Oreshnik Missile | Algoza | Khajuraho

Oreshnik Missile

Defence

Context

• Russia used its powerful Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile in an overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv, Ukraine.

Oreshnik 

• It is an intermediate-range hypersonic weapon believed to be based on Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh system. 
• It can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads. 
• Its strike range is estimated between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometres, allowing it to target large parts of Europe.
• It is almost impossible for modern air defence systems to intercept the missile owing to its speed of Mach 10, or nearly 2.5–3 kilometres per second.

Algoza

Culture

Context

• Taga Ram Bheel of Jaisalmer was honoured with the Padma Shri 2026 for preserving and promoting traditional Rajasthani folk music through the ancient instrument called the Algoza.

Algoza

• The Algoza is a traditional folk wind instrument associated with Rajasthan, Punjab, Sindh, and parts of western India and Pakistan. 
• It consists of two wooden flutes played simultaneously — one creates the melody while the other provides a rhythmic base.
• What makes the instrument unique is the use of circular breathing, a difficult technique that allows musicians to produce continuous music without stopping for breath.
• Often called the soul of Thar Desert folk music, the Algoza has traditionally been played during festivals, weddings, storytelling sessions, and devotional gatherings.

Khajuraho

Art & Culture

In News

• World Heritage Site Khajuraho, is set to host the 25-day countdown event for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026.

Khajuraho

• The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a group of Hindu and Jain temples located in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. 
• The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.

Historical records:

• Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty. 
• Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple complex once had 85 temples spread across 20 square kilometres. 
• At present, only about 25 temples have survived, spread over six square kilometres.