Venture Debt
- According to report, India’s venture debt (VD) market raised $ 1.2 billion in 2023, a 50 % surge from 2022.
- Consumer and fintech emerged as the top sectors for raising funds through venture debt.
- About Venture Debt:
- It is a type of financing often used by early stage startups that do not yet have a proven track record of generating revenue.
- Unlike traditional debt financing, venture debt is usually provided by specialized lenders willing to take on more risk for potentially higher returns.
- Tags :
- Startups
- Venture Debt
Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana (RUVP)
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched RUVP under Skill India Mission.
- About RUVP
- Tailored specifically for beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi (Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi) scheme.
- Offers individuals with comprehensive entrepreneurship training (over a period of 22 weeks) combining theoretical knowledge with practical exposure through experiential learning.
- Focuses on reskilling and upskilling employees to enhance their competitiveness and adaptability.
- It will be piloted initially in selected districts, with focus on ensuring 40% women participation.
- Training will be conducted through offline, online and hybrid modes, with certificates awarded upon completion.
- Tags :
- Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana
Pigeon Pea (Red gram, Tur, Arhar)
- Hyderabad-based International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics announces World’s first Pigeon Pea speed breeding protocol.
- The protocol will shorten breeding cycle to 2- 4 years (traditionally -13 years) and will strengthen food security in Asia and Africa.
- About Pigeon Pea
- High nutritional value (iron, calcium, phosphorous etc.).
- India is largest producer in 2021.
- Climate requirement
- Crop of tropical areas mainly cultivated in semi-arid regions of India.
- Temperature: 26°C to 30°C in rainy season (June to October) and 17°C to 22°C in post rainy season (November to March).
- Tags :
- Pigeon Pea
Miyawaki Method
- Coal/Lignite Public Sector Undertakings have adopted Miyawaki plantation method in its suitable areas.
- About Miyawaki method
- Based on work of Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, it enhances green cover within a limited area and establishes dense forest in 10 years.
- It involves cultivating multi-layered forests that exhibit rapid growth and replicate natural biodiversity found in native forests.
- Such forests lack some qualities of natural forests, like medicinal properties and ability to bring rain.
- Benefits: Mitigate ecological impact of mining activities; Creating carbon sinks, Providing livelihood opportunities for local communities etc.
- Tags :
- Miyawaki method
- Forestry
Baleen Whales (Mysticetes)
- Scientists discover anatomy behind songs of Baleen Whales. They use a larynx, or voice box, anatomically modified to enable underwater vocalization.
- About Baleen Whales
- There are 14 species of baleen whale including blue, bowhead, right, humpback, minke, sei, Bryde, rorquals and gray whale.
- All species of baleen whales are listed under CITES Appendix I, prohibiting commercial international trade.
- Three of the species occur in India i.e. blue, Bryde and humpback whale.
- Characteristics: No teeth, Grow to lengths of 30 meters; Expert divers etc.