Bangalore City University to be renamed after Dr. Manmohan Singh
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has announced that Bangalore City University will be renamed as Dr. Manmohan Singh Bangalore City University as part of efforts to develop it into a model institution. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who made the announcement while presenting the state budget, also revealed several key initiatives aimed at strengthening higher education in Karnataka.
In a significant push for educational reforms, the Chief Minister said that Government Arts College and Government RC College would be developed as constituent colleges of the university. He further announced a Rs. 2,500 crore project proposed over the next four years, with assistance from the World Bank, to enhance first-grade colleges across the state, establish Centres of Excellence, and boost research capacity.
To strengthen women’s higher education, the government had already upgraded 31 women’s colleges in the previous year. An additional Rs. 26 crore has been allocated for improving the infrastructure of 26 more colleges. In an effort to improve faculty availability, 2,000 vacant teaching positions in government first-grade colleges, engineering colleges, and polytechnics will be filled.
The budget also includes Rs. 275 crore to provide necessary infrastructure to government engineering colleges, polytechnics, and degree colleges, and Rs. 10 crore for equipping newly established polytechnics and engineering colleges with furniture, computers, and books.
A significant international academic collaboration was also announced. Through the Chevening Karnataka Masters Fellowship, female students from government degree colleges in Karnataka will have the opportunity to pursue a one-year postgraduate degree in prestigious universities in England.
To enhance practical knowledge and increase employability among students, the government will appoint ‘Professors of Practice’—industry professionals who will provide hands-on training and mentorship—at 16 government engineering colleges in the state. Additionally, Rs. 30 crore has been allocated to upgrade the Unified University & College Management System (UUCMS) software, which is used for managing higher educational institutions.
As part of the expansion of technical education, a unit college of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) will be established in Chintamani taluk of Chikkaballapur district at a cost of Rs. 150 crore.
The government has also partnered with the Azim Premji Foundation to provide refresher training for all college education department teachers within the next three years. Furthermore, in collaboration with industries, the government will launch an internship program and special corporate training schemes to equip students with market-relevant skills and enhance their employability.
A special skill development program for 23,000 students will be organized by the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) at a cost of Rs. 10 crore. Additionally, a Prof. Nanjunda Swamy Research Chair will be established at the University of Mysore to promote academic research and scholarship.
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Mangaluru airport issues advisory to passengers, heightens security measures
Mangaluru: In response to recent cross-border attacks by Pakistan and rising tensions along the international boundary, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has directed airports across India to enhance security protocols. As part of this nationwide alert, Mangaluru International Airport has intensified surveillance, and introduced secondary ladder point checks (LPSC).
Explaining about the new protocol, Jaideep Shenoy, Public Relations Officer at Mangaluru International Airport, said that the secondary ladder point security check involves a second round of frisking. Passengers will first undergo standard checks by the CISF at the security checkpoint. Before boarding the aircraft, either via a boarding bridge or a bus, they will be subjected to an additional frisking by airline staff at the gate. Shenoy emphasized that the LPSC is a standard security measure implemented at all airports.
He also urged travelers to stay updated by checking the airport’s official social media channels for accurate and timely information.
In light of circulating reports regarding restrictions on visitor entry, Shenoy clarified that the entry of visitors into the terminal has always been restricted. Visitors may accompany passengers up to the departure gates or receive them at the arrival gates, as per existing rules.
In an advisory issued on Friday, Mangaluru International Airport urged passengers to arrive well in advance of their scheduled departures to accommodate extended security checks, and to cooperate with airport and security personnel.
The airport authorities also urged people not to share any unverified information.
#MangaluruAirport is fully operational, with your safety and comfort as our top priority. Stay informed and plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey.
— Mangaluru Airport (@mlrairport) May 9, 2025
Here’s everything you need to know before you fly, from security guidelines to handy dos and don’ts.
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