1) Odisha’s Initiatives under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Addressing Gender inequality

Why is it in the news?

• Odisha has implemented several impactful schemes to support adolescent girls under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative. These schemes aim to prevent child marriages, combat sex selection, address female foeticide, and build self-esteem and confidence among girls.
• The key schemes launched by the Odisha Government are “Nirbhaya Kadhi” (Fearless Bud), “Mo Gelha Jiya” (My Dear Daughter), “Kalpana Avijan,” “Swarna Kalika,” and “Veerangana Yojana.” These efforts focus on empowering girls, promoting education, and encouraging their rights.

“Nirbhaya Kadhi” and “Mo Gelha Jhia” – Ganjam District

• In Ganjam district, the “Nirbhaya Kadhi” (Fearless Bud) scheme targets adolescent girls aged 11-18 years, with 183,933 girls from 3,309 villages participating. The scheme organizes awareness meetings to promote girl-child rights and prevent child marriages.
• The “Mo Gelha Jhia” (My Lovely Daughter) program combats sex selection and female foeticide in the district. By January 2022, Ganjam district was declared child marriage-free. Between 2019 and 2024, 20 child marriages were successfully prevented.

“Kalpana Avijan” – Dhenkanal District

• Launched in Dhenkanal district, the “Kalpana Avijan” scheme monitors and tracks adolescent girls (aged 10-19 years) to prevent child marriages. Between 2019 and 2024, 343 child marriages were averted through this initiative.
• Around 113,515 adolescent girls were enrolled in the program. Awareness campaigns were conducted in 1,211 villages, engaging youth and traditional leaders. Approximately 445,000 students from 3,425 schools declared their commitment to saying “No” to child marriage.

“Swarna Kalika” – Keonjhar District

• The “Swarna Kalika” scheme, implemented in Keonjhar district, focuses on raising awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage. Over 2,000 stakeholders have been involved in campaigns, with a significant focus on using the ADVIKA app for awareness and intervention.
• Through this district-level campaign, child marriages were reduced by 50% by 2024. The success of the campaign has been attributed to strategic community mobilization and awareness efforts.

“Veerangana” – Deogarh District

• The “Veerangana” scheme in Deogarh district was introduced to boost the self-esteem and confidence of adolescent girls through martial arts and self-defense techniques. The initiative trains girls to protect themselves from harassment, eve-teasing, and other forms of gender-based violence.
• A 30-day training camp on self-defense and martial arts was organized with support from the State KUDO Association of Odisha, benefiting more than 500 adolescents. In addition, awareness and counselling sessions were held for girls and their parents on legal rights and entitlements.
• The program extended training to 6,000 girl students across 300 rural schools, ensuring wider community engagement. The initiative was lauded by the media and institutionalized in various schools. It also received the prestigious SKOCH Award as a semi-finalist.

Conclusion

• These schemes demonstrate Odisha’s proactive efforts to address gender inequality and promote the rights of girls through education, awareness, and self-defense training.
• By preventing child marriages, combating female foeticide, and building the confidence of young girls, these initiatives contribute significantly to the success of the BBBP scheme in the state.

2) Advancing Mental Healthcare in India

GS 2: Society: Addressing Mental Healthcare

Why is it in the news?

• The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights mental well-being as a blend of emotional, social, cognitive, and physical health.
• It advocates a community-driven approach to mental health, emphasizing its role in harnessing India’s demographic dividend, particularly by addressing youth mental health.

About Mental Health

• Mental health refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It significantly influences how people think, feel, and behave in daily life, affecting decision-making, stress management, and interpersonal relationships.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of well-being that allows individuals to cope with life’s stresses, realize their abilities, learn, work, and contribute to their community effectively.

Impact of Poor Mental Health

• Impact on Productivity: Poor mental health leads to reduced workplace performance, increased absenteeism, and lower efficiency.
• Social and Emotional Well-being: It also affects self-confidence, interpersonal relationships, and social interactions.
• Economic Impact: WHO reports that mental disorders contribute significantly to the global disease burden. Untreated mental health conditions can result in high economic costs, both in terms of lost productivity and healthcare expenses.

