News Update Times

74 percent say that bullying online is a serious problem for them today

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  More than two-thirds of 3,930 youths surveyed from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Thailand agreed that online bullying is a serious problem for young people today. Of the 1,350 youth surveyed in Pakistan, 42 percent said they were bullied before the pandemic began and in terms of intensity, over 40 percent said they experienced more online bullying since the onset of COVID-19.

The survey, conducted in August 2021 by Telenor Group, in partnership with Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aaghi (ITA) in Pakistan, found that 19 percent of youth in the country experienced online bullying at least once a week or more. Respondents selected social media, messaging apps, and online gaming and video game streaming as top three platforms where they experienced online bullying.The survey also revealed that youths who were bullied online used a range of tactics to stop the bullying. These spanned from ignoring the bully which resulted in the person stopping, changing security settings online so the person could not contact them, and speaking to a parent or guardian about the problem.

Refreshers on staying safe online needed

“Young minds across the world are growing up online, exposed to the internet’s world of limitless opportunities. But with these opportunities, come some risks that need to be identified and spoken about to raise awareness,” said Kamal Ahmed, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Telenor Pakistan. “The results of this survey highlight the growing need for refreshers on cyberbullying and online safety along with support and understanding from teachers, parents and guardians. While we aim to bridge the digital gap, online safety of the Pakistani youth is very close to us at Telenor Pakistan and we are actively educating children through Safe Internet Program to safely steer through the digital world” he further added.

Given the importance of this topic for youth, and the heightened intensity of online bullying since the pandemic, youth were eager for more training and guidance on how to deal with online bullying on social media apps (51 percent), how to protect their privacy online (41 percent) and how to improve their mental health and wellbeing (37 percent). Additionally, the respondents were interested in protecting themselves from online bullies on messaging apps (35 percent) and dealing with online bullying during gaming and streaming video games (38 percent).

“With the marked increase in time spent on the internet by youth during the pandemic, there is a clear need to better equip youth with ways and methods to protect themselves online. It is crucial that awareness, training on online bullying and building digital resilience be a multi-stakeholder exercise. This should not be left just to educational institutions but should also involve parents and caregivers,” said Manisha Dogra, VP, Sustainability for Telenor in Asia.

Increased internet time

Overall, 58 percent of youth surveyed in Pakistan used much more or more time on the internet since COVID-19 began. 17 percent said they use the internet all the time – from waking up till bedtime – while 38 percent used it mostly in the evenings, and only 4 percent limited their use to only during school hours.

Telenor’s top tips to stay safe online

For parents, guardians, caregivers, and youths who want to learn more about staying safe online, here are top tips:

For parents

For youths

1.       Start a conversation by asking them about their life on the web. 2.       Be open. It may be difficult for them to open up, so make them feel as safe and comfortable as possible. 3.       Find out how different social apps are used. This will make it easier to know where the risks are for your child.

1.       Think before posting. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes before sharing something that is potentially hurtful. 2.       Protect your passwords. Don’t share them, not even with your best friend, and don’t give out your personal information online. 3.       Get help. Don’t suffer alone if you are being bullied. Find a friend or trusted adult, or call a local helpline where you’ll find experts who are trained to support you.

 

About the survey[i]

Regional demographics

Telenor Group ran a survey on the impact of COVID-19 on online bullying and online use to develop the questionnaire and to examine the survey results. The survey was disseminated in four countries: Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Thailand through social media and youth/educational networks. All surveys were anonymous and translated to relevant local languages.

Key survey figures:

• Nearly 4,000 people participated in survey across four countries
• Responses by gender: females (50 percent), males (47 percent), and prefer not to say (3 percent)
• Respondents’ countries: Malaysia (38 percent), Pakistan (34 percent), Bangladesh (16 percent), Thailand (12 percent)
• Most respondents from 13-15 (42 percent) and 16-18 (32 percent) years of age; other age groups were below 10 (1 percent); 10-12 (6 percent); and 19-21 (18 percent).

