Thursday, May 14, 2026

PanIIT Alumni India And GoK To Organise Day-Long PanIIT Bangalore Summit 2026 On May 16

The PanIIT Alumni India, in association with the Government of Karnataka, is organising a day-long PanIIT BANGALORE SUMMIT 2026 on the theme of Sovereignty in Technology at Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru, on May 16, 2026.

Under the leadership of PanIIT Chairman Shri Prabhat Kumar, IRS, Principal Secretary e-Governance Govt of Karnataka Shri Pankaj Kumar Pandey, IAS, Bangalore Summit Chair Shri Neeraj Kumar, and Summit Co-Chairs Shri Swadeep Pillarisetti, Shri Sudhakar Gande, Shri Jai Shankar Sharma the day-long AI & Deep Tech Leadership Summit will bring together under one, ubiquitous summit platform over 2,000 plus innovators, senior officials, founders, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers. The summit, brainchild of over 500,000 plus alumni across 23 IITs, actively engaged in shaping technology, business, and policy worldwide, will explore how the community can catalyse the next wave of innovation, entrepreneurship, and nation building

The summit is being organised at a time when India is entering a defining decade of growth with the summit platform catalysing collaboration around AI, deep tech, sustainability, digital infrastructure, and talent development — areas where IIT alumni are already playing transformative roles. The day-long summit will see keynote sessions, panel discussions, CXO roundtable, showcase of cutting-edge startups, hackathon (AI based solutions for various problem statements by Government of Karnataka & Industry) and innovation showcase.

Among prominent thought leaders and eminent speakers addressing the summit We are honoured to host an eminent lineup of speakers, including:

• Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka (Chief Guest)

• Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

• Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, Govt. of India

• Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO, ANRF

• Air Marshal S Shrinivas, PVSM, AVSM, VSM

• Padma Shri Bharat Goenka, Founder, Tally

• Venkat Padmanabhan, MD, Microsoft Research India

• Irina Ghose, India MD, Anthropic

• Hitesh Garg, India MD, NXP Semiconductors

• Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Karnataka

• Abhishek Bansal, CEO, Shadowfax Technologies Ltd

• Harsh Jain, Co-founder & COO, Groww

• Tarun Mehta, Co-founder & CEO, Ather Energy

• Phani Kishan Addepalli, Co-founder, Swiggy, and many more.

https://www.blr.paniit.org/

Karnataka—and in particular Bengaluru—stands today as the epicenter of India’s technological ambition. As one of India’s top GDP-contributing states and the country’s leading hub for venture capital investment, Bengaluru accounts for a dominant share of startup funding and innovation activity. With thousands of engineering colleges and one of the deepest talent pools in the world, it has rightfully earned its place as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East’.

This leadership has not emerged overnight. It is the result of a multi-decade evolution. The first wave was anchored in public sector and strategic institutions such as HAL, NAL, BHEL, and DRDO—laying the foundation for aerospace, defense, and core engineering excellence.

The second wave, in the 1980s and 1990s, saw the rise of IT services giants like Infosys, TCS, HCL, and Wipro, putting India on the global technology map.

The third wave brought consumer technology to the forefront, led by companies like Flipkart, founded by IIT alumni Sachin and Binny Bansal, which catalyzed a generation of entrepreneurs and the broader startup ecosystem.

The fourth wave saw the emergence of globally competitive product and SaaS companies such as Postman and others, building from India for the world.

Today, we are entering the fifth wave—defined by deep technology, artificial intelligence, and scientific innovation. This wave is fundamentally different. It demands longer gestation cycles, deeper research integration, and tighter collaboration between academia, industry, and government. It is here that India must make its most strategic bets if it is to achieve true technological sovereignty.

The Pan-IIT Bangalore Summit 2026 is designed as a response to this moment. Bringing together over 2,000 participants from across all 23 IITs, alongside policymakers, global technology leaders, founders, and investors, the summit is structured not just as a forum for discussion, but as a platform for action.

Through high-level plenaries, deep-dive panels, and parallel tracks across AI, defense, semiconductors, energy, mobility, and healthcare, the summit will identify critical gaps and opportunities. A curated pitch-a-thon will connect high-potential startups with over 200 venture capitalists, while a 10,000-participant hackathon will tackle real-world challenges sourced directly from the Government of Karnataka. These are not theoretical exercises— the best solutions will be evaluated for real deployment at scale within the state.

