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THE LEADING CURRENT AFFAIRS JOURNAL
PMS & Other Competitive Exams
* Chinese BRI & CPEC Khan's Innings in UNGA
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THE LEADING CURRENT AFFAIRS SOUR
o ibeugurted the steer vistce border el
Panja’s Gurdnpur date o Kartarpur in Paliatans Raroory district, where one ofthe nen” a
ofthe Sth relgon the Gurdwara Darbar Saito neat Gru Nanak, the founder of ti
feign, spent fhe lat 18 eae of He le ne apes ee shrine was built after he ga
the indian side ofthe border The reas pilgrims fo use the Kartarpur corader neni
Indian Prine Minister Manes Sega Singh, the chief minister of ind
tnd 150 nian porlamentarons iaaet phmainder Sin Narendra Modi and his Pakistani
including the UK and Canada, also visited for the cela
the
fron
me
the shrine had to obtain a Pakist
@ Gircuitous route that often took them to Lahore cit
tense relationship between India and Pakistan . wt
difficult for a deal to be reached. The two countries
the woe 2008; but these talks never led to anyt
the wake of soaring tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours
In his speech atthe event, Mr Khan called for eac
Wine also highlighting the grim situation in India-held Kashi
Teurpt able to cross over from India daily to ver the shrine in
(Qusism has great potential to promote eople-to-
People contacts in the subcontinent. Pakistanis home
te ant? significant Sikh shrines in Hace Abdal, Lahore,
be adopted to let
foreign visitors pay respects
regime. Similarly ie
mir. Through the corridor, 5,000 visitors
Pakistan without a visa. Indeed, religious
and lit
Hite: lowever, it takes two to tango and
wanting to pay their respects
in dificult
The chill in bilateral relations has resulted
vs wanting to visit the dargah of t
8 well as the
the Kashmir issu
that a just solu
Indias ny cotion to the Kas
Pursuit of pea,
Tegion’s
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an help break the f ‘ iy L D
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pNOA $2 SEU NJEIED
THE LEADING CURRENT AFFAIRS JOURNAL
Len Oy
ree ed
A Word from the
¢ Omnipotent, The Omnipresent and The Omni-Benevolent for the
19 of choosing me for this endeavor.
who gave us their positive feedback on the previous
n due course of time and will surely guide us
azine. Secondly, I feel honored and humbled
ie magazine. Following endeavors are made while the course of
uc into your hands: a) every effort is made to improve the quality of illustrations, graphics,
and color effects as per the suggested parameters; and, b) the inclusion of topics in this issue is
based on the consen: editorial team keeping in view the relevance and importance of issues
expected in CSS/PMS examination, 2020. I am sure that this issue will help all aspirants in bringing
their best in the examination hall
to you the new issue of
is
Thave a firm belief that thi clearing the whole paper of Current Affairs by relying solely
on this magazine. Furthermore, the special features and info-graphic sections will help the readers to
gain a competitive edge in all the subjects; especially, an extensive databank for Essay, Pakistan Affairs
and International Relations. I will specially like to thank all contributors of this issue and invite articles
from any potential contributor. In the end, I take this opportunity to seek your feedback and valuable
suggestions, which will definitely go a long way in improving the quality of the contents and producing
much better next issue. I am indebted to Mr. Farid ullah Khan (Editor-in-Chief) for his fatherly and Mr.
Muhammad Tahir (Assistant Editor) for his brotherly support and booster to the team of NOA
Publications. INSHALLAH! NOA Publications will soon be skiing high in pursuit of excellence in area of
academic publications.
Finally, I wish all aspirants of CSS/PMS, 2020 a splendid journey ahead and pray that this effort at our
1e your undertakings. Wish you all best of luck.
end help you gain a competitive edge in
Hassan Ali Gondal
Editor
NOA’s Contemporary Affairs (BRI)
& Significance of CP:
ARCH DESK
BY: NOA PUBLICATIONS’ RE
* CHINA - A CATALYST OF SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION
China has emerged as « catalyst of South-South Cooperation (SSC)
engagement with Asia and Africa. SSC as a concept wee me Se
Prebisch, in his report to the first United Nations Conferenec on Toon
argued in support of increased South-South, trode, inchonn
policy for development. Late, the United Nations established the Uni for Soutle Sern eas
Promote South-South trade and collaboration within its agencies thereby consolidating the term SSC.
