Latest news with #KeyPerformanceIndicators
Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, the new scheme to develop 100 agri districts across the country
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), a scheme to develop 100 agricultural districts through the convergence of 36 schemes of 11 ministries. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 24,000 crore per year, and will be implemented for six years beginning with the current financial year, 2025-26. A master plan for the implementation of PMDDKY, which will include agriculture and allied activities, will be drawn up for every district, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. This District Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan will be prepared by the District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti headed by the Collector, and will have progressive farmers as members. 'The District Plans will be aligned to the national goals of crop diversification, conservation of water and soil health, self-sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors as well as expansion of natural and organic farming,' an official statement said. The plans will be based on extensive consultations and understanding cropping patterns and allied activities as per agro-climatic conditions. Committees will be set up at the district, state, and national levels for their effective implementation. Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) will be appointed for field visits, review and monitoring. Every district will have central and state agriculture universities as technical knowledge partners. PMDDKY is designed on the lines of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2018 in the country's 112 most underdeveloped districts, with the aim of transforming them quickly and effectively. The ADP is based on the 3 Cs, Convergence (of central and state schemes), Collaboration (of central and state level nodal officers and District Collectors), and Competition among districts through monthly delta ranking based on incremental progress in 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) under five broad socio-economic themes: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Infrastructure. The NITI Aayog, which plays an important role in the implementation and monitoring of the ADP, will also provide 'overall guidance and capacity building' support to PMDDKY. PMDDKY districts too will be ranked based on their performance. The progress of the scheme in each Dhan-Dhaanya district will be monitored on a monthly basis on 117 Key Performance Indicators, the statement said. A portal/ dashboard will be developed for this purpose. Aim of the PMDDKY The scheme was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget presented on February 1. 'Motivated by the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, our Government will undertake a 'Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana' in partnership with states. Through the convergence of existing schemes and specialised measures, the programme will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters,' Sitharaman had said. According to the government, the program has five objectives: (i) Enhancing agricultural productivity; (ii) Adopting crop diversification and sustainable agriculture practices; (iii) Augmenting post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block level; (iv) Improving irrigation facilities; (v) Facilitating availability of long-term and short-term credit. 'As the targeted outcomes in these 100 districts will improve, the overall average against key performance indicators will rise for the country. The scheme will result in higher productivity, value addition in agriculture and allied sector, local livelihood creation and hence increase domestic production and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). As the indicators of these 100 districts improve, the national indicators will automatically show an upward trajectory,' the government has said. Selection of PMDDKY districts The 100 districts will be selected on the basis of three parameters – low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit parameters. Cropping intensity is a measure of how efficiently land is used. It is defined as the percentage of gross cropped area to the net area sown. Simply put, cropping intensity means the number of crops grown on a piece of land in an agricultural year (July-June). At the all-India level, cropping intensity was recorded at 155 per cent in 2021-22, but there were variations across states. 'The number of districts in each state/ Union Territory will be based on the share of net cropped area and operational holdings. However, a minimum of one district will be selected from each state,' the statement said. Harikishan Sharma, Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express' National Bureau, specializes in reporting on governance, policy, and data. He covers the Prime Minister's Office and pivotal central ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Jal Shakti. His work primarily revolves around reporting and policy analysis. In addition to this, he authors a weekly column titled "STATE-ISTICALLY SPEAKING," which is prominently featured on The Indian Express website. In this column, he immerses readers in narratives deeply rooted in socio-economic, political, and electoral data, providing insightful perspectives on these critical aspects of governance and society. ... Read More
Time Magazine
6 days ago
- Business
- Time Magazine
How TIME and Statista Determined Canada's Best Companies of 2025
This year, TIME launched its inaugural list of the Canada's Best Companies, in partnership with Statista, a leading international provider of market and consumer data and rankings. The result: 125 top-performing companies that are leading the way for Canadian business. Here's how the winners were selected. Methodology The research project "Canada's Best Companies 2025" is a comprehensive analysis conducted to identify the top performing companies in Canada. The study is based on three primary dimensions: Employee Satisfaction, Revenue Growth, Sustainability Transparency (ESG). The first dimension, Employee Satisfaction, was investigated based on survey data from a large sample of approximately 49,000 employees from Canadian companies over the last three years. The evaluation encompassed recommendations of companies as well as evaluations of employers across the dimensions image, atmosphere, working conditions, salary, workplace and equality by verified employees. The second dimension, Revenue Growth, was assessed using data from Statista's revenue database, which contains company growth data for the last three years. The companies had to meet certain criteria to be considered for the evaluation, including generating a revenue of at least US $100 million in 2023 or 2024 depending on when the most recent data was published during the research phase. Additionally, the companies had to demonstrate a positive revenue growth in the last three years. Both relative and absolute growth were considered in the evaluation. The third dimension, Sustainability Transparency, was evaluated based on ESG data among standardized KPIs from Statista's ESG Database and targeted data research. To formulate a comprehensive ESG index, multiple Key Performance Indicators were collected. For the environmental evaluation, this included the 2023 carbon emissions intensity and reduction rate compared to 2021, as well as the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) score. The social dimension assessed the share of women on the board of directors and the existence of a human rights policy. The governance dimension evaluated whether a company had a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report adhering to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines and a compliance or anti-corruption guideline. Once the data was collected and evaluated, it was consolidated and weighted within a scoring model. The scores of all three dimensions were added on an equal percentage basis to form the final ranking score of a maximum 100 points. The 125 companies with the highest score were awarded as Canada's Best Companies 2025 by TIME and Statista.
