20 FEBRUARY 2014

Ø  Declaring his innings as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh over, N. Kiran Kumar Reddy submitted his resignation to Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan on Wednesday in protest against the Union government’s decision to “divide Telugus for the sake of votes and seats.”

Ø  India and Canada are pressing ahead with high level engagements to develop closer ties in ensuring food and energy security besides investing in the subcontinent. The visit by Governor General of Canada David Johnston late this week will take this process forward when he inaugurates the Canadian Consulate General in Bangalore next week. Although there has been disappointment over sourcing Canadian crude because not many public sector units can process it, India is pitching for Canadian refineries in the country to overcome this technical glitch. According to experts, demand for liquids is expected to reduce due to an increase in energy from gas, nuclear and renewable sources. In India, however, the share of liquids may remain constant but the absolute demand may double in 20 years. There has been no news on the civil nuclear energy front, mostly because the government here is on its last legs. Canada also ensures India’s food security as it is a steady supplier of pulses.

Ø  India and Bahrain signed three agreements here on Wednesday to expand cooperation in key areas, including trade and business. The agreements were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. After delegation-level talks between the two leaders, both sides signed three agreements in the fields of economic engagement and sports and to ensure cooperation between the Foreign Service Institute of the External Affairs Ministry and the Diplomatic Institute of the Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs.