Latest news with #IPSOS
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Surge in consumer confidence sign of economic recovery: Aurangzeb
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Sunday welcomed the findings of the IPSOS Consumer Confidence Survey for Q2 2025, describing the results as a 'strong affirmation' of Pakistan's improving economic trajectory and growing public trust in the government's economic policies. According to the survey, 42 percent of respondents believe Pakistan is moving in the right direction, the highest level recorded in six years, while perceptions of economic strength have reached their most positive levels since August 2019. For the first time since IPSOS began tracking consumer sentiment, optimism has surpassed pessimism, marking what the minister called a 'key psychological shift' among the population. 'This encouraging data is a reflection of our disciplined and targeted macroeconomic strategy over the past 14 months,' Aurangzeb said in a statement. 'We have focused on stabilizing inflation, strengthening the exchange rate, rebuilding foreign reserves, and improving fiscal discipline.' FED on processed foods: nutritional reform or revenue racket? He said consumer confidence in making major purchases and investments has doubled compared to the same period last year, suggesting households are gaining financial security. Additionally, job security sentiment is now at its highest since 2019, he added, attributing the trend to the government's pro-growth reforms. The finance minister also pointed out that the upswing in sentiment is visible across both urban and rural regions, with marked improvements seen among women and youth, an indication of what he termed a 'broad-based economic turnaround.' Govt urged to craft a budget that reflects commitment to progress He credited the improved outlook to the government's efforts to foster private sector growth, enhance exports, expand social safety nets, and promote financial inclusion. Aurangzeb reiterated the government's commitment to sustaining macroeconomic stability and accelerating structural reforms. 'The IPSOS survey results are a timely validation of our economic direction and a clear signal that Pakistan is on the path to recovery and resilience,' he added.
Gulf Business
06-05-2025
- Gulf Business
TikTok's Mario El Feghali on how the brand is enhancing travel experiences
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes How is TikTok shaping the way people discover and plan their travel experiences across the MENA region? We want to make sure that we are always meeting travelers' expectations, but also simultaneously elevating the search experience for users. From our data, we know that only 45 per cent of travellers' vacations have lived up to their expectations. We have more than a billion global monthly users and particularly tech‑savvy audience in the MENA region. We've seen that now more than ever, planning a trip often begins with in‑feed scrolling. Travellers trust the platform's first‑hand experiences to decide where to go, how to get there, and everything in between. According to the TikTok Made Me study conducted by IPSOS, 80 per cent of viewers take action within a week of watching a travel video, and 35 per cent purchase the product or service they saw. Brands have picked up on this notion and have been utilising the platform to keep up with demand. Tools like Spark Ads, Dynamic Travel Ads, and creator partnerships let marketers drop real‑time prices and one‑click booking links directly into the content people already love. It is making destinations bookable at the exact moment travellers feel it. What are some of the most compelling travel trends currently emerging on TikTok, and how are brands tapping into them effectively? TikTok is one of the few platforms where community-powered discovery drives real decision-making. It's become a search engine for building travel itineraries. What sets it apart is the dynamic interplay between creators, users, and brands. Etihad Airways is a great example of a brand that's leaned into this shift. Rather than repurposing traditional ad assets, they've reimagined their approach through mobile-first, visually rich storytelling. Working with our TikTok Creative Exchange, they 'TikTok-ified' their content by creating short, emotionally resonant videos that showcase destinations through a human lens. The content felt organic, unpolished in the right way, and deeply native to the platform, which is exactly why it resonated so strongly with the TikTok community. In what ways is the brand bridging the gap between travel inspiration and actual bookings or on-ground experiences? We've seen firsthand how excitement sparked by TikTok content quickly translates into action, whether that's searching for more information, visiting travel websites, or even making bookings. In fact, two in five viewers make a purchase after engaging with travel content on the platform. We are effectively closing the gap between travel inspiration and real-world decisions. It's not just where users dream, it's where they plan and act. With 59 per cent of users saying they've discovered travel inspiration on TikTok, and 41 per cent making a related purchase after viewing, it's clear that our platform is shaping a more immediate and emotionally driven path to conversion. This shift is particularly important for today's travelers, who are more impatient and overwhelmed by choice than ever before. Travel planning can be stressful and high-stakes, but TikTok helps make it feel achievable, turning what was once a complex decision into something intuitive and community-driven. Notably, 75 per