Business

TSX inched higher on Wednesday as Iran de-escalation hopes offset March losses

TSX inched higher on Wednesday as Iran de-escalation hopes offset March losses

Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s main stock index, the S&P/TSX Composite, opened higher on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as investors reacted to signals from Washington suggesting a potential end to the conflict in Iran. The move followed a bruising month for global markets; while the TSX ended the first quarter up 3.3%, it slumped by 4.6% in March as the Middle East war intensified and disrupted global energy routes. The early gains were largely driven by a stabilizing risk sentiment. U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that U.S. forces could potentially withdraw from the region within two to three weeks, hinting…
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Alberta Moves to Define ‘Alberta Whisky’ with New Bill to Boost Global Identity

Alberta Moves to Define ‘Alberta Whisky’ with New Bill to Boost Global Identity

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The government of Alberta has introduced new legislation aimed at giving its whisky industry a distinct global identity, with officials saying the move could strengthen both local businesses and international recognition. The proposed “Alberta Whisky Act” seeks to formally define what qualifies as Alberta whisky, similar to how regions like Kentucky are associated with bourbon and Scotland with scotch. If passed, the law would establish clear production standards, ensuring authenticity and consistency in branding. Under the bill, whisky labelled as Alberta-made would need to use 100 per cent water sourced within the province, along with a specified…
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Indian Rupee Hits Record Intra-Day Low of 95.22 Amid Global Volatility

Indian Rupee Hits Record Intra-Day Low of 95.22 Amid Global Volatility

Mumbai (Gurpreet Singh): The Indian rupee plunged to a historic intra-day low of 95.22 against the US dollar on Monday, March 30, 2026, as surging crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia continued to batter emerging market currencies. Despite a brief early-morning recovery, the currency's dramatic 160-paise swing during the session underscored the intense pressure on the Indian forex market. The decline follows a volatile Friday session where the rupee had already slumped 89 paise to close at a then-record low of 94.85. The trading day began with a glimmer of hope as the rupee opened at…
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CM Bhagwant Mann Launches Rs 87 Crore Development Projects in Patiala’s Sanaur

CM Bhagwant Mann Launches Rs 87 Crore Development Projects in Patiala’s Sanaur

Sanaur (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday accelerated Punjab’s development push on the ground by launching a series of major infrastructure and irrigation projects in Patiala’s Sanaur constituency, announcing ₹87 crore worth of road renovation works alongside ₹27 crore canal lining projects that will bring irrigation water to 40,066 acres across 83 villages. Driving home a decisive shift from past governance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that while previous governments allowed roads to crumble within days due to corruption, the Punjab Government has enforced strict accountability with a mandatory five-year maintenance clause for contractors. At the…
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Costco Coming to Saddleridge with New Gas Station

Costco Coming to Saddleridge with New Gas Station

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Costco Wholesale Canada is set to expand in northeast Calgary with a new warehouse and gas station in the Saddleridge area. The site, located near the Saddleridge Bottle Depot, has been secured and is currently in the early planning stages. The upcoming Costco will offer bulk groceries, household items, and membership-only merchandise, along with a popular gas station providing competitive fuel prices for members. The project is expected to create new jobs and enhance retail options for the growing community. However, exact timelines and construction dates have not yet been announced. Residents and local businesses are eagerly…
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Balendra Shah sworn-in as Nepal’s 47th Prime Minister

Balendra Shah sworn-in as Nepal’s 47th Prime Minister

Rajeev Sharma :- Balendra Shah 'Balen' was sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister at a special ceremony held at the Office of the President on Friday. Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy after appointing Shah earlier in the day under Article 76(1) of the Constitution. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, former prime ministers, senior officials, security chiefs and members of the diplomatic community. As the 47th Prime Minister of Nepal, Balen is one of the youngest persons…
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Nayara Energy Raises Fuel Prices Amid Global Oil Surge

Nayara Energy Raises Fuel Prices Amid Global Oil Surge

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): India’s largest private fuel retailer, Nayara Energy, on Thursday increased petrol prices by ₹5 per litre and diesel by ₹3 per litre, partly passing on the impact of rising global crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The price hike comes after nearly a month of stable retail fuel prices in India, despite a sharp rise of almost 50% in international oil rates following military tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Pressure on Fuel Companies Nayara, which operates nearly 7,000 fuel stations across the country and is largely controlled by Rosneft,…
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Canada Raises Federal Minimum Wage to $18.15 per Hour from April 1

Canada Raises Federal Minimum Wage to $18.15 per Hour from April 1

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The federal minimum wage in Canada is set to increase to $18.15 per hour starting April 1, according to an announcement by Employment and Social Development Canada. The current federal minimum wage stands at $17.75 per hour, which has been in effect since April 1, 2025. The latest increase is aimed at keeping pace with inflation and ensuring greater financial stability for workers. The federal minimum wage applies to employees in federally regulated sectors such as interprovincial transportation, telecommunications and banking. The government also clarified that if a province or territory has a higher minimum wage, employers…
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Punjab to Host International Hockey Championship for the First Time, Announces CM Bhagwant Mann

Punjab to Host International Hockey Championship for the First Time, Announces CM Bhagwant Mann

Gurpreet Singh :- Punjab is set to mark a significant milestone in its sporting history as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the state will host an international-level men’s Asian Hockey Championship for the first time. The announcement was made during a press conference at his Chandigarh residence. The tournament is expected to feature the top six teams from Asia, with strong anticipation of India’s participation. Matches are scheduled to be held in Mohali and Jalandhar later this year, giving a major boost to Punjab’s status on the global sports map. Highlighting the state’s sporting legacy, the Chief Minister noted…
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CM Bhagwant Mann Slams BJP for Denying Bharat Ratna to Martyrs; Launches Rs 25 Crore Heritage Project

CM Bhagwant Mann Slams BJP for Denying Bharat Ratna to Martyrs; Launches Rs 25 Crore Heritage Project

Hussainiwala' Ferozepur (Gurpreet Singh): At Hussainiwala in Ferozepur, on the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann paid tributes at the historic National Martyrs Memorial, facilitated the families of the martyrs, and laid the foundation stone of the ₹24.99 crore Hussainiwala Heritage Complex, reaffirming his government’s commitment to honouring the martyrs and building a Rangla Punjab rooted in their vision. Invoking the legacy of the nation’s greatest revolutionaries, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the occasion is not merely to remember their sacrifice but to carry forward their fearless ideals…
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