NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI: BlackLine Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackLine, Inc. (Nasdaq: BL), today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    “We believe our recent user conference and accelerating innovation are creating momentum for BlackLine,” said Owen Ryan, Co-CEO of BlackLine. “We’re making progress on our key Investor Day initiatives, including the rollout of Studio360, advancement of our public sector opportunity, and expansion of our industry-specific strategy. While we recognize the work ahead to achieve our full vision, our strategic investments are building a solid foundation for future growth.”

    “By focusing our innovation on the evolving needs of the Office of the CFO, we continue to unlock new market opportunities and enhance our strategic position,” said Therese Tucker, Co-CEO of BlackLine. “Through our Studio360 platform along with AI-powered solutions and capabilities, we’re delivering customer-focused innovation that we believe drive both our company’s financial performance and our customers’ ability to achieve greater operational efficiency across their finance and accounting organizations.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Total GAAP revenues of $169.5 million, an increase of 9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • GAAP operating margin of 3.7%, compared to 8.2% in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Non-GAAP operating margin of 18.1%, compared to 24.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine of $56.4 million, or $0.79 per diluted share compared to GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine of $22.1 million, or $0.32 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine of $34.6 million, or $0.47 per diluted share compared to non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine of $51.5 million, or $0.69 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Operating cash flow of $43.8 million, compared to $42.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Free cash flow of $36.5 million, compared to $35.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Total GAAP revenues of $653.3 million, an increase of 11% from 2023.
    • GAAP operating margin of 2.8%, compared to 2.4% in 2023.
    • Non-GAAP operating margin of 19.4%, compared to 16.5% in 2023.
    • GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine of $161.2 million, or $1.45 per diluted share compared to GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine of $52.8 million, or $0.81 per diluted share in 2023.
    • Non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine of $162.1 million, or $2.18 per diluted share compared to non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine of $145.2 million, or $1.96 per diluted share in 2023.
    • Operating cash flow of $190.8 million, compared to $126.6 million from 2023.
    • Free cash flow of $164.0 million, compared to $99.0 million from 2023.

    Fourth Quarter Key Metrics and Recent Business Highlights

    • BlackLine had a total of 4,443 customers at December 31, 2024.
    • Expanded the Company’s user base to 397,477 users at December 31, 2024.
    • Achieved a dollar-based net revenue retention rate of 102% at December 31, 2024.
    • Launched Studio360 Platform to drive future-ready financial operations for the Office of the CFO.
    • Recognized as a Leader in the 2024 IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for the Enterprise.
    • Recognized as Most Innovative FinTech Solution by the 2024 Tech Ascension Awards.
    • Appointed Stuart Van Houten as Chief Commercial Officer.
    • Welcomed Philippe Omer-Decugis as Senior Vice President and General Manager for Europe.
    • Announced 2024 Modern Accounting Award Winners at BeyondTheBlack.
    • Announced the planned retirement of BlackLine’s Chief Financial Officer and named successor.

    The financial results included in this press release are preliminary and subject to final review. Financial results will not be final until BlackLine files its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period. Information about BlackLine’s use of non-GAAP financial measures is provided below under “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

    Financial Outlook

    First Quarter 2025

    • Total GAAP revenue is expected to be in the range of $166 million to $168 million.
    • Non-GAAP operating margin is expected to be in the range of 16.5% to 17.5%.
    • Non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine is expected to be in the range of $28 million to $30 million, or $0.36 to $0.39 per share on 77.7 million diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

    Full Year 2025

    • Total GAAP revenue is expected to be in the range of $699 million to $705 million.
    • Non-GAAP operating margin is expected to be in the range of 21.0% to 22.0%.
    • Non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine is expected to be in the range of $155 million to $165 million, or $1.97 to $2.10 per share on 78.5 million diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

    Guidance for non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine, and non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine per share excludes specified items from the corresponding GAAP financial measures as outlined below under “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and as detailed in the reconciliations of non-GAAP measures for historical periods. Reconciliations of non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine, and non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine per share guidance to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures are not available on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable efforts due to the unpredictability and complexity of the charges excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures. The Company expects the variability of the above items could have a significant, and potentially unpredictable, impact on its future GAAP operating margin, net income attributable to BlackLine, and net income attributable to BlackLine per share.

    Quarterly Conference Call

    BlackLine will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. A live audio webcast will be accessible on BlackLine’s investor relations website at https://investors.blackline.com. Participants can preregister for the conference call. A replay of the webcast will be available at https://investors.blackline.com for 12 months. BlackLine has used, and intends to continue to use, its Investor Relations website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

    About BlackLine

    BlackLine (Nasdaq: BL), the future-ready platform for the Office of the CFO, drives digital finance transformation by empowering organizations with accurate, efficient, and intelligent financial operations.

    BlackLine’s comprehensive platform addresses mission-critical processes, including record-to-report and invoice-to-cash, enabling unified and accurate data, streamlined and optimized processes, and real-time insight through visibility, automation, and AI. BlackLine’s proven, collaborative approach ensures continuous transformation, delivering immediate impact and sustained value. With a proven track record of innovation, industry-leading R&D investment, and world-class security practices, more than 4,400 customers across multiple industries partner with BlackLine to lead their organizations into the future.

    For more information, please visit blackline.com.

    Forward-looking Statements

    This release and the conference call referenced above contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “potential,” “would,” “continue,” “ongoing” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements in this release and quarterly conference call include, but are not limited to, statements regarding BlackLine’s future financial and operational performance, including, without limitation, GAAP and non-GAAP guidance for the first quarter and full year of 2025, the impact of progress against certain key initiatives, our expectations for our business, including the demand environment, BlackLine’s addressable market, market position and pipeline, our international growth, and our relationships with our customers and partners, including opportunities to expand those relationships.

    Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the quarterly conference call are based upon BlackLine’s historical performance and its current plans, estimates and expectations and are not a representation that such plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good-faith beliefs and assumptions as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize or if any assumptions prove incorrect, actual performance or results may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to risks related to the Company’s ability to attract new customers and expand sales to existing customers; the extent to which customers renew their subscription agreements or increase the number of users; the impact of current and future economic uncertainty and other unfavorable conditions in the Company’s industry or the global economy, the Company’s ability to manage growth and scale effectively, including entry into new geographies; the Company’s ability to provide successful enhancements, new features and modifications to its software solutions; the Company’s ability to develop new products and software solutions and the success of any new product and service introductions; the Company’s ability to effectively incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies (AI/ML) into its platform and business and the potential reputational harm or legal liability that may result from the use of AI/ML solutions and features; the success of the Company’s strategic relationships with technology vendors and business process outsourcers, channel partners and alliance partners; any breaches of the Company’s security measures; a disruption in the Company’s hosting network infrastructure; costs and reputational harm that could result from defects in the Company’s solutions; the loss of any key employees; continued strong demand for the Company’s software in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America; the Company’s ability to compete as the financial close management provider for organizations of all sizes; the timing and success of solutions offered by competitors; including competitors’ ability to incorporate AI/ML into products and offerings more quickly or successfully; changes in the proportion of the Company’s customer base that is comprised of enterprise or mid-sized organizations; the Company’s ability to expand and effectively manage its sales teams and their performance and productivity; fluctuations in our financial results due to long and increasingly variable sales cycles, failure to protect the Company’s intellectual property; the Company’s ability to integrate acquired businesses and technologies successfully or achieve the expected benefits of such transactions; unpredictable and uncertain macro and regional economic conditions; seasonality; changes in current tax or accounting rules; cyber attacks and the risk that the Company’s security measures may not be sufficient to secure its customer or confidential data adequately; acts of terrorism or other vandalism, war or natural disasters including the effects of climate change; the impact of any determination of deficiencies or weaknesses in our internal controls and processes; and other risks and uncertainties described in the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2024. Additional information will also be set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. All of the information in this press release is subject to completion of our quarterly review process.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    To supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, BlackLine has provided in this release and the quarterly conference call held on February 11, 2025, certain financial measures that have not been prepared in accordance with GAAP defined as “non-GAAP financial measures,” which include (i) non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross margin, (ii) non-GAAP operating expenses, (iii) non-GAAP operating income (loss) and non-GAAP operating margin, (iv) non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to BlackLine, Inc., (v) diluted non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to BlackLine, Inc. per share, and (vi) free cash flow.

    BlackLine’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally in analyzing its financial results and believes they are useful to investors, as a supplement to the corresponding GAAP measures, in evaluating BlackLine’s ongoing operational performance and trends and in comparing its financial measures with other companies in the same industry, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to help investors understand the operational performance of their businesses. However, it is important to note that the particular items BlackLine excludes from, or includes in, its non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the items excluded from, or included in, similar non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies in the same industry. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to such GAAP measures has been provided in the tables included as part of this press release.

    Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Margin. Non-GAAP gross profit is defined as GAAP revenues less GAAP cost of revenue adjusted for amortization of acquired developed technology, stock-based compensation, and transaction-related costs (including, but not limited to, accounting, legal, and advisory fees related to the transaction, as well as transaction-related retention bonuses). Non-GAAP gross margin is defined as non-GAAP gross profit divided by GAAP revenues. BlackLine believes that presenting non-GAAP gross profit and non-GAAP gross margin is useful to investors as it eliminates the impact of certain non-cash expenses and allows a direct comparison between periods.

    Non-GAAP Operating Expenses. Non-GAAP operating expenses include (a) non-GAAP sales and marketing expense, (b) non-GAAP research and development expense, and (c) non-GAAP general and administrative expense. Non-GAAP sales and marketing expense is defined as GAAP sales and marketing expense adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, and transaction-related costs. Non-GAAP research and development expense is defined as GAAP research and development expense adjusted for stock-based compensation and transaction-related costs. Non-GAAP general and administrative expense is defined as GAAP general and administrative expense adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, change in fair value of contingent consideration, transaction-related costs, and legal settlement gains or costs. BlackLine believes that presenting each of the non-GAAP operating expenses is useful to investors as it eliminates the impact of certain cash and non-cash expenses and allows a direct comparison of operating expenses between periods.

    Non-GAAP Income (Loss) from Operations and Non-GAAP Operating Margin. Non-GAAP income (loss) from operations is defined as GAAP income (loss) from operations adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, change in fair value of contingent consideration, transaction-related costs, legal settlement gains or costs, and restructuring costs. Non-GAAP operating margin is defined as non-GAAP income (loss) from operations divided by GAAP revenues. BlackLine believes that presenting non-GAAP income (loss) from operations and non-GAAP operating margin is useful to investors as it eliminates the impact of items that have been impacted by the Company’s acquisitions and other related costs in order to allow a direct comparison of income (loss) from operations between all periods presented.

    Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) Attributable to BlackLine and Diluted Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) Attributable to BlackLine, Inc. Per Share. Non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to BlackLine is defined as GAAP net income (loss) attributable to BlackLine adjusted for the impact of the provision for (benefit from) income taxes related to acquisitions, amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation, amortization of debt issuance costs from our convertible senior notes, change in fair value of contingent consideration, transaction-related costs, legal settlement gains or costs, restructuring costs, adjustment to the redeemable non-controlling interest to the redemption amount, and gain on extinguishment of convertible senior notes. Diluted non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to BlackLine, Inc. per share includes the adjustment for shares resulting from the elimination of stock-based compensation. BlackLine believes that presenting non-GAAP net income (loss) attributable to BlackLine is useful to investors as it eliminates the impact of items that have been impacted by the Company’s acquisitions and other related costs to allow a direct comparison of net income (loss) between all periods presented.

    Free Cash Flow. Free cash flow is defined as cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities less cash flows used to purchase property and equipment, financed and otherwise, capitalized software development, and intangible assets. BlackLine believes that presenting free cash flow is useful to investors as it provides a measure of the Company’s liquidity used by management to evaluate the amount of cash generated by the Company’s business including the impact of purchases of property and equipment and cost of capitalized software development.

    Use of Operating Metrics

    BlackLine has provided in this release and the quarterly conference call held on February 11, 2025 certain operating metrics, including (i) number of customers, (ii) number of users, and (iii) dollar-based net revenue retention rate, which BlackLine uses to evaluate its business, measure its performance, identify trends affecting its business, formulate financial projections and make strategic decisions. These operating metrics exclude the impact of certain Runbook licensed customers and users who are on perpetual license agreements and did not have an active subscription agreement with BlackLine as of December 31, 2024.

    Dollar-based Net Revenue Retention Rate. Dollar-based net revenue retention rate is calculated as the implied monthly subscription and support revenue at the end of a period for the base set of customers from which the Company generated subscription revenue in the year prior to the calculation, divided by the implied monthly subscription and support revenue one year prior to the date of calculation for that same customer base. This calculation does not reflect implied monthly subscription and support revenue for new customers added during the one-year period but does include the effect of customers who terminated during the period. Implied monthly subscription and support revenue is defined as the total amount of minimum subscription and support revenue contractually committed to, under each of BlackLine’s customer agreements over the entire term of the agreement, divided by the number of months in the term of the agreement. BlackLine believes that dollar-based net revenue retention rate is an important metric to measure the long-term value of customer agreements and the Company’s ability to retain and grow its relationships with existing customers over time.

