css current affairs paper 2023

CSS current affairs paper 2023

PART-II

Q. No. 2. Discuss historic Pakistan and Turkey bilateral relations beyond the areas of socio-economic and strategic realms. Explain its geopolitical ripple effects in the Himalayas, the Arabian Peninsula, and the South Caucasus. (20 Marks)

Q. No. 3. The UN climate summit (COP-27) in Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt) discussed Pakistan’s catastrophic summer floods exacerbated by climate change, and the country is facing an imminent threat of epidemics and other multi-dimensional dangers. Discuss the COP-27 roadmap to face the challenge of climate change and proposed measures for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Pakistan. (20 Marks)

Q. No. 4. Discuss the core causes of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which have considerable socio-economic, political, and strategic consequences for the world. Explain its devastating impact on Pakistan and its severe lesson for the country’s survival. (20 Marks)

Q. No. 5. Discuss the project idea of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is the great leap forward of economic regionalization in the globalized world. Explain its potential advantages, challenges and future prospects. (20 Marks)

Q. No. 6. November 15, 2022, will be a historic date in humanity’s history because at this date the Earth’s population reached the 8 billion mark. Critically discuss that the 21st century is a century of rapid population growth, which has a devastating negative impact on the world. Explain the severe consequences of rapid population growth, which will affect to every country on earth. (20 Marks)

Q. No. 7. Critically discuss the conceptualized energy’s influence on world geopolitics and the distinctiveness of global energy governance. (20 Marks)

Q. No. 8. Critically discuss why Pakistan’s economic growth continues to be a “balance of payments” constraint, which is one of the core causes of keeping the foreign exchange reserves under pressure. Do you think that Pakistan’s export performance remains the most relevant long-term challenge to alleviate the balance-of-payments constraint for sustained economic growth and explain radical structural reforms to improve export performance? (20 marks)

Summary:

Q. No. 2: Discuss historic Pakistan and Turkey bilateral relations beyond the areas of socio-economic and strategic realms. Explain its geopolitical ripple effects in the Himalayas, the Arabian Peninsula, and the South Caucasus. (20 Marks)

Historic Relations Beyond Socio-Economic and Strategic Realms:

1. Cultural Ties: Shared Islamic heritage, including influence on art, architecture, and literature.
2. Humanitarian Support: Turkey’s support during Pakistan’s natural disasters (e.g., 2005 earthquake).
3. Educational Exchange: Collaboration in higher education, scholarships, and cultural programs.

Geopolitical Ripple Effects:

1. Himalayas: Strengthened Turkey-Pakistan ties bolster Pakistan’s position on Kashmir.
2. Arabian Peninsula: Both nations’ alignment challenges Gulf states’ geopolitical dominance.
3. South Caucasus: Pakistan’s support for Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict aligns with Turkey’s stance, increasing regional influence.

Q. No. 3: Discuss the COP-27 roadmap to face the challenge of climate change and proposed measures for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Pakistan. (20 Marks)

COP-27 Roadmap:

1. Loss and Damage Fund: Financial mechanism to aid vulnerable countries like Pakistan.
2. Adaptation Funding: Increased focus on resilience-building projects.
3. Global Commitments: Call for nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions further.

Proposed Measures for Pakistan:

1. Infrastructure Rehabilitation: Flood-resistant infrastructure for sustainable development.
2. Disaster Management: Strengthen NDMA to address epidemics and displacement.
3. Climate Financing: Leverage COP-27 outcomes to secure international aid.

Q. No. 4: Discuss the core causes of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, its socio-economic, political, and strategic consequences, and its impact on Pakistan. (20 Marks)

Core Causes:

1. NATO Expansion: Russia’s objection to NATO’s influence near its borders.
2. Territorial Claims: Annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.
3. Geopolitical Rivalry: Reasserting Russia’s status as a global power.

Global Consequences:

1. Economic: Energy crises and inflation due to disrupted supply chains.
2. Political: Realignment of alliances (e.g., closer EU-US cooperation).
3. Strategic: Increased militarization in Europe.

Impact on Pakistan:

1. Energy Crisis: Rising oil and gas prices affect Pakistan’s economy.
2. Food Security: Disrupted wheat imports from Ukraine.
3. Lesson for Survival: Highlights the importance of strategic autonomy and preparedness.

Q. No. 5: Discuss the project idea of CPEC, its potential advantages, challenges, and future prospects. (20 Marks)

Advantages:

1. Economic Growth: Infrastructure development and industrial zones spur growth.
2. Connectivity: Enhances regional trade links between South Asia, Central Asia, and China.
3. Energy Security: Addresses Pakistan’s power shortages through energy projects.

Challenges:

1. Debt Concerns: Rising external debt due to project financing.
2. Security Issues: Terrorism threats in Balochistan and CPEC routes.
3. Local Opposition: Perception of unequal benefits among provinces.

Future Prospects:

1. Expansion into Central Asia: Potential for greater trade integration.
2. Second Phase: Focus on industrialization and agriculture.
3. Geopolitical Impact: Strengthening ties with China while countering India’s influence.

Q. No. 6: Critically discuss the severe consequences of rapid population growth in the 21st century. (20 Marks)

Consequences of Rapid Population Growth:

1. Resource Scarcity: Pressure on water, food, and energy resources.
2. Urban Overcrowding: Increased migration leads to slum development and poor living conditions.
3. Environmental Degradation: Deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
4. Healthcare Strains: Rising demands for healthcare facilities and pandemic vulnerability.
5. Economic Challenges: High unemployment and poverty rates hinder growth.

Global Implications: Impacts both developed and developing nations, requiring coordinated action for sustainability.

Q. No. 7: Discuss the conceptualized energy’s influence on world geopolitics and the distinctiveness of global energy governance. (20 Marks)

Energy’s Influence on Geopolitics:

1. Control over Resources: Nations with energy reserves wield significant power (e.g., Middle East).
2. Energy Routes: Control over strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.
3. Transition to Renewables: Competition for dominance in renewable technologies (e.g., solar, wind).

Global Energy Governance:

1. Distinctiveness: Decentralized governance structure with major players (OPEC, IEA).
2. Challenges: Lack of uniform regulations and transition disparities.
3. Future Trends: Collaborative frameworks for climate-resilient energy systems.

Q. No. 8: Why is Pakistan’s economic growth constrained by the balance of payments? Propose structural reforms to improve export performance. (20 Marks)

Causes of Balance of Payments Constraint:

1. Low Exports: Reliance on limited sectors (textiles) for export revenue.
2. High Imports: Dependency on imported energy and machinery.
3. Debt Servicing: Pressure from external debts.

Structural Reforms for Exports:

1. Diversification: Develop IT, engineering, and pharmaceuticals for export markets.
2. Skill Development: Train workforce for high-value industries.
3. Incentives for Exporters: Tax breaks and subsidies for export-oriented industries.
4. Trade Agreements: Expand access to new markets through bilateral and multilateral agreements.

Long-Term Vision: Establish a resilient economy by focusing on sustainable, export-driven growth.