Fresh talks in Berlin on Ukraine conflict

Top diplomats from Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France will meet today in Berlin for fresh talks on the conflict plaguing eastern Ukraine. The latest ceasefire between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine has been in place since Sept 1, but it remains fragile in a conflict which has claimed more than 8,000 lives over the past 18 months. The two sides agreed last month to extend a pull-back of weapons from the front line.

Lectures by Nobel laureates

Four Nobel laureates will hold public lectures at various venues today, the second day of the Nobel Prize Series.

The two-day conference brings together government and business leaders, academics, educators and students. The theme of the conference is The Future Of Learning.

Crucial US payrolls data out today

The October non-farm payrolls data to be released by the US government today is one of the two sets of data on hiring to be issued before the US Federal Reserve's December meeting. Last week's data showing a steady pace of hiring by private employers in October suggested the US economy was strong. New positive data will reinforce the need for a rate hike by the Fed this year.