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*) US Treasury warns of global fallout if West sanctions Russia US Treasury chief Janet Yellen is warning of "some global fallout" if the West sanctions Russia. Yellen said President Joe Biden made it clear that the US intends “to impose very significant costs on Russia if they invade Ukraine". Meanwhile, the US dismissed reports that Russia was withdrawing troops from Ukraine's border. Instead, it’s accused Moscow of sending more soldiers as fears of an invasion grow. *) Death toll from Brazil mudslides rises Rescue workers are racing against time in their search for survivors after deadly flash floods hit Brazil’s Petropolis. Over 180 firefighters and 400 soldiers are scrambling through the remains of houses that were washed away. At least 94 bodies have been recovered so far, with 35 still unaccounted for. *) Canadian police warn truckers to leave A showdown may be shaping up in Ottawa’s siege between truckers protesting vaccine mandates and authorities. Police are threatening to arrest and prosecute truckers, and also seize their vehicles and cancel their licences. But big rigs remain parked outside Parliament, which is said to represent the movement's last stronghold. *) EU top court clears way to cut billions of funds to Poland, Hungary The European Union's top court has cleared the way to cut billions in funding to Poland and Hungary. The rulers in these countries are accused by the bloc of violating democratic rights. The EU has been pouring funds into former communist countries to help develop their economies since they joined in 2004. *) Largest blue diamond to be auctioned off Sotheby's says it will auction off the world’s largest blue diamond in Hong Kong in April. The auction house said it expects the 15.10 carat De Beers Cullinan Blue diamond to sell for more than $48 million. Sotheby's says the jewel is remarkable on many levels and is the largest internally flawless step cut vivid blue diamond that’s ever been graded.