It is now commonly used by policymakers and academics to describe the seating ie term SSC
technology, and knowledge between developing countries, also known ae corn tn ge ot FeseMees
The resurgence has not only brought SSC on the word sage aoa bee cla Sou
possibilities and potentialities of the rise of the South. These developments fence ere
Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provided a platform for the developing countries to shared
progress and development
= & TANTAMOUNT OF GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY
BRI has the support of international, regional and sub-regional institutions which removes the long
standing barrier of financing the projects of advancing SSC. For instance, the UN backed this trans
national corridor project in the UNSC Resolution 2344 which calls on all the countries to strengthen
the process of regional economic cooperation through regional development initiatives such as the Silk
Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative’. International Monetary Fund
due to its positive economic
‘d by Argentine economist Raul
and Development (UNCTAD). He
8 through preferential regional and NOW'S Comamsoree
‘N's Contemporary World
ae
and the Silk Road Fund are also financing the BRI
initiative. BRI has six corridors: New Eurasian Land
Bridge; China-Mongolia-Russia; Bangladesh China,
India-Myanmar Corridor; China-Pakistan Economie
Corridor (CPEC); China-Indochina Peninsula Economic
Corridor; and China-Central Asia West-Asia Economic
Corridor. It stretches over three continents Asia Afieg
and Europe ~ and is now extending to Latin American
| Going INTERNATIONAL } ——
CPEC
ADream Come True
aa aera countries. BRI's flagship project, CPEC is developing fast and has become a case study
to assess the prospects of BRI as a project of S8C,
+ 4 MODEL OF TRANSITION FROM DEPENDENCY TO INDEPENDENCY
Such an ambitious project needs a wel
roadmap to connect with other developing,
Sine aireere ee cena’s National Development and Reforms Commission ancl Minietry of Fercigs
A ee ree ea the blueprint of BRI, Visions and Actions on Jointly Building the Sill Reel Econonne
eee eal Haremtaty Maritime Silk’ Road’. The publication bears far-reachine implicetons om the
rane Go Use eee ste Dntotta foe (he Soutls is an atimation of staying anagiicml any act
similar to ihe traditional intrusiveness of the North. BRI encourages developine cocatin: te fellon bets
"AN INVESTMENT-GRANT-LOAN MODEL FOR SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION
The factors which impeded the progress of SSC can be
broadly classified into two categories, the one which
stemmed from the lack of interest of and shortcomings of the
South, and the other which resulted from not serving the
rich countries of the North. Although these two factors are
intertwined, it is generally believed that if the South works
{or addressing its own shortcomings and challenges, a great
deal of progress can be achieved towards advancing SSC. On
the part of the South, the lack of effective actions which
Could yield to tangible outcomes has been a major stumbling
eT
“vuseeChina had been an important
partner of South for many years and its
BRI initiative was very well received at
the headquarters in New York. China
provided support to SSC and the
initiative of BRIis but one example.......”
ee
block. Being an investment-grant-loan model, BRI promises economic equality, Suitability to each
conse investment needs and economic environment, inclusive applicability and, above all the
comma AUS of all the stakeholders. Indeed, it is opening new vistas of cooperation among developing
conta €S: Assistant Director of the United Nations Office of SSC, Adam Roger, acknowledging Cline e
efforts in advancing cooperation among the developing countries of the world stated that ‘China had
ican, important partner of South for many years and its BRI initiative was very well received at the
headquarters in New York. China provided Support to SSC and the initiative of BRI is but one example’
* POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUBSTANTIVE. ADVANCES
Four broad measures need to be taken to make substantive advances in BRI ic, establishment of a
coun tual model; cooperation of participating countries; commitment to the progress of developing
“cuntries and institutional cooperation and ample financing and institutional support at multiple,
January, 2020 J _{ Going INTERNATIONAL -
itiative, BRI has the potential to rekindle
ark increased economic integration, Althoug®
ma recurring theme in the global discoursd’”
{ could yield the political and economic liber *
seiPreliance of the Soun” Moe been the North's overarching control ene
yr obstacles a 1g incapacities to address its ow? shortcomings. The Tene
nd the South's incaFeig seems to be undoing the strictures imposed on thes
mong developing ovr, China’s ascendency as an economic power to andy
by design. In this analyze Beijing’s policies and Projets
m investment in Asia a ge to
'd Africa has set the stage ; ;
a es cite maplementation peePEC, Beijing adhered to the five principles of peace ang
inculcating SSC.
