Daily Current Affairs 24 October 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

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

Legislative Councils In India And Their Functions

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Indian Constitution- Parliament and State Legislatures, structure, functioning, conduct of business, power & privileges and issues arising out of these

Why in the News?

Elections to 28 seats across the Legislative Councils of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka were held on October 23, 2026.

News in Brief

• Not all Indian states have a Legislative Council. States with bicameral legislatures have both a Legislative Assembly and a Legislative Council.
• Legislative Council elections differ from Assembly elections because only eligible voters from specified constituencies can elect Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs).
• Supporters consider Legislative Councils a platform for experienced individuals and specialized knowledge, while critics question their effectiveness and political independence.
• The creation or abolition of a State Legislative Council is governed by Article 169 of the Constitution.

What are Legislative Councils?

• India follows a bicameral system at the Union level, with the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• At the State level, most states have a unicameral legislature consisting of only the Legislative Assembly.
• A few states have bicameral legislatures comprising;
  • Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha): The lower house, directly elected by the people.
  • Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad): The upper house, which represents different groups, including local authorities, graduates, teachers and nominated experts.
• Six states were mentioned in the context of having Legislative Councils; Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka. However, the report’s reference to six states should not be treated as an exhaustive list of the current position without checking subsequent developments.

Historical Background

• The idea of Legislative Councils in India has roots in the colonial period.
• The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms contributed to the development of legislative institutions and bicameral arrangements.
• The Government of India Act, 1935, provided for bicameral legislatures in certain provinces.
• Bengal began functioning with a Legislative Council in 1937,according to the historical account cited in the report.
• After Independence, the Constituent Assembly debated whether Legislative Councils should continue in the new democratic system.
• During the Constituent Assembly debates, some members questioned the need for a second chamber in the states.
• Critics argued that universal adult franchise gave the Legislative Assembly sufficient democratic legitimacy and that a second chamber could delay legislation or reproduce existing political interests.

Constitutional Provisions

Article 168- Constitution of State Legislatures

• Article 168 provides for the legislature of each state. Depending on the constitutional arrangement, a State legislature may consist of:
  • The Governor and the Legislative Assembly; or
  • The Governor, Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.

Article 169- Creation or Abolition of Legislative Councils

• Parliament can create or abolish a Legislative Council in a state if the concerned Legislative Assembly passes a resolution;
  • By a majority of the total membership of the Assembly; and
  • By a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
• Parliament then passes a law to create or abolish the Council.
• A special majority in the State Legislative Assembly is required, but the final law is passed by Parliament.
• This procedure is not treated as a constitutional amendment under Article 368.

Article 171- Composition of Legislative Councils

• Article 171 provides for the composition of State Legislative Councils.
  • The total number of MLCs cannot exceed one-third of the total membership of the State Legislative Assembly.
  • The Council must have at least 40 members.
• The Constitution also specifies the broad categories through which members are elected or nominated.

Article 172- Duration

• A Legislative Council is a permanent body and is not dissolved.
• Approximately one-third of its members retire every two years.
• MLCs ordinarily serve a six-year term.

Article 173-Qualtification for Membership

• A person must satisfy the constitutional qualifications for membership of a State legislature, including Indian citizenship and the prescribed age requirement.
• For Legislative Council membership, the minimum age is 30 years.

How are members of Legislative Councils elected?

Article 171 provides for different categories of representation.

• The Governor nominates members with special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, the cooperative representation by means of the single transferable vote.
• Legislative Council elections are not based on universal adult franchise.
• Different categories of voters elect members from their respective constituencies.

Functions and Powers of Legislative Councils

Legislative Functions

• Legislative Councils examine Bills passed by the Legislative Assembly and may suggest amendments.
• However, their powers are limited;
  • For ordinary Bills, the Council can delay passage but cannot permanently block legislation.
  • If the Council rejects or delays an ordinary Bill, the Assembly prevail through the Constitutional procedure.
  • There is no provision for a joint sitting of the two State Houses to resolve a legislative deadlock.

