THIS HAPPENED LAST WEEK [Mar 10-16, 2025]

X Hit by ‘Massive Cyberattack,’ Musk Suggests Ukraine Link

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) suffered widespread service outages on Monday, with Elon Musk claiming a “massive cyberattack” was behind the disruption. He suggested the attack may have originated from Ukraine, though no official confirmation has been made.

What went down?

1. Over 37,000 users reported X was down at its peak, according to Downdetector.
2. Musk stated the attack was well-coordinated and resource-heavy, possibly involving a nation-state.
3. X was partially back online by 2:30 p.m. ET, but some features remained affected.

X faces growing cybersecurity threats—will Musk’s claims escalate geopolitical tensions?

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Meta Builds Its Own AI Chips—A Game-Changer for the AI Race

Meta has entered the testing phase for its first in-house AI training chip, marking a strategic move to reduce reliance on external suppliers like Nvidia and optimize AI infrastructure expenses.

What to expect?  

1. Meta spent $10 billion on Nvidia GPUs in 2023; in-house chips aim to slash long-term costs.
2. The new Meta Training and Inference Accelerator (MTIA) chip is designed to enhance AI training and recommendations.
3. Meta aims to use its chips for AI training, Gen AI products, and content recommendations on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
4. The chips are being manufactured in collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

Meta is betting big on custom AI chips—will it pay off in the AI arms race?

UK Antitrust Body Flags Apple & Google’s Mobile Browser Dominance

The UK antitrust regulator has raised concerns over Apple’s Safari (88% on Apple devices) and Google’s Chrome (77% on Android devices) dominating the mobile browser market, sparking potential regulatory scrutiny.

What happens next?

1. The UK may push for more competition in mobile browsing to reduce Apple & Google’s stronghold.
2. Any intervention could affect browser defaults on iOS and Android devices, opening doors for rivals.
3. Critics argue lack of competition stifles innovation, while Apple & Google maintain their browsers offer superior security and integration.

Regulators are watching—will Apple & Google be forced to loosen their grip on mobile browsing?

French Authors & Publishers Sue Meta Over AI Training Data

France’s leading authors and publishers have launched legal action against Meta, accusing the tech giant of illegally using copyrighted books to train its AI models. French groups claim Meta used their books without permission to train its Llama AI models.

Why does this matter?  

1. Industry leaders call Meta’s actions economic parasitism and demand compensation for “monumental looting.”
2. The case could force AI firms to license content or pay damages for using copyrighted works.
3. Meta previously admitted to using Books3, a database of 200,000 books, but argues “fair use” applies.

The fight over AI and copyright is heating up—will this lawsuit set a global precedent?

Tesla Partners with Baidu to Enhance Self-Driving in China

Tesla is teaming up with Baidu to improve its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in China, following criticism from users about its latest update. The move comes as data laws and local competition challenge Tesla’s expansion in its second-largest market.

What is happening?

1. Baidu engineers are helping Tesla integrate lane markings & traffic signals into FSD V13.
2. Tesla cannot transfer local driving data to the U.S., limiting AI training for Chinese roads.
3. BYD & Xpeng offer cheaper EVs with free driver-assist software, adding pressure on Tesla.

Tesla is adapting to China’s strict regulations—will Baidu’s support give FSD the edge it needs?

SpaceX to Send Tesla’s Optimus Robot to Mars in 2026—Humans Could Follow

Elon Musk has announced that SpaceX’s Starship will depart for Mars in late 2026, carrying Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus, with human landings possible by 2029-2031.

What does this mean?

1. Optimus will test autonomous operations on Mars before potential human missions.
2. SpaceX must prove Starship’s reliability, including in-orbit refueling for deep space travel.
3. A modified Starship will also serve as a lunar lander for NASA’s Moon missions.

SpaceX is pushing toward Mars—but can Starship overcome its hurdles in time?

Airtel Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Internet to India

Airtel has signed an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet to India, marking a major step in expanding nationwide connectivity. However, the rollout remains subject to regulatory approvals for Starlink’s operations in India.

Why is this huge?

1. Starlink’s satellite internet could help connect remote communities, schools, and health centers.
2. Airtel plans to offer Starlink’s enterprise suite to businesses and organizations needing seamless broadband access.
3. Starlink equipment may be available in Airtel’s retail stores, while Airtel’s infrastructure could support Starlink’s Indian operations.
4. With both Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb in its portfolio, Airtel is strengthening its satellite internet offerings.

Airtel and SpaceX are teaming up to redefine India’s digital landscape—pending final approvals!

Wipro’s Big Shake-Up: Restructuring Business Divisions Amid Revenue Slump

As CEO Srini Pallia nears his first year, Wipro has reorganized its global business lines in a bid to align with client needs and counter declining revenues. The overhaul comes amid macroeconomic challenges for India’s IT industry.

What is unfolding?

1. Wipro has restructured into four divisions: Technology Services (Cloud, AI, cybersecurity, data analytics); Business Process Services (Digital operations & customer support); Consulting Services (Advisory & transformation services); Engineering Services (R&D and engineering solutions)
2. 10 senior-level exits since Pallia took over, with most replacements from within.
3. Wipro is avoiding low-margin deals and shifting expensive offsites to virtual mode.
4. Analysts predict slower-than-expected growth for India’s $283-billion IT industry due to geopolitical and economic headwinds.

Can Wipro’s latest restructuring spark a turnaround, or will macroeconomic pressures weigh it down?