UPSC: Dr. R Chidambaram, Special Visas, Banihal Bypass & More

Table of Contents

UPSC GS 1

Dr R Chidambaram (1936-2025)

News: Veteran nuclear scientist Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram recently passed away.
Definition: Dr. R. Chidambaram, born in 1936, had a distinguished educational background, having attended Presidency College in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, Karnataka. His career includes several prestigious roles, such as:
- Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (2001–2018)
- Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990–1993)
- Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission
- Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) (1993–2000)
- Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (1994–1995)

Awards:
- In recognition of his exceptional contributions to India’s nuclear capabilities, Dr. Chidambaram was honored with the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999.
- His autobiography, India Rising, highlights his pivotal role in the peaceful nuclear explosion experiment at Pokhran in 1974.
Contributions of Dr. R. Chidambaram:
- Development of India’s Nuclear Program:
- Integral to the success of India’s first Nuclear Test in 1974, known as Smiling Buddha.
- Led the team during Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, contributing significantly to both nuclear tests (Smiling Buddha in 1974 and Operation Shakti in 1998).
- Foundation for Modern Materials Science Research:
- Advanced research in high-pressure physics, crystallography, and materials science.
- Laid the groundwork for modern materials science research in India.
- Role as Principal Scientific Advisor (2001–2018):
- Established the National Knowledge Network for high-speed connectivity across educational and research institutions.
- Supported key initiatives like the National Supercomputing Mission, Mission on Quantum Technologies, and Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) India to investigate cosmic phenomena.
- Founded programs like the Rural Technology Action Groups and Society for Electronic Transactions and Security.
- Set up rural technology laboratories at various engineering colleges.
- Promoted the development of cleaner thermal power plants and supported Ayurvedic research.
- Funded projects integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine.

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Saint Narahari Tīrtha

News: The Team of Research on Culture and Heritage (TORCH) recently uncovered a three-foot idol of the 13th-century saint Narahari Tīrtha.
Time Period and Role: Narahari Tīrtha (c. 13th century) was an influential philosopher, scholar, and saint within the Dvaita Vedanta tradition. He was a key disciple of Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita philosophy.

Contributions to Dvaita Philosophy: Narahari Tīrtha played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Dvaita Vedanta, particularly in eastern India, including the Kalinga region (modern-day Odisha and Andhra Pradesh).
Origins and Ancestry: Narahari Tīrtha is believed to have hailed from Chikakolu (now Srikakulam). His family was part of the aristocracy in the Gajapati Empire, which is now located in Odisha.
Role with the Eastern Ganga Dynasty: Epigraphical evidence suggests that Narahari Tīrtha supported the kings of the Eastern Ganga dynasty for nearly three decades. His guidance helped the kings adhere to Sanatana Dharma and establish an efficient temple administration system.
Temple Contributions: His work in temple management is well documented, particularly in inscriptions found at Simhachalam and Srikurmam temples.
Honorifics: Some of the honorifics associated with Narahari Tīrtha include ‘Loka Surakṣaṇa Ati Nipuṇaḥ’ and ‘Yo Avati Kalinga Bhu Sambhavān’.
Promotion of Vaiṣṇavism: While Saint Ramanuja had introduced Vaiṣṇavism to the region, Narahari Tīrtha’s extended presence ensured that it became firmly rooted in the area, done in a non-interfering and secular manner.
Literary Works: Narahari Tīrtha wrote fifteen books, though only two of his works, Gita Bhasya and Bhavaprakasika, have survived.
Contributions to Art Forms:
- Devaranamas: He was the first to compose Devaranamas in Kannada.
- Yakṣagana Bayalaṭa: Narahari Tīrtha contributed to the popular dance-drama art form in coastal Karnataka.
- Kuchipudi: He also played a role in propagating the classical dance form that evolved into the well-known Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh.
Final Resting Place: Upon his death, Narahari Tīrtha was consecrated near the rock adjacent to Chakratirtha at Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
Influence on Temple Traditions: Narahari Tīrtha’s efforts also played a role in strengthening the Madhva tradition in Odisha, particularly within the temple traditions of Puri Jagannath.

UPSC GS 2

Special Categories Visas

News: The Ministry of Home Affairs recently introduced two special category visas for international students studying in india: the ‘e-student visa’ and ‘e-student-x’ visa. These visas aim to attract international students through India’s ‘Study in India’ (SII) initiative.
Introduction:
- The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced two new types of visas: the e-student visa and the e-student-x visa.
e-Student Visa:
- Eligibility: International students who are enrolled in full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, or other formal programs at recognized educational institutions in India are eligible for the e-student visa.
- These visas are valid for durations of up to five years, depending on the length of the course, and they are extendable.
- Students holding an e-student visa can enter India through any immigration check post.
e-Student-X Visa:
- The e-student-x visa is available for dependents of e-student visa holders, allowing them to accompany the student in India.

What is the Study in India (SII) Portal?
- Purpose and Function: The Study in India (SII) portal is a key initiative by the Ministry of Education designed to assist international students in applying to Indian institutions.
- Courses Offered: The portal features over 600 partner institutions and provides access to more than 8,000 courses across various disciplines. These include fields such as engineering, management, agriculture, sciences, arts, humanities, law, paramedical sciences (including pharmacy and nursing), and specialized subjects like Buddhist Studies and Yoga.
- Program Levels: Programs available range from undergraduate to postgraduate, doctoral, and certification levels, offering students flexibility in selecting courses that match their interests at top Indian institutions.
- Streamlined Admission Process: The SII portal simplifies the admission process for foreign students seeking to enroll in both long-term and short-term courses in India, making it easier for them to access education opportunities in the country.

Panchayat to Parliament 2.0

News: Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha recently inaugurated the Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0 program.
Definition:
- Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, inaugurated the Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0 program.
- This initiative aims to provide insights into the Indian Constitution and parliamentary procedures to more than 500 women representatives from Panchayati Raj institutions across India.
Organizers:
- The program is organized by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Commemoration:
- This initiative is being held to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a respected tribal leader and freedom fighter.
Participants:
- The event will bring together 502 elected women representatives from Scheduled Tribes across 22 states and Union Territories of India.
Primary Objective:
- The main goal of the program is to empower women representatives from Panchayati Raj institutions by enhancing their understanding of constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures, and governance.
Recognition of Contributions:
- The program also acknowledges the valuable contributions of these women leaders, especially in sectors like education and rural development.
Activities:
- The initiative will feature various workshops and sessions. Participants will also be taken on a guided tour of significant locations, such as the new Parliament House, Samvidhan Sadan, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, and Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Special Event:
- During the event, the Lok Sabha Speaker will lead the delegates in reading the Preamble to the Constitution of India.
Legacy:
- This program builds upon the success of the Panchayat Se Parliament 2024 initiative, which had previously engaged 500 women sarpanch from across the country.

UPSC GS 3

Banihal Bypass

News: The newly constructed 2.35-kilometer Banihal bypass, part of the Jammu-Srinagar highway’s four-laning project, is set to be operational within 15 days.
Banihal Bypass:
- The Banihal Bypass is a four-lane, 2.35 km-long road constructed to alleviate chronic traffic congestion in Banihal town, located in Jammu & Kashmir.
- The bypass was built at a cost of Rs 224.44 crore.

Strategic Location:
- Positioned on the Ramban–Banihal section of National Highway 44 (NH-44), this bypass effectively addresses the persistent bottleneck caused by roadside markets and shops.
- It features four viaducts spanning a total of 1,513 meters and three culverts.
Significance:
- The bypass ensures smooth traffic flow, significantly reducing travel time and congestion.
- It plays a crucial role in facilitating uninterrupted movement for both tourists and defense vehicles traveling to the Kashmir Valley.
Key Facts about NH-44:
- Longest National Highway: National Highway 44 (NH-44), previously known as NH 7, holds the title of the longest national highway in India.
- Global Ranking: NH-44 ranks 22nd among the longest national highways globally.
- Total Length: NH-44 stretches across 3,745 kilometers (2,327 miles), connecting the northern tip of Jammu and Kashmir (Srinagar) to the southernmost point of India (Kanyakumari).
- States Covered: The highway passes through a total of 11 Indian states: Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- Major Cities Along the Route: NH-44 connects several significant cities, including Agra, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
- Historical Construction: The highway was not constructed as a single, continuous stretch. Instead, it is an amalgamation of seven previously existing national highways.

Golden Jackals

News: A survey by Wildlife Conservation Society – India shows golden jackals were spotted in 20 out of 26 locations in the western part of Mumbai and 37 out of 44 in the eastern side of the city.
Scientific Name: The golden jackal, also known as the common jackal, is a medium-sized canid resembling a wolf.
Activity:
- In areas with human habitation, golden jackals are primarily nocturnal.
- In less-disturbed regions, they may exhibit partially diurnal behavior.

Mating:
- Golden jackals are monogamous, forming lifelong pairs.
Diet:
- As omnivores, golden jackals are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of foods depending on availability.
Habitat:
- They thrive in valleys, riverbanks, tributaries, canals, lakes, and coastal areas.
- However, they are rarely found in foothills and low mountainous regions.
Distribution:
- Golden jackals have a broad distribution across North and East Africa, Southeastern Europe, and South Asia, extending to Burma.
- In India, they are found in diverse regions, ranging from the Himalayan foothills to the Western Ghats.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Listed as Least Concern.
- CITES: Included in Appendix III.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Classified under Schedule I.
Threats:
- The primary threat to their survival is habitat loss due to encroachments and poor management of their natural habitats.
Ecological Significance:
- Golden jackals play a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of mangrove and grassland ecosystems by acting as opportunistic foragers and helping in the control of smaller animal populations.

