Campus Times | Lucknow The 79th Inter-Martiniere Meet got off to an exciting start in Lucknow, as La Martiniere Girls College hosted La Martiniere for Girls, Kolkata in a closely contested basketball encounter. The annual sporting tradition, which dates back to 1945, once again brought together talent, competitive spirit and camaraderie on the court.The opening match witnessed an intense battle from the outset, with both teams displaying sharp skills, disciplined play and strong determination. The Lucknow side kept the pressure on throughout the game, matching Kolkatas intensity and refusing to surrender ground in a contest that remained undecided until the closing moments.Despite a determined performance by the home team, Kolkata eventually secured a 38-34 victory. For Lucknow, the narrow four-point margin reflected the competitiveness of the encounter and the teams ability to stay in contention until the final whistle.Adding to the occasion was the presence of Chief Guest Satyam Shankar Sahai, entrepreneur, sportsman and Founder and Chairman of Possible Education. His presence encouraged the young athletes and added significance to the opening day of the meet.Lucknows Subrata Singh was adjudged the Best Player of the Match for her impressive contribution during the game.The atmosphere remained charged throughout, with enthusiastic support from the stands as the players battled for every possession. The match highlighted not only sporting ability but also teamwork, resilience and composure under pressure—qualities central to the spirit of the Inter-Martiniere Meet.The opening-day proceedings concluded with an address of appreciation by the Chief Guest, followed by the Vote of Thanks delivered by Mrs. A. Das, Lady Principal of La Martiniere Girls College, Lucknow.While Kolkata walked away with the opening-day win, Lucknows spirited display set an encouraging tone for the competition ahead, underlining the enduring sporting legacy of the Inter-Martiniere Meet.

Campus Times | Lucknow The pre-Holi Celebration “Rang-e-Utsav” was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, where numbers of students participated in a vibrant cultural gathering promoting unity and harmony.The event highlighted the cultural and social significance of Holi, conveying messages of love, brotherhood and inclusivity. Students applied gulal to one another and celebrated in a spirit of togetherness.Addressing the gathering, Prof. Adya Shakti Rai, Head of the Department of Visual Impairment, and Dr. Mrityunjay Mishra, Head of the Department of Hearing Impairment, emphasized that Holi symbolizes social harmony beyond colors. They urged students to celebrate the festival safely and responsibly.Key Attractions of the EventA musical performance by singer Pranav Shukla was a major attraction. The programme also featured brand-name games, poetry recitation, an open mic session, and discussions on the relevance of Holi, making it both informative and entertaining.Organiser Ashutosh Singh (M.Ed., Special Education) said the celebration would further strengthen communal bonds on campus. The event was coordinated by Prabhanjan Pathak (MTech.) with active support from the student organizing team. Key contributors included Shivani Chauhan, Yagya Dutt, Ayushi Kumawat, Divya, Abhitendra, Mahima, Varun, Muskan Singh, Saniya Bhardwaj, Rasaraj, Ruchi Yadav, Kashish, Shivangi, Madhav, Ayush and Vayuddh, whose coordinated efforts ensured the smooth conduct of the programme.

Campus Times | Lucknow The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has announced its support for students protesting against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand, with founder Abhijeet Dipke confirming that he will personally travel to the state to stand in solidarity with the agitating candidates.The students, who have been staging a sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi since July 29, are demanding an independent probe into the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and other recruitment bodies. They have sought an inquiry by an independent panel comprising retired High Court judges from outside the state.Speaking ahead of a core team meeting of the CJP in Chhatrapati Chamarajanagar, Dipke clarified that the organisation will not function as a conventional political party or participate in electoral politics at present. Instead, he said, CJP will operate as a pressure group aimed at ensuring institutional accountability.Dipke argued that public confidence in key institutions—including the judiciary, political parties, the media, and the Election Commission—has been steadily declining. He said there is a growing need for a platform that can effectively amplify citizens concerns and hold institutions accountable.Referring to the recent student movement at Delhis Jantar Mantar, Dipke said the agitation went beyond issues related to examinations and the education system, emerging as a larger movement centred on institutional accountability.He added that the organisations immediate priority is to mobilise public movements, amplify the voices of students and young people, and work on a range of public-interest issues.Meanwhile, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said environmentalist and social activist Sonam Wangchuk will continue to serve as the organisations mentor. Das also stated that discussions are underway with government representatives regarding the withdrawal of FIRs registered during recent student protests.He further said the organisation is working to ensure legal and medical

