April 15th, 2020: As reported, Zoom – video conferencing application gained a feature, but sadly only in the paid version of the app.
Active servers of Zoom currently exist in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, China, Latin America, and Japan / Hong Kong.
The novelty feature announced is responsible for handling the data traffic of your video conference. The feature allows the security to handle the information and connection with the newest feature and also assures the higher quality of the transmission.
Earlier, companies including Space X, NASA, and Google discontinued using zoom due to security concerns. The employees were directed to use email, messages, and calls to get the job done.
The feature releases on the 18th of April and is available for premium customers only.
April 3rd, 2020: Multimillion-dollar companies such as SpaceX and NASA have directed their employees to stop using the video conferencing app, Zoom due to ‘privacy and security’ issues.
The company in response has addressed these issues. For the next 90 days, the company will be working on the development of the features. It will conduct a third-party security review while freezing the features for the initial period given.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 has proved to be a blessing in disguise for Zoom as the count of the users has escalated quickly from 10 million to 200 million in a very short span of time.
But it’s also brought more scrutiny on the company’s product security and privacy standards as huge companies now tend to use it given the situation of the world.
April 1, 2020: We are presently forced to stay at homes right now and people who need to assure that their work gets done have to stay in contact with their heads and co-workers via video calls and telephonic conferences.
One such means of communication is via Zoom Video Communications but that is now being sued by a user who claims the popular video-conferencing service is illegally disclosing personal information.
The company obtains data when users install or open the Zoom application and shares it, without proper notice, to third parties including Facebook, according to the lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in San Jose, California.
Source/ CBC News
Zoom’s shares have more than made twice as much this year as investors bet that the teleconferencing company would be one of the rare winners during the coronavirus pandemic.
The rise in its use comes as more and more people work from home or use the video-conferencing software to keep in touch rather than meet in person.
According to the suit, Zoom’s privacy policy doesn’t explain to users that its app contains code that discloses information to Facebook and potentially other third parties.
The corporation’s “wholly inadequate program design and security measures have resulted and will continue to result, in unauthorized disclosure of its users’ personal information,” according to the complaint.
Source/ Adage
Robert Cullen of Sacramento is seeking to represent other users and asked for a declaration that Zoom violated California’s Consumer Privacy Act. He’s seeking damages under the act and punitive damages.
Zoom didn’t instantly respond to an email after regular business hours seeking comment.
The suit follows a report from the publication Motherboard, which first disclosed that Zoom’s iOS app was sharing data with Facebook. After the report, Zoom told the publication it removed the code that sent the data to Facebook.
Stay tuned for more news and updates on Brandsynario.
15th April 2020: The government of Pakistan has launched a TeleSchool in collaboration with PTV to compensate for the academic loss due to the lockdown amid coronavirus.
The channel will be dedicated to learning only and will be aired from Tuesday across the country from 8 am to 6 pm for online education from class one to 12.
This project will help the government to reach into remote areas were education was limited because of resources. TeleSchool will be able to fill the gap for such areas and also assist other students who are restricted to stay home due to the lockdown to prepare for finals.
“The credit of making this project possible in less than a month goes to unsung heroes: content developers, teachers and staff of Federal Directorate of Education, editors, techs, and producers of Allama Iqbal Open University and PTV,” Syed Umair Javed said.
26th March 2020: The decision was made that a national TV channel in collaboration with PTV will be launched.
A meeting was set up to discuss how the state will proceed further with educational institutes being shut due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic with alternative educational content delivery mechanisms.
The meeting was chaired by the Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood, Professional Training and National Heritage.
Source: India Today
Due to the closure of educational institutes in the country, the educational sector will face academic losses.
Apparently, the new TV channel’s content will be developed free of cost in collaboration with education service providers free of cost to fill up the gap.
Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) will establish emergency learning carters, where subject specialists will be reviewing and scheduling the educational content.
On the 26th of March, the briefing will be given to education ministers’ of all the provinces.
The channel in collaboration with PTV is expected to broadcast in the first 15 days of April. As of now, there are 1098 confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan while 8 people have lost their lives, confirms Dawn.
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Brandsynario.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Institute of Blood Disease and Bone Marrow Transplantation has collaborated with Hilton Pharma for a clinical research trial during the current public health crisis caused by COVID-19.
NIBD has received approval for clinical trials for passive immunization to support COVID-19 patients in Pakistan. Dr. Tahir Shamsi, Dean of NIBD is a renowned Hematologist and is working with other medical institutions on this research trial.
