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Germany’s Business Activity Climbs to Four-Month High in February

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Germany’s private sector expanded at its fastest pace in four months in February, signaling renewed momentum in Europe’s largest economy. The HCOB Flash Germany Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index, compiled by S&P Global, rose to 53.1 from 52.1 in January, surpassing analysts’ expectations. A reading above 50 indicates growth, pointing to stronger overall business activity across the country.

The services sector remained the main driver of expansion, with its PMI rising to 53.4 from 52.4, beating forecasts. Meanwhile, manufacturing returned to growth for the first time since June 2022, with the index climbing to 50.7 from 49.1 in January. The rebound in factory output marks a significant turnaround after more than three years of contraction.

Economists said the data supports signs of a broader economic recovery, following an unexpected surge in German industrial orders in December — the biggest increase in two years. While employment levels continued to decline, the pace of job losses slowed considerably, suggesting stabilizing conditions. Analysts indicated that Germany’s gross domestic product is likely to post visible growth in the first quarter, barring any unexpected downturn in March.

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Macron Urges Calm Ahead of Rallies for Slain Activist in France

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French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm ahead of planned marches honoring a far-right activist killed last week. Speaking at the opening of the International Agricultural Fair in Paris, Macron stressed that violence has no place in the Republic and warned against the rise of militias. He said the government would remain vigilant and confirmed a meeting next week with the prime minister and key ministers to address concerns over extremist groups.

The rallies are being held in memory of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old who was beaten to death in a violent altercation that was widely shared on video and shocked the country. Authorities fear that the demonstrations could escalate into clashes between far-right activists and opposing antifascist groups.

The largest gathering is expected in Lyon, where Deranque was killed and where tensions between rival groups have been high. The interior ministry estimates that between 2,000 and 3,000 people may attend the Lyon march, with smaller rallies planned in several other towns across France.

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Mayweather to Return to Professional Boxing at 48

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Former undefeated boxing champion Floyd Mayweather has announced he will come out of retirement for the fourth time and return to professional boxing later this year. The 48-year-old legend, who last fought professionally in 2017, confirmed he plans to step back into the ring after an exhibition bout against fellow former champion Mike Tyson scheduled for this spring. No opponent, date, or venue has yet been revealed for the professional comeback.

Mayweather’s last official professional fight was his famous victory over Conor McGregor in 2017, where he won by 10th-round technical knockout to finish his career with a perfect 50-0 record. Throughout his career, he captured world titles in five different weight classes and became one of boxing’s biggest global draws. Since retiring, he has remained active through exhibition matches, including his most recent bout against John Gotti III in August 2024.

In a statement, Mayweather expressed confidence in his abilities and said he still has what it takes to break more records. He also emphasized the massive financial and global appeal of his events, pointing to his history of headlining record-breaking fights against top stars like Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez. His upcoming exhibition with Tyson and the planned professional return signal that one of boxing’s most iconic figures is not yet finished with the sport.

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Clashes Erupt in Tirana as Corruption Allegations Rock Albanian Government

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Police in Tirana fired tear gas and water cannon at opposition protesters after demonstrations turned violent amid corruption allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Protesters hurled petrol bombs and fireworks toward the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama, as tensions escalated in the capital. The unrest follows an investigation into Balluku over alleged interference in public tenders for major infrastructure projects, accusations she has denied.

The indictment, brought by Albania’s Special Prosecution Office, has intensified political tensions that have been simmering since December. An anti-corruption court has suspended Balluku from office, and prosecutors are seeking to have parliament lift her immunity to allow her arrest. The governing Socialist Party of Albania, which holds a strong parliamentary majority after winning a fourth consecutive term, has yet to signal when or if such a move will take place.

Thousands of supporters of the opposition Democratic Party of Albania gathered in Tirana, chanting slogans against Rama and demanding his resignation. Party leader Sali Berisha warned that the government would be held accountable. The unrest comes as Albania pushes to join the European Union by 2030, with the bloc urging stronger efforts to combat corruption and organized crime.

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Italian Authorities Accuse Dog Owner of Training Pet to Illegally Dump Rubbish

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Authorities in Catania have accused a dog owner of training their pet to illegally dispose of rubbish along a roadside in the city’s San Giorgio district. Police released video footage showing a small dog calmly walking down the street carrying a bag of trash in its mouth before dropping it and walking away. The incident was reportedly recorded on two consecutive days.

Local officials said the repeated behavior suggests the animal had been deliberately trained to dump the waste so its owner could avoid being caught on surveillance cameras. Fly tipping is illegal in Italy, but authorities acknowledge it remains a persistent issue in many areas.

In response to ongoing dumping problems, municipal officials have increased the use of surveillance systems to identify offenders. In a statement posted on its official social media page, the Municipality of Catania said that “ingenuity can never become an alibi for incivility,” emphasizing that respect for the environment and urban rules is a shared responsibility. It remains unclear whether formal action has been taken against the dog’s owner.

