t e-magazine for Ci ivil Services Aspirants CSS Exam -2018 Expected Essays and Expected Gender Studies MCQs January 2018 | January 2018 Senate tt March 2 Krishnakumar First Ever Hindu Lady Senator in History ¢Pakistan: at ry ante ee me ements cus Be a ha reset to een ae eee le medical ate oo books forEnvironmental . — Science MCQe Pa International = Relations HSM Publishers (a Project of Ilmi Kitab Khana) has brought out a series of quality books for competitive exams of CSS / PMS These books provide the comprehensive information and pattern of the various competitive examinations. HSM Publishers’ books ' titles are revised, updated and improved at regular intervals to make them relevant to the frequent changes in the format and pattern of question in various competitive exams. HSM Publishers’ books are always the best-in-class reflecting highest degree of accuracy, relevance and timeliness and widest range of topics and subject areas covered. 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HSM Publishers (Ilmi Kitab Khana) Kabir Street, Urdu Bazar Lahore Tel: 042-37353510 - 37248129 www.ilmigk.comPMLN Will Emerged Majority Party with 38 Senators Unlike the National Assembly whe: representation is based on population, the Senate has equal representation from all four federating un The Senate was created in 1973 to ensure that interests of smaller provinces are protected No legislation can become an effective law without being passed by both houses of the parliament The role of the Senate is to promote national cohesion and harmony and to alleviate fears of the smaller provinces regarding domination by any one province because of its majority in the National Assembly The main purpose for the creation of the Senate of Pakistan was to give equal representation to all the federating units since the membership of the National Assembly was based on the population of cach Province. Equal provincial membership in the Senate, thus, balances the provincial inequality in the National Assembly and dispels doubts and apprehensions, if any, S 6 (Digital Magazine) | F regarding deprivation and exploitation, The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued Senate election schedule of all four provinces, COTE Ranma) Nominated for Senate on PPP Ticket Creme uhatd Morac p rar ig Rooplo Kolhi all Seay eres ace noun Pcs rca as Sc Oeics Mountains at Pee acd CON ey eg anaes tes 8 | For Free Download! wwwilmigh com 3nent Crna GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Subjective and Objective (MCQs) Designed for Success in FPSC, PPSC, NTS & all other Competitive Exams INCLUDING 6th Population and Housing Census-2017 PMS General Knowledge Solved Past Papers. llmi Kitab Khana RM Kabeer St, Urdu Bazar Lahore 54000 a . Rawalpindi Distributer: Sagheer Book Depot Committee ChowkAccording to the ECP, polling to elect senators will be held on March3, 2018 A total of 52 senators are set to complete their termthis year. According to the ECP, four senators will be elected on general seats from FATA, 11. from down into 14 general seats, four each for ‘women and technocrats, and one forminorities. While the total term for a senator is six years, halfof the Senate retires aller every three years. The Senate elections depend on the party positions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial assemblies and Balochistan each, New modified Senate logo as well as the National and 12 each from Sinch unveiled Assembly. and Punjab ‘House of Federation? Four of the provincial assemblies yote for cluding seven on general seats, two on Higher officials of Upper House their representatives, technocrats’ scats, two ‘av unveiled the new modified = whereas the FATA on women’s seats and Setate logo by writing ‘House of Sonstors ure elected by fone on a minorties! Federation’ along withthe Pakistan K."NINAs.feom the seat. Senate tribal areas and the Islamabadtoo will elect The senators on May 6, 2016 Isamabad senators by two senators on unanimously approved the change the National Assembly, in the emblem of the upper house to ee reinforce the idea that the Senate isa 5 . symbol of the federation jenate Election: New modified logoofsSenatehasbeen ——hinty yours of age and The Process, placedin the House. should be registered as The numbers a voter in an area or “The Senate consists ofa total of 104 members _provinee from where he or she secks election — 23 each from the four provinces, eight and should meet other qualifications fiom FATA and four from Islamabad Capital _—preseribed under Article 62 of the ‘Territory. The 23 seatsof each province break Constitution general and technocrat A person seeking election to the Senate should not be less than Cease ta ‘The Senate is a body which represents the provinces and other territories of the country and promotes a feeling of equality, peace and harmony, which is so essential for the growth and prosperity ofa nation. Thus, the Senate, over the years, has emerged as an essential organ and a stabilizing factor ofthe federation in Pakistan, i esd Aaa * Fowr sess fr nara increase trough te Cotton (Eighteenth Amenaner) Act, 2010 (Act No. Xo 2000), HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine} | February 2018 | For Froo Download: wwwilrigk com 5[ Domestic Attairs | Affair Current Party-wise Senators Awami National Party (ANP) (6 Senators) S.#, | Name From To 1 Advocate Muhammad Daud Khan Achakzai March 2012 March 2018 2 Baz Muhammad Khan March 2012 March 2018 3 Shahi Sved March 2012 March 2018 4__[llvas Ahmad Bilour March 2012 | March 2018 5 Sitara Avaz March 2015 March 2021 6 | Zahida khan March 2012 _| March 2018 S. #. | Name From _|To 1_| Dr. Jehanzeb Jamaldini March 2015 _| March 2021 [s.#. [Name From To 1_| Mir Israruillah Khan Zehr March 2012 _ | March 2018 2 [ Naseema Ehsan March 2012 __| March 2018 S.#, | Name ru From To 1 Aurangzeb Khan March 2015 March 2021 2 Haii Momin Khan Afridi March 2015, March 2021 3 Hidayat Ullah March 2012 March 2018 4__| Hilal-ur-Rehman March 2012 | March 2018 [5_| Malik Naimul Hassan March 2012 _| March 2018 6 _| Mir Muhammad Yousai Badini March 2015 | March 2021 (7__| Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leehari “March 2012___| March 2018 8 | Muhammad Saleh Shah March 2012 | March 2018 ‘9 | Saiiad Hussain Turi March 2015 | March 2021, 10 __| Tai Muhammad Afridi March 2015 March 2021 Jamaat-e-lslami Pakistan (JIP) (1 Senators) isi. | Name From To. 1 | Siraiul Hao March 2015 | March 2021 Free eee en aarti) S.#, | Name From To 1 Atta Ur Rehman March 2015 March 2021 2 | Maulana Hafiz Hamdullah March 2012 _| March 2018 3 Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri- Deputy Chairman | March 2015 March 2021 [4 Muhammad Talha Mahmood March 2012 March 2018 Ls. Mufti Abdul Sattar March 2012 March 2018 HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: www ilmigk com. 6[ Domestic Attairs | Affair Current Party-wise Senators Awami National Party (ANP) (6 Senators) S.#, | Name From To 1 Advocate Muhammad Daud Khan Achakzai March 2012 March 2018 2 Baz Muhammad Khan March 2012 March 2018 3 Shahi Sved March 2012 March 2018 4__[llvas Ahmad Bilour March 2012 | March 2018 5 Sitara Avaz March 2015 March 2021 6 | Zahida khan March 2012 _| March 2018 S. #. | Name From _|To 1_| Dr. Jehanzeb Jamaldini March 2015 _| March 2021 [s.#. [Name From To 1_| Mir Israruillah Khan Zehr March 2012 _ | March 2018 2 [ Naseema Ehsan March 2012 __| March 2018 S.#, | Name ru From To 1 Aurangzeb Khan March 2015 March 2021 2 Haii Momin Khan Afridi March 2015, March 2021 3 Hidayat Ullah March 2012 March 2018 4__| Hilal-ur-Rehman March 2012 | March 2018 [5_| Malik Naimul Hassan March 2012 _| March 2018 6 _| Mir Muhammad Yousai Badini March 2015 | March 2021 (7__| Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leehari “March 2012___| March 2018 8 | Muhammad Saleh Shah March 2012 | March 2018 ‘9 | Saiiad Hussain Turi March 2015 | March 2021, 10 __| Tai Muhammad Afridi March 2015 March 2021 Jamaat-e-lslami Pakistan (JIP) (1 Senators) isi. | Name From To. 1 | Siraiul Hao March 2015 | March 2021 Free eee en aarti) S.#, | Name From To 1 Atta Ur Rehman March 2015 March 2021 2 | Maulana Hafiz Hamdullah March 2012 _| March 2018 3 Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri- Deputy Chairman | March 2015 March 2021 [4 Muhammad Talha Mahmood March 2012 March 2018 Ls. Mufti Abdul Sattar March 2012 March 2018 HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: www ilmigk com. 6: .#. | Name From To 1__| Col (R) Sved Tahir Hussain Mashhadi March 2012 | March 2018 2__| Khushbakht Shuiat March 2015 | March 2021 3 | Maulana Tanveer-ulHaq Thanvi March 2012 ‘to March 2018 4 Mian Muhammad Ateea Shaikh March 2015 March 2021 5 Dr. Muhammad Farogh Naseem March 2012 March 2018 6 Muhammad Ali Khan Saif March 2015 March 2021 7 | Nasreen Jalil March 2012 _ | March 2018 8 Nighat Mirza March 2015 March 2021 (einen aero) S.#. | Name From To 1 Mir Hasil Khan Bizenio March 2015 March 2021 2 Mir Kabeer Ahmed Muhammad Shahi March 2015 March 2021 3 Dr. Ashok Kumar March 2015 to March 2021 [_____ Pakistan Nuslim Leazue Functional (PML-I(1 Senators) | S.#. | Name From To 1 __| Sved Muzafar Hussain Shah March 2012 | March 2018 [Pakistan Mustim League (PMILI(4Senators) | S.#. | Name From To 1_| Kamil Ali Agha March 2012 _| March 2018 2 Saeedul Hassan Mandokhail March 2012 March 2018 3 Mushahid Hussain Syed March 2012 March 2018 4 | Rubina Irfan March 2012 | March 2018 [__ Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) (26Senators) | S.#. | Name From To [a | Chaudhary Tanvir Khan March 2015 _ | March 2021, 2___| Ghous Muhammad Khan Niazi March 2015 | March 2021, 3 Hamza March 2012 March 2018 4 Lt, General (R) Abdul Qavyum March 2015 March 2021 5 Lt, General (R) Salahuddin Tirmizi March 2015 March 2021 6 _| Mir Nematullah Zehri March 2015 | March 2021, 7 Muhammad Zafar Ullah Khan Dhandla March 2012 March 2018 8 | Mushahid Ullah Khan March 2015 _ | March 2021, 9 | Nisar Muhammad March 2012 __| March 2018 10 _ | Pervaiz Rasheed March 2015 _ | March 2021, 11_| Saleem Zia March 2015 __| March 2021, 12 Sardar Muhammad Yaaoob Khan Nasar_ March 2015 March 2021, 13 Saud Maieed (In vice of Malik Rafique Raiwana) March 2012 March 2018 14 _| Sirdar Zulfiaar Ali Khan Khosa March 2012 _| March 2018 HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: www iimigk com. 7SO LEE 45 Sved Asif Saeed Kirmani March 2012 _| March 2018 16 Agha Shahzaib Durrani March 2015 March 2021 17 Mohammad Ishao Dar March 2012 March 2018, 1s Muhammad Javed Abbasi March 2015 March 2021, 19 Prof. Said March 2015 March 2021 20 Raia Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haa March 2015 March 2021, 21 Avesha Raza Farooa March 2015 March 2021, 22 Kalsoom Perveen March 2015 March 2021, 23 Naima Hameed March 2015 March 2021, 24 Nuzhat Sadia March 2012 March 2018 25 Rahila Magsi March 2015 March 2021 26 Kamran Michael March 2012 March 2018 S.#. | Name From To 1 Abdul Rehman Malik March 2015 March 2021, 2 Ahmed Hassan. March 2012 March 2018 3 Barrister Murtaza Wahab March 2012 March 2018 4 Gianchand March 2015 March 2021 5 Islamuddin Shaikh March 2015 March 2021, 6 Karim Ahmed Khawaia March 2012 March 2018 7 Khanzada Khan March 2015 March 2021, 8 Mian Raza Rabbani - Chairman March 2012 March 2018 9 Muhammad Yousaf March 2012 March 2018 10 Mukhtiar Ahmed Dhamrah -- Aaiiz March 2012 March 2018 11 Nawabzada Saifullah Maesi March 2012 March 2018 12 Osman Saifullah Khan March 2012 March 2018 13 Saleem Mandviwalla March 2015 March 2021 14 Sardar Fateh Muhammad Muhammad Hassani March 2012 March 2018 15 Sherry Rehman March 2015 March 2021, 16 Aitzaz Ahsan - Leader of the Opposition March 2012 March 2018, 17 Farhatullah Babar March 2012 March 2018 18 Farooa Hamid Naek March 2015 March 2021, 19 Rozi Khan Kakar March 2012 March 2018 20 Taj Haider March 2012 March 2018 21 Khalida Parveen March 2012 March 2018 22 Rubina Khalid March 2012 March 2018 23 Sassui Paliio March 2015 March 2021, 24 Sehar Kamran March 2012 March 2018 25 Hari Ram March 2012 March 2018 1 Liagat Khan Tarakai March 2015 March 2021, HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwilmigk com. 82 Mohammad Azam Khan Swe March 2012 March 2018 3__ | Mohsin Aziz March 2015 _ | March 2021, 4 | Sved Shibli Faraz ‘March 2015 | March 2021, 5 Nauman Wazir Khattak March 2015, March 2021 6 Samina Saeed March 2015 March 2021, 7 | Brig. (R) John Kenneth Williams March 2015 __| March 2021 Pee ene aa ae ae 5.4. | Name. From To 1 Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar March 2015 March 2021 2 Sardar Muhammad Azam Khan Musakhel March 2015, March 2021 3__ | Gul Bashra March 2021 The Parliament House The Parliament House building in Islamabad was inaugurated on 28th May, 1986. It took ‘exactly 11 years to build. It was designed by Edward Durel Stone, an architect from USA. The five storied bullding has a total floor space of about 598,000 sq. feet. The ground floor has a covered area of 176,889 sq, feet and houses the main foyer, restaurant, bank, dispensary, post and telegraph offices, PIA reservation office and a mosque on the ground floor to accommodate 450 Namazis. Directional sign-boards have been provided throughout the building to facilitate the movement of visitors. The first floor (total covered area 176,294 sq. feet) has offices of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman Senate and Chambers for Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, This floor caters for offices of 14 Federal isters, Secretary Senate and senior officers of the Senate Secretariat. It also has three Committee Rooms, equipped with modem public address system. The Senators! Services Centre, the Senate Library and the Cafeteria are also housed on this floor. The second floor has 2 covered area of 128,134 sq. feet. The National Assembly and the Senate Halls are situated on this floor. It also houses the chambers of the Prime Minister, Speaker and Deputy Speaker National Assembly and offices for 16 HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: www ilmigk com. Ministers. The Library of the National Assembly and a Committee Room are also located onthis floor. The third floor has a covered area of 58,012 sq. feet, Some offices of the Senate and the National Assembly Secretariat are set up on this level. The Press Lounge is also located on this floor. On the fourth floor are located the President's Chamber, a Committee Room as well as the offices of the National Assembly Secretariat. It also houses camp offices of Press Information Department (PID), Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Pakistan Press International (PPI), Pakistan Television (PTV) and Pakistan Broad Casting Corporation (PBC). ee ‘OLITH CIENCE PapertDefining child sexual abuse Child sexual abuse is the involvement of a child in sexual activity that he or she does not fully comprehend, is unable to give informed consent to, or for which the child is not developmentally prepared and cannot give consent, or that violates the laws or social taboos of society. Source: WHO fhe issue of sexual abuse and crimes against minors Is a big problem in Pakistani society, We are all involved in questioning the roots and possible solutions. A strong signal from the government is urgently needed, which putsn endto impunity Children arethe assets of our society andhow we bring them up determines the future of our country. It is the shared responsibility of the entiresociety to raise healthy children and in this i respect. Our children today face multiple problems such as child labour, physical, sexual and verbal abuse, Perhaps the most serious of these issues is sexual abuse ~ an impermissible crime which does not receive its due share of attention from social or legal circles in Pakistan, Cultural and religious sensitivities create a hushed aura about this topic, and this article aims tobreak that andtoraise voices against it. Risk factors for sexual abuse: Low socioeconomic conditions Although all social classes are affected by sexual abuse, but low socioeconomic at higher risk of sexual abuse. Children in low socioeconomic status households are 3 times as likely to be identified as a victim of child abuse (Sedlack, et. al.. 2010). Low socioeconomic condition includes poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. In poor families where the adults are occupied full- time working odd jobs, children are left HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: www.ilmigk com 10Pie Children roam around and play in their neighbourhoods where they may fall victim to sexual predators. Additionally, poor people ‘may send their children out to work oF to beg on the streets, which is again not safe. Children from uneducated backgrounds are not provided with knowledge of sexuality in carly developmental stages, and this lack of awareness means that they are not warned of potential sexual abusers, Children with disabilities Childsen with intellectual, physical and mental disabilitios aro more vulnerable 10 sexual abuse as compared to other chiliren. “Children with disabilities are three times more likely than children without them to be vietims of sexual sbuse.” (Smith & Harrell, 2013). The prevalence of sexual abuse in \dren with intellectual and mental disabilities is greater than in children with other disabilities. “11.5% of children with intellectual disabilities had been abused while only 1.5% of children without intellectual disabilities” (Kim, 2010), ‘There are several teasons behind the sexual abuse of children with disabilities. Firstly, these children are more dependent on caregivers for their daily lifeactivities and so, parents leave them in different institutions It increases. interaction between child and caregiver which increases chances of sexual abuse of children. Sccondly, disabled children are not able to communicate with adults properly dus to lack. of serbal. communication, Owing to this, children may be abused multiple times, bat cannot express the triuma they have been subjected to, Finally, children with disabilities have a lower understanding of sexuality and the caregivers have also lacked. confidence to provide sexual knowledge to such children. Family dynamics Families witha history ofsexual abuse, Hiving ‘with non-biological father and poor family bonding are alsoattheisk of sexual abuse. In all these family structure isa very important risk factor. In 70% to 80% of cases of child sexual abuse the perpetrator has a ‘familial relationship with the abused child (Sammut, 2014). The abuser is mostly a man, he could be a family friend, neighbour, relative or father. Children who live with their stepfather or single parent are more likely to be victims of sexual abuse than children living with their biological father. Children who live with a single parent are 20 times more likely to be vetims of sexual abuse than children living with both biological parents. (Sedlack, et.al, 2010. Child sexual abu: illegal in Pakistan Whoever employs, uses, forces, persuades, induces, entices, or coerces any person to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in fondling, stroking, caressing, exhibitionism, voyeurism or any obscene or sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct either independently or in conjunction with otheracts, with or without the consent where age of person is less than eighteen years, is said to commit the offence of sexual abuse. Source: Pakistan Penal Code Chid Abuse Amenciment 2016. Gender, age and ethnicity ‘The probability of sexual sbuse exists in both male and female of all ages and ethnicity, Gender is a major factor in sexval abuse. Many researchers have showed that girls are at higher risk then boys. Sexual abuse prevalence rates are 1.5 to 3 times greater for emalesthan males (Back & Lips, 1998). Similarly, age is also significant factor. Children who are ofage 11-15 are more often victims of sexual abuse. Ethnicity and race are important factors to determine sexual abuse. African American and Hispanic HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine} | February 2018 | For Froo Download: wrwilmigh com a—, ethnicity children are at nearly twice the risk of sexual abuse than non-Hispanic (Sedlack, et.al, 2010), Indicators of child sexual abuse: Indicators are the signs and symptoms that appear in a person who has been sexually abused. There are three main indicators which we can use to identify a child who has been sexually abused, these are physical, psychological/ behavioral and social indicators Physical indicators Physical indicators are such as injuries in the genital area, bruises, infections, pain (in genitalia, stomach and head), infections, and bleeding. Sometimes a child shows inappropriate sexual behaviors like frequent touching of genital paris. According to WHO (2013) unexplained genital injury, vaginal and penile discharge in girls and boys, infection in vagina of girls, bedwetting beyond the usual age, pain during voiding and defecation, infection in urinary track, STIs, pregnancy and presence of sperm female reproductive system are some of the physical indicators. Social indicators These are signs and symptoms of social dysfunction in a child. The victim becomes solated from friends, family members and ‘other community members. He/she doesn't participate in social activities like games and social gatherings. ‘They have poor social boundaries, loneliness, and difficulty in making intimate relationship. When the children failed tocope with sexual abuse they adopt negative coping styles such as using drugs, smoking and alcohol in later life. These negative adopting styles badly affect the concentration level of a person which ultimately impacts the academic performances, Psychological/behavioral indicators Sexual abuse has a devastating psychological impact on the child, It creates short term and long term psychological and mental problems that vary from person to person and situation to situation. Women who experienced familial abuse reported higher current levels of depression and anxiety when thinking about the abuse” (Hall &Hall, 2011), The short and long term problems includes. depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress, aggression, guilt, self-blaming, powerlessness, low self-esteem, schizophrenia, bipolar disordersand phobias, In all these depression is common and long term problem, “Depression has been found to bethe most common long-term symptom. