PIB Summary- 19th September, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Bio-RIDE Scheme

Context

Recently, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister of India approved continuation of the two umbrella schemes of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), merged as one scheme-‘Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio- RIDE).

Bio-RIDE Initiative:

• The Bio-RIDE scheme is crafted to catalyze innovation, bolster bio-entrepreneurship, and position India as a foremost player in the global biomanufacturing and biotechnology sector.
• The initiative seeks to expedite research, enhance the development of products, and seamlessly integrate academic research into industrial applications.

Components of the Scheme:

• Research and Development: Focus on advancing biotechnology research.
• Industrial and Entrepreneurship Development: Aimed at boosting industrial growth and entrepreneurship within the biotech sector.
• Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry: A novel addition targeting advancements in biomanufacturing.

Mission and Funding:

• Mission Alignment: Aligns with India’s strategy to leverage bio-innovation for addressing key challenges in health, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and energy.
• Financial Layout: An allocation of Rs.9197 crore has been earmarked for the duration of the 15th Finance Commission cycle from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026.

Strategic Implementation Focus:

• Promoting Bio-Entrepreneurship: Fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem through seed funding, incubation support, and mentorship for bio-entrepreneurs.
• Advancing Innovation: Offering grants and incentives for pioneering research in fields like synthetic biology, biopharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and bioplastics.
• Enhancing Industry-Academia Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between academia, research bodies, and the industry to hasten the commercialization of biotechnological innovations.
• Supporting Sustainable Biomanufacturing: Emphasizing environmentally friendly practices in biomanufacturing that align with India’s ecological goals.
• Extramural Research Support: Providing significant funding to bolster scientific research and technological advancements across various biotechnological domains.
• Human Resource Development: Dedicated to enriching the skill set and capabilities of students, young researchers, and scientists in the biotechnology sector.

SUBHADRA Scheme

Context

Recently, the Prime Minister of India launched ‘SUBHADRA’, the flagship Scheme of Government of Odisha, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

SUBHADRA Scheme:

• Naming: Named after Goddess Subhadra, associated with the deity Lord Jagannath of Odisha.
• Beneficiaries: Women aged 21-60 years, specifically those not from affluent backgrounds or receiving significant government aid, are eligible.
• Financial Benefit: Eligible women receive Rs. 50,000 distributed over five years (2024-2029) in semi-annual installments of Rs. 10,000 each.

Operational Mechanics:

• Direct Deposit: Funds are directly deposited into the beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked and DBT-enabled bank accounts.
• Digital Verification: Enrollment requires mandatory e-KYC verification.
• Incentives: Special incentives of Rs. 500 are awarded to the top 100 digitally active beneficiaries per gram panchayat and urban area.
• Exclusions: Excludes women from high-income families, government employees, tax payers, and those receiving Rs. 1,500 monthly or Rs. 18,000 annually from other government programs.

Enrollment Process:

• Continuous Registration: No deadline for registration, allowing ongoing enrollment until all eligible women are registered.
• Accessibility: The inclusion of a Subhadra Debit Card to facilitate financial transactions.