Further resources

1. Top 10 tips for parents and guardians – How to talk to your kids about the internet
2. Top 10 tips for kids and teens – How to stay smart and safe on the internet

3. Digiworld

[i] Survey figures are rounded and may not add up to 100 percent. As answering all survey questions was not mandatory, response numbers vary slightly from question to question.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The year’s most awaited sale, Daraz 11:11, and this time around tech giant Xiaomi has collaborated with the e-commerce giant as its Diamond partner for the 11:11 sale! Are you excited and hyped up to get your hands on some cutting edge tech at an amazing price. Xiaomi being the global 2nd largest mobile phone manufacturer with milestones and support from fans around the world, is offering amazing offers & discounts to everyone.

If you are looking for an upgrade then this sale is what you have been waiting for! Get your hands on a sleek and premium phone like Redmi 10 and Mi 11Lite 5G NE at a whopping price.

So the discounts and amazing offers will be on these following products which you cannot miss.

You name it;

* Redmi 10

* Mi 11 Lite 5G NE

Upgrading your lifestyle by investing in eco-products could be transformative. Some of the products that will have an exciting sale on them include:

* Mi Watch

* Redmi Buds 3 Pro

* Mi Band 6

* Mi Band 5

The treat doesn’t just end at the above mentioned, win more discounts & vouchers this 11:11 by participating in fun games. (one rupee game, shake shake vouchers etc.) Yes you read it right, discounts and then some more freebies!

The tech giant also has a lot of giveaways planned so get ready, stay tuned and keep hitting the ‘add to cart button’. So trust us, you do not want to miss out on the biggest Xiaomi Day ever happening on the 18th of November 2021.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Nestlé Pakistan and University of Agriculture Faisalabad signed a Memorandum of Understanding, pledging to work towards agriculture research and development projects geared to address the challenges of climate change and sustainability.

Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to effects of Climate Change. Nestlé Pakistan is demonstrating its commitment to climate action at a time when there’s a great urgency to act. Nestlé wants to use its scale and reach to help tackle climate change, transform business and use its resources to inspire change, in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13, 15 and 17.

 Adeel Ahmed Aali, Head of Agriculture Services, Nestlé Pakistan, said, “In line with our vision to achieve net zero by 2050, we will be taking actions across our agriculture value chain and our operations, and this partnership is a step in that direction.”

He also stressed on the importance of regenerative agriculture practices. “This will help to increase soil health and identify fodders with lower GHG emissions with more carbon sequestration,” he said.

The MoU pledges to undertake agriculture research projects for measurement of carbon emissions, methane and nitrous oxide; environmental sustainability such as above ground and soil carbon sequestration for fodder, moringa plantation among others. As part of the arrangement Nestlé will also offer technical internship projects for UAF students.

Sharing his views, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad said, “Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to effects of climate change and agriculture plays a huge role in it. We appreciate that Nestlé Pakistan has partnered with us and is demonstrating commitment to the challenges of climate change by undertaking innovative research projects that will look environmental sustainability in the agriculture sector, such as above ground and soil carbon sequestration.”

Nestlé recognizes that climate change is the society’s greatest challenges. It has already started to impact people around the world in various ways; long-term changes in weather and crop patterns, hotter temperatures and increased droughts which can lead to more poverty, shortage of food and more health risks.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Waada and Zong 4G have officially joined hands as partners to distribute micro-insurance services to the masses of Pakistan. Zong 4G, coming on board as the distribution partner, will enable Waada to distribute insurance services to its 40 million-plus customer base. The alliance is a strategic move by Waada to enhance its reach and portfolio of partners. Waada is a technology-driven retail insurance brand with the goal of making insurance accessible and affordable for everyone in Pakistan. It is using technology to develop localized insurance solutions that will unlock the multi-billion-dollar, untapped insurance sector of Pakistan. The company aims to build a brand over trust and value, leveraging its growing network. Digital transformation underpins Zong 4G’s strategy and the company is driving this across its operations to deliver premium customer service.

“We’re pleased to partner with Waada to offer our joint customers the convenience of accessing insurance services. We always strive to offer our customers the best and most innovative digital experience. This collaboration provides great features to help have access to insurance services,” said spokesperson of Zong 4G.

“We are pleased to be signing Zong 4G as our partner. WHY we sell is more important to us than WHAT we sell. The question WHY runs deep at Waada. We believe Zong 4G can help us in getting closer to our inclusive insurance vision and provide real value to our people,” Ishaq Kothawala, Founder of Waada.