Financial Powers

• The Legislative Council has limited over Money Bills.
  • A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Legislative Assembly.
  • After the Assembly passes it, the Council can make recommendations within 14 days.
  • The Assembly may accept or reject those recommendations.
  • If the Council does not return the Bill within 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form approved by the Assembly.
• Thus, the Council cannot reject or permanently delay a Money Bill.

Deliberative Role

The Council provides an additional forum to examine legislation, debate public policies and raise issues affecting different sections of society.

Representation of Specialized Interests

Its composition allows representation of graduates, teachers, local authorities and individuals with expertise in selected fields.

Review of Legislation

As a revising chamber, the council can identify gaps, unintended consequences and drafting problems in legislation passed by the Assembly.

Why are Legislative Councils debated?

Arguments in favour

• Legislative Councils provide a platform for reviewing Bills and improving the quality of legislation.
• They enable the representation of experts and professionals from fields such as Science, literature, and social service, while also giving graduates, teachers and local authorities a voice in the legislative process.
• As permanent bodies, they ensure continuity even when the Legislative Assembly is dissolved.
• They also provide an additional form for informed debate on public policies and government decisions.

Arguments Against

• Legislative Councils increase public expenditure and may become a means of accommodating political leaders who have failed to win elections.
• Their limited legislative powers raise questions about their effectiveness, as the Legislative Assembly can ultimately prevail on most legislative matters.
• They may also delay the passage of Bills without necessarily improving their quality.
• Further, the fact that only some states have Legislative Councils raises concerns about whether their benefits justify the additional financial and administrative burden.

Legislative Councils as a Political Barometer

• Legislative Council elections can indicate the support enjoyed by political parties among specific voter groups, including teachers, graduates and representatives of local authorities.
• Their results may also reflect a party’s organizational strength and political position within a state ahead of major elections.
• However, these elections do not represent the preferences of the entire electorate, as voting is restricted to specified constituencies and eligible voter categories.
• In Tamil Nadu, the Legislative Council was abolished in 1986 under the AIADMK-led government.
• Subsequent efforts by the DMK to re-establish the Council did not succeed.

Way Forward and Conclusion

Legislative Councils should strengthen legislative scrutiny by examining Bills, reviewing public policies and promoting informed debate. Transparent nomination processes, the selection of members with relevant expertise and periodic assessments of their contribution can improve their effectiveness. Members should focus on constructive deliberation and representing diverse interests rather than political considerations.

Ultimately, the creation or continuation of Legislative Councils should depend on their contribution to democratic representation, legislative quality and accountable governance. A balance between their institutional benefits and financial costs is essential to ensure that they serve as effective revising chambers within India’s parliamentary democracy.

PLFS Reforms To Capture Gig Workers And Unpaid Household Work

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Indian Economy- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) from January 2027 to better capture gig work and unpaid domestic and caregiving activities. Feedback is invited until November 7, 2026.

News in Brief

• The revised survey will collect information on workers engaged through digital platforms such as Ola, Uber, Zomato, Amazon and Urban Company.
• It will examine the nature of platform-based work, workers’ motivations, challenges and willingness to undertake paid employment.
• The survey will improve the measurement of domestic activities and caregiving responsibilities within households.
• The 2024 Time Use Survey found that females above six years spent more than four-and-a-half hours daily on unpaid domestic and caregiving activities, compared with 37 minutes for males.

Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS)

• The Periodic Labor Force Survey is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI.
• Objectives;
  • The PLFS aims to estimate key labor market indicators, measure employment and unemployment, assess labor force participation and track changes in employment patterns.
  • It provide data for evidence-based labor and economic policymaking.
• Key indicators;
  • Its key indicators include the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR), which measures the share of the population that is employed or unemployed but seeking or available for work;
  • The Worker Population Ratio (WPR), which measures the share of the population that is employed; and
  • The Unemployment Rate (UR), which represents the share of unemployed persons in the labor force.

