Latest news with #CIE
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Cambridge confirms A-Level paper leak
Cambridge International Education (CIE) on Thursday confirmed that question papers of three AS and A Level June 2025 examinations were partially leaked across Pakistan and decided not to go in retest. In a statement, the CIE noted that one question from the AS & A Level Mathematics Paper 12 was leaked before the exam. It added that parts of two questions from the AS & A Level Mathematics Paper 42 were shared before the exam while parts of one question from the AS & A Level Computer Science Paper 22 were leaked before the exam. The examiner said they had concluded their investigations into the allegations of leaked question, and were ensuring that all students receive fair results. "In all three cases, Cambridge will mark the papers as usual but will discount the questions shared in advance," the CIE said in the statement. "We will give full marks to all candidates for those questions. This approach will tend to push candidates' total marks upwards and this will be accounted for when we announce results," the statement added. "With this remedy, we are confident that any advantage gained by candidates who saw the leaked questions is removed, and that the remaining marks ensure the grades we award will be accurate and reliable.
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
AM Best Assigns Credit Ratings to Calais Reciprocal Insurance Exchange
BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of 'a-' (Excellent) to Calais Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (CIE) (Springfield, IL). Concurrently, AM Best has assigned a Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of 'bbb' (Good) to the $85 million, 7% surplus notes, due May 2040, and the $15 million, 7.0% surplus notes, due May 2040 issued by CIE. The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect CIE's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The very strong balance sheet strength assessment reflects CIE's strongest level of projected risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and reasonable business plan, which includes conservative reserving and investment strategies, along with a comprehensive reinsurance program comprised of a diverse panel of highly rated reinsurers. Partially offsetting these strengths is CIE's high financial leverage due to the initial capitalization via surplus notes and its exposure to catastrophe losses. AM Best assesses CIE's operating performance as adequate based on its projections. CIE is expected to benefit from the full breadth of AmRisc Group's (AmRisc) operational experience. AmRisc will manage all underwriting and core operations of the exchange via a service agreement with the exchange's attorney-in-fact manager. AM Best views CIE's business profile as neutral given AmRisc's extensive experience in coastal property underwriting. CIE will serve the property catastrophe market and write excess and surplus (E&S) business nationwide. The E&S book will include general property, difference in conditions/earthquake, builder's risk, national accounts and technical risks, all written through AmRisc's unique syndicated capacity model. While there is execution risk in implementing the business plan, it is tempered by the demonstrated track record and available resources provided by AmRisc. CIE will benefit from the established ERM program in place at AmRisc and CRC Insurance Group, LLC (CRC Group) . ERM will be conducted at the enterprise level, managed by CRC Group, and cascade down to CIE. As is customary, AM Best will closely monitor CIE's actual results relative to its plan. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UP releases academic calendar 2025-26 for state universities and colleges
Lucknow: The UP govt on Monday released the academic calendar for 2025-26 for the state universities and their associated colleges. Accordingly, classes for newly enrolled students in the first semester will begin on July 26. For those in the third and fifth semesters, teaching will begin on July 21. Universities have been asked to finish admissions by July 24. An order by principal secretary, higher education, MP Agarwal said that universities must conduct a one-week induction programme as per UGC guidelines before and after classes from July 26-30. Agarwal directed the registrar of the universities to ensure that NEP 2020 is implemented in all courses except law and medicine. Universities and colleges have been asked to prepare their annual activity calendar in view of the academic calendar and upload it on their website, according to which all the curricular and non-curricular activities will be conducted throughout the year. Directives have been issued to universities to begin evaluation simultaneously with the examinations and finish it within a week after examinations end. Universities must complete non-academic activities without disrupting the teaching work. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo In situations where there are fewer teaching days, universities must conduct extra classes, both offline and online. University examinations will be conducted twice a year, from Nov 11, 2025, to Dec 10, 2025 (Odd semester), and Apr 11, 2026, to May 10, 2026 (Even semester and annual exam). Universities are recommended to make a list of courses available on SWAYAM for minor papers and skill courses. Students can study these courses selected by their universities on SWAYAM for free and appear for examinations. All universities will map the courses online on SWAYAM and upload their list on the website and ensure its credit transfer. Agarwal instructed the universities to close all admissions by July 26. The registrar will be held responsible for any delay in the admissions. If a student is unable to take admission due to pending results for exams like CUET, then the university can permit such students if seats are vacant. The order also said that teachers should conduct the continuous internal evaluation (CIE) of the students along with teaching work. The university will not conduct any kind of mid-term examinations or internal examinations for CIE. Instead of examinations for evaluation, teachers will carry out a comprehensive evaluation of students based on suggestions given by the govt. In addition, the controller of examinations has been asked to ensure transparency in practical examinations, for which all educational institutions will live stream or upload practical examinations on their institution's YouTube channel (to be created in case institutions don't have one). Agarwal suggested that all universities conduct the examination of the odd semester in written, descriptive mode and the examination of the even semester in multiple-choice question (MCQ) mode. This, he said, will ensure the timely completion of examinations and results.
