Category Archives: News

SOPHiA GENETICS Enters Collaboration to Develop Companion Diagnostics for Precision Oncology Therapies

BOSTON and ROLLE, Switzerland, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SOPHiA GENETICS (NASDAQ: SOPH) today announced a new global collaboration to develop, validate, and deploy two companion diagnostics (CDx) supporting precision oncology therapies with AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/NYSE: AZN).

This multi-year collaboration agreement will advance the development and commercialization of two companion diagnostic programs, bringing SOPHiA GENETICS’s decentralized clinical trial assays and companion diagnostic capabilities to AstraZeneca therapies. 

As part of the collaboration, SOPHiA GENETICS will develop its Solid Tumor application into a decentralized companion diagnostic. In addition, the company will develop and validate its Hematological Oncology application to support a companion diagnostic program for patients with blood cancer.

“A breakthrough therapy only matters to the patients we can find in time to treat. We are moving towards a future that no longer depends on geography, where any laboratory can run the same test to the same high standard on day one of a launch. We believe these programs are what that future looks like in practice. Bringing the right therapy to the right patient, in any country and any laboratory, is the work that will define the next generation of precision medicine,” said Ross Muken, CEO, SOPHiA GENETICS.

By combining accurate biomarker detection with rapid deployment, SOPHiA GENETICS aims to shorten the distance between a new therapy and the patients who need it. Through its global data-driven platform, insights generated from patient populations can help advance informed clinical decision-making across healthcare systems. This vision of connected, data-driven medicine underpins these programs, with the goal of expanding access to innovative treatments and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.

About SOPHiA GENETICS Companion Diagnostics

SOPHiA GENETICS end-to-end diagnostic capabilities span the drug development and launch continuum:

• Clinical Trial Assay (CTA) development, to identify, screen, and enroll the right patients quickly and accurately during a trial.
• Companion Diagnostic (CDx) development, validation, and regulatory submission, taking an assay from research use through analytical and clinical validation to approval in the US, EU, Japan, and beyond.
• Deployment through the SOPHiA DDM^TM Platform and the SOPHiA DDM^TM MaxCare Program, enabling laboratories to bring testing in-house and adopt new genomic applications with confidence, reaching larger populations around the globe.

SOPHiA GENETICS’s technology-agnostic, cloud-based platform lets healthcare institutions run the same validated, AI-powered analysis locally, while sharing and benefiting from the collective intelligence of a global network of more than 1,000 connected institutions across over 75 countries. For a pharmaceutical partner preparing a global launch, that means a companion diagnostic that can be available in the local lab on day one of drug approval.

About SOPHiA GENETICS  

SOPHiA GENETICS (Nasdaq: SOPH) is an AI-native healthcare technology company on a mission to transform patient care by expanding access to data-driven medicine globally. It is the creator of SOPHiA DDM™, an AI platform that analyzes complex genomic and multimodal data to generate real-time, real-world insights for a broad global network of hospital, laboratory, and biopharma institutions. For more information, visit SOPHiAGENETICS.COM and connect with us on LinkedIn. 

SOPHiA GENETICS products are for Research Use Only and not for use in diagnostic procedures unless specified otherwise. The information in this press release is about products that may or may not be available in different countries and, if applicable, may or may not have received approval or market clearance by a governmental regulatory body for different indications for use. Please contact support@sophiagenetics.com to obtain the appropriate product information for your country of residence. 

SOPHiA GENETICS Forward-Looking Statements:  

This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, products, and technology, as well as plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including those described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update these forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which such statements are based, unless required to do so by applicable law. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sophia-genetics-enters-collaboration-to-develop-companion-diagnostics-for-precision-oncology-therapies-302841698.html

50,000 Students to Participate in Season 2 of the Franklin Templeton National Mutual Fund Olympiad 2026

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FinX, India’s leading platform for BFSI learning and certification programmes, has announced the launch of the Franklin Templeton National Mutual Fund Olympiad (FTNMFO) 2026, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening financial literacy and investment awareness among students. Undergraduate and postgraduate students across academic disciplines are invited to participate, with the Olympiad expected to engage over 50,000 students from more than 1,000 colleges across India. Groww, India’s leading investment platform, has been onboarded as the education partner while the programme is also supported by the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSI SSC).

