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Corporate Economy Expressions Markets Leisure 24 February 1998   IBA's wish list for Narasimham calls for 100% divestment in public-sector banks The Indian Banks' Association (IBA) has called for 100% divestment of the government stake in public sector banks. The bankers' body has advocated total privatisation of weak banks and mergers and acquisitions as a strategic move for consolidation in the industry as smaller banks will not be able to survive competition.   Centre pegs GDP growth at 5% The economic slowdown has now been officially confirmed to be worse than anticipated earlier. The latest "advance" estimates put out by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) put the GDP growth figure at just 5% for 1997-98, well below even the 6% forecast by the RBI last December. Monopolies panel begins probe into soda-ash pricing The MRTPC has initiated a formal investigation into charges of cartelisation and restrictive trade practices in pricing of soda-ash, allegedly indulged in by three major manufacturers. MRTPC's action follows a recent complaint lodged by the All India Glass Manufacturers Federation (AIGMF) against the three makers -- Tata Chemicals, Gujarat Heavy Chemicals and Birla VXL India -- accusing them of joining hands for artificially jacking up its prices. Fall in capital goods import affirms all-round industry slowdown Imports of capital goods as well as those for setting up projects goods fell sharply in April-November 1997 over the previous corresponding period, indicating a demand slump in industry and consequently a dip in the industrial growth.   Irate unions see Centre hand in banks' association proposals Even before the Narasimham Committee has tabled its recommendations on the second phase of banking sector reforms, bank unions are bracing themselves up for a face-off with managements. Delhi, Bonn to hold airline talks in April New Delhi is scheduled to hold talks with Bonn on airlines in the second week of April. The negotiations were earlier scheduled for January but had to be postponed due to general elections.     Tourism projections belie ground reality   Paradip port plans to have a ship-breaking yard   Note calls for scrapping dual control strings   Shrimp farming -- more sinned against than sinning   Body echoes Narasimham panel advice on reconstruction fund   "Dairy sector has a long way to go"   We can export sugar if industry is decontrolled   British economic growth pared in fourth quarter   South Korea to close more troubled merchant banks   World Briefing   Annan an unruffled peacemaker   High duty sinks state shipbreakers   Tamil Nadu plans new leather policy   Higher domestic coffee prices irk exporters   Maharashtra Briefing   State Congress will not go the UP way   Asian flu is no cause for rethink   Court quashes ministry fiat on Sanghi Cement plan