The other medical institutions working on this medical breakthrough are:
University of Health Sciences Lahore
Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro
Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority
Other Government institutions
Press Release by NIBD to announce the clinical trial for Passive Immunization to support COVID-19 patients:
Source: Hilton Pharma, Facebook
The main area of study for the clinical trials will be plasma therapy which involves using plasma from the recovered patients to treat critically ill patients suffering from coronavirus. In the past, such plasma therapy has been used to treat measles, polio outbreaks, and recently to treat SARS and Ebola. The plasma therapy procedure is currently being used in countries like the U.S in order to battle COVID-19.
Hilton Pharma’s support to NIBD includes providing a research grant, regulatory support, training and overall data collection.
Karachi: 14th April, 2020 – Dawlance has completed the delivery of its appliances ranging from Refrigerators, Air-conditioners, electric kettles, Microwave Ovens and water dispensers, as a generous donation to The Indus Hospital (TIH). These appliances will help TIH in the nation’s fight against the threat of Coronavirus pandemic.
TIH shall be using these advanced appliances from Dawlance to enhance its capacity, deliver better care to the patients while storing large quantities of Corona kits and testing-samples that require ideal temperature (below -20 degrees). This itself is a testimony to reliability of Dawlance appliances.
Dawlance aims to equip the doctors and para-medical staff, who are the frontline force against the virus, so they are enabled to save more lives, with timely diagnosis, medical care and treatment for the increased number of patients, during this public-health crisis. These products are being used in TIH Laboratories, Blood centre and the Diagnostic-Vans created for Community-based screening in many cities like; Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, etc.
The Chief Executive Officer of Dawlance – Umar Ahsan Khan stated that; “Being a leading brand of Home appliances in Pakistan – Dawlance is committed to making valuable contributions for socio-economic development of the nation while enhancing the quality of healthcare facilities for the masses, while TIH is providing Free-of-cost, high-quality health-care to everyone.”
Dawlance understands that Pakistan has a weak health-care infrastructure, so it is inspiring the resourceful corporate sector to contribute generously to develop the infrastructure for public-health, safety and a better quality-of-life. Dawlance has an elaborate policy for social-development, promising healthcare, education, awareness and environmental protection on a large-scale.”
“The consumer-focused brand of Dawlance has continued to evolve for more than 4 decades now. As a fully-owned subsidiary of the 3rd largest home appliance manufacturer in Europe – Arcelik Turkey, Dawlance will continue to support the most credible healthcare institutions, and the hospitals designated for COVID-19 treatment. Using digital media and various channels, we are also engaging and informing the public at all levels.” Umar Khan added.
In the wake of this global pandemic threat, hundreds of nations have locked down their cities, to ensure social-distancing, while broad-based precautionary measures are also being taken in Pakistan, to prevent an exponential spread of this ailment. Corporate entities must play a generous role in enabling timely diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients. This way major damage can be prevented.
So far, the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan is manageable, only if the people act responsibly, take precautions, do not leave their homes unnecessarily and wash their hands regularly. The next few weeks are critical to contain and eliminate this disease, so the economic impact of this lockdown can also be minimized, especially for saving the poorest segments of the society. Dawlance is committed to making sustainable efforts for the nation, to prevent any socio-economic challenge in the future too.
15th April 2020: Tahir Shah’s latest song, Farishta just released last week. Fans on social media were confused as to what the meaning of his latest track was. Shah took it to his twitter to explain in detail the philosophy behind his latest track.
The song’s exclusive message is an innocent child can change the world with just one cute smile which can bring peace in the world because children are the angels of the earth.
Shah has dedicated the song to his beloved son.
April 11, 2020: Taher Shah became a viral sensation with his song Eye to Eye, after which he released ‘Mankind’s Angel’. The singer vanished after that and has suddenly appeared during this already difficult, quarantine time with a new song, “Farishta” released today at midnight!
The song Farishta has an animated video and plays Taher Shah’s vocals in the background. It has disappointed people since it was expected he would again appear with his open hair in a different colored robe this time? His last two videos were shared and viewed multiple times over social media.
As predicted, this song has made an uproar over social media, the comments on the song are definitely worth a read to make your day as entertaining as ever!
A lot of people are concerned about his creativity, after four long years all Taher Shah could come up was a translation of his previous song? Hmph!!
Tahir Shah literally spent 4 years translating angel into farishta. WTF 🤦♂️
Government needs to play this song on streets…so people can stay in homes..😂😂
2020 couldn’t get more worse…#tahirshahpic.twitter.com/TQ5UWGCjgX
In a nutshell.#TaherShah took 4 years to translate “angel angel” into “farishta farishta” and add those creepy VFX which we have seen years back in SonPari. 😅 pic.twitter.com/GWvqGAlohe
Although the Sindh government has eased lockdown restrictions for ‘certain industries’ in view of NCC decision, here is a list of what will continue to remain closed in the province:
1. Educational Institutes 2. Marriage Halls 3. Public Places 4. Cinemas 5. Restaurants (home delivery will be allowed) 6. Shopping Malls 7. Beauty Parlors 8. Electronic Markets 9. Beaches, parks and playgrounds 10. Religious and social gatherings 11. Public transport 12. Markets and shops selling non-essential items 13. Medical stores that are not close to the hospitals to remain closed between 5pm and 8am 14. Petrol pumps to remain closed between 5pm and 8am
Update: April 14th 2020: On Tuesday, Federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan approved the extension of countrywide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The cabinet has decided to extend lockdown till 30th April across Pakistan.
