The following is a rundown of the day’s news drawn from other media sources with topics curated just for Money and Markets readers: personal security and freedom, Ukrainian crisis, business news.
Personal Security and Freedom:
Giant Virus Revived from Deep Freeze in Siberian Tundra
A 30,000-year-old giant virus has been revived from the frozen Siberian tundra, sparking concern that increased mining and oil drilling in rapidly warming northern latitudes could disturb dormant microbial life that could one day prove harmful to man.
Buffett: Supposed Increase in Extreme Weather ‘Hasn’t Been True so Far’
Buffett, who is heavily invested in various insurance markets, said that climate change alarmism has simply made hurricane insurance more profitable, driving up premiums without increasing risk.
Principal Accused of Attempted Child Sex
A Douglas County elementary school principal arrested and charged with trying to have sex with a child will go before a judge Tuesday afternoon. He was one of 14 people arrested in an undercover investigation conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit.
Top Court Orders Man’s Eyes to be Gouged Out and Ears Chopped for Pouring Acid on Girl
According to a judicial law, chiefly based on the principles of Islam, in Iran chopping off condemned convicts’ limbs and removing their eyes is sanctioned and are reportedly widely practiced.
Rates of Mental Disorders Much Higher in Soldiers Than in Civilians
“These studies provide knowledge on suicide risk and potentially protective factors in a military population that can also help us better understand how to prevent suicide in the public at large,” said National Institute of Mental Health Director Dr. Thomas R. Insel.
Ukrainian Crisis:
Russia and China ‘In Agreement’ Over Ukraine
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said: “China has always upheld the principles of diplomacy and the fundamental norms of international relations. “At the same time we also take into consideration the history and the current complexities of the Ukrainian issue.”
Putin Issues Ultimatums to Ukrainian Forces
Claims come from government in Kiev amid EU condemnation of Russian ‘act of aggression’ and call on Putin to ‘de-escalate’. Russia has allegedly issued a series of ultimatums for Ukrainian forces in Crimea to surrender and disarm by this morning or risk coming under attack.
Ukraine Soldiers Vow Defiance as Bases Surrounded
“We are Ukrainians and we have taken an oath. This is our duty and our job,” said officer Vladislav Kardash. “I don’t know anyone who has tried to go over to the other side. How can we reject Ukraine?”
China Fields New Intermediate-Range Nuclear Missile
“Nuclear weapons ambitions and the proliferation of weapon and nuclear technologies continue, increasing risk that countries will resort to nuclear coercion in regional crises or nuclear use in future conflicts.”
Pentagon Suspends Military Engagements With Russia
A Pentagon spokesman, Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, said Monday evening that the U.S. military has “put on hold” all military-to-military engagements, including bilateral meetings, port visits and planning conferences.
Business News:
Obama 2015 Budget Focuses on Boosting Economy
Obama is delivering his proposal to lawmakers as federal deficits, though still sky-high, have fallen dramatically. Last year’s shortfall of $680 billion was far smaller than initially expected and ended a skid of four straight years in which the annual red ink exceeded $1 trillion.
Apple Dials Up Effort to Meld iPhone with Cars
By making smartphones work more seamlessly with automobiles, both Apple and Google are hoping to immerse their services even deeper into peoples’ lives. In doing so, the companies expect to make money by selling advertising, applications and upgrades on smartphones that will become even more indispensable.
Asian Markets Calmer After Ukraine-Inspired Selloff
Some markets received a brief lift in the afternoon after Russian news agency Interfax reported that President Vladimir Putin had ordered forces that had been engaged in military exercises to return their base.
Bentley Bets on Speed to Woo New Customers
Bentley Motors took the wraps off its fastest-ever model, a new version of its Continental GT coupe, at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday amid stiffening competition at the high end of the luxury segment of the car industry.
Best wishes,
The Money and Markets Team
