How to create a second index.php?

Elaborating on Rachel Baker’s answer:

Copy the index.php file and name it something like popular.php. At the very top, paste the following:

<?php
/*
Template Name: Posts by Popular
*/
?>

Now, go in to the WordPress admin and create a new page, called something like “By Popular”. On the right-hand side, select the “Posts by Popular” template where it says “Template” (screenshot). Publish the page, and when you view it you should see your new page.

Create a link to this page in the nav menu or wherever, and then your users will be able to access the new page.