Latest news with #CEPT
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Cost, convenience ‘major barriers' for Gen Z in adopting sustainable habits: CEPT study
A recent study by the CEPT University attempted to map why the Gen Z—despite being environmentally aware and digitally savvy—often does not act on sustainable intentions. Tangible messaging and financial incentives were found to be key drivers in bridging what the researchers called an 'intention-action' gap. The study, conducted by the Faculty of Urban Management at Ahmedabad's CEPT University between January and April 2025, surveyed 911 students and young professionals from ages 18 to 25 across several states — most notably Uttar Pradesh (26.5%), Gujarat (24.5%), and Maharashtra (12.2%). Lead researcher Vijayeta Laxmi, who completed her Master's in Urban Management at CEPT in May 2025, noted that while 83% of respondents reported high awareness of sustainability and circular economy principles through school or university education, this awareness often didn't translate into action. 'Most participants agreed that individuals share equal responsibility for climate action, but still expect the government to lead the way,' Laxmi said. For instance, telling Gen Z that taking the bus reduces 10 kg of CO₂ emissions per trip or that reducing food waste saves 2,500 litres of water per meal proved 'far more persuasive' than abstract appeals. Cashback incentives for returning reusable containers also emerged as effective motivators. The study shows that Gen Z prefers sustainable actions when they are affordable and easy — with cost (61.5%) and convenience (47.9%) emerging as top barriers. 'While many young individuals endorse values like recycling or reducing plastic use, actual adoption remains inconsistent,' said Prof Mercy Samuel, Senior Associate Professor at CEPT. 'Gen Z, given its digital fluency and strong social consciousness, is uniquely positioned to lead a sustainability shift, if the right interventions are in place.' Over 62 percent of respondents were influenced by messaging focused on environmental harm, while 68.8 percent responded positively to tangible metrics. A strong 70.8 percent preferred cashback incentives for using reusables, and 81 percent said they would consider switching transport modes if financial subsidies were offered. However, nearly 95 percent agreed individuals play an equal role in tackling climate change. Social influence also played a significant role: 67 percent of respondents said they had changed their habits due to peer pressure or social media trends. However, there remains some skepticism (24.9 percent of respondents) toward corporate sustainability efforts, with many distrusting brands that market themselves as 'eco-friendly.' Prof Samuel said, 'This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and marketers. By addressing Gen Z's specific cognitive and contextual barriers, targeted campaigns, urban service designs, and behavioural nudges can be developed to drive lasting change.' The researchers, however, offered the caveat that results from an Indian urban context may not apply globally.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Dept of posts launches digital services in Madikeri
Madikeri: The department of posts introduced IT 2.0 technology, which was launched at Madikeri head post office on Monday. The Centre for Excellence in Postal Technology (CEPT), Mysuru, developed IT 2.0 for the department of posts, digitalising its services comprehensively. The postmen will now utilise an updated application system. Previously, postal staff recorded deliveries upon returning to the office. Currently, they can instantly record deliveries through the MAA, which is an internal mobile app. The new Open Network system resolves previous connectivity issues in rural areas. Unlike the former SAP technology, postal services now function smoothly by accessing various telecom networks, including BSNL, ensuring consistent service delivery. Customers can now pay for postal services through UPI platforms. This facility was previously limited to head offices, but has now been expanded to rural sub-offices, improving accessibility. DigiPIN system The new system, with a 10-digit alphanumeric DigiPIN for precise delivery services, has been introduced. Superintendent of posts (Kodagu circle) SP Ravi launched the facility. Assistant superintendent KM Gajendra, deputy inspector BD Manjunath, and postmaster SV Manjunath were present.
Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
CEPT University Students Bring India Its First Victory at ULI Hines Student Asia Pacific Competition
PRNewswire Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 29: In a landmark achievement, a team of five students from CEPT University have clinched first place in the 2025 ULI Hines Student Competition - Asia Pacific, placing CEPT on the global map as the first Indian institution to win this internationally renowned competition in its 23-year history. The winners were announced today at the ULI Asia Pacific Summit in Hong Kong, where the CEPT team presented their visionary proposal before an audience of global industry leaders, academics, and peers. This year's competition saw participation from 33 multidisciplinary teams across 10 countries and territories in the Asia Pacific region. Finalist teams included CEPT University (India), The University of Melbourne (Australia), and Chulalongkorn University (Thailand). CEPT University had first entered the competition in 2024 and secured the first runner-up position. Representing India as the Zoning Out Crew, the winning team included Danish Sikkander, Pooja Save, Pranav Amarnath, and Rishi Kumar from the Master's in Urban Design, and Sriram Soni from the Master's in Urban Infrastructure program. The team worked under the mentorship of Purvi Chhadva, Program Chair of the Master's in Urban Design, and Dr. Mona Iyer, faculty member at Faculty of Planning, CEPT University. As part of their prize, the team will receive ULI memberships, travel and accommodation support, and the opportunity to engage with leading global professionals in real estate, planning, and urban innovation. The proposal 'Kai Tak 2050: The Active Shared City' submitted by CEPT University students reimagined the Kai Tak Waterfront in Hong Kong as a next-generation 'sharing city'--a vibrant urban model where density, integrated infrastructure, and community-driven design foster innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The concept was anchored in five core pillars: shared mobility, green spaces, living, culture, and resources. The team proposed an urban future where sharing is not a compromise but a means to elevate quality of life. By treating density as an advantage, encouraging social interaction and active living, and fostering economic self-sufficiency, the proposal positions Kai Tak as a potential global benchmark for future high-density, livable, and resilient cities. The proposal featured a car-free, multi-level transit system, climate-resilient parks and rooftop farms, co-living and innovation hubs, a cultural corridor for learning and creativity, and a zero-carbon district powered by renewable energy and circular systems. Together, these components formed a forward-looking, inclusive urban blueprint. The jury praised the submission for its originality, financial feasibility, and community-first approach--recognizing it as a scalable and future-forward model for equitable and sustainable urban development. CEPT student Rishi Kumar, who led the Zoning Out Crew, said, "Leading the team in the ULI Hines Competition was an incredible experience of collaboration and growth. Each member deepened their skills--from strategy and storytelling to visualization and practical implementation--allowing us to craft a thoughtful, well-rounded design. Together, we embraced diverse perspectives and sharpened our ability to design beyond conventional boundaries." Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, Prof. Shalini Sinha, Dean, Faculty of Planning at CEPT University, emphasized the global relevance of the students' approach and the academic ethos that shaped it. "This award is not just a celebration of design excellence but a testament to our curriculum that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and socially responsive urban solutions. It reinforces our belief that thoughtful planning, when backed by rigorous analysis and innovation, can drive transformative change," she said. Praising the team's exemplary performance and the global recognition the students have won, Prof Barjor Mehta, President of CEPT University, said, "This win is a proud moment. Our students have demonstrated that bold, people-centric ideas--when grounded in feasibility--can shape global conversations on the future of cities. This achievement is a milestone and a reflection of our growing role in shaping global urban futures." Organised by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in partnership with Hines, the ULI Hines Student Competition - Asia Pacific is regarded as the region's most prestigious urban ideas challenge. It invites final-year undergraduate and graduate students to form interdisciplinary teams and respond to real-world urban development scenarios with innovative, sustainable, and financially viable proposals. Teams are given three weeks to deliver a comprehensive vision--covering planning, design, and financial analysis--for a real site in a major Asia Pacific city. The winning proposal can be accessed online. To view the narrative summary, click: About CEPT University CEPT University is a recognized leader in education and research in the areas of architecture, planning, design, technology and urban management. Its teaching programs aim to build thoughtful professionals and its research programs deepen understanding in its areas of expertise. CEPT University also undertakes advisory projects to support the national, state and city governments and large sections of private industry. Through its education, research and advisory activities, the University strives to contribute to enriching the lives of people in India's villages, towns and cities. The University comprises five faculties: viz. the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Planning, the Faculty of Technology, the Faculty of Design, and the Faculty of Management. In December 2023, CEPT University was recognized by the Government of India as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design. This comes with an endowment of Rs. 250 Crore to be used towards the research and training on India specific knowledge in Urban Planning and Design over the next 25 years. CEPT University was established by the CEPT University Act of 2005 enacted by the government of Gujarat. It was originally started in 1962 as the School of Architecture supported by the Ahmedabad Education Society. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) of the Government of India recognizes the University as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). CEPT University is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat. CEPT University has over 30 ongoing collaborations and exchange programs with top-ranked universities across the world.