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
China and South Africa deepen economic cooperation through trade initiatives
Strengthening ties: China and South Africa enhance cooperation through trade and investment Strengthening ties: China and South Africa enhance cooperation through trade and investment With China increasing its engagement in Africa, collaboration between China and South Africa is continuing to transforming trade, investment, and economic cooperation for both nations. This week, the Daily News was granted an exclusive insight from the Chinese Consul General in Durban Li Zhigong who shed light on vast opportunities waiting to be tapped into between both nation nations. In the interview with Zhigong, praised the the burgeoning partnership between China and South Africa. The Consulate General highlighted that he was taking firm steps to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially within KwaZulu-Natal, an area rapidly gaining recognition as a gateway for Chinese investment into the region. By facilitating business delegations, organising matchmaking events, and supporting trade expos, the consulate plays a pivotal role in creating fertile ground for both South African and Chinese businesses. Zhigong highlighted that major Chinese companies, including YOA Cabel, ZPMC, and NPC, have already made significant investments in the province. Their contributions not only boost the local economy but also forge deeper economic ties between China and South Africa. For South African businesses eager to tap into the vast Chinese market, the Consul General underscored the importance of leveraging existing bilateral trade agreements. He pointed out that events like the China International Import Expo (CIE) act as vital platforms for showcasing South African products, particularly wine, which has found a warm reception among Chinese consumers. Additionally, the recent opening of the Chinese market to South African avocados and soybeans marks a significant opportunity for producers in the region. Zhigong emphasised that provinces such as Guangdong, Fujian, and Guangxi—which are sister provinces to KwaZulu-Natal—regularly host trade fairs that encourage economic collaboration. He added that prospects in sectors like the digital economy, green energy, and advanced manufacturing continue to increment the appeal of the Chinese market for South African enterprises. These industries not only promise growth but also offer a diverse array of opportunities for collaboration. "Provinces like Guangdong, Fujian, and Guangxi—KwaZulu Natal's sister provinces—regularly host trade fairs and economic forums that provide platforms for cooperation. For example, the China- ASEAN Expo in Guangxi also highlights African participation. With opportunities in digital economy, green energy, and advanced manufacturing, China offers South African companies a growing and diversified market," he explained. In conclusion, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has also emerged as a cornerstone in the framework of this evolving relationship. Zhigong detailed how the BRI enhances economic ties by promoting essential infrastructure development and facilitating trade, as well as encouraging people-to-people connectivity. In addition, various logistics and energy projects aligned with the BRI are already making a tangible difference in South Africa, integrating with the country's national development goals and promoting sustainable cooperation that benefits both nations, he explained.
Belfast Telegraph
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Ireland's first American locomotive turns heads in transit as it arrives in new Co Down home
The two vehicles – the first of four in total – arrived at the Downpatrick and Co Down Railway (DCDR) museum on Sunday having turned the heads of many people as they were driven along the roads from Co Clare in the Republic. The trains which arrived were the former Irish Rail and CIE locomotives – numbers 124 and 190. The other two vehicles, the number 152 and A3R, will be arriving next weekend. The number 124 train represents a particularly special piece for the museum. First arriving on rails in 1961, it is Ireland's first American built locomotive. The CIE 121 class locomotives (No. 124) have been described as a 'game-changer' for Irish railways when they arrived in that decade. Built by General Motors in the USA, they were the first American locomotives to operate on the island of Ireland The 124 and 190 were brought over the border at the weekend, having been stored under tarpaulins at West Clare Railway since 2009. Originally, they were part of a broad and narrow-gauge railway museum project. However, due to issues with planning and logistics, this did not come to fruition and instead after over a year of planning and building to accommodate them, the historical pieces safety arrived at their new Co Down home. They were each serviced and inspected before being moved to their storage and restoration location. Welcoming the newest feature to their museum is the chair of the DCDR, Robert Gardiner. 'Having access to additional locomotives allows us to rotate our existing diesel locos for essential maintenance and cosmetic restoration without impacting our services as we continue our recovery,' he explained. 'Of the four locomotives being relocated from Moyasta, two will be restored and returned to operational service, while the other two will provide valuable spare parts to support the existing fleet. 'This is a proud day for our railway and the heritage community. 'The arrival of these locomotives, especially No. 124 - which was the very first American-built locomotive to arrive in Ireland in 1961 - significantly strengthens our collection and operational resilience.' Peter Jones of the Irish Traction Group commented on the condition of the historic vehicles. 'Although covered and secured, the locomotives have suffered from exposure to the sea air at Moyasta,' he said. News Catch Up - Monday 2nd June 'Fortunately, recent inspections revealed their internal mechanical and electrical components remain complete, and the engines still bar over. "At this point we would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Jackie Whelan, owner of the West Clare Railway, for allowing the group to store our locomotives at the site for the last fifteen years. 'And our thanks and gratitude to the Downpatrick and Co Down Railway for their kind offer of providing them with a new home.' The trains caused a stir on the roads form Lisburn to Saintfield during transit, as a DCDR apologised on social media for any delays caused to motorists while the vehicles were being transported. 'Were you stuck in a massive traffic jam on the road from Lisburn to Saintfield yesterday? Sorry, that was us. We had a rather large delivery arrive at the railway,' a spokesperson wrote on social media.
