UPSC: Bidar Fort, Maha Kumbh Mela, SMA, Titanium, and More

Table of Contents

UPSC GS 1

Bidar Fort

News: Karnataka’s waqf board has claimed ownership of historic Bidar fort, a protected monument in custody of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for over 70 years.
Location and Historical Background:
- - Bidar Fort is located in Bidar city on the northern plateau of Karnataka, India.
  - The fort’s history spans over 500 years, with its origins tracing back to the Western Chalukya dynasty.
  - Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali of the Bahmani dynasty made Bidar his capital in 1430, transforming it into a fortified citadel.

Architecture of Bidar Fort:
- - Construction Materials and Design:
  - Constructed from trap rock, with stone and mortar forming the robust fort walls.
  - The fort’s main entrance features a high dome, originally adorned with vibrant colors.
  - Key Architectural Features:
  - The fort exhibits elements of Islamic and Persian architecture.
  - It has seven main gateways and 37 octagonal bastions (projecting balconies) equipped with metal-shielded cannons.
  - Contains several notable structures, including mosques, mahals (palaces), and over thirty Islamic monuments.
About the Bahmani Kingdom:
- - The Bahmani Kingdom was founded in 1347 when Ala-ud-din Hassan Bahman Shah, the Turkish governor, declared independence from Muhammad Bin Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate.
  - This was the first independent Islamic kingdom in South India, covering present-day Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
  - Initially, the capital was in Ahsanabad (Gulbarga) from 1347 to 1425, later moved to Bidar.
  - A total of fourteen sultans ruled the Bahmani Kingdom, with Alauddin Bahman Shah, Muhammad Shah I, and Firoz Shah being prominent leaders.
  - The kingdom flourished under Mahmud Gawan, who served as Prime Minister from 1458 to 1481, expanding the empire by reclaiming territories like Goa from the Vijayanagar Empire.
  - Around 1518, Krishnadeva Raya of the Vijayanagar Empire defeated the last Bahmani Sultan, marking the end of the Bahmani Kingdom.

Maha Kumbh Mela

News: As Prayagraj prepares for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, authorities are taking extensive measures to enhance both sanitation and accommodation options for the millions of pilgrims expected during the festival.
About Maha Kumbh Mela:
Overview:
- - The Maha Kumbh Mela is a revered pilgrimage and one of the world’s largest peaceful gatherings, celebrated four times over a 12-year cycle.
  - Millions of devotees gather at each event to bathe in sacred rivers, a ritual believed to cleanse sins and offer spiritual liberation.
Locations:
- - The event rotates among four sacred locations in India: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj.
  - Each site is situated by a holy river, including the Ganges in Haridwar, the Shipra in Ujjain, the Godavari in Nashik, and the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Sarasvati in Prayagraj.
Ancient Origins:
- - The origins of the Kumbh Mela date back thousands of years, with early mentions during the Maurya and Gupta eras (4th century BCE to 6th century CE).
  - The festival received strong support during the medieval period, including from the Chola and Vijayanagar dynasties in the south and the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal empires in the north.
  - Even Mughal rulers, including Emperor Akbar, participated in Kumbh Mela festivities, showing a spirit of religious openness.
Colonial Observations:
- - British officials, fascinated by the scale of the Kumbh Mela, documented its rituals and vast gatherings. British colonial administrator James Prinsep was notable for his detailed accounts in the 19th century, capturing the festival’s religious practices, diverse assemblies, and cultural significance.
Post-Independence Era:
- - After India’s independence, the Maha Kumbh Mela became a powerful symbol of national unity and cultural heritage.
  - Recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Kumbh Mela exemplifies the preservation of ancient traditions amid modern changes.

