Prelims Focus 9th February 2026

Agni-3 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile

In News: India was able to launch the nuclear-capable Agni-3 ballistic missile on Chandipur, Odisha and the range of capability was over 3,000 km.

• Agni-3 ballistic missile is designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
• It is a solid fuelled, two stage, ballistic missile that has a range in excess of three thousand kilometres.
• It can carry traditional as well as nuclear warheads.
• Since 2011, the Strategic Forces Command has inductive Agni-III.
• The successful test emphasizes that India still believes in building its strategic deterrence, as well as, keeping its operational readiness at high levels.

Jiyo Parsi Scheme

In News: The Jiyo Parsi Scheme has assisted more than 490 Parsi children to be born and given financial assistance of Rs 35.05 crore to Parsi couples.

• • The Jiyo Parsi scheme is an exclusive Central sector plan on arresting the dwindling number of Parsi Community. The introduction of the scheme was in 2013-14 under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
  • The scheme aims at halting the shrinking population of the Parsi by implementing a scientific program and structured measures and stabilizing their numbers and to boost the number of Parsis in India.

• Components

• • Medical Component: To facilitate financial support in medical treatment according to the normal medical procedures.
  • Health of the Community: Financial support would be offered to Parsi Couples to take care of the dependent elderly family members and children they have in order to encourage them to have more children.
  • Advocacy: To strengthen support to the Parsi couples with infertility and family related issues, counseling sessions, outreach programmes i.e seminars, medical camps, publicity brochures, advocacy films etc. 

Sharda River

In News: The Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently laid the foundation stone of the Sharda River Corridor at Tanakpur, located in Champawat district.

Key Highlights 

• The project is being developed along the Sharda River (also known as Mahakali in Nepal).
• Aim: riverfront development, tourism promotion, and cultural–religious rejuvenation of the region.
• Expected benefits include improved public spaces, local employment, and strengthening Tanakpur as a gateway town near the India–Nepal border.

Kondaveedu Fort

In News: The Union Minister of State has announced a plan for the holistic development of the historic Kondaveedu Fort, with a focus on heritage conservation and tourism promotion.

Key facts about Kondaveedu Fort

• Location: Near Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
• Historical importance: Built in the 14th century, it served as the capital of the Reddy Kingdom and later came under the Vijayanagara Empire, Qutb Shahis, and the Mughals.
• Geographical setting: Situated on a rocky hill range, giving it strong natural defenses.
• Architectural features: Massive stone walls, gateways, bastions, temples, mosques, and ancient water tanks.

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