Changes to the Periodic Labor Force Survey

• The proposed revision aims to make labour market statistics more representative of changing employment patterns, particularly informal and platform-based work.
• The survey will collect information on:
  • Whether any household member worked through a digital platform during the preceding 365 days.
  • The goods or services provided by platform workers.
  • Whether they worked across multiple platforms.
  • The reasons for entering platform-based employment.
  • The major challenges faced by these workers.
• The survey will also whether household members actively sought paid work or profit-making opportunities during the preceding 30 days, whether they currently wish to undertake such work, and why they may not have looked for employment.
• Family and household responsibilities may also be examined as factors influencing participation in paid work.

Gig and Platform Workers

• Gig workers undertake work on a temporary, task-based or contractual basis rather than relying exclusively on permanent employment.
• Platform workers are those who obtain work through digital platforms that connect service providers with customers.
  • Examples; Ride-hailing drivers, food delivery partners and online service providers.
• The proposed changes will help identify workers whose employment arrangements may not be adequately captured by conventional measures of employment.
• A 2022 NITI Aayog report estimated that India’s gig workforce could increase to 2.35 crore by 2029-30.

Measuring Unpaid Domestic and Caregiving Work

• The revised survey will also seek to understand the extent of unpaid work performed by household members.
• Activities include:
  • Cooking and cleaning.
  • Fetching water.
  • Feeding and caring for children.
  • Looking after elderly family members.
  • Producing goods for household consumption.
  • Undertaking activities that may generate goods or services for sale.
• Collecting such information can help distinguish between activities performed for personal or household consumption and those undertaken for economic gain.
• It can also improve understanding of how unpaid responsibilities influence participation in paid employment.

Gender Gap in Unpaid Work

• The 2024 Time Use Survey highlighted a substantial difference between men and women in the time spent on unpaid domestic and caregiving activities.

• Indicator	Females	Males
  Average time spent per day on unpaid domestic and caregiving work	More than 4.5 hours	37 minutes

• The figures illustrate the unequal distribution of unpaid household responsibilities.
• Women often shoulder a disproportionate share of domestic work, which can limit their time for education, skill development, paid employment and career advancement.
• Better measurement of unpaid work can help policymakers understand barriers to women’s labor force participation and design more inclusive employment policies.

Why is the PLFS being used?

• MoSPI does not conduct the Time Use Survey every year.
• The PLFS is therefore being used to collect information that can help assess unpaid work and household responsibilities alongside employment patterns.
• The proposed approach can provide more regular insights into the relationship between paid employment, unpaid work and labour force participation.

Significance and Challenges of the proposed changes

• The proposed changes can improve labour statistics by identifying gig and platform workers more accurately and reflecting emerging employment patterns.
• Measuring unpaid domestic and caregiving work can support gender-sensitive policymaking by revealing how household responsibilities affect women’s participation in paid employment.
• Better data can also guide social security and welfare measures for gig and informal workers.
• Further, understanding the link between unpaid responsibilities and employment can help policymakers develop affordable childcare, elderly-care services and employment support programmes, promoting inclusive economic growth.

Challenges

• The proposed changes may face challenges such as underreporting, as household members may not recognize unpaid domestic activities as work.
• Frequent shifts between platforms, occupations and employment arrangements can make gig work difficult to classify, while irregular working hours and multiple income sources complicate measurement.
• Gendered social norms may also make women’s unpaid contributions less visible.
• Additionally, changes in survey methodology could affect comparisons with earlier estimates, making clear definitions, consistent methods and transparent documentation essential.

Way Forward and Conclusion

The PLFS should adopt clear definitions and improved survey methods, supported by time-use data, to capture gig work and unpaid care activities. Strengthening social security and expanding childcare and elderly-care services can promote inclusive employment and gender equality.

Overall, these reforms can improve labor statistics and support evidence-based policymaking through reliable data and transparent methodology.