India’s financial literacy landscape has evolved significantly over the last decade, and the participation from youth has been remarkable. In fact, SEBI’s Investor Survey 2025 found that 66% of Gen Zs were aware of at least one market-linked investment product, signalling a growing interest in investing among young Indians. The Olympiad seeks to build on this foundation by helping young learners with a real-world experience to understand, access and engage with investment products such as mutual funds, ETFs, PMS, AIFs and SIFs, enabling them to participate more confidently in India’s expanding investment ecosystem.

Speaking on the launch, Avinash Satwalekar, President, Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India) Pvt., said, “The enthusiastic response to the inaugural Franklin Templeton National Mutual Fund Olympiad reaffirmed the growing interest among young Indians to build practical financial knowledge beyond the classroom. At Franklin Templeton, we believe financial literacy is an essential life skill, and initiatives like the Olympiad help equip students with the confidence to make informed financial decisions while improving their understanding of the evolving investment landscape. As we launch Season 2, we look forward to reaching many more students and continuing to promote investment awareness and financial capability across the country.”

Himanshu Vyapak, MD & CEO, FinX, said, “The Franklin Templeton National Mutual Fund Olympiad has evolved into a unique platform that brings together academia and industry to make financial education more engaging, accessible and relevant for students. The response to the first edition demonstrated a strong appetite among young learners to understand investing and personal finance in a practical manner. With Season 2, we aim to significantly expand our reach, deepen engagement across campuses and continue building a financially aware generation that is better prepared for the opportunities and responsibilities of India’s evolving financial ecosystem. This programme is also supported by the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSI SSC).”

Harsh Jain, Co-founder & COO, Groww, said, “Despite all the growth, very few Indians invest in mutual funds today. Most people haven’t even taken the first step. What we have realised over the years is that access is no longer the problem – understanding is. The best time to build that understanding is when someone is still a student, before they invest their first rupee. If young people learn how markets and mutual funds actually work early on, they carry those habits for life. That is why as part of our larger commitment to investor education, we are supporting this Olympiad, which takes this learning to college campuses across the country.”

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, which attracted more than 10,000 students from over 400 colleges, the 2026 edition aims to significantly expand its reach and impact. Within a structured, multi-level competition, participants will be assessed on their understanding of mutual funds, investment fundamentals, financial planning, market concepts and long-term wealth creation. Registrations are now open through the official Olympiad platform, while participating colleges can enrol at no cost.

Through the Olympiad, Franklin Templeton, FinX and Groww seek to strengthen financial literacy among young Indians by bringing together academic institutions and industry expertise.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton is a global investment management organization with over 75 years of experience helping individual and institutional investors achieve their financial goals. Operating in more than 30 countries with offices across over 80 financial centres, the firm offers expertise across equity, fixed income, alternatives, multi-asset and customized investment solutions. In India, Franklin Templeton has been serving investors for more than 30 years, providing a broad range of mutual fund solutions while remaining committed to investor education, financial literacy and long-term wealth creation. The firm combines global investment capabilities with local market insights to help investors navigate evolving financial markets and pursue their long-term investment objectives.

About FinX

FinX is a leading financial education, skilling and employability platform dedicated to developing industry-ready talent for the BFSI sector. Through its career-focused certifications, industry-integrated learning programmes, national competitions and institutional partnerships, FinX equips students and young professionals with practical knowledge across banking, financial markets, wealth management, mutual funds and allied financial services. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, FinX works closely with educational institutions and leading financial organisations to promote financial literacy, enhance employability and build a future-ready workforce for India’s evolving financial ecosystem.

About Groww

Groww is India’s largest investment platform by active users. Founded in 2016, Groww’s mission is to make financial services simple, accessible and transparent for every Indian. Through its platform, customers can access a wide range of financial products including stocks, MTF, wealth advisory, mutual funds, ETFs, IPOs, commodities, derivatives, bonds, among others. With a strong focus on user experience, technology and investor education, Groww is helping build greater participation in India’s financial markets and empowering individuals to take charge of their financial futures.