Mental Health Scenario in India

WHO Data:

• India, contributing 18% to the global population, has an alarming mental health burden. WHO estimates that the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in India due to mental health issues stand at 2443 per 10,000 population.
• The country’s age-adjusted suicide rate is 21.1 per 100,000 people, and the economic loss due to mental health conditions is projected to reach USD 1.03 trillion between 2012 and 2030.

Prevalence:

• According to the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 by NIMHANS, 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders, and the lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in India is 13.7%.
• Furthermore, 15% of India’s adult population requires intervention for mental health issues. Urban areas report a higher prevalence (13.5%) compared to rural areas (6.9%).

Treatment Gap:

• A significant treatment gap exists, with 70% to 92% of people with mental disorders not receiving adequate treatment due to factors such as lack of awareness, stigma, and a shortage of professionals.
• India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, far below the WHO recommendation of 3 per 100,000.

Insights from the Economic Survey 2024-25

• The Economic Survey 2024-25 emphasized that mental well-being is a composite of mental-emotional, social, cognitive, and physical capabilities.
• It called for a whole-of-community approach to mental health and highlighted the importance of addressing mental health as part of India’s demographic dividend, especially considering the mental health of the youth.
• The survey proposed several measures:

1) Enhance Mental Health Education in Schools: It advocates for early interventions to address anxiety, stress, and behavioural issues in students.

2) Improve Workplace Mental Health Policies: The focus should be on addressing job stress, long working hours, and burnout.

3) Expand Digital Mental Health Services: Strengthening services like Tele MANAS and incorporating AI-based mental health solutions.

Mental Health Infrastructure in India

India’s efforts to improve mental healthcare infrastructure have seen significant progress:

National Mental Health Programme:

• In 2024, 25 Centres of Excellence were sanctioned to train more postgraduate students in mental health and provide advanced treatment.
• Additionally, 47 PG departments in mental health have been established in government medical colleges, with mental health services also being introduced in 22 newly established AIIMS.

Government-Run Mental Hospitals:

• India has 47 government-run mental hospitals, including three central mental health institutions: the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health in Tezpur, Assam, and the Central Institute of Psychiatry in Ranchi.

Integration of Mental Health Services in Ayushman Bharat:

• Mental health services are now included in the services offered under Ayushman Bharat’s Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).
• Over 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, offering basic counselling, psychiatric medication, and training for general physicians to manage mild-to-moderate mental health conditions.
• These centres also provide linkages to district hospitals for advanced psychiatric care, making mental healthcare more accessible in both urban and rural areas.

Policies and Schemes Undertaken by the Government of India

I) National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) – 1982

• • India launched the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982 to address the growing burden of mental health disorders and the lack of adequate mental health services.
  • The primary goal of NMHP is to integrate mental healthcare into the general healthcare system and provide community-based mental health services.

Key Components:

• The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) was introduced to expand mental health services at the district level.
• Covers 767 districts, providing counselling, outpatient services, suicide prevention programs, and awareness initiatives.
• 10-bedded inpatient mental health facilities have been established at the district level.

II) NIMHANS Act, 2012

• The NIMHANS Act of 2012 marked a significant step in strengthening mental health education and research in India. The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru was declared an Institute of National Importance, enabling it to expand its academic and research capacity.
• NIMHANS has since become the premier institution for psychiatry, neuropsychology, and mental health sciences in the country.

III) The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

• The RPwD Act of 2016, which replaced the 1995 Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act, expanded the definition of disability to include mental illness.
• It introduced stronger legal protections for individuals with psychosocial disabilities and aligned with India’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
• The Act aims to ensure equality, dignity, and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions.

IV) National Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

• The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 was enacted to provide the right to mental healthcare services and protect the dignity and rights of individuals with mental illness.
• It replaced the 1987 Mental Health Act and introduced several progressive changes, including:

1. 1. The right to affordable and quality mental healthcare services.
   2. The decriminalization of suicide.
   3. Alignment with international standards, particularly the UNCRPD.