Economics Of Social Unrest Causes And Consequences

Source: Indian Express 
GS III: Indian Economy- Inclusive Growth

Why in the News?

Social unrest in Europe reflects growing concerns over the cost of living and economic conditions. Income inequality, digital connectivity and political factors can influence protests and their economic impact.

News in Brief

• The gap between richer and poorer sections of society can contribute to public dissatisfaction, although inequality alone does not explain every protest.
• Major protests can have long-lasting effects on economic growth, with GDP remaining below its pre-protest level for several years.
• Digital connectivity, social media penetration and previous episodes of unrest can help researchers assess the likelihood of future protests.
• Social unrest is not limited to Europe; countries such as India and South Africa also face significant income inequality.

Social Unrest

• Social unrest refers to collective public dissatisfaction expressed through protests, demonstrations, strikes or other forms of agitation.
• It may arise from economic hardships, political grievances, social exclusion or demands for greater accountability.
• Economic grievances can trigger protests, but social unrest often reflects a combination of economic, political and institutional factors.

Income Inequality Across Countries

• The Income Gap, as discussed in the article, measures the average income difference between the poorest half and the richest tenth of a population. A higher ratio indicates greater income inequality.
• The World Inequality Report 2026 is cited in the article as a source of comparative income data.
• The income gap increased in France, Italy, the United States, India and South Africa between 2014 and 2024, indicating rising income inequality.
• In contrast, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany and Pakistan recorded a decline.
• India’s ratio rose slightly from 38 to 38.2, while South Africa recorded the highest ratio, increasing from 103.3 to 118.4 among the countries compared.

Causes and Predictors of Social Unrest

Income Inequality

• A widening income gap can create perceptions of unfairness, social exclusion and unequal access to economic opportunities.
• However, inequality alone cannot explain the timing or intensity of protests.
• Public expectations, political developments and the perceived fairness of government policies also matter.

Cost-of-living Pressures

• Rising prices of essential goods, particularly food and fuel, can place disproportionate pressure on low-income households.
• When wages fail to keep pace with prices, purchasing power declines and dissatisfaction may increase.
• However, higher prices are not necessarily the strongest predictor of unrest in every situation.

Previous Episodes of Unrest

• Past protests can help predict future unrest.
• Existing protest networks, public mobilization and shared experiences may make it easier for people to organize collective action.

Digital Connectivity

• Internet access and social media can facilitate communication, coordination and the rapid circulation of information.
• Experts suggests that digital access and social media penetration can help predict unrest.
• However, digital connectivity does not automatically lead to protests; its effects depend on the wider social and political context.

Political and Institutional factors

• Political grievances, distrust of institutions, perceived discrimination and dissatisfaction with government decisions can intensify economic discontent.
• Protests driven by different motivations may also produce different economic outcomes.

Economic Consequences of Social Unrest

Long-Term Impact on GDP

• Research by IMF economists and other scholars indicates that GDP remains, on average, around one percentage point below its pre-protest level even 18 months after a major protest.
• This highlights the potential long-term economic costs of social unrest.

Disrupt of Economic Activity

• Prolonged protests can interrupt transport, trade, tourism and business operations.
• Disruptions to supply chains and working hours may reduce production and investment.

Decline in business and investor confidence

• Political uncertainty and prolonged instability can discourage private investment and delay business expansion.
• The resulting effects may extend beyond the immediate period of unrest.

Financial Instability

• Social unrest can create financial uncertainty, prompting depositors to withdraw their money due to fears of instability.
• Large-scale withdrawals may increase liquidity pressures on banks and weaken financial confidence, although this is not an inevitable consequence of every protest.

Uneven Economic impact

• The effects of unrest vary according to its duration, intensity, geographical spread and underlying causes.
• Protests associated with a combination of economic and political factors can be linked to sharper GDP contractions than protests driven primarily by one category of grievance.

How can governments reduce the risk of social unrest?