    Number of Customers. A customer is defined as a company that contributes to our subscription and support revenue as of the measurement date. In situations where an organization has multiple subsidiaries or divisions, each entity that is invoiced as a separate entity is treated as a separate customer. In an instance where an existing customer requests its invoice be divided for the sole purpose of restructuring its internal billing arrangement without any incremental increase in revenue, such customer continues to be treated as a single customer. BlackLine believes that its ability to expand its customer base is an indicator of the Company’s market penetration and the growth of its business.

    Number of Users. Historically, BlackLine’s products were priced based on the number of users of its platform. Over time, the Company has begun to sell an increasing number of non-user based products with fixed or transaction-based pricing. For this reason, we believe the growth in the number of total users is less correlated to the growth of the business overall.

    Media Contact:
    Samantha Darilek
    samantha.darilek@blackline.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Matt Humphries, CFA
    matt.humphries@blackline.com

    BlackLine, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
     
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    ASSETS
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 885,915     $ 271,117  
    Marketable securities   —       933,355  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowances   178,141       171,608  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   28,348       31,244  
    Total current assets   1,092,404       1,407,324  
    Capitalized software development costs, net   45,448       37,828  
    Property and equipment, net   11,840       14,867  
    Intangible assets, net   59,520       79,056  
    Goodwill   448,965       448,965  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   22,772       19,173  
    Deferred tax assets, net   53,208       145  
    Other assets   90,879       93,407  
    Total assets $ 1,825,036     $ 2,100,765  
    LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST, AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 8,463     $ 8,623  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   71,574       59,690  
    Deferred revenue, current   338,615       320,133  
    Finance lease liabilities, current   66       778  
    Operating lease liabilities, current   3,525       4,108  
    Convertible senior notes, net, current   —       249,233  
    Total current liabilities   422,243       642,565  
    Finance lease liabilities, noncurrent   53       4  
    Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent   20,283       15,738  
    Convertible senior notes, net, noncurrent   892,675       1,140,608  
    Deferred tax liabilities, net   4,532       6,394  
    Deferred revenue, noncurrent   1,390       904  
    Other long-term liabilities   708       3,608  
    Total liabilities   1,341,884       1,809,821  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Redeemable non-controlling interest   36,483       30,063  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Common stock   628       615  
    Additional paid-in capital   495,391       474,863  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (361 )     205  
    Accumulated deficit   (48,989 )     (214,802 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   446,669       260,881  
    Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest, and stockholders’ equity $ 1,825,036     $ 2,100,765  
           
    BlackLine, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
     
      Quarter Ended   Year Ended
      December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenues              
    Subscription and support $ 160,988     $ 147,155     $ 619,287     $ 555,516  
    Professional services   8,472       8,575       34,049       34,480  
    Total revenues   169,460       155,730       653,336       589,996  
    Cost of revenues              
    Subscription and support   34,833       31,373       135,308       121,308  
    Professional services   6,581       6,239       26,657       25,485  
    Total cost of revenues   41,414       37,612       161,965       146,793  
    Gross profit   128,046       118,118       491,371       443,203  
    Operating expenses              
    Sales and marketing   64,769       56,898       248,347       243,154  
    Research and development   24,588       22,578       100,973       103,207  
    General and administrative   32,480       24,676       121,795       71,530  
    Restructuring costs   (8 )     1,151       1,720       10,964  
    Total operating expenses   121,829       105,303       472,835       428,855  
    Income from operations   6,217       12,815       18,536       14,348  
    Other income (expense)              
    Interest income   9,399       14,822       49,808       52,059  
    Interest expense   (2,523 )     (1,484 )     (8,758 )     (5,898 )
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible senior notes   —       —       65,112       —  
    Other income, net   6,876       13,338       106,162       46,161  
    Income before income taxes   13,093       26,153       124,698       60,509  
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   (50,374 )     1,901       (43,067 )     1,450  
    Net income   63,467       24,252       167,765       59,059  
    Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest   670       293       1,952       892  
    Adjustment attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest   6,380       1,890       4,639       5,334  
    Net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc. $ 56,417     $ 22,069     $ 161,174     $ 52,833  
    Basic net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc. per share $ 0.90     $ 0.36     $ 2.59     $ 0.87  
    Shares used to calculate basic net income per share   62,640       61,391       62,129       60,849  
    Diluted net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc. per share $ 0.79     $ 0.32     $ 1.45     $ 0.81  
    Shares used to calculate diluted net income per share   74,610       72,470       73,503       72,045  
    BlackLine, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
     
      Quarter Ended   Year Ended
      December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities              
    Net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc. $ 56,417     $ 22,069     $ 161,174     $ 52,833  
    Net income and adjustment attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest   7,050       2,183       6,591       6,226  
    Net income   63,467       24,252       167,765       59,059  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation and amortization   12,120       12,825       50,345       50,099  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration   —       —       —       (33,549 )
    Amortization of debt issuance costs   849       1,398       4,486       5,535  
    Stock-based compensation   19,340       17,505       83,251       77,970  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible senior notes   —       —       (65,112 )     —  
    Noncash lease expense   1,611       1,728       6,221       6,453  
    Accretion of purchase discounts on marketable securities, net   (326 )     (8,885 )     (18,441 )     (33,884 )
    Net foreign currency (gains) losses   (81 )     (29 )     279       853  
    Deferred income taxes   (53,323 )     281       (54,802 )     (1,525 )
    Provision for (benefit from) credit losses   70       (1 )     84       (18 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:              
    Accounts receivable   (43,317 )     (41,300 )     (7,552 )     (20,855 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (1,609 )     (4,449 )     2,742       (6,599 )
    Other assets   298       (1,947 )     2,505       (595 )
    Accounts payable   4,333       4,341       (1,123 )     (5,104 )
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   3,968       (2,111 )     7,087       (924 )
    Deferred revenue   37,819       42,536       18,968       41,271  
    Contingent consideration paid in excess of original estimates   —       (2,393 )     —       (2,393 )
    Operating lease liabilities   (1,563 )     (1,936 )     (5,963 )     (7,171 )
    Lease incentive receipts   —       —       —       240  
    Other long-term liabilities   138       354       96       (2,250 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities   43,794       42,169       190,836       126,613  
    Cash flows from investing activities              
    Purchases of marketable securities   —       (360,866 )     (396,104 )     (1,343,331 )
    Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities   121,289       363,521       1,023,286       1,319,821  
    Proceeds from sales of marketable securities   —       —       324,098       —  
    Capitalized software development costs   (6,513 )     (4,807 )     (24,714 )     (21,644 )
    Purchases of property and equipment   (756 )     (2,026 )     (2,126 )     (5,953 )
    Acquisition, net of cash acquired   —       (9 )     —       (11,376 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   114,020       (4,187 )     924,440       (62,483 )
    Cash flows from financing activities              
    Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes, net of issuance costs   —       —       661,979       —  
    Partial repurchase of convertible senior notes   —       —       (848,519 )     —  
    Repayment of convertible senior notes   —       —       (250,000 )     —  
    Purchase of capped calls related to convertible senior notes   —       —       (59,738 )     —  
    Principal payments under finance lease obligations   (228 )     (255 )     (999 )     (990 )
    Proceeds from exercises of stock options   4,553       775       7,591       19,762  
    Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan   2,757       2,719       7,006       8,010  
    Acquisition of common stock for tax withholding obligations   (3,861 )     (885 )     (17,465 )     (15,029 )
    Payment of contingent consideration   —       (5,607 )     —       (5,607 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   3,221       (3,253 )     (500,145 )     6,146  
    Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   (403 )     151       (347 )     (120 )
    Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   160,632       34,880       614,784       70,156  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period   725,515       236,483       271,363       201,207  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $ 886,147     $ 271,363     $ 886,147     $ 271,363  
                   
    Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to the consolidated balance sheets              
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 885,915     $ 271,117     $ 885,915     $ 271,117  
    Restricted cash included within other assets at end of period   232       246       232       246  
    Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows $ 886,147     $ 271,363     $ 886,147     $ 271,363  
    BlackLine, Inc.
    Calculation of Diluted Net Income Per Share
    (in thousands, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
     
      Quarter Ended   Year Ended
      December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Diluted Net Income per Share                
    Numerator:                
    Net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc.   $ 56,417     $ 22,069     $ 161,174     $ 52,833  
    Interest expense, net of taxes     2,305       1,458       7,804       5,716  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible senior notes, net of taxes     —       —       (62,147 )     —  
    Net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc. for diluted calculation   $ 58,722     $ 23,527     $ 106,831     $ 58,549  
    Denominator:                
    Shares used to calculate diluted net income per share     74,610       72,470       73,503       72,045  
    Diluted net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc. per share   $ 0.79     $ 0.32     $ 1.45     $ 0.81  
                     
    BlackLine, Inc.
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (in thousands, except percentages and per share data)
    (unaudited)
     
        Quarter Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Non-GAAP Gross Profit:                
    Gross profit   $ 128,046     $ 118,118     $ 491,371     $ 443,203  
    Amortization of acquired developed technology     3,243       3,419       13,370       12,438  
    Stock-based compensation     3,561       3,121       13,347       12,440  
    Transaction-related costs     25       132       151       478  
    Total non-GAAP gross profit   $ 134,875     $ 124,790     $ 518,239     $ 468,559  
    Gross margin     75.6 %     75.8 %     75.2 %     75.1 %
    Non-GAAP gross margin     79.6 %     80.1 %     79.3 %     79.4 %
                     
    Non-GAAP Operating Income:                
    Operating income   $ 6,217     $ 12,815     $ 18,536     $ 14,348  
    Amortization of intangible assets     4,305       5,249       19,886       20,608  
    Stock-based compensation     20,138       18,101       86,097       80,068  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     —       —       —       (33,549 )
    Transaction-related costs     —       1,246       568       5,078  
    Restructuring costs     (8 )     1,151       1,720       10,964  
    Total non-GAAP operating income   $ 30,652     $ 38,562     $ 126,807     $ 97,517  
    GAAP operating margin     3.7 %     8.2 %     2.8 %     2.4 %
    Non-GAAP operating margin     18.1 %     24.8 %     19.4 %     16.5 %
                     
    Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to BlackLine, Inc.:                
    Net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc.   $ 56,417     $ 22,069     $ 161,174     $ 52,833  
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes     (53,351 )     526       (50,948 )     (1,196 )
    Amortization of intangible assets     4,305       5,249       19,886       20,608  
    Stock-based compensation     20,044       17,981       85,654       79,588  
    Amortization of debt issuance costs     849       1,398       4,486       5,535  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     —       —       —       (33,549 )
    Transaction-related costs     —       1,246       568       5,078  
    Restructuring costs     (8 )     1,151       1,720       10,964  
    Adjustment to redeemable non-controlling interest     6,380       1,890       4,639       5,334  
    Gain on extinguishment of convertible senior notes     —       —       (65,112 )     —  
    Total non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc.   $ 34,636     $ 51,510     $ 162,067     $ 145,195  
                     
    Basic Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to BlackLine, Inc. per share                
    Basic non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc. per share   $ 0.55     $ 0.84     $ 2.61     $ 2.39  
    Shares used to calculate basic non-GAAP net income per share     62,640       61,391       62,129       60,849  
                     
    Diluted Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to BlackLine, Inc. per share                
    Numerator:                
    Non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc.   $ 34,636     $ 51,510     $ 162,067     $ 145,195  
    Interest expense, net of taxes     1,539       77       3,909       306  
    Non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc. for diluted calculation   $ 36,175     $ 51,587     $ 165,976     $ 145,501  
    Denominator:                
    Shares used to calculate diluted non-GAAP net income per share     77,324       74,603       76,124       74,382  
    Diluted non-GAAP net income attributable to BlackLine, Inc. per share   $ 0.47     $ 0.69     $ 2.18     $ 1.96  
                     
    Non-GAAP Sales and Marketing Expense:                
    Sales and marketing expense   $ 64,769     $ 56,898     $ 248,347     $ 243,154  
    Amortization of intangible assets     (983 )     (1,751 )     (6,201 )     (6,791 )
    Stock-based compensation     (6,260 )     (5,364 )     (25,428 )     (24,152 )
    Transaction-related costs     (136 )     (110 )     (320 )     (397 )
    Total non-GAAP sales and marketing expense   $ 57,390     $ 49,673     $ 216,398     $ 211,814  
                     
    Non-GAAP Research and Development Expense:                
    Research and development expense   $ 24,588     $ 22,578     $ 100,973     $ 103,207  
    Stock-based compensation     (3,390 )     (1,813 )     (13,345 )     (13,095 )
    Transaction-related costs     170       (833 )     (46 )     (2,857 )
    Total non-GAAP research and development expense   $ 21,368     $ 19,932     $ 87,582     $ 87,255  
                     
    Non-GAAP General and Administrative Expense:                
    General and administrative expense   $ 32,480     $ 24,676     $ 121,795     $ 71,530  
    Amortization of intangible assets     (79 )     (79 )     (315 )     (1,379 )
    Stock-based compensation     (6,927 )     (7,803 )     (33,977 )     (30,381 )
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     —       —       —       33,549  
    Transaction-related costs     (9 )     (171 )     (51 )     (1,346 )
    Total non-GAAP general and administrative expense   $ 25,465     $ 16,623     $ 87,452     $ 71,973  
                     
    Total Non-GAAP Operating Expenses   $ 104,223     $ 86,228     $ 391,432     $ 371,042  
                     
    Free Cash Flow                
    Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 43,794     $ 42,169     $ 190,836     $ 126,613  
    Capitalized software development costs     (6,513 )     (4,807 )     (24,714 )     (21,644 )
    Purchases of property and equipment     (756 )     (2,026 )     (2,126 )     (5,953 )
    Free cash flow   $ 36,525     $ 35,336     $ 163,996     $ 99,016  
                     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property solution for Wellington Girls’ College

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is providing Wellington Girls’ College certainty by confirming funding for the school’s long-term property solution.
    “Cabinet has approved funding for the next stage of the school’s redevelopment. It will deliver safe, warm and dry learning environments that will ensure Wellington Girls’ College continues to deliver a world-leading education for generations to come,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
    The next stage will deliver:

    A new two-storey building to deliver replacement classrooms and administration/resource space.
    A new replacement school hall.
    Earthquake strengthening works on Brook Block.
    Relocation of some of the modular classrooms on the school field and two-storey modulars to their permanent location to deliver new classrooms as part of this next stage of the project.
    Reinstatement of the school field.
    Removal of the end-of-life prefabricated classrooms that will no longer be required.