d avenues for al
mpieiveness of the North. It generated hope an tering
shunned the traditional inirosterd brightened the prospects of BRI to a great extent. If the spirit of
economic landscape in Paldsta ‘yould continue to brighten the prospects of SSC-
jperation” t
Osis [515119] 8
and sub-regional level. AS @ patiy §
ts of developing countries Ant re
Geveloping countries has
e South nor it
regional
commitment
cooperation among
neither resulted in
the South. The majo
international system
economic cooperation
before, be it by default 0}
ged by the Chinese under
spires to
CPEC is one of the six corridors envisas
President Xi Jinping for the regional connectivity that asi
bring together three billion people across the continents of Asia,
‘Africa. and Europe through a network of roads, railways and
pipelines. The BRI is a new version of the old Silk Road, but on an
industrial scale, that would provide connectivity between the regions
that could possibly serve as an integrating platform to transform lives
and living standards through increased trade, investments and
financial flows. On a more optimistic note, it might also serve as a
catalyst for the conflicts that infest these regions. be |
In what can be a game changer for Pakistan, CPEC is cited as 2 [> Siti Aare
flagship project of BRI and a success story out of all the six corridors (aN aq fesags1 514
by the Chinese themselves. The confidence is not groundless. Of the
39 ‘early harvest’ projects envisaged under the first phase of CPEC,
many projects have been completed or are near completion. Having
had the taste of the ‘ow hanging fruit’, both Pakistan and China are
now looking to move into the second phase of the CPEC project
including construction of Special Economic Zones and transfer of
technology. During the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to
Beijing, both countries have now agreed to enhance their cooperation
in a wide range of areas encompassing trade and economy, science
and technology, agriculture, poverty alleviation, innovation, drug
twafficking and establishment of joint research center on’ earth
sciences. The long-term plan for CPEC has also been released and is
now a public document,
ee id
oN a ‘CONGRESS
ot iain
‘CHINESE PREMIER
‘Para a
While the contract for CPEC was signed in February 2013 by form
president Asif Zardari, the project was formally launched in’ Apel
2015 by the PML (N) government of Nawaz Sharif. The project aims
at construction of a network of roads, rail and pipelines in Pakista:
that would reduce the distance from Shanghai to China's western
regions of Xinjiang from 4500 km to just 2,800 km from Gwadar Port
at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, to
Kashgar. Based entirely on investments, loans and grants by the
Chinese government, the initial portfolio of CPEC projects was
$47.96 billion, spread out between energy and infrastructure
projects: $34.18 billion for energy projects (IPP financing mode)
$4.18 billion concessional loan for transport and infrastructure
projects, $8.21 billion loan for rail network, and $48 million grant for
other projects, including Gwadar City Master Plan. As of 2018, the
total cost for CPEC projects has gone up to between $62 billion, and
(BB January, 2020 NOA’s Contemporary World Going INTERNATIONAL |-
‘The CPEC project is based on a four pronged approach: Construction of infrastructure and special
economic zones (SEZs); setting up energy projects; development of Gwadar Port; and setting up of fibre
optics connection across the Karakoram between Pakistan and China’s western regions. Despite all the
controversies surrounding the project in the media, Pakistan and China have successfully completed
phase one of the CPEC project. Of the three planned road alignments between Gwadar and Kashgar:
eastern, central and western, the most critically important and difficult task of the construction of
several sections along the western route through the underdeveloped provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkkhwa
and Baluchistan have been completed and opened to public
17 priority energy projects which have begun operation include several power plants which have helped
to relieve electricity shortages in major industrial cities. Port Qasim, the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower
Plant and the Sahiwal Coal Power Project are examples of intensive construction and completion.