cent of users who booked a trip after watching TikTok content reported no regrets, a testament to the authenticity and relevance of what they're discovering. How are travel and tourism businesses in MENA leveraging TikTok's tools and partnerships to drive growth and engagement? Across the MENA region, we're seeing a major shift from traditional search to a discovery-first mindset, where content doesn't wait to be found, it finds you. On TikTok, travellers engage with brands through personal interests, niche communities, and authentic, real-world experiences shared by everyday users. Our Dynamic Travel Ads (DTA) are a powerful example of how this personalized discovery can translate into measurable results. Accor, one of the world's leading hospitality brands, recently leveraged DTA to drive direct bookings through its platform. By pairing real-time inventory with personalised creative, they didn't just promote hotels, they became part of the user's discovery journey. The impact was significant, with a 50 per cent reduction in cost per booking, double the volume of bookings, and a major uplift in return on ad spend. With Gen Z and millennials driving much of TikTok's content, how is the platform adapting to meet their evolving travel expectations? Gen Z has ushered in a new kind of consumer; the PROsumer, defined by their desire for participation, authenticity, and ownership. These values have made TikTok their natural online home. They don't just consume content, they create, engage, and shape it. On TikTok, every user is empowered to be a creator, not just a spectator. This is reflected in the numbers: 79 per cent of TikTok users globally feel part of a community rather than just an audience, and in the MENA region, video creation per capita is actually higher than the global average. This generation is also driving a shift in how travel content is consumed and created. They seek experiences that are authentic, personalized, and community-driven. TikTok meets these expectations by turning inspiration into action. Our unique algorithm quickly adapts to each user's interests, ensuring no two For You Feeds are the same. Travel discovery becomes intuitive, tailored, and deeply personal. Moreover, the decentralized nature of influence on As a result, these creators often drive higher engagement and conversion than mega-influencers. Brands that succeed on TikTok are the ones that show up transparently, educate, and empower. This shift is more than a trend, it's a transformation. Communities on TikTok, like #TravelTok, are not just sharing content, they're actively reshaping industries. By blending cutting edge technology with human creativity, TikTok continues to evolve in lockstep with Gen Z and millennials, making travel more discoverable, actionable, and personalised than ever before. What role do you see TikTok playing in shaping the future of global and regional travel behaviour, especially in the region? In the MENA region, we know that there is an increase in digital natives and mobile usage is high, so we make sure to act as a cultural and commercial bridge between the process of dreaming, planning, and booking. Behind the scenes, we have also been incorporating our automation tools like Smart+, which simplifies complex processes by optimisng targeting, bidding, and creative to ensure the right experience reaches the right person at the right time. On the creative side, AI solutions like Symphony help brands scale creatively, blending human imagination with AI-driven efficiency. Together, automation and augmentation are helping the travel industry connect with people more intelligently, creatively and at scale. Read:
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Stay healthy year-round: Boost your immunity with Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the essential micronutrients that plays a crucial role in supporting immunity. 1-3 Research indicates that an effective amount of Vitamin C can reduce cold and flu symptoms by 85% and reduce sick days by 30% 4,5 . However, our body does not produce Vitamin C naturally, and it must be acquired through food or supplements 2 . Prof. Dr Ketan Mehta, Senior Consulting Physician, Suchak Hospital, Mumbai says, 'Pollution and modern lifestyles can harm our cells and weaken our immunity. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from the damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing inflammation and boosting the body's ability to fight diseases.' Poll Have you ever experienced a Vitamin C deficiency? Yes No How to get enough Vitamin C? A balanced diet with fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C can enhance your immune system. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, tomatoes, guava, amla (Indian gooseberry), and vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli and cauliflower are great sources of Vitamin C 2,8 . However, some groups of people are at higher risk due to shortage of Vitamin C. These include the elderly, individuals with alcohol and drug dependencies, smokers, people who follow trendy diets and people with malabsorption or certain acute and chronic diseases 2 . Taking Vitamin C as recommended by your doctor can help maintain healthy levels. As per a survey conducted by IPSOS and Abbott, about 50% of consumers consider vitamin supplements for preventing illness, especially women (56%) and younger adults aged 36 – 45 (59%) 1 . A study conducted in India found that 74% of elderly adults in North India and 46% in South India have a Vitamin C deficiency 6 . Vitamin C inadequacy is often associated with scurvy, infections, anemia, slow healing of wounds, and bleeding gums. 