* In the lead-up to the 2014 general elections, then Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had seemingly endorsed a caste census, aligning with the Congress party's election manifesto promise.

* However, after the general election, the BJP appeared to distance itself from this idea.

* Several prominent OBC leaders had previously advocated for a caste census, viewing it as crucial for a comprehensive overhaul of the reservation system.

* In 2015, the RSS, considered the ideological parent of the BJP, publicly opposed a caste-based census.

* The BJP's performance in the 2024 Bihar Assembly elections, where the party's plank of Hindu unity seemingly failed to counter caste-based politics, is noted.

* It's suggested that the BJP may have initially feared that a caste census could potentially consolidate electoral support along caste lines, which might not have been advantageous for the party.

* The opposition parties, including the BJP and the Congress, have historically exhibited a complex and sometimes ambiguous stance on caste-based social justice issues.

* While some regional parties, particularly those in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have mobilized OBC groups, national parties have often been more cautious.

* The BJP's recent shift towards supporting a caste census is seen by some as a response to evolving electoral dynamics and the increasing political mobilization of OBC communities.

* Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been a vocal proponent of a caste census, framing it as a crucial step towards social justice.

* There's a discussion around whether the new census will lead to a significant restructuring of reservation policies and social institutions, potentially exceeding the current 50% cap on reservations.

* Concerns are raised that the new census could potentially reignite caste-based social divisions in India, which has historically been a sensitive issue.

* Article 16(4) of the Indian Constitution is mentioned, which enables the state to make special provisions for the reservation of appointments or posts in favor of any backward class of citizens that, in the opinion of the state, is not adequately represented in the services under the state.

* It is argued that a comprehensive caste census is necessary to accurately assess the representation of various backward classes and to ensure that reservation policies are effectively targeted.

* The upcoming caste census is poised to be a significant undertaking, potentially reshaping the understanding of social stratification in India.

* The data collected will be crucial in determining the adequacy of representation of various caste groups in public services.

* The census could pave the way for a potential re-evaluation and restructuring of existing reservation policies.

* There is an ongoing debate about whether the census should solely focus on enumerating castes or also be used to establish socio-economic profiles to better target affirmative action.

* The successful implementation of the census will require careful planning and execution to ensure accuracy and minimize potential social friction.

Background:

* India, with its growing economy and increasing focus on energy independence and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, is exploring unconventional energy resources.

* Natural hydrogen, formed through geological processes, is emerging as a potentially game-changing resource.

* Unlike manufactured hydrogen, which is energy-intensive to produce, natural hydrogen is a primary energy source found within the Earth.

* The current global energy landscape, marked by geopolitical instability and fluctuating commodity prices, underscores the importance of India exploring indigenous energy sources.

* India's hydrogen demand is projected to grow to 5-7 million tonnes per year by 2030, with a long-term goal of becoming a net-zero emitter by 2070.

* Natural hydrogen exploration and exploitation in India are in the nascent stages.

* The key challenges include the technical, logistical, economical, and safety aspects of locating and extracting underground hydrogen reserves.

* Understanding the geological formations conducive to natural hydrogen generation, ensuring drilling and extraction safety, and developing cost-effective technologies are crucial hurdles.

* Natural hydrogen extraction often involves drilling into subsurface formations where hydrogen gas is trapped.

* A cautious and well-regulated approach is necessary to mitigate potential environmental and safety risks associated with drilling and extraction.

* The Oil and Gas Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India are likely to play a significant role in the initial exploration and development efforts.

* Academic and research institutions are also involved in studying the potential and characteristics of natural hydrogen occurrences in India.

* The U.S. ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy) is actively funding projects exploring and extracting trapped geologic hydrogen, indicating a growing global interest in this resource.

* Estimates suggest that naturally produced hydrogen might be more abundant than previously thought, potentially offering a cleaner and more affordable energy alternative.

* Commercial viability hinges on developing efficient exploration techniques, cost-effective extraction methods, and robust transportation and storage infrastructure.

* Targeted exploration in areas with high potential, coupled with government support and investment, will be essential for advancing this sector.

* India needs to undertake comprehensive geological surveys and research to identify potential natural hydrogen reservoirs.

* Investment in developing indigenous expertise and technologies for exploration, drilling, and extraction is crucial.

* Establishing clear regulatory frameworks and safety protocols for natural hydrogen exploration and production will be necessary.

* Collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and private sector players will accelerate progress.

* Pilot projects and feasibility studies should be conducted to assess the economic viability and environmental impact of natural hydrogen extraction in the Indian context.

* Learning from international experiences and technological advancements in natural hydrogen exploration will be beneficial.

* If successfully harnessed, natural hydrogen could significantly contribute to India's energy security, reduce its carbon footprint, and support its transition towards a sustainable energy future.

US Backs India Against Terror, Points at Pakistan

The US has expressed solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noting Pakistan's history of supporting terrorist organizations. This came after discussions between US and Indian officials following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized the strength of India's cultural influence and the potential of the "orange economy" – creative industries leveraging culture and intellect for economic growth. He hailed Indian content creators and announced India will soon launch the WAVES Awards for the media and entertainment industry.

PM Modi will dedicate the Vizhinjam International Seaport to the nation today. This AI-driven, all-weather port is poised to be a major hub for India's maritime trade, potentially reducing reliance on international facilities and boosting India's competitiveness in South Asia's maritime trade.

A Delhi court has permitted the NIA to collect voice and handwriting samples of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana's custody has been extended until May 9. India seeks his extradition for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy.

Following the Pahalgam attack, India is strengthening ties with countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and potentially the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to isolate Pakistan on the issue of terrorism. These nations have condemned the attack, signaling a potential shift in regional dynamics against Pakistan-backed terror groups.

Unprovoked firing between Indian and Pakistani armies along the LoC and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir has continued for the sixth consecutive day. India reported that Pakistani forces initiated small-arms fire in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor.

The Army and Air Force versions of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv have been cleared for operations after being grounded since January. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) stated the clearance follows the Defect Investigation (DI) Committee recommendations. A time-bound plan for resuming operations has been worked out. The grounding had led to a shortage of helicopters for the armed forces.

The Indian Army and Air Force are undergoing significant leadership changes. Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma is the new Northern Army Commander, and Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is the new Chief of Integrated Defence Staff. Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari takes over as Vice-Chief of the IAF. These changes occur amid tensions with Pakistan.

Iran announced the postponement of the next round of nuclear talks with the United States, citing "logistical reasons" proposed by mediator Oman. The meeting, scheduled for Saturday in Rome, will be rescheduled with new dates to be mutually agreed upon. The US confirmed the postponement.

A Ukrainian drone attack in the Russia-held town of Oleshky in Kherson killed at least seven people and wounded more than 20. This occurred shortly after Kyiv and Washington signed an agreement enabling continued US military aid to Ukraine. Russia also reported a Ukrainian drone strike in Odesa that killed two.

India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection reached ₹2.37 lakh crore in April, marking a 12.4% year-on-year rise and the second-highest collection ever since its implementation.

At least 542 civilians have been confirmed killed in Sudan's north Darfur region in the past three weeks, with the actual toll feared to be much higher due to ongoing conflict.

A major wildfire in Israel, fueled by hot, dry conditions and strong winds, has ravaged around 5,000 acres of land. Several communities were evacuated as a precaution.

The U.S. is investing $500 million in a universal vaccines project. The aim is to develop vaccines offering protection against multiple strains of a virus using chemically inactivated whole viruses.

Ukraine's agricultural exports fell by 23 percent in April, with grain shipments down by 33 percent and vegetable oil exports by 6 percent. The country exported a total of 3.51 million tonnes of grain.