University of Liverpool to open first foreign university campus in Bengaluru by 2026
Karnataka Ministers extend support
Bengaluru: The University of Liverpool, a prominent member of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group, has officially announced plans to establish its first overseas campus in Bengaluru by 2026. The announcement was made during a high-profile event attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development M. B. Patil, Higher Education Minister M. C. Sudhakar, and Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, all of whom expressed strong support for the initiative.
The event also witnessed the forging of a strategic partnership between the University of Liverpool and Bengaluru-headquartered IT firm Wipro. This collaboration is aimed at promoting mutual research, innovation, and skill development, solidifying the university’s commitment to industry-academic synergy in Karnataka.
The proposed campus will be rooted in the University of Liverpool’s internationally recognised academic standards and research-driven culture. In its initial phase, the campus will offer programmes in Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Game Design, the latter being offered for the first time by a UK university campus in India. Additional disciplines are expected to be introduced in subsequent phases.
Welcoming the university's expansion into Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “Karnataka has always been at the forefront of education and innovation. The University of Liverpool’s decision to set up its first foreign campus in Bengaluru reinforces our status as a global knowledge destination. We welcome them wholeheartedly and are committed to extending all support to make this venture a grand success.”
M. B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, noted, “The University of Liverpool choosing Karnataka for its first overseas campus reflects our state’s growing global stature as a hub for both industry and intellect. This collaboration will drive deeper ties between academia and sectors like electronics, aerospace, and biotechnology, through joint research, internships, and curriculum design. It will also benefit MSMEs and startups by opening access to world-class mentorship and innovation platforms. I invite the University to explore KWIN City, our upcoming innovation hub, as a base for such partnerships. This is not just a milestone, it’s a strategic alliance to co-create the industries and talent of the future.”
British Deputy High Commissioner in Bengaluru, Chandru Iyer, underscored the importance of the venture within the broader UK-India bilateral framework. “The UK and India have made a commitment to refresh and deepen our partnership to deliver even more for both countries. Our expanded partnership will deliver iconic, forward-looking collaborations in diverse areas such as AI and semiconductors, higher education campuses, and green energy initiatives. The announcement of Liverpool University opening a campus in Bengaluru is both evidence and a celebration of the UK-India partnership,” he said.
Iyer further highlighted the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and the Technology Security Initiative announced in July 2024, which aims to unlock investment in emerging technologies such as telecom innovation. He emphasized that these efforts align with the UK government’s goals of growing the economy and improving living standards.
The University of Liverpool has had a longstanding association with Karnataka, including a 20-year research collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), which has played a pivotal role in shaping global vaccine policies and reportedly saved over 200,000 lives. Other key partnerships include collaborations with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and corporate entities like Hindustan Unilever.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, Tim Jones, expressed pride in the expansion.
“We are proud to take this significant step in our long-standing relationship with India by opening a world-class campus in Bengaluru. The state of Karnataka’s reputation as a knowledge and technology powerhouse makes it an ideal home for the University’s first global campus. We are committed to delivering transformative education and research in partnership with local communities, institutions and industries.”
As preparations for the new campus continue, the university is also exploring broader partnerships with Indian enterprises and global organisations to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and upskilling. These initiatives are expected to create high-impact opportunities for both domestic and international students.
With its Bengaluru campus scheduled to be operational by 2026, the University of Liverpool is set to offer globally recognised UK education in India, deepen academic-industry engagement, and contribute significantly to Karnataka’s vision of becoming an international hub for learning and innovation.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Ordinance issued to increase number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38
New Delhi (PTI): The government has promulgated an ordinance to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from the present 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
The law ministry notified the ordinance on Saturday, which amended the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the sanctioned strength of the top court.
So far, the sanctioned strength of the top court was 34, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Now, the number of judges has been increased by four, taking the sanctioned strength to 38.
The top court will now have 37 judges, other than the CJI.
With the apex court having two vacancies at present, and the ordinance coming into force immediately, the Supreme Court Collegium will now have to recommend six names for appointment as judges in the top court.
A bill will be brought in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to convert the ordinance – an executive order – into a law passed by Parliament.
The Union Cabinet had cleared a draft bill on May 5 to increase the number of apex court judges.
The strength of the Supreme Court was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI) in 2019.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, as originally enacted in 1956, put the maximum number of judges (excluding the CJI) at 10.
This number was increased to 13 by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges), Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by another amendment to the law.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986, augmented the strength of judges from 17 to 25, excluding the CJI.
A fresh amendment in 2009 further increased the strength from 25 to 30.
Article 124(3) of the Constitution lists the qualifications required to become a Supreme Court judge.
An Indian citizen who has either served as a high court judge for at least five years, or as an advocate for 10 years, or is a distinguished jurist, can be appointed to the top court.
The strength of the Supreme Court is increased based on the recommendations of the CJI, who writes to the Union law minister. After consulting the finance ministry, the Department of Justice under the law ministry moves the Cabinet with a draft bill.