7 Dr Parag Sheth, Regional Director, Medical & Regulatory Affairs, Abbott India, said, 'Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that offers numerous health benefits. It helps improve symptoms of seasonal infections, such as cold and flu. In addition to helping boost immunity, Vitamin C has other benefits, like collagen formation needed for healthy skin, enhancing iron absorption, and promoting the healing of wounds and bleeding gums. Despite its importance, many individuals do not get enough Vitamin C.' Regular intake of this essential micronutrient in your diet and ensuring you meet the recommended intake during specific health conditions can contribute to your well-being. It is advised to consult your doctor before starting any supplementation, especially, if you have any health conditions. References - IPSOS Survey National Institutes of Health (NIH). Vitamin C. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function . Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. PMID: 29099763; PMCID:PMC5707683 Gorton, Kelly Jarvis, The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 22, Issue 8,1999. Anderson TW, Reid DB, Beaton GH. Vitamin C and the common cold: a double-blind trial. Can Med Assoc J. 1972 Sep 23;107(6):503-8. PMID: 5057006; PMCID: PMC1940935. Ravindran, R.D.; Vashist, P.; Gupta, S.K.; Young, I.S.; Maraini, G.; Camparini, M.; Jayanthi, R.; John, N.; Fitzpatrick, K.E.; Chakravarthy, U.; et al. Prevalence and risk factors for vitamin C deficiency in north and south India: A two centre population based study in people aged 60 years and over. PLoS ONE 2011, 6, e28588. Chambial, S., Dwivedi, S., Shukla, K. K., John, P. J., & Sharma, P. (2013). Vitamin C in disease prevention and cure: an overview. Indian journal of clinical biochemistry: IJCB, 28(4), 314–328. Combs, G. F. 'Vitamin C.' The Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health, 4th ed., Elsevier Academic Press, Burlington (MA), 2008, pp. 246–253. NOTE: Issued in public interest by Abbott for general awareness, for which the author has been engaged by Abbott. Information is based on the author's professional experience and scientific references and is not a substitute for doctor's advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information & advice. The article has been produced on behalf of Abbott by Times Internet's Spotlight Team. The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive/ for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor's advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump's revenge machine is his only accomplishment — and MAGA is left out of it
Amid all the news these last few days about the first 100 days of Trump 2.0, there has been little written about one of his most important agenda items, and few questions about it by the various pollsters. We do know that he's underwater everywhere, starting with his flagship issues of the economy and immigration. He ran on those issues, so it's important to know what America thinks about his performance so far. But Trump had another flagship issue that was a big part of his appeal to his most fervent followers: The Washington Post/ABC/IPSOS poll asked what people think of Trump "taking measures against his political opponents," which doesn't exactly address the question of "retribution" (some might think it's about policy). But even then, 53% disapprove to 33% approve. The New York Times-Sienna poll asked whether Trump was exceeding his power (88% said yes), but that doesn't address this specific question either. 57% agreed that Trump shouldn't be allowed to withhold funding for universities in the Reuters Poll, which can be considered an act of political retribution, but is one that derives more from the right-wing extremists around Trump, such as the culture warriors who have been battling the allegedly liberal academy for decades. The polls have looked at Trump's gross abuse of power in some ways, such as the administration potentially ignoring court orders and congressional prerogatives, and majorities really don't like it. But as far as I can tell, there were no questions asking people if they approve of Donald Trump's vengeful actions against his political enemies. And that's strange since there have been a boatload of them. One of the first actions Trump took when he assumed office was to pardon all the Jan. 6 rioters. He considered that a priority because he saw their prosecution as a direct attack on the Big Lie that he had actually won the 2020 election. He reportedly was offered some names of violent criminals who should be kept behind bars and he said "f**k it — release 'em all," which gives us some idea of his mindset when it comes to his personal vendettas. He soon had the Justice Department fire 12 prosecutors assigned to the cases. His Acting U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C., Ed Martin (who happened to have been involved in the defense of some of the defendants), ordered an investigation into how the prosecutions were carried out. Prosecutors were told that they had committed a "grave national injustice." Martin has also notified one of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's deputies that he is investigating the "integrity and legality" of the Russia investigation, suggesting that the Mueller team is in the crosshairs as well, which is almost certainly the case since Trump has said for years that they should all be jailed. Meanwhile, the administration has targeted one of his major antagonists, New York Attorney General Letitia James, who led the civil prosecution against Trump for which he was found liable for nearly half a billion dollars over his