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2015 ‘The Senate on March 11, 2016 passed the bill that criminalizes for the first time sexual assault against minors, child pornography and trafficking, ‘Under the revised legislation, sexual assaults will now be punishable with up to seven years in prison. Previously, only rape wascriminalized. Likewise, child pornography, which was previously not mentioned in the law, will be punishable with seven years in prison anda fineof Rs700,000, ‘The new Sections 292 A, 292 Band 292C, 328 A, 369 A, 377 ‘Aand 377 B have been incorporated in Pakistan Panel Code, 1860, making child pornography and exposureto seduction, 2 punishable crime, HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: www ilmigk com. 2amongsurvivors” (Hall &Hall, 2011), Sexual abuse survivors are susceptible to suicidal thoughts, anorexia and problems with body image; they may feel ugly or be dissatisfied with their appearance. Vietims Feud Recommendations Child sexual abuse is minimized by taking actions on an individual level, community level and national level. On individual level everyone should raise their voice against sexual abuse. They should be given awareness about causes and indicators of sexual abuse so that they able to help the survivors. Children should be taught self protection skills, and to never allow any person to touch their private parts etc. Similarly, on a community level there should be awareness sessions to support the people to fight against such people who are involving such criminal activities. ‘There should be institutions and NGOs that legally fight cases of child sexual abuse. Likewise, government should make such laws and policies so that immediate action should be taken against criminals The following recommendations are proposed tomake greater efforts against the incidence of heinous crime: ‘© Policy makers should prepare policies to protect every child from sexual abuse ‘* _Lawsand child protection bill must be passed to protect children from exploitation. © Media should increase reporting of thesecases © Government should ensure the implementation of code of ethics : Ge! Ses — experience irritability, anger, withdrawal, guilt and fear. Childhood sexual abuse also affects a person's later life; they fail in building trust relationships, fear of intimacy and difficulty in making personal boundaries. regarding CSA case reporting . ‘The police department should facilitate the process of registering the First Investigation Report (FIR) for the victims of CSA. * A course must be included in the curriculum, to equip the child with the knowledge of body safety, Professionals at the frontline of ‘working with the children, such as teachers, medical professionals, school ‘counselors, police personnel should be sensitized and trained to prevent, detect, and respond to child sexual abuse. + There should be effective strategies to bring awareness to the general public about CSA ‘Communities should have awareness on CSA to be able to recognize the waming signs of sexual abuse * There is a need to address. the communication gaps between the masses and the stakeholders. * Rural and remote areas should be made more safe and secure by being provided civicamenities. * Enable children and young people to talk about abuse so that they have someone to turn to. * Support systems should be established for intervention and rehabilitation Establish local child protectioncenters. HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwilmigk.com aAsia Became Less Democratic in 2017 The Democracy Inde: The Democracy Index is an index compiled by the Uk-based company the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) that Intends to measure the state of democracy in 167 countries, of which 166 are sovereign states and 165 are UN member states. The index was first produced in 2006, with updates for 2008, 2010 and the following years since then. The index is based on 60 indicators grouped in five different categories measuring pluralism, civil liberties and political culture. In addition to a numeric score and aranking, the index categorises countries as one of four regime types: full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes and authoritarian regimes. Asia ended 2017 less free than itbeganit. The Economist Intelligence Unit's annual assessment of freedoms across 167 countries said Asia-Pacific had "experienced the biggest decline of any of our seven regions in 2017" after climbing up the rankings in recentyears In the research firm's report released on Jan 30, 2018, Asia scored 5.63 — lagging behind North America (8.56), Western Europe (8.38) and Latin America (6.26). Democracy in Pakistan 2018 Leaders of leading Pakistani political parties may spend their days and weeks organizing and addressing public gatherings, explainingTe EE their real or imaginary sacrifices and contributions for the cause of democracy, a leading international publication is notimpressed with their achievement. Economist Intelligence Unit, in its recently released Democracy Index 2017, has described Pakistan as a “hybrid regime” rather than a fully functioning democracy. Interestingly, the Unit does not recognize the United States or India as full democracies either. Ina list of 167 countries Pakistan is placedat 110 slots. Flaora prosess | Functoningot | Poiteat | poiteat| cont Rank | Overall score | Pha evernment partciption | ‘culture | tberties slurisn sey — Fo — ba 250 ef so a71 aga — fap 72 S78 1a Ses —t735 Tonka — [ea 7a 5 e255 [Banglades [92 343. Taz, [507 00 438 $29 hess tor —t ere i —t Se eo ges —t ee Democracy in Pakistan has shown a gradual political polarisation is reaching new heights decline year after year, 2013, However, asthe country enters the election year. 2017 saw considerable challenges to i = demoéracy in Pakistan and as the country Civil Military Relations enters 2018, the challenges are likely 10 However, the civil-military lines are not intensify for a variety of reasons, including defined and this has resulted in a weakening the general election due in August 2018. ‘of democracy. Furthermore, Lethargic and Analysing the quality of democracy, PILDAT slow decision-making was observed at the has compiled a list of reasons’ that have top executive level, as top positions could not effected the state and quality of democracy in be filled in time and major policy decisions 2017, waited indefinitely until forced to act by the events or judicial orders. Pakistan is going through a tumultuous time oon the democratic front, as the country isin its Faizabad Dhama and its aftermath have second democratic rule after a long raised serious questions with grave dictatorship making ithe Idngest mplications for the stability of the state. The uninterrupted period oftdentnority.. Rising Constitution clearly defines all the rules ofthe game on democratic governance of the homeland, Multiple power ccenttes, resorting to sit-ins and weakening the writ have tohaveanend, National Action Plan (NAP) A detailed analysis of the National Action Plan (NAP) and fight against terrorism proves that terrorism in the country has been curbed to an exient but terrorism incidents in 2017 show that this let up is temporary as collectively, national, civil and military leadership failed to fix structural problems responsible for extremism and terrorism. The internal democracy of political parties Furthermore, the intemal democracy of political parties is already extremely weak and croded further during 2017 as the parties experimented with genuine party elections aa Democracy Index 2017 along with succumbing to the prevailing norm of election merely for the sake of fulfilling alegal formality. Role Judiciary appeared to have succumbed to populist pressuresand street sentiments when it gave mostly unseemly observations in Judiciary's judicial proceedings. Serious questions on the formation of JIT and other unprecedented steps in Panama case remain unanswered. Huge backlog of cases persist and a failed system of justice continue with no reforms inTO —ESESsS> lr sight while judiciary remains busy with high profile political cases and matters relating to executive domain, Countries considered “Full Democracies” Only 19 countries have qualified as “full democracies” with Norway topping the list and North Korea sitting atthe bottom, The title describing the 2017 index is “Free speech under attack”. Apart, from the 19 full democracies, 57 countries are declared flawed democracies, 39 are hybrid regimes and 52 are described as authoritarian regimesby the report. Countries considered “full democracies” Norway Teeland Sweden ‘New Zealand Denmark Ireland Canada ‘Australia Finland ‘Switzerland ‘Netherlands ‘Luxemboure Germany United Kinedom Austria ‘Mauritius ‘Malta ‘Uruguay ‘Spain The purportedly world’s oldest and the world’s largest democracies have been rated as “flawed” democracies. United States sharesthe joint 2] position with Italy while India i rated at 42nd place, Ue Ta ATL aCO Pakistan among 12 Worst Countries in Environmental Pollution PIU ke ales mi Ce Pakistan has been ranked 169th out the 177° spot, down from 141" position two of 180 countries in the 2018 yearsago. Environmental Performance " india and Bangladesh come in near the el ey) eae bottom of the rankings, with Burundi, the was released on the sidelines of the ongoing erat ogee econ World Economic Forum and ap founding out-the bottom five,” said the latest (WEF) in Davos A ees : iennial report by the Yale ani eae Columbia universities in e collaboration with the WEF. Environmental Performance Index According to the report, air quality (EP!) rankings released on was the leading environmental January 23, 2018 on the sidelines ‘threatto public heaith worldwide. of the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos states that substantial populations still suffer from poor air quality, most notably in Pakistan, india and Switzerland leads the world in sustainability, followed by France, Denmark, Malta andSweden. The index offers k not only a shin snapshot of The report saysthat where Pakistan stands at countries 169 in EPI among stand but 1180 countries on 24 also performance “reflects indicators across 10 important issue categories trends in covering environmen environmental tail health and performanc ecosystem vitality eat both the while India is the national and fourth worst global country in the levels’. world when it The report comes to curbing states that environmental the global pollution. Indiais atcommunity was generally improving on a number of issues, such as heaith outcomes related to drinking water and sanitation and protection of marine ecosystems, while on other issues significant challenges remained. Em pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff; limited natural freshwater resources; most of the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification ‘onment - current issues: water Definition: This entry ists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughoutthe entry: Acidification - the lowering of soil and water pH due to acid precipitation and deposition usually through precipitation; this process disrupts ecosystem nutrient flows and may kill freshwater fish and plants dependent on more neutral or alkaline conditions (see acid TO EET rain) Acid rain - characterized as containing harmful levels of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen ‘oxide; acid rain is damaging and potentially deadly to the earth's fragile ecosystems; acidity is measured using the pH scale where 7 is neutral, values greater than 7 are considered alkaline, and values below 5.6 are considered acid precipitation; note -a pH of 2.4 (the acidity of vinegar) has been measuredin rainfall in New England. Aerosol - a collection of airborne particles dispersed ina gas, smoke, or fog, Afforestation - converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation involves replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire Asbestos - a naturally occurring soft fibrous mineral commonly used in fireproofing materials and considered to be highly carcinogenic in particulate form. Biodiversity - also biological diversity; the‘community, and ecosystem level; oss of biodiversity reduces an ecosystem's ability to recover from natural or man-induced disruption. Bio-i Whose presence, abundance, and health reveal thegeneralcondition of ts habitat. tors - a plant or animal species Biomass -the total weightorvolumeofliving matterin a given area or volume. Carbon cycle - the term used to describe the exchange of carbon (in various forms, e.,as carbon dioxide) between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits. Catchments - assemblages used to capture and retain rainwater and runoff; an important water management technique in areas with limited freshwater resources, suchasGibralter. DDT (dichloro- Siietengy i trichloro- ethane) - a coos, oa odorless insecticid e that has ctfects of ae Sra the useof DOT was banned in the US in on Defol aU iants - chemicals which cause plants to lose their leaves artificially; often used in agricultural practices for weed control, and may have detrimental impacts on human and ecosystem health Deforestation - the destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural and range land clearing, and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel) without planting new growth. Desertification - the spread of desert-like conditions in arid or semi-arid areas, due to overgrazing, loss of agriculturally productive soils, orclimate change. Dredging - the practice of deepening an existing waterway; also, a technique used for collecting bottom-dwelling marine organisms (e.g., shellfish) or harvesting coral, often causing significant destruction of reef and loor ecosystems. ocean: Drift-net fishing done with a net, miles in extent, that is generally anchored to a boat and leit to float with the tide; oftenresults in an over harvesting and waste of large populations of non- commercial marine species (by-catch) by its effect of "sweeping the ocean dean.” Ecosystems ecological units comprised of 20complex communities of organisms and their specific environments, Effluents - waste materials, such as smoke, sewage, or industrial waste which are released into the environment, subsequently pollutingit. Endangered species - a species that is threatened with extinction either by direct hunting or habitat destruction. Freshwater - water with very low soluble mineral content; sources include lakes, streams, rivers, glaciers, and underground aquifers. Greenhouse gas - a gas that "traps" infrared radiation in the lower atmosphere causing surface warming; water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydroflucrocarbons, and ozone are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Groundwater - water sources found below the surface of the earth often in naturally occurring reservoirs in permeable rock strata; the source for wells and natural springs. Highlands Water Project - a series of dams constructed jointly by Lesotho and south Africa to redirect Lesotho's abundant water supply into a rapidly growing area in South Africa; while it is the largest infrastructure southern Africa, itis also the most costly end controversial; objections to the project include claims thet it forces people from their homes, submerges farmlands, and squanders economicresources. Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) - represents the roughly 150,000 Inuits of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia in international environmental issues; a General Assembly convenes every three years to determine the focus of the ICC; the most current concerns are long-range transport of pollutants, sustainable development, andclimate change, Metallurgical plants - industries which specialize in the science, technology, and processing of metals; these plants produce highly concentrated and toxic wastes which can contribute to pollution of ground water and air whennot properly disposed. Noxious substances - injurious, very harmful tolivingbeings. Overgrazing- the grazing of animals on plant material faster than it can naturally regrow leading tothe permanent loss of plant cover, a common effect of too many animals grazing limited rangeland. Ozone shield - a layer of the atmosphere composed of ozone gas (03) that resides approximately 25 miles above the Earth's surface and absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation that can be harmful to living organisms,Poaching - the illegal killing of animals or fish, a great concern with respect to endangered or threatened species. Pollution - the contamination of a healthy environment by man-made waste. Potable water - water that is drinkable, safe tobe consumed. Salination - the process through which fresh (drinkable) water becomes salt (undrinkable) water; hence, desalination is the reverse process; also involves the accumulation of salts in topsoil caused by evaporation of excessive irrigation water, a process that can eventually render soil incapable of supporting crops. Siltation - occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with silt and mud, a side effect of deforestation and soil erosion. Slash-and-burn agriculture - a rotating cultivation technique in which trees are cut down and burned in order to clear land for temporary agriculture; the land is used until its productivity declines at which point a new plot is selected and the Process repeats; this practice is sustainable while population levels are low and time is permitted for regrowth of natural vegetation; conversely, where these conditions do not exist, the practice can have disastrous consequences for the environment. vce because of poor agricultural practices such ‘as the excessive use of pesticides or fertilizers, soil compaction from heavy equipment, or erosion of topsoil, eventually resulting in reduced ability to produce agricultural products. Soil erosion - the removal of soil by the action of water or wind, compounded by poor agricultural practices, deforestation, ‘overgrazing, and desertification. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation - a portion of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and naturally filtered in the upper atmosphere by the ozone layer; UV radiation can be harmful to living organisms and has been linked to increasing rates of skin cencer Inhumans. Waterborne diseases - those in which bacteria survive in, and are transmitted through, water; always a serious threat in areas withan untreated water supply Petree UV protection by damage to the land's [MUaleMeydeatea EM old productive capacity 2New Global Centre for On 25 January 2018, the World Economic Forum (WEF) hes announced to launch a new Global Centre for Cybersecurity in a bid to safeguard the world from hackers and growing databreaches — especiallyfromnation-states. The centre will be headquartered in Geneva, ‘Switzerland and will become operational from March 2018. It will function as an autonomous ‘organisation under the auspices of WEF. The aim of the centre is to establish the first global platform for governments, businesses, experts and law enforcement agencies to collaborate ‘on cybersecurity challenges. The global centre will be an excellent opportunity to safeguard verticals like automotive and health care where wireless connectivity isthe key. The cost of cybercrime to the global economy. could go up to $500 billion annually, according to experts, In comparison, the annual GDP of Switzerland in 2017 is estimated at $659 billion, The World Economic Forum has recognized cybersecurity as one of the world's most critical risks. In response, the new Global Centre for Cybersecurity will draw on the M CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February Cyber. Security Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland Head: Alois Zwinggi Forum's government and industry support to work towards a more secure cyberspace through its established multistakeholder approach. The Global Centre for Cybersecurity has already gained the support of multiple prominent businesses and law enforcement organizations, including British telecommunications giant BT Group, US. microchip maker Qualcomm, Russian financial institution Sberbank and international crime fighting agency Interpol. The centre will focus on the following aims: + ‘Consolidating existing cybersecurity Initiatives of the World Economic Forum + Establishing an independent library of cyberbest practices + -Helpingpartners to enhance knowledge on cybersecurity + Working towards an appropriate and agile regulatory frameworkon cybersecurity + Serving as a laboratory and carly-warning think tank for future cybersecurity scenarios 8 | For Free Download: waw.imigk com 23aera hits & Whati:Whatpermanent members — Equatorial Guinea, ivory Coast, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Feru, end Poland, The six new countries, voted on by the 183-member General assembly for two-year terms, will have a strongvoice in matters dealing with international peaceand security during their time on the U.N.’'s most powerful body. The U.N. Security council has primary responsiblity for the maintenance of international peace and security It has 15 members — five of which (Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States) hold permanent membership and veto power. The six countries who left the UNSC on 31st December 2017 are Egyot, Italy, Japan, Senegal, Ukraineand Uruguay. NS es Wory Coast (Africa) O: 3rd January 2018; the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) hos welcomed six new non Equatorial Guinea (Africa) Peru (LatAm8&Car) Kuwait (Asia-Pocific, Arab) Poland (E. Europe) Netherlands (W/EOG) 3 a)Current Members Permanent and Non-Permanent Members The Councilis composed of 15 Members: + five permanent members: China France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the Unitedstates, + and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly (with end of term date} Bolivia (2018) -Céte d'voire (2019) equatorial Guinea (2019) Ethiopia (2018) Kazakstan (2018) *Kuwait (2019) *Netherlands (2018) — *Peru (2019) *Poland(2019) «Sweden (2018) Non-Council Member States More than 60 United Nations Member States have never been Members of the Security Council A State which is a Member of the United Nations but not of the Security Council may participate, without a vote, in its discussions when the Council considers that country's interests are affected. Both Members and non-members of the United Nations, if they are parties to a dispute being considered by the Council, may be invited to take part, without a vote, in the Council's discussions; the Council sets the conditions for participation bya non-member State. Pakistan at the Security Council Pakistan has been elected seven times (tied with Colombia and India) into the UN Security Council, with the most recent term in 2013. 1952-1953 1968-1969 1976-1977 1983-1984 1993-1994 2003-2004 2012-2013nce aspirant decides to become CSP. officer is his/her goal, the very next query comes to notice is coaching or self-study. If you have decided to learning from home then make sure that you have a appropriate direction in your homework for CSS Exam. To crack country's toughest examination you need not be intelligent and studious, Throughout the examination process FPSC, examine the general knowledge, common sense, aptitude, ethics and communication skill, you are ready to mold yourself with a proper guidance, you can crack the exam easily by preparing from home. There have been many aspirants who have cracked and topped in the FPSC Civil Services Examination by studying at home and without attending classroom coaching. They just followed self-paced study method. It is defined 25 something studied by oneself without any type of help of supervision by a teacher, 15 Magical Tips on How to Study for CSS Exams Here, we bring you the 15 magical tips that will break the myth that'one cannot prepare from home’. Follow these tips to study from home and prepare yourself for the FPSC examinations. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for examination. Set the goals and devote time effectively. There are so manyservices incivil services. One has to choose their career accordingly. The different position has different roles. Read through to know the magical tips. 1. Knowthe exam dates Before you preparing for the FPSC examination you should know about the important dates. The aspirants have to check FPSC website to know about the examination date and for all relevant information. 2. Make a time table To become a CSP officer itis necessary to be like an officer with a well-organized daily routine. Aspirants should set a comfortable timetable before your preparation and act accordingly to the same. Making timetable will ease your preparation and transform you into an organized person. This is considered asan essential quality ofan officer.3. Newspaper Reading The current affairs gaineda crucial rolein CSS Examination. In fact, the FPSC conduct this examination does not check the level of candidate's knowledge. Itwants to check the officer like quality with sufficient general knowledge. A student should choose and study daily an English Newspaper. The best option is DAWN and THE NATION. Aspirants should be able to recognize the relevant ews. Once you are thorough with your syllabus you will be able to pick out the relevant news and articles from the newspaper, The aspirant should read the editorials and the special articles related to subjects in newspaper, Along with this one has to prepare short notes on the topic to wise using you pragmatic mind, prudence and.with the flavor of commonsense. 4. Choosing Optional The optional subject plays very significant role in the aspirant's overall mark of the exam. There are numerous facts which enable the aspirants to choose a particular optional subject. One should choose a comfortable and favorite subject as optional Devote time for optional with relevant sources of books. While choosing optional onehas to be careful 5. Knowthe FPSCSyllabus Ol The syllabus is the soul of any exam. Knowing the syllabus is the basic and foremost thing to do before you go through the book. The FPSC has provided the syllabus for Civil Services Preliminary and Main examination in an elaborative manner. Knowing the syllabus will help you to choose relevant study materials, prioritize the subjects etc. 6. General Knowledge and other detailed reference books The General Knowledge from Class 10 to twelve plays a very important role in FPSC CSS examination preparation. Students can get basic ideas and theories from these textbooks. These books deliver the material very comprehensibly. CSS Aspirants should makealistof these kinds of books. 7. | MakeShortnotes It is very vital to make short notes during FPSC preparation, one cannot presume to gain achievement in examination without concentrated study and without making own notes and rereading them regularly. So, it is important to write down what you recognize in your own words 8. Answerwriting Practice ‘The CSS examination is expressive in nature. It is all about testing the aspirant's critical, analytical, and communicative skills. It demands thestudenttothink with 2theoretical clarity and systematizes their view, observation, thoughts in a flawless manner, Avital thingto be keptin mindis the time management. Therefore aspirants have to response the questions speedily and effectively and in least words. Without involved one cannot able to transcribe flewless answers within the allowed time. So itisimportant to write answers daily. This will improve aspirants’ answer writingskill. 9. CSS Past Papers Solving and Practicing For CSS Exams past papers are the most honest source of information. The key nuts and bolts for CSS examination are practicing CSS Past Papers and FPSC sample papers. It will also help you to know the outline and ‘enhance your correction. However, CSS aspirants should kept in mind that the past papers donot mean the papers of last 8-10 years. Take the paper, exclusively since the FPSC syllabus and format of the ‘exam has changed else you may find yourself ‘wasting an unnecessary amount of time. 10. Important Government Resources ‘Another important source for FPSC Exam is the government official websites. Television debate talk shows etc. The students should watch these shows and surf official websites toget an inclusive feature about government running programmes. Off course it will help you to figureyour own viewpoint. 11. Relevant Magazines / Journals Reading a reliable book does not mean you want to abstract the whole soul of the book Pick out the related material needed for FPSC ‘exams with the help of revised syllabus. CSS ‘Students should also read Jahangir's World Times monthly magazine and Times magazine for making you updated. 12. Group Discussions / TO EE Healthy Discussions Always make groups for healthy discussion with those friends who arealso preparing for the CSS examination. This will lead you to increase the seaof knowledge. 13. Use Social Media in Wise and Effective Way Always use the social media platform, different mobile applications and internet successfully for your CSS preparation. 14. Revision Mostly the revision is done in last months of examination. But FPSC demands a daily revision. Daily moming one should go through your short notes which you have prepared already during your preparation. If you have studied sincerely, you should not, need over fifteen minutes going through your notes. The very last month of the exam isnot an ideal time to aggregate more data. During revision. if you come across something which you do not remember, simply push youforward and don't get panic. The regular revision will retain your memory power. 15. Mocktestseries Self-assessment is an essential part of FPSC preperation, It can help civil service aspirant in realizing and learning from mistakes, shaping what approach they need to be followed in continuing the preparation and identifying strengths and weaknesses. It is highly recommended to join mock test series especially when you are preparing from home. This will help you to assess yourself a. further.in Upcoming (lust a Of the fact that these will be asked in the CE'18) L 10. 1, 12, 43. 14, 15. 16. 17, guess, no authenticity The New Phase in US.- Pakistani Relations Judicial Activism Shaping the Future of Pakistan Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time, Food & Water Security challenges Pakistan may facein the near future. Digitization and Pakistan democracy. Women Sportsperson are building soft image of Pakistan abroad. Comment. Social media is inherently a selfish medium Relevance of Organization of Isla Cooperationtoday. Joy isthe simplest formof gratitude. Environmental Concern is changing the course of International Politics. Good fences make good neighbours. Among all the multilateral blocs of which Pakistan is a member, which one serves Pakistan's interest more? Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms Peace, Environment and Development: Are these Interrelated? Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the longrun Need brings greed, if greed increases itspoils breed Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organizedlife 48, Utility and relevance of Parliament in our polity 19. Doesthe UN still matter? 20, Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding 21. “The death of dogma is the birth of morality.” (Emmanuel Kant) 22. independent thinking should be encouraged right from the childhood, | (OTs con ANA |1) 4) 5) 6) e Expected MCQs for Gender Studies Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was ratified by Pakistanin (a) 1983 (b) 1979 (c} 1996 (d) 1995, Answer: (c) Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was ratified by Pakistan in (a) 1983, (b)1979 (c)1996 (d) 1995 Answer: (c) The All Pakistan Women's Association was founded in the year: (a)1920 (b) 1927 (11931, (q)1943 ‘Answer: (d) When was the bill Protection against Harassment of women passed in Pakistan? (a) January 21, 2009 (b)January 21, 2010 (clJanuary 21,2014 (d) January 21, 2012 ‘Answer: (b) ‘The annual Gender Gap Index 2016 by Geneva-based World Economic Forum shows Pakistan ranked 141° out of (a) 143 (b) 152 (c)160 (q)193 Answer (a) The first and major progressive legislation on women in Pakistan 7? 8) 9) 10) 11) was the promulgation of [a) Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act (PPWAVA) (b) Muslim Family Laws Ordinance (MFLO) 1962. [c) Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Actof2011 (d)None ofthese Convention on Elimi Forms of Discrimins Women (CEDAW) was ratified by Pakistanin [a)1983, (b)1979 [c)1996 (a)1995 ‘Answer: (c) ‘The first Pakistani Women legislator: (a) Begum Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah (b) Begum Jahanara Shahnawaz (c) Both a&b (d) None of these Answer: (c) Mukhtaran Maibelonged to: {a) Central Punjeb {b) Upper Punjab {c)South Punjab (d)None of these ‘Answer: (c) Minimum age of girls for marriage in Pakistan (a)i4 (b)16 (c)as (d)None ofthese Answer: (c) First president of "All Pakistan Women's Association" was: (a)Zubeida Habib Rahimtoola (b)RenaLiaquatAli Khan. (c) Begum Noorjahan Murshed (d)None ofthese Answer: (b) from Sehar Syed Book GENDER STUDIES Solved MCQsTo EEE 12) 13) a) 4s) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) ‘Who was the first female National Assemblyspeakerin (a) Shazia Marri (b) Fahmida Mirza (c) Syeda Shehila Raza (d) None of these ‘What is the voting age for women in Pakistan? (a)24 (b)18 (c)16 (d) None of these Answer: (b) Katherine Murray “Kate” Millett wasa (2) Radical Feminist (b)LiberalFeminist (c) Marxist Feminist (d) None of these Answer: (a) ‘Malala Yousafzaiwas born in (a) 12July1995 (b) 12 July 1996 (c)12July1997 (d) None of these Answer: (c) ‘The first UN women conference took placein (a) Nairobi (b) Mexico city (cj Beijing (d) None ofthese. Answer: (b) Whereis the Centre for Excellence in Gender Studies located in Pakistan? (a) Punjab University (b) Karachi University (c} Quaid e Azam University (d) None of these Answer: (c) Who is the author of "The Dialectic ofSex"? (a) Shulamith Firestone (b) Alfred Kinsey (c) Simone de Beauvoir (d) None of these Who is the author of "The Second Sex"? (a) Judith Butter (b) Alfred Kinsey (c) Simone de Beauvoir (d) None of these Answer: (c) How many women were missing’ in the world as per the World Development Report 2016? [a) Nearly 4 million [b)6 million only [c)3 million only [d)2million only Answer: (a)eS Jan: 1, 2018 Desalination plantin Gwadarinaugurated desalination plant installed at the Gwadar port by China Oversees Port Holding Co-m-p--a-ny was inaugurated. The newly-installed desalination plant with the capacity of producing 254,000 gallons of clean drinking water had been completed by the Chinese firm inrecord time. Pakistan, India exchange lists of nuclear installations, prisoners Pakistan and India exchanged lists of nuclear installations and prisoners through iplomatic channels between the two countries. The listsare exchanged every year ‘on January 1, under the “Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities”, inked by the two sides on December 31, 1988. Similarly, the move to handover prisoners details is consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on May 21, 2008. Both the countries are required to exchange the prisoners list twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July, respectively Trump Twitter slam of 208. The target: Pakistan President Trump on Ist Jan, 2018 took aim at Pakistan, charging that the nation’s leaders haven't done enough to help the United States thwart terrorists in Southwest Asia The US president used his first posting on ‘Twitter of 2018 to lash out against Pakistan, saying its leaders “have given us nothing but lies & decelt.” “The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leadersas fools,” Trump tweeted. “They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Aighanistan, with lttie help. Nomore!” Recreational marijuana legalised in California Retail cannabis shops in California opened their doors on Jan 1, 2018 for the first time, inaugurating what proponents say will become the world's largest market for legalized recreational marijuana. A transaction that remains illegal in many parts of the country seemed almost benal on Monday for the customers at a dispensary in Oakland who picked out their marijuana, showed their driver's licenses and walked into the brisk morning air with their drugs in a paper bag. Medical marijuana has been legal in California for more than two decades but the arrival of full legalization in the state 1s a milestone for the nation's fast-growing cannabis industry. Pot is now sold legally down the entire length of the West Coast, plus Alaska, Govt asks Punjab University to give land to religious party The Punjab government on 1Jan, 2018 asked the Punjab University (PU) administration to hand over its prime two kanals to a religious party. The Punjab government had acquired the land of a seminary at Chauburii to accommodate the route of the Orange Line Train project, and now forced the universityto give up its land to compensate the seminary. In the last decade, the government has taken over over 33 PU kanals for the expansion of Pekhewal Mor, the Baba Ground (a.k.a. Chishtia High School Ground) next to the Punjab Secretariat, over 305 kanals for Maulana Shaukat Ali Road, eight-kanals for the Orange Train and now eyes on two kanals more for the same project. The Punjab government hasnot paid even asingle penny to the PU for theland. Jan: 2, 2018 US confirmsnew Pakistan aid cuts The White House has confirmed suspending $255 million of military aid to Pakistan, a move seen as the first step to implementing President Donald Trump's pledge to tighten economic restrictions on Pakistan. The US was withholding $255m in aid from Pakistan because of its failure to cooperate fully in TO EE America's fight against terrorism, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley Jan: 3, 2018 ‘SCtofocus on human rights cases this year. Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar outlined the Supreme Court's agenda for 2018 and said the court would be focusing on human rights issues, particularly those relating to the people's right to quality education and healthcare. The chief justice explained the court's agenda during the hearing of a suo motu case about quarrying and cutting of trees in the Margalla Hills area of the federal capital. US places Pakistan on a special watch list for severe violations of religious freedom! The United States has placed Pakistan on a special watch list "for severe violations of religious freedom’, apress release by the US Bahrain Qatar |State Department. The move comes days after US President Donald Trump said Pakistan had given the US nothing but lies and deceit, despite Washington giving it more than $33 billion in aid, The statement also re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as "Countries of Particular Concer" — an annual practice according to the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, Being on the watch list means Pakistan is a step away from being included in the "Countries of Particular Concern” list. The list includes "governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. Jan: 4, 2018 Major oil, as discovery in KP Massive oil and gas reserves have been iscovered in the Baratai block well near Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil and Gas ‘Company Limited (KPOGCL) announced, The ‘company, which entered into a joint venture for the project, said the well will produce about 30mmcfd of gas and 700 barrels of crude oil America suspends entire security aid to Pekistan The Trump administration announced it is suspending its entire security assistance to Pakistan until it proves its commitment to fight all terrorist groups operating in the region. Under the new approach, funds would be allocated to a particular purpose identified with the allocation and would be TO ET released only after that target is achieved. The targets identified with the allocation couldbestrategic as wellasissue specific. Zubaida Aapa passes away Cooking expert Zubaida Aapa, a household name across the country, passed. Aapa was famous for her handy culinary and housekeeping hints or totkas. She did numerous culinary shows on various TV channels and wrote cookbooks. Born on April 4, 1945, in Hyderabad, India, Aapa came from a well-known family of literary personalities. Her siblings include Fatima Surayya Bajia, Zehra Nigah and Ahmed Maqsood. ‘Green businessesneedno NOC Sindh Board of Investment (SBI) Chairperson Ms Naheed Memon suggested that businesses not hazardous to the environment be exempted from the no objection certificate (NOC) from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A notification to this effect will be issued soon after consultation with the quarters concerned. Sindh government will also establish a business facilitation desk and business registration portal in KCCI. The desk will reduce all the registration processesinto a single application, Similar desks will also be set up in the Sindh Revenue department and SBI. The desk initiative has been taken under the “Ease of Doing Business” project supported bythe World Bank. DaehanDewan awarded brownfield status The Ministry of Industries and Production (MolP) has awarded brownfield status to Daehan Dewan Motor Company/Dewan Farooque Motor ltd under the Auto Development Policy (ADP) 2016-21. Jan:5,2018 Qatar allows full ownership for foreign investors Qatar has approved legislation allowing 100 per cent ownership for foreign investors in most sectors of the economy in a bid to boost | __HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwiimigkcom = 35non-energy revenues, The move comes at a time of political crisis in the Gulf, with Qatar under an economic and diplomatic boycott by neighbouring countries for the past seven months. itis also an attempt by Qater, the third largest economy in the Gulf, to secure new revenues to finance a budget deficit due to the slump in oll prices since mid-2014. To invest in the banking and insurance sectors, foreigners need to secure a special permit from the government, the law states. Currently, foreign investors can own up to 49 per cent of companies listed on Qatar's stock exchange in accordance with a law passed in 2014. The new law was approved at the cabinet's weekly meeting on Jan 4, 2018. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in June, accusing it of links to extremist groups and being too close to Shiite Iran, Riyadh's regional arch-rival. Doha has denied the charges. Qatar has increased business with existing trade partners outside the region, announced plans to produce more gas and sought new markets, most recently in West Africa. Us-Pakistan relations cannot ‘bear weight ofcontradictions (US) National Security Advisor H.R McMaster shed light on the US's recent change of tack with Pakistan, warning that Pakistan's ‘elationship with the US can “no longer bear the weight of contradictions".Inan interview with Voice of America (VoA), McMaster said US President Donald Trump was "frustrated at Pakistan's behaviour" for providing ‘safe havens' to some militant groups and u: banned outfits as "an arm of [its] foreign policy” ECC approves 660MW coal power projects inJamshoro The Economic Coordination Committee {ECC) of the cabinet has granted approval for issuance of government's sovercign guarantee for Rs39,000 million for construction of two 660MW coal power projects inJamshoro, Sindh. UrdupoetRasaChugtaipasses away The great Urdu poet, Rasa Chugtai passed in Karachi, at the age of 90. The extremely celebrated poet was bom in 1928 in the Indian state of Jaipur's city of Sawai Madhopur. He remained affiliated with several newspapers back in the day including HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: www.imigk com 36Hurriyat Daily in Karachi. ‘Zanjeer-E- Hamsayg" end "Tere Aane Ka Intezar Raha’ are two of his eminent collections of poetry.He had a distinct style of writing poetry that attracted an abundant amount of attention. China introduces talent visa system Chinese State Administration of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security jointly issued the measures for the implementation of the Visa System for Foreign Talents to further expand the scope and duration of visa issuance for qualified personnel. Specific measures can be summarized in four "most ways: First, The longest period of validity, thatis, issued a valid visa for 10 years; second isthe longest period of stay, thatiis, issued a visa for a stay period of 180 days; thirdis the shortest hair time, that is, the next day you can apply for visas; Is the most preferential treetment, including "zero fee" for processing, that is, foreign talent and theit dependents exempt visa fees and urgent charges. The new visa reform and reform initiative will further enhance the openness of Jan: 6, 2018 Israeli prime minister accidentally admits Syria strikes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘was caught by a live microphone railing against the European Union's “crazy” insistence on resolvingthe Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a precondition for closer ties. Netanyahu was meeting with leaders of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia at a regional summit. Netanyahu was discussing Iran, Syria, the militant Islamic State group, and EU-Israel relations when some of his comments and those of other leaders at the meeting closed to the media were accidentally broadcast to journalists in another room covering the conference. Netanyahu also made a rare TO ET public admission that (srael has struck Iranian arms convoys in Syria bound for Hezbollah “dozens and dozens of times’. The Israeli premier was overheard blasting the EU's approach to Israel, saying “it's crazy. | think it's actually crazy” that the 28-nation bloc maintains that resolving the Israeli Palestinian conflict must come before closer tradeties. Pakistan for engagement with US despite strained ties Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua has said that despite the recent hostile and antagonistic statements by the US leadership, Pakistan believes in engagement with the United States. Janjua asserted that the Haqqani network is not working inside Pakistan. However, on the contrary, the ‘enemies of Pakistan are gaining foothold in Afghanistan. Janjua said that Pakistan is ensuring an honourable return of Afghan refugees and is working on their rehabilitation. ‘Sudan shuts border with Eritrea Sudan has shut its eastem border with Eritrea, days after Khartoum declared an emergency in the neighbouring state of Kasala. Thousands of Eritreans, fleeing a repressive regime at home, cross into Sudan illegally through the border with Kasala every year and later make perilous voyages across the Mediterranean to Europe. Apart from Kasala and North Kordofan, a state of ‘emergency is in place in Sudan's war-torn regions of Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan. |Saudi king orders new benefits to offset rising cost ofliving Saudi Arabia’s King Salman ordered a monthly payment of 1,000 riyals ($267) to state employees over the next year in compensation for rising cost of living after the government hiked domestic gas prices and introduced value-added tax (VAT). The king also ordered the payment of 5,000riyals to military personnel serving at the front lines with Yemen where the kingdom is fighting a nearly three-year-old war. Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oll exporter, roughly doubled gasoline prices on Monday as part ‘of @ broad reform initiative aimed at diversifying its economy. A 5 percent VAT on a broad range of goods and services came into effect on the same day. The new payment orders were an acknowledgment of the increased burdens for some segments ‘of the population following from the necessary measures which the state took to restructure the economy,” according to the decree. Jan: 7, 2018 US conveys ‘concrete! steps Pakistan must taketoresumesecurity aid flow ‘The United States has told Pakistan what it must do if it wants Washington to resume paying out hundreds of millions of dollars in security aid. Pentagon officials are watching to see if Pakistan is going to retaliate against the US by cutting supply lines to US troops fromits portat Karacht into Afghanistan. Islamabad, four provincial capitals to get more NA seats In Sindh, the six districts of Karachi, having a Population of over 16m, have a share of 20.58, clearly indicating that the number of their seats will increase from 20 to 21. Shikarpur district, presently having two seats, now has a share of 1.57 and might be the loser in close race for retention of existing strength of seats. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar district, TO ET with four seats at present, isall set to have an additional seat. The district’s proportionate share in the 39 seats of the province stands at5.47 with its population swellingto4.26. ‘Swat, with a population of 2.30, has a share of 2.96 to qualify for a third additional seat. Lower Dir, currently having one seat, is also poised to get an additional seat. It has a Population of 1.43m and the share comes to L.e4, Dera Ismail Khan, at present, has one whole seat and it shares a second with the tiny district of Tank. But according to the new population figures, Dera Ismail Khan now qualifies for two whole seats with its share standing at 2.08. Tank's share Is 0.50 and the two districts with their collective score qualify fora third seat. In Balochistan, the proportionate share of Quetta stands at §.41 while it currently has four seats. That means the provincial capital will definitely get a fifth seat. Kech and Gwadar districts, with a collective share of 1.50, in all probability will get an additional seat. They currently share one, The number of seats in federal capital Islamabad will also increase from two to three. Malaysia's opposition alliance names 92- year-old MahathirasPM candidate Malaysia's opposition alliance named former premier Mahathir Mohamad as its prime ministerial candidate for a general election this year, although the authoritarian who ran the country for two decades and is now 92 years old faces an uphill task. With the country’s most popular opposition leader Anwarlbrahimin jail, Mahathirisseen as the biggest threat for premier Najib Razak, who must call an election by August but is engulfed in a corruption scandal. Mahathir, who during his 22-year tenure as prime minister earned a reputation of being a no- nonsense authoritarian with little time for dissenters promoting liberal values, stands to becomethe world's oldest leader ifthe | __ HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Downlosd: wwwimigkeom = 38opposition wins ‘Saudi stadiums to open doorsto women Sports stadiums in Saudi Arabia will open their doors to women to attend football matches forthe first time ever. Women from across the vast Gulf kingdom may be able to take advantage of this new freedom as the first match will be held in the capital Riyadh, the second in Jeddah on the Red Sea and the third in the eastern city of Dammam. The kingdom, which has some of the world’s tightest restrictions on women, has long barred women from sports arenas by strict rules on segregation of the sexes in public. Under Saudi Arabia's existing guardianship system, a male family member ~ normally the father, husband or brother ~must grant permission fora woman's study, travel and a host of other activities, China’s new "SilkRoad" cannot be one-way, France French President Emmanuel Macron said China and Europe should work together on Beijing's "Belt and Road” initiative, a project aiming to build a modern-day "Sik Road" he said could not be "one-way". Unveiled in 2013, the Belt and Road project is aimed at connecting China by land and sea to Southeast Asia, Pakistan and Central Asia, and beyond to the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Xi pledged $124 billion for the plan at a summit in May but it has faced suspicion in ‘Western capitals that it is intended more to assert Chinese influence than Beijing's professed desire to spread prosperity. China bans speedskater for positive drug test China has banned speedskater Xiaoxuan Shi from the national team for two years after failing a drug test, removing her from their squad for next month's 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Jan: 8, 2018 Key Indian N-submarine damaged A Russian-designed Indian nuclear submarine, considered a key platform in the country's second strike capability, has suffered major damage and has been undergoing repair for over 10 months. The indigenous nuclear submarine, built under the Advanced Technology Vessel project, suffered damage wi it was at harbour. Since the accident, the submarine has been undergoing repair and clean-up, and has not sailed. Pakistan has suspended military and intelligence cooperation with US. Pakistan has suspended military and intelligence cooperation with the United States in the wake of US President Donald ‘Trump's allegation that Pakistan has given the US "nothing but lies and deceit" and suspension of security aid for Pakistan, Defence Minister said while addressing a gathering at Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad. Sanaullah Zehri resigns as Balochistan chief minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri resigned as Balochistan chief minister. His resignation was promptly accepted by Balochistan ‘Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai Jan:9, 2018 China dismisses speculations of military basenearGwadar China rejected speculations that it was planning to establish a military base in Balochistan's Gwadar district. In June 2017, a Pentagon report had singled out Pakistan as a possible location fora future Chinese imilitary base. The prediction came in a 97- page annual report to Congress that read: “China most likely will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan.” China had categorically denied the report at the time, According to speculations in regional media, China was planning to build a military base in the Jiwani area of Gwadar district, which is close to Iran's Chabahar port being jointly developed by India, ran, and Afghanistan. Chaudhry Virk appointed law minister Pokistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Virk was appointed federal aw minister by the government . The slot of law minister fell vacant after Zahid Hamid resigned last November dueto tremendous pressure from the opposition and religious organisations calling for his resignation for allegedly making an amendment to a clause of the election affidavit concerning Khatm-i- Nubuwat or the finality of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). King Salman reaffirms Saudi support for independent Palestinian state During a telephone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul Aziz reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for an independent Palestinian state. In conversation with the Palestinian head of state, King Salman emphasised Saudi Arabia's support for the rights of the Palestinian people and their desire to have Jerusalem as their capital. President Abbas thanked the king and expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia's historic support for the Palestinians. Last year, the Kingdom had called US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capitalan “irresponsible and unjustified” move. ‘Trump's decision ended seven decades of US ambiguity on the status of the disputed city TO ET and prompted an almost unanimous diplomaticbacklash acrossthe world. Jan: 10,2018 Trump administration's attempt at humiliating Pakistan unlikely to work The Trump administration's attempt at “humiliating and penalising” Pakistan for allegedly falling to take decisive action against militant groups hostile to the US is unlikely to work, former American ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson has argued, warning that Islamabad has greater leverage over Washington than Is usually perceived. “Pakistan, ike most countries, reacts very badly to public attempts to force its hand. It is likely to respond by showing how it can truly undercut our position in Afghanistan,’ wrote Olson, who also served as the US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, in an op-ed published in the The New YorkTimes. In his article titled 'How Not to Engage