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Atrium Hospitality Launches AtriumRISE Training Program to Encourage Advancement in Hotel Leadership
ALPHARETTA, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Atrium Hospitality today announced the debut of AtriumRISE, our company's Hotel General Manager Development Program. Seven Assistant General Managers are participating in the nine-month leadership training, which builds on the success of Atrium's WomenRISE program launched last year. Members of AtriumRISE's inaugural class represent multiple hotel brands from across Atrium-managed hotels in Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma and Texas. AtriumRISE kicked off in June, and program coursework will culminate in March 2026. Alpharetta, Georgia-based Atrium Hospitality is one of the nation's largest hotel operators. Our company manages a portfolio of 74 hotels, representing well-known brands such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Wyndham, in 25 states. Atrium operates approximately 19,000 guest rooms/suites and 2.8 million square feet of event space. 'AtriumRISE supports participants' aspirations to level up in their hotel careers." Share According to Anneliesse Cooper, Chief Human Resources Officer, Atrium Hospitality, AtriumRISE candidates were selected during Atrium's portfolio-wide annual talent review. Program participants were invited based on their interests in pursuing a Hotel General Manager role, ability to relocate, and readiness to take the next steps in their career journeys. 'AtriumRISE supports participants' aspirations to level up in their hotel careers,' said Anneliesse. 'We learned a lot from conducting our WomenRISE training program last year, and we've applied those meaningful insights to the development of AtriumRISE. While WomenRISE emphasized building female participants' confidence and visibility, AtriumRISE aims to enhance class members' engagement with robust program content spanning hotel operations and leadership skills development, including free access to paid resources and tools.' Over a nine-month training schedule, AtriumRISE participants will: Register for the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Lodging Manager Apprenticeship Program, providing them access to AHLA's online resources as well to the ability to earn a certification upon completion. Utilize Atrium's internal learning library for developing their leadership proficiency, including access to a leading university's subscription-based online course offerings. Receive support from assigned mentors and instructors. Learn more about hotel Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and how to successfully manage performance against a balanced scorecard tool. Receive 360-degree assessments identifying their strengths and areas for development. Build their networks among Atrium leadership through enhanced visibility. Prepare to confidently pursue a Hotel General Manager role. Committed to Boundless Career Journeys Atrium Hospitality's six core values of Service, Perseverance, Inclusion, Respect, Innovation and Teamwork guide the Atrium SPIRIT for creating a welcoming environment for all, nurturing personal ambitions, inspiring professional opportunities, and being a responsible community partner. Atrium Hospitality's valued Associates are part of an extended family, united in the shared pursuit of service excellence. A career with Atrium Hospitality is a boundless journey enriched by appreciation and teamwork, as well as travel incentives. Go to Your Career at Atrium Hospitality's website to find out more about professional opportunities at our company's national management portfolio. About Atrium Hospitality Atrium Hospitality is ranked as one of the nation's largest hotel operators. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, the company manages a portfolio of 74 hotels in 25 states, representing well-known brands such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Wyndham, among others. Atrium operates approximately 19,000 guest rooms/suites and 2.8 million square feet of event space. Atrium Hospitality's six core values of Service, Perseverance, Inclusion, Respect, Innovation and Teamwork guide the Atrium SPIRIT for creating a welcoming environment for all, nurturing personal ambitions, inspiring professional opportunities, and being a responsible community partner. Atrium is conserving the planet's natural resources and being more efficient in support of the company's commitment to sustainability, all while providing exceptional guest experiences. In 2024, Atrium Hospitality added another Atlanta Top Workplaces win to the company's accolades and celebrated being recognized for the third time by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Atrium supports a range of civic and community activities, and Atrium-managed properties nationwide are proud to take part in Project SEARCH, a school-to-work program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information about Atrium, visit
