Major Powers, Iran Racing against Time for Nuke Deal
The world`s major powers and Iran are racing against time to reach a deal over Tehran`s nuclear programme.
Hope for a comprehensive deal is fading, as gaps remain on some key issues, which include the size and scope of Iran`s nuclear programme, particularly the number of centrifuges Iran will be allowed to operate, and the nuclear-relevant sanction relief for Iran.
Iran and the six powers (Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States plus Germany) agreed in July to extend their nuclear talks for another four months till the end of November, as they could not narrow down significant gaps on core issues during the past six months.
Iran to Allow UN Inspectors Access to Marivan Nuclear Site
Iran has decided to allow UN nuclear inspectors to access its Marivan nuclear site.
Iran is ready to provide a controlled access to the Marivan site to prove the peaceful nature of Iran`s nuclear activity.
The Marivan nuclear site, close to the Iraqi border, is suspected of being used to develop explosive weapons, and was referred to by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a 2011 report on Iran`s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Sarkozy Wants EU to Lose Half its Powers
Former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy said that the European Union must hand back half of its powers, stepping up his criticism of the 28-nation bloc as he seeks to be elected head of France`s conservative party.
Sarkozy also wanted the bloc`s executive Commission to lose its power to draft EU laws.
The French have long been among the strongest backers of Europe. Support has waned over the past decade over fear of globalisation. The anti-Europe, far-right party National Front won the EU parliament elections in the country this year.
Wintry storms could bury Buffalo, New York, under heaps of snow until Christmas, but 2014 will still be the hottest year on Earth since 1880.
It is pretty clear that 2014 will end up the warmest year on record.
Every major ocean basin and every continent all had some pieces — and some had significant pieces of their area — that were the warmest on record [during 2014],
October was the sixth straight month of chart-busting heat in the oceans. October was also the hottest October on record for land temperatures.
Government Mulls Amendments to Related Party Norms for Companies
Seeking to address concerns of various stakeholders, the government is looking to amend certain provisions of the new Companies Law, including those pertaining to related party transactions.
The Corporate Affairs Ministry, which is implementing the Companies Act, 2013, is now looking to make changes to certain provisions of the new law.
According to sources, amendments are proposed for norms governing related party transactions and those pertaining to auditors being required to report suspected frauds at the companies that are audited by them.
Facebook App to Help Groups Collaborate on Projects
Facebook has launched a new app aimed at helping teams collaborate on projects. Called Facebook Group, the app will help people share information faster and more easily with "all the groups in their life".
Aimed at enterprise collaboration, it can also be useful for student groups as well as friends looking to coordinate activities and schedules.
This app will provide a much easier way for Facebook members to access and manage groups from their phones.
With more and more people getting engaged with the micro-blogging website, India is turning out to be one of the fastest growing markets for the US-based Twitter.
"India is one of our fastest growing markets and we will be investing more here, said vice president of global media, Twitter.
According to reports 78 percent of the Twitter traffic now comes from outside the US, which signifies the growing importance of emerging markets.
According to a report, 'Internet in India 2014', the number of internet users in India would reach 302 million by December 2014, registering a year-on-year growth of 32 percent over last year.