A ransomware attack, attributed to the RansomEXX group, hit the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the connectivity was restored. The Karnataka state tax authorities issued a Rs 32,403 crore GST demand notice to
Infosys
but withdrew it. Meanwhile, Apple set a new quarterly revenue record in India, new rules for
FASTag
came into effect, and companies like Realme, Motorola, Oppo, among others launched smartphones.
All this and other tech news of the week.
NPCI ransomware attack: UPI, ATM services resume for 300 small banks
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) restored connectivity with C-Edge Technologies following a ransomware attack. The breach impacted services at small Indian local banks reliant on C-Edge, affecting 300 regional and cooperative banks. After a security review, NPCI confirmed that compromised systems were isolated and services were fully restored. Read more.
Karnataka authorities withdraw GST notice sent to Infosys, direct the company to …
In a dramatic turn of events, Infosys has been temporarily relieved of the staggering Rs 32,403 crore GST demand. The Karnataka state tax authorities, who had issued the notice, have withdrawn it and directed the IT giant to respond to the central GST intelligence agency instead. Read more.
New rules for FASTag starting August 1
New regulations for FASTags, the electronic toll collection system, came into effect on August 1, as announced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). These changes aim to enhance the system’s efficiency and security, impacting millions of FASTag users across India.
Apple sets new revenue record in India, Mac sales at highest ever
Apple reported quarter revenue records in India and other emerging markets, contributing to an overall better-than-expected June quarter. The iPhone maker announced a 5% year-over-year increase in quarterly revenue, reaching $85.8 billion for its fiscal 2024 third quarter ended June 29. Read what Apple CEO Tim Cook said.
Intel to layoff over 15,000 employees
Intel announced a 15% reduction of its workforce, impacting around 15,000 employees, as part of cost-saving measures. CEO Pat Gelsinger acknowledged the difficult decision in an internal memo, highlighting the need to align costs with a new operating model. Plans include enhanced retirement offerings and voluntary departure programs to address high costs and low margins. Read the memo shared by the company’s CEO.
Apple Intelligence comes to iPhones and MacPCs
Apple released the first developer betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, introducing an early version of its highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features – marking the first time developers can test Apple’s foray into generative artificial intelligence (AI) on their devices. Here are the details.
Pakistan launches WhatsApp rival, Beep Pakistan
Pakistan is set to introduce its own messaging platform, “Beep Pakistan,” designed initially for government employees, with plans for a wider public release. The move comes amid growing concerns over WhatsApp’s performance in the country, which users attribute to potential internet restrictions. Read why it has users in the country worried.
Techie loses Rs 28 lakh to dating scam
An engineering graduate in Visakhapatnam fell victim to an online
dating scam
, losing over Rs 28 lakh. The victim was manipulated by fraudsters who created fake profiles to establish romantic relationships. One gang member has been identified, with investigations ongoing. Read how he was trapped.
Lawyer loses Rs 93 lakh after downloading this app in stock trading scam
A lawyer lost Rs 93 lakh after a scammer lured him with promises of substantial stock market profits. The victim was then added to a WhatsApp group named “Club 88” and directed to download a mobile app called “Block Tigers.” The lawyer transferred the total sum to multiple bank accounts by June 27. Details here.
Mumbai engineer orders smartphone from Amazon, gets ‘Tea-rrible’ surprise
A 42-year-old ordered a Tecno Phantom V Fold 5G smartphone worth Rs 54,999 from Amazon. The order got delivered on July 15, instead of the phone, the parcel had a set of tea cups inside. Read more about the case.
Google to Tesla CEO Elon Musk: We want to set this record straight …
Google responded to the accusations by Tesla CEO Elon Musk who said that the search engine giant is ‘interfering’ with the US elections and ‘banning’ Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump on Search. Google made a series of posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) ‘to set the record straight’. Here are the details.
New smartphone launches from Oppo, Realme, Motorola, Poco and Nothing
Several brands like Oppo, Realme, Nothing, Motorola and Poco launched smartphones in India. These include Oppo k12x and Oppo A3x 5G; Realme Narzo N61; Nothing Phone (2a) Plus; Motorola Edge 50 and Poco M6 Plus.