Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

The syllabus of Current Affairs of CSS 2023 can be divided into the
following parts.

1. Pakistan Domestic Affairs (20%)

2. Pakistan External Affairs (40%)
3. General Issues (40%)

Part-I: Pakistan’s Domestic Affairs

1. Political: This section covers political history of Pakistan,

democratic process in Pakistan, comparison of democratic
and military regimes, constitutional crisis in Pakistan,
salient features of the constitution of 1956, 1962, 1973 and
subsequent constitutional amendments.

2. Economic: This section covers economic history of

Pakistan, current economic situation, performance of
important sectors of economy .g. agriculture,
manufacturing, services sector, trade imbalance, future of
economy of Pakistan.

3. Social: This section focuses on areas like poverty,

unemployment and its impact on society, terrorism and
extremism in Pakistan and how to curtail it, social
stratification, women development, etc.

Part-II: Pakistan’s External Affairs

1. Pakistan’s relations with neighbours (India, China,

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

Afghanistan, Russia): Important areas to cover in this

segment include are; water issues with India, trade with
India and challenges, Indus Water Treaty (IWT), history
and future of Pak-India relationship, the history of
Pakistan-China relationship, China Pakistan Economic
Corrrdor (CPEC), impact of CPEC on the economy of
Pakistan, pros and cons of CPEC, challenges regarding
CPEC, the history of Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship,
Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship in the backdrop of war
on terror (post 9/11 scenario), the future of Pakistan-
Afghan relationship, the history of Pak-Russia relationship
(in context of the Cold War), Afghanistan-Pakistan water
agreement, Pakistan’s role in the Afghan peace process,
CPEC and changing geo-politics viz-a-viz Pak-Russia
relationship, new strategic relationship between Pakistan
and Russia and the future of Pak-Russia relations.

2. Pakistan relations with the United States: History of Pak-

US relations, pros and cons of a long-term engagement
with USA, Pak-US relations in post 9/11 scenario, Pak-US
relations under Trump and Biden regime.

3. Pakistan’s relations with regional and international

organizations: This includes the United Nations (UN), the
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC),
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Organisation of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the World Trade Organization
(WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Financial
Action Task Force (FATF) and the Gulf Cooperation Council

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

(GCC). Focus on the role of UN in resolving issues related

to Pakistan/South Asia. Pakistan’s contribution to the UN
especially peacekeeping missions, India’s bid regarding
permanent membership of UNSC and challenges for
Pakistan, SAARC and its role, making SAARC an effective
regional organization, ECO and its role in regional politics,
role of OIC and challenges and reasons for failure in the
uniting the Muslim world, OIC and the Middle-East crisis,
WTO: function of WTO, various bodies of WTO, agreements
under WTO, impact of WTO on world’s economy, WTO and
Pakistan, impact of WTO on the economy of Pakistan, FATF
and Pakistan: the impact of being in the ‘Grey list’, the role
and remit of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
pandemic.

4. Pakistan’s relations with the Muslim world (Iran, Saudi

Arabia and Turkey): This includes the history of their
relationships, Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline, CPEC
and its impact on Pak-Iran relations, future prospects of
Pak-Iran relations, the recent Turkey-Pakistan increasing
defense ties, .

Part- Ill: Global Issues

1. International security: Threats to the international

security, armaments, lingering issues posing threat to
global peace

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

International political economy: The capitalism and its

future, mercantilism. North-South divide, the role of IMF
and the World Bank, commonalities in the social, political
and economic structures of developing countries.

3. Human rights: Human rights violations in the world, the

role of the western countries and the UN in prevention
human rights violations

4. Environmental issues: The global warming, Kyoto protocol,

Paris Climate Agreement, global warming and its impact on
Pakistan.

5. Terrorism and counter-terrorism: Global war on terrorism,

impact of GWOT on social, economic and political aspects
of Pakistan, AF-PAK policy and its critical analysis.

6. Global energy politics: The current oil price and their

impact on the instability of the Middle-East region, Petro
wars in the Middle-East region.

7. Nuclear Proliferation and Security: Non-Proliferation

Treaty (NPT), the nuclear deterrence in South Asia,
Pakistan’s stance on NPT, the comparison of Pakistan and
India nuclear and ballistic missile program and capability,
Cold Start doctrine and Pakistan’s response.

8. Cooperation and Competition in Arabian Sea, Indian and

2.

