Day: December 15, 2025

Gulmarg Gets Asia’s Longest Ski Drag Lift and First Revolving Conference Hall

Gulmarg, the legendary ski resort in Jammu and Kashmir, has opened the longest in Asia ski drag lift and revolving conference hall and other tourist amenities, and this has become one of the greatest impetuses to winter sports and tourism in the state. The 726 metre drag lift, which was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, happens to be one of the successive developments in the destination to make Gulmarg look even more attractive as a global winter ski resort and to facilitate the visitors. This will be in a position to boost skiing facilities, create job opportunities, and enhance the global image of the hill station.

Key Features of the Gulmarg Ski Drag Lift Project

  • The 726 metre ski drag lift in Gulmarg was the longest in Asia.

  • It was planned to improve skiing infrastructure and winter sports.

  • Skier safety and operative technology are furnished.

  • Helps to enhance the capacity of visitors and easy flow on ski slopes.

  • Comprised of green construction that is non-polluting to the environment.

  • Furnished with the headquarters event and tourism promotion rotating hall.

  • The results can be expected to increase local jobs and improve the international tourist attraction in Gulmarg.

  • It has been placed as one of the key challenges to winter health tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Expected Question on the Gulmarg Ski Drag Lift Project

Where has Asia’s longest ski drag lift been inaugurated?

A. Manali

B. Gulmarg

C. Auli

D. Shimla

Answer: B

Explanation: The 726-metre ski drag lift in Gulmarg is now Asia’s longest, boosting winter tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.

Consider the following statements about the Gulmarg ski drag lift project:

  1. It is the longest ski drag lift in Asia.

  2. The project aims to boost winter tourism and local employment.

  3. It is exclusively for professional skiers.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A
Explanation: The lift is the longest in Asia and aims to promote tourism and local livelihoods, but it is open to all skiers, not only professionals.

How does the Gulmarg ski drag lift project benefit the local community?
A. Employment generation
B. Tourism revenue
C. Infrastructure development
D. All of the above

Answer: D
Explanation: The project creates jobs, generates revenue, and improves local infrastructure, boosting the regional economy.

Conclusion (Gulmarg Ski Drag Lift Project)

The Gulmarg Ski Drag Lift Project has been a big milestone in winter tourism in Asia. It is improving the skiing infrastructure as the 726-metre drag lift and rotating conference hall will add employment to local people and will draw tourists around the world, making Gulmarg an adventure sports destination and a winter tourism spot in India.

Centre Plans to Rename MGNREGS to ‘Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana’

The renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to the Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana has been officially approved by the central government. A bill to implement this change was passed by the Union Cabinet, marking one of the major updates to India's flagship rural employment scheme. Along with the renaming, the government increased the guaranteed rural workdays from 100 to 125 days per year and reformed minimum wages to secure the livelihoods of rural populations. These relocation measures continue efforts to empower the rural unemployed, as the scheme's core objectives are acknowledged.

Complete Journey of NREGA to MGNREGS

  • In 2005, Parliament signed the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) to offer legal wage employment.

  • It was then officially introduced on 2 February 2006 in selected districts.

  • The plan ensured 100 days of wage work for the countryside families.

  • In the year 2009, NREGA had a change of name to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

  • The renaming was in honour of the self-reliance of the rural areas envisaged by Mahatma Gandhi.

  • MGNREGS was expanded at the national level, but its aim was on livelihood security, asset creation and development of the rural areas.

Asked Question Based on MGNREGS (PYQs)

Exam Name Year Question Asked Correct Answer
SSC CGL 2018 Under which Act is MGNREGS implemented? Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005
UPSC Prelims 2016 MGNREGS guarantees employment for how many days in a year? 100 days of wage employment
SSC CHSL 2019 Which ministry implements MGNREGS? Ministry of Rural Development
UPSC Prelims 2020 MGNREGS mainly aims to provide employment to which population? Rural households
RRB NTPC 2021 In which year was NREGA renamed as MGNREGA? 2009
SSC GD 2022 When was MGNREGS launched across India? 2 February 2006
UPSC Prelims 2017 Who bears the cost of unskilled wages under MGNREGS? Central Government
State PSC 2023 MGNREGS is a scheme based on which type of guarantee? Legal employment guarantee

Expected Question for Upcoming Exam About MGNREGS

Consider the following statements regarding MGNREGS:

  1. It provides a legal guarantee of wage employment to rural households.

  2. The scheme ensures employment only to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: MGNREGS provides a legal employment guarantee to all rural households, not only BPL families.

