James Damore, who worked as a software engineer in Alphabet Incorporated’s Google, published a memo last week regarding anti diversity and gender stereotypes in the tech world and within the company, in Google’s internal forum. The memo, which went viral, is a 10 page long screed titled Google’s Ideological Echo Chamber.
In the memo, Damore argues that women are underrepresented in the tech industry not because they face bias and discrimination in the workplace, but because of inherent psychological differences between men and women. He claims that women have biological issues that have prevented them from being as successful in the tech industry as men. He also adds, “We need to stop assuming that gender gaps imply sexism,” and women are less interested in high stress jobs because they are more anxious. The memo includes graphs and charts to support his personal opinion and accuses Google of silencing conservative political opinions.
The memo, which spread outside the company as well, angered many in Silicon Valley including several Google employees who railed against its assumptions. Google’s Chief Executive Officer, Sundar Pichai also sent a company wide memo claiming portions of the memo had violated the code of conduct and crossed the line “by advancing harmful gender stereotypes in our workplace.” But, he also noted that the memo did raise some important and valid points, such as the need for more willingness at Google to include more points of view, including the more conservative ones. Google’s Head of Diversity Danielle Brown, speaking about the memo said, “It’s not a viewpoint that I or this company endorses, promotes or encourages.”
Bloomberg reported, James Damore was fired on Monday because of the memo and confirmed by Damore himself who said he was fired for, “perpetuating gender stereotypes.” The memo put Google in a no win situation as they have long promoted a culture of openness with employees, who have even mocked the company’s strategies on internal forums. Google has also been dealing with the criticism that it has not done enough to promote diversity in the tech industry. The search giant is currently also fighting a lawsuit against the U.S Department of Labor who claim the company systemically discriminates against women.
To clarify matters further, Sundar Pichai has also called for a townhall meeting, along with the members of the leadership team, this Thursday.
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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.
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.
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.
Code of destiny
April 17, 2025 at 12:02 am
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