About BFSI Sector Skill Council of India

Established in 2011 under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSI SSC) is responsible for skill development in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sector. Working in collaboration with the RBI, IRDAI, SEBI, PFRDA, leading banks, insurance companies and financial institutions, the Council designs industry-led qualifications and certification programs to enhance employability and productivity. BFSI SSC actively supports national skilling initiatives to build a future-ready workforce and strengthen India’s financial ecosystem.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/50-000-students-to-participate-in-season-2-of-the-franklin-templeton-national-mutual-fund-olympiad-2026–302842089.html

Canara HSBC Life Insurance simplifies claims process for families affected by the Assam floods

• Simplified claim documentation to enable faster settlement for policyholders affected by the Assam floods
• Expedited assessment and settlement of eligible claims
• Dedicated District Claims Service Head to provide on-ground assistance
• Multiple claim submission channels including email, customer app and helpline for seamless support

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Canara HSBC Life Insurance extends its deepest condolences to the families impacted by the devastating floods in Assam. During this challenging time, the Company stands in solidarity with all those affected and remains committed to supporting our policyholders in every way possible. To provide timely financial relief, we have introduced a simplified and accelerated claims settlement process, helping ensure faster access to the assistance families need most.

To ensure faster claim processing, the Company has relaxed certain documentation requirements and is prioritizing the assessment and settlement of eligible claims, enabling affected families to receive financial assistance at the earliest possible.

Claimants can submit the following documents to process their claims:

• Death Certificate issued by Municipal Authorities; or list of deceased persons published by State/Central Government authorities; or any other acceptable proof of death, as applicable.
• Claimant Statement / Claim Form.
• Photo identity proof of the claimant along with proof of relationship to the Life Assured, wherever applicable.
• Bank account details of the claimant, including a cancelled cheque, bank statement or NEFT mandate.

The claimants can also submit the above through any of the following channels:

• Email: claims.unit@canarahsbclife.in
• Email: customerservice@canarahsbclife.in
• Canara HSBC Life Insurance Customer App
• Customer Care Helpline: 1800-891-0003 | 1800-103-0003

In case of any requirement of personalised support, policyholders may reach out to the Company’s dedicated District Claims Service Head:

Mr. Pankaj Das

Mobile: +91 98592 84460

Email: pankaj.das@canarahsbclife.in

Canara HSBC Life Insurance remains committed to supporting affected policyholders and their families by ensuring compassionate assistance and prompt settlement of eligible claims during this challenging time.

About Canara HSBC Life Insurance

Incorporated in 2007, Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture promoted by Canara Bank (36.5 per cent) and HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific) Holdings Limited (25.5 per cent). As a bancassurance-led publicly listed insurance company with its corporate office at Gurugram, Haryana and 107 branch offices as of June 30, 2026, pan India, Canara HSBC Life brings together the trust and market knowledge of public and private banks.

For 18 years now, Canara HSBC Life Insurance has sold insurance products to customers through multiple channels and a well-diversified network of Canara Bank, HSBC Bank and its other bancassurance partners located in multiple Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities across the country. Canara HSBC Life Insurance has a vast portfolio of life insurance solutions and offers various products across individual and group spaces comprising of life, term plans, retirement solutions, credit life and employee benefit segments through partner banks and digital channels.

With an aim to provide simpler insurance and faster claim process, Canara HSBC Life Insurance intends to keep the promises of their customers alive with their ‘Promises Ka Partner’ philosophy.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/canara-hsbc-life-insurance-simplifies-claims-process-for-families-affected-by-the-assam-floods-302842175.html

Jo Malone London Launches Sea Salt & Bergamot, the ‘scent of a new adventure’

LONDON, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Plunge into the exhilarating surf of the Celtic Sea. Immersed in the wild waters, every wave carries a fresh minerality. Joining a burst of bergamot, driftwood accord anchors this sea salt-fresh scent. Experience the untamed beauty of the British coast.

Introducing Sea Salt & Bergamot, the new fresh and woody cologne by Jo Malone London. In the same boat as Wood Sage & Sea Salt, it builds on the brand’s selection of sea salt-fresh scents inspired by the British coast. While Wood Sage & Sea Salt is set on the windswept shore, Sea Salt & Bergamot is immersed in the wild waters. Customers are invited to discover the stimulating new cologne and explore the edit in-store and online.

