Complete Static GK 2026 : Himachal Pradesh State

Himachal Pradesh: The Dev Bhoomi – Ultimate Static & Current G.K. Guide (2026)

Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is not just a traveler’s paradise but a land of immense strategic and cultural importance. For students preparing for HPAS, HP Allied Services, Naib Tehsildar, or HP Police exams, mastering the “Apple State” G.K. is the most vital step toward success. With Himachal being declared “Fully Literate” in late 2025 and its ambitious push to become India’s first Green Energy State by 2026, staying updated with the latest trends is non-negotiable.

This blog post provides a meticulously updated repository of Himachal Pradesh G.K. as of January 2026.

1. Administrative Hub & Leadership (2026)

The current administration is spearheading the “Green Himachal” initiative, aiming for 100% renewable energy reliance.

• Capital (राजधानी): Shimla (Summer); Dharamshala (Winter)

• Chief Minister (मुख्यमंत्री): Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

• Governor (राज्यपाल): Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla

• Formation (स्थापना): 25 January 1971 (18th State of India)

• Official Language (भाषा): Hindi and Sanskrit (Additional Official)

• High Court: Himachal Pradesh High Court (Shimla)

• Chief Justice (मुख्य न्यायाधीश): Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia (Appointed Dec 2024; serving in 2026)

2. Geographical Footprint (भूगोल)

Himachal is bordered by J&K and Ladakh to the North, Punjab to the West, Haryana to the Southwest, and Uttarakhand/Tibet to the East.

3. Demographic Trends (जनसांख्यिकी)

In a historic achievement, Himachal Pradesh was officially declared “Fully Literate” on International Literacy Day 2025.

• Population (Projected 2026): ~75.8 Lakhs

• Population Rank: 21st in India

• Density (घनत्व): ~133 persons/sq. km

• Literacy Rate (साक्षरता दर): 99.30% (One of the highest in India)

• Sex Ratio (लिंगानुपात): 972 females per 1000 males (Census 2011)

4. Legislative Structure (विधायी संरचना)

• Legislative Assembly (विधानसभा): 68 Seats (Unicameral)

• Lower House (लोक सभा): 4 Seats (Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Shimla)

• Upper House (राज्यसभा): 3 Seats

5. Hydrology: Rivers, Lakes & Dams (जल संसाधन)

Rivers are the backbone of Himachal’s economy, specifically for hydropower.

• Major Rivers: Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, and Yamuna.

• Famous Lakes:

  • Natural: Renuka (Largest natural lake), Rewalsar, Khajjiar, Chandratal, Surajtal.

  • Man-made: Maharana Pratap Sagar (Pong Dam), Govind Sagar (Bhakra Dam).

• Major Dams (बांध):

  • Bhakra Dam: On Sutlej River (Bilaspur).

  • Chamera Dam: On Ravi River (Chamba).

  • Larji Dam: On Beas River (Kullu).

6. Culture: Festivals and Folk Dance (संस्कृति)

• Festivals: Kullu Dussehra (International Status), Minjar Mela (Chamba), Lavi Fair (Rampur), Losar (Tibetan New Year).

• Folk Dances (लोक नृत्य): Nati (World Record for largest folk dance), Chham (Mask dance), Kayang, and Dandras.

7. Environmental Heritage: National Parks & Sanctuaries

• National Parks: Great Himalayan National Park (Kullu – UNESCO Site), Pin Valley (Lahaul & Spiti), Inderkilla, Khirganga, and Simbalbara.

• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kibber (Highest), Chail, Renuka, and Pong Dam Sanctuary.

8. Energy Sector: The Green Revolution 2026

Himachal is on track to become India’s first Green State by integrating solar and hydro batteries.

• Hydro Power Stations: * Shongtong Hydroelectric (450 MW): Targeted for commissioning by Dec 2026.

  • Nathpa Jhakri: One of India’s largest underground hydro projects.

• Solar Power (सौर ऊर्जा): * Pekhubela Solar Project (32 MW): Operational in Una.

  • Damtal Solar Park (200 MW): A massive project in Kangra district under execution in 2026.

• Thermal & Nuclear: Himachal has zero thermal or nuclear plants, maintaining its “Green State” identity.

9. Current Affairs Highlights (2025-2026)

• Startup Ecosystem: Himachal Pradesh won the “Top Performer Award” for Startup Ecosystem Development in Jan 2026.

• Health: The state launched a project in Jan 2026 to install Rooftop Solar Systems on all government health institutions.

• Zero Hour: The HP Vidhan Sabha introduced a formal “Zero Hour” in late 2025 to allow MLAs to raise urgent public issues.

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh is currently at a turning point, evolving from a traditional agrarian economy to a “Green Energy & Startup Hub.” For your 2026 exams, focus heavily on the 99.30% literacy milestone, the Green Energy State targets, and the International status of Kullu Dussehra. Revision of the 12 districts’ history and the Aravalli vs. Himalayan geography will give you the edge you need.