fraudulent valuations of Trump Organization properties. The Federal Housing Finance Agency sent a criminal referral to the Department of Justice, accusing James of mortgage fraud. The administration has pulled the security clearances of numerous lawyers and former government officials, Trump has personally called out for investigation, including some who are now unable to work in their field. For instance, a lawyer Trump wanted investigated in the first term, Mark Zaid, represented the whistleblower who raised concerns about Trump's "perfect phone call" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. That led to Trump's first impeachment, and now Zaid is no longer able to represent anyone who might want to access the whistleblower protections. The message this sends to anyone who might represent such a client is pretty obvious. And then there are the law firms, some of which were singled out for representing people Trump doesn't like and others who may have employed attorneys he has faced in court, such as Covington & Burling, which assisted Special Counsel Jack Smith, and Perkins Coie, which represented the Dominion Voting Machine Company in its defamation suits against the right wing networks that spread Trump's Big Lie. Others have been targeted supposedly for their "DEI policies" (which the administration fatuously asserts are violations of the Civil Rights Act) and have shamefully bent the knee by agreeing to do pro bono work for the administration, which Trump seems to believe makes them his personal legal servants. What it does do is take them off the table as defenders of anything that might benefit his enemies or threaten him. Luckily, some of these law firms are suing the administration rather than capitulate to his threats, and the courts so far do not seem amused. There are also the aforementioned universities, most of which seemed poised to give Trump whatever he wanted, but after a (supposed) mistaken moment of overreach, the biggest of them all, Harvard, decided to fight back. That, too, is going to be decided in the courts. Then there is the media, which he is personally suing in a couple of cases. He has the FCC going after others and is banning other reporters from working inside federal buildings. He's pulled the security details from anyone associated with the Biden family except the former president himself because he's bound by law (and probably worries that it could blow back on him when he finally leaves office). And he's singled out several people who worked in his former administration whom he sees as disloyal, starting with the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley. He had his security clearance removed, despite still being under threat, and is now under investigation by the Pentagon for "undermining the chain of command" under some kind of administrative action. Milley, for his part, was preemptively pardoned by former President Joe Biden. Perhaps most ominously, Trump recently issued orders to the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to investigate Trump's former cybersecurity expert Chris Krebs and pulled the security clearances of everyone in the company he now works at as well. Krebs' crime was to say that the 2020 election was secure, the truth. And Miles Taylor, Trump's former Chief of Staff to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, who later revealed himself as the author of an infamous anonymous New York Times op-ed that claimed people inside the administration were keeping Trump in check, is also the subject of a DHS investigation at the direction of the president. He's targeting specific people now for serious criminal investigation. That's just the tip of the iceberg. The entire Department of Justice, under the leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi, is being turned into a Trump revenge machine. They're even targeting judges whom she has declared to be "low-level leftists who are trying to dictate President Trump's executive powers." If an attorney general using those words doesn't make your blood run cold, you're not paying attention. Trump promised to do this even in the face of pressure from his campaign and allies not to. He will not stop until and unless the courts tell him he has to. If they do say he's gone too far, the question then is whether he will once again abuse his power and defy them. Even a large majority of Republicans don't want him to do that. But considering all he's done already, we have to be prepared for the possibility that he may just say, "f" it as he did with the J6 pardons. His thirst for revenge is unslakable.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Daily T: Farage has his big moment – but can he cut it?
It's the day of Reform's big local election campaign launch in Birmingham. 10,000 people are expected to attend a Trump-style rally at the city's arena, with the party describing it as 'the biggest ever launch rally in modern British political history'.And with new IPSOS polling showing that Nigel Farage tops the rankings as the public's favoured next Prime Minister, can he capitalise on his own popularity to lead the Right to victory?The local elections will be his first test; Kamal and Camilla assess the state of the nation as the other main parties get ready to launch their own also ask former Reform deputy leader Ben Habib, a man who was forced out by Farage, whether the party can stick together. Plus, could he be tempted to form a new party with recently expelled Reform MP Rupert Lowe? Watch episodes of the Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to The Daily T newsletter for updates Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
