Complete Static GK 2026 : Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir: The Crown of India – Ultimate Static & Current G.K. Guide (2026)

Rising from the majestic Himalayas to the serene valleys of the Chenab and Jhelum, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) is the soul of India’s northern frontier. For students preparing for JKAS, SSC, UPSC, or Railway exams, J&K is a high-priority topic due to its transition into a Union Territory and the recent restoration of its democratic process. As of January 19, 2026, the UT is entering a new era of governance under a newly elected Legislative Assembly and a massive push for “Solarization of Government Buildings.”

This blog post provides the most updated and comprehensive G.K. repository for the 2026 competitive exam cycle.

1. Administrative Hub & Leadership (2026)

The year 2026 marks the second year of the newly formed UT government following the 2024 elections.

• Capital (राजधानी): Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)

• Chief Minister (मुख्यमंत्री): Shri Omar Abdullah (Sworn in October 2024; currently leading the J&K National Conference-led government).

• Lieutenant Governor (राज्यपाल/उपराज्यपाल): Shri Manoj Sinha (2nd LG of the UT).

• Formation (स्थापना): 31 October 2019 (Reconstituted as a Union Territory).

• High Court: High Court of J&K and Ladakh.

• Chief Justice (मुख्य न्यायाधीश): Justice Arun Palli (Sworn in April 16, 2025).

   

2. Geographical & Demographic Profile (2026)

J&K remains a strategic point sharing borders with Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and international boundaries with Pakistan and China (via Ladakh).

3. Legislative & House Structure

• Legislative Assembly (विधानसभा): 90 Seats (Total).

  • 90 Seats for J&K (including 7 for SC and 9 for ST).

  • 24 Seats remain vacant/reserved  for areas under PoK

• Lower House (लोक सभा): 5 Seats.

• Upper House (राज्यसभा): 4 Seats (Currently under the process of being filled/restored).

• Number of Districts: 20 Districts (10 in Jammu Division, 10 in Kashmir Division).

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

• Major Rivers: Jhelum (Vitasta), Chenab (Asikni), Indus (Sindhu), and Ravi (Purushni).

• Famous Lakes:

  • Wular Lake: One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.

  • Dal Lake: Famous for ‘Shikaras’ and houseboats in Srinagar.

  • Manasbal Lake: Deepest lake in India.

• Major Dams (बांध):

  • Salal Dam: (690 MW) on Chenab River.

  • Baglihar Dam: (900 MW) on Chenab River.

  • Uri Dam: (480 MW) on Jhelum River.

5. Culture: Festivals and Folk Dance (संस्कृति)

• Language (भाषा): Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, English, and Urdu (All Official).

• Festivals (त्यौहार): Tulip Festival (Srinagar), Kanchoth (Dogra festival), Shikara Festival, and Hemis (though primarily in Ladakh).

• Folk Dance (लोक नृत्य):

  • Rouf: Most famous traditional dance of Kashmir.

  • Bacha Nagma: Performed during harvest seasons.

  • Dumhal: Performed by the Wattal tribe.

6. National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries

• National Parks: Dachigam National Park (home to the Hangul/Kashmiri Stag), Kishtwar National Park, and Kazirag National Park.

• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Gulmarg, Nandini, and Overa-Aru WLS.

• State Animal: Hangul (Kashmiri Stag).

• State Bird: Kalij Pheasant.

7. Energy Sector: The Green Push (2026)

Faced with winter power shortages, the J&K government is aggressively shifting toward solar energy.

• Thermal/Nuclear: None (High dependence on Hydro).

• Solar Power (सौर ऊर्जा):

  • Rooftop Solarization: As of January 2026, over 7,816 government buildings (60% of total) have been solarized with a capacity of 74.5 MW.

  • Solar Park: A 15 MW Solar Park at Jammu is currently under development (Public-Private Partnership).

  • Agriculture: Over 3,900 solar pumps installed under PM-KUSUM as of 2026.

8. Current Affairs Highlights (January 2026)

• Ancient Discovery: In January 2026, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist site from the Kushan period was discovered in Zehanpora village, Baramulla.

• Budget 2026: CM Omar Abdullah is set to present the J&K Budget for 2026-27 on February 6, 2026.

• Literacy Surge: J&K recorded an 82% literacy rate in late 2025, driven by the ULLAS (New India Literacy Programme) initiative.

• Digital Governance: The J&K Legislative Assembly implemented the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in January 2026 to become a paperless house.

Conclusion

Jammu & Kashmir’s 2026 trajectory is defined by archaeological discoveries, a return to full democratic functioning, and a massive 82% literacy milestone. For your competitive exams, focus on the Kushan-era discovery in Baramulla, the Solarization targets, these are the most likely topics to appear in upcoming papers.