According to sources, the government has decided to open skills-related businesses after which, tailors, electricians, mechanics, plumbers and barbers will be allowed to work.
Moreover, the government has also decided to open all sectors related to construction and rules have been issued for the sector.
Remaining sectors such as air travel, public transport, public gatherings, wedding halls, cinemas and public places will remain closed until further notice.
Update: 31st March 2020
On Saturday, the city’s East deputy commissioner ordered the closure of 11 areas of the metropolis where coronavirus patients had been identified as Sindh’s infected tally continues to rise, rapidly.
The 11 unions councils sealed are:
UC-6 Gillani Railways, UC-7 Dalmia, UC-8 Jamali Colony, UC-9 Gulshan-II, UC-10 Pehalwan Goth, UC-12 Gulzar e Hijri, UC-13 Safoora, UC-14 Faisal Cantt, UC-2 Manzoor Colony, UC-9 Jacob Line and UC-10 Jamshed Quarters.
Here’s what the notification read:
Update: 31st March 2020
According to ARY News, Milk shops across Sindh were allowed to remain open till 8 pm during the provincial lockdown.
The provincial home department on Monday issued a notification which allowed the milk shops and sale points to stay open till 8 pm instead of 5 pm.
Here’s what the notice read:
“The Government of Sindh has been pleased to allow fresh milk shops/sale points to operate till 8:00 p.m. instead of earlier timing of 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of collecting/storing. However, restrictions on the packaged/powdered milk will remain same,”
Earlier, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had announced that all grocery shops across the province will be closed by 5pm instead of 8pm.
Update: 25th March 2020
The government, despite all its efforts to contain the situation, has found itself with no choice but to impose a curfew. Although PM Imran Khan is not in favor of a complete shutdown, Sindh and other provinces have gone into lockdown.
CM Murad Ali Shah stated that the province will go into a 15-day lockdown. However, it was still not enough to keep people in their homes. More than 740 arrests have been made for violating the lockdown.
Given as to how this situation seems to be getting out of hand as citizens are not listening, the government may need to go ahead with a proper curfew.
Unfortunately, a #COVID19 Patient Afrasiyab, aged 57, who was admitted in Mayo Hospital, lost his life today. These are indeed difficult times for the whole country. Only way we can fight this pandemic is by staying indoors and following the precautionary measures.
A copy of the order (document) has been circulation on social media which reads:
Whereas there has been a need to take further preventive measures in wake of increasing CoronaVirus cases (COVID-19) in Sindh, therefore, the Government of Sindh, in the exercise of powers conferred Section 3(1) of the Sindh Epidemic Disease Act 2014 (The Sindh Act VIII of 2015), and in continuation of earlier Order of event number dated 22.03.2020, is satisfied that it has become extremely urgent and important to implement the following additional measures for the purpose of breaking the chain of the spread of the virus.
The order is expected to be implemented today onwards for 13 days.
Update: 22nd March 2020
The Sindh Government has announced an official lockdown in the province. With the increasing COVID-19 cases, CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah has announced that following tonight at mid-night a 15-day lockdown will be set in place.
The CM said that this decision is in the best interest of the public. He added that all offices and public places will be closed while people will not be allowed to gather in groups.
He also stated that violating this can lead up to 5 years in jail.
“People will not be allowed to leave their homes,” Murad remarked. “I have no option left but to impose lockdown in the province.” He added.
Moreover, Sui Gas and K-Electric officials have been directed to refrain from disconnecting connections during lockdown!
Update: 20th March 2020
As of Friday, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah has asked people to isolate themselves for three days as his team is making all efforts to contain coronavirus. The novel coronavirus has so far infected 238 people in the province.
During the 23rd meeting of the provincial task force on coronavirus, CM Sindh said,
“People should go into complete isolation for three days” and “Please stay home to protect yourself and your loved-ones.”
Moreover, he added that because of the increasing number of cases, they are asking people to not go outside as the situation will get worse if it continues. The total number of local or social contact cases in Sindh have risen from 40-51.
Earlier, PM Imran Khan spoke about the coronavirus situation around the world, saying that the US, Italy and England have reacted differently to the virus. Nevertheless, he said that Pakistan cannot afford the same response as European countries.
