Hungary, China sign strategic cooperation agreement during Xi’s visit
Hungary and China solidified their economic and cultural ties with a strategic cooperation agreement signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Central European nation. Beijing views Hungary as a crucial partner in the European Union, investing significantly to bolster its presence within the bloc. Notably, Hungary announced the forthcoming establishment of China’s BYD, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer’s first European production facility, potentially reshaping the continent’s automotive landscape. Hungary aims to position itself as a global hub for lithium-ion battery manufacturing, hosting multiple Chinese EV battery plants. Additionally, Hungary is advancing infrastructure projects like the railway initiative under Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative, connecting it to the Chinese-managed port of Piraeus in Greece, facilitating Chinese goods’ entry into Central and Eastern Europe. Although Hungarian and Chinese officials finalized a strategic partnership agreement along with 18 other agreements and memoranda of understanding during the visit, no major investment ventures were disclosed at the press briefing.
Hungary:
Capital: Budapest
President: Tamás Sulyok
Prime Minister: Viktor Orbán
Currency: Forint (HUF)
During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to which Central European country did China sign a strategic cooperation agreement to deepen economic and cultural ties? Hungary
Airbus’ defence, space arm to launch research centre in S. Korea
The industry ministry has inked a memorandum of understanding with Airbus SE, marking the launch of a pioneering research and development (R&D) center in South Korea by the European aerospace titan. This initiative stems from South Korea’s formal request made in November 2022 for Airbus’s defense and space division to establish an R&D hub within its borders. The envisaged International Technology Center aims to bolster collaboration between Airbus and South Korean companies in the realms of civil aircraft and helicopter industries. Airbus intends to finalize the location for the center within the current year. Furthermore, discussions between the government and Airbus also revolved around augmenting bilateral cooperation in aviation, space, and defense sectors. South Korea is keen on fortifying its global R&D footprint by fostering partnerships with entities like Airbus, as evidenced by its plan to inject approximately 400 billion won ($292 million) into developing materials, components, and equipment across five key defense areas, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and space exploration.
Airbus:
Airbus SE stands as a prominent European multinational aerospace corporation.
Established: December 18, 1970
CEO: Guillaume Faury
Chairman: René Obermann
In recent developments, Airbus’s defense and space division is slated to inaugurate a cutting-edge research and development (R&D) center in which country? South Korea
New Zealand Batter Munro Retires from International Cricket
New Zealand cricketer Colin Munro has announced his retirement from international cricket, following his omission from the Black Caps’ T20 World Cup squad. The 37-year-old’s final appearance in international cricket was in a T20 match against India back in 2020.
Munro made his T20I debut against South Africa in 2012. Over his career, he participated in 122 white ball matches for New Zealand and played a solitary test match against South Africa in 2013. Notably, Munro achieved significant milestones during his tenure. His blistering 47-ball century against West Indies in Mount Maunganui in 2018 set a record as the fastest T20 century for New Zealand at the time, making him the first player to achieve three T20I hundreds.
In addition, Munro’s remarkable 14-ball half-century against Sri Lanka at Auckland’s Eden Park in 2016 remains the fastest in T20Is by a New Zealander and the fourth fastest globally. Munro was a key figure in New Zealand’s cricketing landscape, having represented the nation in two T20 World Cups and being part of the squad that reached the heart-wrenching 2019 World Cup final against England.
New Zealand:
Capital: Wellington
Continent: Oceania
Currency: New Zealand dollar ($) (NZD)
PM: Christopher Luxon
Which national cricket team did Colin Munro represent before his recent retirement from international cricket? New Zealand
Jyothi Yarraji Wins 100m Hurdles Gold in Netherlands
Jyothi Yarraji, the Indian athlete, clinched victory in the women’s 100m hurdles at the esteemed Harry Schulting Games 2024 athletics meet held in Vught, Netherlands. Displaying remarkable prowess, she clocked an impressive 12.87 seconds, securing the gold medal and outpacing Dutch hurdler Mira Groot and Hanna van Baast, who claimed second and third positions respectively.
This marked Yarraji’s inaugural outdoor event in Europe for the season, following her previous achievement of a silver medal at the Asian Games. Her exceptional performance not only earned her the gold in the World Athletics category E event but also marked her fourth career-best timing.
Additionally, Yarraji holds the national record of 12.78 seconds, achieved during the World University Games last year. Notably, she had previously secured gold in the 60m hurdles at the Asian Indoor Championships.