    This stage is on top of the investment to deliver one and two-storey modular classrooms, strengthening works on the Pipitea Block, and delivering covered courts. The new two-storey building and relocated modulars will deliver around 20 classrooms for the school. The total investment across both previous and future works is around $100 million.
    “This Government is developing a more efficient and sustainable solution for how we deliver school property. It is our expectation the Ministry of Education prioritises repeatable and modular buildings and is transparent when communicating with schools throughout the planning process.
    “The new two-storey modular classrooms delivered ahead of Term 1 are a great example of what we can do when we focus on speed, innovation, and working collaboratively with the market, and I expect to see more of this approach across the country.”
    Work is expected to begin on the new two-storey building and hall in 2026. Work on Pipitea Block is already underway and is expected to be completed mid-2025. Strengthening of Brook Block and other redevelopment works are planned to begin onsite by the end of 2025.
    “Improving education infrastructure is an important part of laying the foundation for New Zealanders to succeed. This Government is committed to delivering just that,” Ms Stanford says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Takahē released to grow wild population

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  12 February 2025

    After travelling from Burwood Takahē Centre near Te Anau and Orokonui Ecosanctuary Dunedin, takahē rangers paused briefly at Glenorchy Primary School for children to wave the birds on to the release site.

    Mana whenua Ngāi Tahu welcomed takahē with a mihi whakatau before they were released.

    The decision to release takahē into the Rees Valley was made after takahē released into Greenstone Valley in 2023 showed early signs of successfully adjusting to their new environment – raising offspring and remaining in a healthy condition.

    Thought to be extinct for 50 years, takahē are a taonga of Ngāi Tahu, unique to New Zealand and the largest flightless species of rail bird in the world. They were famously rediscovered in the Murchison Mountains in 1948.

    DOC’s Takahē Recovery Senior Ranger Glen Greaves says existing wild sites in the Murchison Mountains and the Greenstone Valley are reaching capacity, so the focus is now on establishing more wild populations elsewhere.

    “Finding wild sites with the right habitat, and with predator numbers low enough for takahē to thrive is a challenge – but the Greenstone, Rees, and wider Whakatipu areas likely provide high-quality habitat for takahē.”

    Glen says predator control has been a significant factor in ensuring the translocation can go ahead. However, like other large wild sites, predator threats and dispersal into less-protected areas remain.

    “Setting up new wild populations takes perseverance, and success is not guaranteed,” says Glen.

    “We hope people walking the Rees-Dart track and Routeburn tracks will soon have a good chance of seeing takahē thriving in their natural wild habitat.”

    Ngāi Tahu representative on the Takahē Recovery Group, Gail Thompson says the release of takahē into the Rees Valley is a welcome next step towards the goal of increasing the number of takahē roaming free in the wild.

    “It is my hope the manu will thrive in this valley as they have so far in the Greenstone Valley and that current and future generations will have the opportunity to see takahē in their natural environment.

    “Our tīpuna inhabited the valley to the west of Puahiri/Puahere awa/Rees River and this whenua was part of a well-known network of ara tawhito/trails to pounamu sources. It is heartening that these takahē can now make this place their home,” says Gail.

    Today the total takahē population is more than 500 and growing at about five percent a year. More than half the birds now live at wild sites.

    Kaiwhakahaere/co-chair of Southern Lakes Sanctuary, Greg Lind, says their organisation’s work has been to prepare the Rees Valley for takahē to hopefully thrive upon their return to this special area.

    “We have been servicing a network of more than 500 traps in suitable takahē habitats and have been focused on intensive feral cat control,” says Greg.

    “This takahē release is a great example of the power of collaboration, with each party making vital contributions to make this a reality. This includes everyone from donors, iwi, landowners, community groups and DOC.”

    A further two takahē releases into the Rees Valley are planned for later this year, with the aim of establishing a population of up to 80 takahē in the Rees Valley in 2025.

    DOC’s Takahē Recovery Programme, supported by National Partner Fulton Hogan and New Zealand Nature Fund, together with Ngāi Tahu and Southern Lakes Sanctuary have been working together to create one large self-sustaining population of takahē in the Upper Whakatipu – with the shared goal of restoring takahē to whenua they likely inhabited centuries ago. 

    Acknowledgments

    Ngāi Tahu

    Takahē have special cultural, spiritual, and traditional significance to Ngāi Tahu. Ngāi Tahu value takahē as a taonga (treasure) and continue to act as kaitiaki (guardians) of takahē by working with DOC to protect this precious species.

    Seven of the 18 Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga have a shared interest in and around Whakatipu Waimāori, Tāhuna and the inland Ōtākou region. Those seven rūnanga are: Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Hokonui Rūnanga, Oraka Aparima Rūnaka, Te Rūnaka o Awarua and Waihōpai Rūnaka. The release had their full support.

    DOC and the Takahē Recovery Programme

    Fulton Hogan joined with DOC as a national partner to the Takahē Recovery Programme in July 2016. The New Zealand Nature Fund has a long-standing association with the programme and joined the DOC and Fulton Hogan partnership in July 2016, providing administration and advocacy support. DOC and the Takahē Recovery Programme are also supported by Air New Zealand, and 18 sanctuary sites throughout the country that provide safe breeding places for takahē to grow their numbers to feed into wild sites.

    Southern Lakes Sanctuary

    The Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust is a consortium of six local groups that collectively represent 84 community groups, landowners, and businesses, who in turn have been working for many years to protect and restore the declining biodiversity of the Southern Lakes region. The consortium relies on the mahi of hundreds of committed and dedicated volunteers, throughout the district. Their tireless work, which has been quietly ploughing on for many years, is the foundation upon which the Southern Lakes Sanctuary is built. The group’s extensive predator trapping work in the Rees Valley has been supported by RealNZ, Impact100, Lotteries, Stout Trust, Patagonia, QLDC, CLT, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand and Heli Glenorchy.

    Takahē thrive in new wild home on Ngāi Tahu whenua in Ōtākou/Otago: Media release 15 August 2024

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Finance – ASB drops mortgage rates further

    Source: ASB

    ASB has today announced decreases on some of its most popular mortgage terms, with market-leading rates across the major banks on 6-month, 1-year and 18-month terms from today. The 6-month term drops 10 basis points to 5.89%, the 1-year rate drops to 5.49% while the 18-month term falls 15 basis points to 5.19%.

    ASB’s Executive General Manager Adam Boyd says today’s rate changes will be welcome news for home loan customers and those looking to refix or buy.

    “We’ve lowered rates across several terms three times in the past month, giving our customers and prospective buyers a range of options – whether they’re after short-term relief or longer-term certainty. We already know how popular the short-term rates are, and we’ve seen growing interest in the 18-month term this year. Competition is fierce when it comes to interest rates, and we’re pleased to be offering lower mortgage rates for New Zealanders”, says Boyd.

    In line with falling wholesale rates, ASB has also reduced some of its term deposit rates.  “We know that an easing interest rate environment can mean different things for homeowners and for savers. We’ve got a range of options available to support our customers and we encourage them to reach out to us for tailored guidance and advice.”

    All rate adjustments are effective immediately for new and current customers.

     

      Fixed home lending term

    Previous rate

    New rate

    Rate decrease

    6-month

    5.99%

    5.89%

    – 10 bps

    1-year

    5.54%

    5.49%

    – 5 bps

    18-month

    5.34%

    5.19%

    – 15 bps

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tenants’ privacy rights in the spotlight

    Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner

    The hunt to land a flat over summer shouldn’t come at the expense of people’s privacy rights, warns Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster.
    “There’s often a lot of pressure on people, especially students, to find a flat quickly, which risks privacy shortcuts being taken and that can put both tenants and landlords at risk.
    Tenants should be aware they have privacy rights when applying for a flat and that landlords have obligations under the Privacy Act, Mr Webster says.
    “Tenants are often desperate to find a flat, so they might disclose a whole lot of personal information that isn’t legally required. Essentially, they’re giving others power over their own details and that isn’t a great strategy.”
    The desire to get a tenant quickly could also lead some landlords to take privacy shortcuts, which puts people at risk.
    “The majority of landlords care about their tenants’ privacy, but there can be a lot of factors to weigh up when considering applications and it can be tempting to over collect personal information and to get details that aren’t legally allowed. It can also mean they can end up with a large amount of information with no way to manage or store it safely.
    “Landlords need to know what information they can legally collect, and when. They also need to make sure personal information collected during the rental application process is kept secure and is not disclosed without authorisation.”
    “Personal information has value and is protected under the Privacy Act at all stages of the rental process. It’s important shortcuts aren’t taken to fill a flat and that only the necessary personal information is supplied and only when its needed.”
    Personal characteristics, including relationship status, age, gender identity and employment status are protected under the Human Rights Act. Things like spending habits, experience of family violence, employment history and social media URLS are protected under other Acts.
    To help educate landlords and tenants OPC had updated its guidance for the rental sector to help make sure that privacy is respected throughout the application process.
    Information for both landlords and tenants is available at privacy.org.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy Sector – Energy Competition Task Force identifies new ways to empower electricity consumers

