Daily Current Affairs 24 September 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 24 September 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Tulu Gets Official Language Status In Karnataka

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Indian Heritage and Culture, GS II: Polity & Governance, Social Issues

Why in the News?

The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has decided to accord Tulu the status of a second additional administrative language in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

News in Brief

• Tulu has been given the status of a second additional administrative language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, alongside Kannada.
• The decision was announced at a special State Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru and is aimed at strengthening the official use and preservation of the Tulu language.
• The decision allows government offices in the two districts to use Tulu for official communication, along with Kannada.
• The Karnataka government has decided to provide ₹82 lakh annually for translation, training and other activities to facilitate the implementation of Tulu in administration.

Tulu: A Dravidian Language

• Tulu is a Dravidian language primarily spoken in the coastal districts of Karnataka, particularly Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, as well as parts of northern Kerala.
• It has a strong oral tradition and is closely associated with the cultural traditions of the religion.
• Tulu-speaking communities have a rich heritage of folklore and cultural practices, including Yakshagana and Bhoota Kola.
• Although Tulu historically had its own script, it is largely written using the Kannada script  today.
• Migration has taken a considerable section of the Tulu-speaking population to metropolitan cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru.
• Despite this, around 1.8-2 million people remain native speakers of Tulu.

What does the new status mean?

• The special status enables government offices in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi to use Tulu for official communication along with Kannada.
• The recognition represents an attempt to combine governance with linguistic and cultural preservation.
• The State Cabinet has also decided to allocate ₹82 lakh every year for:
  • Translation of government material into Tulu.
  • Training personnel for using the language in administration.
  • Other activities required to facilitate the official use of Tulu.
• Thus, the move is not merely symbolic recognition but seeks to provide a framework for the administrative use and promotion of the language.

Why was the demand raised?

• Tulu-speaking communities have sought official recognition for several decades.
• The major arguments behind the demand include,
  • Tulu has a substantial native-speaking population.
  • The language has a distinctive cultural and literary heritage.
  • Tulu-speaking communities felt that the language did not receive the same recognition as some other regional languages.
  • During the reorganization of States in 1956, Tulu speakers were not granted a separate State based on linguistic identity, unlike the recognition given to some other Dravidian language communities.
  • Sustained social-media campaigns and demands from legislators representing coastal Karnataka have kept the issue in public discussion.
• The demand has therefore been linked to linguistic identity, cultural preservation and regional heritage.

Challenges in Implementation

Giving official status to a language does not automatically ensure its widespread use in administration.

• Limited knowledge of Tulu script- Although Tulu has a historical script, only a limited section of the population is familiar with it.
• Education– Tulu is not widely taught in schools and colleges, making it difficult to build familiarity with the language among younger generations.
• Signage and official communication- The government will have to develop adequate translations, signage and administrative material in Tulu.
• Capacity building- Government employees may require training to use Tulu effectively in official communication.
• Language preservation- The continued survival of a language depends not only on administrative recognition but also on its use in education, literature, culture and everyday communication.

Cultural Significance

• Tulu is closely associated with the cultural identity of coastal Karnataka.
• Its linguistic heritage is reflected in traditions such as Yakshagana, Bhoota Kola, Oral folklore and traditional cultural practices.
• Therefore, official recognition can contribute to the preservation and transmission of the region’s intangible cultural heritage.

Political Significance

• Coastal Karnataka has traditionally been an important political region with a strong electoral presence of the BJP.
• The Congress government’s decision to accord Tulu special administrative status has been viewed in as an effort to connect with coastal communities through their language, cultural heritage and regional identity.
• The decision also illustrates how language and cultural identity can influence regional politics and governance.

Constitutional Provisions

• The issue can be linked to India’s broader approach towards linguistic diversity.
• India’s Constitution provides several mechanisms for protecting linguistic interests;
  • Article 29 – Protection of the interests of minorities, including their language, script and culture.
  • Article 30 – Rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
  • Article 345 – Power of States to adopt one or more languages in use in the State as the official language.
  • Article 347 – Provision for recognition of a language spoken by a substantial proportion of a State’s population.
  • Eighth Schedule – Lists languages recognised by the Constitution for specified purposes.
• The Tulu case highlights the distinction between constitutional recognition, official-language status and administrative recognition at the State/district level.