Campus Times|LucknowThe Central Placement Cell of Lucknow University has announced a major employment opportunity for students. ICICI Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has invited applications for 60 posts of Sales Manager and Relationship Manager.The application process will begin on February 10 and will remain open until February 11. Interested candidates can access detailed information regarding the recruitment process on the official website of Lucknow University www.lkouniv.ac.in under the Central Placement Cell section. According to the bank, all appointments will be made on a pan-India basis, depending on business requirements. Selected candidates will be responsible for acquiring new customers, contributing to business growth, maintaining regular communication with clients, managing customer relationships, providing suitable banking solutions, and ensuring service delivery as per established policies.Eligibility Criteria• Candidates must have secured a minimum of 60% marks in both Class 10 and Graduation.• The maximum age limit is 25 years.• Strong communication skills, customer relationship management abilities, sales aptitude, problem-solving skills, and basic knowledge of banking products are essential.Other Terms and Benefits• Selected candidates should be willing to accept relocation and regional travel, for which additional allowances will be provided.• The annual compensation offered will be ₹5 lakh per annum (CTC), which may vary based on the city of posting.• Additional benefits include performance-based incentives, medical insurance, and other employee benefits.

Campus Times | LucknowIn a significant step towards aligning technical education with emerging industry demands, the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), Lucknow has announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will become a compulsory subject for all B.Tech students from the first semester, irrespective of their engineering discipline.Until now, AI focused studies at the institute were primarily limited to the B.Tech Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence programme. With the latest academic reform, students enrolled in branches such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Electronics Engineering will also receive structured AI education as part of their curriculum.According to IET Lucknow Director Prof. Virendra Pathak, the revised curriculum has been designed to equip students with a strong foundation in AI concepts while also introducing them to practical applications of AI relevant to their respective engineering fields. The initiative aims to ensure that graduates are prepared to leverage AI driven technologies across diverse industrial sectors.In another key academic development, the institute will also introduce a Minor Degree in Quantum Technology under its B.Tech Major Programme, providing students with opportunities to build expertise in another rapidly evolving technological domain.Meanwhile, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University (KMCLU), Lucknow, is also expanding its AI education initiatives. The university has decided to offer its AI for Everyone programme three times a year, replacing the existing model of conducting the course only once annually.Vice Chancellor Prof. Ajay Taneja said the programme is open to learners from all educational backgrounds, reflecting the universitys objective of making AI literacy accessible beyond conventional technical disciplines.The twin initiatives by IET Lucknow and KMCLU underscore the growing emphasis on integrating AI education into mainstream learning, as educational institutions increasingly prepare students and lifelong learners for a technology driven future.

Campus Times | LucknowA major breakthrough has emerged from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) as its incubated startup Edubook secures a massive $50 million (₹400 crore) funding from Nimbus Capital. The investment marks a significant leap for India’s growing digital credential verification ecosystem.Incubated at the university’s Innovation Hub under the Kalam Centre for Innovation and Incubation, Edubook is rapidly gaining attention for its blockchain-based secure verification solutions, aimed at eliminating fake certificates and building trust in global hiring systems.Operating under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jai Prakash Pandey, AKTU continues to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s startup ecosystem. The achievement has been widely appreciated by Centre Director Prof. Rajeev Kumar and Dr. Anuj Kumar Sharma, who congratulated founders Apoorv Bajaj and Shivani Mehrotra.Global Expansion & Tech ImpactEdubook has already crossed 100,000+ on-chain verifications and is expanding across India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Its platform leverages blockchain technology to provide tamper-proof, instant, and globally verifiable credentials.Industry experts believe this funding will:• Accelerate product innovation • Strengthen technological infrastructure • Enable aggressive international expansion Boost to UP’s Startup EcosystemThis funding is being seen as a strong signal for the innovation ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh and India. It highlights how university-backed startups are now scaling globally and attracting major investments.AKTU Driving Innovation CultureAKTU’s Innovation Hub continues to empower students and entrepreneurs through startup fairs, expert sessions, and mentorship programs. Under the guidance of Dean Innovation Prof. B. N. Mishra and leadership of CEO Maheep Singh and CIO Vandana Sharma, several startups are transforming into successful ventures across sectors.