    Source: Electricity Authority

    The Energy Competition Task Force (the Task Force) has identified new ways to give consumers more control over their energy costs and to harness the power of rooftop solar and batteries. The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority) is now seeking feedback on three proposed changes to regulation to promote competition, reliable power supply, and efficient operation of the electricity market for the long-term benefit of all New Zealanders.
    Two of the three proposed changes are about rewarding consumers for supplying electricity to the network at peak times, typically through their own solar and battery systems. The other would make ‘time-of-use’ power plans (plans that reward off-peak electricity use) available to most New Zealanders.
    Electricity Authority Chair and Task Force member Anna Kominik says there are real benefits if consumers are empowered to more actively participate in the electricity market, including increased energy resilience and reduced power costs over time.
    “New Zealand’s electricity market currently relies on a few big generators to supply electricity at select locations and transmit it to households and businesses across the country. But as uptake of solar and battery systems continues to increase, more consumers will be able to contribute to our electricity system. And as smart electronics and vehicles become more ubiquitous, consumers will also be able to more actively manage their own energy use and costs.
    “We’re proposing three changes to help support this consumer empowerment and decentralisation of our energy system. Over time, this will increase community resilience and lower power costs for everyone,” she said.
    The proposals would require:
    • Consumer-supply rebates from distributors: lines companies to provide a rebate when consumers supply energy into congested parts of the network (Task Force Initiative 2A)
    • Time-varying retail pricing for consumption: large electricity retailers to offer at least one time-of-use pricing plan to all their customers (Task Force Initiative 2B)
    • Time-varying retail pricing for supply: large electricity retailers to offer at least one time-varying rate for when they buy electricity from consumers (Task Force Initiative 2C).
    Making ‘time-of-use’ power plans more widely available for Kiwis
    Commerce Commission Chair and Task Force member, Dr John Small, said the Initiative 2B proposal would significantly increase availability of ‘time-of-use’ pricing plans. These plans reward consumers for using power during off-peak hours, meaning they can take advantage of cheaper off-peak power, instead of paying a single flat rate.
    “While time-of-use pricing plans aren’t new, many consumers don’t have access to one through their current retailer. As these plans provide a simple, effective tool for consumers to manage their energy use and costs, we’d like to see all major retailers offer them, so more consumers have this choice.”
    Dr Small said the plans have the additional benefit of reducing overall electricity costs for consumers across the country.
    “People on these plans are incentivised to shift their use away from peak periods when electricity is most expensive. The more consumers shift their use at these times – for example by running EV chargers later at night when electricity demand is generally lower – the less high-cost electricity needs to be generated, and this lowers costs for everyone,” he said.
    Rewarding consumers for supplying electricity to the network at peak times
    Kominik explains that the initiative 2A and 2C proposals would reward consumers who can supply electricity when demand on the network is peaking, typically through their own solar and battery systems.
    “We’d like to see people fairly rewarded for supplying power when it’s needed, and incentivise efficient uptake of flexible, small-scale electricity generation systems such as rooftop solar and batteries. Energy from rooftop solar supplied at peak times can ease pressure on the electricity network, reducing demand and keeping the lines costs we all pay for through our power bills to a minimum.
    “By incentivising households and businesses to invest in their own generation, we can help meet New Zealand’s electricity needs when demand is high and improve community resilience,” she said.
    The Task Force invites feedback on these proposals through the eight-week consultation period, which closes at 5pm on Wednesday 9th April, with two further weeks for cross-submissions.
    As part of this consultation package, the Electricity Authority is releasing an issues paper that explores whether the existing pricing rules for distributed generation are fit for purpose. The issues and potential solutions explored in this paper support the proposals in the Task Force initiative 2A consultation paper. Visit this Authority webpage for more information on the issues paper.
    The Energy Competition Task Force was established by the Commerce Commission Te Komihana Tauhokohoko and Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko in August 2024 to investigate ways to improve the performance of the electricity market.
    The Task Force is considering eight initiatives that will encourage more and faster investment in new electricity generation, boost competition, enable homes, businesses and industrials to better manage their own electricity use and costs, and put downward pressure on prices.
    The attached diagram illustrates the various charges between distributors, retailers and consumers and where proposals for initiatives 2A and 2C would be incorporated. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – Climate and public health the winners as big waste incineration proposal fails – Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace welcomes news that a land-use agreement in Glenavy has lapsed and will not be renewed, which means a proposed $350 million waste to energy incinerator cannot be built there by the company SRRL.
    It would have been the first polluting waste to energy incinerator built of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand.
    “This is great news for the climate and for the health of the local community, which has strongly opposed the building of a waste to energy incinerator in Glenavy in the Waimate district. Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy future is in renewable clean energy such as wind and solar, not burning waste with fossil fuels,” says Greenpeace spokesperson Juressa Lee.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa has opposed the proposal since it became public in September 2021 and subsequently wrote to the Minister for the Environment to call-in the proposal under the RMA. With a change of government in 2023, the Luxon government decided to include the proposal in its list of projects that could apply for consent under its new Fast-track Approvals legislation, under which community concerns, public health and environmental considerations would be set aside in favour of the company’s own questionable claims for economic benefits.
    The local community in the Waimate district, including local iwi, Te Rūnanga o Waihao, Why Waste Waimate, Waimate Doctors and national environmental groups, including Zero Waste Network Aotearoa, 350 Aotearoa and others, have all campaigned to stop the proposed waste incinerator. Greenpeace pays tribute to all of them and shares in their delight at the news.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TRAI releases report on Independent Drive Tests (IDT) conducted in five citiesviz. Mysuru City (Karnataka LSA), Dharamshala City (Himachal Pradesh LSA), Chennai City (Tamil Nadu LSA), Chandigarh City (Punjab LSA) and Kolkata City (Kolkata LSA) during Nov- 2024.

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 6:15PM by PIB Delhi

    TRAI, through its empanelled agency, conducted Independent Drive Tests (IDT)in five cities viz. Mysuru City (Karnataka LSA),Dharamshala City (Himachal Pradesh LSA), Chennai City (Tamil Nadu LSA), Chandigarh City (Punjab LSA) and Kolkata City (Kolkata LSA). Drive tests were conducted to assess the quality of service provided by Cellular Mobile Telephone Service providers for voice and data services in November-2024.

    In IDT, the performance of M/s Bharti Airtel Ltd., M/s BSNL/MTNL, M/s Reliance JioInfocomm Ltd. and M/s Vodafone Idea Ltd., providing services in a Licensed Service Area (LSA) through various technologies (like 2G/ 3G/ 4G/ 5G) for voice and data, has been measured by conducting drive test. The observations presented in drive test reports represent the performance of the service providers on the area/ route under test on the day/ time of conducting the drive test.

    The following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Voice as well as Data service were assessed for the networks of allTelecom service providers operating in the region.

    1. Voice services:
    1. Call setup success rate
    2. Drop call rate (DCR)
    3. Speech Quality using MOS (mean opinion score)
    4. Downlink &Uplink packet (voice) drop rate
    5. Call Silence Rate
    6. Coverage (%)- Signal strength
    1. Data Service:
    1. Data Throughput (Downlink and uplink both)
    2. Packet drop rate (Downlink & Uplink)
    3. Video streaming delay
    4. Latency
    5. Jitter

    The details of drive tests conducted in the four cities are given below:-

    S.No.

    City/Routes Covered

    Licensed Service Area

    Period of Drive Test

    Distance Covered

    Performancesummary

    (attached at)

    1

    		 Mysuru City & Mysuru toMalavalli Highway Karnataka 19th Nov. 2024 to 22nd Nov. 2024 City :263.5 Kms

    Walk Test: 10 Kms

    Highway :215 Kms

    		 Annexure A

    2

    		 Dharamshala City Himachal Pradesh 19th Nov. 2024 to 20thNov. 2024 City :148 Kms Annexure B

    3

    		 Chennai City Tamil Nadu 19th Nov. 2024 to 22nd Nov. 2024 City :352.5 Kms Annexure C

    4

    		 Chandigarh City Punjab 10th Nov. 2024 to 15thNov. 2024 City :599.5 Kms

    Walk Test: 2.6 Kms

    		 Annexure D

    5

    		 Kolkata City Kolkata 5thNov. 2024 to 9thNov. 2024 City :264 Kms

    Walk Test: 1.34 Kms

    		 Annexure E

    The detailed reports are available at TRAI website www.trai.gov.in. For anyclarification/information, Shri Tejpal Singh, Advisor (QoS-I) TRAI may be contacted on email: adv-qos1@trai.gov.inor at Tel. No. +91-11-20907759.

    Click here to download PDF

    ******

    Samrat/Dheeraj@: pibcomm[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2101898) Visitor Counter : 67

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minecraft: a gamechanger for children’s learning

    Source: University of South Australia

    12 February 2025

    Minecraft has more than 141 million active players.

    It’s the globally popular video game that’s captured the attention of more than 141 million active players, but Minecraft can also play a significant role in shaping children’s development, social interactions, and cognitive learning, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

    Published in the new book Children’s online learning and interaction, the study found that when children engage in collaborative Minecraft play, they foster teamwork, communication, and social skills as players exchange ideas and problem-solve in real-time.

    As Minecraft Education Edition becomes more prevalent in school curricula worldwide, understanding how children interact within these digital spaces is critical for parents and educators.

    Author and UniSA researcher Dr Vincenza (Enza) Tudini, says Minecraft can be a powerful tool for learning, creativity and social development.

    “From what we see of children’s interactions on Minecraft, it’s far more than just a digital pastime; it’s a virtual playground where children can develop problem-solving skills, collaboration, and language abilities,” Dr Tudini says.

    “We also know that Minecraft is a pro-social game with players demonstrating greetings and positive play evaluations as they interact with each other. As they play or watch videos, they’re growing their language skills, and increasing their digital literacy.

    “Team and problem-solving skills are also prominent in Minecraft. Unlike traditional video games that tend to focus on competition and scoring points, Minecraft is an open-ended experience that encourages children to build, explore, and interact, with players often working together to achieve common goals.

    “We also see many instances where knowledgeable players are actively guiding less experienced players through challenges. Such scaffolded-learning supports creative thinking, motivation and growth, and because it’s peer-delivered, it builds team-skills and confidence.”

    Despite Minecraft offering rich learning opportunities, it also comes with challenges – especially in open online environments.

    “All online spaces have safety risks. While Minecraft promotes positive social interactions, public servers can expose children to online risks such as bullying or interactions with unknown players,” Dr Tudini says.

    “Ensuring children’s safety and maximising the game’s educational potential requires active involvement from both parents and educators. We need to teach children about safe gaming practices, encourage play with known friends, and monitor content to ensure a safe gaming experience.

    “By adopting safe gaming practices and integrating Minecraft into learning environments, we can help children harness its benefits while navigating the digital world responsibly.”

    Recommendations for Parents

    • Encourage collaborative play with known friends or siblings to enhance social skills and teamwork.
    • Opt for family-friendly or private servers to reduce risks associated with public multiplayer gameplay.
    • Monitor YouTube and online content to ensure channels are appropriate.
    • Teach online safety, set boundaries about sharing personal information, and encourage respectful online communication.
    • Ensure a healthy balance between screen time with other offline activities

    Recommendations for Schools:

    • Minecraft Education Edition offers structured lessons like coding, mathematics, and environmental science. Teachers can use the game to engage students in creative learning.
    • Promote digital citizenship by teaching online etiquette, cyber safety, and responsible gaming.
    • Encourage constructive collaboration that require teamwork and problem-solving.

    ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contact for interview:  Dr Vincenza (Enza) Tudini E: Enza.Tudini@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister meets President of the Republic of Estonia

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 6:19PM by PIB Delhi

    ​Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with H.E. Mr. Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris. This was the first meeting between the two leaders.

    Prime Minister and President Karis underlined that warm and friendly relations between India and Estonia are based on their shared commitment to democracy, rule of law and the values of freedom and pluralism. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade and investment, IT and digital, culture, tourism and people-to-people ties. They discussed the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the field of cyber security. Prime Minister invited the Estonian government and companies to explore the opportunities offered by the India growth story and take advantage of programmes such as Digital India.

    The two leaders noted the importance of the India-Estonia partnership also in the context of the India-EU strategic partnership. They welcomed the initiation of ministerial exchanges in the India-Nordic-Baltic format. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, and cooperation at the United Nations.

    The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Estonia. In this regard, PM appreciated the popularity of Yoga in Estonia.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2101892) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MALDIVES REQUESTS INDIA’S SUPPORT FOR DIGITIZATION OF PARLIAMENTARY RESOURCES, LOK SABHA SPEAKER ASSURES EVERY POSSIBLE HELP TO MALDIVES LEGISLATURE

    Source: Government of India (2)

    MALDIVES REQUESTS INDIA’S SUPPORT FOR DIGITIZATION OF PARLIAMENTARY RESOURCES, LOK SABHA SPEAKER ASSURES EVERY POSSIBLE HELP TO MALDIVES LEGISLATURE

    MALDIVES SPEAKER APPRECITES USE OF TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WITH AI AND MULTILINGUAL INTERPRETATION SERVICES IN PARLIAMENT OF INDIA

    MALDIVES IS AN IMPORTANT PILLAR OF OUR ‘NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST’ POLICY AND VISION OF ‘SAGAR’: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    PEOPLE TO PEOPLE RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND MALDIVES ARE BEDROCK OF BILATERAL TIES: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION FROM MALDIVES CALLS ON LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 6:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today reaffirmed India’s deep-rooted ties with the Maldives, describing the island nation as not just a friendly neighbor but also a key pillar of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and vision ‘SAGAR’. Shri Birla made these remarks during bilateral talks with the visiting Maldivian delegation, led by H.E. Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis of Maldives, at Parliament House.

    During the discussions, Shri Birla highlighted the advances made by Parliament of India in its digital transformation with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance legislative efficiency. He informed the delegation that the Parliament of India now provides simultaneous interpretation services in 15 regional languages, which will soon be expanded to 22 languages.

    Speaker of the People’s Majlis of Maldives appreciated the usage of technology, digitalization work and use of AI by Parliament of India and requested Shri Birla to extend technological support to help Maldives Majlis to digitise its parliamentary resources. Shri Birla assured him that every possible help would be extended from Parliament of India to People’s Majlis of Maldives in this regard.

    Extending a warm welcome, Shri Birla emphasized the historical and cultural ties between the two nations, highlighting the renewed momentum in their relations following President Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to India last year. He hoped that the visit of the Maldivian Parliamentary delegation would further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

    Discussing capacity-building initiatives, the Speaker underscored the role of PRIDE (Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies) in providing training on parliamentary procedures. He expressed confidence that the Maldivian Parliament and Secretariat would benefit from PRIDE’s expertise. Shri Birla hoped that this visit would open new avenues for collaboration between the legislative institutions of India and the Maldives.

