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24 Aug 2023 — 4 min read

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Wagner Leader Death:

Yesterday, a plane carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, crashed north of Moscow, leaving no survivors. The death of Prigozhin, Russia's most powerful mercenary, was confirmed by a Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel. This incident comes two months after Prigozhin led an unsuccessful mutiny against the Russian military leaders and top officials.
Neither the Kremlin nor the Defence Ministry have released official comments on his death, leading to widespread speculation. Some suggest that the Russian state or even Ukraine might be involved, especially given that many who have previously opposed Putin met with mysterious fates.
The Wagner Group, now without its leader, faces an uncertain future. Dmitry Utkin, the co-founder of Wagner, was also confirmed to be on the flight. The aircraft, known for its clean service record, showed no issues until a sudden drop shortly before the crash.
Critics of the Russian regime have insinuated Putin's possible involvement in the tragedy. Interestingly, following the crash, a second plane linked to Prigozhin abruptly turned back to Moscow. Despite his previous criticism of Russia's actions in Ukraine and confrontations with military officials, Prigozhin had been moving freely in Russia.

India's Moon Landing:

India made history by successfully landing its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the moon's south pole, the first mission to do so. This achievement is not only significant for its unique landing location but also for the mission's cost-effectiveness.
Lunar landings have been historically challenging, with many nations encountering numerous failures. However, India's recent success places it in an elite group, making it the fourth country to achieve a lunar landing.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission was effectively cheaper than most, initially estimated at around $75 million. This budget rivals some of the U.S.'s own budget-conscious lunar endeavors, many of which operate on sums often exceeding $70 million.
While NASA boasts a substantial $25.4 billion budget in 2023, India's Space Research Organization (ISRO) displayed its prowess with this landing. As the global space race progresses, India's role is becoming increasingly evident. The success of Chandrayaan-3 not only elevates India's space standing but also suggests the potential for more cost-effective lunar missions in the future.

Nvidia Earnings:

Nvidia, the leading chipmaker by market cap, reported a $13.5B revenue for the quarter, surpassing Wall Street's expectations by over $2B. This surge in earnings is attributed to the skyrocketing demand for its specialized chips that fuel artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
With the global interest in generative AI surging, these chips have become a critical component of the advanced computing infrastructure. Historically known for producing gaming chips, Nvidia has shifted its focus over the years, investing heavily in AI-specific chips.
Unlike competitors like Intel, TSMC, and AMD, Nvidia prioritized AI-driven markets over just capturing traditional sectors. As a result, the company now powers most of the world's significant AI applications.
In summary, as the digital age leans more towards generative AI, specialized chips like those produced by Nvidia become paramount. The company's strategic investments in this field not only reflect its vision but also its dominant role in the evolving computing landscape.

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