Cambridge releases O Level, IGCSE results for June 2022 session

Students sit for a final exam. — AFP/ File

• Thousands of students in Pakistan receive their Cambridge O Level, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge ICE results.
• Islamiyat, English Language and Pakistan Studies were most popular subjects among Pakistani students.
• Over 200,000 Cambridge O Level, Cambridge IGCSE subject entries were made by schools in June 2022. 

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ISLAMABAD: Cambridge Assessment International Education announced on Friday that thousands of Pakistani students received their O Level, IGCSE and ICE results for the June 2022 exam series, along with the rest of the world.

A statement issued by the board said that Cambridge O Level and Cambridge IGCSE result was released today, few days after AS and A-Level results were released on August 11.

"Today’s results are a true testament to Cambridge students for their hard work and to Cambridge teachers for their incredible support," said the board.

In Pakistan, over 200,000 O Level and IGCSE subject entries were made by schools for the June 2022 session, with around 56,000 students appearing for exams from 628 schools. 

The board said that Islamiyat, English Language and Pakistan Studies were the most popular Cambridge O Level subjects in the June session.

“This year has been another tough one — the pandemic has continued to disrupt our lives and learning in different ways. Some of our students and teachers have been affected by school closures and ongoing restrictions," said Christine Özden, who is the chief accountable officer of Cambridge International. 

“More than ever, I congratulate Cambridge students for their hard work towards these results. They’ve shown great resilience and dedication to get to this point, and I am proud of everyone’s achievements. They can now progress to new opportunities and experiences, and I’m confident they have the skills, knowledge and courage to succeed in every choice they make. I also want to express special thanks to Cambridge schools and teachers. Their commitment and passion for education have been fundamental to their student's success," she added. 

County Director Pakistan of Cambridge International Uzma Yousuf congratulated the students in Pakistan on their Cambridge O Level and Cambridge IGCSE results.

"This is a fantastic achievement, in the face of yet another difficult year, as these students have had to overcome many challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. All those receiving results today should be very proud of what they have achieved," she added. 

She also congratulated the teachers, schools and families for the constant support they gave to the students through such uncertain times, enabling them to gain their qualifications and continue with their studies.

“I would also like to congratulate the teachers, schools and families for the constant support they have given to our students through such uncertain times, which has enabled them to gain their qualifications and continue with their studies. “I would like to appreciate the diligence of our partners, the British Council for conducting these exams during this time and for ensuring the safety of all the students taking their exams, by adhering to strict COVID-19 safety measures," said Yousuf. 

Source https://www.globalcourant.com/cambridge-releases-o-level-igcse-results-for-june-2022-session/?feed_id=12764&_unique_id=62feca48e5dd0

Senate Democrats pass climate, tax and health care bill after marathon voting session

The Senate on Sunday passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) along party lines, 51-50, handing Democrats a crucial legislative win as the midterm cycle ramps up.

Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote with all Democrats in support of the legislation and all Republicans opposed. The proposal was passed via the budget reconciliation process, which allows it to be passed with a simple majority rather than the 60 votes typically needed to overcome a filibuster.

The passage of the sprawling climate, tax and health care legislation now sets up a vote in the Democratic-controlled House, where the bill is expected to pass before President Joe Biden signs it into law.

Included in the bill, supporters say, are measures to support job creation, raise taxes on large corporations and the wealthy, allow Medicare to negotiate down some prescription drug costs, expand the Affordable Care Act health care program and invest in combating climate change by implementing tax credits for clean energy initiatives, among other things.

The legislation's tax provisions, prescription drug-pricing reform, as well as boosted IRS tax enforcement measures, are anticipated to raise an estimated revenue of $739 billion -- $300 billion of which Democrats say would go toward reducing the deficit.

The plan would reduce federal budget deficits by $102 billion over 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

The bill passed the Senate after a punishing, approximately 16-hour "vote-a-rama," in which any senator could introduce an amendment to the bill as part of the budget reconciliation process.

The amendment process fueled painful votes for each party.

Vulnerable Democratic incumbents up for reelection this year had to dance around a vote on the Biden administration's decision to scrap Title 42, a Trump-era order using coronavirus concerns to prevent migrants from entering the country while seeking asylum. Republicans, meanwhile, mostly voted against a Democratic amendment that would have capped out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 a month for people with private health insurance.