In a parallel event, Indian male hurdler Tejas Shirse emerged victorious in the 110m hurdles, setting a personal best time of 13.56 seconds. Shirse’s stellar performance surpassed local Dutch athlete Joas van Hellemondt and Jamie Sesay, securing him the top spot in the competition.
Which Indian athlete showcased exceptional performance at the Harry Schulting Games 2024 by winning the women’s 100m hurdles event? Jyothi Yarraji
Bank Of England Keeps Key Rate Unchanged At 5.25%
The Bank of England has opted to maintain the key rate at its current level of 5.25 percent. Following a vote of 7-2 by its Monetary Policy Committee, the decision sustains the rate at a 16-year high. Despite this continuity, the Committee hinted at a potential rate cut, the first since March 2020, during its upcoming June meeting, contingent upon forthcoming data releases. Evaluating inflation risk trends, the Committee will assess the duration for which the Bank Rate should remain unchanged.
Bank Of England:
Established: July 27, 1694
Governor: Andrew Bailey
In recent news, the Bank of England has decided to keep the key rate steady at ____ percent. (5.25)
Uttarakhand Government Launches Pirul Lao Paise Pao Campaign
In a bid to tackle the escalating forest fires, the Uttarakhand government has initiated the Pirul Lao-Paise Pao campaign. The severity of the situation prompted the Supreme Court to voice concern, as the fires have claimed the lives of five individuals and wrought havoc on the region’s flora and fauna.
The rampant forest fires have not only ravaged trees, medicinal plants, and wildlife but have also exacerbated air pollution, emitting dense smoke and soot into the atmosphere.
Under the Pirul Lao-Paise Pao initiative, local youth and villagers will mobilize to gather dry Pirul (Pine tree leaves) from the forest and transport them to designated collection centers. Oversight of these centers will be managed by the Tehsildar, overseen by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
Upon arrival at the collection centers, the Pirul will undergo weighing and storage, with villagers and youth compensated Rs 50 per kilogram, directly deposited into their bank accounts. Subsequently, the collected Pirul will be processed, packaged, and sold to industries for various applications.
Pirul, denoting Pine tree leaves in Uttarakhand, has long served multiple purposes in the region, including bedding for domestic animals, fertilizer when combined with cow dung, and packaging material for fruits.
Uttarakhand:
Capital: Bhararisain, Dehradun (winter)
Governor: Gurmit Singh
Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
Which state government recently launched the Pirul Lao-Paise Pao campaign to combat the rampant forest fires? Uttarakhand
President Droupadi Murmu Confers Padma Awards In New Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the Padma Awards ceremony during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Among the distinguished recipients, renowned artist Dr. Vyjayantimala Bali and Telugu film actor Konidela Chiranjeevi were honored with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan.
In a poignant tribute, the first woman Supreme Court Judge in Asia, M. Fathima Beevi, was posthumously bestowed with the Padma Bhushan. Recognizing excellence in diverse fields, the ceremony also honored eminent cardiologist Dr. Ashwin Balachand Mehta and veteran political leader O. Rajagopal with the third highest civilian honor.
Togdan Rinpoche received the Padma Bhushan posthumously for his profound contributions to the realm of Spiritualism. Further enriching the array of awardees, Padma Shri distinctions were conferred upon sports stalwart Joshna Chinappa and agricultural luminary K. Chellammal. Notable figures like Hindustani classical vocalist Som Datt Battu and sculptor A. Velu Ananda Chari were also among the recipients of the Padma Shri.
Padma Awards stand as one of the nation’s most esteemed civilian honors, categorized into Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Spanning various domains including art, social work, science, literature, and sports, these awards are announced annually on Republic Day. Last month, the President presented three Padma Vibhushan, eight Padma Bhushan, and 55 Padma Shri Awards, reinforcing the nation’s recognition of outstanding contributions across diverse fields.
Who was the first woman judge of the Supreme Court in Asia, posthumously honored with the Padma Bhushan? M. Fathima Beevi
Novavax signs Covid-19 license deal with Sanofi
Novavax has solidified its position in the biotechnology landscape by striking a lucrative licensing agreement with Sanofi, valued at up to $1.2 billion, for Covid-19 vaccines. This transformative deal not only secures Novavax’s future but also augments its market value significantly, effectively dispelling previous uncertainties about its business viability.
