Top headlines: Putin accelerates Ukraine crisis; India set to unlock data

LIC has not paid any dividends in nearly three years, something that may have helped shore up the insurer's net worth ahead of its IPO. More on that in our top headlines.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue unabated even as President Vladimir Putin ordered forces Monday to “maintain peace” in separatist regions of eastern Ukraine. Closer home, the Indian government published a draft policy to open up access to government data. Head further down for more on these stories and other top headlines in our morning newswrap. 

Putin orders forces to 'maintain peace' in eastern Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered forces Monday to “maintain peace” in separatist regions of eastern Ukraine, hours after the Kremlin recognized the area’s independence. The announcement raised fears that an invasion was imminent, if