March 17, 2003 keralamonitor.com Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2002 - Results Announced SC Upholds Creation of Seven Railway Zones
Iraq war looks imminent; US advises arms inspectors to leave
Dubai,Monday, March 17, 2003: A US-led attack on Baghdad today became increasingly imminent with Washington advising arms inspectors in Iraq to pull out, UN observers leaving the demilitarised zone along Iraq-Kuwait border and many countries asking their citizens to leave the region but President Saddam Hussein remained defiant threatening "wider war if attacked."
The Monday night deadline set by the US and its allies Britain and Spain has failed to move UN Security Council members with France and Russia, who have threatened to veto a motion authorising military action against Iraq while weapons inspections continued, dismissing it. Declaring that Monday would see the "moment of truth for the world," US President George W Bush issued the dealine for the UN at a summit with the UK and Spanish Prime Ministers in Portugal.Amid growing signs that a military strike might take place this week, the UN observer mission along Iraqi border ceased its operations and pulled out its staff out of the area while US, UK, Russia, Germany, Australia, China and several other countries asked their nationals and non-essential diplomats and their families to leave the war-risk zone. India has also moved out its embassy staff from Baghdad to Jordan. keralamonitor.com
US-Britain-Spain not to press for vote on second resolution
United Nations,Monday, March 17, 2003: A war on Iraq appeared certain tonight with US, Britain and Spain withdrawing their resolution for UN backing and asking Saddam Hussein to leave the country. US also said that the "diplomatic window" has closed and asked UN to pull out its weapons inspectors even as foreign missions began evacuating their staff from Baghdad. The US, UK and Spain withrdrew the resolution after Russia and France threatened to veto it. In Washington, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said that Bush would make an address to the nation at 0100 GMT (0630 IST Tuesday) in which he would tell Saddam Hussein that to avoid a military conflict the Iraqi leader "has no other choice than to leave the country." "The diplomatic window is now closed " and the UN Security Council has failed to act to enforce its own resolution." In Iraq, President Saddam Hussein remained defiant but hoped that a war will not take place. In the event of an attack he threatened a wider war taking it to wherever "there is sky, land and water". keralamonitor.com
Saddam threatens wider war if attacked
Dubai,Monday, March 17, 2003: With a US-led attack on Iraq looking imminent, a defiant President Saddam Hussein today threatened a wider war, taking it to wherever "there is sky, land and water" even as a number of countries asked their nationals to leave the region. In a concrete sign of an impending war, the UN observer mission along Iraqi border ceased its operations and pulled out its staff out of the area while US, UK, Russia, Germany, Australia and several other countries asked their nationals and non-essential diplomats and their families to leave the war-risk zone. India has also closed its embassy in Baghdad and its staff have shifted to Jordan. The advisory to their nationals from various countries came hours after US and its partners Britain and Spain gave the UN till today to agree to a resolution seeking authorisation of war if Iraq failed to disarm immediately. Speaking after his summit talks with British and Spanish Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Jose Maria Aznar respectively, President George W Bush said that Monday was a "moment of truth for the world, giving the UN one more day for diplomacy to war." In Baghdad, Saddam Hussein told senior military officials, telecast by Iraqi television, "if God wanted, by God, we will fight them with daggers, swords and sticks if other arms were scarce." He said "if the enemy opens the battle on a wide scale, we will open whrerever there is sky, land and water on the entire earth". keralamonitor.com
War can be averted if Saddam leaves country: Powell
Washington,Monday, March 17, 2003: With the UN Security Council deadlocked over a ne resolution seeking backing for strikes on Iraq, US Secretary of State Colin Powell has said war can be averted if Saddam Hussein, his sons and top leaders leave the country and a responsible leadership takes over. The new leadership would get rid of the weapons of mass destruction and ensure a better life for the people of Iraq, Powell said appearing on Fox News TV Sunday, a day after hundreds of thousands of people marched in Washington against a war with Iraq.
While asking the country to wait for the statement US President George W Bush and the Prime Ministers of Britain and Spain will be issuing from the Azores, Powell said, "I think the moment of truth is arriving with respect to diplomacy and what comes next." Saying that the resolution already passed by the Security Council already warns Iraq of "serious consequences," meaning war, if the weapons of mass destruction are not destroyed, Powell said that when it comes to the use of military force, very often the UN is not the organization of choice.
