<h1>India and World Bank Launch $1 Billion COVID-19 Social Protection Program to Aid Vulnerable Households with Cash and Food Benefits.</h1> The Government of India and the World Bank have agreed on a $1 billion initiative to support India's COVID-19 Social Protection Response Programme, aimed at aiding poor and vulnerable households. This funding will be disbursed in two phases: $750 million immediately and $250 million in fiscal year 2021. The initiative seeks to enhance social protection systems, particularly for migrants and informal workers, by expanding cash transfers and food benefits through existing national platforms. It also aims to integrate over 460 fragmented social protection schemes into a more flexible, nationwide system, addressing both rural and urban needs.