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

Pacific Oceans: Gwadar Port and its significance and

challenges, China’s string of pearls, China’s growing
influence in South China Sea and Indian Ocean.

9. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): The details of

MDGs, analysis of the implementation of MDGs, how
successful has MDGs implementation been, Pakistan and
implementation of MDGs, the challenges in the way of
MDGs and way forward, the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDG’s)

10. Globalization: What is globalization, factors ‘behind

globalization, positive and negative aspects of
globalization, impacts of globalization on social, cultural,
economic and political aspects of Pakistan, Globalisation
and the COVID-19 pandemic.

11. Middle East Crisis: Arab spring, the roots of Middle-East

crisis, external and internal factors precipitation, impact of
Middle-East crisis on Pakistan, the role of middle powers in
the Middle East imbroglio.

12. Kashmir Issue: Historical background, the UN resolutions,

Kashmir’s status after 5th August 2019, hindrances and
steps taken so far in resolving the issue, Pakistan’s new
political map.

13. Palestine Issue: History of Palestine issues, the Arab-Israel

wars, impact of new Israeli settlements on Palestine

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

conflict, steps taken for resolution of Palestine issue,

Trump’s peace plan on Palestine, Israel’s relations in the
Muslim countries and impacts on Pakistan, the challenges
in the way of peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue.

Current Affairs: CSS Past Papers Analysis

I. Pakistan Domestic Affairs

1. Give a critical review of Pakistan Energy Policy 2013-2018.

(2019)

2. How can the corruption elimination strategy be made part

of governance system of Pakistan? (2019) (2014)

3. Highlight the role of National Action Plan (NAP) in

stabilization of internal security of Pakistan. Critically
analyze its outcomes. (2017)

4. Discuss in detail the efficacy of counter terrorism measures

adopted by especially with reference to the National Action
Plan (NAP). (2016)

5. What measures would you suggest improving the economy

of Pakistan particularly in the areas of debt reduction

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

and enhancing export capacity? (2016)

6. Since 1970 every election was accused of rigging, what

electoral reforms you will suggest improving electoral
system of Pakistan? (2015)

7. What is the role of education in character-building of a

nation? Highlight major pitfalls in Pakistan’s education
systems. (2015)

8. Do you believe that main cause of 2014 flood was Indian

‘water terrorism’ or it was due to awful mismanagement of
water resources in Pakistan? (2015)

9. Critically evaluate the counter-terrorism policy of Pakistan

and suggest measures to eradicate this evil. (2015)

10. Critically appreciate the decision making in Pakistan

regarding energy crisis in Pakistan. (2014)

11. What is character-building? Assess the factor (character

building) in education systems of Pakistan and give
suggestions for improvement. (2014)

12. How can the governing structures have the capacity to

neutralize threats to internal security of Pakistan? (2019)

13. Why was Pakistan placed on the ‘Grey List’ of Financial

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

Action Task Force (FATF)? What are the

implications and what measures should Pakistan take to

move out of this list? (2020)

14. Discuss the successes and failures of political parties in

bringing about a meaningful change in Pakistan. (2013)

15. Discuss the causes of extremism and militancy in Pakistani

society. Suggest ways and means for the state organs to
overcome these problems. (2013)

16. Critically evaluate the causes of Energy crisis in Pakistan

and its consequences for the economic growth and social
fabric in the country. (2013)

17. Discuss the impact of foreign aid on Pakistan in post 9/11

scenario. (2012)

18. How can the energy crisis of Pakistan be resolved? (2012)

19. Discuss issues in the higher educational system vis-a-vis

18th amendment in Pakistan. (2012)

20. How the corruption be managed in Pakistan? (2012)

21. How Pakistan can reduce foreign debt? Suggest mechanism

in Pakistan economy to handle external perspective of

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

Pakistan economy. (2011)

22. What can be the strategies to reduce dependency of

education sector on governmental funding? (2011)

23. Give suggestions to manage political instability in Pakistan.

(2011)

II. Pakistan External Affairs

Pakistan’s relations with its Neighbors (India, China,
Afghanistan, Russia)

1. Critically Examine/Examine China Strategic vision behind

‘The Bell and Road Initiative (BRI)’ also known as One Belt
One Road (OBOR). (2019) (2017)

2. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is considered as

a game-changer. How the CPEC can be helpful to uplift the
Pakistan’s economy? Discuss. (2018)