This integration of ideas, capital, and execution reflects the core philosophy of the summit: to move from conversation to creation, from intent to impact.

At its heart, the summit is also a call to action. In a world increasingly shaped by technological power, India cannot afford to remain a follower. With the United States and China leading the global technology race, India stands as the next major frontier. The opportunity is immense—but so is the urgency. We must build not only in applications, but in deep science, core technologies, and foundational innovation.

The Pan-IIT ecosystem—with its unparalleled intellectual capital and global influence—is uniquely positioned to lead this charge. This summit is a platform to align that potential with national priorities and global ambition.

Sovereign Tech. Built in India. Scaled to the World.

SBI General Insurance Spotlights Need For Comprehensive Health Cover Amid Rising Medical Costs

* Continuing of ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’, Pankaj Tripathi urges families to priorities health and financial security

SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, has announced a new film featuring Pankaj Tripathi in continuation of its campaign ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’. The film highlights the growing need for health insurance in our daily lives and in these uncertain times.

India is witnessing a steady rise in lifestyle-related health concerns and medical inflation, increasing the financial burden on households during emergencies. Recent government data released through the National Statistical Office’s (NSO) 80th round health survey showed that an average hospitalisation in the country now leads to an out-of-pocket expenditure of over ₹34,000 for households, underlining the significant financial burden medical emergencies can create for families despite growing health insurance penetration.

Featuring Pankaj Tripathi, the film is rooted in the realities of everyday life. It vividly reflects the daily hustle, long commutes, demanding workdays, and sacrifices people make to secure a better future for their families. Through an emotional and relatable narrative, the film reminds viewers that while they work tirelessly for their loved ones, they often overlook a key priority protecting the health and financial well-being of their families and securing the future of those who matter most. The campaign reinforces the importance of choosing trusted and adequate health insurance support during uncertain times.

Speaking on this, Rathin Lahiri, Head - Marketing & CSR, SBI General Insurance said, “Healthcare preparedness today is about more than just owning an insurance policy. For salaried individuals with family responsibilities, setting aside at least 2% of annual income towards insurance can be a prudent step to address changing health needs and rising medical costs. Through our Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa campaign, featuring Pankaj Tripathi as brand ambassador, we wanted to reflect the everyday efforts people make for their loved ones while encouraging a more proactive approach to protecting their family’s health and financial well-being. The campaign underscores the importance of choosing coverage that genuinely supports families during uncertain times.”

Health insurance today is evolving beyond emergency financial support to become an important pillar of long-term healthcare and financial preparedness for families. Planning ahead through adequate health coverage can often help families navigate medical uncertainties more confidently while reducing financial strain during emergencies.

SBI General Insurance continues to offer customer-centric health insurance solutions designed to support individuals and families with comprehensive coverage and flexible benefits. Its recently launched Health Alpha plan offers customisable coverage options, cashless hospitalisation across an extensive hospital network, preventive healthcare benefits, coverage for modern treatments, and seamless claims assistance, helping customers choose protection suited to their evolving healthcare needs.

Below are the links for the video:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sbigeneralinsurance-chuniyebharosaapnosa-ugcPost-7459845802304262145-W6pv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABSanlwBiZIYIf3ybn4lx50jHiiZ4-bSj3g

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1H4XS4jStf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYOijkjtFLy/?igsh=Zjd3cjkweW5ieTg4

Twitter: https://x.com/sbigeneral/status/2054080811524309221?s=46

YouTube: https://youtu.be/hJEl7oFQqTA?feature=shared

About SBI General Insurance

SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI, upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence in 146 branches.

