June Final Magazine - Compressed

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Publishers
CSS TIMES
June 2023
Current Affairs
MCQs
May 2023
PAKISTAN'S FOOD CRISIS OVERVIEW

Pak China Relations
Beijing to "Further Deepen and Expand" Ties, Support Pak "Financial Stability"
Pak India Relations
Prisoner Exchange: Hope Amidst Disillusionment
Pak Iran Relations
Mand-Pishin Border Sustenance Marketplace
World Press Freedom Index 2023

The 2023 Census of Pakistan
Pakistan's Rank 150/180
Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Bill 2023 World Energy Investment 2023 Report
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CSS Times Pak-India Relations 03
Prisoner Exchange: Hope Amidst Disillusionment

Pakistan has released 198 fishermen who confidence-building measures between the
were arrested by their armed forces for two countries. However, the process faced
violating Pakistan's international borders. This challenges after the Mumbai attacks, and
action is commendable and demonstrates prisoners continued to be incarcerated
Pakistan's commitment to not politicize despite completing their sentences. In May
humanitarian matters. Pakistan's Foreign 2008, a consular access agreement was
Minister, Bhutto Zardari, expressed this signed to ensure timely access and
sentiment in a tweet, emphasizing the repatriation of prisoners, but its
importance of compassion over politics. implementation suffered.
Pakistan's Approach to Foreign Policy
Despite tensions with India, Pakistan's
participation in the SCO-CFM in India last
month reflects the responsible approach
Pakistan is taking towards its foreign policy.
Pakistan has consistently strived for a
peaceful and stable region.
The 2005 Prisoner Exchange and Consular
Access Agreement
In 2005, Pakistan and India conducted one of Suspension of Bus Service and Mumbai
the largest prisoner exchanges at the Wagah- Attacks
Attari border. This exchange was part of As part of confidence-building measures, a
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CSS Times Pak-India Relations 04
bus service was launched in 2005 to allow journalists, where he discussed Kashmir,
divided families in Kashmir to meet. However, irritated the BJP leadership, who believed that
the service was frequently suspended bilateral issues should not be raised in a
following skirmishes or attacks. In April 2020, multilateral forum. Bhutto-Zardari's demand
India unilaterally suspended trade, leading to for India to revert to its pre-August 2019
the complete suspension of the bus service. position in Kashmir and his warning about
The Mumbai attacks in 2008 marked a turning Pakistan's response to the G20 meeting held
point for India, shaping the perception of in Srinagar escalated tensions. India's External
Pakistan as a harbinger of terrorism. Affairs Minister responded harshly, accusing
Pakistan of diplomatically exposing itself and
demanding Pakistan vacate Kashmir.
Dashed Hopes and Diplomatic Clashes
Prospects for the resumption of diplomatic
ties were shattered when Bhutto-Zardari
stated that it would only happen if India
reversed its position on Kashmir before
August 2019. He condemned India for
hosting a G20 meeting in Srinagar and
warned of a strong response during the
event. India's External Affairs Minister,
Foreign Minister Bhutto's Risky Journey Subramanian Jaishankar, responded harshly,
When Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accusing Pakistan of weaponizing terrorism
traveled to Goa for the Shanghai Cooperation and demanding its withdrawal from Kashmir.
Organisation (SCO) summit, he took a SCO's Transformation into an India-
significant political risk. In Pakistan, the trial Pakistan Arena
of those accused in the Mumbai attacks
remained unresolved. The case had seen The SCO, originally a platform for economic
three prosecutors changed since 2009, with cooperation, unexpectedly turned into a
one being murdered and another dying of a battleground for India and Pakistan. The
heart attack. Inconsistencies in pursuing mutual hostility between the two nations
Mumbai attack-related cases did not escape overshadowed discussions on regional and
New Delhi's attention. economic integration, emphasizing how their
enmity had rendered the South Asian
Tensions at the Summit Association for Regional Cooperation
During the SCO summit, Foreign Minister (SAARC) redundant.
Bhutto-Zardari faced intense scrutiny. His past A Choice for the Future
remarks about Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, coupled with his defense of India and Pakistan now face a crucial choice.