The IRA passage marks the culmination of grueling negotiations between Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who had been a consistent obstacle to cobbling together a Democrats-only social spending bill via reconciliation.

The pathway for a successful vote was cemented late last week when Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., another key centrist, signed on after winning some tweaks to the bill.

Senator Patrick Leahy is wheeled to an elevator from the Senate floor during amendment votes, also called the "vote-a-rama", on the Inflation Reduct Act 2022, at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, Aug. 7, 2022.

Ken Cedeno/Reuters

Among the changes Sinema won were the eliminations of tax provisions targeting wealthy hedge fund managers and private equity executives. The Senate rules official also scrapped a provision intended to reprimand drug companies that raise the prices of some prescription drugs faster than inflation for patients with private insurance.

Still, the bill's passage marks a major step toward President Biden's campaign promises to tackle climate change, reform prescription drug pricing and other issues; and it gives Democrats a new legislative win to run on heading into the November midterms, in an environment where many voters have soured on Biden's handling of the economy and historic inflation.

The IRA also extends a streak of achievements for Biden and congressional Democrats, including passage of a bipartisan anti-gun violence bill and legislation to boost the domestic semiconductor industry.

"This bill is going to change America for decades," Schumer crowed after final passage.

"This vote crystalizes the contrast of the midterms. Senate Democrats have taken a historic step to lower costs like prescription drug prices, tackle inflation and address working families' most pressing concerns. Every Republican voted against the bill because it holds Big Oil, Big Pharma and other corporations that have been jacking up prices accountable, and finally makes them pay their fair share," added Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., the chair of Senate Democrats' campaign arm.

Republicans have already forecasted that they'll paint Democrats as uncaring about Americans' financial burdens at a time of rapid price hikes while passing billions of dollars in new spending.

"This idea that this massive tax increase will just somehow be absorbed by corporate America when they will pass those costs along to consumers, and it will make inflation worse," Senate Minority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, said last week.

Source https://www.globalcourant.com/senate-democrats-pass-climate-tax-and-health-care-bill-after-marathon-voting-session/?feed_id=7920&_unique_id=62f015f6158ab

Patel chairs session over monkeypox disease after WHO alert

ISLAMABAD: The government has increased surveillance for the monkeypox disease after WHO declared it a public health emergency of international concern, a spokesperson of the Ministry of National Health has stated.

A meeting, chaired by Federal Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel, was attended by the special secretary health, D.G. Health, and representatives of the interior ministry and FIA.

Pakistan government has decided to increase surveillance for the monkeypox disease after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared it a public health emergency of international concern. No case of monkeypox had been diagnosed in Pakistan yet, health officials said.

Health Minister Patel said that an effective surveillance regime has been working for monkeypox disease. “All hospitals have been instructed to take necessary measures for the disease,” he said.

Globally, there have so far been 16,016 monkeypox cases of which 3,269 were reported in the last week, according to WHO data.

“All the national and provincial health authorities have been advised to remain on high alert for any suspected case of monkeypox as the government has started taking effective measures to prevent the disease,” Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel said.

He said that international health regulations related to monkeypox will be fully implemented in the country. “The government would continue its work as per the guidelines of WHO”, he said.

The health ministry has issued instructions to all stakeholders, especially border health services, to strictly monitor the suspected cases at all points of entry in the country and ensure an effective monitoring mechanism. The screening of all incoming passengers will be ensured particularly passengers coming from African countries, he added.

The health minister has also directed the pandemic response body National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to ensure regular monitoring of the monkeypox situation in the country along with COVID-19 infections.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of National Health Services said the situation is being closely monitored by the health authorities.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. Monkeypox can spread in three ways, from person to person, from animals to humans, and through direct contact with contaminated objects. In most cases, the symptoms of monkeypox go away on their own but in some people, it may lead to medical complications and even death.

In most cases, Monkeypox starts with a fever and often flu-like symptoms followed by a rash that can spread to many areas of the body. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

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Source https://www.globalcourant.com/patel-chairs-session-over-monkeypox-disease-after-who-alert/?feed_id=2718&_unique_id=62e0dd81d812a

Parliament Monsoon Session Day 7 Live Updates

Here are the latest updates from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during day seven of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

Here are the latest updates from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during day seven of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

The second week of the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament began on a stormy note on Monday as the Opposition continued its protests and sloganeering over price rise, GST and other issues. Like the first week, both the Houses were unable to transact much business on the day’s list. The stalemate in the Parliament is unlikely to end today as the Opposition is expected to take up the suspension of four Congress MPs from Lok Sabha on Monday.

