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Marcus Hutchins: The Man Who Stopped WannaCry

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On Friday 12th May, a malware that came to be known as WannaCry was gripping computers across the world and encrypting data. The only way one could get back one’s data was to pay the ransom the hackers were demanding in Bitcoins. This ransom amounted to around $300.
When Marcus Hutchins – also known as @MalwareTech, returned from lunch, he found that many National Health Services employees computers were infected by this malware. That’s when he realized it was something serious. The malware had already infected 74 countries and was rapidly infecting much more when he noticed that the ransomware kept searching for a URL after infecting a system. As long as the as the domain wasn’t registered, the malware would continue on with its journey.

Read more: WannaCry Ransomware: The Next Generation Blackmail?

With the intention to better understand the malware and monitor how it was spreading Marcus bought the domain for $10.69. The ‘Kill Switch’ was hardcoded into the malware in case the creators wanted to quickly deactivate the infection. While initial reports showed that they had caused the infection by registering the domain, it was actually the other way round. Registering the domain brought the infection to a standstill. His job is to look for ways to track and potentially stop botnets and other kinds of malware, Hutchins explained in his blog post.

But, he warns people that this is far from over as the attackers can realize how their malware was stopped, change the code and start again. Unfortunately, many reports suggest that other samples of WannaCry have emerged with different kill switch domains and also without the kill switch function.
Experts claim that the hackers seem to have raised $20,000 so far and the malware has effectively infected 150 countries including India. The best way to protect a computer against this malware, experts say is to update the patches for computers, have a backup for your data, and be wary of malicious content.

 

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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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