Through its continued commitment to helping Pakistani’s have access to digital services, Zong 4G’s partnership Waada will be the harbinger in improving insurance access in the country and covering a large portion of the underserved population.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Engro Fertilizers, Pakistan’s premier seed-to-harvest solutions provider, has conducted a series of farmer seminars to support the Government of Punjab’s “Grow More Wheat” initiative for enhanced food security and farmer productivity in the country.

The seminars, organized in Sargodha, Gujranwala and Kabirwala, were graced by Syed Hussain Jahanian Gardezi, Minister of Agriculture Punjab, as the Chief Guest. The events were attended by more than 2000 progressive farmers, dealers and other important stakeholders related to the agricultural sector.

Under the “Grow More Wheat” campaign, Engro Fertilizers is supporting the provincial government by training farmers in the best crop and fertilizer management practices for increased productivity and profitability. This will, consequently, encourage farmers to increase wheat cultivation area in the country and ensure sufficient wheat stocks for greater food and nutrient security of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Asif Ali – Head of Research & Development, Engro Fertilizers, reiterated the Company’s long-standing commitment to help Pakistani farmers grow. He shared that Engro Fertilizers is the only urea manufacturer offering seed to harvest solutions, including a range of quality seeds, value-added fertilizers and agro chemicals to drive improvement in quality and yield of crops at lower input costs.

Khusrau Nadir Gilani, Chief Commercial Officer of Engro Fertilizers, highlighted that the local fertilizer industry is providing urea cheaper by Rs 8500 compared to the global market. As a result of the significantly lower prices, which are at 2012 levels, the local fertilizer industry will save farmers from an additional burden in excess of Rs 363 billion this year. Through import substitution, the fertilizer sector will contribute more than $3 billion towards reducing the trade deficit in 2021. Further, the local fertilizer industry can also tap export potential of more than $400 million without any additional investment.

Syed Hussain Jahanian Gardezi appreciated Engro Fertilizers for partnering with the Department of Agriculture to deliver the message of enhanced productivity to growers. He said that, under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Khan Bazdar, the Punjab government has allocated higher funds for subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, tube wells, drip irrigation, tractors and agri machinery. He also distributed Kissan cards to growers and recognized top performing farmers in the yield competition.

A-first-of-its-kind #DuluxKaWaada on superior quality of Dulux

Now get perfect Colour, Finish & Coverage, or else free replacement in 7 days!

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) At AkzoNobel, a leading global Paints and Coatings company and maker of Dulux Paints in Pakistan, customers are the heart of everything we do. According to research done by Dulux, when it comes to choosing a brand of paint, expertise and high quality are the key priorities consumers look for in the brand. Led by its strong customer-first approach, AkzoNobel Pakistan has launched Dulux Assurance Program – a first-of-its-kind quality promise in the Pakistan paint industry.

This #DuluxKaWaada gives confidence to consumers that Dulux paint will give them the Perfect Colour, Uniform Finish and the Coverage stated, else the paint will be replaced*. This program is being rolled out across the country on a wide range of Dulux premium interior and exterior product portfolio. 

Mr. Mubbasher Omar, CEO – AkzoNobel Pakistan said, “Research indicates that consumers find quality of our products ahead of the industry. We used this insight to launch Dulux Assurance that brings to life our commitment to deliver perfect colour, finish and coverage every time consumers’ use our product. As pioneering experts in the paint industry, we’re confident that the extensive research and development that goes into each can of Dulux will speak for itself and further strengthen consumer trust and confidence in Dulux.”

Dulux Assurance is designed to inspire consumer confidence and trust across all stage of their painting journey. Strongly reinforcing this #DuluxKaWaada for our consumers in Pakistan, consumers can now can get in touch with AkzoNobel for any queries; via the dedicated WhatsApp (0300-0138589), Website (www.dulux.com.pk), Facebook (@DuluxPakistan) or Helpline (0800-38589).

Summing up how Dulux Assurance will delight customers, Mubbasher Omar added, “Globally, the brand Dulux is synonymous with a strong heritage of delivering quality products, services and tool. As experts of paints for over 85 years, we believe that quality is about delivering on the high expectations of our customers consistently. Dulux Assurance is the ultimate Dulux Ka Waada of quality – all so that you get more time to do the things you love, but with an added peace of mind.”

To know more of Dulux Ka Waada, visit

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GRuR4s0tLUg