Conclusion

Administrative recognition of regional languages can strengthen cultural identity, inclusive governance and social cohesion. However, its effectiveness depends on ensuring adequate institutional support, educational opportunities and wider use of these languages while maintaining the broader objectives of national unity and administrative efficiency.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Tulu:

1. Tulu is classified as a Dravidian language.
   Tulu is predominantly spoken in the coastal districts of
2. Karnataka and parts of northern Kerala.
3. Tulu is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) Linguistic diversity is an important feature of India’s pluralistic society. In light of Karnataka’s recent administrative recognition of Tulu, discuss the significance and challenges of providing administrative recognition to regional languages. (250 words)

Article 3 And Demand For Smaller States

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Polity and Governance- Federalism, Centre-State Relations

Why in the News?

The demand for dividing Uttar Pradesh into smaller States has returned to the political discourse after Uttar Pradesh Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) leader Om Prakash Rajbhar claimed that the State could eventually be divided into four regions.

News in Brief

• The Minister has referred to Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Madhyanchal and Harit Pradesh in this context.
• There has, however, been no formal announcement of such a reorganization by the Union government.
• The issue is not new. The most concrete proposal came in 2011, when the then Uttar Pradesh government under Mayawati passed a resolution proposing the division of the State into Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Awadh Pradesh and Paschim Pradesh.

How is a State Divided?

• Article 3 of the Constitution deals with the formation of new States and alteration of the areas, boundaries or names of existing States.
• Under Article 3, Parliament may by law;
  • Form a new State by separating territory from an existing State, uniting two or more States or parts of States; or uniting territory with a part of another State.
  • Increase the area of a State
  • Diminish the area of a State
  • Alter the boundaries of a State
  • Alter the name of a State.
• Procedure-  A Bill for this purpose;
  • can be introduced in either House of Parliament only on the recommendation of the President;
  • if it affects the area, boundaries or name of a State, the President refers it to the concerned State Legislature;
  • the State Legislature is given a specified period to express its views;
  • the views of the State Legislature are not binding on Parliamnet.
• India follows a flexible approach to internal territorial reorganization.
• The Constitution does not make the consent of an affected State Legislature a mandatory condition for its reorganisation.
• It is consulted, but Parliament can proceed even if the State Legislature disagrees.
• A law under Article 3 is passed through the ordinary legislative process and requires only a simple majority, rather than the special majority required for a constitutional amendment under Article 368.
• This reflects the constitutional position that Parliament has the ultimate authority over the internal territorial map of India under Article 3.

2011 Proposal to divide Uttar Pradesh

• The Mayawati government proposed dividing Uttar Pradesh into four States; Paschim Pradesh, Awadh Pradesh, Bundelkhand and Purvanchal.
• The proposal was justified by the then State government on the grounds that Uttar Pradesh’s enormous geographical size made administration and development difficult, while smaller States could potentially facilitate more effective governance.
• The Assembly passed the resolution in November 2011, but the proposal did not progress after the Samajwadi Party government came to power in 2012.

Why has there been a demand for division of Uttar Pradesh?

• Administrative efficiency
  • Uttar Pradesh covers a very large geographical area and has a huge population.
  • Supporters of smaller States have argued that dividing it could make administration and delivery of public services more manageable.
• Regional development
  • Different regions of Uttar Pradesh have different economic, geographical and developmental characteristics.
  • For example:
    • Bundelkhand has historically faced issues related to drought and water scarcity.
    • Purvanchal has distinct socio-economic and regional characteristics.
    • Western Uttar Pradesh has a relatively different agricultural and economic profile.
  • The argument is that region-specific governments could give greater attention to local development priorities.
• Political and Social factors
  • The demand has also been connected with the different social and political compositions of various regions.
  • The 2011 proposal had political implications because different regions had different caste and electoral configurations.