    The Lok Sabha Speaker informed the delegation that India is currently celebrating 75 years of its Constitution, which serves as the foundation of the country’s vibrant parliamentary democracy and source of inspiration in the nation’s journey. Elaborating on India’s Parliamentary Committee System, Shri Birla described committees as “Mini-Parliaments”, where key budgetary and policy matters undergo in-depth scrutiny. He underscored that these committees function in a non-partisan manner, enabling detailed deliberations that are often constrained in the larger House due to time limitations. He informed the Delegation that various committees are currently examining the budget tabled in Parliament, ensuring robust financial oversight.

    H.E. Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla thanked Shri Birla for the warm welcome and commended the Indian Parliament’s digital advancements, particularly its use of AI. He also visited the Parliament Library and appreciated the facilities there and hoped that the similar facilities would be made available in the Parliament Library of the Maldives.

    The meeting was also attended by Members of Parliament – Shri N.K. Premachandran, Shri Ashish Dubey, Shri Francis George, Shri Alok Kumar Suman, Shri Shafi Perambil  and Shri Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary General, Lok Sabha, among others.

    Earlier, the Parliamentary Delegation led by H.E. Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis of Maldives watched the proceedings of Lok Sabha. Shri Birla welcomed the Delegation in the House.

    ***

    AM

    (Release ID: 2101891) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA INAUGURATES INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATION IN UNANI MEDICINE FOR INTEGRATIVE HEALTH SOLUTIONS – A WAY FORWARD

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 6:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated an International conference on innovation in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions – A Way Forward in New Delhi today (February 11, 2025) on Unani Day.

    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it is an occasion to remember Hakim Ajmal Khan, in whose honour, this day has been celebrated as Unani Day since 2016. She stated that Hakim Ajmal Khan spread the Unani system of medicine in India. He presented many examples of innovation. Due to his efforts, the Unani system of medicine was widely adopted in India.

    The President said that today, India is leading the world in terms of education, research, healthcare, and the production of medicines in the Unani system. She was happy to note that researchers and practitioners associated with the Unani system are adopting useful aspects of modern methods and technology. She expressed confidence that this conference will discuss contemporary topics like Evidence-based Recent Research Trends in Unani Medicine and Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning for Ayush/Traditional Medicine: Prospects and Challenges.

     The President said our country has adopted a holistic approach towards health. Efforts are being made to empower various medical systems by giving them due respect. According to the National Health Policy 2017, special emphasis is being laid on bringing AYUSH medical systems, including Unani, into the mainstream. She noted that under the guidance of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, studies and research are going on in many Unani medical educational institutions. MD and PhD programs have also been started in Unani Medical Colleges. She expressed confidence that the new generations in Unani medical science will strengthen the ancient heritage of knowledge and experience.

    Please click here to see the President’s Speech – 

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2101889) Visitor Counter : 90

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Funds Allocation to Department of Agricultural Research and Education

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

    The details of funds allocated for the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) during the financial years 2014-2023 including BE, RE and Actual Spending are as below:

    (Rs. in crore)

    Year

    Budget Estimates (BE)

    Revised Estimates (RE)

    Actual Expenditure

    2014-15

    6144.39

    4884.00

    4840.03

    2015-16

    6320.00

    5586.00

    5572.90

    2016-17

    6620.00

    6238.00

    5995.21

    2017-18

    6800.00

    6992.00

    6989.92

    2018-19

    7800.00

    7952.73

    7943.59

    2019-20

    8078.76

    7846.17

    7844.98

    2020-21

    8362.58

    7762.38

    7685.52

    2021-22

    8513.62

    8513.62

    8439.94

    2022-23

    8513.62

    8658.89

    8578.17

    2023-24

    9504.00

    9876.60

    9804.39

     

    There has been a progressive increase in the budget outlay in successive years. However, there was a minor reduction in RE during 2019-20 & 2020-21 due to pandemic COVID-19.

    During the past decade, the Department has strived to deliver through optimum utilization of available resources and making maximum use of the marginal increase through prioritization of research activities. It has been able to meet the challenges towards carrying out its Research & Development and operational activities in the area of Agriculture and allied sectors and achieving its desired outcome by realigning its processes.

    Further, DARE being a scientific department works in collaboration with the mainline ministries viz Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Science & Technology etc. on number of research projects as Research Partner to achieve its desired goals and outcome in a collaborative manner.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1333

    (Release ID: 2101884) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri invites investors to go long on investment in India; Assures them of stable policy environment in India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Raksha Mantri invites investors to go long on investment in India; Assures them of stable policy environment in India

    Consensus at all levels of Government on leading role of the private sector: Shri Rajnath Singh at Global Investors’ Meet in Bengaluru

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:55PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has asked global investors to go long in their Indian investment plans. Speaking at the inaugural function of the Global Investors’ Meet organised by the Government of Karnataka in Bengaluru today, Raksha Mantri said that investors will benefit from India’s formidable strengths like political stability, huge marketing potential it offers and an ecosystem based on rule of law, free from uncertainty and disorder. He noted that India’s immense investment potential has witnessed sustained success, lasting impact and enduring growth. 

    Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that India’s constitutional values are deeply rooted in its rich history of acceptance of different ideas and are illustrated in the close coordination between Union and state governments. He said the Government has actively worked to address the challenges, including red tapism, that investors previously faced. He added that the cumbersome process of obtaining multiple clearances has been replaced by a single-window system, ensuring a faster and hassle-free experience by the investors. 

    Assuring of a strong market demand for the investors to tap into India’s potential, Raksha Mantri said India is already one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. He emphasised that several recent economic decisions are expected to further strengthen the demand environment. He added that, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government has introduced a massive income tax cut, in this year’s budget announcement. This significant tax relief will substantially increase the disposable income of the public, leading to stronger business growth for the investor firms, he mentioned. 

    Shri Rajnath Singh recalled his interaction with entrepreneurs who expressed concern that they might invest in a promising sector today, only to face unexpected policy changes later, which could disrupt their plans and profits. Assuaging such doubts, he said that across all levels of governance in India there is a broad consensus that sustainable economic development must be driven by a market-led economy, with a leading role of the private sector. He further elaborated that this shared commitment provides a stable and predictable policy environment, ensuring that businesses can invest, with confidence of policy continuity. “Today, investors do not face red tapism in India. Instead, we roll out the red carpet for them. This kind of cross-political party consensus on promoting investment plays a crucial role in reducing uncertainty for our investors,” he added.  

    Calling for investment in Karnataka, Raksha Mantri asserted that in the era of Cooperative Federalism, central and state governments are working closely together to shape the country’s economy. Citing Bengaluru as a pioneering hub for various industries like IT and software, he said that the city is now a rising centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) too. Asserting that this is the moment and the perfect time to invest in India, Raksha Mantri noted the unprecedented opportunities before investors. 

    Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the contributions of the investors who have been instrumental in shaping the nation’s economic progress. He added that a lot more needs to be done, towards the national objective of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047, and expressed confidence that, together, the goal will be achieved. 

    Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri Siddaramaiah, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri DK Shivakumar, Ministers of the state government and industry representatives were also present at the event.

     ***

    VK/SPS/MJS

    (Release ID: 2101880) Visitor Counter : 64

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Empowerment of Women

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) accords priority for gender empowerment through its policies and programmes. The Gender Programme is integrated within Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana -National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) interventions. DAY-NRLM recognizes addressing gender inequality as a pre-requisite to social and economic empowerment. The Programme builds capacity of State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) to integrate Gender in its operations and create an architecture of support at the community level for women’s collectives to identify and take action on gender discriminatory practices. Series of training and perspective-building inputs are made available on these platforms and are provided to Social Action Committees (SAC) under Village organization (VO), and cluster level federation (CLF) by the trained pool of Gender Cadres. These bodies primarily function on the premise of uplifting women’s condition and position in society by identifying, acknowledging, and addressing issues of discrimination. The program also conducts several large-scale advocacy outreach through the National Gender Campaign (Nayi Chetna). DAY NRLM is empowering women SHGs to access credit from Banks from Banks. Credit accessed by women Self Help Groups during the last five years is as under:

    1. 2019-20 Rs. 70,977 crores
    2. 2020-21 Rs. 84,717 crores
    3. 2021-22 Rs. 1,20,477 crores
    4. 2022-23 Rs. 1,57,370 crores
    5. 2023-24 Rs. 2,07,820 crores

    Further, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, being implemented by MoRD requires that priority shall be given to women in such a way that at least one-third of the beneficiaries shall be women who have registered and requested for work. Mahatma Gandhi NREGS is a gender-neutral scheme that promotes participation of women by providing wage parity with men, provision of separate schedule of rates of wages for women, facilities for crèche, work-side sheds for children and child care services. In convergence with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), women mates have also been introduced, which again facilitates the participation of women. The rate of participation of women (percentage of women person-days out of a total in percentage) under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS from 2019-20 to 2023-24 is given below: –

    Financial Year

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    Women participation rate (%)

    54.78

    53.19

    54.82

    57.47

    58.9

    (As per NREGASoft)

    MoRD is implementing a women-specific Scheme i.e. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). The central pension under the IGNWPS is Rs. 300/- per month per beneficiary. State Governments have been advised to contribute at least an equal amount from their resources. The applicant must be a widow in the age group of 40-79 years. The applicant should belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household according to the criteria prescribed by the Central Government. On reaching the age of 80 years, the beneficiaries get enhanced assistance of Rs.500/- per month. At present widow beneficiaries are getting pension between Rs. 300/- to Rs. 2800/- depending on the State pension amount which varies from State to State. At present, the ceiling under the scheme for all States and UTs is pegged at 67.36 lakh.

    MoRD is also implementing two welfare programmes in skill development for rural poor youth under NRLM as follows: –

    1. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) which is a placement-linked skill development program for rural poor youth in the age group of 15-35 years. It empowers the rural poor youth with employable skills and facilitates their participation in regular labour markets, thus providing them with jobs having regular monthly wages at or above the minimum wages. Under DDU-GKY, coverage of 33% of women is mandatory. The details of the total candidates and women candidates trained and placed for the last 5 years under DDU-GKY is provided below:

     

    FY

    Total

    Women

    Trained

    Placed

    Trained

    Placed

    2019-20

    247177

    150214

    126691

    66440

    2020-21

    38289

    49563

    19685

    22640

    2021-22

    97006

    45612

    58443

    26040

    2022-23

    231491

    158078

    133519

    92065

    2023-24

    199524

    157456

    122250

    94684

    2024-25 till

    Dec., 24

    69086

    53810

    43228

    33646

     

    1. Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI) scheme is applicable to all the categories including women. Any unemployed youth in the age group of 18-45 years, irrespective of Caste, Creed, Religion, Gender and Economic Status, having aptitude to take up self-employment or wage employment and having some basic knowledge in the related field can undergo training under RSETI. The details of the total candidates and women candidates trained and settled for the last 5 years under RSETIs is provided below:

    FY

    Total

    Women

    Trained

    Settled

    Trained

    Settled

    2019-20

    384025

    281645

    274135

    202010

    2020-21

    255141

    185234

    206794

    138538

    2021-22

    314114

    256429

    257107

    212400

    2022-23

    409802

    325880

    331898

    272977

    2023-24

    451419

    350272

    360318

    290392

    2024-25
    (till 31-12-2024)

    471968

    299356

    382796

    249717

     

    The other schemes of MoRD accord priority to genders in general. The guidelines under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin provides that allotment of house shall be made jointly in the name of husband and wife, except in the case of widow/unmarried/separated person. The State may also choose to allot the house solely in the name of woman. Under Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY), the scheme guidelines have enough provisions for giving representation to women during planning and implementation. four members watershed development team (WDT) set up by the project implementation agency for planning and implementation of the watershed projects should have at least 1 women member. Similarly, the 11 members Watershed Committee constituted by the Gram Sabha for executing project development activities at village level should have at least two women representatives. Further the self-help groups constituted under WDC-PMKSY have maximum women members.

    So far as land ownership is concerned, SVAMITVA Scheme of Ministry of Panchayati Raj, which significantly contributes to the economic empowerment of rural women. By providing legally recognized property ownership in village Abadi areas, the scheme ensures that women, including those from marginalized communities, have secured land tenure. Further, as informed by Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Article 243D of the Constitution of India provides for not less than one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), out of total number of seats to be filled by direct election and out of total number of offices of chairpersons of Panchayats. However, 21 States and 2 UTs, have gone even further and have made provisions of 50% reservation for women in PRIs in their respective Panchayati Raj Acts. As per the information available with the Ministry, 21 States namely, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and 2 Union Territories namely “Lakshadweep” and “Dadra & Nagar haveli and Daman & Diu”, have made provision for 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions in their respective State Panchayati Raj Acts. In respect of remaining States and Union Territories, Constitutional provision as prescribed in Article 243D (i.e. not less than one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions) applies.

