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Franklin Templeton National Mutual Fund Olympiad Season 2 to Reach 50,000 Students Across India

Posted on August 12, 2026August 13, 2026 by City Today News (City today.media)

Bengaluru, August 12, 2026: FinX, a platform focused on BFSI learning and certification programmes, has announced the second edition of the Franklin Templeton National Mutual Fund Olympiad (FTNMFO) 2026, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting financial literacy and investment awareness among college students.

The 2026 edition is expected to reach more than 50,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students from over 1,000 colleges across India. Groww has joined the initiative as the education partner, with support from the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSI SSC).

The initiative comes amid growing interest among young Indians in financial markets and investment products. According to the SEBI Investor Survey 2025, 66% of Gen Z respondents were aware of at least one market-linked investment product. The Olympiad aims to build on this growing awareness by giving students a practical understanding of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), Portfolio Management Services (PMS), Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs).Speaking about the launch, Avinash Satwalekar, President, Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India) Pvt. Ltd., said the response to the first edition demonstrated the growing interest among young people in developing financial knowledge beyond the classroom.

He said financial literacy should be viewed as an essential life skill and that initiatives such as the Olympiad can help students develop the confidence to make informed financial decisions and better understand the changing investment landscape.

Speaking about the launch, Avinash Satwalekar, President, Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India) Pvt. Ltd., said the response to the first edition demonstrated the growing interest among young people in developing financial knowledge beyond the classroom.

He said financial literacy should be viewed as an essential life skill and that initiatives such as the Olympiad can help students develop the confidence to make informed financial decisions and better understand the changing investment landscape.

Himanshu Vyapak, MD & CEO, FinX, said the Olympiad has developed into a platform connecting academia with the financial services industry. He noted that the strong response to the inaugural edition reflected students’ interest in learning about investing and personal finance through practical experiences.

According to Vyapak, Season 2 will focus on expanding participation across campuses and creating greater awareness about the opportunities and responsibilities associated with India’s evolving financial ecosystem.

Harsh Jain, Co-founder and COO, Groww, said that while access to investment platforms has improved considerably, a lack of understanding continues to remain a key barrier for many potential investors. He stressed the importance of introducing financial concepts at the student level so that young people can develop sound investment habits before making their first investment.

The first edition of the Olympiad witnessed participation from more than 10,000 students across over 400 colleges. Building on that response, the 2026 edition will feature a structured, multi-level competition covering mutual funds, investment fundamentals, financial planning, market concepts and long-term wealth creation.

Registrations for the Olympiad are currently open through its official platform. Participating colleges can enrol in the programme without any registration fee.

The initiative by Franklin Templeton, FinX and Groww is aimed at bringing financial education closer to college campuses and helping young Indians develop a stronger understanding of investments and personal finance.

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Mosquito Agarbattis: Myths, Facts and What Consumers Need to Check

Posted on August 11, 2026 by City Today News (City today.media)

Illegal and unregistered products raise safety concerns during the monsoon; consumers urged to verify registration and label details

– By Jayant Deshpande, Secretary and Director, Home Insect Control Association (HICA)

The recent enforcement drives against illegal mosquito agarbattis across several states have brought renewed attention to the safety and regulatory compliance of mosquito-control products available in the market.

Authorities have conducted raids, seized unregistered products and initiated action against manufacturers and distributors found violating regulatory requirements. The developments highlight an important concern for consumers: not every mosquito agarbatti sold in the market may have been manufactured and marketed in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework.

With monsoon conditions contributing to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya, mosquito agarbattis continue to be widely used because they are affordable, easily available and familiar to households.

However, consumers need to exercise caution while purchasing these products. Understanding the difference between legitimate claims and regulatory compliance can help consumers make more informed choices.

Myth 1: Every mosquito agarbatti sold in the market has undergone the same regulatory scrutiny

Fact: Consumers should not assume that every mosquito agarbatti available in the market has undergone the required regulatory process.

One of the key details consumers should look for is a valid CIR (Central Insecticides Registration) number issued by the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC).

The registration number is generally printed on the back or bottom of the package and may appear in a format such as CIR-XXXXX/XXXX. Consumers should verify the registration details and other mandatory information before purchasing the product.

Products without the required registration details should be avoided, particularly where the label does not provide clear information about the active ingredient, manufacturer or directions for use.

Myth 2: ‘Herbal’, ‘Natural’ or ‘Eco-friendly’ automatically means the product is safe and compliant

Fact: Packaging and marketing claims alone cannot establish whether a mosquito agarbatti has the required regulatory approval.

A product may carry terms such as “Herbal”, “Natural” or “Eco-friendly”, but consumers should look beyond such claims. The package should carry the relevant registration details, active ingredient information, manufacturer details, expiry date and instructions for safe use.

The emphasis, therefore, should be on regulatory compliance and complete labelling rather than packaging claims.

Myth 3: If a mosquito agarbatti is available at a local shop, it must be legal and safe

Fact: Availability through a neighbourhood grocery or medical store does not necessarily establish that a product meets all regulatory requirements.