3. Explain the salient contours of the US ‘rebalancing policy’

and China’s assertive policy in South-China Sea and latter’s
disputes with the regional countries. Critically evaluate.
(2017)

4. What measures do you suggest improving the security

conditions of Baluchistan in respect to China-Pakistan

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the role of regional powers

to sabotage it? (2017)

5. Discuss the prospects and challenges to the construction of

“China-Pakistan Economic Corridor”. How will CPEC
become a game changer for the region? (2016)

6. Examine China Strategic Vision behind “The Belt and Road

Initiative (BRI)”, also known as the One Belt One Road
(OBOR). (2019)

7. Discuss the importance of Pak-China relations. How does

this relationship effect political and security environment
in South Asia? (2013)

8. Discuss impact of economic development of China on World

Order. (2012)

9. Discuss the possibilities of progress under the recently

agreed rubric of comprehensive dialogue between Pakistan
and India. In your opinion what are major constraints at
present? (2016)

10. Evaluate the significance of water conflict between India

and Pakistan in perspective of water management projects
in Indian held Kashmir. (2014)

11. Resolution of Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

can bring peace and prosperity in the region. Discuss.

(2013)

12. Evaluate the significance of water conflict between India

and Pakistan in global perspective of climate change.
(2012)

13. If India is granted Permanent seat in Security Council;

what can be the options available to Pakistan to manage
the Indian Hegemony in South Asia? (2011)

14. What will be the reason of emerging water conflict between

Pakistan and Afghanistan? (2019)

15. Do you agree that Pakistan’s role in Afghan Jihad against

Soviet Union was the root cause of terrorism in Pakistan or
it is a reaction of US invasion of Afghanistan after 9/11 and
Pakistan’s U- turn in Afghan policy? (2015)

16. What could be the reasons of emerging water conflict

between Pakistan and Afghanistan? (2019)

17. Discuss the current socio-political and security situation of

Afghanistan and its implications for the neighboring
countries. (2013)

18. What is AFPAK policy; how to manage its implication on

Pakistan? (2011)

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Pakistan’s relations with the Muslim World (Iran, Saudi

Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey)

1. Discuss in detail the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and

challenges to it. (2018)

Pakistan’s relations with the United States

1. Discuss the impact of AFPAK policy on Pak-US relations.

(2014)

2. Discuss the strengths of USA to implement its economic

policies Worldwide. (2014)

Pakistan’s relations with Regional and International

Organizations (UN, SAARC, ECO, OIC, WTO, GCC)

1. What are the opportunities and challenges for Pakistan as

one of the new members of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO)? (2018)

2. Substantiate Pakistan’s role in UN peace keeping missions.

(2014)

3. Discuss the role of OIC, GCC, and Arab league in the

Middle East Crisis and conflicts. (2020)

4. Give recommendations to make SAARC an effective

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organization at regional level keeping in view success of

European Union. (2011)

III. Global Issues

International Security

1. Discuss instrument of techniques of Hybrid Warfare in

context of Pakistan? (2019)

2. How can the governing structure have the capacity to

neutralize threats to internal security of Pakistan? (2019)

International Political Economy

Human Rights

Environment: Global Warming, Kyoto Protocol, Copenhagen

Accord

1. Elaborate the reasons and impacts on Donald Trump

withdrawal from climate change Paris agreement 2015.
(2019)

2. Discuss the adverse impact of climate change on the world

and the measures recently adopted by the Paris Conference
to address this issue. (2016)

3. Elaborate the reasons and impacts of Donald Trump’s

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withdrawal from Climate Change Paris Agreement 2015?

(2019)

4. What impact global climate change will have on the water

resources of Pakistan? How will it affect inter- provincial
harmony? (2020)

5. Evaluate the significance of water conflict between India

and Pakistan in global perspective of climate change.
(2012)

6. What is climate change impact? What are its implications

on Pakistan? How to manage climate change in policy and
practice? (2011)

Population: world population trends, world population policies

Terrorism and Counter Terrorism

Global Energy Politics

Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Security

Nuclear Politics in South Asia

1. Analyze the effects of commissioning of nuclear-powered

ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arihant equipped
with nuclear-capable missile called K-4 over the strategic
stability of South Asia. (2017)

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US-India in August 2016 signed Logistics Exchange

Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) that will reportedly
facilitate the two allies to use each other’s military
facilities to check China’s growing influence. Comment.
(2017)

International Trade (Doha Development Round and Bali

Package)

Cooperation and Competition in Arabian Sea, Indian and

Pacific Oceans.

