Complete Static GK 2026 : Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep: The Coral Paradise – Ultimate Static & Current G.K. Guide (2026)

Imagine a string of 36 turquoise gems scattered across the Arabian Sea—this is Lakshadweep, India’s smallest and perhaps most pristine Union Territory. For students preparing for UPSC, SSC, and State-level exams, Lakshadweep has become a “hot topic” due to its strategic maritime importance and the recent surge in sustainable tourism. As of January 19, 2026, the archipelago is leading the way in India’s “Green Energy” mission with a massive rollout of hybrid solar-battery systems across its islands.

This blog post is your comprehensive, exam-ready guide to Lakshadweep’s Static and Current G.K. for the 2026 cycle.

1. Administrative & Leadership Hub (2026)

Lakshadweep is a Union Territory (UT) administered by the President of India through an Administrator.

• Capital (राजधानी): Kavaratti

• Administrator (प्रशासक): Shri Praful Patel (Incumbent since 2020)

• Chief Minister (मुख्यमंत्री): None (As a UT without a legislature, it does not have a CM).

• Formation (स्थापना): 1 November 1956

• Number of Districts: 1 (Uni-district UT)

• High Court: Kerala High Court (Ernakulam)

• Chief Justice (मुख्य न्यायाधीश): Justice Soumen Sen (Sworn in on January 10, 2026)

2. Geographical & Demographic Profile (2026)

Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 islands (though Parali-I has recently submerged due to erosion, leaving 35 physical entities).

3. Legislative & Representation

• Legislative Assembly (विधानसभा): None (Governance is managed through the Dweep Panchayats).

• Lower House (लोक सभा): 1 Seat (Current MP: Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed, elected 2024).

• Upper House (राज्यसभा): None.

• Language (भाषा): Malayalam and Mahl (spoken in Minicoy). English and Hindi are used for official work.

4. Hydrology: Lakes & Rivers (जल संसाधन)

• River (नदी): None. There are no perennial rivers or streams in Lakshadweep.

• Lake (झील): There are no natural freshwater lakes.

• Water Source: Residents rely on groundwater (freshwater lenses) and Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plants for drinking water.

• Dam (बांध): None.

5. Culture: Festivals and Folk Dance (संस्कृति)

• Festivals (त्यौहार): Eid-ul-Fitr, Bakrid, Muharram, and Minicoy Festival (celebrated in January). Onage is also observed by the Malayali community.

• Folk Dance (लोक नृत्य):

  • Lava Dance: The most famous traditional dance of Minicoy performed by men.

  • Kolkali: A rhythmic dance performed with sticks.

  • Parichakali: A martial-themed folk dance involving shields and swords.

6. Environmental Heritage: Wildlife & Parks

• National Park: None (The region is primarily focused on Marine Protected Areas).

• Wildlife Sanctuary: Pitti Bird Sanctuary (Important nesting site for terns; no human habitation).

• State Animal: Butterfly Fish.

• State Bird: Sooty Tern.

• State Tree: Breadfruit.

7. Energy Sector: The 2026 Solar Boom (सौर ऊर्जा)

Lakshadweep is transforming into a “Net-Zero” pioneer in the Arabian Sea.

• Power Generation: Traditionally dependent on Diesel Generating (DG) sets.

• Solar Power (सौर ऊर्जा):

  • Hybrid Expansion (2026): As of January 2026, the UT has commissioned over 2100 kW of Hybrid Rooftop Solar Power Plants with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across government buildings.

  • Sustainable Goal: The administration aims to meet 100% of daytime energy demand through solar by the end of 2026.

• Nuclear Power: None.

8. Current Affairs Highlights (January 2026)

• New Chief Justice: Justice Soumen Sen was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court (which oversees Lakshadweep) on January 10, 2026.

• Infrastructure: The UT administration issued new notifications in January 2026 for land acquisition to develop City Centers and Family Huts at Agatti and Kadmat to boost “Iconic Tourism.”

• Coral Conservation: A 2025-26 report highlighted a 50% reduction in coral cover since 1998, leading to a new massive “Coral Restoration Project” launched this month.

• Election Watch: Preparation for the Census 2027 in Lakshadweep officially began in January 2026 with the appointment of census functionaries.

Conclusion

Lakshadweep in 2026 is at a crossroads of environmental conservation and high-end tourism development. For competitive exams, ensure you remember the 97.3% literacy rate, the Lava Dance of Minicoy, and the jurisdiction of Chief Justice Soumen Sen. These details are frequently tested in “Static vs. Current” G.K. segments.