On the listed business for today, the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2022 is listed for consideration and passing in Lok Sabha. The House is also scheduled to take up a discussion on the need to promote sports in the country at a time when the Commonwealth Games is poised to begin in Birmingham and Chennai gearing up to host Chess Olympiad. In Rajya Sabha, the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Amendment Bill, 2022 has been listed for passing.

However the morning session of both Houses has been washed out amid sloganeering by Opposition demanding a debate on GST, inflation. Both Houses have now been adjourned till 2:00 p.m. 

To get a rundown of the day’s developments in Parliament in your inbox, subscribe to our Parliament Watch newsletter here. You can also read the latest edition of the newsletter here. Also, check out Parliament Watch from The Hindu, a podcast that keeps you updated on every working day of Parliament.

Here are the live updates:

Lok Sabha| 2:30 p.m.

Lok Sabha takes up Family Courts Amendment Bill 2022 for consideration

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju tables The Family Court (Amendment) Bill, 2022 for consideration and passing. Whilst introducing the bill, he stated that the amendment is minor and it would be ideal if it could passed today itself.

Rajya Sabha| 2:25 p.m.

Rajya Sabha suspends MPs for a week, house adjourns for 15 minutes

V Murleedharan, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs moves the motion and Chair adopts the resolution to suspend MPs disrupting the proceedings of the House from the services of the council for the remainder of the week under Rule 256.

MPs suspended include Mausam Noor, Dola Sen, Shantanu Sen, Sushmita Dev, Nadimul Haque, MM Abdullah, AA Rahim, R Girirajan, and V Sivadasan, among others

Rajya Sabha| 2:12 p.m.

Chair and MPs spar about points of order

The Chair questions whether the MPs should come into the well, holding placards. He says that if the disruption persists, he will have to invoke Rule 256 and name the members. Opposition continues to engage in sloganeering. The Chair starts naming members, and requests them to take their seats. “ Mehangai peh charcha ho,” “ GST pe vapas lo” rings through the House as it devolves into chaos.

Lok Sabha| 2:06 p.m.

Lok Sabha resumes proceedings at 2 p.m.

House resumes post adjournment with Rajendra Agrawal in the chair. It is expected to take up matters under Rule 377. Opposition benches reiterate their demand for a discussion on price rise and GST.

Rajya Sabha| 2:05 p.m.

Rajya Sabha resumes proceedings at 2 p.m.

Chair invites members to speak about the Weapons of Mass Destruction Amendment Bill, 2022. Members continue to speak about price rise issue.

Rajya Sabha | 1:00 p.m.

Rajya Sabha adjourned to 2:00 p.m.

Amid continued sloganeering by Opposition MPs, Rajya Sabha has now been adjourned to 2:00 p.m.

Lok Sabha | 12:57 p.m.

Rahul Gandhi detained by Delhi Police

Ex-Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and other Congress MPs take out protest march from Parliament to Vijay Chowk. The Wayanad MP claims that Opposition MPs want debate on inflation, unemployment however such discussions were not allowed in Parliament. Moreover, he added that Delhi Police were not allowing MPs to sit in protest at Vijay Chowk.

He has now been detained by Delhi police and taken to Parliament Street police station

Rajya Sabha | 12:50 p.m.

Questions on GST hike raised

As Opposition MPs continue sloganeering against GST; MPs raise queries on the recent hike on GST on some products. Dy Chair urges Opposition parties to ask their MPs to vacate the well and raise their queries

Rajya Sabha | 12:20 p.m.

Rajya Sabha resumes amid ruckus

Proceedings resume in Rajya Sabha after multiple adjournments. Deputy Chair Harivansh Narayan Singh continues taking up issues under Question Hour. Opposition MPs continue sloganeering on GST, hooch tragedy in Gujarat

Lok Sabha | 12.02 p.m.

Suspended Congress MPs hold protest

The four Congress Lok Sabha MPs, who were suspended for the rest of Monsoon Session yesterday, held a protest against their suspension in Parliament premises. The suspended MPs, Manickam Tagore, Ramya Haridas, T N Prathapan and S Jothi Mani alleged that their suspension amounted to "murder of democracy". In a show of solidarity, leaders of Left parties, NCP, DMK and the Congress joined them in the protest and raised slogans against the government.

