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Austria’s baby names are doing far more than filling birth certificates — they’re quietly charting the country’s cultural shifts, pop‑culture waves, and demographic changes. A look at naming trends over the past decades shows just how much first names can reveal about the spirit of an era. Pop Culture Booms and Busts Few examples illustrate this better than Kevin. In the late 1980s, the name was still rare in Austria. Then came the blockbuster “Home Alone”, and suddenly Kevin was everywhere. After the film’s release, the number of newborns with…

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Austria’s motorists are set to experience a significant change this year as the government prepares to overhaul the country’s vehicle inspection system, commonly known as the Pickerl. The reform aims to reduce bureaucracy, cut costs, and modernize the inspection process with longer intervals and a fully digital sticker. Later First Inspection and Longer Intervals Under the new plan, the first mandatory inspection for new cars will be postponed. Instead of the current three-year deadline, the first Pickerl will only be required after four years. Following that, vehicles will need to…

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Austria’s inflation rate rose slightly in February, reaching 2.2% year‑on‑year and confirming the flash estimate released earlier by Statistics Austria. The uptick follows a noticeable slowdown in January, when inflation eased to 2.0% compared with December. According to the statistical office, services once again acted as the strongest driver of price growth, while the dampening effects from household energy and fuel prices weakened compared with previous months. Hospitality Sector Leads Price Increases Prices in restaurants and hotels climbed by an average of 5.1%, making the hospitality sector the largest contributor…

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As temperatures rise and people spend more time outdoors, experts warn that ticks are far more widespread—and more dangerous—than many still believe. Contrary to popular myths, these tiny arachnids do not fall from trees, and they certainly don’t limit their attacks to deep forests. They thrive in gardens, parks, and even urban green spaces, waiting patiently for their next host. Ticks Don’t Fall From Trees — They Wait at Ground Level Ticks typically position themselves on blades of grass, shrubs, or low branches, stretching out their front legs in a…

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Graz, Austria – Graz is dramatically expanding its fight against the invasive Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) this year. City officials announced on Tuesday that between six and eight million sterile male mosquitoes will be released across several southern districts—around ten times more than in last year’s pilot project. The tiger mosquito, known for its aggressive daytime biting and its ability to transmit diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya, has been steadily spreading across Europe. Graz is now doubling down on innovative methods to keep the population…

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