According to HICA, products marketed under names including Comfort, Sleep Well, 10 Ka Dum, Dengue Killer, Relax, Dinosaur, Happy Nights, Sweet Nights and Freedom have faced regulatory action in different states over concerns relating to ingredients or regulatory compliance.

HICA has also raised concerns that some such products could continue to enter the market through older stock or unauthorised distribution channels.

Consumers should therefore check the product label and registration details rather than relying solely on the outlet from which the product is purchased.

Myth 4: Mosquito agarbattis are harmless because they are only household products

Fact: HICA says that the use of illegal or non-compliant mosquito agarbattis can raise health concerns, particularly with prolonged exposure.

According to a recent HICA survey cited by the association, 70% of doctors surveyed considered illegal mosquito agarbattis a major respiratory risk, while 90% reported encountering recurring breathing-related problems among children associated with exposure to such products.

These findings underline the importance of using mosquito-control products that comply with applicable regulatory requirements and following the instructions provided on the label.

Consumers need to make informed choices

Consumer awareness is an important part of product safety. Just as people routinely check expiry dates and labels while purchasing food and medicines, similar attention should be paid to mosquito-control products.

Checking the CIR/CIB&RC registration details, active ingredient, manufacturer information, expiry date and usage instructions can help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions.

As families take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon, choosing a properly registered and compliant mosquito-control product is an important part of responsible household protection.

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Over 1,100 Students Take Part in PW’s ‘India Is Ready Marathon’ in Bengaluru

Posted on August 11, 2026 by City Today News (City today.media)

4.2-km Cubbon Park Run Promotes Fitness and Education; Event Builds Awareness for PWNSAT 2026

Bengaluru, August 11, 2026: More than 1,100 students from PW Vidyapeeth centres and schools across Bengaluru participated in the ‘India Is Ready Marathon 2026’, covering a 4.2-km route through Cubbon Park.

Organised by PW Vidyapeeth, the offline coaching arm of PhysicsWallah (PW), the event combined fitness and student engagement with an academic focus, creating awareness about PWNSAT 2026, the institution’s annual scholarship examination for students preparing for JEE and NEET.

The marathon began at 7 am with registration and warm-up sessions conducted by experts. The run was subsequently flagged off following a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Pushpinder Kaur Sidhu, Regional Head, PW, and Aman Kumar, Deputy Regional Head, PW.

The event concluded with recognition for the top performers, who were presented trophies and medals. All participants were also given certificates in appreciation of their participation.

Scholarship programme for students from Class V to XII

The marathon was organised as part of PW’s student outreach ahead of PWNSAT 2026, through which eligible students can receive up to 100% tuition fee waivers. The scholarship programme also offers a cash reward pool of up to ₹2.5 crore, while the top 500 eligible rankers can access free education and hostel support, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria.

Registrations for PWNSAT 2026 are free and open to students from Class V to XII and Class XII pass-outs.

Speaking about the initiative, Alakh Pandey, Educator, Founder and CEO, PhysicsWallah, said that financial circumstances should not prevent students from accessing quality education.

“Through PWNSAT, we aim to support learners by reducing these barriers while providing guidance that helps them continue their preparation with confidence,” he said.

PWNSAT 2026 to be held online and offline

To expand access to students across different locations, PWNSAT 2026 will be conducted in both online and offline formats.

The online examination is scheduled from October 1 to 15, 2026, while the offline examination will be conducted on October 3, 4, 10 and 11 at PW Vidyapeeth, Pathshala and Tuition centres.

The Bengaluru marathon marked another student-focused initiative by PW Vidyapeeth, bringing together academic aspirations and physical fitness while encouraging students to participate in PWNSAT and pursue their competitive examination goals.

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Bengaluru Roads Under Monsoon Stress: Repeated Road Digging Raises Safety and Accountability Concerns

Posted on August 11, 2026August 11, 2026 by City Today News (City today.media)

Bengaluru: The deteriorating condition of roads across Bengaluru, particularly in Richmond Town, has once again raised serious concerns over public safety, repeated road excavation and inadequate restoration during the monsoon season.

Dr. D. Kiran Jeevan, Founder of ‘Namma Roads Matter’, has urged the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to take immediate action to address the worsening condition of city roads and ensure accountability among civic agencies, utility providers and contractors responsible for road-cutting and restoration works.

In a representation addressed to the Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority, with a copy to Revenue and Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Dr. Jeevan said several roads and internal streets in Bengaluru, including those in Richmond Town, have developed potholes, uneven surfaces, damaged stretches and poorly restored road-cuttings.

He pointed out that the situation becomes particularly dangerous during the monsoon, when rainwater collects on damaged road surfaces and conceals potholes and uneven stretches, increasing the risk to pedestrians, motorists and other road users.

According to Dr. Jeevan, the problem is not confined to Richmond Town. Bengaluru has been witnessing a recurring cycle in which roads are repaired, subsequently excavated for utility or infrastructure works, and then inadequately restored. The process is often repeated within a short period, raising questions about planning, coordination, supervision and accountability.