• Address inequality: Improve access to quality education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunities.
• Protect vulnerable households: Strengthen targeted welfare measures to reduce the effects of food and fuel price shocks.
• Promote inclusive growth: Ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach disadvantaged groups.
• Improve governance: Strengthen transparency, accountability and public participation in policymaking.
• Create employment opportunities: Expand productive employment, particularly for young people.
• Use evidence-based policymaking: Monitor inequality, household purchasing power and public grievances to identify emerging risks.
• Maintain constructive dialogue: Address public concerns through consultation, negotiation and democratic institutions.

Significance for India

• India’s income gap ration increased from 38 in 2014 to in 2024.
• Although this figure alone cannot predict unrest, it highlights the importance of examining the distribution of economic gains alongside overall growth.
• For India, the relevant policy priorities include:
  • Reducing disparities in income and access to public services.
  • Generating productive employment and improving job quality.
  • Strengthening social security for vulnerable households.
  • Addressing regional and rural–urban disparities.
  • Ensuring that economic reforms are accompanied by adequate social protection.
• The broader lesson is that economic growth and social stability are closely connected, but growth alone does not guarantee that all sections of society benefit equally.

Way forward and Conclusion

Governments should address the root causes of social unrest by reducing inequality, creating employment opportunities, strengthening social protection and ensuring transparent, accountable governance. Early identification of public grievances and constructive dialogue can help prevent economic and political dissatisfaction from escalating.

Social unrest should be viewed not merely as a law-and-order issue but also as a signal of deeper economic and institutional challenges. Inclusive growth, responsive institutions and respect for peaceful democratic protest are essential for maintaining social stability and sustainable economic development.

India-US Relations And The Challenges To Strategic Partnership

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and affecting India’s interests 

Why in the News?

India-US relations face tensions over trade tariffs, Russian oil imports, immigration and geopolitical differences. However, defence, technology and economic cooperation continue to offer scope for strengthening the partnership.

News in Brief

• US tariff measures against Indian goods have created uncertainty for exporters and affected bilateral economic relations.
• India’s purchase of Russian oil has emerged as a major point of disagreement, particularly amid US efforts to restrict Russian energy revenues.
• The US approach towards Pakistan, Iran, and regional conflicts has raised questions about the alignment of Indian and American strategic interests.
• Defence, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and space technology continue to offer opportunities for strengthening bilateral ties.

Background of India-US Relations

India-US relations have evolved from Cold War-era differences to a broad strategic partnership.

• Cold War period: India’s policy of non-alignment and its close relations with the Soviet Union created differences with the United States.
• 1991 economic reforms: India’s economic liberalization opened new opportunities for trade and investment.
• 2005 Civil Nuclear Agreement: The agreement marked a major turning point by expanding civilian nuclear cooperation and strengthening strategic trust.
• 2016 designation: The United States recognized India as a Major Defence Partner, facilitating closer defence cooperation.
• Recent years: Cooperation has expanded into the Indo-Pacific, defence manufacturing, digital technology, space, and critical and emerging technologies.

Despite growing strategic convergence, differences remain over trade, energy, immigration and the management of regional conflicts.

Key Issues Affecting India-US Relations

Trade tariffs and economic uncertainty

• Trade has become a major source of friction between the two countries.
• US tariffs on Indian exports can reduce the competitiveness of Indian products in the American market.
• Labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, apparel, gems and jewellery, and other manufactured goods, may face pressure.
• Uncertainty over tariffs can discourage investment and disrupt supply chains.
• Differences over market access, agricultural products, and regulatory standards have complicated trade negotiations.
• Significance for India
  • The US is an important export market and investment partner.
  • Prolonged trade tensions could affect employment, manufacturing and India’s ambition to become a major global production hub.