Perfumer: Mathilde Bijaoui

Top: Bergamot

Heart: Sea Salt

Base: Driftwood

Sea Salt & Bergamot Cologne will be available online at jomalone.co.uk and in Jo Malone London stores from August 2026. Follow Jo Malone London on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest: @JoMaloneLondon #JoMaloneLondon #ScentsOfBritain

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/jo-malone-london-launches-sea-salt–bergamot-the-scent-of-a-new-adventure-302841338.html

Piramal Pharma Solutions Expands Peptide API Facility with Advanced Spray Drying Suite

• Piramal Pharma Solutions has added a new spray drying suite with Band 5 containment capacity at its dedicated peptide facility in Turbhe, India, equipped with its own air handling units, nitrogen supply, and control systems.
• The new suite empowers Turbhe to support the formulation of challenging molecules, including peptides, HPAPIs, and other biomolecules.

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Piramal Pharma Solutions (“PPS”), a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and part of Piramal Pharma Ltd. (NSE: PPLPHARMA) (BSE: 543635), has launched a state-of-the-art spray drying suite at its dedicated peptide development and manufacturing facility in Turbhe, India. This strategic expansion enables PPS to address the complex formulation challenges associated with peptides and other complex molecules and support the growing demand for these innovative molecules.

Spray drying transforms liquid formulations into dry powders in a single step, enabling drug developers to enhance bioavailability, achieve precise particle size, and process sensitive compounds safely. This technique is especially critical for peptides, which are unstable at high temperatures and often require strict control over particle properties. Its gentle and efficient nature enables drug developers to improve solubility, streamline scale-up, and increase speed, all while preserving the molecular integrity of their peptide API.

The new spray drying suite operates as a closed-loop system, equipped with its own inert gas supply and advanced safety measures, including specialized HVAC, airlocked entries and exits, operator isolation, and a dedicated cleaning area. This enables the safe handling of potent compounds and organic solvents requiring up to Band 5 containment. To further strengthen these capabilities, the processing area maintains ISO Class 8 (Class 100,000) cleanliness standards, ensuring strict control of the environment throughout operations.

Engineered for small-volume, high potency batches, the unit supports a feed rate of up to 1 liter per hour. It can spray dry highly concentrated solutions — even those with up to 30% water content — making it particularly valuable for the formulation of biomolecules and large peptides. Under optimal conditions, the suite can also be leveraged for low-volume small-molecule formulations.

“Peptides present some of the most intricate formulation challenges in pharmaceutical development, owing to their inherent instability and sensitivity to processing conditions,” said Dr. Jordi Bacardit, Global Technical Lead on Peptides and Member of the Science Collective at PPS. “Spray drying addresses these distinct challenges by allowing tight control over key components like temperature and solvent environment. With the addition of the spray drying suite at Turbhe, we can help our partners bring stable, high-quality peptide formulations to patients in need worldwide.”

With peptides and other complex molecules playing an increasingly vital role in modern pharmaceuticals, this spray drying expansion further positions PPS as a trusted partner across a broad range of therapeutic areas.

About Piramal Pharma Solutions

Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS) is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) offering end-to-end development and manufacturing solutions across the drug life cycle. We serve our customers through a globally integrated network of facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. This enables us to offer a comprehensive range of services including drug discovery solutions, process and pharmaceutical development services, clinical trial supplies, commercial supply of APIs, and finished dosage forms. We also offer specialized services such as the development and manufacture of highly potent APIs, antibody-drug conjugations, sterile fill/finish, peptide products and services, and potent solid oral drug products. PPS also offers development and manufacturing services for biologics including vaccines and gene therapies, made possible through Piramal Pharma Limited’s associate company, Yapan Bio Private Limited.

For more information visit: Piramal Pharma Solutions | LinkedIn | Facebook | X

About Piramal Pharma Limited

Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL, NSE: PPLPHARMA I BSE: 543635), offers a portfolio of differentiated products and services through its 17* global development and manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. PPL includes Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS), an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization; Piramal Critical Care (PCC), a complex hospital generics business; and the Piramal Consumer Healthcare business, selling over-the-counter consumer and wellness products. In addition, one of PPL’s associate companies, Abbvie Therapeutics India Private Limited, a joint venture between Abbvie and PPL, has emerged as one of the market leaders in the ophthalmology therapy area in the Indian pharma market. Further, PPL has a strategic minority investment in Yapan Bio Private Limited, that operates in the biologics / bio-therapeutics and vaccine segments.

