Complete Static GK 2026 : Karnataka State

Karnataka: The Land of Gold and Silicon – Ultimate Static & Current G.K. Guide (2026)

From the majestic heritage of the Vijayanagara Empire to the cutting-edge tech corridors of Bengaluru, Karnataka is a state that perfectly balances antiquity with innovation. For students preparing for KPSC (KAS, FDA, SDA), Karnataka Police, or Central exams (SSC, UPSC), Karnataka’s G.K. is a high-scoring pillar. With Siddaramaiah making history as the longest-serving Chief Minister in early 2026 and the state leading India’s “Sovereign AI” mission, your knowledge needs to be as dynamic as the state itself.

This guide provides a meticulously updated repository of Karnataka’s G.K. as of January 2026.

1. Administrative Hub & Leadership (2026)

The leadership in Karnataka is currently focused on the “Nava Karnataka Nirmana” vision, emphasizing digital literacy and agricultural stability.

• Capital (राजधानी): Bengaluru (The Silicon Valley of India)

• Chief Minister (मुख्यमंत्री): Shri Siddaramaiah (In January 2026, he became the longest-serving CM of Karnataka, surpassing D. Devaraj Urs).

• Governor (राज्यपाल): Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot

• Formation (स्थापना): 1 November 1956 (Reorganized as Mysore State; renamed Karnataka in 1973)

• High Court: Karnataka High Court (Principal Seat: Bengaluru; Benches: Dharwad and Kalaburagi)

• Chief Justice (मुख्य न्यायाधीश): Justice Vibhu Bakhru (Sworn in July 2025)

2. Geographical & Demographic Profile (2026)

Karnataka is the largest state in South India and the sixth-largest in the country by area.

3. Legislative & Judicial Structure

• Legislative Assembly (विधानसभा): 224 Seats

• Legislative Council (विधान परिषद): 75 Seats (Bicameral Legislature)

• Lower House (लोक सभा): 28 Seats

• Upper House (राज्यसभा): 12 Seats

• Number of Districts: 31 (Vijayanagara is the 31st and newest district)

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

Karnataka’s rivers are divided into the East-flowing (Bay of Bengal) and West-flowing (Arabian Sea) groups.

• Major Rivers: Kaveri (Dakshina Ganga), Krishna, Tungabhadra, Sharavathi, and Netravati.

• Major Dams (बांध):

  • Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam: Mandya (On Kaveri River).

  • Tungabhadra Dam: Hosapete (Vijayanagara).

  • Almatti Dam: Bagalkote (On Krishna River).

  • Supi Dam: Uttara Kannada (On Kali River).

• Famous Waterfall: Jog Falls (Sharavathi River) – One of the highest plunge waterfalls in India.

5. Culture: Festivals and Folk Dance (संस्कृति)

• Language (भाषा): Kannada (Official)

• Festivals (त्यौहार): Mysuru Dasara (State festival), Ugadi (Kannada New Year), Kambala (Buffalo race), and Hampi Utsav.

• Folk Dances (लोक नृत्य):

  • Yakshagana: A unique theater-dance form combining music and dialogue.

  • Dollu Kunitha: A powerful drum dance.

  • Suggi Kunitha: Performed during the harvest season.

6. Environmental Heritage: Wildlife & Parks

Karnataka has the second-highest tiger population in India and is a global biodiversity hotspot.

• National Parks: Bandipur, Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi), Anshi (Kali Tiger Reserve), Kudremukh, and Bannerghatta (Biological Park).

• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhadra WLS, Dandeli, Sharavathi Valley, and Cauvery WLS.

• Note: The Western Ghats (Sahyadris) in Karnataka are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

7. Energy Sector: The Power Hub

Karnataka is a leader in renewable energy, specifically in solar and wind power.

• Solar Power (सौर ऊर्जा):

  • Pavagada Solar Park (Shakti Sthala): One of the largest solar parks in the world (Tumakuru district).

  • Recent 2026 Update: Massive rooftop solar projects initiated across BEML facilities in Kolar and Mysore (January 2026).

• Nuclear Power: Kaiga Atomic Power Station (Uttara Kannada).

• Thermal Power Plants: Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) and Bellary Thermal Power Station (BTPS).

8. Current Affairs Highlights (January 2026)

• Longest Serving CM: In January 2026, Siddaramaiah officially broke the record of D. Devaraj Urs to become the longest-serving Chief Minister of the state.

• Sovereign AI Mission: Karnataka has taken the lead in India’s “Sovereign AI” initiative, building localized AI infrastructure for governance.

• Battery Manufacturing: A new 2 GWh battery pack manufacturing line was commissioned in January 2026 in the state to support the EV revolution.

Conclusion

Karnataka’s journey from a land of sandalwood and silk to a global AI powerhouse makes its G.K. incredibly rewarding for students. For your 2026 exams, focus on Siddaramaiah’s milestone, the Pavagada Solar Park expansion, and the 31 districts’ geographical significance. Constant revision of the state’s irrigation projects and biodiversity stats will ensure you score high in the competitive exams.