The United STates announced that they approved the sale of M1A2 Abrams tanks and related equipment, worth $2.53 billion to Romania, a NATO ally that borders conflict-racked Ukraine. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

 In a significant development, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Airbus, the largest European aircraft manufacturing company, have inked a contract for the establishment of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities dedicated to the A-320 family of aircraft.

The formal signing took place on November 9 during a function in New Delhi, marking a milestone in India’s aerospace industry.

This collaboration between HAL, a premier aerospace and defence company in India, and Airbus, a global aerospace giant, exemplifies a joint commitment to furthering India’s ‘Make-in-India’ mission.

The establishment of MRO facilities for the A-320 family of aircraft on Indian soil is set to enhance self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing capabilities in the country.

Airbus’s steadfast dedication to ‘Make in India’ not only bolsters the nation’s aerospace sector but also serves as a testament to India’s burgeoning expertise in high-tech manufacturing.

These strategic partnerships have the potential to elevate India’s status as a key player in the global aerospace market.

This aligns seamlessly with the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ vision, wherein self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing stand at the forefront of economic growth and development.

Airbus’s continued investments and collaborations with Indian counterparts underscore the company’s unwavering confidence in India’s potential to significantly contribute to the global aerospace supply chain.

This collaboration with HAL marks another step forward in this direction, fostering technological advancement and fostering skill development within the country.

The establishment of MRO facilities for the A-320 family of aircraft not only signifies a strengthening of India’s aerospace infrastructure but also opens avenues for employment and skill enhancement in the region.

HAL and Airbus’s joint initiative is poised to create a positive ripple effect across the aerospace sector, further solidifying India’s position in the global arena.

US health authorities on Thursday approved the world’s first vaccine for chikungunya, a virus spread by infected mosquitoes that the Food and Drug Administration called “an emerging global health threat.”

The vaccine, developed by Europe’s Valneva which will be marketed under the name Ixchiq, was approved for people 18 and over who are at increased risk of exposure, the FDA said.

Ixchiq’s green-light by the US drug regulator is expected to speed the vaccine’s rollout in countries where the virus is most prevalent.

Chikungunya, which causes fever and severe joint pain, is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, southeast Asia and part of the Americas.

“However, chikungunya virus has spread to new geographical areas causing a rise in global prevalence of the disease,” the FDA said, reporting more than 5 million cases in the past 15 years.

“Infection with chikungunya virus can lead to severe disease and prolonged health problems, particularly for older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions,” senior FDA official Peter Marks said in a statement.

“Today’s approval addresses an unmet medical need and is an important advancement in the prevention of a potentially debilitating disease with limited treatment options.”

The vaccine is injected in one dose and contains a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus, as is standard with other vaccines.

Two clinical trials were carried out in North America on 3,500 people. Headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever and nausea were commonly reported side effects.

Serious reactions were reported in 1.6 percent of Ixchiq recipients in the trials, with two requiring hospitalization.