Complete Static GK 2026 : Odisha State

Odisha: The Soul of Incredible India – Ultimate G.K. Guide (2026)

From the architectural marvel of the Konark Sun Temple to the massive industrial corridors of Kalinganagar, Odisha is a state that perfectly balances its ancient heritage with a futuristic vision. For students preparing for OPSC, OSSC, OSSSC, or Central Government exams, mastering Odisha’s G.K. is a non-negotiable step toward success. In early 2026, with the state leading in Floating Solar technology and the grand 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas recently concluded in Bhubaneswar, your competitive edge lies in the details.

This blog post provides the most accurate and updated data for the January 2026 academic cycle.

1. Administrative & Leadership Hub (2026)

The leadership of Odisha is currently steering the state toward the “Viksit Odisha 2036” vision, marking 100 years of statehood.

• Capital (राजधानी): Bhubaneswar (The Temple City)

• Chief Minister (मुख्यमंत्री): Shri Mohan Charan Majhi

• Governor (राज्यपाल): Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati (Sworn in Jan 2025)

• Formation (स्थापना): 1 April 1936 (Utkala Dibasa)

• Language (भाषा): Odia (Official)

• High Court: Orissa High Court (Cuttack)

• Chief Justice (मुख्य न्यायाधीश): Justice Harish Tandon (Sworn in March 2025)

2. Geographical & Demographic Profile (2026)

Odisha is the 8th largest state by area, known for its diverse topography ranging from the Eastern Ghats to a vast 480 km coastline.

3. Legislative Structure

• Legislative Assembly (विधानसभा): 147 Seats (Unicameral)

• Lower House (लोक सभा): 21 Seats

• Upper House (राज्यसभा): 10 Seats

• Number of Districts: 30 (Mayurbhanj is the largest by area)

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

• Major Rivers: Mahanadi (Lifeline of Odisha), Brahmani, Baitarani, and Rushikulya (famous for Olive Ridley nesting).

• Famous Lakes: * Chilika Lake: Largest brackish water lagoon in Asia (Ramsar Site).

  • Ansupa Lake: Odisha’s largest freshwater oxbow lake.

• Major Dams (बांध):

  • Hirakud Dam: Sambalpur (On Mahanadi – World’s longest earthen dam).

  • Rengali Dam: On Brahmani River.

  • Indravati Dam: A major hydroelectric project.

5. Culture: Festivals and Folk Dance (संस्कृति)

• Festivals: Ratha Yatra (Puri), Raja Parba (Earth festival), Nuakhai (Harvest festival), and Bali Jatra (Cuttack).

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

  • Odissi: One of the oldest surviving classical dance forms.

  • Chhau: A tribal martial dance (Mayurbhanj).

  • Gotipua: Performed by young boys dressed as girls.

  • Sambalpuri (Dalkhai): Most popular folk dance of Western Odisha.

6. National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries

• National Parks: Simlipal (Tiger Reserve & Biosphere Reserve) and Bhitarkanika (Famous for Saltwater Crocodiles and Mangroves).

• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Chilika (Nalbana), Satkosia Gorge, Gahirmatha (Marine Sanctuary), and Debrigarh.

7. Energy Sector: The Green Energy Revolution

Odisha is rapidly shifting from a coal-based economy to a green energy leader in 2026.

• Thermal Power Plants: Talcher Super Thermal Power (NTPC), Ib Valley, and Jharsuguda.

• Nuclear Power: None (Proposed sites have faced ecological review).

• Solar Power (सौर ऊर्जा): * Floating Solar Park: A massive 1.5 GW project at Hirakud reservoir and a 225 MW project at Upper Indravati are the highlights of Jan 2026.

  • Goal: The state aims for 10 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.

8. Current Affairs Highlights (January 2026)

• Poshan Udaan 2026: A statewide nutrition awareness campaign launched in January 2026 during the Makar Sankranti festival.

• Aame Padhiba Aama Bhasare: A major initiative launched by the CM to promote Odia language education among youth.

• Sovereign AI Project: Odisha has partnered to build localized AI infrastructure to host citizen data securely within state boundaries.

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Bhubaneswar hosted the 18th PBD Convention in early January 2026, inaugurated by the PM.

Conclusion

Odisha’s growth trajectory in 2026 is a blend of digital innovation (AI Mission) and ecological responsibility (Floating Solar). For your exams, prioritize the Hirakud Floating Solar project, the 18th PBD Convention details, and the ** Mohan Charan Majhi administration’s** new welfare schemes.