"We have demonstrated over the years that there are different alternatives in different situations," Powell said citing the example of Kosovo when the previous Administration did not ask for a vote in the Security Council because Russia was certain to veto and resolution and it then used force with a coalition of the willing to deal with the situation. keralamonitor.com
Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2002 - Results Announced
The Union Public Service Commission have announced the results of the Civil Services (Main) Written Examination, 2002. The Roll Numbers of the candidates, who have qualified for interview on the basis of the written results for appointment to Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service and other Central services Group ‘A" & ‘B’ have been declared. The Commission have decided to commence the Personality Tests of qualified candidates from 7th April, 2003 and these will conclude on 24th April, 2003. The date and time of Personality Tests will be intimated to the qualified candidates individually. No change in the date and time intimated to the candidates will be allowed. In case the short-listed candidates do not receive the summon letters for Personality Test by the last Week of March, 2003 they may contact the Commission immediately.
The candidature of all these candidates is provisional subject to their being found eligible in all respects. The candidates would be required to produce the original certificates in support of their claims relating to age, educational qualifications, caste etc. at the time of the Personality Test. They are, therefore, advised to keep the said certificates ready.The candidates are also advised to intimate change in their address, if any, to the Commission immediately on FAX No. (011) 338 5345 or (011) 338 7310 to facilitate prompt delivery of summon letters to them.
SC Upholds Creation of Seven Railway Zones
The Supreme Court of India in its landmark judgement in Special Leave Petition (Civil) No. 16838 of 2002 in Federation of Railway Officers Associations & Others versus Union of India with SLP (Civil) No. 17306/2002 of March 13, 2003, has upheld the creation of seven new Railway Zones at Hajipur, Jaipur, Hubli, Jabalpur, Bilaspur, Bhubaneswar and Allahabad as legally and constitutionally valid and dismissed petitions challenging the decision of the Government.
The apex court, in this connection, quoted its earlier judgement in BALCO Employees Union (Regd) Vs. Union of India and Others in 2002, wherein it observed, "It is evident that it is neither within the domain of the courts nor the scope of the judicial review to embark upon an enquiry as to whether a particular public policy is wise or whether better public policy can be evolved. No are our courts inclined to strike down a policy at the behest of a petitioner merely because it has been urged that a different policy would have been fairer or wiser or more scientific or more logical" and stated, "In examining a question of this nature where a policy is evolved by the Government judicial review thereof is limited. When policy according to which or the purpose for which discretion is to be exercised is clearly expressed in the statute, it cannot be said to be an unrestricted discretion. On matters affecting policy and requiring technical expertise Court would leave the matter for decision of those who are qualified to address the issues. Unless the policy or action is inconsistent with the Constitution and the laws or arbitrary or irrational or abuse of the power, the Court will not interfere with such matters".
The Supreme Court further said, "It has been contended that the objective of developing backward areas or to meet public demand new zones have been formed and such a step will not be consistent with efficiency in administration. These two factors are noticed not in isolation but along with other criteria as to increase in traffic load and accessibility. Therefore, the contention ignores all the factors taken in consideration and is not tenable. Even otherwise, to meet the demands for backward areas cannot by itself be consistent with efficiency. When Railway is a public utility service it has to take care of all areas including backward areas. In doing so, providing service, efficient supervision and keeping the equipment and other material in good and workable condition are all important factors. Such services can be appropriately extended if there is an exclusive zone to cater to such areas. If more facilities become available in those zones naturally efficiency would go up.
Therefore, the concept of "efficiency" should not be approached in a doctrinaire or pedantic manner. Thus formation of zones in backward areas for providing proper facilities and services will improve the efficiency and not retard it. Merely setting up of new zone in a backward area cannot be condemned only on the basis that it is being formed in a backward area, particularly when it fulfils other criterion to which we have already adverted". It further added, "Even if we assume that there is force in the material placed by the petitioners that by forming new railway zones efficiency in the railway administration would not enhance, the reasons given by the Government and material placed by them in support of forming new railway zones is no less or even more forceful. Further, when technical questions arise and experts in the field have expressed various views and all those aspects have been taken into consideration by the Government in deciding the matter, could it still be said that this Court should re-examine to interfere with the same. The wholesome rule in regard to judicial interference in administrative decisions is that if the Government takes into consideration all relevant factors, eschew from considering irrelevant factors and act reasonably within the parameters of the law, courts would keep off the same. ……."The question before the Court is whether formation of zones is for efficient administration of Railways. On this aspect we have considered the rival contentions including the material placed before the Government of India and the criteria evolved for formation of the zones. The test whether such formation of zones is for the purpose of efficient administration of Railways have been duly considered by the Government before taking decision while such consideration was lacking in Muddappa’s case. Hence, that decision cannot be of any assistance to appellant. We have applied the principles set out in other decisions relied upon by the appellant to the facts of the case in reaching our conclusion in this matter".