“Our economic situation is very fragile,” he said. “If we close down the country, what will happen to the poor? People will die of hunger here,” he said.
However, there are some precautions that the Sindh Government is taking while battling with the novel virus besides closing of Parks, restaurants, malls, marriage halls, cinemas, offices, shutting down all education institutions and gyms and banning all the public gatherings along with maintaining social distances.
Here’s what the Sindh Government has been doing amazingly!
1. Sindh Government has delayed and cancelled any social event such as concerts, fashion shows, food affairs that will involve social gatherings
Source/ Nation
2. Those suffering from high fever and cough or serious pneumonia are being tested for the disease and are quarantined if tested positive at Expo Centre and hospitals if there’s a chance of danger
Source/ Tribune
3. Sindh government has also carried and order of shutting down all recreational areas including parks, zoos and Sea View for an indefinite period of time to prevent coronavirus from spreading.
Source/ Dawn
4. There’s also a strict screening at the airport of the passengers who have landed from different countries. The airport has also been declared a red zone.
5. Public transportations have also been discontinued due to the COVID 19
Source/ Samaa
6. Encouraging online purchases of goods such as grocery, clothing and food
Source/ The Journal
7. Mass quarantine facilities are being set up in Sindh on the pattern of Sukkur quarantine centre that can accommodate at least 10,000 people in isolation simultaneously
Source/ Nation
8. Hospital with 120 beds and 16 ventilators has been specifically established by Sindh govt for keeping Covid-19 patients under isolation in Karachi
Source/ NY Times
9. The advisory has asked the people to refrain from coming into close contact with each other during the office work especially avoiding handshakes.
Source/ Buzzfeed News
10. According to the spokesman of Sindh government Murtaza Wahab, Isolation Centres have been established in Civil Hospital Karachi, Lyari General Hospital, Dow Ojha Campus Karachi, LUMHS Hyderabad, LUMHS Jamshoro, Peoples Medical College SBA, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Sukkur, Chandka Medical College Larkana and Gambat Institute of Medical Science Khairpur.
Source/ Newshub
11. Sindh government has also been sending personalized text messages to all the travelers visiting Pakistan from other countries
While the country is on a partial lockdown, medicine, grocery, fish, dairy, poultry and vegetable shops and stalls will remain open.
Also, all the government offices, except essential services such as health, local government, water board, etc, would continue work as usual.
On Tuesday, the Sindh Education Department served show-cause notices to 85 schools for not complying with the government’s orders which had been given earlier to reduce fees by 20% due to the coronavirus pandemic, the department’s spokesperson said.
Adding on to this, he said, “the schools have not paid their employees and did not reduce their fees by 20%,” He also stated that the department had sent show-cause notices to 30 private schools two days ago for violating the government’s orders.
The official further said,
So far, we have sent notices to 85 schools,”
Moreover, the spokesperson has warned private schools to pay their staff within a week or else strict action would be taken against them.
Update: April 9th 2020
On Wednesday, all private schools in Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad Capital territory announced they would challenge the directives for mandatory 20% concession in tuition fee for April and May. They said that they are already suffering losses due to the closure of the educational institutes till May 31.
Kashif Mirza, chief of All Pakistan Private Schools Association said,
“We will petition the court against the orders asking schools to reduce tuition fees by 20 per cent,”
The announcements came after the two provincial governments and PIERA ordered private schools to ensure a 20% reduction in fee and provide job security to the teaching and non-teaching staff.
The Sindh government has ordered private schools to reduce at least 20% in school fees.
According to the official notice which has been circulated, this concession is for the month of April/May.
The order states that private schools across the province need to consider at least a 20% reduction.
Furthermore, the notice reads that the officials said the orders will be enforced strictly in “letter and spirit”.
Moreover, in case of failure to comply, the parents can report the school at the complaint cell which will be set up specifically for this purpose. The telephone numbers for the complaint cell are 021-99217490, 0333-3243148 and 0333-7036425.
On the other hand, teachers and staff members of the institutions can also report complaints if they are not paid salaries for the mentioned months.
The Punjab Government also put a similar decision on the table which proposed 20% reduction in fees, but private schools rejected the idea.
What do you think about this action? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused countries to impose lockdowns. Majority of the businesses, shops and restaurants are closed down in order to curb the spread of the virus and to maintain social distancing.
A recent marketing gimmick by Karachi based eatery, Burger Lab has received a number of mixed reactions from netizens. While some have loved the message posted by the brand others believe its a complete miss in terms of marketing and have also termed it as a “failed marketing attempt”.
Burger Lab posted a message to its followers on Facebook saying they would be posting the recipe to their signature burger only if people said ‘please’!