1. Critically examine the Donald Trump’s Policy for South

Asia and its implications for Pakistan and the region.
(2018)

2. How the US is trying to keep its dominant position in the

Asia-Pacific and what is the China’s response to it? (2018)

3. The impact of burgeoning US-India strategic partnership

over the security situation of the region and Indian Ocean
Region. (2017)

4. Discuss the strategic contours of Indo-US evolving

partnership and how will it impact Pakistan-US and
Pakistan-China relations? (2020) Strategic competition in
the Indo-Pacific region is increasingly becoming intense.
Define the interests and the role of US, China, India, Japan,
and Australia in the geopolitics of Indo-Pacific region.
2.

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

(2020)

Millennium Development Goals, Current Status

Globalization

1. In view of the evolving global alignments and changing

nature of major-power relationships, what is the future of
globalism and multilateralism? Discuss with examples.
(2020)

Middle East Crisis

1. What are the causes of ‘Arab Spring’? Identify their

impacts on the future politics of the region? (2015)

2. Describe the 2017 Qatar Diplomatic Crisis and its impact

on the Middle East? (2018)

3. Critically analyze the newly established Islamic Military

Alliance and its future implications for the Muslim World?
(2018)

4. Critically analyze the US-Russia relations in context of ISIS

and its impact on the security situation of Middle East?
(2017)

5. How do you see recent developments in the Middle East,

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particularly with reference to deteriorating relations

between Saudi Arabia and Iran? What role, if any, Pakistan
could play in reducing the tensions between the two
Muslim countries? (2016)

6. How will “Arab spring” effect the political and security

environment in the Arab World? (2013)

Kashmir and Palestine Issues

1. Given the volatile lockdown in Indian Occupied Kashmir,

what are the viable policy choices available to Pakistan?
What can Pakistan realistically do to ease the sufferings of
Kashmiri people? (2020)

2. Resolution of Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan

can bring peace and prosperity in the region. Discuss.
(2013)

Others:

1. Examine the emerging strategic competition between

China and the US and its impact on the global order.
(2016)

2. Substantiate Pakistan’s role in Commonwealth. (2012)

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Recommended Books for CSS Current Affairs

Paper 2023

Pakistan Foreign Policy 1947-2005: A Concise History

(Abdul Sattar)

Issue in Pakistan’s Economy, 2010 (Akbar S. Zaidi)

Pakistan: A Hard Country, 2012 (Anatol Lieven)

Government & Politics in South Asia (Baxter, Malik,

Kennedy & Oberst)

Introduction to International Political (David Balaam &

Bradford Dillman)

International Organization (Volker Rittberger, Bernhard

Zangl and Andress Kruck)

The Age of Deception: Nuclear Diplomacy in Treacherous

Times (Mohamed Elbaradei)

International Relations, 2012 (Joshua Goldstein)

World Politics: Trends and Transformation, 2014-2015

(Kegley & Blanton)

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

Pakistan Beyond the Crisis, 2011 (Maleeha Lodhi)

Globalization in Question, 2009 (Paul Hirst)

International Political Economy: Interests & Institutions in

the Global Economy, 201 (Thomas Oatley)

Politics and Change in the Middle East (Andersen, Seibert,

and Wagner)

Eating Grass: The Making of the Pakistani Bomb (Feroz

Khan)

Pakistan and World Affairs (Shamshad Ahmad)

Current Affairs, Articulate Magazine for CSS 2022

Consider linking to these Current Affairs MCQs articles:

Who said, “We are the first generation to feel the effect of
climate change and the last generation who can do something
about it.”
PM Imran arrived in Moscow on a two-day visit to advance gas
pipeline project
Bill Gates the Microsoft Co-founder visited Pakistan on which
date?
How many members’ support out of 342 is required for a
successful no-confidence motion in the lower house of the
parliament?
When the Opposition leaders submitted the no-confidence motion

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 Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

against PM Imran Khan?

World Water Day is celebrated on which date of March?
The World largest suspension bridge is located in which country?
Pakistan is the headquarters of the OIC Commission on which of
the following?
Which from the following countries is NOT a member of D-8?

Reko Diq mine project agreement was suspended in which year

due to a dispute over the legality of its licensing process?

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Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023

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