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Vienna Airport Extends Flight Suspension Amid Heavy Snow

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Vienna International Airport (Vienna International Airport) has extended its suspension of flights due to heavy snowfall until 1100 GMT, with officials warning that delays could continue beyond that time. The airport cited icy conditions on the tarmac as the main reason for the disruption, affecting both arrivals and departures.

So far, of the approximately 232 flights scheduled into and out of Vienna before midday, 150 have been cancelled. Airport authorities noted that take-offs are expected to gradually resume around midday, while landings may only begin by 1300 GMT. Passengers are being urged to check the status of their flights and plan for extended waiting times.

The ongoing snowstorm has prompted airport crews to deploy snowplows and de-icing operations to clear runways and taxiways. Authorities emphasized that safety remains the top priority and that additional delays or cancellations may occur depending on weather conditions throughout the day.

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Nvidia Earnings Take Spotlight as Markets Brace for AI, Geopolitical and Policy Signals

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Nvidia is set to release its quarterly earnings next week, a highly anticipated event as investors assess the strength of artificial intelligence-driven growth and its impact on global markets. The chipmaker, currently the world’s most valuable company, has seen its shares surge since the rise of AI technologies, but momentum has slowed in 2026 amid concerns about returns on massive AI investments. Investors will also monitor results from major software firms like Salesforce and Intuit, as AI disruptions reshape the broader technology sector.

Beyond corporate earnings, geopolitical tensions continue to influence market sentiment, particularly as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches. Ongoing conflict, uncertainty over ceasefire efforts, and rising tensions involving Iran have contributed to volatility in oil prices, defence stocks, and gold. Global investors are increasingly concerned about overlapping geopolitical risks, including conflicts in multiple regions and their potential economic consequences.

At the same time, key economic data and political developments are expected to shape central bank policies and investor outlooks worldwide. Inflation data in Australia and Tokyo will be closely watched for clues on future interest rate hikes, while leadership uncertainty in the European Central Bank and political pressure on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer could influence bond markets and currencies. Together, corporate earnings, economic indicators, and political events are set to play a decisive role in shaping global financial markets in the coming weeks.

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Gardaí Seek Help to Identify Critically Injured Man After Dublin Assault

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Police in Dublin are appealing for public assistance to identify a man who remains in critical condition following a violent assault in the Temple Bar area. An Garda Síochána said the incident took place on Cope Street shortly after midnight on Wednesday, when the victim was seriously injured. Emergency responders transported him to Beaumont Hospital, where he continues to receive intensive medical treatment.

According to reports from RTÉ, the man was attacked by two suspects and later found unconscious at the scene. Authorities have not yet confirmed his identity and are urging anyone who may recognize him to come forward. Gardaí noted that the victim has a distinctive tattoo on his right forearm showing a blue and white flag alongside the words “Ceol is Beatha,” which translates to “music is life.”

Investigators are asking anyone who was in the Cope Street area between midnight and 1:00 a.m. to contact police if they witnessed anything suspicious. They have also requested that members of the public review and share any camera or mobile phone footage that could assist the investigation. Police say public cooperation could play a key role in identifying the victim and determining the circumstances surrounding the attack.

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Macron and Meloni Clash Over Killing of French Far-Right Activist in Lyon

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French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni exchanged sharp criticism following the killing of a French far-right activist, Quentin Deranque, who died after being beaten during protests in Lyon. French prosecutors confirmed that seven people will face murder charges, including an assistant linked to the far-left party France Unbowed (LFI), while several others were arrested in connection with the incident. The case has sparked outrage in France and intensified political tensions.

Meloni described the killing as a tragedy caused by groups connected to left-wing extremism, calling it a “wound for all of Europe.” Her comments drew a strong response from Macron, who accused nationalist leaders of interfering in other countries’ internal matters. Speaking during a visit abroad, Macron directly confirmed his criticism was aimed at Meloni, underscoring ongoing ideological divisions between the two leaders on broader European political issues.

The killing has fueled political fallout within France, damaging the reputation of left-wing groups while providing an opportunity for far-right parties to highlight concerns over extremist violence. One suspect accused of helping instigate the attack has been placed in pre-trial detention, though he denies responsibility for the fatal blows. Meloni’s office later expressed surprise at Macron’s remarks, emphasizing that her comments were intended to convey sympathy and concern over the violent death.

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Donald Trump Says Novartis to Build 11 U.S. Plants After CEO Meeting

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U.S. President Donald Trump said he met with Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan at the White House, where the pharmaceutical executive outlined plans to expand the company’s footprint in the United States. Speaking to workers at a steel plant in Rome, Georgia, Trump said Narasimhan informed him that Novartis is building 11 manufacturing plants in the country.

According to Trump, the expansion is linked to his administration’s tariff policies, which have pushed drugmakers to increase domestic production. The president presented the planned facilities as a sign that trade measures are encouraging major global companies to invest more heavily in U.S.-based operations.

In a statement, Novartis confirmed it recently updated U.S. officials on its progress, including new manufacturing and research sites in North Carolina and California, as well as plans to expand its radioligand therapy network with a new facility in Florida. The company did not specify the total number of plants but had previously announced a $23 billion investment to build and expand 10 U.S. facilities amid potential drug import duties.

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