Sunday, 12 March 2017

Jovago brings an exclusive article on the 5 must-have apps for Business Travelers

For some people traveling for business purpose brings about a load of perks while for others it is a chore. No matter which side of the coin you are, traveling is something which is essential for your job or business.
Therefore, it is important that your business trip is smoothened. For this, you should take the help of your smartphone which has brought about convenience into our lives. From hotel booking to finding routes, everything is just a touch away.
Keeping in mind the ease that smartphones brings about, Jovago Pakistan brings you an exclusive article on the must-have apps that will ensure that you have a smooth, hassle-free business travel.
  1. Oanda Currency Converter
Don’t know how much Dollars you will get in exchange for Pakistani Rupees? If yes, then fret no more. This is because by using Oanda app you can easily convert between currencies using up-to-date rates. Available for both Android and iOS users, this app is a must-have for international traveling.
  1. AwardWallet
Are you someone who frequently travels for business purposes? If yes, then you have the opportunity to cash on it. By using the AwardWallet app, you can keep track of your loyalty programs. Available for both Android and iOS users, it allows you to view your frequent flyer miles as well as keep your hotel and credit card points all in one place.
  1. Google Maps
Want to reach your meeting on time but can’t figure out which is the best route for you?  Don’t worry because he who know-it-all is here to help you out. By using this app, navigation of different places will become easier for you like never before as it provides you with easy to understand travel routes but it also allows you to compare and decide which transportation mode will be better for you. It also notifies you about possible traffic jams.
  1. FlightAware Flight Tracker
Think that your flight will get delayed? Here is the perfect app to get real-time status updates on any commercial flight worldwide. By using FlightAware app, you are able to track your flight and get to know if there are any delays or changes to arrival or departure. It is available for both Android and iOS users.
  1. Evernote
Have a problem in keeping all your work in one place? Well, you don’t have to worry anymore because by using the Evernote app you can easily write up and organize notes while you’re away from your desk. With the option of easily syncing with all your devices, the app has both Android and iOS versions.

Must Have Apps for All Solo Females Traveling in Pakistan

As the hospitality industry goes online, it has lead to a change in the dynamics of the industry. Gone are the days when people had to wait in long lines to get a place in the restaurant or had to wander about the new destination in search of a hotel room that met their requirements.
Nowadays, everything is possible by just using your smartphone. This technological advancement has brought about convenience into the lives of human beings which has enabled them to take control of their lives.
One aspect of this empowerment can be seen among women who are no longer confined to household chores. They no longer feel the need to have the company of males whenever they are going on a trip. Rather, by easily planning and arranging for every aspect of their travel voyage prior to their traveling to the new destination, females are ready to embark on a solo journey which is full of eye- opening experiences.
To facilitate these women, Jovago brings a list of apps which every woman traveling solo in Pakistan should have.
Google Translate
As Pakistani is a home to various diverse ethnic groups, there are a number of languages spoken throughout the country. With the help of the tech maestro, all females can easily get to understand and communicate by typing in words and phrases used in the local language. Google translate is available in 103 languages, out of which 52 are available offline. By using this app, you will no longer stutter because you are at a loss for words.
Help Call
During traveling, if any emergency arises, one is not exactly sure whom to call for help. You can avoid such situation by using the Help Call app. With it’s easy to navigate button system, it brings all the essential international emergency information together. Do download the app in order to ensure that you are ready to face all the challenges that your solo journey brings about.
Jovago
Traveling to Pakistan but don’t know where to stay? Keep calm as Jovago Pakistan has come to your rescue. With an inventory of more than 2000 hotels, Pakistan’s best hotel booking website provides you the best price guarantee and most importantly, the ease of paying online as well as offline. Moreover, it also allows you to search for the best hotel room by using the customized search engine which is based on various criteria including destination, stars, price and popularity.
Instagram
Want to show off all your amazing travel pictures but think they are not good enough because you took them from your phone’s camera. Fret no more because by using the instagram app, you are able to convert your plain pictures into digital works of art. The app offers various themes along with different filters to show your colorful side.

