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International news today blended economic upturns, diplomatic momentum and a few human‑interest and sporting stories: Brazil’s Senate ratified the EU–Mercosur free‑trade deal (bringing the bloc closer to one of the world’s largest trade zones, with only Paraguay’s approval pending), while French industrial production rebounded with a 0.5% monthly rise after December’s decline, signaling early signs of manufacturing resilience. In international diplomacy and leadership commentary, Mark Carney argued that Canada and Australia can help shape the global agenda as nations navigate overlapping challenges. Operational responses to global travel disruption included Australia dispatching ADF aircraft to assist nationals overseas, and in space news a Japanese startup conducted a launch that was aborted shortly after liftoff—an experience teams often use to refine designs and procedures for future attempts. On the cultural and lighter side, Marseille’s Coupe de France run ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Toulouse, and animal‑welfare circles cheered as Punch, an orphan macaque, continues to thrive and socialize as he outgrows his comforting plush toy.