With Pakistan’, the former envoy assessed the impact of the US decision to withhold security assistance to Pakistan. "For the past 16 years our military efforts in landlocked Afghanistan have been dependent on transit throughand especially overflight of Pakistani territory," he said. "Absent an implausible similar arrangement with Iran, other options are not good." "Without Pakistani cooperation, our [US] army in Afghanistan risks becoming beached whale," he argued. US updates threat assessment for Pakistan, other countries The US State Department issued four new levels of threat assessments for its citizens — from normal precautions to no travel — but kept Pakistan in the third category of ‘reconsider travel’, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) are placedin the “do not travel” category due to terrorism. Azad and Jammu Kashmir (AIK) isalso listed in this category “dueto | HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | Fabruary 2018 | For Free Download: wwwiimigkcom = 40terrorism and the potential for armed contlict”, Under the new system, every country hasa travel advisory andis placed in one of these four categories, Advisory urges US citizens not to travel to India-held Kashmir. India is in level two where US citizens are required to “exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism”, But India-held Kashmir — except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh — is categorised asa “do not travel” area “due to terrorism and civil unrest” as are the areas within 10km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict. The advisory on Pakistan said thet terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Pakistan and may attack with little or no warning. "SevenH1N1 cases reported incapital’ Out of the 120 confirmed cases of influenza (HANA) reported across the country, seven have been reported in Islamabad, the National institute of Health (NIH) revealed. A total of 400 suspected cases have been reported in hospitals across the country, of which 120 have been confirmed and 20 have died. Thehighest number of confirmed cases — 47 —was reported in Multan and nearby areas. Economic fears over US aid freeze dismissed Washington's freeze on billions in military assistance to Pakistan will have limited impact, thanks to its friendship with China and diminishing importance of aid to the ‘economy, observers say — but there could be trouble if the US calls in its debts. Exasperated by what it considers Islamabad’s neglect in cracking down on militancy, Donald Trump's administration last weekannounced a suspension of the aid, which also goes towards Afghanistan coalition funding. Richard Morin takes charge as first-ever non-Pakistanl CEO of PSX Richard Morin has joined Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) as the first-ever non- TO ET Pakistani chief executive officer of the market. Morin earned Bachelors in Economics in 1982 from University of Montreal and Masters in Business Administration in 1988 from McGill University. During his term at the Montreal Exchange from 1984 to 1995, he held various key positions such as vice-president operations - derivative products, director market quality, director market development and asa listing officer. For two years, he also headed the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. For over ayear, from 1998 to 1999 he was appointed as the chief of mission of Regional Stock Exchange of West Africa to devise astrategic plan. Cabinet approves amendment to CDA Ordinance The federal cabinet approved an amendment to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Ordinance permitting only civil servants to be appointed CDA chairman, vice chairman and financial adviser. The new amendment prevents grade 20 CDA officers. from becoming the chairman of the authority, even if they have more experience and higher qualifications. Remittances grow to $9.7bn in six months, SBP reports Overseas Pakistanis sent remittances amounting to $9.7 billion in the first half of 2017-18, up 2.5 per cent from the same period of the previous fiscal year, the State Bankof Pakistan (SBP) reported. Jan: 11,2018 India launches rocket carrying dozens of satellites New Delhilaunched a rocket carrying dozens of satellites from India and six other countries from its island space centre. Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, A.S. Kiran Kumar, said the satellites successfully reached orbit after the polar satellite launch vehicle took off from Sriharikota, an islandoff AndhraPradeshstate in the country's southeast. In 2013, India launched a space probe that has been orbiting Mars since September 2014, China issues sweeping guidelines to push yuan for Belt and Road business The People's Bank of China (PBC) has announced a raft of new measures to push a greater cross-border role for the yuan that, aim to “contribute to opening up on all fronts’. The measures go far beyond yuan settlement of cross-border trade. Ina notice posted on its website, the PBC lists five seperate measures to be pursued, UAE chided over human rightsrecord The United Nations has chided the United ‘Arab Emirates over its human rights records, citing vague “anti-terror” crimes that attract the death penalty, the tightening of censorship and the detention of human rights activists. In a report, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) raised concerns over the UAE's 2014 counterterrorism law under which anyone over the age of 16 found to “undermine national unity or social peace” can besentencedtodeath. Israel plans to build 1,285 houses in West Bank Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said he will present for approval 2 plan to build 1,285 housing units this year in West Bank settlements, Israel's settlement project in the territories it has occupied or annexed since 1967 is illegal under international law and seen by the international community as @ major obstacle to peace with the Palestinians. 30pe surge in crimesagainstchildrenin 2017 he data on the crimes committed against children in Punjab puts a big question mark on the performance of police in the largest province of the country. Official sources in the Central Police Office (CPO) said over 750 cases were registered against suspects In 2017 for committing crimes against children, including girls and boys, mostly aged TO between 3and 15 years, Jan: 12,2018 Abdul Quddus Bizenjo sworn inasnew chief minister of Balochistan Balochistan Assembly's former deputy speaker Abdul Quddus Bizenjo was sworn in as the new chief minister of the province. Bizenjo's cabinet will comprise 14 members including Tahir Mehmood Khan, Sardar Sarfaraz Khan Domki, Nawab Changez Khan Marri, Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, Mrs Rahat Jamali, Abdul Majeed Abro, Mir Asim Kurd Giloo, Mir Amir Rind, Ghulam Dastagir Badini, Mohammad Akbar Askani, Sheikh Jaffer Khan Mandokhel, Agha Raza, Manzoor ‘Ahmad Kakar and Prince AnmedAli. African countries slam Trump's racist remarks as outrageous, offensive Africans have reacted angrily after United States (US) President Donald Trump reportedly referred to their nations as “s***hole countries’, with many accusing the US president of racism and ignorance. The 55-nation African Union condemned the remarks, while a statement from ambassadors of all countries from the continent at the United Nations (UN) demanded a retraction and apology. Trump reportedly demanded to know why the US should accept immigrants from “s***hole countries”, after lawmakers raised the issue of protections for immigrants from African nations, Haitiand El Salvador. Asian Bank, China-backed AIIB to finance more projects The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is exploring to co-finance more projects this year with the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AlIB). ADB and the China-backed development bank have a “very large pipeline” of projects they could fund together, which includes roads, clean energy as well as private-sector undertakings, ADB President Takehiko Nakao said. He did not give any figure. | __ HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Downlosd: wwwimigkcom 42Jan: 13,2018 Pakistan terms Indian army chief's remarks irresponsible Pakistan sharply reacted to Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat's claim of not being deterred by its adversary's tactical nukes, saying it was irresponsible and menacing. The Indian army chief had a day earlier at a press conference in New Delhi said: “We will call the (nuclear) bluff of Pakistan. If we will have to really confront the Pakistanis, and a taskis given to us, we are not going to say we cannot cross the border because they have nuclear weapons. We will have to call their nuclearbluft” 20-year-old claims $451m jackpot ‘A.20-year-old man from Florida's Gulf Coast claimed a $451 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot and opted to receive a onetime payment of nearly $282m. Shane Missler, of PortRichey, had aticket with the fivewinning numbers and a “Mega Ball” number drawn ‘on Jan 5. The larger jackpot figure, the fourth largest in the game's history, would be the estimated value had Missler chosen to take peymentsovertime. Peru: 7.3 magnitude quake ‘A7.3 magnitude earthquake shook southern Peru, killing at least two people and injuring 6Sothers Tunisian government announces social reforms after week of unrest Tunisia’s government announced an increase in aid to the needy and improved health care as part of social reforms following a week of unrest triggered by austerity measures. Social Affairs Minister Mohamed Trabelsi told reporters that monthly aid to needy families would rise from 150 dinars (50 euros) to between 180 and 210 dinars (60 and 70 euros). The North African country has been shaken by a wave of protests over poverty and unemployment during which hundreds of people were arrested before the unrest tapered off. Tunisia, whose economy has been hit by @ collapse in tourism revenues following wave of militant attacks in 2015, has secured a 2.4-billion-euro ($2.9-billion) IMF loan in return for a reduction in its budget deficit and financialreforms. Jan:14, 2018 Pakistan can't be forced to compromise on national interests:US historian Pakistan cannot be bludgeoned into taking steps it believes dangerous to its security, even if it means losing the US aid, argues a new book on Pakistan-US relations. The book — The Leverage Paradox: Pakistan and the United States — by Robert Hathaway, a prominent US scholar of South Asian affairs, traces the history of bilateral relations from the early 1950s to the Trump era, concluding, that both nations benefited from this relationship. The book argues that Pakistan has always viewed the benefits that flow from American favour as “prizes worth workingtoacquire, but notat any price”. PIA's core business tobe soldoffby April15 oaThe government is committed to finalising the process of privatisation of loss-making Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) core business before April 15. The government is also planning to establish another company under which all the fixed assets of PIA would be managed Bill Gates announces aid bump for Pakistan Days after the Trump administration announced it was suspending security assistance to the country, a billionaire philanthropist has committed that his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will increase financial aid for Pakistan. The Microsoft founder acknowledges the receipt of certain concept notes regarding innovations in the health sector, especially with regards to “strengthening mother and child care and reproductive health”, which he said were being analysed by a team of experts. The Bil and Melinda Gates Foundation provides technical and financial resources to accelerate specific vaccination campaigns, routine immunisation and raising awareness. Although its sole focus in the past was supporting polio eradication campaigns, the latest communication indicates that the foundation may expand its assistance to other realms of the healthcare sector. US diplomat Wells acknowledges Pakistan's rolein countering terrorism American diplomat Alice Wells acknowledged Pakistan's efforts in eradicating terrorism and conveyed the US's desire to work with Pakistanin furthering the shared objective of stabilizing Afghanistan. TO = Wells, the acting assistant secretary of state, was in Pakistan along with senior officials from the US National Security Council for a scheduled dialogue on bilateral and regional cooperation. She argued that, as an immediate neighbor and important country of the region, Pakistan's support was critical to the success of US strategy in Afghanistan. She also underlined the need for strengthening intelligence cooperation between the two sides to improve coordinationin counter-terrorismefforts Jan: 15,2018 Russiancentralbank, SBP sign MoU The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral central banking cooperation with the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBRF). The MoU aims at promoting cooperation between the two authorities primariy in disciplines of financial systems development, payment systems, financial infrastructure and financial institutions supervision. Proposal for meeting of Pak-India DGMOs under study Pakistan is considering a proposal for a meeting with India's military operations chief for lowering of tensions along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary through fresh confidence-building measures. Pakistan-india DGMOs have a frequent hotline contact, but they last met four yearsago at Wagah. The Wagah meeting, took place after a break of 14 years. That meeting was also held for discussing ways to ensure peace along the LoC and WB. MoUsigned forhorticuiture development The Agriculture Department of Punjab, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Impo-r-ters and Merchants Asso~ciation have recently signed a memorandum of understanding for development of horticulture sector. Theywould render full support for improvement of horticulture supply chain and enhancement of fruits and vegetables exports. Modi invites Israel to invest in defence production Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a revolutionary leader and heard his proposal for israeltoinvest in India'sdefence sector. The two countries signed nine pacts to boost cooperation in key areas including cyber-security. The two prime ministers underscored the grave threat posed by terrorism and agreed to hold the next meeting of the Joint Working Group on Homeland and Public Security next month, The issue of India voting against Israel at the UN on the Jerusalem issue also figured in the talksin which Indian officialsmaintained that both sides put forth their views and that the two leaders agreed that ties “are not determined by single issue”. Gen Bajwa meets top Sri Lankan military leadership Chief of Army Staff (COAS| Gen Qamar Javed Bajwe reached Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit and held meetings with the top Sri Lankan military leadership. Visiting on an invitation from his Sri Lankan counterpart, Gen Bajwa met the chief of defence staff and chiefs of all three services.During the meetings, the two sides discussed various new initiatives and ongoing projects to strengthen defence ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan Gazain Marri announces to end separatist politics, set to join mainstream party Nawabzada Gazain Marri, son of the late Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, announced that he has quit separatist and nationalist politics, adding that he will now join mainstream polities, which he says "ls the only way to serve the people of the province [Balochistan] and Pakistan." Council of Islamic Ideology to contemplate meaning and religious connotations of 'Black Friday’ sales The Council OF Islamic Ideology (Cll) will convene to discuss the core meaning of the term ’Black Friday’ and lookatit from anpoint of view. Cll Chairman Professor Dr Qibla Ayaz will chair the meeting The term "Black Friday’ has come under much criticism from religious quarters as various brands and stores began offering massive Black Friday discounts in keeping with retail and consumer trends in the United States. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the day after the (American holiday of) Thanksgiving has been called Black Friday since atleast the early 1960s.” China deplores Indian army chief's remarks ‘onDoklam China has hit out at Indian Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat for calling Doklam a disputed territory. Spokesman Lu Kang described Gen Rawat's remarks at a news conference as “unconstructive” and said they were not helpful for maintaining peace at the borders. Gen Rawat suggested that India needed to shift focus from its border with Pakistan to that of China and spoke of pressure being exerted by Beijing along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). PPP decides to equip children with life skills through education Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal says the Sindh government has introduced child rights and set up child protection units in all the 29 districts of the province. Appealing to the other provinces to follow Sindh's Initiative, he sald the Singh government had also decided to introduce life skills in school curriculum from the next academic year so that the children would know how to actin a difficult situation. The PPP chairman said lifeskills were first introduced informally in 200 schools in the province in 2009, including SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls School in Karachi, which is managed by singer Shehzad Roy. Bilawal said promotion of education was must to avoid Kasur-like incidents. The PPP chairman added that the Sindh government would introduce it as a special subject from class sixth to create awareness among children. Bitcoin bombs, cryptocoins crash on regulation fears Bitcoin, the best known of hundreds of ‘virtual’ coins, slumped to a sicweek low below $12,000 as analysts blamed a rush by various jurisdictions to regulate the sector. The final weeks of last year were marked by bitcoin mania as the unit topped $20,000, butit lost some 20percenttrading which saw most ofits fellow cryoto-currencies similarly wilt. “Bitcoin has dropped below $12,000, a level not seen since early December. The crypto-currency has fallen nearly 40 percent sincelitsall-time high. Jan: 16, 2018 No more extension in stay of Afghan refugees The stalemate in the Pakistan-US relations has brought millions of Afghan nationals, including 1.4 million registered refugees, into the spotlight again as the federal government has decided to preparea ca‘contingency plan for their return. The legal stay of the refugees expired on Dec 31, 2017, after which the federal cabinet extended their stay in the country by one month only. The official estimates show that over 2.5 million Afghan nationals, including 1.4 million registered refugees, are living in the country. Modi launches $6.8bnrefinery in Rajasthan Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the construction of a $6.8 billion refinery in the western state of Rajasthan, in the hopes of meeting the rising fuel demand. By 2030, India's demand forpetrol and diese! is expected to go up by two-thirds to 170bn litres, as an expanding middle class spends ‘on cars and air travel. The 180,000-barrel- per-day refinery and petrochemical project is being built by the country’s third-biggest state refiner Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL)ina tie-up with the state government. The foundation stone for the project was first laid in September 2013 by the then ruling Congress Party chief Sonia