Washington, November 1: India is lagging far behind many countries when it comes to creating new innovative products and technologies, according to a new study.

It figures among the nations with lowest ranks in a new list of the world''s most innovative countries, based on the time it takes for new technologies and products to take-off.

Deepa Chandrasekaran, assistant professor of marketing at Lehigh University, and Gerard J. Tellis, a professor of Marketing at the University of Southern California''s Marshall School of Business, prepared the list was prepared on the basis of a major study that evaluated 31 countries.

They analysed 16 different product categories over a time span of 50 years.

Tehran, Nov 1: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will attend the India-Iran Joint Commission meeting today with Shamsuddin Hoseyni, Iran's Minister of Economy and Finance to discuss various initiatives to enhance their ties, including the India-Pakistan-Iran pipeline project.

The two sides are expected to discuss a way forward in the proposed 7.4 billion dollar Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline which has not yet taken off due to differences over pricing and concerns over security.

New Delhi, Nov 1 : Home Secretaries of India and Nepal discussed a wide range of issues relating to security, border management and cooperation to effectively combat terrorist activities during their two day talks which commenced yesterday.

Broad parameters of checking smuggling of arms, ammunition, drugs and fake currency were also discussed.

The meeting also deliberated on institutionalising the security-related mechanism between the two countries.

New Delhi has assured Kathmandu to help strengthen the Nepal Police and help in setting up of a Nepal Police Academy.

The delegations are led by Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and his Nepalese counterpart Govinda Kusum

New Delhi, Nov 1: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will meet top business and corporate leaders here on Monday to explore the options for limiting the impact of global financial crisis on the Indian economy facing slowdown.

According to sources, Industry leaders who are expected to attend the meeting include Ratan Tata, Anand Mahindra, Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, Shashi Ruia, K. P. Singh and Naresh Goyal.

Presidents of the three apex chambers including the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) will also participate in the meeting.

Chennai, Oct. 31 : For the first time in Indian cinema, a real life urchin will be seen on the big screen playing a major role in a Tamil movie on beggary and child exploitation here.

Directed by eminent film director Vinayan, the film ‘Naallai Nammathe’ meaning tomorrow belongs to us, is aimed to create awareness about the life, which the beggars and pavement dwellers have to live. It also highlights how mafia goons have a say in beggary and exploitation of families.

Film producer Jose Maveli spotted the nine-year-old Babu who was roaming and begging on the streets of Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh). He was facing starvation and homelessness at that time. The boy was admitted to a hospital by a Kerala-based NGO.

Bhiwani (Haryana), Oct. 31 : In a gesture to support social cause, the Olympic medallist Vijender launched two social campaigns-- ''Tree Plantation'' and ''Save Girl Child'' here on Thursday on the occasion of his birthday.

Vijender who celebrated his 22nd birthday, visited the local temple of Goddess Durga and offered prayers. His coach Jagdish and the President of Boxing Club of Bhiwani, Kamal Singh accompanied him.

Vijender prayed to Goddess Durga for more laurels to India in the boxing ring. After prayers, Vijender planted a tree and inspired others to follow suit. He also urged the people to stop female foeticide and participate in ''Save the Girl Child'' campaign.