Which language has been officially declared as the second official language by the Government of Telangana state?

Introduction / Context:
Language policy at the state level is an important part of Indian polity and regional geography. Many states recognise more than one official language for administrative and cultural reasons. This question focuses on the state of Telangana and asks which language was declared as the second official language by its government.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The state under consideration is Telangana. • The question is about the second official language notified by the state government. • Options include English, Urdu, Tamil and Hindi. • We use standard general knowledge facts from current affairs and state announcements.

Concept / Approach:
Telangana has a significant Urdu speaking population, and Hyderabad and other urban centres in the region have a long historical association with Urdu due to the rule of the Nizams and the cultural heritage of the Deccan. The Telangana government recognised this demographic and cultural reality and declared Urdu as the second official language of the state, alongside Telugu. The correct approach is to recall this well publicised policy decision.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Telugu is the primary official language of Telangana. Step 2: Remember that in recent years, the state formally granted second official language status to Urdu to reflect the large Urdu speaking community. Step 3: Among the options, Urdu is the only language with such historical and demographic roots in Telangana. Step 4: English is widely used but usually treated as an associate or link language rather than as a second official language at the state level. Step 5: Tamil and Hindi are also spoken by some residents but have not been officially declared as the second official language by the Telangana government.

Verification / Alternative check:
News reports and general knowledge compilations clearly state that the Telangana cabinet approved Urdu as the second official language for the entire state. This was presented as a major policy decision aimed at inclusive governance. There are no similar reports about Tamil or Hindi receiving this status in Telangana.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: English is important for higher administration and education but is not designated in this specific way as the second official language of Telangana. Option C: Tamil is prevalent in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and in some border areas, but it has not been given second official status in Telangana. Option D: Hindi is a widely used language in India and has official status at the Union level, yet the Telangana government specifically declared Urdu, not Hindi, as the second official language.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students assume that Hindi is always the second official language of every state because it is a national official language. This is not correct; states decide their own official languages through legislation. Others may guess English due to its widespread use, but the question refers to a specific government decision that names Urdu.

Final Answer:
The second official language declared by the Telangana state government is Urdu.