V) National Health Policy, 2017

• The National Health Policy (NHP) of 2017 recognized mental health as a national health priority. It aimed to integrate mental health into primary healthcare and improve treatment accessibility.
• By placing mental health at the centre of India’s healthcare framework, the policy sought to bridge the treatment gap by offering psychological services at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under Ayushman Bharat.

VI) iGOT-Diksha Collaboration for Mental Health Training

• In 2020, the government collaborated with the iGOT-Diksha platform, a digital learning initiative, to train healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and community health volunteers in mental healthcare.
• This program focuses on:

1. 1. Building capacity for mental health care at the grassroots level.
   2. Equipping doctors and nurses with skills to diagnose and treat mental disorders.
   3. Promoting mental health awareness in rural areas.
   4. Through this initiative, India has enhanced its mental health workforce and improved early intervention strategies.

VII) National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS), 2022

• Launched on October 10, 2022, the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) revolutionized India’s digital mental health infrastructure. Tele MANAS provides free, 24/7 mental health support through a toll-free helpline in 20 Indian languages.
• In October 2024, the Tele MANAS App was launched to offer self-care strategies, stress management tools, and direct access to mental health professionals. The app also introduced video consultation services in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir.

VIII) KIRAN Helpline Merged into Tele MANAS

• The KIRAN Helpline initially launched in 2020, was merged into the Tele MANAS initiative in 2022 to improve the efficiency of mental health support services.
• This merger streamlined helpline operations, making mental health services more accessible and better integrated into India’s healthcare system.

IX) National Suicide Prevention Strategy, 2022

• In 2022, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) with the goal of reducing suicide mortality by 10% by 2030.
• Recognizing suicide as a public health concern, the strategy focuses on early intervention, crisis management, and mental health promotion.

Key components of the NSPS include:

• Mental health screenings for students in schools and colleges.
• Establishing crisis helplines and psychological support centres.
• Community awareness programs to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide.
• Stronger implementation of workplace mental health programs.
• The strategy emphasizes high-risk groups such as students, farmers, and young adults, ensuring targeted interventions to prevent self-harm and improve overall mental well-being.

Conclusion

• India needs to focus on strengthening awareness campaigns, expanding workforce training, and further investing in digital mental health solutions.
• A mentally healthier India is essential not only for individual well-being but also for economic growth and national development, requiring a holistic, inclusive, and stigma-free approach to mental healthcare.

3) Trump Authorizes Sanctions Against ICC

GS 2: International Relations: Trump against ICC investigations

Why is it in the news?

• US President Donald Trump has authorized economic and travel sanctions against individuals involved in International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations concerning US citizens and allies such as Israel.
• This decision, condemned by the ICC, comes in response to the court’s arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

ICC: Establishment, Purpose & its Ongoing prosecutions

• The ICC was founded in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and crimes of aggression when member states fail to do so. The court has jurisdiction over crimes committed by nationals of member states or on their territories.
• It currently has 125 member states and operates with a 2025 budget of approximately 195 million euros ($202 million).
• The ICC is investigating cases across multiple regions, including the Palestinian territories, Ukraine, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Venezuela, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
• To date, the court has handled 32 cases, with some involving multiple suspects. ICC judges have issued at least 60 arrest warrants.
• Since its establishment, the ICC has issued 11 convictions and four acquittals. Twenty-one individuals have been held at the ICC detention center in The Hague, while 31 remain fugitives. Seven cases were dropped due to the suspects’ deaths.
• Of the 11 convictions, only six were for core crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity, all involving African militia leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Uganda. Sentences have ranged from nine to 30 years, with life imprisonment being the maximum penalty.

Individuals on ICC’s Arrest Warrant List

• The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, charging him with murder, persecution, and using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza.
• Warrants were also issued for former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Ibrahim al-Masri (Mohammed Deif), who is accused of murder, rape, and hostage-taking during the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel.
• Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin is wanted for the war crime of deporting Ukrainian children. The Kremlin dismissed the warrant as meaningless and has denied committing war crimes during its Ukraine invasion.
• The ICC prosecutor has also sought warrants for senior Afghan and Myanmar officials, though these are yet to be approved by judges.