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UPSC GS 2

PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme

News: The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, launched recently, is a new Central Sector scheme that seeks to provide financial support to students so that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from pursuing higher studies.
About PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme:
Overview: The PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme is a Central Sector initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to students pursuing higher education in quality institutions.
Key Features:
- - Eligibility:
  - Any student admitted to a quality Higher Education Institution (QHEI) is eligible for a loan under this scheme.
  - The loan covers tuition fees and other course-related expenses.
  - Loan Characteristics:
  - The loan is collateral-free and guarantor-free, making it accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
  - The system will be digital, transparent, and student-friendly, offering ease of access for all eligible applicants.
  - Eligible Institutions:
  - The scheme applies to institutions ranked in the top 100 of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) across overall, category-specific, and domain-specific rankings.
  - State government institutions ranked 101-200 and all central government institutions are also eligible.
  - The list of eligible institutions will be updated annually based on the latest NIRF rankings.
Loan Provisions:
- - Loan Amount & Credit Guarantee:
  - For loan amounts up to ₹7.5 lakhs, a credit guarantee of 75% is provided to cover the outstanding default. This will help banks offer loans to students without collateral.
  - Interest Subvention:
  - For students with an annual family income of up to ₹8 lakhs, who are not eligible for other scholarships or interest subvention programs, an interest subvention of 3% will be provided on loans up to ₹10 lakhs during the moratorium period.
  - Target:
  - Interest subvention support will be available for one lakh students annually.
  - Preference will be given to students from government institutions and those pursuing technical or professional courses.
Financial Outlay & Duration:The scheme has a financial allocation of ₹3,600 Crore from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
Application & Processing:
- - Unified Portal: A dedicated PM-Vidyalaxmi portal will be managed by the Department of Higher Education, allowing students to apply for education loans and interest subvention through a simplified digital process.
  - Payment Process: Payments for interest subvention will be facilitated through E-vouchers and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets, ensuring seamless and efficient transactions.

UPSC GS 3

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

News: Understanding the early signs, potential complications, and available treatments for Spinal Muscular Atrophy can be crucial in managing the condition and improving the quality of life for those affected.
Overview:
- - Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder impacting the central and peripheral nervous systems and affecting voluntary skeletal muscle movement.
  - The disease involves the degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord, classifying it as a type of motor neuron disease.
Types of SMA:
- - SMA is categorized into five subtypes—Type 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4—based on age at onset, severity, and life expectancy.

Symptoms of SMA:
- - Muscle Weakness:
  - Symptoms range from mild to severe muscle weakness that affects voluntary movements but generally spare involuntary muscles, such as those in the heart, blood vessels, and digestive tract.
  - Muscle weakness tends to be more pronounced in muscles closer to the body’s center, such as the trunk, compared to those farther from the center.
Treatment Options:
- - Although there is no cure for SMA, treatments focus on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Available therapies include:
  - Physical Therapy: Aids in improving posture, preventing joint stiffness, and slowing muscle weakness progression.
  - Occupational Therapy: Enhances ability to perform daily activities.
  - Assistive Devices: Includes orthopedic braces, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs to support mobility.
  - Speech and Swallowing Therapy: Assists with difficulties in speech and swallowing functions.
  - Feeding Tube: Used when swallowing poses risks or is too challenging.
  - Assisted Ventilation: Helps manage respiratory issues.
- Medications for SMA: Between 2016 and 2020, the U.S. FDA approved several treatments that significantly improve SMA’s progression:
  - Disease-Modifying Therapy: Aims to alter the disease course.
  - Gene Replacement Therapy: Targets the genetic root cause of SMA.

Okinawicius Tekdi

News: Pune’s Baner hill has yielded a fascinating discovery, a new species of jumping spider named Okinawicius tekdi, inspired by the Marathi word “tekdi,” meaning hill.
Naming and Discovery:
- - The newly discovered spider species is named Okinawicius tekdi, inspired by the Marathi word “tekdi,” meaning hill.
  - This discovery brings the count of jumping spider species in India to a total of 326.
  - The species was first identified by Atharva Kulkarni, an MSc environmental science student from MIT-World Peace University, Pune.
  - This is the first spider species discovery in Pune in over 30 years.

