery will release exclusive video content with the top fashion and makeup influencers with the likes of Mehak Raheel, Hunaina Rasool & Saman.
Islamabad June 16th, 2020: Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan and PepsiCo Pakistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer the largest internship program in the country. Through the MoU, PepsiCo and its bottling partners will offer 1000 internships for students from across the country through a virtual internship program. The internship program will prepare students for their professional careers by giving them the experience of working in a business environment.
PepsiCo’s ambition of rolling out a large-scale initiative for youth has been made possible through leveraging its ‘Roshan Kal’ platform. PepsiCo Roshan Kal is a youth platform that develops the professional skills of students through internships and skills development programs. Roshan Kal has created over 5300 opportunities for youth through its internship program and its professional skills development program that is run in collaboration with Amal Academy. Present at the occasion Mr. Furqan Ahmed Syed, CEO PepsiCo Pakistan and Afghanistan commented ‘Creating opportunities for the Pakistani youth is a government priority and part of PepsiCo’s DNA. I believe this synergy between Kamyab Jawan and Roshan Kal has created an opportunity to develop the skills of our youth at an unprecedented scale.’
The Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan program is rooted in the principles of education, employment and engagement for the youth of Pakistan. The program operates a number of schemes for youth. These include internships, loans for entrepreneurship, skills development, volunteering programs and supporting talented youth in fast-tracking their ideas through a ‘start up’ program. Mr. Usman Dar, The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs was present at the MoU signing ceremony. He commented ‘our best hope for a new and changed Pakistan is supporting economically productive, politically responsible socially integrated youth who espouse the values of merit, equity, volunteerism, inclusivity and tolerance. This partnership is yet another step taken for a brighter future of the country. I thank PepsiCo for joining us in this important journey.
Basic t-shirts are the best wardrobe staple to stock up on. However, once you have invested well in them, here’s how to keep reinventing them in small ways. The best part? It costs nothing to do so!
1. Give It A Sleeveless Look
If you’re tired of wearing it like a T-shirt, there are many hacks that can help you give a sleeveless look. Wriggle up two elastic bands, one on each arm, and tie them to the sleeve. Then fold your sleeve up to the underarm and voila!
2. Add A Knot
Adding a knot to the shirt can also elevate it and give that distinct look you’re craving sometimes. The knot can either be in the middle or more towards the side, both look just as fantastic.
Image Source: Pinterest
3. Wear A Corset on Top
Corsets are back in fashion and your t-shirt can help you style them. Wear a corset on top of your t-shirt and pair it with simple jeans or pants and you’ll have a new, unique outfit.
Image Source: Namshi
4. Add A Sundress To It
Wearing dresses in Pakistan can be difficult for obvious reasons. But if you have a sundress you really love and want to wear, add it on top of a t-shirt. It’s the new fashion and every bit convenient and breezy for this weather.
5. Wear It With A Skirt
A skirt and a t-shirt are some of the best combos in our opinion. The skirt adds some drama and flair to the outfit while the t-shirt keeps it humble and casual.
Go heavy on the jewellery. The best part about a t-shirt is how plain it is. It’s a blank canvas and you should have a field day on it. Silver jewellery is super trendy nowadays, if you have some of it, go crazy!
Image Source: Pinterest
7. Under A Blazer
A t-shirt and a blazer combo are also some of the most powerful ones. The t-shirt helps you balance the power of the blazer with a little under-stated attitude. It’s perfect for meetings or a presentation.
Image Source: Pinterest
8. Go Neutral or Bold
T-shirts can also be styled in two extreme ways. Either you can make a neutral outfit with them by pairing them with jeans or neutral pants or you can opt for bold colours. Pair with pants in jewel tones for an equally stunning outfit.
9. Saree Blouse
Image Source: Twitter
Last but not the least, t-shirts can be the best saree blouses. Go for a fusion look that will turn heads while you remain comfortable.
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Hira Mani set out to just take some selfies to showcase a wide range of moods. However, netizens only have one mood when it comes to those selfies: anger.
The Moody Series
Hira Mani set out to break Instagram and public persona norms. She was mocking how in all shoots and pictures, the photographers are shouting to make a particular kind of face. She’s tired of that!
She meant to teach her followers that Instagram is not a reality. The posed, sophisticated and good-expressioned pictures one sees, are not real. They’re curated! Since she believes in ‘originality’, she set out to take some strange and emotive pictures. To be herself truly.
However, we wish the netizens liked what Hira Mani was showing. On her original post and even the fan-made collage, their thousands and thousands of negative comments. People are saying bursting at the brim with negative comments about her face, her as a person and the post.
Image Source: InstagramImage Source: Instagram
So much so that this person just admitted their hate has no cause but still remains.
Image Source: Instagram
How Can A Selfie Be That Bad?
It was a plain set of selfies. Hira Mani simply photographed herself, as she was, without any filters or posing etc. What is all that bad in doing so? Under no circumstances can this much hate on selfies be justified.
Pakistanis, it appears, are always sitting with their guns loaded. It takes a millisecond for a celebrity to make a post and in that same millisecond the barrage of hateful comments comes through.
Image Source: Pinterest
What Goes Around Comes Around
This is a sad state of affairs. Celebrities are also humans at the end of the day. We bet none of the people who sent negative comments themselves would ever be able to handle this much hate. Celebrities get thousands of hate comments in a single minute— how is that acceptable?
Moreover, said people who mindlessly hate, also encourage the growing toxicity and negativity in their own selves. It continues to build and they add to the environment around them, making it darker and tenser. Who is to say tomorrow this won’t work against their own self? One’s mind needs to be calm, clean and positive for one to live a good life!
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Cristiano Ronaldo has caused a significant uproar in media and marketing by making a small gesture. At Portugal’s Euro 2020 group-stage clash against Hungary, he removed the Coca-Cola bottles, which were placed in front of him on the table. He then takes a water bottle on the table and shouts, “Agua! (Water)”.
Do NOT put Coca Cola in front of Cristiano Ronaldo 😠
This small attempt of Ronaldo to encourage people to drink water instead of carbonated drinks has caused coca-cola to lose $4billion.
His gesture has had significant ramifications and a negative impact on Coca-Cola. With the brand suffering losses worth billions of dollars within a brief period following the press conference. However, Coca-Cola and UEFA, neither have released any statement regarding the issue. According to the reports, the brand will not be so happy with the bit of gesture.
However, one of the official sponsors of Euro 2020 replied on Tuesday with a statement that said “everyone is entitled to their drink preferences” with different “tastes and needs.”
Marca reports that Coca-Cola went from being worth $242 billion to $238 billion – a “brutal 1.6% drop” for the company on the stock market.
The company’s shares were close to $56.10 at 3 pm when the stock market opened in Europe. However, it nose-dived to $55.22 per share within just 30 minutes after the Portuguese legend’s press conference.
Ronaldo Stance On The Sugary Drinks
Ronaldo’s dislike for sugary soft drinks is no secret to the world. However, this does not surprise, since the 36-year-old is one of the fittest athletes in the world.
According to the sources, he doesn’t like his eldest son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr consuming such products.
Image source: https://sport360.com/
“I’m hard with him sometimes because he drinks Coca-Cola and Fanta sometimes and I’m annoyed with him,” Ronaldo says.
“I fight with him when he eats chips and fries and everything. He knows I don’t like it.”
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