Gwadar Master City Plan is in full swing and construction of 4 berths at the Gwadar Port has been
completed, and China has already started shipping through Gwadar. China's state-owned shipping and
logistics services Supplier Company dispatched its first ever commercial shipment to UAE in March
2018. While there are plans to construct 9 more berths and increase the depth of the port, the long term
CPEC plan calls for a total of 100 berths to be built by 2045,
CPEC alone will not be the solution to all of Pakistan’s problems, or for that matter those in other
immediate regions. The vision of CPEC not only points to a transformed future for Pakistan, but a vehicle
that can be used to help move towards a much sought peace and prosperity at home and in the
surrounding and broader regions through a surge of trade, investments and financial flows, increased
people to people contacts, enhanced competitiveness of the economies, better living standards and
reduced regional disparities.
In a world that is rapidly being
transformed by visions of geo- FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT
economic inter-dependence, regional ENHANCED IN BECAUSE OF
and cross continental connectivity,
CrEc
CPEC is swiftly emerging as a pivot
that can help shrink distances and
transform economic connectivity and
regional cooperation that can have
far-reaching positive implications not
only for Pakistan and China, but also
for the regions of South, Central and
West Asia and beyond. Many of the
CPEC projects are now open for third
party investments, especially as
Pakistan and China now move into
the second phase of the project with
the construction of nine industrial
zones. ce P
As a close ally to Pakistan, Turkey 2
has also to benefit from CPEC
considering the fact that Turkey is a
founding member of the China
Proposed Asian Infrastructure
Investment Bank. Turkey itself has i pret eeH
also expressed a desire to become a eal MALAYS| ign
part of the CPEC project. With all the $6 31 7 $1 07 $6 4
necessary ingredients already in .
Place to plug into the CPEC lion cer Vion
infrastructure and other projects,
already
Turkey and Iran, are :
connected by a vital rail and road link that needs to be upgraded and revived. Most importantly, Turkey's
location as a bridge between Asia and Europe would serve to strengthen the vision of CPEC for greater
inter and intra-regional connectivity. A broader ECO collaboration on CPEC would perhaps be a perfect
forum to revive this integration
A's Contemporary World
ee
January, 2020 ,
BY: MS. SADDAF QAYYUM
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and
Iran have been trapped into a long-
standing cold strife, which has seen
many war theatres. The Middle East
has become a more combustible region
with the two powers with diverging
ideologies questing for supremacy. This
protracted rivalry has always been
disguised with religious divide;
however, both the parties are very well
motivated by political and economic
reasons. These reasons have dragged a
number of states to the verge of
destruction and massive humanitarian
crisis. Another unique feature of this
region, which complicates the conflict
is the ability of local issues to transcend
boundaries. The region is a paradox: it is sharply divided, yet intricately united. The division is on the
basis of religious sectarianism and unity is in the acceptance of ideologies. Any conflict anywhere in the
Middle East triggers a region-wide chain reaction. One glaring example is the Arab Spring, which
originated in Tunisia and spread all across the region. At this juncture, the possibility of an armed
escalation between two arch-rivals (KSA and Iran) is riper than ever.
= GEO-STRATEGIC RIVALRY ~ THE LONGSTANDING BAD BLOOD
‘The centre of gravity in Middle East has shifted from ISIS to Iran. Iranian proxies are strengthening their
foothold across the periphery: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. The most embroiling among them is the
issue of Yemen where the Houthis are pitted against a weakened central government. It has become @
focal point for the Iranian-Saudi rivalry. Iran almost certainly supports the Houthis militarily and
economically. Whereas, Riyadh is backing the government. Both the countries exploit the Sunni-Shie
fault line to move their agendas. However, it actually is a political tug of war for enhancing influence.
This year marks the 5" dreading year of death, turmoil, and instability in the region's poorest nation.
‘The war in Yemen has been exceedingly costly for the involved powers and it has devastated the 60
million civilian population, which lacks access to basic necessities: food, shelter and medicine. This
conflict has been exacerbated by the recent Houthi militant attack on Saudi Armco oil facilities. It led t@
a 5% strain in the world oil market.