The company received numerous prestigious accolades, showcasing its excellence across various domains. Key honors include being named as the Domestic General Insurer of the Year – India and Claims Initiative of the Year – India at Insurance Asia Awards 2025 Singapore, Large General Insurance category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards, the 3rd InsureNext Awards 2024 for Best Claims Settlement, and India’s Best General Insurer of the Year at the 7th Insurance Conclave Awards. At the India Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, the company secured titles for General Insurance Company of the Year and Leading Implementer of Analytics Technology in Insurance. Additionally, it was honored as the Best BFSI Brand at the ET NOW Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024 and included in BW BusinessWorld’s India’s Most Respected Companies. Certified as a Great Place to Work in 2024, the company also excelled at the ETBFSI Exceller Awards 2024 with recognition for Best Claims Management in Insurance and Best CSR Campaign of the Year, further highlighting its commitment to social responsibility and innovation.

With a team of over 9,000+ employees and our multi-distribution model covering Bancassurance, Agency, OEM, Broking, Retail Direct Channels, and Digital collaborations, we are committed to providing both Suraksha and Bharosa to all our consumers. Leveraging a vast network that includes over 22000+ SBI branches, plus agents, financial alliances, OEMs, and digital partners, we extend our services to even the most remote areas of India. Our offerings cater to Retail, Corporate, SME and Rural segments, and our diverse product portfolio ensures accessibility through both digital and physical channels.  

NESPRESSO Expands Its Retail Presence To Mumbai With Pavilion At Jio World Drive

NESPRESSO has announced the next step in its retail expansion with the launch of its first-ever store in Mumbai, now open at Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex. The launch marks NESPRESSO’S official retail entry into Mumbai, one of India’s key cultural and commercial hubs.

As demand for premium, in-home coffee experiences continues to grow and consumers become ever more discerning in their choices, Mumbai stands out as a pivotal market for the brand's next phase of growth. The expansion into Jio World Drive enhances accessibility, allowing a wider audience to experience NESPRESSO'S distinctive craftsmanship, innovation, and one-of-a-kind coffee experience firsthand. NESPRESSO’S extensive range of coffees, machines, and accessories across all channels in India is made available through M/s Thakral Innovations Pvt. Ltd, NESPRESSO'S partner in India. Beyond distribution, Thakral Innovations has been instrumental in shaping and realising NESPRESSO'S vision in the Indian market, ensuring that the brand experience remains seamless at every touchpoint.

Mr. Manish Tiwary, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India, said: "Mumbai has always been a city that embraces excellence, and we are proud to bring the world of NESPRESSO to its discerning coffee lovers. This pavilion is an invitation to discover, taste, and connect with exceptional coffee in an entirely new way. As we continue to expand NESPRESSO'S footprint across India, Mumbai represents a natural and exciting next step in that journey."

Mr. Renaud Tinel, Head of Zone Asia Pacific, NESPRESSO, said: " India is not just a growth market for NESPRESSO, it is a strategic priority. The appreciation and love Indian consumers have shown for the brand has been truly humbling, and it strengthens our resolve to keep raising the bar. With every new touchpoint we build, we are deepening our presence and making the world of NESPRESSO more accessible. We are committed to meeting the ambitions of this extraordinary market with the excellence NESPRESSO stands for, and Mumbai is a proud milestone in that journey — one that signals much more to come."

Building on the momentum of its recent Gurugram expansion, the Mumbai pavilion is NESPRESSO'S third store in India, reflecting the brand's accelerating footprint across the country. This pavilion introduces a more dynamic, city-specific retail approach. Distinct from a café, the pavilion has been conceptualised as an immersive store experience within an open atrium, where accessibility meets exceptional coffee culture. It engages both new and existing consumers through discovery, education, and sensorial exploration, with personalised consultations that decode individual taste profiles and guide informed decision-making.

Coffee lovers are invited to visit and discover the world of NESPRESSO and embark on a journey of exceptional taste by visiting the new NESPRESSO pavilion in Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex and they can also visit the online boutique: https://www.nespresso.com/in/en/.

About NESPRESSO:

Nestlé NESPRESSO SA is a pioneer and is widely regarded as one of the top references in the field of high-quality portioned coffee. The company works with more than 168,000 farmers in 18 countries through its NESPRESSO Sustainable Quality Plan to embed sustainability practices on farms and the surrounding landscapes. Launched in 2003 in collaboration with the NGO Rainforest Alliance, the program helps to improve the yield and quality of harvests, ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality coffee and improving the livelihoods of farmers and their communities.

In 2022, NESPRESSO Achieved B Corp™ certification – joining an international movement of over 9,000 purpose-led businesses that meet B Corp’s high standards of social and environmental responsibility and transparent. Headquartered.    

Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru Brings A Creative & Fun-Filled May For Families And Kids

This May, The Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru transforms into a vibrant playground of creativity, music, and unforgettable family experiences with an exciting line-up of workshops and a high-energy Kids DJ party. From engaging art sessions to an electrifying evening with young DJ sensation Lil Aarohi behind the console, the mall promises rhythm and entertainment for children and parents alike.

DJ Lil Aarohi Takes Over BMOB

DJ Lil Aarohi, one of India’s youngest award-winning DJ talent, will bring an energetic mix of music and entertainment to an exclusive Kids DJ Party at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru. Recognised by the Guinness World Records and the India Book of Records, Aarohi promises an exciting evening filled with music, dance, and interactive entertainment for children and parents alike. Designed as a lively family celebration, the event invites parents and kids to come together and enjoy a fun-filled party experience at the mall.

“Make It In May” Brings Creative Workshops to Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru.

Adding to the excitement “Make It In May” workshop series will offer visitors an interactive experience through hands-on sessions in Macramé Art, a decorative knotting technique; traditional Lippan Art, inspired by Gujarat’s iconic mud-and-mirror craft; and expressive Doodle Design, encouraging free-flowing creativity and playful illustration. Designed for all age groups, the workshops promise a fun and artistic way to unwind and explore creativity.

 

Event

Date

Time

Venue

Entry

Macramé Art

15th May 2026

 

5:30 PM

 

Upper Ground Floor

 

BookMyShow

Lippan Art

22nd May 2026

Doodle Design

29th May 2026

Kids DJ party

17th May 2026

6:30 PM

Terraces, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru

Rs 149 (1 Kid + 1 Parent)

                                                                                                                                                       
With immersive workshops and experiential entertainment, BMOB continues to strengthen its positioning as a lifestyle destination offering community-driven experiences for Bengaluru families.

A North-West Frontier Legacy Arrives At Trinity Square, Taj MG Road, Bengaluru

The celebrated Terracotta from Vivanta Whitefield brings its rich culinary legacy to the heart of the city with an exclusive residency at The Trinity Square, Taj MG Road, Bengaluru. From 14th to 22nd March 2026, this limited-period showcase presents a refined dining experience rooted in the regal traditions of Awadh and the bold, robust flavours of the North-West Frontier.

Drawing from heirloom recipes and time-honoured techniques, the pop-up celebrates slow-cooked gravies, charcoal-fired kebabs, and fragrant biryanis crafted with precision and depth. The ambience reflects understated luxury, inspired by royal durbars and the warmth of traditional clay ovens with earthy terracotta tones, subtle Awadhi accents, and elegant table styling designed to evoke intimacy and timeless Indian hospitality.

The curated buffet and à la carte selection features signatures such as Mathania Murgh Tikka, Gosht ki Seekh, Awadhi Gosht, Lagan ka Murgh, and the aromatic Awadhi Gosht Biryani. Vegetarian offerings include Kathal ka Kofta and Vegetable Mawa Pulao, while traditional desserts like Sewiyan Muzaffar and Garlic Kheer provide a rich, nostalgic finale.

Designed for discerning diners, luxury lifestyle patrons, corporate tastemakers, and culinary enthusiasts, the residency offers an elevated regional Indian dining experience within Taj MG Road’s premium setting. Experience a journey through royal kitchens and frontier flavours, where heritage travels, and tradition finds a new home at Taj MG Road.

Venue: The Trinity Square, Taj MG Road, Bengaluru
Dates: 20 May – 30 May 2026
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: Lunch – ₹2,750 + taxes | Dinner – ₹2,950 + taxes.

High-res image: Terracotta Pop up.jpg

The Climate Pledge, Launches Blueprint To Electrify India's Freight Highways In Collaboration With C40 Cities

* The Climate Pledge is Co-Founded By Amazon
* Building on 20 priority highways identified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the National EV Highway Guidance Framework is India’s first evidence-based roadmap for transitioning freight from diesel to zero-exhaust-emission trucks
* The Framework draws on insights from real-world pilot projects, including a 6,500 km electric-truck run across the Golden Quadrilateral, and outlines a roadmap to make India’s highways EV-ready by 2035.