Wednesday, 8 March 2017

ACCA celebrates International Women’s Day 2017

ACCA (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is proudly celebrating International Women’s Day today, an annual celebration on 8 March of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
ACCA’s Chief Executive, Ms Helen Brand OBE said, ‘Great progress has been made across the world to accelerate gender parity, but there is still work to be done to improve it. Women still only represent 22% of corporate leaders globally, with a further 33% of firms globally with no women in senior management at all*.’
ACCA uncovered inequality in the working trends of young women in finance careers in an 18,000-strong global survey, ‘Generation Next’, which found:
Women are more likely to pursue a long term career in finance and accounting (47% would like to stay in the career for more than 5 years compared to 40% of men)
Women are more likely to expect to stay with their current employer in their next role (42% expect an internal next move, compared to 37% men)
Women are less likely to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions (84% of men want to start their own business either as their next career move or later in their career, compared to 74% of women)
‘For the inequality these statistics show to become a thing of the past, organisations must build supportive environments and work to eliminate conscious and unconscious bias right across the corporate structure’ says Helen.
At present, ACCA has 480,000 students around the world studying hard to become professional accountants. 54% of them are female, a percentage that is growing year-on-year. With almost a quarter of a million women working towards a professional qualification, ACCA believes the pipeline of motivated, ambitious young women looking to embark on a career in business has never been healthier.
‘Closing the gender gaps are crucial to the global economy’s success’ continues Helen. ‘For female finance professionals that aspire to positions of leadership here are some tips to help you make the most of your current opportunities:
‘Find a role model – As you journey up the career ladder, having a role model can help you see where the breadth and depth of female talent is in the organisation and spur you on.
‘Explore leadership opportunities – Leadership roles don’t have to be strictly in the workplace. Seek an oversight role and use it to practice your leadership skills. You could start volunteering as a school governor. Once you become an experienced leader, you can apply to other positions such as a non-executive director for a company board. Boards are crying out for diversity, and you’ll be able to bring a different perspective and add value to the table of any organisation through your expertise.
‘Children aren’t the only reason for flexible working – Flexibility shouldn’t be a gendered policy. I encourage employees of both genders to request flexible hours to pursue commitments and interests outside of work, whether that be family life, volunteering or entrepreneurial pursuits. Dividing your time can allow you to pursue other areas of interest can make your work life balance more suited to your individual needs. Research shows employees stay with their organisations longer if they’re more satisfied in their roles – and a well-rounded individual who has a positive social impact is likely to be a more valuable employee too.
‘We have been talking about gender inequality in business for far too long, and it is time for change. It will not happen overnight, but we can all take action to accelerate the pace of change and work towards more diversity, and I’m sure 2018 will be another year of continued improvement. Happy International Women’s Day for 2017.’

Sunday, 5 March 2017

Summer Fashion Trends to Rock Your Next Trave

Planning to travel in the summer season but don’t know what to include in your wardrobe to rock your trip?
If your answer is yes, then fret no more. Keep calm and read along as this fashion edition by Jovago Pakistan will help you in flaunting your style this summer season.
  • Loose Shalwar
Not only do shalwars look elegant, they also help in remaining cool whilst traveling in the glowering sun. Pair it up with a short tunic or a knee-length shirt and you are ready to rock your ethnic look!

  • Frills and Ruffles
Whether it is the famous celebrities, the fashionistas or the runway models, everyone is welcoming the 1980’s trend of frills and ruffles by adding them to their sleeves, collars or on the trimmings of their pants. Add a flirty yet fun touch by including frills to your travel wardrobe.
  • Stripes
The hottest trend of 2017 revolves around stripes. From runway shows for Valentino to  Banana Republic, fashion has gone graphic this summer season with stripes popping up everywhere.  Whether it is the sophisticated Oxford stripes that catches your eye or the colourful stripes that shows your fun side, do add them to your summer wardrobe.
  • Slogan Tees
Making your statement through slogan tees is another upsurging trend for the summer season. Not only does tees shirt provide comfort to you in the hot season but they also make you look chic. Pair it up with leggings or jeans or even straight pants and you are good to go. Make your statement with your tees without saying a word.
  • Add some sunshine and pink
The fashion world is going Va Voom on pink and yellow colour. All the prominent designers around the world are going Gaga by adding these two colours to their collections. Whether you are a fan of soft shades or you want to make a bold statement, do get yourself something that is  in pink and yellow colours.