    Government has been encouraging increased involvement of women in the functioning of Panchayats through active participation in the Gram Sabha meetings for preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans and various schemes being implemented by the Panchayats. This Ministry has also issued advisories to the States to facilitate holding of separate Ward Sabha and Mahila Sabha meetings prior to Gram Sabha meetings, enhancing the presence and participation of women in Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings, allocation of Panchayat funds for women centric activities, combating the evil of women trafficking, female foeticide, child marriage etc.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1164

    (Release ID: 2101873) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Amrit Sarovar Scheme

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:45PM by PIB Delhi

    Mission Amrit Sarovar was launched in April 2022 to construct or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars (ponds) in each district, totaling 50,000 across the country. This initiative has made significant progress in addressing the critical issue of water scarcity. As on January 2025, over 68,000 Sarovars have been completed, enhancing surface and groundwater availability across various regions. These Sarovars have not only addressed immediate water needs but also established sustainable water sources, symbolizing Government’s commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and community well-being.

    Phase II of Mission Amrit Sarovar is envisaged to continue with a renewed focus on ensuring water availability, with community participation (Jan Bhagidaari) at its core, and aims to strengthen climate resilience, foster ecological balance, and deliver lasting benefits for future generations.

    Mission Amrit Sarovar works are being taken up by the States and Districts with convergence from various ongoing schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS), 15th Finance Commission Grants, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichayi Yojna sub-schemes such as the Watershed Development Component, Har Khetko Pani, besides States’ own schemes. Public contributions like crowdfunding and Corporate Social Responsibility are also allowed for the work.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1241

    (Release ID: 2101868) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Funds for Construction of Houses under PMAY-G

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:46PM by PIB Delhi

    The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) aims at providing pucca houses for all persons having kutcha houses up to 2 rooms or less and whose names are included in properly verified Permanent Waiting List (PWL) & Awaas+ list. The beneficiaries have been identified based on the housing deprivation parameters and exclusion criteria prescribed under Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC)- 2011. On application of exclusion criteria, a priority list called the Permanent Wait List (PWL) is prepared for the States/UTs. The PWL is further subjected to verification by Gram Sabhas and completion of an Appellate Process thereafter. This process of exclusion is also applied to beneficiaries registered by the States/UTs in Awaas+.

    The Union Cabinet has approved the implementation of the scheme for 5 more years during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29 to provide assistance for the construction of 2 crore additional rural houses. Approval has also been provided for updating the Awaas+ List for identifying eligible rural households using modified exclusion criteria under the scheme. In line with the approval of the Union Cabinet, a survey is being conducted for the identification of additional eligible rural households under the scheme. The survey is being conducted through Awaas+ 2024 Mobile App which has already been launched on 17.09.2024 with modified exclusion criteria.

    (b) & (c):         Under PMAY-G, the unit assistance of Rs. 1.20 lakh in plain areas and Rs. 1.30 lakh in North Eastern States, Hilly States (including UTs of J&K and Ladakh) is provided. In addition to the unit assistance, the beneficiaries are facilitated with 90/95-man days of unskilled labour wages through mandatory convergence with Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Support of Rs. 12,000 for construction of toilet is also provided through Swacch Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G), MGNREGS or any other dedicated source of funding.

    The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of PMAY-G till March, 2029 as per the existing unit assistance for construction of 2 crore more houses.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1336

    (Release ID: 2101871) Visitor Counter : 37

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Allocation of Houses under PMAY-G

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:44PM by PIB Delhi

    In order to achieve the target of “Housing for All” in rural areas, the Ministry of Rural Development is implementing Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G) with effect from 1st April, 2016 to construct 2.95 crore houses by providing assistance to eligible rural households with basic amenities. The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for “Implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G) during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29” for construction of additional 2 crore rural houses.

    The identification of beneficiaries under PMAY-G is based on the housing deprivation parameters and exclusion criteria prescribed under Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC)-2011 and due verification by the respective Gram Sabhas and completion of an Appellate Process. These parameters/criteria was applied on SECC 2011 database to identify eligibility of beneficiaries under PMAY-G.

    There was a need to meet the new demand that arose during the intervening period and to meet gaps due to reduction in number of eligible beneficiary in SECC 2011 based Permanent Wait List (PWL). The Government conducted Awaas+ 2018 survey during January 2018 to March 2019 to identify those beneficiaries which claimed to have been left out under the SECC 2011 survey and thus prepared an additional list of potentially eligible beneficiaries. During Awaas+ survey, a total of 3.90 crore potentially eligible households were registered by the States/UTs and after remanding/verification by Gram Sabhas, a total of 2.79 crore were found potentially eligible by the States/UTs.

    Of the overall mandate of 4.95 crore households, 2.105 crore beneficiary households have been allocated from SECC 2011 survey database and 1.688 crore households have been allocated from Awaas+ survey database after following due verification process by Gram Sabhas and Appellate Process thereafter.

    The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for implementation of the scheme for 5 more years during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29 to provide assistance for the construction of 2 crore additional rural houses. Approval has also been provided for updating the Awaas+ List for identifying eligible rural households using modified exclusion criteria under the scheme. In line with the approval of the Union Cabinet, a survey is being conducted for the identification of additional eligible rural households under the scheme. The survey is being conducted as per the modified exclusion criteria through Awaas+ 2024 Mobile App, which has already been launched on 17.09.2024.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1151

    (Release ID: 2101866) Visitor Counter : 34

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Driving the Future: NASA Highlights Artemis at Houston AutoBoative Show 

    Source: NASA

    You would not expect to see NASA at a car show—but that’s exactly where Johnson Space Center employees were from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, 2025, driving the future of space exploration forward. 
    At the Houston AutoBoative Show, a fusion of the auto and boat show, NASA rolled out its Artemis exhibit at NRG Center for the first time, introducing motor enthusiasts to the technologies NASA and commercial partners will use to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before. 

    The Artemis exhibit stood alongside some of the world’s most advanced cars and boats, offering visitors an up-close look at lunar terrain vehicle mockups from Astrolab, Intuitive Machines, and Lunar Outpost. Later this year, NASA will select the rover that will fly to the Moon as humanity prepares for the next giant leap. 
    In addition to the rovers, the exhibit featured a mockup of JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) pressurized rover, designed as a mobile habitat for astronauts, and Axiom Space’s lunar spacesuit, developed for Artemis III astronauts. 
    These capabilities will allow astronauts to explore, conduct science research, and live and work on the lunar surface.  

    Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche visited the Artemis exhibit to highlight the importance of these technologies in advancing lunar exploration. Every lesson learned on the Moon will help scientists and engineers develop the strategies, technologies, and experience needed to send astronauts to Mars.  
    “By bringing the excitement of lunar exploration to the AutoBoative Show, NASA aims to inspire the next generation of explorers to dream bigger, push farther, and help shape humanity’s future in space,” Wyche said.  
    NASA’s Artemis campaign is setting the stage for long-term human exploration, working with commercial and international partners to establish a sustained presence on the Moon before progressing to Mars. 
    To make this vision a reality, NASA is developing rockets, spacecraft, landing systems, spacesuits, rovers, habitats, and more.  

    Some of the key elements on display at the show included:

    The Orion spacecraft – Designed to take astronauts farther into deep space. Orion will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, carrying the crew to the Moon on Artemis missions and safely returning them to Earth.

    Lunar terrain vehicles – Developed to transport astronauts across the rugged lunar surface or be remotely operated. NASA recently put these rover mockups to the test at Johnson, where astronauts and engineers, wearing spacesuits, ran through critical maneuvers, tasks, and emergency drills—including a simulated crew rescue.

    Next-gen spacesuits and tools – Through Johnson’s Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program, astronauts’ gear and equipment are designed to ensure safety and efficiency while working on the Moon’s surface.

    Guests had the chance to step into the role of an astronaut with interactive experiences like: 

    Driving a lunar rover simulator – Testing their skills at the wheel of a virtual Moon rover. 

    Practicing a simulated Orion docking – Experiencing the precision needed to connect to Gateway in lunar orbit. 

    Exploring Artemis II and III mission roadmaps – Learning about NASA’s upcoming missions and goals. 

    Attendees also discovered how American companies are delivering science and technology to the Moon through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. 

    “Everyone can relate to exploration, so it was great to teach people the importance lunar rovers will have on astronauts’ abilities to explore more of the lunar surface while conducting science,” said Victoria Ugalde, communications strategist for the Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program, who coordinated the lunar rovers’ appearance at the show. 
    Check out the rovers contracted to develop lunar terrain vehicle capabilities below.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Self-Help Groups

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:43PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), inter-alia, is implementing Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana –National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in which Self Help Groups (SHGs) are involved. These Schemes are implemented through State Governments/UT Administrations. In addition, SHGs are being involved by other Departments/Ministries and State Government Departments dealing with rural development from time to time.

    DAY-NRLM is being implemented across the country in a mission mode since 2011 with the aim to bring at least one-woman member from each rural poor household, as per the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data and process of Participatory Identification of Poor (PIP), into the fold of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and to support them to take up economic activities. As on 31st January, 2025 about 10.05 crore Women households have been mobilized into 90.90 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs). The State/UT wise details of the number of households mobilized into SHGs since 2011 under the Mission is attached at Annexure.

    Under MGNREGA, SHG members are involved in the planning of works through participation in Gram Sabha projects, play the role of Social Auditors and are also engaged as worksite supervisors (mates). In addition, the Programme progressively engages Federations of Women Self-help Groups as Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) at the Gram Panchayat / Block / District level.

    (b): Under DAY-NRLM, various sub-schemes like Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP), Deendayal Upadhyay Gramin Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETI) are being implemented for enhancing the income on sustainable basis of the rural poor. The mission seeks to achieve its objective through investing in four core components viz., (i) social mobilization and promotion of sustainable community institutions of the rural poor (Self Help Groups-SHGs, Village Organisations-VOs, Cluster Level Federations-CLFs); (ii) financial inclusion, (iii) sustainable livelihoods; and (iv) convergence and entitlements. Accordingly, within the ambit of the mission and with the converging schemes of the other Ministries, SHG members are being facilitated for promotion of sustainable livelihoods, so that they may reach an aspirational goal of having minimum of one lakh rupee as annual income. For facilitating this initiative, a mobile application has been rolled out for surveying the income and activities of the SHG households.

    The Ministry in collaboration with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has created “SARAS Collection” as a Store Front in GeM for marketing of SHG products. Also, Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been entered on 2nd November, 2021 and 12th May, 2022 between Ministry and Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd. and Amazon respectively to allow the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) producers including the artisans, weavers and craftsmen to access national markets through the Flipkart Samarth programme and Amazon Saheli initiative. An MoU has also been signed by the Ministry with Patanjali on 2nd November, 2022 for collaboration in various fields including online marketing of SHGs products.

    An e-Commerce platform (www.esaras.in) has also been launched by the Ministry for online marketing of SHG products. An MoU has been signed between MoRD and Fashnear Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Meesho) on February 16, 2023 and Jio Mart (Reliance Retail Ltd) on 8th Dec,2023 for onboarding and marketing of SHGs products.

    Further, some States have also developed their own e-Commerce platform to support marketing of products of SHGs.

    State/UT wise details of the number of households mobilized & SHGs Formed as on 31st January, 2025

    Sl No

    State

    SHGs formed

    Households Mobilized

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    855600

    9075289

    2

    Assam

    361516

    4111020

    3

    Bihar

    1097100

    12713428

    4

    Chhattisgarh

    276375

    3068427

    5

    Gujarat

    279758

    2783006

    6

    Jharkhand

    291601

    3589607

    7

    Karnataka

    360684

    4207374

    8

    Kerala

    271209

    4002478

    9

    Madhya Pradesh

    487291

    5829972

    10

    Maharashtra

    640719

    6525549

    11

    Odisha

    551141

    5775035

    12

    Rajasthan

    321875

    3804161

    13

    Tamil Nadu

    336764

    4023939

    14

    Telangana

    442979

    4820573

    15

    Uttar Pradesh

    842101

    9509884

    16

    West Bengal

    1192980

    12251533

    17

    Haryana

    60301

    629094

    18

    Himachal Pradesh

    45295

    378542

    19

    Jammu & Kashmir

    91445

    797805

    20

    Punjab

    52118

    543246

    21

    Uttarakhand

    65840

    497777

    22

    Arunachal Pradesh

    11730

    91964

    23

    Manipur

    11538

    117457

    24

    Meghalaya

    45312

    444264

    25

    Mizoram

    10291

    85934

    26

    Nagaland

    15419

    135261

    27

    Sikkim

    5915

    56675

    28

    Tripura

    51841

    494675

    29

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    1294

    13194

    30

    Goa

    3891

    50735

    31

    Ladakh

    1745

    12230

    32

    Lakshadweep

    348

    4363

    33

    Puducherry

    4744

    59714

    34

    Daman DIU and NH

    1645

    16674

     

    Total

    9090405

    100520879

     

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1203

    (Release ID: 2101864) Visitor Counter : 37

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Benefits of Organic Farming

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:31PM by PIB Delhi

    It is agreed to the view that biological substitutes for chemical fertilizers and pesticides can improve health of soil, human and planet, besides benefiting farmers.