Here’s what they posted:
Some requested Burger Lab for the recipe with great enthusiasm!
We couldn’t help but laugh at some of the comments people posted!
Burger Lab’s marketing stunt was not appreciated by some marketing enthusiasts on Facebook group, KAMN.
Source: KAMN, FacebookSource: KAMN, Facebook
Burger Lab continued to tease their customers with yet another post!
Finally, the secret was revealed and just today, Burger Lab uploaded their very own episode of “Straight out of Lab’s Kitchen!” The episode shows Taha making a very popular Burger Lab special known as the Smashed Burger step by step for all to try at home.
A team of Pakistani scientists at Dow University has successfully managed to find a significant breakthrough in a hard and fast battle against the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Reportedly, the group was able to isolate antibodies chemically, purified it, and concentrated the antibodies using ultra-filtration to remove unwanted material from the final product.
The blood used for this experiment belong to coronavirus infected patients who have now successfully recovered.
Moreover, this method of treatment has been declared safe, comes with low risks and is highly effective against the virus. Whereas plasma therapy is only allowed in emergency situations because of its side-effects.
The lead researcher Dr. Shaukat Ali is the principal of Dow College of Biotechnology and other team members included Dr. Shobha Luxmi, Syed Muneebuddin, Mir Rashid Ali, Ayesha Ali, Mujtaba Khan, Fatima Anjum, Dr. Sohaib Tauheed.
Alhamdulillah! Major breakthrough in fight against #Coronavirus by the researchers at Dow University of Health Sciences #DUHS. Successfully prepared intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) with plasma obtained from recovered patients of #COVID2019pic.twitter.com/GS7KL4VYmH
— Dow University of Health Sciences (@Dow_Uni) April 13, 2020
The team developed the H-IVIG after days of hard work and dedication. The first blood sample was collected in March 2020.
Furthermore, this is the world’s first report of isolation, formulation and safety demonstration of immunoglobulin purified from recovered COVID-19 patients giving a ray of hope to Pakistanis and people worldwide.
We have now to see how these scientists use this method in the upcoming days to cure more patients.
What are your thoughts on this achivement? Share them with us in the comments below.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.
A TikTok video that has been circulating on social media caught our attention. Apparently, we spotted Tom Cruise or someone who looks exactly like Tom Cruise at Target wearing top gun attire to buy groceries. As fun as the video is, it might just be a hint for something grand!
Image Source/Access
As more and more COVID-19 cases come forward across the world, following many casualties everything seems to be at a halt, at the moment but the director Joseph Kosinski, of the film Top Gun 2, Maverick has still scheduled to complete the film in June.
After watching the video, it is safe to say that the top gun attire might as well be useful for grocery shopping these days considering the COVID-19 issue at hand.
The TikTok might as well be a promotional activity, a reminder to the world that the Top Gun 2 is still in the making. However, we are not sure when the film will be released as cinemas across the globe are shut down during the pandemic.
“We’re sticking to our schedule and finishing the movie just as if it were coming out on its original release date,” Kosinski told Comic Book.
There are many restrictions that need to be followed as it restricts the filmmakers but the real spirit is to make it work somehow and finish the film in time.
“We’re sticking to our schedule and finishing the movie and just holding it for six months, which is such an interesting thing to do but it’s the right decision because this is a movie that people need to see on the big screen and if there’s no big screen, then you don’t want to release this movie,” he added.
“We want this to be a shared experience on as big a screen as possible.” We hope so too!
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Brandsynario.
Islamabad, April 13, 2020: As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads across Pakistan, the health system is increasingly under pressure. One of the biggest issues being faced is the limited availability of free of cost testing for the destitute population. Realizing this as an urgent need, Jazz has donated PKR 8 million to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), which shall fund 1000 COVID-19 tests. SKMCH&RC is a site designated for COVID-19 testing and has so far conducted over 500 free of cost tests on those who fulfilled the initial testing criteria.
This donation is a part of the PKR 1.2 billion COVID-19 relief support that Jazz recently announced. The support includes short to mid-term initiatives aimed to limit the negative impact of the pandemic, primarily for the most vulnerable communities.
“I understand that the policymakers are trying their best to ensure adequate supply of testing equipment nationwide, but we had to reach out to the private sector for urgent support. My greatest gratitude to Jazz for answering our call and supporting this humanitarian cause at a crucial stage. We will now revamp our testing efforts to clamp down on the virus spreading beyond control,” Dr. Faisal Sultan, CEO, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust.
SKMCH&RC has been at the forefront throughout the outbreak and is watching this developing situation very closely. Apart from being the designated testing site for the virus, the institution has also agreed to provide beds for the treatment of patients with coronavirus.
