EU may extend GSP benefits

The European Union may extend its GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) benefits to several agricultural products from India, even as lobbying is on to link GSP benefits to the controversial social clause. Indications are the EU may aid the efforts of developed nations to carve a niche for the social clause on international trade scenario by linking GSP scheme to implementation of certain labour standards. Since the GSP benefits are a unilateral concession offered voluntarily, developing nations such as India, which are keen to avoid a trade-social clause link, may find it difficult to ward off this move.

Dhawan quits over hawala issue

The hawala scandal claimed yet another victim today with the Urban Affairs and Employment Minister, Mr. R. K. Dhawan, resigning from the Union Council of Ministers as the CBI plans to file chargesheets against more people in the hawala case tomorrow. Mr. Dhawan, who has been reportedly resisting suggestions for his resignation over the last two days, finally put in his papers today, a day before the Supreme Court is to review the progress in the hawala case. The resignation was accepted by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Hughes Ispat, Telelink may get Karnataka, Rajasthan

The Telecom Commission has decided to award the basic service tender in Karnataka telecom circle to Hughes Ispat and the Rajasthan circle to Telelink of Shyam Telecom. Sources said the recommendations had been forwarded to the Minister of State for Communications, Mr. Sukh Ram, who was yet to approve them. The letters of intent would be issued to the two companies as soon as the Minister approved the recommendations, the sources said.

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