Gandhi. However, the project remained a non-starter as the state government had not given adequate incentives. The project is now estimated to be completed by 2022-23. PFB president Khawar Shah passes away President of Pakistan Federation Baseball and ex-director general Sports Board Punjab Khawar Shah passed away here on Tuesday afterabrief illness. He was 68. China urged to encourage imports from Pakistan Pakistan has formally asked China to encourage Its products — mainly the eatables — into its market to contain tilted expansion in bilateral trade and focus on future administration of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) after completion of ongoing projects. The bilateral trade has expanded from about $4 billion 10 years ago ‘when the FTA was signed by the two sides to almost $14bn last year, but imports from China have surged by 380 per cent to $12bn TO ET from $2.5bn, while Pakistan's exports have Increased by 195pc to $1.7bn from $570 million. Washington leverage not as big as US believes: Report Pakistan has claimedmorethan$23 billionof, reimbursements from the US between 2001 and 2017 but only received alittle more than half of its claims, about $14bn, shows a report based on official estimates of the reimbursements. According to this report which has been made available to Dawn, in 2001-02, which was also the first year of the US-led war against terrorism, Pakistan claimed @ totel of $847.309 million and received $300m. India ends decades-old subsidy for Haj pilgrims: India's Hindu nationalist government is ending a decades-long policy of offering discounted airfares to Muslims embarking ‘on the Haj pilgrimage. The right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party has accused its ‘opponents in the Congress party — who introduced the Haj assistance scheme in the 1950s — of trying to woo Muslim voters through handouts More than 100,000 Indian Muslims perform Hajevery year. Europe's central banks pile intoyuan More central banks in Europe revealed plans tohold yuanas part of their foreign currency reserves, highlighting the Chinese currency's ise into an elite league of the world's major reserve currencies. The Bank of Spain said it was considering an investment in the yuan, the National Bank of Belgium said has already bought around 200 millioneuros($244.5m) worth of the Chinese currency and Slovakia said it also bought an undisclosed amount of yuan. The moves come after the European Central Bank converted 500m euros worth ofits US dollar reserves into the Chinese currency last year, signalling confidence in the yuan and likely encouraging others to make a similar move. In the latest report for the period to the end of September 2017, global central banks allocated the equivalent of $107bn towards the Chinese currency in their reserves, a 19pcrise from thestartof the year, US withholds funds from UN agency for Palestinians The Trump administration has decided to withhoid $65 million from the UN body for Palestinian refugees — the United Nations Relief and Works Agency — cutting the year's first contribution by more than half. President Donald Trump had not made a final decision but appeared likely to send only $60m from a planned $125m as first installment to the UN agency. Myanmar building camp to house 30,000 Rohingya Myanmar is building a camp to temporarily house 30,000 Rohingya Muslims targeted for repatriation after fleeing violence in Rakhine State, as Myanmar and Bangladesh meet to discuss how to implement a repatriation deal, More then 650,000 Rohingya have headed across the border to Bangladesh after a sweeping Myanmar army counter- offensive in response to Rohingya militant attacks on Aug 25, 2017. The crackdown has been described by the United States and UN as ethnic cleansing, which Myanmar repeatedly rejects. Jan:17,2018 Saudiinvestment sought for gaspipeline Pakistan and Saudi Arebia have agreed to establish a working group for the export of halal food from Pakistan to the kingdom, Saudi investment in the construction of the north-south gas pipeline, accelerated negotiations ona bilateral investment treaty and the exchange of parliamentary delegations. The two sides reached this understanding st the conclusion of the 11th session of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) Ashraf Ghani questions Pakistan's anti- terrorfatwa Afghan President AshrafGhani has HSI CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: www.imigk com 48questioned a recent Pakistani religious ruling declaring suicide bombings un-Islamic. Speaking at a gathering in the capital, Kabul, on January 17, Ghani asked how the January 16 antiterror edict could only be limited to Pakistan. "Aren't Islamic religious principles universal for all Islamic countries? Or can they be limited to one country?” he asked. “Unlike [Joseph] Stalin's socialism, Islamic teachings cannot be limited to one country because they are universal.” Repeating his government's longstanding stance that the insecurity in Afghanistan is prompted by Islamabad's support for the Afghan Taliban and its military wing, the Haqqani network, he added, “This is why this fatwa first needs to be implemented in relation to Afghanistan” Afghan army to collapse in six months without US help President Ashraf Ghani has said that the ‘Afghan National Army will not last more than six months without US support and the Afghan government will also collapse. In a report titled “Kabul under siege while ‘America's longest war rageson’, the US news channel noted that “in 16 years, the Afghan war has cost 2,400 American lives and $1 TO EEE trillion, But with the country's capital under siege, the end still seems far away.” UN urged to step up pressure on Pakistan Returning from a UN Security Council visit to Afghanistan, US Ambassador Nikki Haley stressed the Kabul government wants world powers to step up pressure on Pakistan. Ms Heley joined the 14 other council envoys for talks with top Afghan leaders in Kabul at the weekend as the government considers holding peace talks with the Taliban to end decades of insurgency. Ms Haley did not specify what measures could be taken to pressure Pakistan, but the council does have the powertoimpose sanctions. Hasan Ali named ‘Emerging Player of the Year" in ICC Awards 2017 Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali was named the Emerging Player of the Year as part of the ICC Awards 2017 while the national team's fomousChampion Trophy triumphwas voted by fans as the Moment of the Yer. Twenty- three-year-old Hasan, the top-ranked ODI bowler, took 48 wicketsin 21 matches during calendar year 2017 at an average of just 17.70 per dismissal. He also claimed three five-wwicket hauls and played a massive rolein Pakistan's Champions Trophy win in England |— making him a shoo-in for the emerging player gong, Jan: 18,2018 Pak-lran train services to resume by September Pakistan and Iran have decided to resume a fortnightly passenger train service between them by September this year due to improvement in the security situation, The passenger train service will run between Quetta and Mashhad or Qom, and will largely cater to the needs of pilgrims during Muharram. The train service named after the Iranian city used to run on the first and fifteenth day of every month from Quetta to Zahedan and the third and seventeenth of ‘each month from Zahedan to Quetta. It used totake 33 hours to cover adistance of 732km along the entire stretch of the Quetta-Taftan railway line, Sources said thet revision of the 1959 agreement between Pakistan Railways and Iranian Railways was under consideration. They said that PR had also revived communication with Taftan on the magneto telephone. US, India urge Pakistan to prosecute Hafiz Saeed ‘tothe fullest’ The United States urged Pakistan to prosecute Hafiz Mohammad Saeed "to the fullest extent of the law", endorsing the Indian view on the Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) chief. Saeed was declared a global terrorist, by the USand UN over hisalleged role in the Mumbat attacks. JuD is considered by the US and India to be a front for LeT, the militant group blamed forthe attacks. Renowned columnist Munnu Bhai passes away Renowned columnist, playwright and poet Muneer Ahmed Qureshi, popularly knownas ‘Munnu Bhai, passed away in Lahore. He was 84, Munnu Bhai was born in Wazirabad, a small city in Punjab, in 1933. He wrote humerous plays for Pakistan Television and was awarded the Pride of Performance TO ET ‘Award in 2007 for his services to the nation, Apart from his work as a playwright and poet, he also stressed the need for a free media. He said that terrorism, poverty and social degradation could be eliminated by means of truthful journalism. He strongly believed thet with time, journalism in Pakistan would mature and perform a constructive role in society. in 2014, he donated his entire literary collection to Government College University (CU) as a token of appreciation for its contribution to the promotion of drama and literature.Munnu Bhai was also associated with Sundas Foundation, a charitable organisation that works with children suffering from thalassaemia. India test-fires its longest-range missile India tested its longest-range intercontinental missile. The 5,000km range Agni missile was tested from an island in India's eastern coast in the Bay of Bengal Indonesia offers Pakistan better market access The Indonesian government has unilaterally agreed to provide Pakistani products with deeper market access under the preferential trade agreement (PTA), which will help reduce the negative trade balance between the two courtiers, Pakistan and Indonesia signed the PTA in 2012. It came into operation in 2013. Pakistan's exports to Indonesia posted a negative growth while imports rose by over $1bn in the past three years, Pakistan's exports to Indonesia were $196m in 2012-13. Exports in the second year of the PTA (2014-15) marginally increased to $143m. However, exports fell to $130m in 2015-16. Similarly, export proceeds were recorded at $138m in 2016- 17. But contrary to this, imports from Indonesia were recorded at $1.7bn in 2013- 14, They edged up to $2.3bn in 2016-17, reflecting an increase of 26pc. Jan:19,2018 | __HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwiimigkcom = $0Pentagon terms China, Russia bigger threat than terrorism Countering China's rapidly expanding military and an increasingly aggressive Russia are now the US military's top national security priorities, outpacing the threat of terrorism. A new national defence strategy says that competition with China and Russia has threatened America'smilitary advantage around the world. And it will require increased investment to make US forces more lethal, agileand ready forwar. French president warns that UK can't keep fullaccess to EU French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested that Britain is ikely to negotiate a unique relationship with the European Union before it leaves the bloc next year, while stressing that any agreement must be consistent with EU rules Turkey and Syria will never allow a Kurdish mini-state COLONEL Thomas Veale has had the unenviable task of announcing the first official Western attempt to partition Syria on ethnic-sectarian lines. Whether or not he realises the implications of his extraordinary statement afew days ogo, Colonel Veale — a Kansas University and US Military Academy graduate who rejoices in the title of “Public Affairs Director at Combined Joint Task Force, Operation Inherent Resolve” — was quite open about the creation of another new and largely Kurdish force which will, in theory, control tens of thousands of square kilometres of Syria, Arab members of the same 30,000-strong “Border Security Force” will man checkpoints further south along the Euphrates river valley. UN seeks $2.9bn to save lives of 13m Yemenis The United Nations and humanitarian partners launched the 2018 Yemen Humanitarian response, which seeks $2.96 billion to provide life-saving assistance to 13.1 million people this year. This is the TO == largest consolidated humanitarian appeal for Yemen ever launched.three years of escalated conflict has turned Yemen into the worst man-made humanitarian crisis of our time. Three quarters of the population -22.2 million people — need humanitarian assistance, including 11.3 million people in acute need who urgently require assistance tosurvive. Jan: 20,2018 Broxiteerssuggest another referendum Two of Britain's most prominent Brexit campaigners endorsed a second referendum on leaving the European Union as the best way to stop EU supporters from trying to water down, or even halt, the country's departure from the bloc Britons shocked the political establishment in June 2016 by Voting 52 to 48 per cent in favour of ending more than four decades of political, economicand legal ties with the EU. India opens ports for usedsteelimports India hes increased the number of ports that can handle imports of non-prime steel to a total of six, with the addition of three new ports.The news comes after India imposed anti-dumping duty on several stainless stee! and flat steel products from China, the United States, South Korea and the European Union, to curb the influx of cheaper imports and help local producers $7.5m grant likely for return of Fata's displaced people The Pakistan Humanitarian Pooled Fund (PHPF) administered by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (Ocha) will grant $7.5 million to facilitate the return of displaced families to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata). Almost 93 per cent of the displaced families have returned to their homes, while a total of 29,000 families are expected to return during this year. According to an Ocha document released, the PHPF will allot a totalof$7.5m under the ‘First StandardAllocation 2038', representing 7pc of the total $110m for the first year of the humanitarian fund.The fund was requested under the three-year Fata transition plan humanitarian activities 2018-2020. The new allocation includes the reserve allocation of $900,000 from 2017, $4m from the Department for International Development (DFID); $2m from Swedish International Development Agency; and $1.34m from cancelled projects of 2016 and 2017. Jan: 21,2018 India's foreign policy does not revolve around Pakistan’ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India is not working to isolate any nation, nor is the country’s forcign policy formulatedaround Pakistan. In the recent days, US and India have increased pressure on Pakistan to take action against terrorists, Amid talks of an emerging US- India-Israel nexus, Washington has accused Islamabad of offering safe havens to terrorists. Punjab government to provide subsidised motorbikesfor women The Chief Minister's Strategic Reforms Unit has launched ‘Women on Wheels: Motorbike Subsidy Scheme’, as phase-tI ofits Women on Wheels project, giving 3,000 motorcycles towomenatsubsidisedrates. Jan: 22,2018 Malala, Apple join hands to work for girls education Malala Girls Education Fund and computer giant Apple have teamed up to support girls! education. With the support of Apple, the Fund expects to double the number of grants awarded through its Gulmakal Fund and launch its funding programmes in India and Latin America, with the goal of extending secondary education to more than 100,000 girls. Apple will also help the Malala Fund with technology, curriculum and education policy research. TO Ea WEF launches development index The World Economic Forum (WEF) has developed a new metric of national economic performance as an alternative to GDP that also focuses on theliving standards of the people and future proofing of economies. Richest Ipc made &2pc of wealth created last year The world's richest one per cent raked in 82pc of the wealth last year while the poorest half of the population received none, as the world's elite prepared to mingle at the World Economic Forum in Davos. A new report from the charity also found that the wealth of billionaires has grown six times faster than that of ordinary workers since 2010, with another billionaire minted every two days between March 2016 and March 2017. Jan: 23,2018 Islamabad seeks duty reduction on exports toChina Pakistan will demand unilateral concessions ‘on approximately 70 products mostly of export interest to China as part of the second phase of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). China to cap overseas withdrawals using domestic bank cards China's foreign exchange regulator will cap overseas withdrawals using domestic Chinese bank cards at 100,000 yuan (615,370) per year in an effort to target money laundering, terrorist financing and taxevasion Pakistan snubbed by Azian Shah Cup organisersagain For the second successive year, Pakistan has not been invited to participate at the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup. Hosts Malaysia will compete with Australia, Argen-tina, England, India and relandat the tournament which will be held from March 3 to 10. The snub is an indication of how low Pakistan hockey has fellen in recentyearsaslast year | __HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | Fobruary 2018 | For Free Download: wwwimigkeom = S52Malaysia preferred to include England over Pakistan to aid its preperations for the World Hockey League. Malaysia has invited countries who are in the top 10 of the FIH rankings and is itself ranked 12th, a place above Pakistan Renowned industrialist Azam Saigol passes away Industrialist. Muhammad Azam Saigo! breathed his last while undergoing medical treatment in Boston, USA. Born on November 17, 1951, the Oxford educated Saigol held vast experience in handling big industrial concerns and corporations. He held key executive and directorial positions at Kohinoor Industries Ltd, Saritow spinning Mills, Pak Elektron Ltd and Azam Textile Mill. Jan: 24,2018 German far-right politician converts to Islam A politician in the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD| party, known for its anti- Muslim rhetoric, has resigned from its board and converted to Islam. But while Arthur ‘Wagner quit his AfD leadership post in the eastern state of Brandenburg, he remained a member of the party, which says Islam is incompatible with Germany's constitution and wants a ban on minarets and the face- covering buraa. The AfD became Germany's third largest party in parliament afterlast Sept=ember'sgeneralelection. South Africato target foreign investment South Africa wants to attract foreign Investors to help it kick-start economic growth and will crack down on corruption. Cyril Ramaphosa, who narrowly won the race to succeed President Jacob Zuma as ANC leader last month, used a speech to mark 106 years ince the founding of Africa's oldest liberation movement to call for party Unity after a bitter leadership contest. South Africa's economy has slowed to a near- standstill over Zuma's two presidential terms, as allegations of influence-peddling in TO EZ LULU government and mismanagement of state- owned enterprises have dented consumer and business confidence. jan: 25, 2018 US puts Taliban with ‘Pakistan links! on list ofterrorists, The Trump administration designated as global terrorists six individuals accused of supporting the Taliban and Haqgani network in Afghanistan. The administration stressed their links to Pakistan. US demands Radio Mash berestored The United States has asked Pakistan to retract the ban placed on Radio Mashaal, a Pashto language broadcaster linked to the US-funded Radio Free Europe. Radio Mashaal was shut down by the interior ministry on the on recommendations of the Inter-Services Intelligence (IS!) Imports ofused cars in Pakistanjump70pc Imports of used cars and minivans surged to 65,723 units in 