Regional Statehood Demands

Bundelkhand

• The demand for a separate Bundelkhand has existed for several years.
• The proposed region spans the Bundelkhand area of Uttar Pradesh, while the broader Bundelkhand region also extends into Madhya Pradesh.
• Issues such as water scarcity, drought and regional underdevelopment have contributed to demands for greater political and administrative attention.

Purvanchal 

• The demand for a separate Purvanchal has also emerged from eastern Uttar Pradesh.
• Its proponents argue that the region has distinctive socio-economic and developmental requirements.

Harit Pradesh

• The demand for Harit Pradesh relates to western Uttar Pradesh, RLD leader Ajit Singh had earlier demanded such a State, citing the region’s distinct political and social characteristics.

Political Dimension

• The demand for dividing Uttar Pradesh has historically been viewed through different political interests.
• The 2011 proposal under Mayawati was formally presented as a measure to improve administration and development.
• However, the division of such a politically significant State also has implications for electoral geography, caste equations and regional political bases.
• The latest remarks by Om Prakash Rajbhar have therefore brought the issue back into political discussion, but a political statement or demand should not be treated as equivalent to a formal government proposal.

Why is Uttar Pradesh Politically Significant?

• Uttar Pradesh has considerable importance in national politics because of:
  • its large population;
  • its large representation in the Lok Sabha;
  • its importance in national electoral politics;
  • its geographical and economic diversity;
  • its association with several important religious and cultural centres.
• The political parties seeking power at the Centre have historically had to perform strongly in Uttar Pradesh because of the State’s large parliamentary representation.

Arguments in favour of Smaller States

• Smaller States can improve administrative efficiency by bringing the government closer to the people and enabling faster decision-making.
• They allow greater focus on region-specific developmental needs, improve the implementation of government schemes and facilitate better monitoring of public services.
• Smaller administrative units may also ensure more effective political representation and give greater attention to historically neglected regions, thereby promoting balanced regional development.

Concerns associated with State Division

• However, the creation of smaller States involves several administrative and financial challenges.
• The division requires the redistribution of financial resources, natural resources, government employees, assets and liabilities between the newly created States.
• It may also lead to disputes over capital cities, infrastructure, water-sharing and territorial boundaries.
• Further, the establishment of new administrative institutions involves significant expenditure, while political competition over statehood demands may create regional tensions and affect Centre-State relations.

Conclusion

The creation of smaller States should be guided by administrative efficiency, balanced regional development and public welfare rather than narrow political interests. A transparent constitutional process under Article 3, supported by equitable resource sharing and cooperative federalism, is essential to ensure that State reorganization strengthens national unity while addressing regional aspirations.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Article 3 of the Constitution:

1. Parliament can form a new State by separating territory from an existing State.
2. The consent of the concerned State Legislature is mandatory before Parliament can create a new State.
3. A Bill under Article 3 can be introduced in Parliament only on the recommendation of the President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: 1 and 3 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) The Constitution gives Parliament considerable flexibility in reorganizing the internal boundaries of India. Discuss the constitutional procedure under Article 3 and examine the administrative, developmental and political arguments surrounding demands for smaller States. (250 words)

Election Commissioner Appointment Law And SC Review

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Polity and Governance- Constitutional Bodies, Election Commission, Separation of Powers and Judicial Review.

Why in the News?

A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has referred the challenge to the 2023 law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs) to a larger Constitution Bench.

News in Brief

• The 2023 law replaced the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the Election Commission selection committee with a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
• The dispute centres on the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection committee and whether the new appointment mechanism is consistent with the constitutional principles laid down by the Supreme Court earlier in the Anoop Baranwal case.
• The matter has now been placed before the CJI for constitution of a larger Bench.

Constitutional Framework

• Article 324 (2) deals with the appointment of the Election Commission.
• It provides that;
  • The President appoints the CEC and other ECs.
  • The appointment is subject to any law made by Parliament.
  • The Constitution itself originally did not prescribe a detailed collegium-like selection mechanism.
• For many decades after 1950, Parliament did not enact a specific law governing the appointment procedure.

