In May, Instagram started testing a new version of its home feed that featured full-screen images and videos, much like TikTok, and responses to the test were strong.
Instagram is under criticism for adopting new features like those of its challenger TikTok. Playing up short-form video, showing it full-screen as TikTok does, and suggesting posts from strangers are other modifications that drew criticism from users.
Last month, photographer Tati Bruening uploaded a message on Instagram that read, “Make Instagram Instagram again. Stop trying to be TikTok. I just want to see cute photos of my friends.”
More than 275,000 people signed her online petition, which was reposted by social media stars Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian.
According to Instagram’s Head Adam Mosseri, over the next two weeks, Instagram will lessen the number of videos that are promoted to users from accounts they do not follow and will no longer test a full-screen mode for watching posts.
As people share and seek out video snippets more frequently, Mosseri contended that the move to more videos would occur even if the service remained unchanged.
Mosseri declared, “We will need to embrace this transformation because, if you look at what people share on Instagram, video content is becoming more and more prevalent over time.”
On a Wednesday earnings call, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, backed up that statement by stating that more people are watching videos online.
Zuckerberg paid more attention to the combination of content on Facebook and Instagram as well as the transformation of both apps into discovery engines, again like TikTok.
During Meta’s Q4 earnings call on Wednesday, Mark Zuckerberg mentioned Reels at least 23 times.
“It’s clear short-form video will be an increasing part of how people consume content moving forward, and Reels is now our fastest-growing content format by far,” Zuckerberg said on the call.
What do you think of Instagram’s new updates and features? Tell us in the comment section below.
Looking for ways to make a little pocket money? Here we have a selection of easy things to make and sell online, which almost anyone can do.
Bath bombs and soaps
Bath bombs and soaps are very simple to produce and may be very profitable because they can sell for up to $10 each. Producing bath bombs and soaps to sell is a fantastic way to combine your passion for crafts and your desire for money if you enjoy making things and are crafty.
Jewelry
Selling handmade jewelry online and at craft fairs is a common practice. It’s an excellent place to begin even as a novice, you may produce lovely works, and the start-up expenditures can be kept rather modest.
Candles
A candle-making business can be quite successful. In addition to having a low entry cost, the candle manufacturing market is anticipated to grow to around $5 billion by 2026. There is no scarcity of clients buying their favourite candles.
Baked Goods
Home-based bakeries have recently become more and more popular. More recently, many business owners began selling their cakes, cupcakes, and cookies online before expanding into franchises and standard retail bakeries.
You can prepare a wide variety of desserts at home, including cakes and cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pies, muffins, and pastries.
Homemade Lip balms
One of the simplest products to produce and market with household items is lip balm. Beeswax and natural oils are used in simple formulas that may be put together with only a heat source. Although you don’t require expensive equipment, you should make sure that your setup still complies with industry standards and local laws regarding home production.
Water makes up over 70% of your body, therefore drinking enough water is essential for good health. Your body uses water for a variety of functions, including regulating your body’s temperature, electrolyte balance, blood pressure, lubricating joints, and cell health.
Although everyone is aware of how crucial it is to stay hydrated, doing so can occasionally be challenging.
Here are six simple tips for staying hydrated:
Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning
Drinking a glass of water in the morning increases your energy levels and kickstarts your metabolism.
Keep a reusable water bottle with you
Having a reusable water bottle makes it simple to drink water wherever you are, whether you’re out and about, traveling, at home, or at school. A visual reminder to drink more water can also be provided by keeping a water bottle nearby. You’ll be continuously reminded to drink more if the bottle is on your desk or table.
Set alarms or reminders
You can also set reminders to consume more water, using an app or the alarm on your smartphone or smartwatch. Try setting a reminder, for instance, to sip on a little water every 30 minutes or to finish your current glass of water and replenish it every hour.
These things can encourage you to drink more water, especially if you have trouble remembering or are often busy.
Eat more foods high in water
Eat more foods that are high in water. Fruits and vegetables that are particularly high in water include lettuce, cabbage, celery, cantaloupe, and zucchini. In addition to having a high water content, these fruits and vegetables are a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that improve your general health.
Drink a glass of water before each meal
Making it a routine to have one glass of water prior to each meal is another easy approach to enhance your water intake. It will keep you hydrated, help your body digest food better and help you feel full faster.
