Articles on 2 May 2025

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India’s Caste Census Landscape Latest News
• Background and Historical Context
• Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC), 2011
• Difference Between SECC 2011 and Census 2011
• Caste and Tribe Specific Data - SECC vs Census 2011 on Caste
• Conclusion
• India’s Caste Census Landscape FAQs

India’s Caste Census Landscape Latest News

• India has not published disaggregated caste data since the 1931 Census, creating a significant gap in understanding caste-based demographics. 
• The Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 attempted to bridge this gap but it did not make certain caste-wise population data public.

Background and Historical Context

• The most recent publicly available data on caste populations at the national level are from the 1931 Census.
  • It will serve as the baseline for the caste data that the government has now decided to collect as part of the upcoming, pandemic-delayed Census 2021.
• The 1941 Census collected caste data but it was not released due to World War II.
• Post-independence Censuses have not included disaggregated caste data, except for broad SC/ST figures.

Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC), 2011

• Overview:
  • Beginning: The Union Ministry of Rural Development began the SECC on June 29, 2011 through a nationwide door-to-door enumeration exercise. 
  • Purpose: 
    • Assess socio-economic status of rural and urban households, and allow the ranking of households based on predefined parameters.
    • The data to be used for policy, research, and the implementation of various development programs.
  • Coverage: Conducted in 24 lakh enumeration blocks, each with ~125 households.
  • Timeline: Mostly in 2011–2012; extended to 2013 in some states.
• Key features:
  • Joint exercise with Census 2011, but administratively distinct.
  • The caste census was under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Registrar General of India (RGI) and Census Commissioner of India.

Difference Between SECC 2011 and Census 2011

• Confidentiality and accessibility:
  • Census 2011 data: Confidential and used for statistical purposes.
  • SECC 2011 data: Open for government use in identifying beneficiaries for schemes.
• Common parameters:
  • Demographic and economic data: Gender, age, marital status, religion, literacy, etc.
• Additional parameters in SECC:
  • Health: Nature of disability (sight, speech, mental illness, etc.) and diseases (cancer, TB, leprosy).
  • Economic status: Asset ownership (mobile, AC, fridge), housing condition, source of lighting, latrines, and kitchens.
  • Employment and income (Urban-specific): Source of income (begging, vending, pension, rent).
  • Rural-specific: Landholding, mechanised equipment, tribal group membership, bonded labour, manual scavenging.

Caste and Tribe Specific Data - SECC vs Census 2011 on Caste

• Census 2011: Only asked about SC/ST status, not specific caste names or OBC/general category.
• SECC 2011:
  • Collected disaggregated caste data.
  • Categories: SC (Code 1), ST (Code 2), Other (Code 3), No Caste/Tribe (Code 4).
  • Captured name of caste/tribe if applicable.
• Government order on SC classification:
  • As per 1990 order, Scheduled Castes must be Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist.
  • Scheduled Tribes can be from any religion.

Conclusion

• The upcoming Census 2021, delayed by the pandemic, is expected to include comprehensive caste data, potentially reshaping socio-economic policy frameworks. 
• Accurate and transparent caste data remains critical for targeted welfare measures, inclusive governance, and evidence-based policymaking.

India’s Caste Census Landscape FAQs

Q1. What was the key difference in data confidentiality between Census 2011 and SECC 2011?

Ans. While data from Census 2011 is confidential and used only for statistical purposes, SECC 2011 data is accessible to government departments for welfare scheme implementation.

Q2. Why is the 1931 Census significant in the context of caste-based data in India?

Ans. The 1931 Census is the last publicly available source of disaggregated caste data at the national level, serving as a historical baseline.

Q3. Under which ministry was the caste component of the SECC 2011 conducted, and who executed it?

Ans. The caste component of SECC 2011 was under the Ministry of Home Affairs and conducted by the Registrar General of India (RGI).

Q4. What additional socio-economic indicators were included in SECC 2011 but not in Census 2011?

Ans. SECC 2011 included detailed information on disabilities, household assets, housing conditions, and occupation/income sources, especially in rural areas.

Q5. According to the 1990 Government Order, who is eligible to be classified under Scheduled Castes?

Ans. Only individuals professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism can be classified as Scheduled Castes under the 1990 Government Order.

Source: IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Latest News
• Ukraine’s Strategic Mineral Wealth
• Key Highlights of the US–Ukraine Minerals Deal
• US-Ukraine Minerals Deal and Security Guarantees
• US-Ukraine Minerals Deal FAQs

US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Latest News

• The US and Ukraine have finalized a major minerals deal after months of tense negotiations, including a heated Oval Office meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. 
• Under the agreement, the US gains preferential access to Ukrainian mineral and resource licenses, while Ukraine receives financial and military aid for post-war reconstruction. 
• Trump called the deal "payback" for the $350 billion he claims the US has spent supporting Ukraine, though official figures show $182.8 billion.