    In order to promote use of bio-fertilizers, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has developed improved and efficient strains of bio-fertilizers specific to different crops and soil types under the Network project on ‘Soil Biodiversity-Bio-fertilizers’. Under this project ICAR has developed improved and efficient strains of bio-fertilizer specific to different crops and soil types, Liquid Bio-fertilizer technology with higher shelf life, bio-fertilizer consortia formulation with two or more bio-fertilizer strains, microbial enriched bio-compost and Zinc & Potassium Solubilizing Bio-fertilizers. The ICAR also imparts training to educate farmers on use of bio-fertilizers.

    To promote use of organic fertilizers in the country, Government is promoting organic farming through the schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in all the States/UTs (except North Eastern States). For North Eastern States, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) scheme is being implemented. Both the schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification & marketing and post-harvest management training and capacity building. Under PKVY, assistance of Rs. 31,500 per ha for a period of three years is provided for promotion of organic farming. Out of this, assistance of Rs. 15,000 per ha for a period of three years is provided to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer for on- farm /off –farm organic inputs. Under MOVCDNER, assistance of Rs. 46,500/ha for 3 years is provided for creation of Farmers Producer Organization, support to farmers for organic inputs etc. Out of this, assistance @ Rs. 32500/ ha for 3 years is provided to farmers for off -farm /on –farm organic inputs under the scheme including Rs. 15,000 as Direct Benefit Transfer to the farmers. The year-wise fund released including assistance for procurement of off-farm and on-farm organic inputs during the period of last three years is as under:

    Rs. in Crore.

    Year

    PKVY

    MOVCDNER

    2021-22

    88.58

    133.29

    2022-23

    188.78

    144.42

    2023-24

    206.39

    230.67

    In order to ensure the avaibility of good quality of bio-fertilizers, organic fertilizers and Bio- stimulants, the Government of India regulates its quality under the Fertilizer Control Order (1985).

    Government is implementing Market Development Assistance (MDA) @ Rs. 1500/Metric Tonne to promote organic fertilizers, viz., Fermented Organic Manure/ Liquid Fermented Organic Manure/Phosphate Rich Organic Manure produced at plants under Galvanizing Organic Bio Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) scheme of Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

    To incentivize the farmers to reduce the overall consumption of fertilizers for improving soil health and fertility and sustainable productivity, “PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM)” incentivizes States and Union Territories to promote alternative fertilizers and balanced use of chemical fertilizers. Under this programme, 50% of subsidy savings will be passed on as a grant to the state that reduces chemical fertilizers.

    National Center of Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF) and its Regional Center of Organic and Natural Farming (RCONF) located at Ghaziabad, Nagpur, Bangalore, Imphal and Bhubaneswar organise various trainings and online awareness campaign on organic and natural farming. ICAR also imparts trainings, front-line demonstrations, awareness programs etc. to educate farmers on organic farming, through network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1362

    (Release ID: 2101847) Visitor Counter : 33

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Agricultural Infrastructure Fund

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:29PM by PIB Delhi

     In order to enhance the income of farmers, it is not only essential to enhance production and productivity of farm produce but also minimize the post-harvest losses and ensure better realization of prices for farmers through creation of modern post-harvest management infrastructure. With an objective to address the existing gaps in post-harvest management infrastructure in the country, the flagship scheme of Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) was launched in 2020-21 to strengthen the infrastructure in the country through creation of farm gate storage and logistics infrastructure to enable farmers to store and preserve their farm produce properly and sell them in the market at better price with reduced post-harvest losses and lesser number of intermediaries. Improved post-harvest management infrastructure like warehouses, Cold stores, sorting and grading units, ripening chambers etc will allow farmers to sell directly to a larger base of consumers and hence, increase value realization for the farmers. This will improve the overall income of farmers. Further, AIF scheme aims to benefit all stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem by contributing in the holistic development of the agriculture sector. Under AIF, provision for Rs. 1 Lakh crore loan has been made through lending institutions with a interest rate cap of 9% on loans. The scheme is operational from 2020-21 to 2032-33.

    All loans under this financing facility have interest subvention of 3% per annum up to a loan limit of ₹2 crores. This interest subvention is available for a maximum period of 7 years. In case of loans beyond ₹2 crores, interest subvention is limited up to ₹2 crores. Credit guarantee coverage is also available for eligible borrowers from this financing facility under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for a loan up to ₹2 crores. The fee for this coverage is borne by the Government.

    Budgetary support is being provided for interest subvention and credit guarantee fee as also administrative cost of PMU. This will be amount to Rs. 10,636 crores over a period of 10 years. The detailed break up is as below.

    SL NO.

    Name of Component

    Allotted Fund Amount

    1

    Interest Subvention Cost

    Rs. 7907Cr

    2

    Credit Guarantee Cost

    Rs. 2629 Cr

    3

    Administration Cost of PMU

    Rs. 100 Cr

    Total

    Rs. 10636 Cr

     

     State/UT wise details of Projects approved under AIF scheme during the last three years is as below: –

      (Amount in Rs Crore)

    Sl.

    State / UT

    Sanctioned No

    Sanctioned Amount

    1

    Madhya Pradesh

    7,701

    5,853

    2

    Maharashtra

    6,860

    4,151

    3

    Rajasthan

    1,802

    2,310

    4

    Gujarat

    2,072

    2,215

    5

    Uttar Pradesh

    3,854

    3,636

    6

    Haryana

    2,704

    2,108

    7

    Punjab

    12,003

    3,116

    8

    Telangana

    1,662

    2,178

    9

    Karnataka

    2,208

    2,148

    10

    Andhra Pradesh

    680

    1,116

    11

    West Bengal

    2,537

    1,441

    12

    Tamil Nadu

    5,889

    1,189

    13

    Chhattisgarh

    814

    1,008

    14

    Odisha

    1,098

    810

    15

    Assam

    409

    726

    16

    Bihar

    848

    680

    17

    Kerala

    1,600

    604

    18

    Uttarakhand

    236

    315

    19

    Jharkhand

    225

    255

    20

    Himachal Pradesh

    347

    137

    21

    Jammu And Kashmir

    88

    198

    22

    Delhi

    7

    10

    23

    Goa

    19

    10

    24

    Meghalaya

    2

    8

    25

    Chandigarh

    2

    8

     

    26

    Arunachal Pradesh

    5

    6

    27

    Tripura

    5

    10

    28

    Nagaland

    0

    0

    29

    The Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu

    1

    1

    30

    Puducherry

    2

    2

    31

    Manipur

    3

    1

    32

    Mizoram

    0

    0

    33

    Sikkim

    0

    0

    34

    Ladakh

    0

    0

    35

    Lakshadweep

    0

    0

    36

    Andaman and Nicobar Islands

    0

    0

     

    Total

             55,683

                   36,250

     

    An impact assessment study of AIF was conducted by Agro Economic Research Centre, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune in December 2023 to evaluate overall performance of the scheme, primarily based on feedback from beneficiaries as well as farmers in selected states.  The main findings of the study are as below. 

    1.       Based on this study, till 26th January 2025, investment in the agri sector under AIF has generated more than 9 lakh employment opportunities. Out of the sanctioned projects, nearly 97% of the projects created are in rural areas promoting investment and employment opportunities in rural areas. 

    2.       The average number of persons employed per unit in the peak season was found to be 11. The average was highest i.e. 27 in Rajasthan and lowest i.e. 5 in the state of Maharashtra.

    3.       Further, the storage infrastructure created under AIF has added nearly 550 LMT of storage capacity which includes approx. 510.6 LMT of dry storage and nearly 39.4 LMT of Cold storage capacities (as on 26.01.2025). This additional storage capacity can save up to 20.4 LMT of food grains and 3.9 LMT of horticulture produce annually. 

    4.       The Agro processing centres created under the scheme is promoting timely value-addition of farmer’s produce resulting in increase in farmer’s income up to 20% and reduction of post-harvest losses. Custom hiring centres set up under the scheme is boosting farm mechanization and adoption of better crop residue management practices.

    5.       31 percent of the AIF units have availed of government subsidies also. Thus, they have been benefitted due to Convergence under AIF. 

    6.       For around 85 percent of the total units, availability of AIF loan was the main reason for starting the unit.

     

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    MG/KSR/1313

    (Release ID: 2101845) Visitor Counter : 28

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Spurious Seeds, Pesticides and Fertilizers Supplied to the Farmers

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:27PM by PIB Delhi

    To curb the malpractices of spurious seeds, pesticides and fertilizers and in order to ensure availability of quality inputs to the farmers, various provisions are available in the Seeds Act, 1966, the Seeds Rules, 1968, the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983, Essential Commodity Act, 1955, Insecticide Act, 1964, Insecticides Rules,1971, the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985etc.

    The concerned State Department of Agriculture appoints the Inspectors for ensuring quality control of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides in their respective states. In case any samples of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides are found to be spurious/sub-standard, action is taken under the relevant provisions of Acts and Rules. The details of samples drawn by inspector sand found substandard (across the Country) in respect of Seeds, Fertilizers and pesticides during 2023-24 is given below. 

    1. 133,588 seed samples were drawn and out of which 3,630 samples were found sub-standard during the year 2023-24.
    2. 1,81,153 fertiliser samples were analysed and out of which 8,988 samples were found nonstandard during the year 2023-24.

    iii. 80,789 pesticide samples were analysed and out of which 2,222 samples were found to be spurious.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1322

    (Release ID: 2101843) Visitor Counter : 26

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Structural Challenges in Indian Agriculture

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India is implementing various measures to improve the Indian Agriculture which encompasses multitude of developmental programmes, schemes, reforms and policies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, raising resource use efficiency, promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening infrastructure, ensuring remunerative price to farmers, etc. These include:

    1. National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM)
    2. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oil Palm
    3. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oilseeds
    4. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
    5. National Mission on Natural Faming (NMNF)
    6. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
    7. Soil Health & Fertility (SH&F)
    8. Rainfed Area Development (RAD)
    9. Agroforestry
    10. Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)
    11. Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)
    12. Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)
    13. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
    14. National Bamboo Mission
    15. National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)
    16. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region
    17. Per Drop More crop (PDMC)
    18. Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM)
    19. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
    20. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
    21. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)/ Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)
    22. Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
    23. Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
    24. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
    25. Formation and Promotion of 10,000 new Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs)
    26. Namo Drone Didi
    27. Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises (AgriSURE)
    28. Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)
    29. Digital Agriculture Mission

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1187

    (Release ID: 2101842) Visitor Counter : 27

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Supports GoAERO University Awardees for Emergency Aircraft Prototyping

    Source: NASA

    With support from NASA, the international GoAERO Prize competition recently announced funding for 14 U.S. university teams to build innovative new compact emergency response aircraft. 
    The teams will develop prototype versions of Emergency Response Flyers, aircraft intended to perform rescue and response missions after disasters and in crisis situations. The flyers must be designed to deliver a first responder, evacuate victims, provide emergency medical supplies, and aid in humanitarian efforts. Teams will bring their test aircraft to a fly-off expected in 2027. 

    koushik datta
    NASA Project Manager

    “These awards will provide students with an opportunity that might have otherwise been difficult – a chance to design and build potentially lifesaving aircraft,” said Koushik Datta, University Innovation Project manager in NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “At NASA, we’re looking forward to seeing how these young innovators can contribute to our mission to advance futuristic aviation technologies that can benefit first responders and the public.” 
    With support from NASA’s University Innovation Project, GoAERO named 14 awardee teams at the following universities: 

    Auburn University, in Leeds, Alabama  

    California Polytechnic University, in Pomona  

    Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh  

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in Daytona Beach, Florida 

    Georgia Institute of Technology, in Atlanta 

    North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, in Greensboro  

    North Carolina State University, in Raleigh 

    The Ohio State University, in Columbus  

    Penn State University, in State College  

    Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana  

    Saint Louis University  

    Texas A&M University, in College Station, and Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater  

    University of Texas, Austin  

    Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg 

    Student teams can utilize the funds to purchase parts, materials, batteries, and other components for building their aircrafts. 
    When naming the university awardees, GoAERO – in partnership with Boeing, RTX, and Honeywell – also announced 11 winners of Stage 1 of its competition. These include teams from the private sector and universities. These awardees were selected to build full- or smaller-scale flyers for evaluation. Eight entries will be selected for the next round of Stage 2 awards. The GoAERO Prize is still accepting new teams.  While prizes are awarded at Stage 1 and Stage 2, teams do not need to win prizes to continue on to the next stage or compete in the final fly-off.  
    In addition to the University Innovation Project support for the university teams, NASA has partnered with GoAERO through a non-funded Space Act Agreement to provide U.S. teams with mentorship, educational opportunities, and access to specialized software tools. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Farmers’ Welfare Measures

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:25PM by PIB Delhi

    Agriculture is a State subject and Government of India supports the efforts of States through appropriate policy measures, budgetary allocation and various schemes/ programmes. The various schemes/ programmes of the Government of India are meant for the welfare of farmers by increasing production, remunerative returns and income support to farmers. The Government has substantially enhanced the budget allocation of Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) from Rs. 21933.50 crore BE during 2013-14 to Rs. 1,22,528.77 crore BE during 2024-25. Schemes/programmes initiated by DA&FW are conceptualised and implemented taken in consideration of improving the economic condition of farmers owning small handholdings, access to credit and to enhance overall income of farmers and remunerative returns in the agriculture sector.