“Jazz has always been a strong supporter of SKMCH&RC and the ideology it stands for. The decision to support the institution during this critical time was unanimous as we believe they can create a positive impact in the fight against this pandemic,” said Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim. “As the leading mobile operator, we have a duty to support the health authorities and medical institutions during these critical times by leveraging our resources, digital expertise and nationwide footprint. To every one of the heroes on our front lines, we thank you.”
Jazz has always supported SKMCH&RC and has, in the past, been one of the leading philanthropists for the medical institution. The mobile operator chose to answer the call for assistance during a time when every individual and corporate, alike, need to play their roles for the nation’s benefit.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused countries to take on strict lockdown measures and the majority of the world’s population right now is working from within their homes. People are not using their car unless they need to buy groceries and this has made it difficult for car manufacturers to market their products during this difficult time. However, Honda UAE’s latest campaign tackles this situation with great ease.
Honda UAE embraces the #StayHome initiative by releasing a new 35-second commercial that was filmed entirely from home with the help of an ad agency, Memac Ogilvy in Dubai.
Source: Memac Ogilvy
The advert starts like any other car campaign, with a zoomed in shot of the car that showcases its minute details. However, there is a twist for the viewers as the text flashes on screens saying, “This might be the first car commercial to be written, directed, edited and watched entirely from home.”
Playing against instrumental music, viewers can see the miniature Honda Civic 2020 car zooming across the carpets, passing through furniture legs and finally a person uses a finger to close the door of the mini Civic. The car manufacturer puts up a hopeful message at the end saying, “Until we drive again” with the hashtag #StayHome.
Well, who would’ve thought that an entire commercial could be produced within the confines of our homes? Watch Honda UAE’s latest campaign here:
What are your thoughts on the Honda Civic 2020 commercial produced entirely at home? Let us know in the comments below.
Karachi: April 14, 2020: Naya Jeevan and SWVL announced a strategic alliance offering comprehensive health & life insurance coverage (including COVID-19 coverage) to SWVL’s 1000+ captains and their families for the first time. Naya Jeevan has been championing the right to health & life insurance coverage especially for the lower & middle segments of the Pakistani society over the past 8 years (more than 80% of Naya Jeevan’s portfolio of 50,000+ lives across Pakistan consists of people who have never had insurance before) and this commendable step by SWVL goes a long way in creating a social impact while protecting families linked to its supply chain, especially during these challenging times.
Together, Naya Jeevan and SWVL have co-developed a purpose-built insurance plan, including a technology-enabled, health & wellbeing intervention powered by doctHERs (a digital health venture affiliated with Naya Jeevan). This will give SWVL’s captains and their families (approximately 3,000 lives) access to comprehensive, nationwide, Health and Life insurance, cashless OPD benefits and unrestricted access to primary care doctors via telemedicine.
For SWVL, this initiative is an integral part of a ‘think forward’ strategy that takes into account the global COVID-19 pandemic and empowers its captains to stay engaged, safe, and stress-free, both for themselves and their dependents. For Naya Jeevan, the strategic partnership is another major milestone in its long journey towards enabling all Pakistanis to be protected under health insurance & life insurance coverage.
Khaqan Sikander, CEO Naya Jeevan & doctHERs remarked, “Strong are those that stand by the weak. Naya Jeevan has always been an impact-first company. We are proud to welcome SWVL into our growing portfolio of socially progressive clients that include Unilever, RB, Shell and FrieslandCampina (Engro Foods) to name a prominent few. Our clients have always been among the first movers in their respective industries to champion the right to health and wellness, be it for workers inside their companies, their supply chains, their industrial sectors or the country at large.”
Mr. Shahzeb Memon, General Manager for Pakistan at SWVL added that “Captains are the backbone of SWVL and are placed at the center of our decision making. Due to the countrywide lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it became evident that our captains would be impacted by the worsened economic conditions. During these challenging times, we pledge to safeguard them and support them and their families as much as possible. As part of our broader captain protection plan, we are partnering with Naya Jeevan to provide comprehensive medical and life insurance to all our captains.”
Pakistan Automobile Manufacturers Association (PAMA) has released the latest reports for March 2020. The report shares the number of vehicles sold in the month.
It is important to mention here that March 2020 has been the slowest month for the automotive sector in Pakistan since December 2008 when the government had imposed a lockdown.
Moreover, car sales fell by 43% month-to-month basis, while they witnessed a terrible 70% decline on a year-on-year basis.
The company with the most sold units was none other than Isuzu with their D-Max on top.
There were just 47 units of the Isuzu D-Max sold in February whereas it sold 84 units in March recording a 78.7% difference.