Ukraine’s Strategic Mineral Wealth

• Ukraine holds approximately 5% of the world’s critical raw materials, giving it a strategic edge in the global supply of essential minerals.
• Ukraine has deposits of 22 out of the 34 minerals identified as critical by the European Union. 
• These include: Industrial and construction materials; Ferro alloys and non-ferrous metals; Precious metals and rare earth elements.

Key Mineral Reserves

• Graphite: 19 million tonnes of proven reserves; among the top five global suppliers. Crucial for EV batteries.
• Titanium: Holds 7% of Europe's supply; used in aerospace and infrastructure.
• Lithium: Contains one-third of Europe’s deposits; essential for modern batteries.
• Other Crucial Elements: Includes beryllium and uranium, important for nuclear technology.
• Additional Metals: Ukraine has significant reserves of copper, lead, zinc, silver, nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
• Rare Earth Elements: Hosts deposits of all 17 rare earths used in electronics, defense, and green energy.

Geographic Distribution of Major Resources

• Titanium: Found mostly in northwestern and central Ukraine
• Lithium: Located in central, eastern, and southeastern regions
• Graphite: Found in central and western Ukraine; represents 20% of global reserves
• Coal: Reserves remain significant, though most are now in Russian-occupied territory

Russian Occupation and Economic Loss

• An estimated $350 billion worth of mineral resources lie in territories occupied by Russia.
• As of 2022, Russia controls:
  • 63% of Ukrainian coal mines
  • 50% of manganese, caesium, tantalum, and rare earth deposits.
• Russia has seized at least two lithium sites:
  • One in Donetsk
  • One in Zaporizhzhia
• Ukraine still retains control of lithium reserves in the central Kyrovohrad region.

Key Highlights of the US–Ukraine Minerals Deal

• The agreement was signed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

Oil and gas included alongside minerals

• While the deal focuses on Ukraine's mineral wealth, it also covers oil, natural gas, and other hydrocarbons. 
• In all cases, Ukraine retains full ownership of the resources, though the US will have joint access.

United States–Ukraine Reinvestment Fund

• A new fund will be created and jointly managed by both countries on an equal partnership basis.
• For the first ten years, all profits and revenues from the fund are expected to be reinvested into Ukraine’s development.

Resource Ownership and Control

• Ukraine will retain full ownership and control over its natural resources, with the right to decide where and what to extract.

Contributions to the Fund

• The US will contribute via direct funding or new military assistance.
• Ukraine will contribute 50% of revenues from new licenses for critical materials, oil, and gas extraction.

Use of Military Assistance

• The agreement emphasizes future military support—potentially including air defence systems—and confirms Ukraine will not owe any debt to the US for past aid.

US-Ukraine Minerals Deal and Security Guarantees

• No Formal Security Guarantees Included
  • The minerals deal does not contain explicit security guarantees for Ukraine.
  • President Zelenskyy has refused peace talks with Russia unless future security assurances are provided.
• Military Assistance Still Possible
  • While not a guarantee, the deal revives the prospect of continued US military aid.
  • Analysts view this as a strategic signal of US interest in Ukraine’s future.
• US Troop Involvement Ruled Out
  • Trump has not committed to sending US troops or backing European military involvement in Ukraine.
  • The deal is economic and strategic, not a defense pact.
• Potential Deterrence Against Russia
  • According to analysts, the agreement creates US investment and strategic interest in Ukraine.
  • This could deter future Russian aggression, as the US would likely respond with sanctions and military support.

US-Ukraine Minerals Deal FAQs

Q1. What is the US–Ukraine minerals deal?

Ans. A strategic agreement giving the US access to Ukraine’s critical mineral and energy resources.

Q2. Which minerals are involved?

Ans. Lithium, titanium, graphite, rare earth elements, and other critical raw materials.

Q3. Does Ukraine retain resource control?

Ans. Yes, Ukraine maintains full ownership and decides extraction rights.

Q4. Are security guarantees included?

Ans. No formal guarantees, but military aid and US interest signal potential deterrence.

Q5. What is the Reinvestment Fund?

Ans. A joint fund where all profits are reinvested in Ukraine’s development for ten years.