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Hellen Swales Announces Candidacy For Mayor In The 2025 Local Body Elections For Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt, 7th July 2025 – Hellen Swales proudly announces her candidacy for Mayor in the 2025 Local Body Elections for Upper Hutt. Committed to enhancing community engagement, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and prioritising residents' needs, Hellen aims to positively impact on the Upper Hutt community. As a passionate advocate for value-driven services, Hellen emphasises transparency and accountability within the council. "I will ensure our council focuses on value for money in the services it delivers, demonstrating this through clear communication with the community," Hellen stated. Her goal is to secure the council's long-term financial sustainability by effectively managing debt, funding essential services, and limiting non-essential/vanity projects. Aligned with the ongoing 'Local Water Done Well' initiative, Hellen is committed to advocating for affordable water solutions that truly benefit the community while ensuring transparency in the council's considerations. "It is crucial that we prioritise our communities' needs and work towards solutions that are both effective and sustainable," she added. Hellen believes that listening to the community is vital for the council's success. By acting on Community Survey results and sharing improvement plans, she aims to respond effectively to community priorities and concerns. "Building trust with our community starts with understanding their needs and communicating our plans clearly," Hellen emphasised. To foster engagement, Hellen plans to re-evaluate the council's communication strategies and channels. By establishing focus groups cantered on key areas like the economy, environment, and upcoming legislation, and enhancing community involvement in decision-making processes. As an active member in our community for many years, Hellen sees a need and a desire for a stronger community voice and hence her goal is to establish a stronger community relationship which can be involved at the right time to drive community outcomes. Furthermore, Hellen will establish Key Performance Indicators for Councillors and the Chief Executive, ensuring accountability through annual reviews and sharing the results with the community. 'It's essential that we hold ourselves accountable to the people we serve,' she remarked. Hellen Swales invites all Upper Hutt residents to join her in this journey towards a more transparent, accountable, and community-focused council. Together, we can build a stronger future for Upper Hutt. Hellen believes working together will provide Upper Hutt the change we need and the voice it deserves.
Mint
05-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Microsoft Pakistan founding head cautions: ‘More than a corporate exit' as tech giant leaves after 25 years
As Microsoft closed its Pakistan operations after 25 years, the tech giant's founding head in the country had a sombre message regarding the country's economic environment, where the company started a hope-filled mission years ago. While Microsoft announcing its Pakistan exit cited cited global restructuring and a shift to a cloud-based, partner-led model as the reason, various stakeholders termed on Friday as a 'troubling sign' for the country's economy. Microsoft Pakistan founding head Jawwad Rehman was among the first persons who confirmed the exit. 'The last few remaining employees were formally informed and just like that, an era ends,' he said in a post on LinkedIn. 'Exactly 25 years ago, in June 2000, I had the honor of launching and leading Microsoft Pakistan. What began as a bold, hope-filled mission became the most rewarding journey of my personal and professional life,' Rehman said. Terming Microsoft's Pakistan exit as more than just a corporate one, Rehman pointed out that the environment of the country has made even large companies finding it unsustainable to stay there. 'This is more than a corporate exit. It's a sobering signal of the environment our country has created.. one where even global giants like Microsoft find it unsustainable to stay. It also reflects on what was done (or not done) with the strong foundation we left behind by the subsequent team and regional management of Microsoft.' The move came as the tech giant cut roughly 9,100 jobs worldwide (or about 4 per cent of its workforce) in its largest layoff round since 2023. The former Microsoft Pakistan boss recalled his special moments at the company, reflecting on moments including — 'orchestrating Bill Gates' first call with President Musharraf and multiple meetings which followed thereafter,' and 'securing multi-million dollar Gates Foundation funding to reduce infant & maternal mortality.' 'To my original MSPK team.. thank you. You were the heart of this journey. We built more than a successful business.... we built a legacy,' he wrote. Rehman in a separate post also urged the government and IT minister to engage with the tech giants with a bold KPI (Key Performance Indicators) driven plan. Former Pakistan President Arif Alvi also called Microsoft's exit from the country a 'troubling sign for our economic future'. Recalling Bill Gates' visit to his office in 2022, when Alvi was President, he revealed that the Microsoft founder had plans to expand operations in Pakistan. 'During our discussion, I asked him directly, 'Why isn't Microsoft investing in Pakistan?' ' Alvi wrote in a post on X. 'He leaned in, sharing in confidence that he had just spoken with PM Imran Khan and arranged a call between the PM and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. In a hushed tone, he asked me to keep it quiet, revealing that 'all is set and within two months, the PM and I will announce a major Microsoft investment in Pakistan,'' Alvi added. He shared that everything 'went downhill' after that after Imran Khan got arrested and a regime change happened. Alvi revealed that Microsoft shifted its focus to Vietnam for expansion in a 'decision in which they had initially favored Pakistan'. 'Pakistan now spirals in a whirlpool of uncertainty. There is increasing joblessness, our talent is migrating abroad, purchasing power has reduced, economic recovery in the 'awami' context feels like a distant & elusive dream,' Alvi said.