About Spider Species:
- - Classification and Anatomy:
  - Spiders belong to the arthropod group and are characterized by segmented bodies, a tough exoskeleton, and jointed legs.
  - A key feature of spiders is their eight legs, which distinguish them from other arthropods.
  - Unique Abilities:
  - Spiders are well-known for their ability to spin webs, which serve as effective traps for capturing prey.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS)

News: An 11-member expert committee has recommended urgent conservation and management for habitat improvement and prey base development before designating Rajasthan’s Kumbhalgarh-Todgarh Raoli sanctuaries as a tiger reserve.
Location and Area:
- - Located in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary spans a total area of 578 sq km across the Aravalli ranges.
  - The sanctuary extends through parts of the Udaipur, Rajsamand, and Pali districts, encircling the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort, after which it is named.
  - Originally a royal hunting ground, this area gained protected sanctuary status in 1971.
Rivers and Water Sources:
- - The Banas River, serving as the main water source, flows through the sanctuary.
  - Rainwater on the western slopes forms smaller rivers, including Sukdi, Mithdi, Sumer, and Kot, which are tributaries of the Luni River that ultimately flows into the Arabian Sea.
Background:
- - In 2023, the Union government and National Tiger Conservation Authority granted preliminary approval to establish a tiger reserve by combining Kumbhalgarh and Todgarh Raoli sanctuaries.
  - This proposed tiger reserve will cover approximately 1,397 sq km across the districts of Rajsamand, Udaipur, Pali, Ajmer, and Sirohi.
Flora: The sanctuary is rich in a diverse range of flora, including notable herbal plants such as Dhok, Salar, and Khair.
Fauna: It supports habitats for endangered and rare wildlife like the four-horned antelope, sambar, wild boar, nilgai, sloth bear, leopard, and caracal.
Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary:
- - Location and Area:
  - Covering around 495 sq km, Todgarh Raoli Sanctuary extends across Ajmer, Pali, and Rajsamand districts in Rajasthan.
  - The sanctuary was established in 1983 and named in honor of Colonel James Tod, a British officer who documented Rajasthan’s history.
  - It includes the ancient Raoli forest, which is home to indigenous tribal communities.
  - Flora:
  - Characterized by dry deciduous forests, the sanctuary is dominated by teak, bamboo, and dhok trees.
  - The landscape also features vibrant flowering plants, including kachnar (Bauhinia variegata), palash (Butea monosperma), and the “flame of the forest,” which adds colorful highlights during the blooming season.
  - Fauna:
  - Todgarh Raoli is an essential habitat for various wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and sambar deer.
  - Birdwatchers can spot over 200 bird species, such as the grey junglefowl, Indian pitta, and crested serpent eagle, making it a rich area for bird biodiversity.

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Titanium

News: IREL (India) Ltd, CPSU under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Govt of India and Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant JSC, (UKTMP JSC) Kazakhstan, have signed an agreement to establish IndoKazakh joint venture company (JVC): IREUK Titanium Limited for production of Ti Slag in India.
Titanium:
- - Titanium ranks as the fourth most abundant element within the Earth’s crust.
  - Commonly found in ore deposits, it typically appears in compounds with iron or oxygen.
  - Titanium is also present in meteorites and has been detected in the sun.

Ores of Titanium: The two primary commercial minerals used to extract titanium are:
- - Ilmenite (FeTiO₃)
  - Rutile (TiO₂)
Properties:
- - Highly resistant to corrosion, titanium is unaffected by air, water, acids, or bases.
  - Known for its low density and impressive strength, it is easily fabricated and exhibits outstanding corrosion resistance.
  - Unique among elements, titanium burns in air and is the only element capable of burning in nitrogen.
Applications:
- - Industrial Use: Titanium is essential in the construction of aircraft, spacecraft, ships, and other applications requiring high-stress durability.
  - Medical Use: Its biocompatibility makes it ideal for prosthetic devices, as it does not interact with bodily tissues or bone.
  - Astronomy: Titanium oxide spectral lines help astronomers in identifying cool red dwarf stars.