= IRAN BACKED HOUTHIS - A POTENTIAL THREAT TO SAUDI ARABIA
Middle East in notoriously known as a breeding ground for armed militias. One of them are Iran backed
Houthi rebels, which have emerged stronger than ever. They are equipped with sophisticated tactical
weapons and precision missiles. They have a strong, undeniable presence in the country; whereas, the
central government lacks control over large strips of its territories and population. Houthis operate as
virtual state; state within a state. This situation of weak states haring with robust non-state actor invites
foreign intervention and meddling. Hence, KSA and Iran pull the strings. However, there is another
January, 2020 NOA\s Contempor: | Going INTERNATIONAL |
imminent factor which is to be noted. These non-state actors work both ways:
as proxies, and as independent entities. The recent example is the attack on
ci oil facilities, which was immediately claimed by Houthi rebels and was
instantly denied by Tehran. A number of states including Riyadh blamed
Tehran for orchestrating the attack via Houthi rebels. The sittation is becewtn
trickier a8 no one certainly knows who is behind any attack. There ea fae
possiblity of Houthis doing this on their own, which they elaiin they did. Ty
is the third such attack on Saudi oil, which is alarming, It significe that the
Houthis are capable of inflicting much more damage than anticipated. So,
Middle East is eae more miscalculated move away of being combusted. The
lack of trust and effective communication has zion
combustible than ever in the recent memory. ee 2-2]
» INCREASING ATTACKS IN THE PERSIAN GULF
Persian Gulf accounts for almost 50% of world's hydrocarbon reserves. It is one of the most important
region in the world. Strait of Hormuz, which in an important chokepoint, comes under the jurisdiction
of Iran. Iran has a strategic edge due to Strait of Hormuz. However, the recent escalations in the Persian
Gulf have sparked the bedevilled relationships between Iran, KSA and United States. Iran along with
chipping away from compliance of its nuclear deal, has seized oil tankers in the Gulf, shot down US
drones, and has attacked commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has also been crowned for
the attack on Armco Saudi oil facility. All of these circumstances have exacerbated the strain in relation
of Iran with the West, Middle East specifically the GCC bloc,
* POSSIBILITY OF AN ALLIANCE AND ATTACK AGAINST IRAN
‘The role of United States is undeniable in the unarmed-Armageddon between Riyadh and Tehran .The
predecessors of Mr. Trump were reluctant to completely tilt on either of the side, despite of the fact that
they equally despised Iran. However, Donald Trump has chosen the Saudi side. He has warned Iran of
severe sanctions and strong retaliation, Furthermore, John Bolton and Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo,
are trying to forge alliances against Iran. One such pact is Middle East strategic alliance or Arab NATO
(which is still in the making), Kurdish militias in the northwest of Iran with whom Washington has
ten cultivated deep ties. Similarly, Israel, KSA, UAE and USA
nexus is gravitating in a bid to isolate Iran. Iran, on the
other hand, is also suspicious of Islamic Military
Counterterrorism Coalition (IMCTC), because it is not a part
of it. It is led by KSA and militarily supported by Pakistan.
‘Tehran deem it as an anti-Iran alliance. This claim is denied
several times by Pakistan equating the coalition as a
protective body for Ummah. However, war is the last thing
any actor wants. The dislike of Mr. Trump for war has been
evident in his actions. Similarly, Riyadh is bogged down in
‘a number of domestic affairs. For instance, the issue of
murder of Jamal Khasoggi is to linger on the house of Saud
for quite some time. Vision 2030 initiative and government's
yearn to diversify economic activity in the non-oil sectors
does not allow Riyadh to engage in direct confrontation with
‘Tehran. However, it wants to contain Iran by other means.
‘Similarly, Iran is not in a position to ablaze its economy for
the proxies which bring sanctions and trade deficit. These
two rivals lack effective communication channels to anchor
in Persian Gulf, which is the dire need of time.
‘Saudi Arabia
Cea
thecal: |
* IMPLICATIONS OF THIS STRIFE. ON REGIONAL ACTORS
on rather it is a clash of ideologies and quest for supremacy.
‘hich affects the region and world proportionally. The
fhe region sharply into Shiite and Sunni blocs, which
‘ding ground for sectarian based extremist groups
peace i
The war in Yemen is not just an Armagedd
The wars in Middle East have seismic fallouts, w!
tug of war between Riyadh and Tehran polarizes th
brings a witch's brew of problems. It provides bree
—— ~ January, 2020
NONTG
NOA's Contemporary World _| Going INTERNATIONAL f =
inflicting death an,
Middle Bast is aire,"
for weak state structa’ i
transitions occur!
simultaneously. All these
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