Here’s how the others performed:
Models
February 2020
March 2020
Difference
Suzuki Swift
186
82
-55.9%
Suzuki WagonR
699
310
-55.6%
Suzuki Cultus
1,535
710
-53.7%
Suzuki Ravi
615
293
-52.3%
Suzuki Alto
1,620
884
-45.4%
Suzuki Bolan
719
394
-45.2%
Toyota Corolla
3,715
2,089
-43.7%
Toyota Hilux
584
346
-40.7%
Honda Civic & City
1,868
1,327
-28.9%
Toyota Fortuner
211
158
-25.1%
Honda BR-V
273
237
-13.1%
With the novel coronavirus pandemic making things even worse for the automotive sector, we expect to see these numbers decline further in the upcoming months.
What do you think about the current situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.
14th April 2020: Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC) is coming up with different strategies to resume educational activities online as schools, colleges, and universities have been closed due to COVID-19 countrywide.
Incase, the lockdown is extended till June, universities will shift the courses to LMS. An agreement has already been signed with telecommunication companies to offer data bundles to university students at cheaper rates.
Face-to-face teaching is halted at all educational institutions across the globe after the Coronavirus pandemic. Countries with resources and capacity have opted for the online education system. Pakistan should move towards online classes until circumstances become normal in line with the approach the developed countries have opted for during the current situation. Coronavirus has badly affected the education system not only in Pakistan but across the globe.
HEC recognizes issues at hand that is lack of online system, faculty training, electricity, connectivity and internet coverage. The authority seems to have a plan to address all problems as of now.
8th April 2020: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced a brilliant scheme for all the students. As most of the population is working from home and students are now taking online classes, HEC announced on its official Twitter account that it is working with the telecommunication companies to offer data bundles to university students at cheaper rates.
HEC said that it is working with several mobile operators to provide students cheaper internet access to all their educational resources and online classes.
Announcing the Taleem Bundle, here’s what HEC Pakistan had to say in a series of tweet:
5) Taleem Bundle: we are working with the mobile operators on a data bundle that will give you internet access to educational resources at a MUCH cheaper rate (yes, your online classes too!). Stay tuned for more info.#TaleemBundle#ImproveOnlineLearning#KeepLearningPakistan
In another tweet, HEC was also mentioned that they’re trying to solve all the other issues faced by students such as electricity issues, students living in remote areas, having access to laptops and smartphones etc. Here’s what they said:
There are a few things that we’re still figuring out:
-How can we help students in remote areas? -What about students that don't have a laptop/smartphone? -How can we make data free? -How will assessments/exams take place? -What about grades? -What if the electricity goes out?
Stating how students are their number one priority, HEC said that it has been closely working with universities to set up proper systems for online learning to make things easier for students. And for universities lacking proper systems, they have been asked to temporarily suspend their online classes.
Skype or Zoom, which one do you prefer? A few months ago nobody would’ve imagined you would require a comparison between the two video calling apps.
However, here we are, working from home. Everyone working from home requires some medium of communication. Calls, messages, and emails do serve the purpose but are still considered as a task as you have to pay close attention and not miss any directions.
Both the apps seemingly have huge differences. One might fit your requirements better than others. Let’s begin unveiling!
Image Source: Smith Collection
Supported Devices
Skype: Web browsers, Windows, Mac.
Zoom: Windows 10, macOS, Linux (including Ubuntu), iOS, Android and Blackberry.
Free Trier
Skype: Yes
Zoom: Yes
Recording
Skype: Recordings are stored for up to 30 days.
Zoom: 1GB of cloud recording in Zoom Pro.
Special features
Skype: Blur my background, react emoji, call recording.
Zoom: Custom virtual backgrounds, end to end encryption, HD video, and audio.
Premium Tier
Skype: Yes, for calling internationally
Zoom: Zoom Pro ($14.99 per month per host) – 24-hour meeting duration
Maximum Number of Participants
Skype: 50 participants
Zoom: 100 (up to 49 visible at once)
The selection of the apps solely depends on the requirement of your business. Considering Zoom’s privacy issue at hand, if you’re a business that needs secure lines than maybe calls, messages and e-mails are the best solutions for you during the lockdown.
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Brandsynario.
According to NPR.ORG, you do not need to disinfect your groceries. The COVID-19 is likely to spread through person to person through droplets.
A Michigan based family doctor shared an elaborate routine How he disinfects his groceries online and since then many people have started following the routine. However, the experts suggest otherwise.
The Centers for Disease Controland the Food and Drug Administration suggests that your grocery haul is not a likely vector for the novel coronavirus.
Per the FDA’s website, “The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person. Foodborne exposure to this virus is not known to be a route of transmission.”
Educate Yourself About the Dangers
“While it is possible to contract the virus [from contaminated surfaces], the majority of transmission is probably going to be from respiratory droplets, which you’re exposed to when you’re around other people,” says Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.
