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Andhra Pradesh Government Flags Off The Blockchain Business Conference

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The Andhra Pradesh Government, in a bid to make Vishakhapatnam the blockchain capital of India, launched the Blockchain Business Conference yesterday. This flagship initiative by the Government of Andhra Pradesh marks the second leg of the Fintech Valley Vizag initiative that was started in March 2017, with the Fintech Spring Conference.

The two day conference will explore blockchain technologies, its applications and how it will impact the financial services industry. Regional and international experts, startups, corporates, regulators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and academics will be participating in this event. More than 50 startups from across the world will be showcasing their products and solutions in the fintech and blockchain domains.

Speaking at the conference, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu said, “I want to make Visakhapatnam not only India’s capital for fintech or blockchain technologies, it will be a center of excellence for the global community.

ICICI Bank and Mahindra Finance also inaugurated two new accelerator programs at the conference which will mentor and finance 30 startup companies and help them in solving problems. The Government is also looking to triple the size of their Rs. 100 crores angel fund by bringing in co investors and domestic institutions. A Rs. 500 crores fintech fund will also be set up, which will function separately from the innovation focused angel fund. With a target to engage with 50 startups this fiscal year, the fintech fund will receive Rs. 100 crores from the government and the remaining amount will be raised from co investors such as the Small Industries Development Bank of India.

Along with the Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Lokesh Nara, the IT Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Gulshan Rai, the Special Secretary of Cybersecurity and Prime Minister’s Advisory, Mr. Ravi Menon were the other keynote speakers at the event. Speaking about the disruptive blockchain technology, Lokesh Nara said Andhra Pradesh was the first state to use blockchain pilots and the technology has also been already taken up by the IT sector.

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Blissclub Raises INR 33 Crore in Fresh Funding Months After Layoffs

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Blissclub, the women-centric D2C apparel brand, has raised INR 33 crore in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Elevation Capital, with Eight Roads Ventures also participating. This funding comes just three months after the company laid off 18% of its workforce-about 21 employees from creative, sales, marketing, growth, and product teams-due to high cash burn and challenges in securing new capital.

The latest investment was made through the allotment of 16,076 compulsory convertible preference shares (CCPS) at a premium of INR 20,428 each. Elevation Capital invested INR 19 crore, securing a 24.5% stake, while Eight Roads Ventures contributed INR 14 crore, raising its stake to 15.79%. The capital will be used for working capital, capital expenditure, and general corporate purposes.

Founded in 2020 by Minu Margeret, Blissclub started as an online activewear brand for women and has since diversified its product range and established offline stores. Despite recent restructuring, the company’s revenue grew 27% to INR 86.9 crore in FY24 from INR 68.3 crore in FY23, though net losses also increased to INR 43.9 crore.

Blissclub’s successful fundraising, despite recent layoffs, underscores both the ongoing challenges and the resilience of India’s D2C startup sector in a difficult funding environment.

 

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Apple to Shift Entire US iPhone Assembly to India by 2026

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Apple is set to relocate all assembly of iPhones destined for the US market from China to India by the end of 2026, marking its biggest manufacturing shift in decades. The move is driven by escalating US-China trade tensions and steep tariffs—up to 145% on Chinese imports—making Chinese assembly increasingly costly for Apple. Although some smartphone imports are temporarily exempt, a 20% duty still applies to Chinese-made iPhones entering the US.

 

India, in contrast, offers a more favorable trade environment, with a paused 26% reciprocal tariff and ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade deal with the US that could shield Indian exports from future levies. Apple plans to more than double its current iPhone output in India, aiming to assemble over 60 million units annually for the US market. The company already produces about 25% of its global iPhones in India, working with partners like Foxconn, Tata Electronics, and Pegatron.

 

This shift is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China amid geopolitical risks. However, the transition’s success will depend on how quickly India can scale up its manufacturing capabilities and the outcome of ongoing trade negotiations.


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PhonePe’s PINCODE Launches 10-Minute Medicine Delivery in Cities

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PhonePe’s PINCODE app has launched a 24×7 online medicine delivery service in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune, promising delivery of both prescription and over-the-counter medicines within 10 minutes from nearby local medical shops. Unlike conventional e-pharmacies that use dark stores, PINCODE partners exclusively with neighborhood pharmacies, enabling faster deliveries and supporting local businesses in the digital economy.

Customers without prescriptions can select a “no prescription” option when ordering; a qualified doctor then provides a free teleconsultation and issues a digital prescription compliant with telemedicine guidelines, ensuring seamless access to medicines. The app offers competitive pricing by passing discounts from local pharmacies directly to customers and charges no delivery fees.

PINCODE’s hyperlocal model enhances healthcare accessibility and convenience while empowering local pharmacies, helping them remain integral to their communities and stimulating local economic growth. Launched in 2023, the app focuses on quick commerce with an emphasis on speed, reliability, and supporting local sellers.

In summary, PhonePe’s PINCODE app is transforming medicine delivery in major Indian cities by combining ultra-fast 10-minute delivery, free doctor consultations, and a hyperlocal sourcing model that benefits both consumers and neighborhood pharmacies.

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