‘Why are the same mistakes repeated every year?’

Dr. Jeevan questioned why the civic administration continues to face the same road-related problems every monsoon despite the fact that Bengaluru’s rainy season is predictable.

He said road deterioration, waterlogging, potholes and hazards arising from road-cutting are foreseeable problems and should therefore be addressed through advance planning and coordinated civic management.

“Roads that are excavated, inadequately restored and subsequently filled with rainwater can pose a serious threat to public safety,” he said.

He recalled that he had raised similar concerns last year regarding the deterioration of Bengaluru’s roads during the monsoon and the consequences of repeated excavation and poor restoration. Despite the passage of another year, he said, substantially similar problems continue to be witnessed across the city.

Questions over responsibility and accountability

The civic campaign has also raised questions about the responsibility of various agencies involved in road-cutting and restoration.

Dr. Jeevan sought clarity on who authorises repeated excavation of roads, who coordinates such works, who supervises restoration and who certifies that a road has been restored to the required standard.

He also questioned who would be held responsible when a road deteriorates soon after repair, particularly when public money has already been spent on its restoration.

He said road excavation, wherever unavoidable, must be carried out only after proper planning, obtaining necessary permissions and putting adequate safety measures in place. The agency undertaking the work should also be required to restore the road properly within a clearly defined timeframe.

Earlier legal notice remains unanswered

Dr. Jeevan further stated that he had previously issued a legal notice concerning the condition of Bengaluru’s roads and related civic issues. According to him, the Greater Bengaluru Authority, formerly the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has not yet provided a substantive response to that notice.

He said the continued absence of a detailed response was concerning, particularly when the civic issues raised earlier continue to persist.

Demands for immediate action

Dr. Jeevan has urged the Greater Bengaluru Authority to undertake a comprehensive inspection of Bengaluru’s roads, beginning with severely damaged stretches in Richmond Town.

Among his key demands are:

Identification of roads that have been repeatedly excavated, repaired and re-excavated, along with the reasons for such recurring works.

Identification of agencies, contractors and authorities responsible for road-cutting activities.

Verification of whether prescribed permissions and restoration conditions have been followed.

Fixing responsibility for roads that have been inadequately restored and subsequently deteriorated.

Preparation of a coordinated monsoon road-management plan to restrict avoidable excavation during the rainy season.

Ensuring coordination between civic agencies and utility providers before a recently repaired road is excavated again.

Making agencies undertaking road-cutting responsible for complete and durable restoration within a stipulated period.

Mandatory barricading, warning signs, adequate lighting and safe pedestrian access at roadwork sites.

Adoption of durable and scientifically appropriate repair methods instead of temporary patchwork.

Proper monitoring of road-cutting permissions and closure of such permissions only after satisfactory restoration.

A written explanation regarding the action taken on his earlier legal notice and the reasons for the delay in providing a substantive response.

A time-bound action plan for repairing damaged roads across Bengaluru, including Richmond Town.

‘Road safety cannot become a seasonal issue’

Dr. Jeevan said Bengaluru, as one of India’s leading metropolitan cities, requires road infrastructure and maintenance systems that match its importance.

“The recurring cycle of digging, patching, deterioration and digging again cannot be treated as normal civic administration,” he said, stressing that public safety cannot be compromised because of inadequate planning or lack of coordination between government departments, civic agencies, utility providers and contractors.

He said every road excavation has consequences for motorists, pedestrians, residents, emergency services and other road users. Since many of these risks are foreseeable, civic authorities have a responsibility to anticipate them and take preventive measures.

According to him, Richmond Town represents only one example of a wider problem affecting Bengaluru. The larger issue, he said, is whether the city has an effective system to prevent the same roads from repeatedly becoming hazardous every monsoon.

Dr. Jeevan urged the Greater Bengaluru Authority to treat the representation as an urgent public-safety matter and take immediate, visible and sustainable measures to improve Bengaluru’s roads, beginning with the severely affected stretches in Richmond Town.

He also sought a written response detailing the corrective measures proposed, the agencies responsible for implementation and the timeline for completing the remedial works.

Dr. D. Kiran JeevanFounder, Namma Roads Matter – Civic CampaignBengalurudkjprofessor@gmail.com

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Invitation Extended for 355th Aradhana Mahotsava of Sri Raghavendra Swamy

Posted on August 10, 2026 by City Today News (City today.media)

Mantralayam: As part of the 355th Aradhana Mahotsava of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy, an invitation to the Aradhana celebrations organised at Jayanagar Math was formally presented to His Holiness Sri 108 Sri Subudhendra Theertha Sripadangalavaru during the ongoing Chaturmasya period at Mantralayam.

R.K. Vadindra Acharya, Senior Administrator of Jayanagar Math, personally offered the invitation to the revered pontiff and sought his blessings for the successful conduct of the Aradhana Mahotsava.

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