Archive: August 4, 2026

Kerala’s governance revolution: Chief Minister Shri. V D Satheesan and Chief Secretary Shri. Biswanath Sinha lead massive reform blitz; 30 days of high-speed administration transforms state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. V D Satheesan and the relentless, tireless administrative drive of Chief Secretary Shri Biswanath Sinha, IAS – the Government of Kerala has embarked on a historic mission to completely modernize the state’s administrative machinery.

In a remarkable display of governance at high speed, the last 30 days have seen the issuance of multiple transformative orders that dismantle outdated bureaucratic silos and usher in an era of ‘Digital-First’ governance.

A thirty-day sprint towards excellence reflecting the Chief Secretary’s commitment to rapid implementation, the governance engine has accelerated significantly during July 2026.

This period of intense activity has seen the constitution of critical divisions and the approval of state-level process reforms that will redefine the citizen-state interface.

The Strategic Engine: CPMD (Co-ordination & Programme Management Division) and BPPR (Business Policy and Process Re-engineering) Cell

At the heart of this transformation is the newly constituted Co-ordination & Programme Management Division (CPMD) within the Office of the Chief Secretary. Established to provide direct support to both the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and the Chief Secretary’s Office (CSO), the CPMD ensures the time-bound implementation of priority projects and budget announcements.

Complementing this is the Business Policy and Process Re-engineering Cell (BPPR Cell).

Under the direction of Chief Minister Shri. V D Satheesan, this specialized cell, reporting through Chief Secretary Shri Biswanath Sinha, is tasked with a complete overhaul of the Secretariat Office Manual and the Rules of Business by incorporating AI-assisted tools and global best practices.

Dismantling the past: Deregulation and Ease of Living

Chief Minister Shri. V D Satheesan has prioritized the removal of unnecessary legal complexities to improve the ‘Ease of Living’ for all citizens.

Through a major order on outdated acts and rules, the government has initiated a systematic review to identify and repeal laws that have lost relevance or create administrative contradictions. This initiative aligns Kerala with the National Compliance Reduction and Deregulation initiative.

To further simplify citizen interactions, the government has adopted the ‘once-only’ data-sharing principle by integrating DigiLocker-based document management; the administration aims to eliminate the need for repeated submissions of the same documents, making services faster and more transparent.

Spatial Governance: SAMPATH, PLANSPACE 20, and VEGAM 

Under the guidance of Chief Secretary Shri Biswanath Sinha, Kerala is pioneering data-driven spatial governance through several revolutionary platforms:

The SAMPATH Portal: A unified, GIS-based digital register for all state-owned assets—including land, buildings, and machinery—using AI-based analytics to predict maintenance needs.

PLANSPACE 20: A project register module that maps every development project in the state to avoid duplication and ensure efficient resource allocation. A key feature of PLANSPACE 2.0 is the automatic transfer of completed projects into the State’s Public Asset Register, enabling Government to monitor the complete lifecycle of public assets – from project approval and execution to long-term maintenance – through a single integrated platform. The system has been designed in line with the spatial planning principles envisaged under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

The VEGAM Framework: A high-speed system designed to fast-track land acquisition by reducing pre-notification stages from 18–24 months to just 3–4 months through technology-enabled workflows.

Institutional integrity and litigation reform to ensure complete oversight, Chief Minister Shri. V D Satheesan has approved the development of a comprehensive registry of government organisations.

This unified database will encompass all PSUs, statutory bodies, and autonomous institutions, providing reliable data for policy formulation and human-resource planning.

Additionally, the government is implementing litigation reduction reforms, using a technology-enabled framework to identify and fix legal provisions that lead to avoidable and repetitive government litigation.

A commitment to progress, the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. V D Satheesan and Chief Secretary Shri Biswanath Sinha continue to work tirelessly to ensure that these reforms are felt realities for every citizen. These orders represent a bold commitment to an efficient, transparent, and investment-friendly Kerala.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/keralas-governance-revolution-chief-minister-shri-v-d-satheesan-and-chief-secretary-shri-biswanath-sinha-lead-massive-reform-blitz-30-days-of-high-speed-administration-transforms-state-302842377.html

Lockton Introduces Lockton SAGE: The Industry’s First Unified Enterprise Intelligence Platform

Purpose-built to bring the full power of Lockton’s proprietary data, advanced analytics, AI-enabled capabilities, and specialized expertise to client decisions, at scale 

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lockton, the world’s largest privately held insurance brokerage and risk management firm, today announced the expanded availability of Lockton SAGE, its enterprise intelligence platform purpose-built to bring the full power of Lockton’s proprietary data, advanced analytics, AI-enabled capabilities, and specialized expertise to client decisions. 