Energy Security and India’s Purchase of Russian Oil

• India’s energy policy reflects its need to balance affordability, availability, and strategic autonomy.
• India has increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude oil following the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• Affordable energy imports help limit domestic inflation and support economic activity.
• The US has sought to restrict Russia’s energy revenues as part of its broader response to the conflict.
• Differences over India’s energy purchases have consequently become a source of bilateral tension.
• India must balance external pressure with its domestic energy requirements.
• Abrupt changes in sourcing could increase import costs and affect consumers.

Geopolitical differences and regional security

• India and the United States share several strategic interests, but their priorities are not identical.
  • Pakistan: Differences may arise over the US approach towards Pakistan and its implications for India’s security concerns.
  • Iran and West Asia: Instability in the region affects India’s energy supplies, trade routes, and the safety of its diaspora.
  • Russia: India maintains longstanding defence and economic ties with Russia, whereas the US has imposed sanctions and sought to limit Russian strategic influence.
  • Indo-Pacific: Both countries support a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific, although their approaches to particular regional issues may differ.
• These differences demonstrate that strategic convergence does not mean complete agreement on every international issue.

Immigration and H-1B Visas

• The movement of skilled professionals is an important component of India-US relations.
• Indian professionals play a significant role in the American information technology, research, healthcare, and innovation sectors.
• Restrictions or uncertainty surrounding H-1B visas can affect Indian workers and technology companies.
• Changes in immigration policy can also influence the movement of talent and cross-border investment.
• A stable and transparent visa framework would benefit both countries by supporting innovation, productivity and professional mobility.

Energy market disruptions and global economic risks

• Global energy market disruptions, particularly along maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, can raise oil prices, shipping and insurance costs.
• For India, this may increase import expenditure, fuel inflation, production costs and household expenses.
• As a major energy importer, India depends on stable energy supplies and secure maritime routes.

Why India-US relations still matter

Despite the disagreements, the relationship has strong economic and strategic foundations.

• Defence and Security Cooperation
  • India and the US cooperate in defence exercises, maritime security, intelligence sharing, and defence technology.
  • The partnership is particularly relevant to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific and responding to emerging maritime challenges.
• Trade and Investment
  • The United States is an important market for Indian goods and services and a significant source of investment and technology.
  • India’s expanding economy also offers opportunities for American, businesses in manufacturing, infrastructure, digital services, and consumer markets.
• Critical and Emerging Technologies
  • The two countries have opportunities to cooperate in:
    • Artificial intelligence and advanced computing.
    • Semiconductor design and manufacturing.
    • Critical minerals and resilient supply chains.
    • Space technology and satellite applications.
    • Telecommunications and next-generation networks.
  • Such cooperation can support India’s technological capabilities and reduce excessive dependence on concentrated global supply chains.
• Indo-Pacific Cooparation
  • The US and India share an interest in a stable regional order, freedom of navigation and secure maritime routes.
  • Cooperation through the Quad and other bilateral and multilateral arrangements can strengthen regional resilience.
• People-to-People Relations
  • The Indian diaspora, educational exchanges, research partnerships and professional mobility form an important foundation of bilateral relations.
  • These links can sustain cooperation even when differences arise at the political level.

India’s Strategic Dilemma

• India faces the challenge of maintaining close relations with the US without compromising its independent foreign policy.
• On the one hand, cooperation with Washington can improve access to advanced technologies, investment, defence capabilities, and global markets.
• On the other hand, India must preserve its ability to make independent decisions on energy imports, defence partnerships, and international conflicts.
• This reflects India’s long-standing principle of strategic autonomy.
• Strategic autonomy does not require India to remain equidistant from all major powers.
• Instead, it enables India to cooperate with different countries according to its national interests.

Way Forward and Conclusion

India and the US should resolve trade disputes through dialogue, diversify energy sources and export markets, and strengthen cooperation in defence and emerging technologies. Regular diplomatic engagement can help manage differecnes.

Despite current tensions, both countries share important strategic and economic interests. India should deepen cooperation while safeguarding strategic autonomy and national interests.

Daily Current Affairs: Click Here

Rate this Article and Leave Feedback