Image Source/The Sun
So it is more likely that you can contract the virus from people inside the grocery store and not the food that you’re taking home with yourself.
Take Extra Precautions
Only visit stores when it is absolutely necessary. Plan your meals out, make enough space in the fridge for storage.
When you are ready to enter the store, make sure you sanitize your hands before going in. Wear a facemask and be conscious of not touching your face and maintain 6 feet distance.
Image Source/Latin Post
Until and unless you’re done buying your groceries, try to not touch your face.
Do you need Gloves?
“Gloves are not magic,” Schaffner says. “Gloves don’t make you invulnerable. As soon as you touch something with your gloved hand, that contamination is on the gloves.”
A lot of researchers are not a fan of gloves reason being that anything you touch with the used gloves instantly contaminates.
Watch a nurse in Michigan demonstrate How Easy Coronavirus Cross-Contamination Can Be
Dr. Faisal Mahmood – Consultant and Section Head for Infectious Diseases from AKUH in an interview with Dawn recommended that washing your fresh produce with water is enough. You do not need to follow an elaborate routine. However, you must limit yourself from going to the grocery store.
Bottom line is, you must wash your hands all the time for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Train your mind to not touch your face often.
Follow good hygiene practices and stay home!
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Brandsynario.
In the wake of Coronavirus lockdown, TECNO mobile has announced to extend the smartphone warranty for an additional two months not only in Pakistan but in more than 15 countries globally. As the world is grappling with economic recession and COVID 19 emergency, TECNO is endeavoring to facilitate its valued customers worldwide.
As more and more cities are getting lockdown in Pakistan, businesses are halted and social distancing is being observed, this news is surely comforting for all TECNO consumers. The warranty extension applies to those sold products, whose warranty expires from March 20th and May 30th, 2020. Moreover, Smartphone users can easily claim the extension online from April 15th to May 15th via Carl care Application. While TECNO’s offline customers can also avail of this offer by visiting any Carl care after-service outlet and claim assistance from the store staff.
Creek ma, the General Manager of TECNO mobiles said,
“TECNO being a consumer-centric brand has decided to extend the smartphone warranty for an additional two months. In this critical time, TECNO is standing with people of Pakistan and assuring our support in every possible way.”
In the time of lockdown and social distancing, people are increasingly relying on their phones to stay connected and with medical services. In this tense situation, the extension on after-sale warranty service on TECNO’s smartphone is bliss for Pakistani consumers and help build confidence among them about the reliability of the product.
This might be good news for many of you out there!
In 2018, Pakistani drama serial Aangan created a lot of hype before it aired on TV. The cast included some highly-talented faces from the industry including Sajal Aly, Ahad Raza Mir, Ahsan Khan, Sonya Hussain, Mawra Hocane and more. Moreover, the drama serial was directed by Ehteshamuddin and pre-partition script was written by Mustafa Afridi.
The drama serial, no doubt was an absolute hit but what killed its hype was the fact that it won’t be available on any digital platform for the audience to re-watch it.
However, the makers had always intended to release Aangan on bigger platforms such as Netflix but back then, it didn’t materialize so much and eventually, people forgot about it.
Here’s the promo if you haven’t watched it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laokLUSndVM
Things are changing and it seems like makers are now aiming for monetary gains, digitally as the Pakistan Entertainment Industry has been deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic as all of the productions have now been halted and profits have taken a major hit.
But we still can’t believe it!
The drama we all wanted to watch will now be online! In a recent interview of Mawra Hocane, she revealed that the makers of Aangan had been considering a digital release for quite some time now and that Aangan is currently being re-edited for a digital platform!
She said,
“I found out a month ago that it will be released on a popular digital platform soon and we will bear fruit for our handwork in that serial for a long time if that happens,” while talking to Momin Ali Munshi on his show.
Moreover, not much has been revealed yet as to when it’ll be released.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!
The coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the world and has changed the way daily life functions. Moreover, it is also causing a shift in marketing tactics and communication strategies for businesses. Brands have become more careful on the messages they send across to people during this crucial period.
Brands continue to act in a socially responsible way amidst COVID-19. However, a Pakistani beverage brand, Maza by Popular Group of companies has created quite an uproar over social media after the release of its latest campaign which people believe is promoting bullying in colleges.
The ad shows a group of students trying to prank one of their classmates, the student being pranked is shown as the ‘nerdy’ type while the rest are the ‘cool’ gang.
Maza’s campaign sends out the following message:
“In the toughest days of PANDEMIC like this, when the whole world dwells in extreme sorrows, MAZA brings you a reason to smile as a humble gesture to all our FUNTASTIC people..!!!”
Watch the Ad by Maza below:
Here’s what people on Facebook group, Khalid Alvi Marketing Next have to say about Maza’s latest campaign.