The Supreme Court further observed, …….."It is only in 1996 a decision was taken by the Government for a zone at Hazipur. If formation of a zone at Hazipur as its headquarters fulfils the norms set up by the Government and there is enough statistical data in that regard, it becomes difficult for us to state that the same is malafide. Allegations regarding malafides cannot be vaguely made and it must be specific and clear. In this contest, the concerned Minister who is stated to be involved in the formation of new Zone at Hazipur is not made a party who can meet the allegations." ….."It is not the function of the Court to decide the location or the site of the Headquarters, it is the function of the Government."
"If benefit of a zonal headquarters in a particular place is more suited than any other place in zone it would not affect the ultimate efficient functioning of the railway administration. Thus all contentions of the petitioners stand rejected." "These petitions stand dismissed." The Division Bench comprised Justices S. Rajendra Babu and G.P. Mathur.
THIRD WORLD WATER FORUM MEETING BEGINS AT KYOTO
The Third World Water Forum Meeting got off to a hectic start on March 16, 2003 at Kyoto, Japan where various speakers emphasised the urgency of tackling the water problems of the World in a time bound manner. Shri Arjun Charan Sethi, Union Minister for Water Resources represents Government of India at the Forum. He is heading a seven member delegation to the meeting. In the various sessions held so far at the Forum, discussions veered round to several aspects of water problems.
The Indian delegation made a strong plea for technical help and financial back-up in accomplishing mitigation of arsenic problem. Besides, the Indian delegation pressed for an integrated comprehensive approach to the problem of drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. The need for international commitments and support for capacity development especially in the decentralized delivery system was focussed by the Indian delegation. The suggestions of the Indian delegation for protection of fragile coastal eco-system were supported in the Forum. The meeting will continue till March 23, 2003 to facilitate several International experts to read their papers and deliberate on the subject. At the end of the meeting, the Ministerial Declaration will also be made regarding the water sector policies.
ZIMBABWE: Highest number of Africans seeking UK asylum
JOHANNESBURG, 17 March (IRIN) - Zimbabweans topped the number of Africans
seeking asylum in Great Britain last year, the second highest group of
people in the world next to Iraqis in the last quarter of 2002.According to the latest statistics released by Britain's Home Office,
applications from Zimbabweans increased by almost a third from October,
but fell sharply in December, partly due to the introduction of visa
regimes introduced in December.When explaining the introduction of the visas last year, Home Secretary
David Blunkett said Britain had experienced increasingly large numbers of
"unfounded" asylum claims from Zimbabwean nationals and the move would
make it much easier for genuine Zimbabwean visitors to travel to the
United Kingdom.>From October to December, 2,750 Zimbabweans applied for asylum, bringing
the total for the year to 7,695. In December 2001, the final figure was
2,115 and in 2000 it was 1,010.Of the 6,225 requests processed last year, 2,245 applicants were granted
asylum.Since 2000, Zimbabwe, a former British colony, has been troubled by a
controversial land reform programme, which stripped many white farmers of
their land. A political crisis has left the opposition challenging last
year's presidential election in court, while the country's economy is
burdened by an inflation rate of over 200 percent.In addition, more than half of the total population of 11.6 million is in
need of food aid.Local and international human rights groups have also repeatedly condemned
the government's civil liberties record.John Makumbe, chairman of the rights group Transparency International in
Zimbabwe, told IRIN: "The number of people who are skilled, who are
educated professionals, but can't get a job, is escalating every month. A
number of companies closed for Christmas but didn't reopen in the new
year, and if they did, they are operating at between 30 to 40 percent
capacity."Semi-skilled and skilled workers are travelling to the UK, South Africa,
Botswana and Swaziland to look for work. The currency is stronger than the
Zimbabwe dollar so they are able to repatriate the funds so that their
families can buy food, property, cars and send their children to school,"
said Mukumbe.[ENDS]ZIMBABWE: IMF welcomes new initiatives to rescue economy
JOHANNESBURG, 17 March (IRIN) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has
publicly welcomed recent efforts to rescue Zimbabwe's failing economy.This follows a visit to the capital, Harare, by an IMF staff team from 25
February to 13 March. The team held discussions with the Zimbabwean
authorities on the economic situation and the government's macro-economic