For more information, visit: Piramal Pharma | LinkedIn

* Includes one facility via PPL’s minority investment in Yapan Bio.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/piramal-pharma-solutions-expands-peptide-api-facility-with-advanced-spray-drying-suite-302842218.html

Indusface Introduces SwyftComply AI, Defining the Next Era of Application Security with Autonomous Vulnerability Remediation

As AI transforms vulnerability discovery from weeks to minutes, SwyftComply AI enables enterprises to protect applications just as quickly through autonomous virtual patching, expert validation and SLA-backed remediation.

BENGALURU, India, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Indusface, the leading application security company trusted by enterprises to protect thousands of applications and APIs globally, today announced SwyftComply AI, an autonomous vulnerability remediation solution that virtually patches vulnerabilities surfaced by AI-assisted pentesting.

Artificial Intelligence has fundamentally changed the economics of application security. AI-powered security agents now uncover exponentially more vulnerabilities than ever before. Yet remediation has not accelerated. Security teams are overwhelmed by findings while remediation remains constrained by engineering bandwidth. The cybersecurity industry has entered a new phase: the race has moved from finding vulnerabilities to protecting applications before they’re exploited. Indusface believes the industry must move beyond AI-assisted testing toward Autonomous Vulnerability Remediation.

“AI has made vulnerability discovery dramatically faster. The next challenge for the industry is autonomous vulnerability remediation. SwyftComply AI helps enterprises keep pace with AI-driven threats without overwhelming development teams,” said Ashish Tandon, Founder and CEO, Indusface.

SwyftComply AI delivers four connected outcomes:

1. AI-Assisted Discovery: Multi-model pentesting uncovers 5 to 10 times more critical and high-severity vulnerabilities compared to traditional approaches.
2. Autonomous Virtual Patching: Virtual patches deploy at the edge automatically, with no code changes or release windows required.
3. Human-Certified Validation: Indusface security experts verify remediation within an SLA and guarantee zero false positives.
4. Continuous Compliance: Every cycle closes with an expert-verified vulnerability remediation report enterprises can present to their boards and regulators.

For more than a decade, Indusface has focused on reducing the time between vulnerability discovery and protection. SwyftComply AI extends that vision into the AI era.

“The AI era is uncovering business-logic vulnerabilities faster than most security teams can respond. That gap is widening across sectors. Our evaluation of SwyftComply AI showed exactly what enterprises need: vulnerabilities closed as fast as they’re found, and a report auditors can trust,” said Vinayak Godse, CEO, Data Security Council of India (DSCI).

“AI-assisted pentesting surfaces vulnerabilities far faster than any development calendar can absorb. With SwyftComply AI, findings are patched at the edge as they arrive, allowing our development teams to remediate root causes through their normal release cycles instead of constantly reacting to newly discovered vulnerabilities. That enables us to strengthen security without slowing business delivery,” said Nishith Kumar Datta, Head of Information Security, Titan Company Limited.

SwyftComply AI is available immediately. Existing AppTrana customers can upgrade through their account teams, while new customers can onboard to the platform directly. Once live, organizations can virtually patch vulnerabilities, whether surfaced by Indusface, their own VA/PT, or red-team engagements, with vulnerabilities patched and a clean report provided within SLA. Request a demo here.

About Indusface

Indusface secures the web, API, and AI applications of thousands of organizations across 95 countries. Backed by leading institutional investors, Indusface is recognized by Gartner, Forrester, and IDC for its innovation in application security and meets globally accepted security and compliance standards, including ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, and GDPR. Its globally distributed cloud infrastructure spans Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, enabling low-latency protection and regional data residency for enterprises worldwide.

AppTrana is Indusface’s autonomous enterprise application security platform that continuously discovers vulnerabilities, autonomously remediates exploitable risks through virtual patching, and protects applications against DDoS, bot, API, AI, and zero-day attacks. Combining AI-powered intelligence, expert governance, and SLA-backed protection, AppTrana helps organizations reduce the time from vulnerability discovery to protection while delivering compliance-ready reports with zero false positives.