The Climate Pledge (TCP), co-founded by Amazon, today published India’s first evidence-based roadmap for shifting freight transport from diesel to zero-exhaust-emission battery electric trucks (BETs) in collaboration with C40 Cities (a network of around 100 cities worldwide working on climate action).

The National EV Highway Guidance Framework recommends a phased plan to electrify India’s busiest freight routes by 2027, beginning with 20 priority highways identified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, expanding to industrial centres and ports and ultimately creating a seamless, EV-ready national freight network by 2035 (“Framework”).

Why this Framework Matters

India’s freight demand is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, increasing the need for cleaner transport solutions. Road transport already accounts for nearly 70% of goods movement in the country, while medium and heavy-duty trucks, despite making up just 3% of vehicles on the road, contribute around 53% of particulate emissions. With demand projected to grow over four-fold by 2050, scaling electric freight will be key to reducing emissions and improving efficiency. This Framework outlines practical pathways, aligned with the Government’s focus on electrification and sustainable mobility, and India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

“India’s transition to cleaner freight will require strong collaboration across government and industry. The EV Highway Guidance Framework launched under the Laneshift program today is an important step in this direction and will help create a scalable pathway for electric trucking in the country. Through the e-FAST India platform, NITI Aayog has been bringing together logistics operators, OEMs, energy providers, and financial institutions to build an enabling ecosystem for freight electrification. Building on these efforts, partnerships led by C40 Cities, The Climate Pledge, and private sector stakeholders such as Amazon and Ashok Leyland demonstrate how collaborative action can help move electric freight from pilots to large-scale deployment.” said Dr. O.P. Agarwal, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog.

“We continue to invest in making our operations more sustainable, and electrifying our logistics is a key part of that effort. Through The Climate Pledge, we are also working with stakeholders to help scale electric freight solutions more broadly in India. The project findings and framework are encouraging, and reinforce the importance of continued collaboration between government and industry to accelerate adoption,” Abhinav Singh, VP, Operations, India and Australia, Amazon.

From Pilot Project to Policy

The Framework draws insights from Laneshift pilot project, led by C40 Cities and The Climate Pledge, by bringing together truck manufacturers, fleet operators, logistics providers, and financiers to test electric freight. As part of the project, electric trucks completed 600 trips on the Bengaluru–Chennai corridor, covering over 200,000 km across sectors, generating insights on performance, reliability and cost, and supporting early adoption through long-term contracts. To assess scalability, the project also undertook a 6,500-km pilot along the Golden Quadrilateral, connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Laneshift project demonstrated operational viability of electric freight across all use cases, and commercial viability for operations exceeding 400 km per day. The project saw 4.2-times increase in electric truck orders and the securing of long-term commercial contracts[1] , signaling growing market confidence.

“Decarbonizing freight is not a future ambition; it is an immediate economic and public health imperative for the country. Laneshift has shown that zero-exhaust-emission trucks can operate commercially on long-haul corridors, that costs are coming down, and that when the right stakeholders align their efforts, barriers give way. India has the scale, the policy momentum, and the industry appetite to be the next frontier,” said Naim Keruwala, Regional Director for South and West Asia at C40 Cities.

The Framework identifies key areas for action across infrastructure, demand, and operations. The full report is available at c40knowledgehub.org

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit aboutamazon.in and follow @AmazonNews.

About The Climate Pledge

The Climate Pledge, co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, is a goal to reach net-zero carbon by 2040. It brings the world’s top companies together to accelerate joint action, cross-sector collaboration, and responsible change. For more information, visit theclimatepledge.com.

About C40 Cities

C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere, can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to limit global heating in line with the Paris Agreement and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities. We work alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to support mayors to halve emissions by 2030 and help phase out fossil use while increasing urban climate resilience and equity.

The current co-chairs of C40 are Mayor Sadiq Khan of London, United Kingdom, and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown, Sierra Leone; three-term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as President of the Board. C40’s work is made possible by our two strategic funders: Bloomberg Philanthropies and Realdania.

To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit our website or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.  

