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BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Research to begin in Lincoln into WW2 RAF losses in far east
Research is to take place into losses sustained by RAF bomber crews in the far east during World War International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) said, while Bomber Command did not serve in the region during the war, its aircraft and crews were assigned to a new unit called Tiger Force to provide long-range bombing support in the Allied advance against force was never deployed, as the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Japan surrendered in fund the research, the centre in Lincoln is selling thousands of ceramic poppies arranged in the shape of a Lancaster Bomber to mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day and VJ Day this year. Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: "Once the research on the far eastern theatre is complete, our Losses Database will have honoured and recorded every life lost in any of the Second World War bombing commands, including the Mediterranean theatre, 2 TAF and Command."The database will provide an additional resource, not only for military historians and visitors to our site, but also for family history websites." Ms van der Drift said the centre hoped to raise the funds needed to build further memorial walls, which would take the numbers commemorated from 50,000 to more than 80, poppy installation was created by Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius, who now lives in Lincolnshire. Proceeds from the sale of the poppies will go to the IBCC, Wooden Spoon children's rugby charity, British West India Regiments Heritage Trust and the RAF Benevolent van der Drift said: "Buying a commemorative ceramic poppy is one way in which people can support our mission and make sure these brave men and women are remembered and honoured." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
Express Tribune
03-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Intermediate certificates poised for global recognition
Executive Director of the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah has announced that Pakistani intermediate certificates will soon be directly accepted for admissions in foreign educational institutions. Speaking to The Express Tribune in an exclusive interview, he revealed several reforms aimed at digitising the certification and verification process. Dr Mallah confirmed that IBCC was in active consultation with the UK's ECCTIS to have Pakistani intermediate certificates recognised for direct university admissions in the UK, adding that progress was also being made with other countries and foreign boards. "The goal of IBCC is to protect the integrity of educational qualifications in Pakistan," he noted. He said the longstanding requirement of sealed verification envelopes from various education boards has been abolished. All 29 education and technical boards in Pakistan have now initiated online verification systems. He added that the online verification of religious seminary credentials will also begin soon. To streamline paperwork and processing times, IBCC has launched an online application system for equivalence and attestation, through which certificates are now issued with QR-code-based authentication. "In 2023, the Inter-Boards Committee of Chairman was transformed into the Inter-Board Coordination Commission through an Act of Parliament, giving it a new direction," Dr Mallah said. He said that IBCC now regulates foreign educational qualifications in Pakistan and has developed a regulatory framework for foreign boards, which are being registered through an active online portal. "We assess foreign boards based on 15 well-defined criteria. Our goal is to ensure that only credible qualifications are recognised for equivalence in Pakistan," he added. Dr Mallah joined the IBCC as secretary on October 19, 2020, initially for a two-year contract, which was later extended by three years due to his performance. Under the Act, his current appointment is a permanent transfer, with his tenure now protected until retirement, following a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from his parent university. Among the key digital reforms, automated verification portals have been launched for universities and institutions, enabling real-time updates via SMS and email notifications for every application submitted to the IBCC. A central database for educational records is also being developed. Public facilitation services such as social media support, a helpline, and customer care desks have been introduced to handle queries and complaints efficiently. Dr Mallah said that one of his primary goals after taking charge was to strengthen the legal standing of the IBCC. He actively consulted with lawmakers, provincial boards, legal experts and education stakeholders to draft and advocate the IBCC Act, which now provides a robust framework for equivalence, attestation, and inter-board coordination. "This legislation has significantly enhanced IBCC's credibility and operational performance," he noted. He credited administrative reforms for improving the commission's overall efficiency, introducing a performance review system for staff and enhancing inter-departmental coordination. The changes have improved service delivery and restored public trust in IBCC. Major reforms under his leadership include introducing conceptual and practical assessment models to move beyond rote learning, launching a model assessment framework to standardise evaluation across all boards and implementing a new grading scheme aimed at reflecting real student performance and reducing societal pressure on students for higher marks. Moreover, the "supplementary exam" label has also been replaced with a "second annual examination", giving students two opportunities a year to improve their results. Similarly, other reforms include proposing enhanced re-evaluation options for students, creating standardised academic calendars across all Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) and organising teacher training programmes to improve assessment standards.