The Anoop Baranwal Case, 2023

• The Constitution Bench noted that Parliament had not enacted a law under Article 324(2) governing appointments to the Election Commission.
• Until Parliament enacted such legislation, the Court directed that appointments should be made on the recommendation of a committee consisting of Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Chief Justice of India.
• The Court also emphasized the importance of protecting the Election Commission from exclusive executive control and ensuring institutional independence.

2023 Election Commission Appointment Law

• Parliament enacted the CEC and Other ECs Act, 2023.
• Under the new framework, the selection committee consists of:
  • Prime Minister
  • Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister
  • Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
• Thus, the CJI was removed from the selection committee and replaced by a Union Cabinet Minister.
• This change became the central issue in the constitutional challenge.

Why is the 2023 law being challenged?

• The central concern is the composition of the Selection Committee.
• Under the 2023 law:
  • Prime Minister — Chairperson
  • Union Cabinet Minister nominated by PM — Member
  • Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha — Member
• Thus, two of the three members belong to the executive.
• The petitioners argue that this arrangement may undermine the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission, which conducts elections to Parliament, State Legislatures and the officers of the President and Vice-President.
• They have also argued that the new mechanism needs to be examined in light of the constitutional principles laid down in Anoop Baranwal.

Government’s Arguments

• The government has opposed the challenge and has relied on principles such as separation of powers.
• It has argued, among other things, that:
  • Parliament is constitutionally empowered to legislate on the appointment process.
  • The selection mechanism does not necessarily require the participation of the CJI.
  • Comparing the appointment of Election Commissioners with judicial appointments may not be appropriate because the two processes have different constitutional purposes.
  • The presence of the Leader of Opposition provides participation from outside the government.
• The government has also questioned the assumption that the absence of the CJI necessarily makes the selection process constitutionally invalid.

Why was the case referred to a Constitution Bench?

• The two-judge bench delivered a split verdict.

Justice Dipankar Datta

• The existing two-judge Bench could decide the petitions by applying the constitutional principles laid down in Anoop Baranwal (2023).
• The PM-nominated Cabinet Minister may not act as an independent counterweight due to collective responsibility, potentially weakening the Leader of Opposition’s role.
• Emphasised that the Election Commission must have both actual independence and public perception of independence.
• Rejected the comparison with the judicial collegium, as the two appointment mechanisms operate in different institutional contexts.

Justice Satish Chandra Sharma

• Favoured referring the matter to a Constitution Bench, as the constitutional validity of the 2023 Act had not been directly examined earlier.
• Raised the question of whether replacing the CJI with a PM-nominated Cabinet Minister ensures a neutral appointment process.
• Considered the issues of separation of powers and comparison with the judicial collegium to involve substantial constitutional questions under Article 145(3).

Although the judges differed on the need for a Constitution Bench, they argued that referring the matter to another three-judge Bench could cause further delays.

• • Citing the Anoop Baranwal case, which originated in 2015 and took several years to reach a final judgment, they suggested that the CJI consider establishing a permanent five-judge Constitution Bench to expedite the hearing of important constitutional matters and reduce delays in constitutional adjudication.

Key Constitutional Issues

• Independence of the Election Commission- The Election Commission is expected to function independently while conducting elections.
• Parliamentary power– Article 324(2) gives Parliament the power to make a law concerning appointments.
• Separation of Powers- The case examines the respective roles of the legislature, executive and judiciary.
• Institutional neutrality- The composition of the Selection Committee raises questions about whether an independent or neutral member is necessary to maintain institutional credibility.
• Checks and Balances- The issue highlights the importance of checks and balances in preventing the concentration of power and maintaining public confidence in constitutional institutions.

Conclusion

Ensuring an independent and impartial Election Commission is essential for free and fair elections, democratic accountability and public confidence in India’s electoral system.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

1. Article 324 provides the constitutional basis for the Election Commission of India.
2. Article 145(3) provides for a Constitution Bench of at least five judges for substantial questions concerning constitutional interpretation.
3. The 2023 law retains the Chief Justice of India as a member of the Selection Committee for appointing Election Commissioners.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1,2 and 3

Answer: 1 and 2 only.

