Complete Static GK 2026 : Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Emerald Isles – Ultimate Static & Current G.K. Guide (2026)

Stretched across the Bay of Bengal like a string of emeralds, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are India’s strategic frontier and a biodiversity treasure trove. For students preparing for UPSC, SSC, and State-level exams, the “Emerald Isles” are a high-yield topic, especially with the recent focus on the “Great Nicobar Development Project” and the massive push for renewable energy. As of January 19, 2026, the islands are witnessing a judicial transition with a new Chief Justice at the Calcutta High Court and a record-breaking expansion of solar infrastructure.

This blog post is your meticulously updated, exam-ready repository for Andaman and Nicobar’s administrative, geographical, and cultural milestones for 2026.

1. Administrative Hub & Leadership (2026)

The islands are a Union Territory governed by an Administrator with the designation of Lieutenant Governor.

• Capital (राजधानी): Port Blair

• Lieutenant Governor (राज्यपाल/उपराज्यपाल): Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)

• Chief Minister (मुख्यमंत्री): None (Andaman and Nicobar is a UT without a Legislative Assembly).

• Formation (स्थापना): 1 November 1956

• Number of Districts: 3 (South Andaman, North & Middle Andaman, and Nicobar).

2. Judicial Structure & High Court

• High Court: Under the jurisdiction of Calcutta High Court (Port Blair Circuit Bench).

• Chief Justice (मुख्य न्यायाधीश): Justice Sujoy Paul (Sworn in on January 16, 2026).

3. Geographical & Demographic Profile (2026)

The archipelago consists of 572 islands, of which only 38 are permanently inhabited.

4. Legislative Structure

• Legislative Assembly (विधानसभा): None (Administered by the President through the LG).

• Lower House (लोक सभा): 1 Seat (Represented by Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma).

• Upper House (राज्यसभा): None.

• Language (भाषा): Hindi and English (Official); Bengali (most spoken), Tamil, and Telugu.

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

Despite being surrounded by the sea, the islands have a few unique freshwater sources.

• Major River: Kalpong River (The only river in the Andaman Islands to have a dam).

• Others: Galathea River (Great Nicobar) and Alexandra River.

• Dam (बांध): Kalpong Dam (North Andaman)—the first and only hydroelectric project in the islands.

• Lake: Sippighat Lake (South Andaman).

6. Culture: Festivals and Folk Dance (संस्कृति)

The islands are a “Mini India,” where festivals of all religions are celebrated with equal fervor.

• Festivals (त्यौहार):

  • Island Tourism Festival: The flagship 10-day event in Port Blair (Dec/Jan).

  • Subhash Mela: Celebrated in January at Havelock Island.

  • Tribal Cultural Festival: Focuses on the heritage of the Nicobarese.

• Folk Dance (लोक नृत्य): Nicobari Dance (performed by the Nicobarese tribe during the Ossuary Feast) and the Matiya Dance.

7. National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries

• National Parks (9 Total): Mahatma Gandhi Marine (Wandoor), Mount Harriet (now Mount Manipur), Rani Jhansi Marine, Saddle Peak, and Campbell Bay National Park.

• Wildlife Sanctuaries (96 Total): Interview Island WLS (famous for elephants), Lohabarrack Salt Water Crocodile Sanctuary, and Barren Island WLS (India’s only active volcano).

• Highest Peak: Saddle Peak (732m) in North Andaman.

8. Energy Sector: The Green Transition (2026)

In early 2026, the islands are aggressively reducing their reliance on diesel generators.

• Thermal/Power Station: Most power is currently generated via DG sets, but the 20 MW NTPC Solar Project at Attam Pahad is a major backbone.

• Solar Power (सौर ऊर्जा):

  • PM Surya Ghar Scheme: In January 2026, the UT invited bids for 30 MW rooftop solar projects to be installed across 15,000 homes.

  • Floating Solar: A new 50 kWp floating solar plant is being tested at the Kalpong Dam reservoir.

• Nuclear Power: None.

9. Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar

This is a critical section for UPSC and competitive exams.

• Andamanese (Negrito): Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, and Sentinelese.

• Nicobarese (Mongoloid): Nicobarese and Shompen.

10. Current Affairs Highlights (January 2026)

• Judicial Update: Justice Sujoy Paul took charge as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court on January 16, 2026, overseeing the Port Blair bench.

• Clean Energy: The Electricity Department of A&N issued a mega tender on January 12, 2026, for a 20 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to stabilize the solar grid.

• National Integration: The “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” celebrations in early 2026 saw the Victory Flame reaching the southernmost tip of India, Indira Point.

• Renaming: Mount Harriet was officially renamed to Mount Manipur to honor the Anglo-Manipur War heroes.

Conclusion

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2026 are no longer just a remote outpost; they are at the heart of India’s maritime and renewable energy strategy. For your exams, keep a close watch on the Negrito tribes, the Kalpong Dam, and the recent judicial appointment of Justice Sujoy Paul. These specifics are often the difference between a good score and a great one.