The Mosquito Agarbatti You Light Every Night Is Dangerous Than Dengue-Causing Mosquito

* Illegal mosquito agarbattis are as dangerous as dengue, warn 70% of doctors

A comprehensive public health study by Home Insect Control Association (HICA), a non-profit industry body that promotes the safe use of household insecticides in India released ahead of National Dengue Day (May 16), reveals that illegal mosquito repellent agarbattis have emerged as a bigger and immediate health threat than the mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria they are meant to prevent. Commissioned by Home Insect Control Association (HICA), the research was conducted by Kantar, the market research company. While 95% of households surveyed did not report any mosquito-borne diseases like malaria or dengue in the past year, 70% of doctors classify illegal mosquito agarbattis containing unapproved chemicals as a "major respiratory hazard". comparable, according to 67% of doctors, to the health risks posed by cigarette smoke.

The survey was recently conducted across 12 cities among 1,264 households and 405 doctors, including pulmonologists, paediatricians, general physicians and gynaecologists, and highlights a growing health crisis inside Indian homes driven by the widespread use of illegal mosquito agarbattis.

The scale of the problem is significant. The mosquito repellent agarbatti market in India is valued at approximate ₹2,000 crore, with up to 85% dominated by illegal or unregulated players - products that carry no government approval, no mandatory Central Insecticides Registration (CIR) label, and no clear ingredient disclosure. These products are commonly sold under names such as Comfort, Sleepwell, Relax, Sun-Relax, Subhanithra, Hunting Tiger, High Voltage, Happy Night, Dengue Killer and Hi-Power, often without regulatory approvals or clear ingredient disclosures. Yet 59% of Indian households report using such products, with half doing so daily for more than three years.

Adding to this, Jayant Deshpande, Secretary & Director of the Home Insect Control Association (HICA) said, “A huge share of mosquito agarbattis sold at local stores and chemist outlets is untested, illegal, and lacks the mandatory CIR registration number. Consumers should look for products that clearly display the CIR registration number and avoid those with vague claims or missing regulatory disclosures."

Doctors surveyed paint a concerning picture of what prolonged exposure is doing inside homes. 84% link the regular use of illegal mosquito agarbattis to rising household healthcare costs. Adding to the concern is a widespread perception gap. 48% of consumers consider a product safe simply because it is sold at a chemist, a belief that 56% of doctors specifically flag as dangerous. A further 50% of consumers believe herbal or citronella-based variants are safe, while 66% of doctors say such products carry even higher risks due to misleading claims and the absence of any regulatory oversight.

The survey highlights a significant awareness gap, with nearly 55% of doctors noting that families are unaware of safer, approved alternatives and continue to rely on easily available illegal mosquito agarbatti despite the risks.

Commenting on the insights from the Kantar report, Dr. Sanjith Saseedharan Director - Critical Care, S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim - A Fortis Associate said, “While mosquito repellent is vital to safeguard infections like dengue fever, one must be careful to avoid constant exposure to smoke emanating from these products, including mosquito agarbattis. The problem arises because some of the mosquito repellents sold in the market do not meet the required standard since some products can contain toxic substances like pyrethroids, organophosphates, heavy metals, and other compounds that can irritate the respiratory tract. Respiratory problems and allergies caused by these illegal mosquito agarbattis are becoming more common among those who use them continuously at home.

Vulnerable groups include children, older adults, patients with asthma, and people suffering from COPD, as inhaling these fumes can exacerbate respiratory complications and lead to constant coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing due to respiratory irritation. Something that is believed to provide a cheap and safe solution can actually pose serious health hazards in case of constant exposure. It would be best for people to use mosquito repellents that are safe and approved by the authorities & have undergone safety testing indoors.”

The findings highlight the need for greater awareness and informed decision-making among consumers, as well as stronger enforcement against unregulated products, to ensure that everyday mosquito protection does not come at the cost of long-term health.

About HOME INSECT CONTROL ASSOCIATION (HICA)

HOME INSECT CONTROL ASSOCIATION (HICA) is a premier organization established 1995 in Mumbai to give impetus to the domestic Home Insecticides sector, to facilitate the members of the association for the overall safety of the environment and to educate the public about the healthy and proper use of the home insecticides for a pest free life.

For more details, visit https://www.hica.co.in/  

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