Express Tribune
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NA panel to probe CIE paper leaks
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Education has expressed lack of confidence in the Cambridge examination system and decided to investigate the alleged leak of papers during the recent CIE exams. The committee — which met with MNA Azeem Zahid in the chair — expressed serious concerns over the declining credibility of CIE in Pakistan due to repeated incidents of paper leaks. Muhammad Ali Sarfraz, an MNA from Faisalabad, shared purported video evidence provided by students that allegedly confirms the leak of papers from the May 2025 O and A Level exam series. While the malpractice may have benefitted only a small group of students, Cambridge's response — either cancelling exams or relying on average-based grading — could unfairly penalise a large number of students. He urged Cambridge to consider re-administering the affected papers or adjusting the grade thresholds. The committee also questioned the oversight mechanism for CIE in Pakistan. A representative from the Ministry of Federal Education clarified that the ministry does not regulate Cambridge assessments, placing responsibility with the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC). However, IBCC Executive Director Dr Ghulam Ali Malah said that he had not been formally assigned any such oversight responsibility. He revealed that authorisation had previously been granted — without IBCC consultation — to allow Cambridge exams to be conducted by private schools in addition to the British Council. Dr Malah referred to a similar incident last year, when a paper was cancelled due to a leak, Cambridge failed to share the results of its internal investigation with IBCC. Instead, the committee learnt of the developments through legal notices. In the end, the committee decided to set up a subcommittee to independently investigate the leaks. The subcommittee comprises Dr Aleem, Zaib Jaffar, Muhammad Ali Sarfraz, and Dr Ghulam Ali Malah. It has been tasked with reviewing the circumstances of the exam breaches and, if required, will seek to engage with Cambridge representatives based abroad due to the limited mandate of local officials, including Cambridge's Pakistan representative, Uzma Yousaf. The investigation is scheduled to begin after June 16, following a request from Yousaf. During the meeting, she attempted to shift attention by criticising the performance of Pakistani education boards, suggesting that many students opt for Cambridge due to their shortcomings. However, committee members rebuffed her remarks, saying that not all Pakistani boards perform poorly and that her focus should remain on addressing the issues within the Cambridge system. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in academic assessments and stressed the importance of protecting students from the consequences of administrative lapses.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
VE Day 80th celebrations in Lincolnshire
Celebrations are to take place across Lincolnshire to mark Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. On 8 May 1945, people around the world celebrated Germany's surrender, which had been agreed the previous day. Victory in Europe (VE Day) comes ahead of Victory in Japan Day (VJ Day) on 15 August, which commemorates the end of the 1939 - 1945 conflict. Here is a selection of events being held across the county to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The memorial Spire is at the heart of the International Bomber Command Centre [IBCC] A thanksgiving service will be held at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) , The Spire, Lincoln on 11 May at 10:30 BST. The IBCC is dedicated to the 58,000 men and women who lost their lives serving or supporting Bomber Command during World War Two. Skegness flypast Events in Skegness include a ukulele band, a standards parade, flags raised and thanksgiving speech from the mayor between 10:00 to 12.30 BST on 8 May. On 10 May, The Skegness Branch of the Royal British Legion and Skegness Carnival are hosting an event which includes vintage military vehicles, stalls, 1940s music and local choirs from 10:00 to 16:00 BST. Both events will be held at Tower Gardens in Skegness, include a Battle of Britain Memorial flypast and are free of charge. Boston events Organised events include The Haven VE Day Celebrations at White House Lane in Boston from 10:30 to 18:00 BST on 8 May. A spokesperson from Boston Borough Council said: "We're inviting everyone to come together for the Great British Food Festival for a day of fun, food, and to honour the veterans who ensured we could live peacefully today." Grantham celebrations On 8 May, military exhibits will be on display at Wyndham Park's visitor centre, alongside music and dance from Grantham School of Dance, followed by a beacon lighting at 21:30 BST. South Kesteven District Council Cabinet member for Armed Forces, Councillor Phil Dilks, said: "It's vital that we never forget the sacrifices of so many who fought for our freedoms." Beacon lighting In Burgh le Marsh, celebrations begin with a service at the parish church from 16:30 BST on 8 May, followed by a BBQ, games and a school choir performance at Windmill restaurant. The event will conclude with the lighting of the town's beacon at 21:00. In Wellingore, there will be a beacon lighting event on 8 May at 21:30 followed by a VE Day anniversary evening at Wellingore Memorial Hall on 10 May, featuring a 16-piece big band. Waltham picnic A 1940s themed picnic will be held at Waltham Windmill on the 10 May from 11:00 to 15:00 BST. The free event includes face painting, food stalls, evacuation train rides, a quiz and balloon-modelling. Live music and dancing will top off the event and a prize for the best 1940s outfit. South Holland events Veterans will be in attendance when South Holland District Council raises the flag outside its council offices on Priory Road, Spalding, at 11:00 BST on 8 May. In Carters Park in Holbeach lamps of peace will be lit, food stalls, music and the lighting of the beacon will take place on 8 May from 17:00 to 22:00 BST. Branston vehicles Food, music and games will kick off events at Branston and Mere Village Hall from 12:00 to 18:00 BST on 10 May. A range of vehicles from the 1940s and military will also be on display. Dambusters hotel event Blind Veterans UK charity is holding a day-long event at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa on 8 May. The building was the headquarters of the 617 Dambusters RAF squadron in World War Two. Around 50 blind veterans will attend the event which features a parade of military vehicles, readings from local schoolchildren, food and music. The Battle of Britain memorial flight fly over the hotel with Spitfires and Hurricanes. Events start at 11:00 BST with the military convoy and the flypast is scheduled at 16:00. Are you planning a VE Day event? Let us know. Email looknorthemail@ Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. More related stories Related internet links
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Poppy display for VE Day moves visitors to tears
An installation of more than 20,000 ceramic poppies has been unveiled at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), in Lincoln. Each poppy has been handcrafted, and some have been laid out in the shape of a Lancaster Bomber. Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: "People are stunned. It has great impact. They're very moved. We've had people in tears." Military personnel laid some of the final poppies at the installation on Friday. There are 617 handcrafted poppies on the Memorial Spire, in honour of 617 Squadron (the Dambusters). The display is part of VE80 Lincoln, a project marking VE Day. It was created by Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius, who moved to Lincolnshire in 1998. He said he was pleased with people's reactions to the display, and added: "I have put my heart and soul into this." Ms van der Drift said she hoped it would show people the "power of remembrance". She added: "Now more than ever, with everything that is going on in the world, we need to remember why we need to avoid war, and do everything within our reach to find peaceful solutions." The installation will be on display until the end of August. Each poppy will be sold to raise money for the IBCC, the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust and the Wooden Spoon Trust. VE80 Lincoln is a collaboration between the IBCC, Francourt Events, Sage Blue and Lincoln Rugby Club. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. VE Day 80th celebrations in Lincolnshire King and Queen to host VE Day tea party for war veterans International Bomber Command Centre