policies. They also met with representatives of civil society, the
business and financial communities, political parties, trade unions and
the diplomatic community, the IMF said in a statement.The fund noted that Zimbabwe's economy had experienced a progressive and
sharp deterioration over the past four years."Real GDP [gross domestic product] has declined by about 30 percent, and
is still contracting. Inflation has doubled in each of the last two years
to reach 200 percent at the end of 2002 and could well rise further. There
are widespread shortages, poverty and unemployment have risen, and the
HIV/AIDS pandemic is worsening," the IMF said.Worsening the economic situation in the past two years were bad weather
and "structural changes in agriculture" in the form of the government's
fast-track land reform programme, the implementation of which had
"affected agricultural production".Zimbabwe's consequent food shortages threaten about half the population
with starvation."In recognition of Zimbabwe's grave food security situation, foreign
donors have provided large amounts of humanitarian aid, but other donor
assistance has been curtailed because of concerns over governance issues,"
the IMF noted.However, Zimbabwe's economic difficulties also reflected weaknesses in the
government's economic policies of the recent past.The IMF also hit out at "pervasive price controls and other policies, such
as the GMB [Grain Marketing Board] monopoly" which it said had contributed
to shortages, damaged business confidence and drove up prices."The intensification of exchange and price controls in November [2002]
resulted in further damage to production and new shortages," the IMF
added.While criticising the past measures, the IMF said it welcomed more recent
"home-grown efforts" to address Zimbabwe's problems in a consultative
fashion.The IMF team's wide-ranging policy discussions reviewed progress made
under the new National Economic Revival Programme (NERP), with a
particular focus on fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policies.The NERP was launched in February 2003 by Minister of Finance and Economic
Development Herbert Murerwa and was the result of consultations with
business and labour.The minister said at the time that the NERP was the fulfilment of
government's promise to "introduce, in conjunction with stakeholders,
measures to address the viability of producers and the survival of
exporters, including all earners of foreign exchange". Adding that "most
of the exporters had become uncompetitive and un-viable at the fixed
exchange rate".The IMF said that among the issues discussed were the initial steps taken
under the NERP, such as setting the exchange rate for most transactions at
Zim $824 per US $1, which the IMF described as "a courageous step forward"
which would require careful follow-up."Price control mechanisms are being reviewed, with the aim of providing
more flexibility to address the availability of goods and the viability of
producing them," the Fund added.It noted also that "there has been a modest tightening of monetary policy
in recent weeks, and if that is pursued with increasing vigour, inflation
will eventually be brought under control"."Further determined policy adjustment efforts would be an important signal
of Zimbabwe's determination to address its serious economic difficulties,"
the IMF added.Murerwa had indicated that the NERP would be "implemented with resolve and
commitment", promising that its effective implementation "would turn
around the fortunes of the economy and improve the standards of living of
our people".
The visiting President of the Republic of Suriname Mr. Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan and Mrs. L.A.M. Venetiaan-Vanenburg are received by the President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at a Ceremonial Reception in New Delhi on March 17, 2003 (Monday)
KENYA: Terror warnings unfair, tour operators say
NAIROBI, 17 March (IRIN) - Tour operators have complained that Kenya is being unfairly singled out by the US and UK which last week warned of possible new terror threats in the Horn and East Africa. More
NIGERIA: Five killed as troops, militants clash in Niger Delta
LAGOS, 17 March (IRIN) - Clashes between navy troops and ethnic Ijaw militants near Nigeria's southern oil town of Warri resulted in the death of five civilians, heightening tension in the town and other parts of the Niger Delta, community activists said on SundayMore
US strategy report tocounter counterfeit of US Dollar Abraod
The Federal Reserve Board and the Treasury Department today issued a joint report to Congress stating that procedures to combat international counterfeiting of U.S. currency are becoming more effective.U.S. dollars are held and widely used around the world, and the popularity and ubiquity of the dollar make it a potential target for counterfeiters. The incidence of counterfeiting has declined markedly with the introduction of the 1996-series currency. An upcoming new series currency, to be introduced later this year, will further enhance the security of U.S. banknotes. More