Perfect Footwear for Traveling That You Can Not Afford to Miss Upon

Tired of walking around your travel destination in those uncomfortable shoes which end up ruining your travel plans? Did you get blisters all over your feet because you wore the wrong pair of shoes?
If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then this footwear edition by Jovago Pakistan is a must read for you. This is because it contains a list of foot wears that are not only perfect for your travel but are trendy as well. Hence, ensuring that you have a great trip, at least from the perspective of your shoes.
  • Espadrille
Whether you are a fan of casual shoes or flat forms, there are different espadrilles available in the market. They make a perfect fit in the tropical and sub tropical climate because they are made of cotton or canvas fabric. A major trend in fashion, espadrilles is a perfect choice of footwear for a day long trip.
  • Sliders
Sweeping away the 90’s fashion of flip flops, sliders are the new talk of the town. Not only do they look great with pants and shalwars but they also provide comfort to your feet. A must have if you are planning a trip to the beach.
  • Converse
Despite being on the market for some years, the converse is great for short walks as it provides comfort to your feet. Pair it up with some skinny jeans or a even a jumpsuit and you are ready to rock your style and of course your travel.
  • Sneakers
Not only do sneakers provide your feet with comfort but they also give you an athletic vibe, which is something that everyone in Pakistan is busy talking and working upon. They make up the perfect footwear if you are planning to go about exploring the Northern areas.
  • Flat pumps
A perfect option if you are planning for a tour of the city as they are lightweight and comfortable. Pair it up with pair skinny jeans for a casual look. They also look great with shalwars and pants.

Explore the cave city of Pakistan – Gondrani

As an underground natural chamber on the side of a hill or cliff formed due to erosion and dissolution of rocks, cave tends to carry an aura of mystery. From serving as a shelter and food storage to being used as a prayer site, these shadowy openings have a history that dates way before the inception of humans.
The alluring nature of these caves attracts humans because they like mysterious things. Throughout the various taciturn of history, man has tried to discover and explore these alluring gifts of nature. This is one reason why caves have emerged as one of the leading tourist destinations among extreme adventure lovers.
If caves are what allure you then imagine a city which is full of caves. You must be thinking that we are out of our mind, but hold your horses. Keep calm and read this exclusive article by Jovago Pakistan to know all about this mysterious yet actual cave city in Pakistan which has emerged as one of the tourist destinations.
Location
Near the Bela city in Balochistan, which is the largest province of Pakistan, lies the mountainous region of Gondrani. It is located at a distance of 200 km from Karachi and is basically an archeological site. In order to reach this tourist site, one has to travel through a gravel road from Bela city which heads towards a small stream that is surrounded by caves of Shehr-e-Roghan.
History
The caves of Gondrani date back to the 7th century A.D. However, archeologists are still not able to find the origin of these mysterious caves, due to several different myths revolving around it. Many people believe that the caves of Gondrani were carved by the Buddhists who ruled over the area at that time.
Popular names
Gondrani is also known as Shehr-e-Roghan, Cave City of Lasbella, Cave Dwellings of Gondrani, House of the Spirits; its nickname being the cave city of Pakistan.
Description
The Gondrani caves are small in size and therefore, visitors can easily touch their ceilings. They are carved on the inner sides of the mountains, which contain pebble type rocks. Due to the surrounding streams flowing by, some of the caves are so high on the water content that they have water plants that are actually hanging.

Thursday, 2 March 2017

ACCA and SECP MoU signing on Investor Education and Awareness

Lahore, 3rd March 2017: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) recently signed an MoU with Securities and Exchange Commission Pakistan (SECP) as both ACCA and SECP share a common vision of advancing public interest and are committed towards the promotion of investor education and awareness.

The attendees at the signing ceremony included Ayla Majid and Phoebe Hao You, ACCA Council Members, Helen Brand, Chief Executive ACCA and Sajjeed Aslam, Head of ACCA Pakistan. The senior management from SECP included Akif Saeed, Commissioner SECP and Khalida Habib, Director, Investor Education SECP.
                     
The MOU is expected to be a starting point of the relationship between the two entities and will be moving on to broader matters concerning general financial literacy in Pakistan. Under this MoU the organizations will jointly organize ‘Investor Awareness Seminar’ series throughout Pakistan as well as hosting local and global conferences which shall contribute to the investor education campaign.