Entry of Foreign Universities Set to Raise Academic Standards in Karnataka

News Network
October 19, 2025

Mangaluru: The entry of foreign universities into Karnataka is set to elevate the quality of higher education in the state, according to M.C. Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education.

Speaking after inaugurating the 25th Triennial Conference 2025 of the Xavier Board of Higher Education in India on Saturday, the minister said the presence of international campuses would push existing private universities to enhance their academic standards and global competitiveness.

The four-day conference is themed “Empowering Minds, Embracing Change: Reimagining Higher Education for a Global Tomorrow.”

Foreign Campuses to Drive Local Excellence

Sudhakar noted that the arrival of foreign universities would create healthy competition among private institutions.

“This development is going to make our private universities live up to the expectations by adopting similar curricula, pedagogy, and innovations. Students will be able to access world-class education without having to travel abroad,” he said.

He added that Lancaster University has become the second foreign university to establish its campus in Karnataka. The University of Liverpool has already signed an agreement with the state government, while Imperial College London has launched a research centre in the state. More global institutions are expected to follow.

Empowering Women Through Education

In a move to promote women’s education, Sudhakar highlighted a new universal scholarship programme launched in partnership with the Azim Premji Foundation.

The initiative provides financial assistance to around 37,000 girl students pursuing higher education. The programme will run for seven years with an estimated cost of ₹2,000 crore, and will expand further if the number of beneficiaries increases. Students must pass each academic year to remain eligible.

Additionally, Karnataka has launched a scholarship scheme for girl students to study at prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, and the SCOUT (Scholars of Outstanding Undergraduate Talent) programme in collaboration with the British Council, enabling students to visit the University of East London for a 15-day educational exchange.

These initiatives aim to enhance students’ global exposure and confidence, preparing them for international careers.

Expanding Access and Quality

With financial backing from the Asian Development Bank, the state government plans to set up model colleges, modern polytechnics, and centres of excellence focused on skill development and job readiness.

“Our goal is not just to produce professionals, but compassionate citizens who contribute to peace, sustainability, and human dignity,” the minister concluded.

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News Network
November 22,2025

Mangaluru: Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H has warned of strict action against individuals spreading rumours and attempting to create insecurity within the Muslim community and fuel hatred between Hindus and Muslims through social media.

Referring to a recent social media post alleging that police personnel had entered a masjid premises to check whether beef was being cooked, the commissioner said miscreants were attempting to push their communal agenda. 

“A group of people, both from Mangaluru and abroad, are trying hard to spread rumours. For the past 10 days, they have been attempting to rake up old issues, highlight routine matters as controversies, or fabricate news altogether,” he said.

He reiterated that any such attempts to disturb communal harmony would invite legal action. “Cases will be registered and the accused will be brought to book,” he stated.

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News Network
December 2,2025

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Bengaluru: 'Nati koli saaru' (country chicken curry) considered one of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s favourites along with steaming hot idlis was on the breakfast menu at Deputy CM D K Shivakumar’s residence on Tuesday, according to official sources.

The spread also included 'nati koli' fry, vada and pongal, among other items, they said.

In an apparent show of unity, Siddaramaiah visited Shivakumar’s residence for breakfast, just days after the two leaders shared a meal amid a simmering power tussle in the state Congress.

Siddaramaiah drove to the Deputy CM’s residence in Sadashivanagar, where he was received by Shivakumar and his brother D K Suresh, who is a former Congress MP.

Suresh and Kunigal MLA H D Ranganath, a relative of Shivakumar, joined them for breakfast, which featured a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Speaking to reporters later, Siddaramaiah said Shivakumar had invited him during his visit to the CM’s residence for breakfast on Saturday.

Asked about the difference between the two meals, the chief minister said, "At his (Shivakumar’s) house it was non-veg, while at my house it was veg. He is a vegetarian, I am a non-vegetarian. I had not prepared non-veg. I told DK to get chicken from the village as you won’t get the original in Bengaluru."

Shivakumar said he had initially invited Siddaramaiah to his residence, but the CM had suggested visiting his place first and reciprocating later. "It was a vegetarian breakfast at the CM’s house on Saturday," he noted.

"Today, I invited him (the CM) to my house. He enjoyed the breakfast, which had his Mysuru taste," Shivakumar added. At this point, Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar’s wife is also from Mysuru.

Saturday’s breakfast at Siddaramaiah’s official residence, held as part of efforts by the Congress high command to ease tensions in the leadership dispute between the two, reportedly included idlis and sambar, according to official sources.

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News Network
November 21,2025

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Udupi: The Malpe Police have arrested two men from Uttar Pradesh for allegedly sharing classified information related to Indian Navy vessels with individuals in Pakistan, posing a serious threat to national security.

According to a complaint filed by the CEO of Udupi Cochin Shipyard, Malpe—an institution under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways—the prime accused, Rohit (29), was working as an insulator through subcontractor M/S Shushma Marine Pvt Ltd. He had earlier served at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, Kerala, where naval ships are under construction.

Udupi SP Hariram Shankar said the accused had unlawfully shared, via WhatsApp, confidential identification numbers of Navy-related ships and other classified details while working in Kerala, allegedly for illegal gains.

After joining the Malpe shipyard unit, Rohit reportedly continued collecting sensitive information through a friend in Kochi and circulated it to unauthorised individuals, violating national security protocols and potentially endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity.

Based on the complaint, Malpe Police registered a case under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.

A police team led by Karkala Subdivision Assistant Superintendent of Police Harsha Priyamvada—along with PSI Anil Kumar D, ASI Harish, and PC Ravi Jadhav—conducted the investigation and arrested the two accused, identified as Rohit (29) and Santri (37), both residents of Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.

The duo was produced before the court, which remanded them in judicial custody till December 3. Further investigation is in progress.

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