Source: TH | BBC | ALjazeera

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India’s Hydrogen Potential Latest News
• Introduction
• India’s Hydrogen Demand and Resource Potential
• Geological Factors and Exploration Needs
• Technological and Safety Challenges
• International Approaches and India’s Opportunity
• Kickstarting Commercialization and Policy Support
• Conclusion
• India Natural Hydrogen Potential FAQs

India’s Hydrogen Potential Latest News

• Recently, a study has arrived at a value of 3,475 million tonnes of natural hydrogen potential in India.

Introduction

• As India pursues its ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, the search for cleaner, cost-effective, and scalable energy alternatives has intensified. 
• Among emerging options, naturally occurring geological hydrogen, also known as white or gold hydrogen, has attracted significant attention for its potential to decarbonize the economy without the high energy input required for conventional hydrogen production. 
• With early signs of significant reserves and increasing global momentum in exploration technology, natural hydrogen may play a pivotal role in securing India's energy future.

India’s Hydrogen Demand and Resource Potential

• India's annual hydrogen demand is expected to grow from 6 million tonnes in 2020 to over 50 million tonnes by 2070 to align with its net-zero goals. 
• A preliminary academic estimate places India’s natural hydrogen potential at approximately 3,475 million tonnes, which could substantially offset the need for manufacturing hydrogen via energy-intensive methods like electrolysis.
• Recent findings of underground hydrogen in the Andaman Islands and analogous geological formations across India suggest untapped reserves. 
• However, these possibilities remain theoretical until validated by comprehensive geological surveys.

Geological Factors and Exploration Needs

• Tapping natural hydrogen requires a robust understanding of India’s diverse geophysical landscape. Regions like the Dharwar and Singhbhum cratons, Vindhyan and Gondwana basins, and ophiolite complexes in the Himalayas and Andamans show promising characteristics such as:
  • Presence of hydrogen-generating rocks
  • Adequate seals and traps to contain the gas
  • Subsurface features suitable for large accumulations
• India needs a nationwide geological mapping initiative, similar to those undertaken by Australia (AusLAMP) and the U.S. (USArray), to build a 3D model of subsurface resistivity and identify potential hydrogen zones. 
• Such efforts would require public-private partnerships and the deployment of advanced magnetotelluric and petrophysical survey techniques.

Technological and Safety Challenges

• Despite its promise, natural hydrogen exploration is fraught with challenges:
  • Detection Difficulty: Unlike oil and natural gas, hydrogen lacks established discovery methods, making detection complex and uncertain.
  • Extraction Limitations: Hydrogen’s small molecular size and high diffusivity demand specialized extraction technologies and infrastructure.
  • Safety Risks: Hydrogen’s reactivity necessitates innovations in well design and materials. Hydrogen-resistant coatings, modified cement additives, and upgraded rubber linings are essential to ensure safety in storage and transport.
• Technological research is underway to retrofit existing gas infrastructure and develop cost-effective extraction and storage methods.

International Approaches and India’s Opportunity

• Countries like the United States are already advancing beyond mere extraction. The U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is investing in:
  • Inducing hydrogen generation by injecting water into iron-rich rocks
  • Combining carbon sequestration with hydrogen production
  • Developing intentional geological hydrogen reactors
• India can adopt a similar vision by leveraging its existing oil and gas exploration network, particularly under the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons. 
• Reviewing rock cores from previously drilled wells could offer a low-cost starting point for exploration. 
• Some existing natural gas pipelines may also be repurposed for hydrogen transport, subject to modifications.

Kickstarting Commercialization and Policy Support

• While the long-term cost of natural hydrogen production may be lower than green or grey hydrogen, initial exploration and infrastructure costs are substantial. Commercial viability hinges on:
  • Discovery of large, accessible reserves
  • Development of low-cost extraction techniques
  • Transparent and enabling regulatory frameworks
  • Targeted government support through grants and incentives
• India can replicate the success of its National Solar Mission, which benefited from early investment in solar resource mapping and public-private coordination. 
• A Natural Hydrogen Mapping Mission could serve a similar catalytic role.

Conclusion

• India stands at a promising threshold in the global energy transition. Natural hydrogen offers a clean, indigenous energy source with strategic and economic advantages. 
• However, unlocking this potential will require coordinated scientific exploration, technology development, safety infrastructure, and policy vision. 
• As global energy systems evolve, natural hydrogen may well become the silent revolution that powers India toward a secure and sustainable future.

India Natural Hydrogen Potential FAQs

Q1. How much natural hydrogen potential is estimated in India?

Ans. Preliminary estimates suggest India could have up to 3,475 million tonnes of natural hydrogen reserves.

Q2. Which regions in India show geological promise for natural hydrogen exploration?

Ans. Regions include the Dharwar and Singhbhum cratons, Andaman ophiolites, and Vindhyan and Gondwana basins.