Set a daily goal
You can increase the amount of water you consume by setting a daily goal. Setting a goal itself can inspire you and increase your likelihood of lasting change.
We’ve got our eyes on this Independence Day special kurta by Sana Safinaz.
Best Buy
These beaded evil eye slides from DoodleInc are so comfy yet chic. Priced at 3650, they would make a perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.
Food
Cosa Nostra Paola’s is the talk of the town for all the right reasons. We’d go back for their Special Fried Burrata & Blackened Steak Tacos any time, any day!
On the playlist
They say old is gold and that certainly applies to this track!
Paperazzi Recommends
The new Netflix movie Darlings is a dark comedy highlighting domestic violence.
The narrative sees a young couple fall in love before he begins to abuse his young wife until, after a while, the tables turned.
Go-to coffee place
Being coffee enthusiasts, we’re always looking out for a good caffeine fix & the spanish latte from Third Culture Coffee really knocked our socks off!
Currently watching
Okay maybe we’re a little late to the party but glad we’re watching Stranger Things.
The story revolves around the mysterious and sudden vanishing of a young boy after which the people of a small town begin to uncover secrets of a government lab, portals to another world and sinister monsters.
You have to watch it if you haven’t seen it already!
News
The upcoming documentary House of Hammer documents physical & emotional allegations against Hollywood Star Armie Hammer.
The official synopsis for the documentary
series is: “Debauchery. Deceit. Abuse.
Addiction. Corruption. The men in the Hammer family have more secrets and scandals over the generations than any vault can contain. Armie Hammer’s alleged crimes are only the tip of the iceberg.
It brings the dark and twisted secrets of the Hammer family into spotlight. Behind the money and power lies a dysfunctional dynasty with its male characters exhibiting all the devastating consequences of privilege gone wild.
House of Hammer is coming out on 2nd September on Discovery Plus.
Environmental degradation, unclean habits and settings, insufficient and improper systems for waste disposal, a lack of hygiene, and poor sanitation are the main problems Pakistan and other third-world countries face. These issues not only affect the health of the populace but also contribute to climatic changes, which are thought to be the greatest threat to human lives and the planet itself.
Environment protection is a requirement, not a choice. We must all do our part to make Pakistan a clean, green country. Here’s how we all can contribute:
Don’t litter the streets or roads
Remember that you are a responsible Pakistani citizen when you are out and about. It is your responsibility to keep the ground clean. Keep a small bag on hand to collect waste, such as plastic bottles, juice boxes, and wrappers.
Plant more trees
There are so many advantages that trees bring to our daily lives. They help prevent climate change, filter clean air, produce clean water, and provide habitats for countless plant and animal species. Our country can be protected from climate change and biodiversity loss by planting trees. Neem trees can be planted. They are low maintenance, water efficient, and provide a lot of shade.
Use Biodegradable Stuff
Sustainable living includes the use of biodegradable items that are created from recyclable and renewable components. This indicates that the garbage produced by these products won’t end up in a landfill. Paper bags containing seeds have been introduced by some companies. Therefore, even if they are thrown away, the seeds can still grow into plants. Alternatively, you can remove the seeds and plant them yourself.
Recycle
The environment and your neighbourhood can both benefit from recycling. It lessens the amount of trash that is dumped in landfills and burned in incinerators. By minimizing the need to gather fresh raw materials, it conserves natural resources like water and timber and prevents pollution.
Pakistan has faced numerous difficulties since its independence in 1947, including a weak economy, dishonest and incompetent leaders, inadequate civil institutions, conflict and security issues, and regional instability. However, Pakistan has already demonstrated great resiliency in the face of tragedy.
Pakistan has advanced significantly in terms of industry, airlines, embassies, literacy rates, exports, and so much more.
Literacy rate:
Pakistan has come a long way in terms of literacy rate. At the time of the first census in 1950, the overall literacy rate was 14% in Pakistan.
The current literacy rate of Pakistan is 58.00%. We have defeated illiteracy with the help of the Pakistani government’s ministry of education. 22 million pupils can now easily access schools and institutions.
GDP by Industry:
Out of the 921 industrial units in the subcontinent, Pakistan only received 34 at the time of independence. They were the cotton textile, cigarette, sugar, rice husking, cotton ginning, and flour milling sectors; collectively, they produced just 7% of the GDP and employed just over 26,000 people.