Business Upturn
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
CEPT University Students Bring India Its First Victory at ULI Hines Student Asia Pacific Competition
AHMEDABAD, India , May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a landmark achievement, a team of five students from CEPT University have clinched first place in the 2025 ULI Hines Student Competition – Asia Pacific , placing CEPT on the global map as the first Indian institution to win this internationally renowned competition in its 23-year history. The winners were announced today at the ULI Asia Pacific Summit in Hong Kong , where the CEPT team presented their visionary proposal before an audience of global industry leaders, academics, and peers. This year's competition saw participation from 33 multidisciplinary teams across 10 countries and territories in the Asia Pacific region. Finalist teams included CEPT University ( India ), The University of Melbourne ( Australia ), and Chulalongkorn University ( Thailand ). CEPT University had first entered the competition in 2024 and secured the first runner-up position. Representing India as the Zoning Out Crew, the winning team included Danish Sikkander, Pooja Save , Pranav Amarnath , and Rishi Kumar from the Master's in Urban Design, and Sriram Soni from the Master's in Urban Infrastructure program. The team worked under the mentorship of Purvi Chhadva , Program Chair of the Master's in Urban Design, and Dr. Mona Iyer , faculty member at Faculty of Planning, CEPT University. As part of their prize, the team will receive ULI memberships, travel and accommodation support, and the opportunity to engage with leading global professionals in real estate, planning, and urban innovation. The proposal 'Kai Tak 2050: The Active Shared City' submitted by CEPT University students reimagined the Kai Tak Waterfront in Hong Kong as a next-generation 'sharing city'—a vibrant urban model where density, integrated infrastructure, and community-driven design foster innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The concept was anchored in five core pillars: shared mobility, green spaces, living, culture, and resources. The team proposed an urban future where sharing is not a compromise but a means to elevate quality of life. By treating density as an advantage, encouraging social interaction and active living, and fostering economic self-sufficiency, the proposal positions Kai Tak as a potential global benchmark for future high-density, livable, and resilient cities. The proposal featured a car-free, multi-level transit system, climate-resilient parks and rooftop farms, co-living and innovation hubs, a cultural corridor for learning and creativity, and a zero-carbon district powered by renewable energy and circular systems. Together, these components formed a forward-looking, inclusive urban blueprint. The jury praised the submission for its originality, financial feasibility, and community-first approach—recognizing it as a scalable and future-forward model for equitable and sustainable urban development. CEPT student Rishi Kumar , who led the Zoning Out Crew, said, 'Leading the team in the ULI Hines Competition was an incredible experience of collaboration and growth. Each member deepened their skills—from strategy and storytelling to visualization and practical implementation—allowing us to craft a thoughtful, well-rounded design. Together, we embraced diverse perspectives and sharpened our ability to design beyond conventional boundaries.' Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, Prof. Shalini Sinha , Dean, Faculty of Planning at CEPT University, emphasized the global relevance of the students' approach and the academic ethos that shaped it. 'This award is not just a celebration of design excellence but a testament to our curriculum that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and socially responsive urban solutions. It reinforces our belief that thoughtful planning, when backed by rigorous analysis and innovation, can drive transformative change,' she said. Praising the team's exemplary performance and the global recognition the students have won, Prof Barjor Mehta , President of CEPT University, said, 'This win is a proud moment. Our students have demonstrated that bold, people-centric ideas—when grounded in feasibility—can shape global conversations on the future of cities. This achievement is a milestone and a reflection of our growing role in shaping global urban futures.' Organised by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in partnership with Hines, the ULI Hines Student Competition – Asia Pacific is regarded as the region's most prestigious urban ideas challenge. It invites final-year undergraduate and graduate students to form interdisciplinary teams and respond to real-world urban development scenarios with innovative, sustainable, and financially viable proposals. Teams are given three weeks to deliver a comprehensive vision—covering planning, design, and financial analysis—for a real site in a major Asia Pacific city. The winning proposal can be accessed online. To view the narrative summary, click: About CEPT University CEPT University is a recognized leader in education and research in the areas of architecture, planning, design, technology and urban management. Its teaching programs aim to build thoughtful professionals and its research programs deepen understanding in its areas of expertise. CEPT University also undertakes advisory projects to support the national, state and city governments and large sections of private industry. Through its education, research and advisory activities, the University strives to contribute to enriching the lives of people in India's villages, towns and cities. The University comprises five faculties: viz. the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Planning, the Faculty of Technology, the Faculty of Design, and the Faculty of Management. In December 2023 , CEPT University was recognized by the Government of India as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design. This comes with an endowment of Rs. 250 Crore to be used towards the research and training on India specific knowledge in Urban Planning and Design over the next 25 years. CEPT University was established by the CEPT University Act of 2005 enacted by the government of Gujarat. It was originally started in 1962 as the School of Architecture supported by the Ahmedabad Education Society. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) of the Government of India recognizes the University as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). CEPT University is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat. CEPT University has over 30 ongoing collaborations and exchange programs with top-ranked universities across the world. Photo: Logo:
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Alumni group drops CEPT from its name, ends trademark dispute
Ahmedabad: A city civil court ended the trademark row between CEPT University and its former students who run the Common Event Planning Team (CEPT), responsible for organizing the popular ' CEPT na garba ' festivities every year. According to the institute's counsel, Jatin Trivedi, the institute initiated civil action against the team for using the trademark and tradename CEPT. A court proposed a resolution through mediation. However, when the dispute was not resolved, the university sued the team last year in the city civil court for alleged infringement of its trademark rights and demanded an injunction on the use of 'CEPT' for any of its activities or its identity. During the pendency of the suit, the university and the team arrived at a mutual settlement by which the team gave an undertaking that it shall not use the trademark, tradename, word or label of CEPT/CEPTEVENTS/ and its variants by themselves or their affiliates in any manner. When the court was informed about the settlement, it disposed of the suit last week. On this, advocate Trivedi said, "By accepting the claim, they rightly acknowledged the university's rights. Had they not conceded, a court order could have led to significant financial loss and reputational damage to the private organisation." The resolution of this trademark dispute marks an important precedent for similar cases involving educational institutions and their intellectual property rights .
