Apple’s latest version of iPad tablet computer is no doubt better than its predecessor in terms of everything. With a sleeker design, being thinner, and a higher speed in task performance, iPad 2 is also selling faster, the interminable queues outside the related stores across the world proving this point.

Rumors that shortages in the United States might be repeated worldwide have made Apple fans queue outside Apple stores in Asia and Europe, in hopes to be among the first to purchase one of the iPad 2 tablet computers.

The new rules regarding bank bonuses for investment bankers have made their fixed pay go up, but the ones in Europe are still not satisfied with them, claiming that their financial sector is facing much tougher rules than the rest of the world.

Inflation in the euro zone in January was still higher than the target proposed by the European Central Bank, but lower than initially predicted for the month. However, analysts expect it to increase even further in February due to the rise in oil prices caused by the political turmoil in Libya.

The U.S. dollar managed to gain slightly in Asia on Monday, after hitting a record low against Swiss franc, but the situation in Libya and the fears of its potential spreading to other countries in the area maintained a somewhat cautious mood in the market.

Fears of a wide mass measles epidemic have emerged after a woman carrying the contagious infection traveled widely within the United States. Consequently, state, local and federal health agencies have entered a state of emergency and frenzy in preventing a related outbreak.

Starbucks Corp has won the legal battle with Kraft Foods Inc. On Friday, the U.S. appeals court ruling has allowed it to end the distribution agreement with the Illinois-based company starting with March 1. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit in New York has denied Kraft’s request to stop Starbucks from choosing a new partner for the distribution of packaged coffee to supermarkets in North America and Europe.

The Champions League last-16 match last night brought a comfortable 2-0 victory for Chelsea at FC Copenhagen, taking the London team one step closer to the quarterfinals of the competition and easing the pressure on manager Carlo Ancelotti, after some unconvincing performances in the domestic league which pushed the English champions to the fifth position.

The star of this year’s edition of the Berlin Film Festival was the Iranian drama “Nader and Simin: A Separation”, which won the Golden Bear as well as the best acting prizes.

U.S.-based Weather Services International (WSI) said on Monday that eastern Europe was likely to experience a prolonged run of unseasonably cold weather in March as well, whereas Britain was expected to enjoy milder than usual temperatures for the period.