Now, Pakistan has the 22nd-largest economy. Pakistan’s industries have prospered over the years and are now responsible for 64% of GDP, up from only producing 7%. Agriculture, the automotive sector, cement, steel, tobacco, chemicals, machinery, and the cotton textile industry are among the major industries.
Radio Pakistan:
According to one of the pioneers of Radio Pakistan, three radio stations in Dhaka, Lahore, and Peshawar existed at the time of Independence. In 1947 there was no radio station in Karachi, the capital of Pakistan.
Now, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC, Radio Pakistan) is operating 67 broadcasting units. These stations spread across the country and cover 98% of the population and 80% of the total area of Pakistan.
Embassies and consulates in Pakistan:
Since the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Pakistan faced a lot of struggles. Iran was the first country to open its embassy in Pakistan.
Now, there are about 59 Foreign Embassies and 68 Consulates placed in the territory of Pakistan.
Pakistan International Airlines:
PIA was founded on 29 October 1946 as Orient Airways and was initially based in Calcutta, British India, before shifting operations to the newly independent state of Pakistan in 1947.
After facing a lot of challenges, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has become one of the best airlines in the world. PIA is Pakistan’s largest airline and operates a fleet of 29 aircraft. PIA’s expansion is uninterrupted, and the airline now serves every domestic destination as well as international locations on four different continents.
Universities and Colleges in Pakistan:
Education is a necessity for any country’s development. At the time of independence, there were only a few colleges and universities in Pakistan.
Now, there are over 190 universities and 2900 affiliated colleges in Pakistan.
IT sector of Pakistan:
Pakistan’s digital growth is undergoing a rapid transformation. One of Pakistan’s fastest-growing industries, IT/ITeS contributes around 1% of the country’s GDP or about 3.5 billion USD. It has already doubled in the last four years. In the next two to four years, it will expand another 100% to $7 billion, analysts predict.
Tourism Industry:
The tourist industry in Pakistan has a lot of potential. The fastest growth rates in tourist arrivals are currently being seen in Pakistan. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Pakistan’s GDP in 2016 was ₨793 billion (equivalent to ₨4.0 trillion or US$18 billion in 2021), constituting 2.7% of the total GDP. By 2025, the government predicts tourism will contribute ₨1 trillion (US$4.4 billion) to the Pakistani economy.
Pakistan is experiencing a crisis, yet all is not lost, and there is still hope for Pakistan.
14th August is just around the corner. It is a National holiday in Pakistan. It commemorates the day when Pakistan achieved independence and was declared a sovereign state following the end of the former British India.
Here are some ways to celebrate 14th August with your friends and family:
Decorate Your House
Encourage the kids to adorn your house with flags, banners, balloons, and other items that promote independence in all its vibrant hues. Hoist the National Flag on top of your roof. This will instill a sense of patriotism in your home.
Play “Mili Naghmay”
National Songs reflect the actual feelings of every Pakistani and foster a sense of patriotism and connection. So, gather up and play songs like “Dil Dil Pakistan”, “Hai Jazba Junoon” on repeat.
Wear Green or White Clothes
Anyone who is patriotic for this country feels overwhelmed by wearing green or white clothing. Make sure that everyone in your family, from your grandparents to the smallest members, is wearing green or white clothes, accessorized with Pakistani flag pin.
Visit National Monuments
Take your kids to national landmarks and museums so they can connect with Pakistan’s history by witnessing the past come to life in front of their eyes.
Pray for Pakistan
Pray for Pakistan to be rescued from the evil spirits of anarchy and bloodshed that threaten the country. Pray God to provide a government that will advance the country. Pray that we achieve Jinnah and Allama Iqbal’s goal!
“Teatime with Roha” is a food photographer based in Islamabad. She uses natural light to create stunning photos. She has a fantastic eye for details, and her food photography will make you hungry!
Here are her top five tips to take Instagram-Worthy food photos:
Natural Light
Natural lighting! It’s the most important thing when it comes to aesthetic food photography. Not direct sunlight but perhaps something more of a “golden hour” intensity. Simple sunrays passing through a window or branches of a tree will do the trick too!