Media Contact:

Phani Akella

phani.akella@indusface.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/indusface-introduces-swyftcomply-ai-defining-the-next-era-of-application-security-with-autonomous-vulnerability-remediation-302842227.html

Developing UAE cricket remains the DP World ILT20’s biggest priority: David White

Dubai, Aug 3: As the DP World ILT20 prepares for its fifth season, CEO David White says the league’s biggest achievement has been its contribution to the growth of cricket in the UAE and the wider Gulf. The competition has franchise owners, broadcasters and commercial partners behind it, but White says what it has done for local players counts for more.

 “It’s pleasing to see the DP World ILT20 firmly established on the UAE sporting calendar. We have built a strong and sustainable competition, but our ambition has always been to contribute to the long-term development of cricket in the UAE. The league is an important part of the Emirates Cricket Board’s high-performance programme, and it lets local players learn from and compete alongside some of the best cricketers in the world,” White said.

Every DP World ILT20 franchise is required to include UAE and Associate Members’ players in its squad.

“Creating opportunities for Associate Members players has always been central to how we set the league up. We wanted talented cricketers from emerging nations to play meaningful roles rather than just make up a squad. That exposure speeds up their development and strengthens Associate cricket.”

The likes of Muhammad Waseem, Khuzaima Tanveer, Junaid Siddique, Haider Ali, Ajay Kumar and Muhammad Rohid have all used the DP World ILT20 to establish themselves in international cricket over the past four seasons. The league’s first player auction, held ahead of Season 4, showed how much confidence franchises now have in homegrown players.

“One of the most rewarding parts of this has been watching UAE players become genuine match-winners. They’ve made the national team more competitive and shown they can hold their own at this level. That’s exactly the impact we hoped the league would have.”

White says the experience the league offers players is another point of difference.

“Players enjoy spending a month in the UAE. They stay in one place, have their families with them, and can focus on their cricket at excellent venues. That’s something they genuinely value, and it sets us apart.”

Season 5 will be played in a dedicated November-December window, and White expects fans to again see many of the world‘s leading players in the UAE.

“The window lets us attract many of the world‘s leading cricketers while still creating opportunities for UAE and Associate players. We’re looking forward to Season 5 and to putting on another strong tournament for fans around the world.”

Rainfall System Loses Strength as Low Pressure Area Moves Across Rajasthan

Aug 1: The weather system that affected parts of the Odisha-West Bengal coast has weakened significantly, turning into a well-marked low pressure area over southeast Rajasthan and adjoining regions, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The system, which developed over the northwest Bay of Bengal, travelled inland over the past seven days and brought rainfall activity across several areas before gradually losing intensity.

The IMD said the system had earlier weakened from a deep depression into a depression while moving through southwest Madhya Pradesh, East Rajasthan, and Gujarat regions. It later transformed into a well-marked low pressure area over southeast Rajasthan and nearby areas.

The weather system is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards across south Rajasthan and weaken further into a low pressure area within the next 24 hours.

As the system loses strength, rainfall activity associated with it is likely to reduce gradually. Weather authorities continue to monitor developments and have advised people to remain alert to local weather updates.

UPI Scales New Heights with Record INR 29.88 Lakh Crore Transactions in July

New Delhi, Aug 1: India’s digital payment ecosystem continued its strong growth momentum in July, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recording 23.66 billion transactions, marking a 22% year-on-year increase. The total value of transactions reached ₹29.88 lakh crore, registering a 19% annual growth and highlighting the rising adoption of digital payments across the country.

The latest data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) reflects the growing role of UPI in India’s everyday financial activities. The platform processed nearly 763 million transactions daily in July, with an average daily transaction value of around ₹96,383 crore.

UPI has transformed the way individuals and businesses conduct financial transactions, offering a fast, secure, and convenient alternative to traditional payment methods. From small retail purchases and bill payments to e-commerce transactions and business settlements, digital payments have become an integral part of daily life for millions of Indians.