Campus Times | Lucknow A fresh legal challenge has emerged against the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) decision to introduce a compulsory three-language framework for Class 9 students from July 1, with parents and students approaching the Supreme Court seeking urgent intervention.Concerns over academic pressureThe plea was mentioned before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday, where senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi raised concerns over the timing and impact of the policy on students preparing for their Class 10 Board examinations next year.According to the petitioners, introducing an additional language requirement at this stage of schooling could place an added burden on students already dealing with intense academic schedules and competitive pressure. The counsel argued that many students may now be forced to begin learning a completely new language with limited preparation time.The Supreme Court, while hearing the urgent mentioning, indicated that the matter would be listed before the appropriate Bench next week. The petitioners had requested an early hearing on May 25.What the CBSE circular saysThe controversy stems from a CBSE circular issued on May 15, which made the study of three languages mandatory for students entering Class 9. Under the revised framework, at least two of the three languages must be Indian languages. Foreign languages, meanwhile, can only be selected as a third language or as an optional fourth subject.CBSE has stated that the policy aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, both of which promote multilingual learning and greater emphasis on Indian languages in school education.No separate board exam for third languageThe Board has also clarified that students will not have to appear for a separate Board examination for the third language in Class 10. Instead, evaluation for the

Campus Times | LucknowStudents of Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University (DSMNRU) will gain enhanced opportunities in skill development, research and innovation through a strategic partnership with the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Fursatganj.The two institutions have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen industry-oriented education and collaborative research. Under the partnership, students will participate in research projects, product development initiatives, workshops, seminars and training programmes under the guidance of experts from both institutions.Focus on emerging technologies and specialized fieldsThe collaboration will provide students with exposure to the latest advancements in footwear technology, fashion technology, retail management, prosthetics and orthotics. Faculty and student exchange programmes will also be introduced to promote academic collaboration and practical learning.University officials said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, equipping students with skills that are increasingly relevant in today’s job market.Research to address mobility challengesA major focus of the partnership will be research and innovation for persons with disabilities. DSMNRU and FDDI will jointly develop products, materials, designs and technologies aimed at improving mobility, accessibility and overall quality of life for persons with disabilities.The collaboration is expected to provide students with hands-on experience in socially impactful research while contributing to inclusive technological advancements.Combining expertise for inclusive product developmentSpeaking on the occasion, DSMNRU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sanjay Singh said that the university’s expertise in rehabilitation sciences, combined with FDDI’s strengths in design and manufacturing, would help drive meaningful innovations in the disability sector.FDDI Executive Director Sunil Kumar Dwivedi stated that the partnership would support the development of specialized footwear, apparel and assistive products tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities. He added that both institutions plan to jointly pursue research projects funded by central and state government agencies.Five-year roadmapThe MoU will remain in force for five

Campus Times | LucknowIn a thought-provoking initiative aimed at strengthening the spirit of self-reliance, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University hosted a special meeting on ‘Swadeshi’ on April 4 under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal.The session featured Shri Satish as the chief guest, who delivered a compelling message on the relevance of Swadeshi in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Interacting with faculty members and university officials, he described Swadeshi not just as an economic choice but as a powerful movement rooted in national identity and sustainability.preserves India’s cultural and linguistic heritageHighlighting its broader impact, Satish emphasized that adopting indigenous products and services strengthens not only the economy but also preserves India’s cultural and linguistic heritage. He called upon educators to play a proactive role in embedding Swadeshi values among students, stressing that the youth must be guided towards innovation, local entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.“True development happens when a nation values its own resources and maximizes their use,” he noted, urging institutions to become catalysts for this transformation.Ideas to Shape Future Initiatives Expressing appreciation, Prof. Mittal said such engagements enrich the academic ecosystem and inspire meaningful change. He affirmed that the ideas shared during the session would be reflected in the university’s future initiatives.The event saw participation from key academic figures including Prof. Amit Kumar Singh and Prof. Shilpi Verma, along with deans, heads of departments, faculty members, and university officials.With a strong focus on awareness and action, the meeting underscored the growing role of educational institutions in shaping a self-reliant India—starting right from the classroom.

