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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...

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Cyprus to Construct Major Naval Base to Boost Geopolitical Influence in the Mediterranean

 

Cyprus’ defense minister, Vasilis Palmas, announced plans to build a significant naval base on the southern coast of the east Mediterranean island. The base aims to host large ships from European Union countries and other nations, facilitating various missions, including humanitarian aid deliveries to the tumultuous Middle East region. This move comes as Cyprus assumes an elevated geopolitical role, being the EU’s closest member to the Middle East.

The proposed naval base will be strategically positioned to support policies geared toward the region. Recent months have seen Cyprus serve as a staging ground for collecting and delivering humanitarian aid to war-ravaged Gaza. Additionally, the base will enhance cooperation with Greece, which is contributing technical expertise to the project. The construction will be guided by expert studies and will be located approximately 25 kilometers east of the coastal town of Limassol.

This expansion reflects Cyprus’ commitment to reshaping geopolitics in the Eastern Mediterranean, providing a vital hub for naval operations and reinforcing alliances with allied countries. As the project unfolds, it will undoubtedly impact regional dynamics and strengthen Cyprus’ position on the global stage.


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