Last February, doubts emerged surrounding Novavax’s sustainability after it missed out on the initial Covid-19 vaccine surge, attributed to manufacturing challenges that impeded regulatory filings. Despite the setback, Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine received US approval in July 2022, albeit later than Pfizer and Moderna’s offerings.
Under the agreement, Novavax and Sanofi will collaborate on commercializing the Covid-19 vaccine, while also embarking on the development of novel Covid-19-influenza combination vaccines leveraging Novavax’s Matrix-M adjuvant technology.
Sanofi’s commitment includes an upfront payment of $500 million to Novavax, with potential additional payments totaling up to $700 million contingent upon development, regulatory, and launch milestones. Moreover, Sanofi will acquire a 4.9 percent stake in Novavax, valued at $70 million, further solidifying the partnership.
Novavax:
CEO: John C. Jacobs
Headquarters: Maryland, United States
President: John C. Jacobs
Founded: 1987, United States
Sanofi:
Headquarters: Paris, France
Subsidiaries: Sanofi Pasteur, Genzyme, etc.
CEO: Paul Hudson
Founders: Jean-François Dehecq, Jean-René Sautier
Founded: 1973
Which American biotechnology firm has recently entered into a significant agreement with Sanofi for Covid-19 vaccines, resulting in a substantial increase in its market value? Novavax
Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla assumes charge as chief of personnel of Indian Navy
Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla has taken over the responsibilities as the Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Joining the Indian Navy on January 1, 1989, Vice Admiral Bhalla has amassed 35 years of rich experience, serving in various specialized, staff, and operational roles both at sea and onshore.
Having completed his Specialization Course in Communication and Electronic Warfare, Vice Admiral Bhalla served as a specialist aboard numerous frontline warships. His career highlights include commanding prestigious vessels such as INS Nishank, INS Taragiri, INS Beas, and serving as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF).
Throughout his distinguished service, Vice Admiral Bhalla has been honored with accolades such as the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, the Nao Sena Medal, and Commendations by the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, underscoring his exemplary leadership and dedication.
Indian Navy:
Anniversaries: Navy Day – December 4
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS): Krishna Swaminathan
Who recently assumed the position of Chief of Personnel in the Indian Navy? Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla
Pawan Sindhi Honored with Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024 for Outstanding Social Work
Renowned social activist Mr. Pawan Sindhi was recently bestowed with the esteemed Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024, underscoring his remarkable contributions to society. In his acceptance speech, he underscored the burgeoning strength of our nation, advocating for service to society and reverence for our spiritual leaders as catalysts for a brighter tomorrow.
Mr. Sindhi’s unwavering dedication to social causes and promotion of humanity has touched the lives of countless individuals, making this recognition a testament to his profound impact. The Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024 stands as a fitting tribute to Mr. Pawan Sindhi’s exceptional endeavors, acknowledging his tireless efforts in fostering positive change within society.
His steadfast commitment to the advancement of humanity serves as a beacon of inspiration, motivating others to actively engage in community welfare initiatives. Through his exemplary leadership and selfless service, Mr. Pawan Sindhi continues to leave an indelible mark on society, embodying the true essence of the Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024.
Who has been honored with the prestigious Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024 this year? Pawan Sindhi
Wipro appoints Vinay Firake as CEO of APMEA strategic market unit
Wipro, a leading IT conglomerate, has announced the appointment of Vinay Firake as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Asia Pacific, India, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) strategic market unit (SMU), effective immediately. Firake succeeds Anis Chenchah, who has chosen to pursue opportunities beyond the organization.
Based in Dubai, Vinay Firake will directly report to Wipro’s chief executive, Srini Pallia, and will also assume a position on the Wipro executive board. This strategic appointment comes amidst significant C-level restructuring within Wipro this year.
Earlier this April, Wipro witnessed Srini Pallia stepping into the role of CEO and managing director, succeeding Thierry Delaporte. In addition, the company appointed Malay Joshi, a seasoned Wipro veteran, as the CEO of Americas 1, the company’s largest and fastest-growing market, previously led by Srini Pallia.
Wipro continues to navigate dynamic leadership transitions as it positions itself for continued growth and innovation in the ever-evolving IT landscape.
Wipro:
CEO: Srini Pallia
Owner: Azim Premji
Founder: M.H. Hasham Premji
Headquarters: Bengaluru
Founded: December 29, 1945
Who is the newly appointed chief executive officer (CEO) of the Asia Pacific, India, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) at Wipro? Vinay Firake
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