Which ministry is responsible for implementing MGNREGS?

A. Ministry of Labour and Employment

B. Ministry of Panchayati Raj

C. Ministry of Rural Development

D. Ministry of Finance

Correct Answer: C

Description: MGNREGS is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development.

If employment is not provided within 15 days under MGNREGS, what is payable?

A. Bonus

B. Compensation

C. Unemployment allowance

D. Incentive

Correct Answer: C

Description: Beneficiaries receive an unemployment allowance as per the Act.

Consider the following statements regarding MGNREGS and the Indian Constitution:

  1. MGNREGS is based on the principle of the Right to Work.

  2. Article 41 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to provide the Right to Work.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Article 41 (DPSP) directs the State to secure the Right to Work, forming the constitutional basis of MGNREGS.

With reference to MGNREGS, consider the following statements:

  1. The scheme provides a legal guarantee of employment through an Act of Parliament.

  2. Article 21 of the Constitution directly mandates rural employment schemes like MGNREGS.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: MGNREGS is backed by law, while Article 21 ensures the Right to Life, not a direct employment mandate.

Conclusion

The fact that the Centre is revamping MGNREGS into Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana is a symbolic change in policy without changing the very essence of the scheme, which is to offer guaranteed rural employment. The proposed change is also a continuity of strengthening livelihood security, rural development and employment rights of the millions of rural households in India.

Former Iraqi President Barham Salih Takes Charge of UN Refugee Agency

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has recommended former Iraqi President Barham Salih to succeed in the position of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which became a breakthrough in the history of the UN leadership. When approved by the UNHCR Executive Committee and the General Assembly, Salih, who is supposed to start his tenure on January 1, 2026, would become the first leader of the UN refugee agency in decades to hold the office, so far, of Middle Eastern descent. The choice ends a centuries-old European regime within the agency and coincides with unprecedented displacement and humanitarian crises all over the world.

Barham Salih’s Political Journey and His New Role at UNHCR

  • Barham Salih was the President of Iraq (20182022) at an acute political transition stage.

  • He served earlier as the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

  • Salih has served in a major diplomatic position in Iraq, including as the Deputy Prime Minister.

  • He is an educated person in the UK, and he is regarded as an active worker in international institutions.

  • He is now appointed as the head of the UN High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR).

  • His time of appointment is when global displacement and refugees are on the increase across the world.

Previous Year Question UNHCR 

Exam Name Year Question Asked Correct Answer
UPSC Prelims 2016 UNHCR works under the aegis of which organisation? United Nations
SSC CGL 2018 Where is the headquarters of UNHCR located? Geneva, Switzerland
UPSC Prelims 2019 UNHCR was established in which year? 1950
SSC CHSL 2020 What is the primary mandate of UNHCR? Protection and assistance to refugees
RRB NTPC 2021 Who appoints the UN High Commissioner for Refugees? UN Secretary-General
UPSC Prelims 2022 UNHCR was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in which year? 1954 and 1981
SSC GD 2023 UNHCR mainly deals with which group? Refugees and displaced persons
State PSC 2024 UNHCR operates under which UN General Assembly resolution? Resolution of 1950

Conclusion

The appointment of former Iraqi President Barham Salih to the presidency of the UN refugee agency is an important change of leadership in humanitarian affairs in the world. His political and diplomatic will help UNHCR to better react to rising refugee crises, boost global partnerships and respond to the issue of displacement through a fresh lens of focus and inclusion.

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