Non-Member Countries of the ICC

• Despite support from many UN member states and the European Union, major global powers such as the United States, China, and Russia are not ICC members, citing concerns about politically motivated prosecutions.
• Myanmar is also not a member, but ICC judges ruled in 2018 and 2019 that the court has jurisdiction over cross-border crimes that affected Bangladesh, an ICC member. This allowed investigations into alleged deportation and persecution of the Rohingya people.
• Israel is not an ICC member and does not recognize its authority. However, the Palestinian territories joined the ICC in 2015, allowing the court to investigate potential war crimes by both Hamas in Israel and Israeli forces in Gaza.

4) Budget 2025-26: Boosting Research, Innovation, and Science in India

GS 3: Economy: Advancement in Research and innovation

Why is it in the news?

• The Union Budget 2025-26 has placed a significant emphasis on research and innovation, particularly in the private sector.
• With a strong push for advancements in fields like gene-editing, personalized medicine, and sustainable agriculture, the government has introduced major funding initiatives to strengthen India’s research ecosystem.

Strengthening Research and Innovation

• The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has received ₹20,000 crore, forming a key part of the ₹1 lakh crore corpus announced in July 2024 to boost private sector R&D, especially in deep-tech and emerging sectors.
• The National Geospatial Mission has been allocated ₹100 crore to enhance geospatial data infrastructure, supporting the National Geospatial Policy 2022. Additionally, several initiatives such as the Nuclear Energy Mission, clean tech projects, and Atal Tinkering Labs aim to promote scientific research and innovation.

Advancing Biotechnology and Agriculture

• The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has been allocated ₹3,446.64 crore, marking a 51.45% increase from the previous year. The government’s approval of the ‘Bio-RIDE’ scheme aims to promote bio-entrepreneurship and innovation, strengthening India’s role in biomanufacturing.
• The budget’s support for private sector R&D is expected to accelerate breakthroughs in gene-editing, personalized medicine, and sustainable agriculture.
• The National Mission on High Yielding Seeds will enhance research in developing high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient seeds. Other key initiatives include missions for minor oilseeds and genetic resource characterization, aimed at sequencing and analyzing pulse germplasm.

Public-Private Collaboration for Scientific Growth

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) sees the Budget as a major step towards fostering public-private partnerships, industry collaboration, and technology-driven entrepreneurship.
• CSIR’s Aroma and Floriculture Missions align with the Agri-Districts Initiative, promoting value-added farming and increasing farmer incomes. The Millets Mission and Cotton Mission support self-reliant and climate-resilient farming while boosting India’s global standing in the textile sector.
• CSIR’s Green Hydrogen Mission aligns with India’s clean energy transition, while the Indigenous Manufacturing and Smart Packaging Missions support innovation in industrial growth.
• Youth-skilling programs such as the Jigyasa Programme and Atal Tinkering Labs foster STEM education, while initiatives like the Seaweed Mission empower women entrepreneurs.

Nuclear Energy Expansion and Private Sector Entry

• The Budget supports India’s ambitious plan to expand nuclear energy production to 100 GWe by 2047, allowing private sector participation in nuclear projects. The success of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which have a power capacity of 300 MWe or less, is crucial for India’s energy transition.
• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has implemented regulatory measures for new reactor technologies while maintaining transparency through reports to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Concerns Over Funding Distribution

• While the budget significantly boosts funding for science, technology, and biotechnology, allocations for the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research remain limited.
• Experts note a shift towards mission-mode programs such as nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and private sector-driven research, with less emphasis on curiosity-driven science.
• The government’s plan to amend the Nuclear Liability and Damage Act, 2010, has also raised concerns among experts regarding safety and accountability.
• The government has expanded the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) Fund for Startups by ₹10,000 crore, supporting deep-tech startups in AI, biotechnology, and space technology. Despite having over 3,600 deep-tech startups, funding in 2023 declined by 77% from 2022, reflecting investor hesitation.