Q3. What are the major challenges in tapping natural hydrogen?

Ans. Challenges include detection difficulty, extraction technology gaps, and safety risks due to hydrogen’s properties.

Q4. How can India replicate international hydrogen exploration models?

Ans. By adopting techniques like magnetotelluric surveys and leveraging existing oil and gas infrastructure.

Q5. Why is natural hydrogen important for India’s energy future?

Ans. It offers a clean, cost-effective, and scalable solution to meet India’s growing hydrogen demand and net-zero targets.

Source: TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Opinion Trading Platforms Latest News
• Opinion Trading Platforms
• How Opinion Trading Platforms Operate
• SEBI’s Key Concerns on Opinion Trading Platforms
• Opinion Trading Platforms FAQs

Opinion Trading Platforms Latest News

• SEBI has warned investors against 'opinion trading platforms,' a new form of online betting in India that allows users to wager on real-life events. 
• Although these platforms have operated without much oversight until now, authorities are beginning to scrutinize them due to their rapid growth. 
• The sector has attracted over ₹4,200 crore in funding from major investors like Sequoia Capital and Y Combinator, with annual transaction volumes exceeding ₹50,000 crore and a user base of over 5 crores. Revenue for the industry is expected to cross ₹1,000 crore in FY 2024-25. 

Opinion Trading Platforms

• Opinion trading platforms allow users to place bets or trade on the outcome of yes/no propositions related to real-world events. 
• The payout is determined by whether the predicted event occurs. 
• These platforms often mimic investment platforms by using financial terms like “profits,” “stop loss,” and “trading.”

Imitating Investment Platforms

• To appear legitimate or investment-oriented, some of these platforms use language typically associated with securities trading, which may mislead users into believing they are making genuine investments rather than bets.

Key Players in India

• Prominent Indian companies in this space include:
  • Probo (Gurugram-based): Offers prediction markets across diverse topics like sports, elections, and cryptocurrency.
  • MPL Opinio: Focuses solely on cricket-related predictions.

How Opinion Trading Platforms Operate

• Betting on Real-Life Events
  • These platforms let users earn money by predicting the outcomes of real-world events such as sports matches, elections, weather changes, or cryptocurrency trends. 
  • Users place bets on “yes” or “no” type questions.
  • For instance, users may be asked: “Will political party X win the election by a margin of N?” 
  • If their answer is correct, they win money; if incorrect, they lose their stake.
• Varied Themes and Topics
  • Popular themes include:
    • Outcomes of cricket and other sports matches
    • Individual athlete performances (e.g., runs scored or goals made)
    • Financial predictions like whether Bitcoin will reach a specific value
• These platforms blend elements of gambling with the structure of trading, offering financial incentives for accurate predictions.

SEBI’s Key Concerns on Opinion Trading Platforms

• Outside SEBI’s Regulatory Scope
  • SEBI clarified that opinion trading platforms generally fall outside its jurisdiction, as the activities conducted do not involve trading in recognized securities. 
  • Therefore, these platforms are not regulated or registered with SEBI.
• Unrecognized and Illegal Trading
  • If any opinion traded on these platforms qualifies as a security, such trading becomes illegal since these platforms are not authorized stock exchanges. 
  • SEBI emphasized that no investor protection mechanisms will apply in such cases.
• Risk of Regulatory Action
  • SEBI warned that these platforms could face legal consequences for violations. 
  • It also directed recognized stock exchanges to act against any such infractions.
• Global Regulatory Landscape
  • Countries like the US, UK, and Australia regulate opinion trading platforms. 
  • In the US, Kalshi operates under CFTC oversight. 
  • However, platforms like Polymarket have faced legal issues for not being registered with regulators, indicating the complexities involved.
• India’s Regulatory Vacuum
  • India's IT Ministry has proposed amendments to regulate online gaming, potentially covering platforms like Probo. 
  • However, these rules lack enforceability at present, leaving a significant legal gap in the oversight of opinion trading platforms.
     

Opinion Trading Platforms FAQs

Q1. What are opinion trading platforms?

Ans. Platforms where users bet on real-life events with yes/no outcomes for monetary gain.

Q2. Why did SEBI issue a warning?

Ans. Because these platforms aren’t regulated and may operate illegally if trading securities.

Q3. Who are key players in India?

Ans. Probo and MPL Opinio are major platforms offering event-based prediction markets.

Q4. Are these platforms legal in India?

Ans. They operate in a legal grey area and face possible regulatory action.

Q5. How are global markets handling them?

Ans. Countries like the US regulate them under agencies like the CFTC.

Source: IE | IE