Lok Sabha | 12:08 p.m.

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 p.m.

Moments after the Lok Sabha took up matters under Rule 377, Opposition MPs resorted to sloganeering, following which the House was adjourned till 2 p.m.

Rajya Sabha | 12:05 p.m

Rajya Sabha adjourned for 15 minutes

Amid continued sloganeering, Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for 15 minutes

Rajya Sabha | 12:01 p.m.

Rajya Sabha resumes question hour

The Upper House resumes proceedings as Opposition MPs display protest placards near Chair. Dy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh urges MPs to stop ruckus.

Lok Sabha | 11.46 a.m.

Lok Sabha resumes proceedings

The proceedings have resumed in the Lok Sabha. Mr. Rajendra Agrawal is in the Chair. Question Hour is being taken up

Lok Sabha | 11.27 a.m.

Lok Sabha adjourned till 11.45 a.m.

Amid sloganeering by protesting MPs, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House till 11.45 a.m. However, before adjourning, he warned MPs not to wave placards or raise slogans in the House. “This is your House, you can debate, or agree or disagree with each other. I don’t want to take action against any MP. But remember the House is not for waving placards. It is for holding discussions on issues of public importance. People of the country don’t want to see you in Parliament with banners and placards,” the Speaker said as he urged Opposition MPs to return to their seats. He also added that questions on GST have been listed in today’s business.

Lok Sabha | 11.07 a.m.

Question Hour in Lok Sabha 

Lok Sabha proceedings on Monday resumed with Question Hour on Tuesday. However, protests by Opposition members continued over price rise, with Speaker Om Birla urging members not to disrupt proceedings of the Lower House.

Lok Sabha | 11: 00 am

Lok Sabha proceedings begin

The Lok Sabha began proceedings on Tuesday with tributes to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the Kargil war. The day is observed as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the war. Opposition MPs continue sloganeering

Rajya Sabha | 11: 00 am

Rajya Sabha begins proceedings, adjourned amid ruckus

Rajya Sabha begins proceedings amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu reads out suspension notices. Due to continued ruckus, House is adjourned to 12 noon.

Rajya Sabha | 10:39 am

MPs give suspension notices

AAP MP Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha, CPI MP Binoy Viswam give Suspension of Business Notice under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha to discuss the recent GST rate hike, inflation. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi seeks suspension of business to discus “misuse of CBI, ED, IT for political agendas”

Rajya Sabha | 10.35 am

Legislative business in Rajya Sabha

Bill for consideration and passing:

The Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Amendment Bill, 2022. 

Lok Sabha | 10.30 am

Legislative business in Lok Sabha

Bill for consideration and passing:

The Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2022

Discussion under Rule 193:

The need to promote sports in the country and the steps taken by the government.

Parliament | 10.17 a.m.

Parliament Watch podcast | President’s swearing-in ceremony, suspension of Congress MPs, and more

In this episode of the Parliament Watch podcast, we cover the swearing-in ceremony of Draupadi Murmu as the 15th president, suspension of four Congress members, and multiple adjournments over sloganeering.

Parliament | 10.05 a.m.

Monsoon Session Day 6 recap

In Lok Sabha, Opposition protests over price rise, GST and other issues marred proceedings in Lok Sabha, with four Congress members suspended for the rest of the session. Speaker Om Birla warned the protesting members, including from the Congress, TMC and DMK, asking them not to raise slogans and display placards. He told them that the government was ready to discuss issues raised by them and stressed that people want the House to function. Proceedings were adjourned.

When the session resumed, Rajendra Agarwal, who was chairing the proceedings, asked the opposition members to take note of the warning given by the Speaker. As the protesting opposition members again stalled proceedings, the Chair named Congress MPs Manickam Tagore, TN Prathapan, Jothimani and Ramya Haridas. He said that the members who had been suspended had shown “stubborn behaviour”, “deliberately and continuously disrupted proceedings” and ignored House rules and directions of the Speaker. The House then passed the resolution by a voice vote and suspension of the four MPs was announced.

The Rajya Sabha took up discussion on a bill on the weapon of mass destruction and their delivery systems, but proceedings were disrupted amid protests and sloganeering. 

Source https://www.globalcourant.com/parliament-monsoon-session-day-7-live-updates/?feed_id=2262&_unique_id=62dfb0dbee676