    PM KISAN Samman Nidhi Scheme has been launched in 2019 with the sole objective to enhance the income of farmers owning small landholdings. This scheme provides Rs. 6000 per year in 3 equal instalments. So far, more than Rs.3.46 lakh Cr. has been disbursed to eligible farmers through 18 instalments.

    The other major schemes run by Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for enhance of overall income of farmers are as under:

    1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
    2. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)/ Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)
    3. Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
    4. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
    5. Formation and Promotion of 10,000 new Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs)
    6. National Bee Keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM)
    7. Namo Drone Didi
    8. National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
    9. Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
    10. Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE)
    11. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)
    12. Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)
    13. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
    14. Soil Health & Fertility (SH&F)
    15. Rainfed Area Development (RAD)
    16. Agroforestry
    17. Crop Diversification Programme (CDP)
    18. Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)
    19. Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)
    20. National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM)
    21. Integrated Scheme for Agriculture Marketing (ISAM)
    22. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
    23. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oil Palm
    24. National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)-Oilseeds
    25. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region
    26. Digital Agriculture Mission
    27. National Bamboo Mission

    PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan) scheme ensures remunerative prices for farmers’ produce and prevent distress sales. It aims to strengthen the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism and provide better price support for farmers.

    “Formation & Promotion of new 10,000 FPOs with budget outlay of Rs 6,865 Crore. Farmers Producer Organization (FPOs) are being set up to give farmers collective bargaining power in markets as well as enabling small farmers to pool resources, access technology, and get better prices for their crops.

    Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with financial provision of one Lakh Crore scheme has been launched with an objective to mobilize a medium – long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets through incentives and financial support in order to improve agriculture infrastructure in the country. Following supports are being provided under Agri Infra Fund. 

    Interest Subvention: All loans under this financing facility have interest subvention of 3% per annum up to a limit of ₹ 2 crore. This subvention is available for a maximum period of 7 years. In case of loans beyond ₹ 2 crore, interest subvention is limited up to ₹ 2 crore.

    Credit Guarantee: Credit guarantee coverage is available for eligible borrowers from this financing facility under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for a loan up to ₹ 2 crore. The fee for this coverage will be paid by the Government. In case of FPOs the credit guarantee may be availed from the facility created under FPO promotion scheme of DA&FW.

    Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) provides Interest Subvention (IS) of 1.5% to various Financial Institutions (Banks, RRBs, PACS, etc.) for delivering Short-Term Agriculture Operation (STAO) loans at a fixed rate of 7% to farmers through KCC. If the farmer repays the loan within time, he gets a Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) of 3%, bringing his loan liability to 4% overall (7% minus 3%). It is exclusively operated through Kisan Credit Card (KCC).

    National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) has been launched on 3rd Oct, 2024 for enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops such as Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum, as well as increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources like Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils. The mission aims to increase primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31. Together with NMEO-OP (Oil Palm), the Mission targets to increase domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31 meeting around 72% of our projected domestic requirement. To ensure the timely availability of quality seeds, the Mission will introduce an online 5-year rolling seed plan through the ‘Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI)’ Portal, enabling states to establish advance tie-ups with seed-producing agencies, including cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and government or private seed corporations. 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units will be set up in public sector to improve the seed production infrastructure.

    The following have been proposed in the upcoming budget for income support, improve access to credit and overall growth of agriculture sector:

    Enhanced Credit through KCC: – Loan increased from 3 lakh to ₹5 lakh to facilitate short term loans for 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.

    Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: – To launch a 6-year Mission with special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor, emphasizing development and commercial availability of climate resilient seeds, enhancing protein content, increasing productivity and improving post-harvest storage and management, assuring remunerative prices to the farmers.

    National Mission on High Yielding Seeds: – Targeted development and propagation of seeds with high yield, pest resistance and climate resilience.

    Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – It has been proposed Agri Districts Programme to cover 100 districts which is likely to help 1.7 crore farmers.

    Mission for Cotton Productivity: – To be launched a 5-year mission to facilitate improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming.

    Makhana Board in Bihar: – It is proposed to set up Makhana Board to Improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing and organisation of FPOs.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1173

    (Release ID: 2101841) Visitor Counter : 24

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Digital Identities to Farmers

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

    As on 07.02.2024, a total of 2,05,59,196 farmer IDs have been created. A target has been set for creation of 11 Crore Farmer IDs by 2026-27 including digital identity of the farmers of all the North eastern states.

    Digital Crop survey has been conducted in 461 Districts in Kharif 2024 against the target of 400 Districts. The Details are given below.

    State Registry, a component of AgriStack, is built in a federated architecture. Thus, the ownership of the data is with the respective States. The federated system has been built considering the privacy aspects as per Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. At present, the Farmer Database will cover all the land holders’ farmers, including women farmers, across the nation. Farmers Registry application has the provision to onboard the tenant and lessee farmers. State can decide to include such farmers in the Farmers Registry as per the State policy. The land records for incorporating the inheritance and land transactions are updated by the respective State Governments.

    Sr. No.

    State Name

    Total Districts covered under DCS

    Total Plots surveyed

    1.

    Uttar Pradesh

    75

    5,37,13,000

    2.

    Gujarat

    33

    82,26,090

    3.

    Bihar

    20

    17,35,146

    4.

    Tamil Nadu

    38

    1,73,48,823

    5.

    Odisha

    30

    2,55,72,394

    6.

    Telangana

    32

    4,43,225

    7.

    Assam

    29

    26,24,942

    8.

    Maharashtra

    34

    11,17,068

    9.

    Madhya Pradesh

    55

    4,68,41,871

    10.

    Andhra Pradesh

    26

    1,06,60,474

    11.

    Rajasthan

    50

    19,50,466

    12.

    Kerala

    03

    8,72,655

    13.

    Chhattisgarh

    19

    24,16,408

    14.

    Punjab

    06

    44,649

    15.

    Karnataka

    31

    66,87,960

     

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1169

    (Release ID: 2101839) Visitor Counter : 25

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Assessment of Crop Losses through Satellite

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:23PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has carried out pilot studies for timely and transparent yield estimation under PMFBY using technology including satellites i.e. remote sensing data, by engaging various Government and private agencies through Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC).   Based on the findings of these pilots and after discussions with stakeholders & technical consultations, YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System Based on Technology) has been introduced for paddy and wheat crops from Kharif 2023.   Government has implemented technology-based yield estimation in combination with conventional Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) based yield estimation for improving crop loss assessment and achieving timely insurance claims payout for farmers. Under this initiative 30% weightage to yield estimation has mandatorily been assigned to YES-TECH derived yield. 

    In Kharif 2023, all implementing States have successfully completed claims calculation and payout using YESTECH and no dispute has been reported from any of the stakeholders; thereby, increasing transparency and efficiency in the system.

    PMFBY is mainly implemented on ‘Area Approach’ basis and comprehensive risk coverage for crops of farmers against all non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to
    post-harvest stages of the crops at very minimum premium for the farmers is provided under the scheme.  However, losses due to localized risks of hailstorm, landslide, inundation, cloud burst & natural fire and post-harvest losses due to cyclone, cyclonic/unseasonal rains & hailstorms are calculated on individual insured farm basis.

    Further, crop damage to crops to non-procurement by agencies or delay in procurement by them is not covered under PMFBY.

    The review/revisions / rationalization / improvements in the crop insurance schemes are a continuous process and decision on suggestion/ representations/ recommendations of the stakeholders/studies are taken from time to time.  Based on the experience gained, views of various stakeholders and with a view to ensure better transparency, accountability, timely payment of claims to the farmers and to make the scheme more farmer friendly, Government has periodically revised the Operational Guidelines of the PMFBY comprehensively to ensure that the eligible benefits under the scheme reach the farmers timely and transparent.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

     

    MG/KSR/1213

    (Release ID: 2101838) Visitor Counter : 25

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Health expresses deep sorrow over passing of Princess Margaret Hospital oncologist

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Secretary for Health expresses deep sorrow over passing of Princess Margaret Hospital oncologist
    Secretary for Health expresses deep sorrow over passing of Princess Margaret Hospital oncologist
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, today (February 11) expressed profound sadness over the passing of an oncologist at the Princess Margaret Hospital and extended his deepest sympathies to the doctor’s family.     He said, “The young doctor who died from a sudden illness was determined to practice medicine and save lives, and has been working for the Hospital Authority (HA) since graduation from the medical school to serve Hong Kong citizens. The doctor just obtained a specialist qualification in oncology, and was still taking care of patients in the ward right before the onset of symptoms. I am deeply moved by the doctor’s professionalism, passion for work and care for patients. The doctor is genuinely a role model for colleagues of the healthcare profession.     “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the doctor’s family on behalf of the Health Bureau, and the HA will make every effort to assist them. The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is conducting epidemiological and environmental investigations into the incident at full strength, and will submit a report and give an account to the public as early as possible.”

     
    Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2025Issued at HKT 20:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: There is declining trust in Australian unis. Federal government policy is a big part of the problem

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Graeme Turner, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Studies, The University of Queensland

    Matej Kastellic/ Shutterstock

    As we head towards the federal election, both sides of politics are making a point of criticising universities and questioning their role in the community.

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has accused unis of focusing on “woke” issues that “just aren’t cutting it around kitchen tables”.

    The Albanese government has also accused universities of being out of touch. A Labor-chaired Senate committee has just set up an inquiry into university governance, pointing to “an extraordinary range” of issues, including executive pay.

    Both the Coalition and Labor want to clamp down on international student numbers, arguing they drive up city rents and threaten the integrity of Australian higher education.

    The criticism goes beyond politics. Recent media coverage called the sector a “mess” and asked “is a university degree still worth it?”

    No wonder newsletter Future Campus says the “hottest topic” in Australian higher education is whether universities have lost their social licence.

    What is social licence?

    A social licence means a community has given tacit permission for an organisation to operate. It goes beyond simple laws or regulations, and extends to the idea that a community implicitly trusts and has confidence in an organisation.

    A social licence means businesses, in particular, should not ignore their responsibility to provide a social benefit to their communities. This needs to go beyond providing commodities or generating profits.

    It may be a bit of stretch to compare universities with multinational corporations. But they have come under scrutiny for systemic underpayment of staff, “excessive” vice-chancellor and senior executive salaries and a structural over-reliance on international student income.

    In December 2024, a state parliament review expressed concern the University of Tasmania was prioritising “commercial over community interests in its core functions”.

    At the same time, Australian surveys show declining levels of public trust in universities and community concerns that profits take precedence over education.

    Governments have played a role

    So there are many reasons to ask how well our universities benefit the national community, beyond their economic outputs.

    But while our politicians readily line up to express concern, it is highly disingenuous to only blame universities for their standing in the community.

    The situation politicians now lament is the result of a long-term, bipartisan political project, prosecuted by successive federal governments.

    As a 2023 Australia Institute report found, federal government funding for universities (excluding HECS/HELP) has fallen from 0.9% of GDP in 1995 to 0.6% of GDP in 2021. Both Coalition and Labor governments have sought to reduce the sector’s costs to the budget.

    Over a similar period, enrolments tripled.



    Read more:
    Tumult and transformation: the story of Australian universities over the past 30 years

    Behaving like businesses

    To compensate for this funding loss, universities have been coaxed into behaving more like businesses.

    The federal policy settings have shown them the way to go.

    Teaching foreign students is more profitable than teaching domestic students, research collaborations with business and industry are more profitable than collaboration with communities. Increasingly, in the search for new income sources, commercial, rather than academic, considerations have driven institutional decisions.

    In a competitive market, the interests of individual institutions rather than those of the nation inevitably prevail.

    There has been a succession of redundancies and knowledge, learning and personnel have been lost. The losses have wound back generations of accrued cultural and educational capital for the nation.

    It is no surprise public confidence in universities’ utility and legitimacy has diminished.

    The most significant problem

    This is not to say universities are blameless. University leaders and academics acknowledge there has been a loss of public confidence. There is also acknowledgement some of the damage is due to internal issues – such as governance failures.

    But the most significant problem is the corrosive effect of several decades of commercialisation, underpinned by a political disregard for the sector’s contribution to the public good.

    If political leaders are serious about arresting the erosion of our universities’ social licence, it would be helpful if they stopped behaving as if it has nothing to do with them.

    Graeme Turner’s book, Broken: Universities, politics and the public good, will be published by Monash University Press in July as part of its In the National Interest series.

    Graeme Turner does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. There is declining trust in Australian unis. Federal government policy is a big part of the problem – https://theconversation.com/there-is-declining-trust-in-australian-unis-federal-government-policy-is-a-big-part-of-the-problem-248770

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –