The European energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with Hungary making significant strides in renewable energy, particularly solar photovoltaic generation. Artúr Böröcz from KPMG highlights the democratization of power generation, where individuals can now invest in personal solar power systems. Hungary's solar capacity has grown significantly, positioning it among EU leaders in renewable energy production. The government is also expanding traditional generation facilities, including the Paks nuclear plant and new gas-fired plants, to meet increasing energy demands. Challenges arise from the complexity of managing decentralized systems and the need for infrastructure upgrades. Industry players are exploring advanced solutions like AI to address these challenges.

AI is transforming business operations, with KPMG Hungary leading the charge by integrating AI into various business functions, potentially saving significant time for back-office workers. Despite AI's potential, experts like Ágnes Rakó emphasize the need for a natural integration of AI skills across all business professions. However, there is concern over Hungarian universities' outdated curricula, prompting KPMG to partner with the Budapest University of Economics to enhance education and knowledge sharing. The article underscores the importance of experimenting with AI tools to understand their benefits and limitations.

Dániel Franczia, a Hungarian musician, has become a master of the Egyptian 'goblet drum' and is dedicated to popularizing the instrument in Hungary. Initially torn between music and drama, Franczia chose music, inspired by the darbuka. He developed unique teaching methods, integrating drama techniques, and eventually left his teaching job to focus on music education. His 'Joy Drumming' workshops, part of the European Capital of Culture program, have been successful in engaging diverse participants and promoting mental well-being through music. Franczia's approach encourages making mistakes as part of the learning process, contrasting with traditional educational norms in Hungary.

Arenim Technologies has launched KvantPhone, a post-quantum secure communications system, to address the potential threat posed by quantum computing to current encryption methods. The system combines the Kyber-1024 key encapsulation method with the Diffie-Hellman procedure to enhance security. The launch comes amid growing concerns about quantum computing's ability to decrypt encrypted communications, as highlighted by a KPMG report. Arenim's approach includes collaboration with Silent Signal for security assessment, and the company is gradually introducing KvantPhone to its existing Crypttalk users. The article underscores the urgency for organizations to prepare for quantum risks, despite the technology's current unavailability.

The Danube River in Baja, southern Hungary, witnessed the release of 460 juvenile sterlet sturgeon as part of a long-running effort to restock the river, supported by the EU-backed MEASURES project. Since 1988, around 210,000 sterlet have been introduced into the Hungarian section of the Danube. The decline in sturgeon numbers has been dramatic, with construction of dams, poaching, and unsustainable fishing being major causes. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Hungarian Institute for Fisheries and Aquaculture (NAIK-HAKI) are involved in these conservation efforts, aiming to restore commercial fishing sustainably and protect the species. The sterlet, a bottom feeder, is the most widely distributed sturgeon in the Danube, living up to 25 years, and is valued for its meat in Russia and Ukraine.

Central and Eastern European (CEE) business schools are navigating the challenges posed by the rise of online MBA programs from Western institutions. Despite the flexibility and global reputation of online programs, many students in the CEE region still prefer the traditional classroom experience for its peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities. The University of New York in Prague and IEDC Bled School of Management in Slovenia have seen strong rebounds in student intake post-COVID, emphasizing the enduring value of face-to-face education. The article highlights individual experiences and opinions from students and academics, underscoring the unique advantages of local CEE business schools in providing relevant education and networking within the region.

The world's first commercial, all-electric aircraft, the Velis Electro, is now in service, offering affordable and environmentally friendly flights. Developed by Slovenian company Pipistrel, the aircraft is type certified and has minimal maintenance costs. Its low noise levels make it suitable for urban airports. Pipistrel, founded by Ivo Boscarol, has sold a controlling stake to US aviation giant Textron to accelerate development and ensure future growth. The Velis Electro is gaining interest for leisure, private travel, and pilot training, including evaluation by the UK's Royal Air Force.

Jan Trost, a member of Perpetuum Jazzile (PJ), shares his journey with the Slovenian a cappella group, which has gained international fame. The group, known for their cover of Toto's 'Africa', has performed at significant events including the UN and the World Exposition in Milan. PJ's success is attributed to their hard work, musical talent, and strong group dynamics, with Swedish a cappella specialist Peder Karlsson playing a key role in their development. Despite the challenges of balancing a semi-professional status with personal commitments, PJ plans to continue their growth with an upcoming tour in China.

In April 2023, a scandal erupted in Hungary when Katalin Novak secretly signed a clemency order for a former deputy head of a children's home convicted of covering up sexual offenses. The controversy intensified as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his 'Christian-conservative' values, faced backlash. Orbán swiftly responded by pledging constitutional amendments and orchestrating the resignations of Novak and Judit Varga. However, Peter Magyar, Varga's ex-husband, further complicated matters by publicly criticizing the government and key figures like Antal Rogan. The scandal has united Hungary's opposition and raised questions about Orbán's leadership, posing the toughest challenge of his political career.

Pipistrel, a Slovenian company, has developed the Velis Electro, the world's first all-electric aircraft certified for commercial passenger flights, now operating from Shipmeadow near Norwich, UK. The aircraft, which is pioneering a new era of green and cost-effective aviation, can be recharged in an hour and has significantly lower operating costs compared to traditional aircraft. Demand is growing for the Velis Electro, which is also being evaluated by the UK's Royal Air Force. Pipistrel's founder, Ivo Boscarol, has led the company to innovate in light aircraft design, winning NASA competitions and producing 200 aircraft per year. In April, Boscarol sold a controlling stake in Pipistrel to Textron, which will help accelerate development and retain Pipistrel as a distinct brand within Textron.