Cowpea Seeds

News: The Indian Space Research Organisation, popularly known as ISRO has achieved a groundbreaking milestone as cowpea seeds germinated in space.
Scientific Name:
- Cowpea, scientifically known as Vigna unguiculata, is an annual plant in the pea family (Fabaceae).
Characteristics:
- Cowpea is a leguminous crop that produces trailing vines, bearing seeds that are typically black, white, or red in color.
- The plant is rich in protein (25%), along with various vitamins and minerals.
- Cowpeas possess nitrogen-fixing properties, helping to replenish soil fertility when their roots decompose.

Origin and Distribution:
- The cowpea plant is believed to have originated and been domesticated in Southern Africa before spreading to East and West Africa and Asia.
- It is widely cultivated in semi-arid regions across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, particularly in regions with low rainfall.
Physical Features:
- The plant typically grows as climbing or trailing vines with compound leaves, each consisting of three leaflets.
- Cowpeas are shade-tolerant and grow quickly, making them effective at preventing soil erosion.
Climate:
- Cowpea is suited for warm weather and semi-arid climates, thriving in temperatures between 20°C to 30°C.
- It is particularly tolerant of sandy soil and low rainfall.
Soil Preferences:
- Best growth occurs in well-drained loam or slightly heavier soils.
- In colder climates, sandy soils are preferred as they allow crops to mature more quickly.
Uses:
- Cowpeas are widely used in food, feed, and forage preparations.
- The plant’s large leaves also serve the purpose of conserving soil moisture through their shading effect.
Global and Indian Production:
- Global Production: West Africa is the largest producer and consumer of cowpea, accounting for more than 87% of global production and consumption.
- Nigeria is the dominant player, producing and consuming 46% of the world’s cowpea.
Indian Context:
- Cowpea is a minor pulse in India, mainly grown in the arid and semi-arid regions of states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
Ecological and Economic Benefits:
- Soil Fertility: Cowpeas help to replenish low-fertility soils by fixing nitrogen in the soil.
- Erosion Control: Due to its rapid growth, it is an excellent plant for preventing soil erosion.

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Atomic Clock

News: UK lab has developed a ‘groundbreaking’ atomic clock using quantum technology.
Definition:
- An atomic clock is a highly accurate time-measuring device that relies on the vibrations of atoms, specifically the oscillations of electrons within atoms, to keep time.
Precision:
- Atomic clocks are the most accurate time-keeping devices available, with an error margin of only a few billionths of a second per day.
- This level of precision is far greater than conventional clocks because atomic oscillations occur at a much higher frequency and are more stable.

Working Principle:
- Cesium Atom: The core principle of atomic clocks involves the use of a specific type of atom, the cesium atom, which is highly stable and has a well-defined frequency for its electron vibrations.
- Microwave Cavity: To measure time accurately, atomic clocks use a device called a microwave cavity, a chamber filled with cesium vapor. A microwave signal is directed into the cavity, which causes the cesium atoms to vibrate at their natural frequency.
- Radiation Emission: As the cesium atoms vibrate, they emit radiation at a very precise frequency. A detector identifies this emitted radiation, comparing it to a reference frequency.
- Time Adjustment: The difference between the two frequencies is used to fine-tune the time measurement, ensuring the atomic clock maintains its accuracy.
Applications:
- GPS Systems: Atomic clocks are crucial in GPS systems, helping to determine the time it takes for a signal to travel from a satellite to a receiver on Earth. This allows for extremely precise location calculations.
- Telecommunications: In telecommunications networks, atomic clocks are used to synchronize the timing of signals transmitted over long distances, ensuring seamless communication.
- Scientific Research: Atomic clocks play a significant role in various scientific experiments, especially those requiring precise time measurements, such as the study of atomic and molecular behavior.

Black-Collared Yellow Catfish

News: Researchers at the Centre for Peninsular Aquatic Genetic Resources, Kochi, achieved a breakthrough in aquatic conservation by developing the first-ever captive breeding protocol for the endangered, black-collared yellow catfish (Horabagrus nigricollaris).
About the Black-collared Yellow Catfish:
Endemic Habitat: This species is found only in the Chalakudy River in Kerala, making it geographically restricted.

Physical Features: The fish is characterized by a greenish-brown mottled coloration and shorter barbels. Its distinct genetic traits set it apart from other species.
Coexistence with Other Species: The Black-collared Yellow Catfish shares its habitat with the endangered Horabagrus Nigricollaris, an important species in the region.
Captive Breeding Program:
- Initiation and Success: A captive breeding program was initiated in 2020, with researchers successfully breeding the first generation of the species.
Significance of Captive Breeding:
- Conservation Efforts: This breeding initiative is crucial for the conservation of the Black-collared Yellow Catfish, ensuring the survival of the species.
- Biodiversity Preservation: The development of breeding protocols plays a vital role in preserving the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, an ecologically rich and sensitive region.
Conservation Status IUCN: Endangered