Infozone Breaking World News

One of the rarest forms of diamond, the blue diamond fetched a record breaking 10.5 million Swiss Francs (£6.2m) at an auction house in Geneva. The diamond, which weighs 7.03 carats, is so rare that there is only a handful in existence.

The diamond was mined in the South African Cullinan mine last year, and once inspected, was graded flawless; the highest grade given to a diamond. The rarity of these diamonds is down to the fact that there are only a few places in the world that mine for blue diamonds.

 World renowned auctioneer David Bennett said that: “It is a new world record price for a blue diamond.”

He also added, “For people who are looking to buy something that nobody else has, or somebody who wants something that is beyond beautiful, a blue diamond is going to be very difficult to find, so when they appear on the market, you have to have a go.”

The winning bidder will now get to name the diamond, which is mounted in a platinum ring, but has so far wished to remain anonymous.

Barclays Bank has released its pre-tax profit for the first quarter of 2009, showing a 15% increase compared to the same quarter of last year, despite the ongoing economic climate. Pre-tax profits were up to £1.37 billion, with total income rising to a record £8.15 billion due to a healthy performance from its investment banking group.

Barclays had avoided being given government help during the financial crisis, choosing to raise extra money privately. The bank recently sold its iShare fund management business to raise an estimated £3bn and last year raised £7bn from Middle Eastern investors.

In a statement released by Barclays chief executive John Varley, he said: “We generated strong income growth across most business lines driven by the investments we have made in expanding our international network”.

Informational leaflets about swine flu have started to be sent out to all UK households today as a countrywide campaign begins to help prevent the spread of the virus after the number of confirmed cases reached 27. The leaflets will provide people with information about the virus and recommend good hygiene practises to prevent the spread of swine flu.

The leaflet will also give details on setting up a network of friends, family or neighbours who can pick up medication and essential supplies in case someone has to stay at home due to the flu.

In a statement, the chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson said that, “It reinforces the basic hygiene principles that can play a very important part in halting the spread and reducing the risk to individuals,”

He also added that the last time a mass leaflet was sent out to UK households, was during an outbreak of the HIV virus in the 1980′s.