Capture steam or water drops
When capturing a drink, it’s temperature showing is a bonus. If it’s a hot drink, try to capture the vapours and if it’s a cold drink, try to bring in the water droplets for an Icey feel.
White plates on white marble tops
This has got to be the easiest beginner’s way of capturing an aesthetic photograph. Personally, I find it to be very whitewashed because our culture is so colourful, nonetheless it does look good.
Focus on fewer items
Too many food items in one frame can be confusing. Focusing on fewer items brings out the beauty in each of them more. I personally love taking closeup shots of food. So close you can taste the picture!
Build your personal aesthetic
Remember that there is a difference between objective and subjective aesthetics. You need to enjoy what you do and give it your own twist. I love taking a sort of “point of view” shot of my plate, holding it in my hand and people really clicked with that!
Sustainable fashion focuses on clothing that’s designed, manufactured, distributed, and used in ways that are environmentally friendly. Lowering CO2 emissions, dealing with overproduction, cutting waste and pollution, promoting biodiversity, and making sure that garment workers are paid fairly and have safe working conditions are all essential to the sustainability matrix.
Here are some ways to support sustainable fashion:
Buy Less
One of the best ways to protect the environment is to purchase fewer, higher-quality garments. Not only does it conserve the resources needed to make new garments, but it also reduces the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills.
Shop your own wardrobe
Consider how you can make what you already own look brand-new rather than purchasing entirely new items every season. Look at the accessories you haven’t worn in a while that you could add to a current ensemble to make it more interesting. Combine elements to create new looks. Have fun and use your imagination!
Shop second-hand
Across the world, there are second-hand stores. Additionally, a lot of websites and apps provide a variety of second-hand clothing options, from the cheapest to brand-name garments. Buying pre-loved items will increase the longevity of these clothes and lessen the environmental effect of your closet.
Buy Higher Quality
Even if it costs a bit more, investing in higher-quality, more durable clothes that you can see yourself wearing often over the years can also be beneficial because it will likely stay in your closet for longer.
Buy Natural Fabrics
Purchasing natural fibres is better for the environment as well as for you because synthetic fibres can itch and make you perspire more. Two examples of natural fibres that make excellent fabrics and clothing include cotton and bamboo.
The Islamic holiday known as Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the holy Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson, and his comrades at the Battle of Karbala on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram. When faced with disasters, Imam Hussain (RA), his family, and associates displayed the greatest moral standards.
Here are some lessons that we think everyone should learn from Hazrat Imam Hussain’s (RA) remarkable journey:
Significance of Salah
Imam Hussain (RA) never forgot the significance of Salah when engaged in the Battle of Karbala. When it was time for Zuhr, Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions halted to pray despite the Yazid’s troops firing arrows at them nonstop.
Sacrifice
Imam Hussain (RA) demonstrated to the devout believers that they should be willing to give up all to uphold Allah’s religion when it is in danger. He rebelled against Yazid when he saw how the dictator openly disobeyed Allah’s precepts.
Patience
One of the most important life lessons we can take from Imam Hussain (RA) is to be patient, even when things don’t go your way. Imam Hussain (RA) maintained his composure throughout everything, including the contract violation that led to hostilities with Muawiyah and the incident where he was turned away from water on the Euphrates. He had the patience to put his affairs in Allah’s hands despite the oppressors killing the Imam’s (RA) youngest child, Ali Asghar, who was just six months old.
On the Day of Ashura, when the battle was in full swing, he told his companions: “Be patient O ‘ the son of the nobles. Death is only a bridge that takes you from misery and loss to the vast Paradise and the eternal graces”
Determination
Imam Hussain’s (RA) legacy is one that exemplifies remarkable courage, determination, and grace in the face of oppression. Imam Hussain (RA) did not move from his true position in the face of enormous obstacles. On numerous occasions, including at Karbala, he was given the chance to swear allegiance to Yazid in exchange for the protection of his life and the lives of his family. However, Imam Hussain (RA) remained steadfast in his choice since he understood it would go against Islamic values.
Submission to Allah’s will
From an early age, when his Grandfather Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would tell how he will be left alone in a place called Karbala, Imam Hussain (RA) was aware of his fate. However, Imam Hussain (RA) never questioned Allah’s plan, even when he was left alone on the Day of Ashura. He always accepted his fate.
