The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved an additional investment of about twelve thousand crore rupees by Bharat Petro Resources Limited (BPRL) for the development of BM-SEAL-11 Concession Project in Brazil. BPRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited. The start of production from BM-SEAL-11 project is expected from 2026-27.

The CCEA has also approved to increase the limit of equity investment by BPCL in BPRL and Authorised Share Capital of the Company from 15 thousand crores to 20 thousand crore rupees. This will help in accessing equity oil to strengthen India’s energy security. BPRL has been associated with the exploration and development of this project in Brazil since 2008.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple projects of Sabar Dairy worth 1,000 crore rupees at Gadhoda Chowki in Sabarkantha, Gujarat today. These projects will empower local farmers and milk producers and increase their income. This will also give a boost to the rural economy in the region. Mr Modi will inaugurate the Powder Plant at Sabar Dairy with a capacity of around 120 metric tonnes per day. The total cost of the entire project is more than 300 crore rupees. Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Aseptic Milk Packaging Plant at Sabar Dairy. It is a state of the art plant having capacity of 3 Lakh Litre per day. The project has been executed with a total investment of around 125 crore rupees. Mr Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Sabar Cheese and Whey Drying Plant Project. The estimated outlay of the project is around 600 crore rupees. The Plant will manufacture Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese and Processed Cheese. Whey generated during manufacturing of cheese shall also be dried at Whey Drying Plant, having capacity of 40 metric tonnes per day. Sabar Dairy is a part of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation which makes and markets a whole range of milk and milk products under the Amul brand.

Home Minister Amit Shah has said that connectivity for all is government’s priority. He lauded Cabinet decisions taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday. In a series of tweets, Mr Shah said, the cabinet has approved a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages to provide 4G mobile services in 24 thousand 680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas. Mr Shah said, in another important decision, the Union Cabinet also approved the revival package of BSNL amounting to one lakh 64 thousand crore rupees. He said, this will help BSNL to improve the quality of their existing services, roll out 4G services and become financially viable.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will declare the 44th Chess Olympiad open in the grand inauguration programme being organised at JLN Indoor Stadium, Chennai this evening. Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur will also grace the event.

Prime Minister had also launched the first-ever Chess Olympiad Torch Relay at the Indira Gandhi National Stadium in New Delhi on 19th of last month. The torch travelled to 75 iconic locations in the country for over a period of 40 days, traversing close to 20 thousand kilometres. It culminating in Mahabalipuram, before heading over to the FIDE Headquarters, Switzerland.

The 44th Chess Olympiad is being held in Chennai from 28th July to 9th August. The prestigious competition, which has been organised since 1927, is being hosted in India for the first time and in Asia after 30 years. With 187 countries participating, this will be the largest participation in any Chess Olympiad. India is also fielding its biggest ever contingent in the competition comprising 30 players across 6 teams.

Today is the 7th Death Anniversary of former President and legendary Scientist Bharat Ratna Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Popularly known as the Missile Man of India, Dr Kalam is also remembered as one of the greatest teachers ever. He played a pivotal role in India's defence and space research development.

Paying tributes, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, Dr Kalam's whole life was dedicated towards making India a strong nation. He said, with his knowledge and simplicity, Dr Kalam inspired the youth of the country. Mr Shah said, the thoughts and ideals of Dr Kalam will always guide the countrymen.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was an epitome of knowledge, humility and futuristic vision. He said, Dr Kalam was an 'Ajatshatru' with an unparalleled devotion towards making India a self-reliant nation. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted CRPF personnel and their families on the Raising Day of the paramilitary Force. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, CRPF has distinguished itself for its unflinching courage and distinguished service. He said, the role of CRPF, be it in addressing security challenges or humanitarian challenges is commendable.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has greeted the personnel of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on their Raising Day today. In a tweet, Mr Shah said, with their bravery, CRPF personnel have not only made an unique contribution in keeping the security of the country intact but has also created a proud history of valor, which every Indian is proud of. He saluted their service and dedication to the nation.

Union Cabinet has approved a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages at a total cost of 26 thousand 316 crore rupees. Briefing reporters in New Delhi after the Cabinet meeting in New Delhi, Electronic and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, the project will provide 4G mobile services in 24 thousand 680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas. The project has a provision to include 20 percent of additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new settlements, and withdrawal of services by existing operators. He said, in addition, six thousand 279 villages having only 2G and 3G connectivity will be upgraded to 4G. The project will be executed by BSNL using Atmanirbhar Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will be funded through Universal Service Obligation Fund.

The Minister said, the project is a significant step toward the vision of the Government to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas. This project will promote the delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, tele-medicine, tele-education, etc. through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas. Mr Vaishnaw said, digital inclusion and connectivity for all is an integral part of antyodaya vision of the Government. Last year Government approved a project for providing 4G mobile services in seven thousand 287 uncovered villages in 44 aspirational districts across five states.

The nominations for Padma Awards-2023 is open till 15th September this year. The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, are among the highest civilian awards in the country. Home Ministry said that online nominations and recommendations for the Padma Awards-2023 have opened on 1st of May, which will be announced on the occasion of Republic Day next year.

The award seeks to recognize work of distinction and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements and service in all fields of Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade, and Industry. The Ministry said, all persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. 

World Bank has appointed Indian national Indermit Gill as its Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics.

Mr Gill will succeed American economist Carmen Reinhart in the role and his appointment will be effective September 1, 2022. Mr Gill is currently Vice President for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions, where he led work on macroeconomics, debt, trade, poverty, and governance.

Announcing his appointment, World Bank President David Malpass said, “Gill brings to this role a combination of leadership, invaluable expertise and practical experience working with country governments on macroeconomic imbalances, growth, poverty, institutions, conflict, and climate change.

The auction of 5G spectrum will commence today. The spectrum will be assigned to the successful bidders for providing 5G services to public and enterprises. A total of over 72 thousand Mega Hertz of spectrum with a validity period of 20 years will be put to auction. The auction will be held for spectrum in various Low, Medium and High frequency bands. It is expected that the spectrum will be utilised by Telecom Service Providers to roll-out of 5G technology-based services capable of providing speed and capacities which would be about 10 times higher than the current 4G services.

Digital connectivity has been an important part of policy initiatives of Government through its flagship programmes such as Digital India, Start-up India and Make in India. Broadband, especially the mobile broadband, has become integral part of the daily lives of the citizens. This received a big boost through the rapid expansion of 4G services across the country since 2015. Eighty crore subscribers have access to broadband today compared to ten crore subscribers in 2014.  The upcoming 5G services have the potential to create new age businesses, generate additional revenue for enterprises and provide employment arising from the deployment of innovative use-cases and technologies.