Mains Practice Question

Q) The independence of the Election Commission is essential for maintaining the credibility of the electoral process. Discuss the constitutional and institutional issues involved in the appointment of the Election Commissioners. (250 words)

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0

Source: PIB
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions, GS III: Inclusive Growth, Skill Development and Employment

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Rural Development has highlighted the implementation of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0, focusing on skill development, placement-linked employment and sustainable livelihoods for rural youth.

News in Brief

• Launched on 25 September 2014 under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), DDU-GKY provides placement-linked skill training to rural youth aged 15–35 years from poor households.
• The upgraded DDU-GKY 2.0 guidelines, notified in May 2025, extend the minimum placement duration from three to six months and strengthen post-placement support.
• Since inception, the scheme has trained over 18.47 lakh candidates and placed more than 12.43 lakh candidates.
• The Union Budget 2026–27 allocated ₹750 crore to DDU-GKY.

Key Highlights of DDU-GKY 2.0

• Training and Skill Development
  • Provides a minimum of 576 hours of training, combining technical skills with essential workplace skills.
  • Includes English communication, life skills, digital literacy and entrepreneurship training.
  • Offers training in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, aviation, textiles and green jobs, based on industry requirements.
• Employment and Post-Placement Support
  • The minimum placement period has been extended from three months to six months.
  • Candidates receive financial assistance of ₹7,620 over six months after placement.
  • An additional ₹5,000 is provided to candidates who complete 365 days of employment, subject to a maximum employment break of 60 days.
  • Candidates can also undergo further training to upgrade their skills and improve their career prospects.
• Special Initiatives
  • Roshini– Provides training in Left-Wing Extremism- affected districts and Aspirational districts, focusing on vulnerable communities and women.
  • Himayat– Supports rural and urban youth in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh through wage employment, self-employment and  gig work.
  • North-East- 10% of the total DDU-GKY allocation is earmarked for North-Eastern States, considering their geographical and social-cultural challenges.
• Migration Support Centres
  • State Rural Livelihoods Missions establish Migration Support Centres in areas with a high number of placed candidates.
  • These centres assist migrant workers with accommodation, counselling, placement and adjustment to new work environments.
  • Annual funding for each centre has been increased from ₹10 lakh to up to ₹30 lakh to strengthen support for rural youth migrating for employment.

Implementation and Progress

• • The scheme is being implemented across 31 States and Union Territories.
  • It has 749 approved projects, 760 active training centres and more than 455 Project Implementing Agencies.
  • Since its launch, over 9.71 lakh women have received training, of whom more than 6.34 lakh have secured placements.

Significance and Challenges

• Human capital development: Equips rural youth with relevant skills, improving their employability and productivity.
• Inclusive growth: Expands employment opportunities for women, SCs, STs and persons with disabilities.
• Rural development: Creates livelihood opportunities and helps reduce economic distress in rural areas.
• Demographic dividend: Helps transform India’s young population into a skilled and productive workforce.

Challenges

• Skill mismatch: Training does not always match industry requirements, which continue to evolve.
• Employment retention: Ensuring that trained candidates remain employed for a longer period remains a challenge.
• Migration difficulties: Rural youth moving to cities for work may face problems related to accommodation, social security and adjustment.
• Industry linkages: Stronger partnerships with employers and better monitoring are needed to improve training quality and employment outcomes.

Conclusion

DDU-GKY 2.0 seeks to move rural skill development beyond training and short-term placements towards sustainable employment and career progression. Strengthening industry linkages, training quality and post-placement support can help improve rural livelihoods and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@ 2047.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0:

1. It is implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
2. It provides placement-linked skill training to rural youth aged 15–35 years from poor households.
3. Rural Self-Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) primarily focus on placement-linked wage employment.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) Skill development and employment generation are essential for harnessing India’s demographic dividend. Discuss with suitable initiatives in promoting inclusive rural development. ( 150 words)

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