Health, Education, and Research Gaps

• The budget meets the growing demands of health research and biomedical technology, especially as the Economic Survey highlighted the impact of ultra-processed food on non-communicable diseases.
• However, funding for Central universities has increased by only 4.3%, much lower than the 8.4% increase for IITs, raising concerns about the financial support required for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP).
• The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) remains competitive but does not replace the low ₹8,000 stipend for non-NET UGC researchers. There is also a growing focus on AI, with funding directed towards AI Centres of Excellence, but experts caution that AI policies must be implemented for genuine societal benefits rather than just being buzzwords.
• Despite rising mental health issues, declining attention spans, and increased consumerism among youth, the government has missed an opportunity to introduce value-based learning and life skills education to bring generational change.

Need for Increased Education Spending

• The scientific community has expressed concerns over the low financial allocation for education and research.
• The NEP-2020 recommended spending 6% of GDP on education, but the budget only allocates 2.54%, failing to meet this target. Funding for basic science research has been reduced, affecting institutions like IISc and IISERs.
• The University Grants Commission (UGC), which funds universities, saw a drastic cut last year (₹5,360 crore to ₹2,500 crore), with only a partial recovery this year.
• However, the five-fold increase in the Indian Knowledge Systems budget suggests a shift in priorities, focusing more on cultural education rather than scientific research.

Conclusion

• The Union Budget 2025-26 strongly supports private sector R&D, biotechnology, nuclear energy, and mission-driven programs, fostering India’s strategic autonomy in key technologies.
• However, concerns remain over limited support for fundamental research, rigid funding bureaucracy, and inadequate education investment, which could impact long-term scientific progress.

5) India-U.K. Strengthen Defence Cooperation

GS 2: International Relations: Strengthening India- UK ties

Why is it in the news?

• The United Kingdom has formally launched the “Defence Partnership-India” (DP-I), a dedicated cell within its Ministry of Defence aimed at deepening defence collaboration with India.
• Announced during Aero India, this initiative will serve as a central hub to facilitate bilateral defence engagements and strengthen strategic ties between the two nations.

Defence Agreements at Aero India

• Several key agreements were signed at Aero India to enhance defence production in India. These include joint production of Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) and Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM).
• Additionally, plans were unveiled for the establishment of an Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and test facility in India. A Statement of Intent (SoI) was also signed to develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for Indian Navy ships.

Launch of DP-I and Industry Collaboration

• K. Defence Minister announced DP-I while inaugurating the U.K.-India Defence Partnership pavilion at Aero India. The U.K. High Commission stated that this dedicated programme office will function as a single-window platform to streamline bilateral defence cooperation.
• Thales U.K. and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed a contract for the supply of Laser Beam-Riding MANPADs (LBRMs), with an initial batch of STARStreak high-velocity missiles and launchers expected for delivery this year.
• Following this agreement, Thales and BDL will collaborate further on the production of LMMs, expanding the Indo-U.K. defence partnership. This will integrate BDL and the Indian industry into Thales’ global supply chain, fostering job creation and mutual security benefits.

ASRAAM Assembly and Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

• MBDA U.K. and BDL are also working on setting up an ASRAAM assembly and test facility in Hyderabad. This will be the first-of-its-kind facility in India, catering to the requirements of Jaguar aircraft and the Light Combat Aircraft Mk1A.
• These developments not only boost India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities but also enhance interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces.

6) La Niña’s Cooling Effect Fails to Offset Record January Temperatures

GS 1: Geography: Effect of La Niña on global temperatures

Why is it in the news?

• January 2025 was the hottest January on record, with global average surface air temperature rising 1.75°C above the pre-industrial level (1850-1900), according to Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
• Despite the emergence of La Niña conditions, which typically have a cooling effect, temperatures remained exceptionally high. It was the 18th month in the last 19 when global average temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C threshold. Scientists had anticipated some relief from La Niña, but this did not occur.

Understanding La Niña and ENSO

• La Niña is part of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate phenomenon affecting global weather by altering sea temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
• ENSO has three phases—El Niño (warm), La Niña (cool), and neutral—occurring in irregular cycles of two to seven years.
• During La Niña, strong trade winds push warm water westward, leading to cooler-than-average temperatures in the eastern Pacific. While La Niña generally lowers global temperatures, its effects can vary depending on intensity and duration.

Why La Niña Did Not Cool January 2025 Temperatures

• Every La Niña phase is unique, and its impact on global temperatures differs each time. The ongoing La Niña cycle is relatively weak, partly due to its late emergence in December 2024 instead of the expected September.
• According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ENSO events typically peak during the Northern Hemisphere winter, and the delayed onset left little time for La Niña to strengthen. Weaker La Niña events exert less influence over temperature and precipitation patterns.
• Additionally, the rapid rise in atmospheric carbon levels in 2024 and January 2025 contributed to sustained warming. Strong La Niña events usually promote extra rainfall, leading to increased plant growth, which helps absorb carbon from the atmosphere. However, the current weak La Niña has not facilitated such carbon absorption.
• Another factor is the reduction of atmospheric aerosols due to cleaner air policies. Aerosols help cool the atmosphere by reflecting solar radiation, and their decline may have contributed to persistent high temperatures.

Significance of Rising Global Temperatures

• A single warm January does not determine long-term climate trends, but it suggests that natural cooling cycles may be losing their ability to regulate global temperatures. This highlights the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• In 2024, atmospheric GHG levels reached their highest recorded annual concentration, according to C3S. Without drastic emissions reductions, the effectiveness of natural climate regulators like La Niña will continue to diminish, exacerbating global warming.

7) Trump’s Crackdown on DEI Policies

GS 2: International Relations: U.S. DEI Policy

Why is it in the news?

• In his second term as U.S. President, Donald Trump has acted to dismantle the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies introduced by Joe Biden.
• S. Secretary of State reinforced this stance, refusing to attend the G20 Summit in South Africa, citing its promotion of “solidarity, equality, & sustainability,” which he equated with DEI and climate change—issues the Trump administration opposes.

What is DEI?

DEI refers to workplace policies aimed at fostering diversity, fairness, and inclusion. In June 2021, Biden issued an executive order defining these terms:

• Diversity: Inclusion of various communities, identities, and backgrounds.
• Equity: Fair and just treatment of all individuals, especially underserved communities.
• Inclusion: Recognizing and utilizing talents from diverse backgrounds.
• Accessibility: Ensuring facilities and services are usable by all, including people with disabilities.

Historical Context of DEI

• The push for workplace diversity began during World War II when President Franklin D. Roosevelt banned racial discrimination in defense jobs. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 further outlawed employment discrimination based on race, colour, sex, or religion.
• DEI gained momentum after George Floyd’s 2020 killing, as companies sought to align with the Black Lives Matter movement. A 2023 Pew Research survey found that 56% of U.S. workers viewed DEI efforts favourably.

Why is Trump Opposed to DEI?

• Trump has consistently opposed progressive policies, including DEI, which many conservatives view as discriminatory against white citizens. DEI has also been blamed for unrelated incidents, such as a mid-air airline collision that Trump attributed to diversity-focused hiring—though no official cause was determined.
• His stance has influenced the judiciary as well, with the Supreme Court, now dominated by Republican appointees, striking down affirmative action in college admissions in 2023.
• On his first day in office, Trump signed EO 14151, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing”, directing federal agencies to phase out DEI initiatives.
• The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was tasked with overseeing this process, and agencies were required to report employees involved in DEI and environmental justice roles within 60 days.
• Another order, EO 141713, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity”, repealed parts of the 1965 Equal Employment Opportunity Act, discouraging federal contracts with companies that follow DEI policies.

DEI in India

• India does not follow a systematic DEI approach similar to the U.S., as its policies address different socioeconomic concerns. However, affirmative action policies have existed for decades.
• The Indian Constitution mandated reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in 1950, with the Mandal Commission expanding reservations to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in 1990.
• Article 16 prohibits employment discrimination based on religion, caste, sex, or birthplace. Further, the Corporate DEI initiatives in India have largely responded to movements like #MeToo and the decriminalization of homosexuality under Section 377.