First introduced within Lockton Re, Lockton SAGE is now being extended across the firm’s US broader business with capabilities spanning Risk Solutions, People Solutions, and Reinsurance.  

As organizations navigate increasingly complex workforce, financial, and risk decisions, many are challenged by disconnected data, siloed insights, and a growing wave of standalone AI tools that fail to deliver the full picture. 

“No firm is better positioned to lead clients into the age of AI than Lockton, but technology alone is never the advantage; real impact comes from combining powerful intelligence with exceptional people,” said Ron Lockton, Chairman and CEO of Lockton. “Our data, technology, and expertise were built together over time, not bolted on through acquisition, so they work as one, and we built Lockton SAGE to make our advisors better; giving them the insight to deliver a smarter, more personal way for clients to navigate risk and reach stronger outcomes. The firms that lead the next decade will be the ones that pair great technology with great people, and that is exactly where we are focused.” 

Lockton SAGE was built to bring it all together. 

Lockton SAGE uses AI-enabled capabilities to surface the patterns, priorities, and recommendations that matter most to each client’s business.

From Data to Decision — at Speed 

Lockton SAGE connects policies, quotes, claims, and exposures, applying AI-enabled analytics with human experience to provide clients with faster, smarter guidance when decisions matter most. By uncovering patterns, anticipating emerging risks, and delivering actionable recommendations earlier, the platform helps organizations mitigate issues before they grow, reducing costs today while creating greater financial and operational resilience for the future.  

What Clients Receive 

For clients, that means moving beyond a fixed insurance platform to a personalized operating environment – one that combines best-in-class services with an experience designed around their business, their priorities, and the metrics that matter most. 

Across every stage of the insurance lifecycle, Lockton SAGE translates connected intelligence into a deep understanding of the client business and risk profile, paired with insights specific to their goals and objectives — from the data that starts the process to the advisory that follows the placement:  

• Richer data, lighter lift — Real-time collaboration and automated data capture replace manual information gathering, reducing the administrative burden of buying and managing coverage while building a more complete, higher-quality view of each client’s risk.
  
  
  
  
• Deeper analytics — Insights extend across all of a client’s exposures and move beyond generic benchmarking to customized, forward-looking views of that client’s specific risk profile.
  
  
  
  
• Smarter structuring — Clients gain more options for risk transfer and management, with real-time visibility into the financial tradeoffs of any program structure before decisions are finalized.
  
  
  
  
• Optimized placement — All products, segments, and carriers are analyzed continuously, giving clients the strongest available understanding of the marketplace and the most effective coverage selections.
  
  
  
  
• More advisory — Platform-driven efficiency frees Lockton Associates to spend more time on strategic advisory work — backed by the marketplace relationships that matter most in advocating for clients.

Built for the Long Game 

 Lockton’s private ownership allows the firm to take the long-term view, investing deliberately in a flexible platform architecture that can continuously adopt leading AI models as they reshape how organizations evaluate risk. The result is a platform designed to keep innovating, adapting, and scaling alongside client needs — staying ahead of market demands, not reacting to them. 

“The market is full of tools, but clients need the right intelligence — connected, contextual, and built around how they actually make decisions. Lockton SAGE is our commitment to delivering exactly that. It’s not a single product. It’s the collective expertise of Lockton, working together to give every client greater confidence at every decision point.” 

— Claude Yoder, Chief Data, Analytics, and Digital Officer, Lockton 

Lockton SAGE creates a scalable foundation for continued innovation, expanding the value Lockton delivers across every client relationship. And because Lockton SAGE continues to develop new intelligence over time, it compounds in value as Lockton and its clients continue to grow, equipping Lockton Associates with the tools and insights needed to provide more informed and impactful guidance. For more information, visit LocktonSAGE.com.

About Lockton  

What makes Lockton stand apart is also what makes it better: independence. Lockton’s private ownership empowers nearly 15,000 Associates doing business in 180+ countries to focus solely on clients’ risk and insurance needs. With expertise that reaches around the globe, Lockton delivers the deep understanding needed to accomplish remarkable results.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lockton-introduces-lockton-sage-the-industrys-first-unified-enterprise-intelligence-platform-302842113.html

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