2017, up almost 70 per cent from 38,676 units a year ago, latest data released by the auto industry shows. The artival of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) also increased 59pc to 7,758 units. Imports of pickups and vans registered a 9pc rise to 3,154units. UN sanctions monitoring team briefed on anti-terrormeasures The Uninted Nations Security Coun-cil's sanctions monitoring team started its two- day trip to Pakistan for an assessment of the country's compliance with the world body's sanctions regime. Jan:26, 2018 Govt to pay two OMCs Rs500m in compensation The government has decided in principle to pay about Rs500 million to two leading oil marketing companies ~ Pakistan State Oil and Shell Pakistan — to clear compensation claims which had been pending for almost threeyears. I's transmission58,301 fake NICs in NADRA database ‘An interior Ministry report presented to Senate reveals that there are at least 58,301 fake National Identification Cards (NIC) in Circulation in the country. At least 17,438 people from Punjab, 13,870 from Sindh, 11,603 from Balochistan and 10,200 from Khyber Pukhtunkhawa hold feke identification cards, the report said. According to the report, 816 people from Islamabad, 3,626 people from FATA, 702 people from Jammu and Khasmir and 46 people from Gilgit-Baltistana;sp hold fake ID cards in the country. The reportalso revealed that at least 3,640 foreign citizens also hold Pakistani NICs, Jan: 27,2018 New govttofinalisenext NFC award he federal government and provinces have agreed to defer the ‘suspended deliberations on tax resource division between them under the new National Finance Commission (NFC) until after next election, but decided to continue work to update technical or sectoral studies in the meenwhile. Bilawal defends military in Davos: Pakistan People's Party chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari defended the military on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum counting its contributions in the fight on terror and to defend the country. In his first interview with the Indian media, he strongly defended the Pakistan military in its fight against terrorism when cross questioned aggressively, and held back no punches on the contribution Prime Minister Narendra Modi's India was making to the rise in hyper- nationalist and exclusionary politiesin South Asia, Keeping the need for peace at centre- stage, Bilawal argued that relations must not be between persons, but between states. “Therefore, diplomacy cannot be about private visits and unrecorded encounters but must be embedded in real strategic conflict- TO EET Ll resolution and dislogue without conditions posed on themedia,” he seid. Jan: 28,2018 Israel and Poland clash over proposed Holocaustlaw Israel's prime minister and Holocaust survivors bridled at a draft Polish law that ‘would make it illegal to suggest Poland bore any responsibility for Nazi atrocities committed on its soil, The Israeli foreign ministry summoned Poland's charge d'affaires — the ambassador was abroad to object to the bill, which is still going through parliament. Before World War Two, Poland was home to Europe's largest Jewish community of some 3.2 million. Nazi Germany attacked and occupied Poland in 1939 and later built death camps including ‘Auschwitz and Treblinka on Polish soil. Most ofthe Jews that livedin Poland were killed by the Nazi occupiers. Babar Azam, Pakistan on top of ICC T20 rankings Top-order batsman Babar Azam, who helped propel Pakistan to the top spot in T20s, climbed on top of the latest 120 rankings for batsmen released by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Azam scored 109 runs in the recent series against New Zealand, including an unbeaten 50 in the second game, which Pakistan clinched 2-1, beating the home side convincingly He averages 48 with a strike rate of 123 in the geme's shortest international format. Jan: 29,2018 Government flays World Bank index The government has taken strong issue with the way the World Bank calculated the Ease of Doing Business Index in the country, results of which were released in November last year. Fareen Mazhar, an Executive Director-General at the Board of Investment (Bol) told a visiting World Bank team that 37 reform measures designed to facilitate the setting up of new business werenct evenlooked at during the exercise, which considered only 4 out of 41 measures rolled out by federal and provincial governments in recent years. Taken together, the government clubs these measures as “the 100 days sprint”, meaning the time period it envisions should be required to obtain all approvals and utility connections for @ new enterprise. Heads of Bol of Punjab and Sindh ‘were invited for the meeting with the World Bank Vice President who was accompanied by International Finance Corporation's vice- president Snerana Stojanovic and other officials Fakhar AliShahelected as PBF president Syed Fakhar Ali Shah and Mazhar Sheikh were elected as the Pakistan Baseball Federation (PBF) president and secretary respectively. Fakhar was elected in place of his father Syed Khawar Shah, who passed away here on Jan 16 after a brief illness. Mazhar was retained as secretary. Fakhar also represented Pakistan as a baseball player during the 90s. IA chief dubs China a bigger threat to United States than Russia ‘The United States (US) faces a bigger threat from China than it dees from Russia, CIA Director Mike Pompeo told the BBC in an Interview. Pompeo claimed that there was a "much bigger footprint” of China's intelligence in the efforts to “infiltrate” not onlythe US butUKand Europe as well. ‘Snow leaves4,000 strandedin French Alps Heavy snow stranded 4,000 travellers heading for resorts in the French Alps and killed oneskier in an avalanche. Jan: 30,2018 In first State of the Union address, Trump vows to keep Guantanamo Bay prison open President Donald Trump made a pitch for national unity and strong borders in his maiden State of the Union address, calling for “one team, one people, and one ‘American family" after a year plagued by Ss: acrimony, division and scandal. He also announced that he would keep Guantanamo Bay open, breaking from his predecessor Barack Obama's lengthy and ultimately failed efforts to shutter the maligned detention facility. Eurozone fiscal rules Leading economists from france and Germany called for new fiscal rules for the eurozone and the creation of an independent watchdog to help to make the single currency more resilient against crises in the future. In 2 33-page paper, the economists warned that even if the single currency area was “finally experiencing a robust recovery... after nearly a decade of stagnation’, it “remains fragile.” Germany and France are currently trying to inject new momentum into stalled EU reform efforts. And the economists’ “blue--print for teform” is intended to bridge German demands for more fiscel discipline and France'sinsistenceon more risk-sharing, Jan:31, 2018 PPP minister Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, wife found 'shot dead’ Sindh Minister for Planning and Development Mir Hazar khan Bijarani and his wife, former MPA Fariha Razzaq, were found shot dead in their home. Born on July 10, 1946 into a prominent political family, rani completed his Bachelors from National College Karachi, following which he did his LLB from Sindh Muslim Law College and Masters in Political Science. He had served as a senator as well a5 an MNA and also held the portfolio of Sindh's education minister He was elected in 2013 from PS-16 Jacobabad. Farina Razzaq was elected a member of the Sindh Assembly in 2002 and held theposition till 2007. Her mother Nishat Afza was a member of the Punjab Assembly during the same time; both women contested theelections on PPP tickets. Spainacts to blockPuigdemontas Cataloniahead Spain's government has taken a first step towards preventing the election of ex- Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont as head of the Spanish region, Puigdemont has been living in Brussels since he fled there in late October to ovoid arrest on charges of sedition and rebellion for organising an illegal referendum and unilaterally declaring Catasan independence from Spain. Catalonia's newly elected parliament speaker, Roger Torrent, nominated Puigdemont as the sole candidate to be the regional president again, defying Spanish government warnings ageinst such amove. Pakistan ready to extend rail link agreement with India See ScaLE 25 10 19 m0 Ms COMI OO ST Despite tense ties with New Delhi due to frequent ceasefire violations on the Line of Control and Working Boundary, Pakistan gave itsconsentfor athree-year extensionto an agreement with India on Munabao- Khokhrapar raillink. 6.1-magnitude earthquake jolted various parts of Pakistan On January 31, 2018, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake jolted various parts of Pakistan, including Quetta, Karachi, Lahore, tslamabad, Peshawer, Charsadda, Murree, Sargodha, Shangla, Haripur and Gujranwala. According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicentre of the quake, which was also felt in parts of India and Kashmir, was 35 kilometres south of Jarm in Afghanistan. EXPLANATION. La oman HE svete B Moderate severe damage —— stapes on ee sxe Foci inom, ms 1967 wanteniaate nso Tow te0 RS ees CUrTentAffairsMCQs JAN - FEB 2018 | Which of the following countries has formally joined as the new non-permanent members of UNSC on 3rd January 2018? {a) Burkina Faso. (b)IvoryCoast () Lesotho (4) Sierra Leone Answer: (a) Who has taken charge as the new Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) onJan 27,2018? (a)Shiekh Anser Aziz (b) Usman Akhtar Bajwa (J Muhammad Nawaz Naseem (4)Fakhar-e-Alam trfan Answer: (b) Explanation: In a notification issued on Jan 27, 2018, the Establishment Division announced that Immigration and Passports Director General Usman Akhtar Bajwa will be taking over as the chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) On December 29, 2017, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had ruled that Islamabad Mayor Shiekh Anser Aziz’s appointment as the CDA chief as an additional charge while including him as an ex-officio member of the CDA board, was illegal Bajwa is a basic pay scale (BPS)-20 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service. He is currently deputed as the director general of the Immigration and Passport Department under interior Division, Endangered ‘bird language’ has entered the UNESCO list of intangible Cultural Heritage. Itisbelong to whichcountry? (a) Cyprus (b) Turkey ()Romania (4) Serbia Answer: (b) Explanation: The United Nations cultural agency has namedthe "bird language" of Black Sea HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: www iimigk com. 57villagers in northern Turkey as an endangered part of world heritage in need of urgent protection. About 10,000 people, mostly in the Canakci district of Giresun Province, use the language ly-developed system of whistling - to communicate across long distances in their rugged mountainterrain. The language joins the "List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding’ because of the impact of social and technological change. According ‘to UNESCO, singling out the increasing use of mobile phones as a "key threat to its survival”. ‘Who has been appointed thenew chairman of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB)? (a)2afarullah Khan (b)Sarder Abdul Majeed Dast (©) Capt (r) Muhammad Aftab (4) DrQivlaAyaz Answer: (c) Explanation: Religious Affairs and interfaith Harmony Additional Secretary Capt (r) Muhammad Aftab on Feb 2, 2018 was appointed as the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) 0 SEE chairman in place of Siddiqul Farooq. In the wake of Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan's decision in the Katas Ra] Temple case, Aftab ‘was appointed the new ETPB chairman with immediate effect for a period of three months, announced the Interfaith Harmony ‘Wing of the government. During the hearing of the suo motu case regarding the Katas Raj Temple, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CIP) Justice ‘Saqib Nisar had noted that the tenure of the former ETPB chairman had ended, however, he was still in office. Appointments should not be made on personal preferences and political affiliations, the chief justice had said Subsequently, the SC had ordered the removal of Farooq as the ETPB chief over his controversial appointment. ‘Which country has become the world's first country to enforce equal pay for women andmen? (a) Finiand (b) France (Iceland (a) sweden Answer: (c) Explanatios Iceland has become the first country in the world to enforce equal pay for women and men. The new law, which came into force on Ast January 2018, stated that companies and government agencies employing at least 25 people will have to obtain government certification of their equal-pay policies, Companies will face fines if they can't prove that men and women are receiving the same salary for the same job. The new legislation was supported by Iceland's centre-right government, 2s well as the opposition, in a parliament where nearly 50% of all members HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwilmigk com. 58are women. Who has been appointed the new Director General of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency? (a)Rear Admiral Jamil Akhtar (b) Rear AdmiralZaka UrRehman (c)Rear Admiral Waseem Akram (d) Rear AdmiralZafar Mahmood Abbasi Answer: (b) Explanation: Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman has assumed the Command of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency as Director General_on Jan 11, 2018. The Admiral was commissioned in Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1988. He has been appointed on various command appointments including Commanding Officer of a Destroyer and Commander 25th Destroyer Squardon. During his illustrious career, he served on various staff appointments at Navel HOs and Chief of Staff to the Commander Coalition Task Force-151 at Bahrain, Rear AdmiralZaka Ur Rehman has also served as Naval Attache at Embassy of Pakistanat Ankara, Turkey. Pakistan Maritime Security Agency The establishment of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency has its genesis in the United Nations Convention on Law Of the Sea -1982 (UNCLOS-82). This was a landmark conventionthat streamlined most of thegray areas in the law of the sea, In order to consolidate the advantages offered by UNCLOS-82, the requirement of enforcing National and International laws at sea became a necessity. Thus, a National Maritime Affairs Coordination Committee was constituted by the Government in 1983 to look into the new avenues offered by UNCLOS-82, Deliberations of the Maritime Affairs Coordination Committee first led to the establishment of a Maritime Affairs Wing in the Ministry of Defence in May 1986. Thereafter, Pakistan Maritime Security ‘Agency was established on Ist January 1987 for enforcement of National and International laws, policies and conventions at sea. The PMSA Act was passed in 1994 by the Parliament which provided the necessary legal powers to PMSA to perform its tasks. Peter Sutherland, who passed away recently, was the former director general of which organisation? (a) United Nations Organisation (b) UNESCO. (c) International Monetary Fund (4) World Trade Organization Peter Denis Sutherland (71), the former Director General (DG) of World Trade Organization (WTO), has passed away in Dublin, ireland, Sutherland became the WTO's first chief in 1995, having previously been head of its precursor, the General agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). He also served as Ireland's youngest Attorney General and then youngest European Union (EU) commissioner during the 1980s. ‘Who has taken charge as the new Director- General (DG) National Accountabi Bureau (NAB) Rawalpindi? (a) Nasir Iqbal HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: www iimigk com. 50{b) Farooq Naser Awan (c)irfan Mangi (d)Farmanullah Answer: (c} Explanation: Irfan Mangi has been posted as Director- General (DG) National Accountabilit y Bureau (NAB) Rawalpindi, according to a notification on Jan 30, 2018. Mangi was previously DG NAB Balochistan and has replaced Nasir Iqbal. He \vas also part of the joint investigation team UIT) ordered by Supreme Court (SC) to conduct an investigation into the assets of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family John Young, the legendary astronaut passed away. He hailed from which country? (a) United Kingdom {b) United states (c)Germany (d) France Answer: (b) Explanation: John Watts Young (87), the legendary astronaut who walked on the Moon and later commanded the first space shuttle flight, has passed away at Houston, United States on January 5, 2018, He became the 9th person to walk on the Moon as Commander of the Apollo 16 mission in 1972. Youngenjoyed the longest career of any astronaut, becoming the first person to fiy six spacemissions (with seven launches, counting his lunar liftoff) over the course of 42 years of active NASA service. He wes the only spaceman to span NASA's Gemini, Apolloand shuttle programs and became the first person to rocket away from Earth sixtimes, What is the Pakistan's GDP forecast in 2018, as per World Bank's latest report "2018 Global EconomicProspects (GEP)"? (65 (b)6.0 (55 (4)5.0 Answer: (c) Explanation: Pakistan is expected to see a 5.5% GOP growth driven by robust domestic consumption, according to the World Bank in its twice-yearly global economic report 2018. The domestic demand was supported by strong credit growth and investment, while recovery was also witnessed in agricultural production on return of normal monscon rains. Exports are also expected to show recovery with rising investment, the report stated. The country's construction and services sector recorded 2 strong activity. The uptick in economic growth will average 5.9% in the coming years, the report said. Outlining the hiccups in the way of growth, the World Bank said that fiscal slippages are the main risk for the economy, and are expected owing to elections and week taxrevenues. ‘Who has been appointed the new chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC)? (a) Dr Asim Hussain HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwiimigk com. 60(b) Abdus Subhan Memon (Muhammad sualeh Ahmed Faruqui (d) Muhammad Sohail Rajput Answer: (a) Explanation: Former federal minister and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Dr Asim Hussain, has been appointed as the chairmen of the Sindh Higher Education ‘Commission (HEC) once again by the Sindh government on Jan 28, 2018, A notification to this effect was issued by the Sindh chief secretary, it emerged on Sunday. The notification reads: “In continuation of this department's notification of even number dated 28.1.2014 & in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 5 (1) of the Sindh Higher Education Commission Act-2013, the Chief Minister Sindh/ Controlling Authority has been pleased to re-appoint Dr Asim as Chairperson, Sindh Higher Education Commission for one more similarterm.” The world's largest Ice festival has started in which country? (a)china (b)Japan (c)italy (d) United states Answer:(a) Explanation! The 34th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival 2018 and the 3rd China International Ice and Snow Tourism Summit has officially started on January 5 in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Hellongjiang Province. The 0 GRE festival mainly features ice and snow- themed scenic spots such as the world's largest ice and snow park and a snow sculpture art expo as well as diverse ice and snow sports and