The continued expansion of UPI has been supported by rising smartphone adoption, improved internet connectivity, wider acceptance among merchants, and increasing consumer confidence in digital payment solutions. The platform has also played an important role in promoting financial inclusion by enabling more people, including small businesses and users in rural and semi-urban areas, to participate in the formal digital economy.

Over the past few years, UPI has witnessed remarkable growth, reflecting India’s broader shift toward a technology-driven financial system. The platform processed 4,595.61 crore transactions worth ₹84.16 lakh crore in FY2021-22, which increased to 18,586.60 crore transactions valued at ₹260.56 lakh crore in FY2024-25.

Beyond domestic expansion, India’s digital payment infrastructure is also gaining global recognition. NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL) continues to collaborate with international partners to expand UPI-based payment solutions across global markets, enabling smoother cross-border transactions for Indian travelers and supporting the development of real-time payment systems in partner countries.

With continued innovation, increasing adoption, and expanding global partnerships, UPI is strengthening India’s digital economy and emerging as one of the world’s leading real-time payment platforms.

From School Tiffins to Weekend Hangouts – The Snacks That Have Stayed with Every Friendship

July 31: Some friendships are built on endless conversations. Others on shared secrets. But almost all of them, if you trace them back far enough, are built on shared snacks; the ones swapped over tiffin lids, split during exam-week study sessions, and passed around during long train rides and longer gossip sessions. Snacks have witnessed more friendship milestones than we give them credit for: the first sleepover, the reunion after years apart or the impromptu evening when a friend just showed up at your door. 

This Friendship Day, look at some of the timeless Indian snacks that have travelled alongside friendships, from school tiffins to weekend reunions.

1. Methi Fulwadi: Feels Like Home

Every friend group has that one person whose presence instantly puts everyone at ease.  Jagdish Farshan’s Methi fulwadi carries that same comforting familiarity. Its distinctive flavour and satisfying crunch have made it a staple during friends’ festive gatherings, or even casual evening get-togethers.

2. Coin Khakhra: The Reliable One 

Some friends don’t demand attention. They are the reliable, low-maintenance kind who show up exactly when needed, without fuss. Coin khakhra is like that friend: crisp, unassuming, and always the first thing reached for during a lazy evening chai session when nobody wants anything too heavy.

3. Mini Bhakharwadi: Small Bites, Big Memories

Some friendships begin with a simple question: “Can I have one?” Jagdish Farshan’s Mini bhakharwadi has long been one of those snacks that disappears almost as quickly as it’s opened. Its bite-sized format makes it perfect for passing around, whether during school breaks or while catching up with friends years later.

4. Peri Peri Chakri: The Firecracker One

Every group has that one friend who brings the energy, dares everyone to try something new, and keeps the excitement alive. With its bold peri peri seasoning and irresistible crunch, Peri Peri Chakri is that friend on the snack table. Fiery, fun, and full of personality, it is the snack that sparks conversations, livens up game nights, and keeps everyone reaching back for just one more bite.

5. Masala Papdi: The Conversation Starter

As friendships grow, so do the conversations. Weekend catchups often stretch over cups of tea and plates of crunchy snacks. Masala papdi brings the right balance of flavour and crunch, making it the perfect companion for those long conversations with friends who somehow never run out of topics.

6. 3 Vegetable Chips: The Balanced One

Every group has that one friend who effortlessly brings everyone together. Thoughtful, dependable, and full of colour, they know how to strike the perfect balance. Just like them, 3 Vegetable Chips combine the goodness of palak, pumpkin, and beetroot into one vibrant snack. Crisp, wholesome, and packed with natural flavour, they add variety to every gathering, proving that the best moments are often made when everyone brings something unique to the table.

7. Roasted Chana Jor Garam: The Nostalgic One

Some friends may not be part of your everyday routine but meeting them feels like nothing has changed, instantly familiar and comforting. Roasted Chana Jor Garam captures that same feeling. Tangy, flavourful, and full of nostalgia, it’s the kind of snack that brings back memories of shared childhood moments and carefree afternoons.

This Friendship Day, as you catch up with the people who have stuck around through everything, let the snacks do the talking. Whether it’s Jagdish Farshan’s peri peri chakri straight out of the box or a bowl of chevdo passed around during old-friend gossips, some things, like good company and good snacks, are simply meant to be shared.