Campus Times | LucknowA significant national-level meeting on the Learning Outcome-Based Curriculum Framework (LOCF)—a structured approach that focuses on clearly defined learning outcomes, skill development, and measurable academic achievements—was successfully organized at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU). The framework, aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP), aims to shift higher education from traditional rote learning to a more student-centric and outcome-driven model. The meeting brought together some of the country’s most distinguished academicians to deliberate on transforming higher education through effective implementation of outcome-based learning practices.Driving Outcome-Based EducationThe core objective of the meeting was to strengthen the implementation and refinement of LOCF across higher education institutions. Experts emphasized the need to shift from traditional teaching methods to a more structured, outcome-driven approach that enhances students’ skills, employability, and academic performance.Top Academic Leaders The meeting witnessed the presence of prominent academic leaders, including Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal (Vice Chancellor, BBAU), Prof. Bhimaraya Metri (Director, IIM Nagpur), Prof. Anu Singh Lather (Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi), and Prof. Alok Kumar Rai (Director, IIM Calcutta).Senior faculty members from IIM Nagpur, along with Dr. Vishnukant S. Chatapalli, former Vice Chancellor of Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, who joined virtually, added further depth to the discussions.Interdisciplinary Academic DeliberationsThe session also saw active participation from key university officials, including Deans, the Registrar, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations, Director IQAC, Director R&D, and NEP Coordinator. The discussions focused on aligning curriculum frameworks with evolving national education policies and global academic standards.Advancing Academic PartnershipsCoordinated by Dr. Arpit Shailesh, Assistant Professor at BBAU, the meeting marked a crucial step toward fostering academic collaboration among premier institutions. It reinforced the importance of integrating LOCF effectively to ensure quality, accountability, and measurable learning outcomes in higher education.Boosting India’s Higher Education SystemThe initiative reflects

Campus Times | LucknowThe Placement Cell (Main Campus) of Lucknow University has invited applications for two internship programmes aimed at providing students with practical industry exposure, skill development and meaningful experience in the social sector. The opportunities are being offered in collaboration with Seva Satkar Foundation and Zarurat Care Foundation, with applications open until July 5, 2026.The internships are available to currently enrolled undergraduate and postgraduate students and are designed to help participants strengthen their professional skills while contributing to community focused initiatives. Additional details are available on the Lucknow University website.Stipend, flexible work and diverse learning opportunitiesSeva Satkar Foundation, a non-profit organisation working on community development and social challenges, is offering internships ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on organisational requirements. Selected interns will work in areas such as lead generation, business development, project management, stakeholder engagement, content creation, fundraising and professional networking.The programme offers a fixed stipend of Rs 8,000, performance based incentives, internship completion certificates and recognition certificates. High-performing interns may also be considered for Pre Placement Offers (PPOs) based on their performance.Meanwhile, Zarurat Care Foundation, an IIT alumni led non profit focused on cancer awareness, preventive healthcare, caregiver training and community support, is offering a four month remote internship with flexible working hours. The opportunity is open to students from all academic disciplines.Interns will have the chance to work across multiple domains, including marketing, human resources, graphic design, clinical psychology, business development, social media management, UI/UX, Python automation, public relations, video editing, project management, talent acquisition and medical partnerships. Successful participants will receive an internship certificate along with a performance-based letter of recommendation.Highlighting the initiative, Lucknow University Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Saini said that such internships help students develop leadership, communication, problem solving skills and a deeper sense of social awareness.

Campus Times | Lucknow A high-level symposium and panel discussion on the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan Bill–2025 was organized at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) in collaboration with Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Awadh Prant. The event focused on key higher education reforms aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the vision of Developed India–2047.Speakers emphasized that the proposed Bill seeks to create a unified, transparent, and technology-driven regulatory system, strengthen institutional autonomy, enhance research and employability, and promote multidisciplinary, student-centric education.Dignitaries saidShri Swant Ranjan Ji stressed the importance of knowledge, values, and character-building in shaping responsible citizens for a developed India.Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal highlighted that education must foster innovation, discipline, leadership, and holistic growth beyond degrees.Prof. J.P. Saini underlined the need for administrative reforms, quality standards, and practical implementation under NEP 2020.Dr. S.S. Mantha described the Bill as a major structural reform aimed at improving transparency, autonomy, global competitiveness, and enrollment in higher education.The programme was presided over by Vice-Chancellor BBAU Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, while Shri Swant Ranjan Ji, Akhil Bharatiya Pracharak Pramukh of RSS, attended as Chief Guest. Prominent speakers included Prof. J.P. Saini, Vice-Chancellor of University of Lucknow, and Dr. S.S. Mantha, Chancellor of Ramdeobaba University and former Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education.The event concluded with technical sessions and discussions analyzing the Bill’s provisions and its long-term impact on India’s higher education landscape.