entertainments. Statistics show that during the 33rd ice and snow festival the number of tourists received by Harbin stood at 18.49 million, up 12.2% year on year. Which country has recently banned teaching of English language in primary schools to fight against western cultural invasion? (a)Iraq (b) Iran (o)israet (a) UAE Answer: (b) Explanation: Iran has recently banned teaching of English language in primary schools to fight against western cultural invasion. Usually, the teaching of English starts in middle school in Iran, at the ages of 12 to 14, but some primary schools below thet age also have English classes. The head of the state-run High Education Council, Mehdi Navid- Adham stated that teaching English in government and non-government primary schools in the official curriculum are against laws and regulations. Which country has granted citizenship to Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks? (a) United Kingdom (b) Ecuador (c) Sweden (4) South Korea ‘Answer: (b) Explanation: Ecuador hasgranted citizenship to Wikileaks HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwiimigk com. 61founder Julian Assange in an attempt to resolve the political impasse over his continued presence in the United Kingdom (UK). Ecuador Foreign Minister Maria Femanda Espinosa informed that Assange, who is an Australian, became an Ecuadoran citizen on December 12, 2017. This news announced on January 12, 2018. Assange has been living in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012, when he was faced with extradition to Sweden for allegedly sexually assaulting two women. Ecuador has also sought to give Assange diplomatic status, but Britain has rejected the request. The diplomatic immunity would allow him to leave the embassy without the possibility of beingartested for jumping bail in 2012. Who has been ranked first in the latest Gallup international annual survey “Opinion of Global Leaders”? (a) Angela Merkel (b) Vladimir Putin (c)EmmanuelMacron (d)Noneofthese Answer: (c} Explanation: French President Emmanuel Macron has been ranked first in the latest Gallup international annual survey ‘Opinion of Chancellor Angela Merkel and PM Narendra Modi. The survey was conducted across 50 nations and interviewed 53,769 people. In each country a representative sample of around 1,000 men and women was interviewed either face-to-face, or via phone, orthrough online mediums. The field work was conducted during October- December 2017. The survey shows that PM Modi is a popular leader in the Indian subcontinent with 69% of respondents in Afghanistan and 51% in Bangladesh holding afavourable viewtowards him. The 13th joint military drill exercise “Iron Fist 2018” has started between United States and which country? (2) South Korea (b) Japan (€) Germany (d) France ‘Answer: (b) Explanation: The 13th edition of joint military drill exercise “iron Fist 2018” has started between American and Japanese forces at Camp Pendieton in California on January 12 andwill continuetill February 12.. More than 500 US. Marines and sailors are partnering with about 350 members of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force to train in fire support operations and amphibious assaults. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedures to improve their combined operational capabilities. ‘Which country has built the world’s biggest purifier? (a)Japan HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwiimigk com. a(c)Germany (a) China Answer: (d) Explanation: In an attemptto fight air pollution, China has constructed an experimental air purifying tower, touted to be the “world's biggest air purifier” ata height of over 100 meters (328 feet), The tower has been built in Xian in Shaanxi province and is being tested by researchers at the Institute of Earth Environment at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. As per reports, the air purifier has produced more than 10 million cubic meters of clean air since it was launched. The air purification system works through greenhouses covering about halt the sizeofa soccer field around the base of the tower. Which country is hosting the 10th Global Forum for Food & Agriculture (GFFA-2018)? (a) France (b) Germany (c) Brazil (a) China ‘Answer:(b) Explanation: The 10th Global Forum for Food & Agriculture (GFFA-2018) has started in Berlin, Germany on January 18, which includes the 10th Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference. The theme of 3-day event is “Shaping the future of livestock — sustainably, responsibly, efficiently”. The discussions will focus on sustainable and productive animal production among other issues What is the theme of the 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-2018)? (a) Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution (b) Responsiveand Responsible Leadership (€) Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World (a) Together create a United World ‘Answer: (c) Explanation: The 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-2018) has started in Davos, Switzerland on January 22, 2018. Prime Minister Narendra Modiis leading the largest-ever Indian delegation. The theme of the S-day summit is ‘Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured Werld!, which aims to set an agenda to address political, economic and Social challenges of recent times. More than 3,000 world leaders from business, politics, art, academia and civil society would bee participating in the summit and the Indian HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwiimigk com. 63presence is the largest ever with over 130 Participants. Hugh Masekela, the legendary jazz musician and anti-apartheid activist has passed away. He hailed from which country? (a) France (b)South Africa (}israel (a)Brazit answer: (b) Explanation: Hugh Masekela (78), the legendary jazz musician and anti-apartheid activist, has passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa on January 23, 2018. He was also known for his jazz compositions and for writing well- known anti-apartheid songs such as “Soweto Blues” and “Bring Him Back Home”. He also had a number 1 US pop hit in 1968 with his version of “Grazingin the Grass” Which country has acquired the top spot for global investment, as per latest PwC 21st CEO Survey 2018? {a) United kingdom (b)Japan (c) United States (d)China Answer:(c] US is growing atan annualised 3% OSS Explanation: As per latest PwC 21st CEO Survey 2018, the United States has acquired the top spot for global investment, followed by China, Germany, United Kingdom (UK), and Japan. The survey reveals surprising faith and optimism among CEOs in the economic and business environment worldwide, at least over the next 12 months As per the survey, 54% of the CEOs plan to increase their headcount in 2018 while only 18% expect to reduce their staff. The sectors having the highest demand for new recruits are health care (71%), technology (70%), business services (67%), communications (60%), hospitality andleisure (59%). What is the Pakistan's rank in the 2018 Environmental Performance Index (EPI)? rd (a) 169th (b) 170th (0) 175th (a) 177th ‘Answer: (a) Ursula K. Le Guin, the renowned science fiction author passed away. She hailed from which country? (a) United States (b) Israel (o)italy (a)uK Answer: (a) Explanation: Ursula K. Le Guin (88), the award-winning science fiction and American HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwiimigk com 64author, has passed away in Portland, Oregon on January 22, 2018. She explored feminist themes and her best-known works are the 1969 science fiction novel “Left Hand of Darkness”, which explore themes of gender by featuring characters with no fixed sex, and the 1968 coming-of-age story “A Wieard of Earthsea”, Which International organization will launch @ new Global Centre for Cybersecurity to safeguard the world from hackers? (a) World Economic Forum (b) International Telecommunication Union ()UNICEF (d) International Maritime Organization What is the Pakistan's rank in the 2018 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (arc? (a)81" {b)98” (c) 109th (4) 88th Answer: (c) Who has been sworn-in as the new 0 GREE President of the Republic of Honduras? (a) salvador Nasralla (b) Juan Orlando Hernandez (€) Luis Orlando Zelaya (4) Xiomara Castro Answer: (b) Explanation: Honduran President Juan Orlando Herndndez has been sworn-in for a second term n capital Tegucigalpa with high security after a disputed presidential election 2017. President Hernandez, has been in power since 2013, and is the first president in Honduran running for a second term after the country's Supreme Court lifted a ban on re-election. It must be noted that, the country's 1982 constitution bars presidents from seeking a new term and conservative politicians deposed a leftist president in 2009 for allegedly even considering re- election. But, Hernandez won a Supreme Court ruling in 2015 to get around that prohibition Who has been elected as the new President of Finland? (2) Tuula Haatainen (b) Sauli Niinisto (c) Laura Huhtasaari (d) Pekka Heavisto Answer: (b) Explanation: Sauli Niinisto, the current President of Finland, has won the 2018 Finnish presidential election on January 28, 2018. He won his second 6-year term with an overwhelming 62.7% of the vote. His closest rival, Pekka Haavisto of the Greens of Finland, secured just 12.4% votes. The term will from Ast March 2018 to 1 March 2024. Mr. Niinisto, who is in office since 2012, is known for cultivating good relations with his Russian counterpart Viadimir Putin. During his first term, Mr. Niinisto was instrumental in maintaining relations with Moscow, despite the country backing western economic sanctions against Russia over its HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwiimigk com. 65Finland, which shares 1,340 km border anda difficult history with Russia, has also developed closer ties with NATO but stopped short of full membership in line with a tradition of avoiding confrontation with Russia, The 2018 Data Privacy Day (DPD) is observed on which date? (a)January30 (b)anuary31 (c)January29 (d)January28 Answer: (d) Explanation: ‘The Data Privacy Day (DPD)is observed every year on January 28 to raise awareness and promote privacy and date protection best practices. It is an effort to empower people to protect their privacy, control their digital footprint and escalate the protection of privacy and dataaseveryone's priority. Which country has become the world's largest steel! producer in 2017, as per latest report published by WorldStee! Association (wsa)? (a)lapan (b)South Korea (c) United States (a)china Answer: (a) Explanation: China has remained the world's largest steel producer in 2017 by producing 831.7 million tonnes (MT), according to a latest report published by World Steel Association (WSA). Japan has acquired 2nd position while India overtook the US to become the world's 3rd —_— largest steel producer. India's crude steel production grew by 6.2% to 101.4 MT in 2017 compared to 95.5 MT in 2016. The Global steel production reached 1,691.2 MT for the year 2017, up by 5.3% compared to 2015 when the output was 1,606.3 MT, The WSA is one of the largest industry associations in the world. Its members represent approximately 85% of the world’s steel production, including over 160 steel producers with 9 of the 10 largest steel companies, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. What is the theme of the 2018 World Leprosy Day(WLD)? (2) zero Child Leprosy (b) Leprosy defeats, Live transform ()zero Disabilitiesin girlsand boys (d)Toliveistohelp tolive Answer: (c) Explanation The World Leprosy Day (WLO) is observed every year on the last Sunday of January to support those suffering from leprosy and educate those taking care of people suffering from thisdisease. This year, in 2018, it falls on 28 January and its theme is Zero Disabilities in Girlsand Boys'. Leprosy isone of the oldest | ee = oe wi pa HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwiimigk com. 66infectious chronic disease that targets the nervous system, especially the nerves in the cooler parts of the body ~ the hands, feet, and face. Which country has recently joined ‘Ashgabat agreement? (2)india (b)China (c)|sraet (a)iraq Answer: (a) Explanation: India has recently joined Ashgabat Agreement on the establishment of an International Transport and Transit Corridor between the Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The agreement was signed in April 2011, which envisages facilitation of transit and transportation of goods between Central Asia andthe Persian Gulf, India'saccession to the agreement will come into force on February 3, 2018, The Ashgabat agreement is a Multimodal transport agreement between Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and India for creating an international transport and transit corridor facilitating transportation of ;oods between Central Asia and the Persian OSES Gull. Which country has launched the worid's longest zip line? (2)Oman (b) UAE (c) France (4) China Answer: (b) Explanation: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the world's longest zip Line “Jebel Jais Flight ” in Res al-Khaimah. The 2.83km zip line allows thrill seekers to jump from the peak off the UAE's highest mountain “Jebel dais’, The Jebel Jals Flight zip line launches from 1,680m above sea level, at the peak of the Jebel Jais Mountain. Ras al-khaimah currently gets 1 million tourist visitors a year and aims to drive 100,000 of them to use the zip line. It was recently awarded the Guinness World Record for wor'd’s longest zip line. KAZAKHSTAN BHUTAN HSM CSS Times (Digital Magazine) | February 2018 | For Free Download: wwwilmigk com. 67(a) Marin Citic (b) Novak Djokovic (c)Rafael Nadal (d) Roger Federer Answer: (d) Explanation Roger Federer, a Swiss professional tennis player, has won the 2018 men's Singles title in the Australian Open 2018. He successfully defended his title by defeating 6th seeded Marin Cilic of Croatia by 6-2,6-7, 6-3 3-6, 6-1. With this, Federer won his sixth title at the Australian Open equalling the record held by Roy Emerson and Novak Djokovic. The win has brought the Swiss to the elite group of Margaret Court, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf. the onlyplayers to have won 20 or more Grand Slam singlestitles. (a) Caroline Wozniack (b)Serena Williams (c) Elina Svitolina (d)SimonaHalep Answer:(a) Explanation: Caroline Wozniack, a Danis! professional tennis player, has wor the 2018 women's Singles title ir the Australian Open 2018. Wit this, she became the first Danis (Digital Magazine) | player to win a Grand Slam singles title by defeating Simona Halep in the final by 7-6, 3-6,6-4 (a) Australia (b) New Zealand (c) Pakistan (4) India Answer: (d) Explanation: India has won the 12th edition of ICC Under- 19 Cricket World Cup 2028 after thrashing Australia in the final by eight wickets at bay oval at Mount Maunganui in New Zealand on February 3. With this win, India has lifted the ICC Under-19 World Cup for the record "5 | For Free Download: www imigk com 68fourth time, India's star batsman Manjot Kalra led his team to the victory as he made brilliant unbeaten century riding on 8 fours and 3 sixes. He was adjudged Man of the Match and Shubman Gill Manof the Series, Who has won the 2018 women's singles Indonesia Masters badminton tournament? (@)Caroline Marin (b)TaiTzu-ying (c)SainaNehwal (d)P.V. Sindhu Answer: (b) Explanation: Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan has won the 2018 women's singles Indonesia Masters badminton tournament by defeating Saina Nehwal in the final by 9-21, 13-21 in Jakarta. With this win, Tai Tzu has now defeated the former world No.1 nine timesin their last 10 meetings. ‘Which country has won the 30th edition of the Hopman Cup tournament 2018? fa) France (b) Germany (c)Spain srla 0 RS Answer: (d) Explanation: Switzerland has won the 30th edition of the Hopman Cup tournament 2018 at the Perth ‘Arena in Perth, Australia, tis their 3rd third Hopman Cup title as Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic beat Germany's Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber 4-3 (3), 4-2 in the deciding mixed doubles, to secure a 2-1 victory in Perth. It was Federer's second Hopman Cup triumph after victory in 2001 alongside Martina Hingis. Elina Svitolina has won the 2018 women's singles Brisbane International tournament. ‘Shehails from which country? (a) Switzerland (b) Ukraine (c) Belarus (d) France Answer: (b) Explanation: Elina Svitolina, @ Ukrainian professional tennis player, has won the 2018 women’s singles Brisbane International tournament in Brisbane, Australia on January 6, 2018. she beat Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 6-1 in the final to winher 10th title onthe women’s elitetour. Which country's team has won the Sth edition of Blind Cricket World Cup 2018? (a) Pakistan (b) Bangladesh (¢)Sritanka (a) IndiaExplanation: Indian cricket team has won the Sth edition of Blind Cricket World Cup 2018 by defeating Pakistanin the final by two wickets at Sharjah in United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this, India has retained the World Cup for the Blind. In the final, Pakistan batted first and managed to score 308/8 after being putinto bat by India. India chased down the target of 309 with 16 ballstospare to clinch thettle. Jo Jo White, the renowned basketball player has passed away. He hailed from which country? (a) France (b)United states (c) United Kingdom (a)Germany Answer: (b) Explanation: Joseph Henry (Iolo) White (7:1), an American professional basketball player, has passed away in Boston, Massachusetts on January 16, 2018. White was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. Asa professional, he is best known for his ten-year stint with the Boston Celtics of the NBA, where he led the team towards two NBA championships and set a franchise recordof 488 consecutive games played < a Which country to hostthe 6th edition of ICC ‘Women's World Twenty20 2018? (a) Australia (b) England () New zealand (4) West indies Answer: (d) Explanation: The 2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20 will be hosted by West Indies from 9 to 24 November 2018. The preliminary round matches will be held at the Guyana National Stadium and Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia, while Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua and Barbuda will stege the tiwosemi- finals and the final. Hosts Windies will defend the title they won with an eight- wicket victory over Australia in Kolkata in 2016.Explanation: Actor Sterling K Brownhas created history by becoming the first African-American to win Golden Globe for best actor in a drama television series for his role as Randall (a) United states Pearson on NBC's breakout hit “This Is Us" (b) France He won the award at the 75th Annual Golden (italy Globe Awards (AGGA-2018) at Beverly Hills (d)israel in California on January 8, 2018. Elizabeth Moss has won the Golden Globe trophy in Best Drama Actress TV category for her performance in “The Handmaids Tale”. Actor Nicole Kidman won the award for the Best Actress in a Limited Series at the event for her work on “Big Little Lies” bs and took the (a) Aziz Ansari opportunity (b) Ewan McGregor to speak out (c) Sterling Brown against (d) Alexander Skarsgard abuse. Answer: (c) ‘Answer: (a) Explanation: Rachel Morrison, an American cinematographer, has been nominated for the 90th Academy Awards 2018 for her work in the film 'Mudbound’. With this, she has become the first female cinematographer to receive an Oscar nomination in the 89-year oldhistory of the Awards. (Digital Magazine) | | For Free Download: wawiimak com 7css. 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