Complete Static GK 2026 : Kerala State

Kerala: God’s Own Country – The Ultimate Static & Current G.K. Guide (2026)

Known for its backwaters, lush greenery, and the highest human development indices in India, Kerala is a “must-know” state for any serious aspirant. Whether you are preparing for Kerala PSC (KAS, Degree Level, 10th Level), SSC, or UPSC, mastering the General Knowledge of this coastal paradise is a strategic advantage. With Kerala’s recent declaration of Aralam as its first Butterfly Sanctuary and the state leading the 2026 Sustainable Development rankings, your notes need to be as fresh as the Arabian Sea breeze.

This blog post is your one-stop 2026 repository for Kerala’s administrative, geographical, and current milestones.

1. Administrative & Leadership Hub (2026)

The political landscape of Kerala remains steady, with a strong focus on digital governance and welfare.

• Capital (राजधानी): Thiruvananthapuram (India’s first “Evergreen City”)

• Chief Minister (मुख्यमंत्री): Shri Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI-M)

• Governor (राज्यपाल): Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar (Sworn in Jan 2025)

• Formation (स्थापना): 1 November 1956 (Kerala Piravi Day)

• Official Language (भाषा): Malayalam and English

• High Court: Kerala High Court (Kochi)

• Chief Justice (मुख्य न्यायाधीश): Justice Soumen Sen (Sworn in January 2026)

2. Geographical & Demographic Profile (2026)

Kerala’s demographics are unique in India, specifically regarding literacy and gender ratio.

3. Legislative Structure

• Legislative Assembly (विधानसभा): 140 Seats (Unicameral)

• Lower House (लोक सभा): 20 Seats

• Upper House (राज्यसभा): 9 Seats

• Number of Districts: 14 (Largest: Idukki; Smallest: Alappuzha)

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

Kerala is blessed with 44 rivers, mostly west-flowing.

• Major Rivers:

  • Periyar: The longest river in Kerala (Lifeline of Kerala).

  • Bharathapuzha: Second longest (Nila).

  • Pamba: The third longest (Dakshina Bhageerathi).

• Famous Lakes:

  • Vembanad Lake: Largest lake in Kerala and longest in India.

  • Sasthamkotta Lake: Largest freshwater lake in Kerala.

  • Ashtamudi Lake: Gateway to the backwaters (Ramsar site).

• Major Dams (बांध):

  • Idukki Arch Dam: On Periyar River (Double curvature arch dam).

  • Mullaperiyar Dam: A key topic in inter-state current affairs.

  • Banasura Sagar Dam: Largest earth dam in India (Wayanad).

5. Culture: Festivals and Folk Dance (संस्कृति)

• Festivals: Onam (Harvest festival), Vishu (Malayalam New Year), Thrissur Pooram (The mother of all temple festivals), and Makaravilakku at Sabarimala.

• Folk & Classical Dances (लोक एवं शास्त्रीय नृत्य):

  • Kathakali: Famous classical dance-drama with elaborate costumes.

  • Mohiniyattam: “Dance of the Enchantress” (Classical).

  • Theyyam: Ritual dance of North Malabar.

  • Kalaripayattu: Considered the “Mother of all Martial Arts.”

6. Environmental Heritage: Wildlife & Parks

• National Parks: Eravikulam (Home to Nilgiri Tahr), Silent Valley (Known for Lion-tailed Macaque), Periyar, Anamudi Shola, Mathikettan Shola, and Pambadum Shola.

• Current Update 2026: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (Kannur) was officially declared Kerala’s First Butterfly Sanctuary in January 2026.

• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Wayanad, Chinnar, Neyyar, and Parambikulam.

7. Energy Sector: The Green Transition

Kerala is focusing heavily on floating solar and green hydrogen in 2026.

• Solar Power (सौर ऊर्जा):

  • Floating Solar Project: Over 500 MW of floating solar projects are in the pipeline for Kerala’s reservoirs in 2026.

  • Cochin International Airport (CIAL): The world’s first fully solar-powered airport.

• Power Stations:

  • Thermal: Brahmapuram and Kayamkulam (RGCCPP).

  • Nuclear: None (Kerala has zero nuclear power plants).

  • Hydro: Idukki and Sabarigiri are the major producers.

8. Current Affairs Highlights (2025-2026)

• ERONET for NRI Voters: In January 2026, Kerala launched a new portal for NRI voter verification.

• Gen-Z Post Office: Kochi saw the opening of Kerala’s first Gen-Z Post Office Extension Counter in late 2025.

• Digital Court: The home department notified a Special Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class in December 2025 to facilitate faster digital case disposals.

• Makaravilakku 2026: Witnessed record-breaking eco-friendly pilgrimage participation.

Conclusion

Kerala’s G.K. is a mix of traditional social success (like literacy) and modern tech-driven governance. For 2026 exams, focus on the Butterfly Sanctuary at Aralam, the Digital Court initiatives, and the 1084 sex ratio stats. Consistency in tracking the Invest Kerala updates will give you the edge in PSC interviews.