Pakistan's stance on Kashmir, rankled the They can either join the global community's
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP criticized focus on regional and economic integration
Bhutto-Zardari's attendance at the summit, or continue to undermine their own potential.
while political commentators urged him to Presently, innocent fishermen and divided
raise the Kashmir issue. The foreign minister's families, who pose no threat to either nation's
announcement of the release of 600 Indian security, bear the brunt of self-proclaimed
fishermen as a goodwill gesture failed to ease patriotism.
tensions.
Escalation of Tensions and Diplomatic
Confrontation
Bhutto-Zardari's interviews with Indian
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June 2023
CSS Times Worlds Reports 05
Global Report
on Food Crises
2023
The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC)
for 2023 reveals that the number of people
suffering from acute food insecurity has
increased, with over 258 million people
across 58 countries and territories facing
acute hunger.
About the Report:
Global Report on Food Crisis is an annual
report to achieve a consensus-based
assessment of acute food insecurity in the What is FSIN?
world A global initiative co-sponsored by Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO), World
Released by
Food Programme (WFP), and International
Food Security Information Network (FSIN)
Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) to
and Global Network against Food Crises strengthen food and nutrition security
(GNAFC) information systems for producing reliable
Key Highlights and accurate data to guide analysis and
The number of people experiencing acute decision-making.
food insecurity increased for the fourth What is GNAFC?
consecutive year in 2022 An alliance of humanitarian and
Key drivers: development actors founded by the
Economic shocks (including due to COVID-19 European Union, FAO, and WFP in 2016 to
and Ukraine War), Conflict/insecurity, prevent, prepare for and respond to food
Weather/Climate extremes, etc. crises and support the Sustainable
What is Acute Food Insecurity? Development Goal to End Hunger (SDG 2)
It refers to a situation where a person's or Pakistan's Food crisis overview
household's access to adequate food and In the last quarter of 2022, the number of
nutrition is severely limited, resulting in a people in Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or
high risk of starvation or death. above)
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reached 8.6 million in rural districts of the
three analysed provinces of Pakistan as one of
Article Related MCQs
the worst monsoon floods in years caused Who releases the Global Report on
devastation in the agricultural and livestock Food Crises?
sectors. Of these people, 5.2 million were in (a) World Health Organization (WHO)
nine districts of Sindh, 1.8 million in seven (b) Food Security Information Network
districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 1.6 (FSIN) and Global Network against
million in 12 districts of Balochistan. Food Crises (GNAF(C)
When comparing the September 2022 IPC (c) United Nations Development
analysis with the previous one that took place Programme (UNDP)
in October 2021, an additional 4 million (d) World Food Programme (WFP)
Answer: (b)
people faced high levels of acute food
What is the definition of acute food
insecurity largely due to the impact of floods insecurity?
on food production, prices and livelihoods (a) Limited access to food due to
(IPC, January 2022; economic shocks
IPC, December 2022). (b) Severe limitation in access to
adequate food and nutrition, risking
starvation or death
(c) Temporary shortage of food due to
weather extremes
(d) Limited access to food caused by
conflict or insecurity
Answer: (b)
Which country experienced a severe
food crisis due to monsoon floods in
2022?
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Nigeria
(c) Somalia
(d) Pakistan
Answer: (d)
What were the key drivers of the
food crisis in Pakistan in 2022-23?
(a) Economic shocks, conflict/insecurity,
and weather/climate extremes
(b) Economic shocks, political
While this increase is partly due to greater instability, and trade restrictions
coverage by around 1.2 million people (with (c) Natural disasters, disease outbreaks,
three more districts analysed in Balochistan), and trade disruptions
(d) Conflict/insecurity, trade
the increase in severity, from 25 percent to 43
restrictions, and drought
percent, indicates a significantly deteriorating Answer: (a)
situation in all provinces, especially in Sindh, What was the estimated total
where five areas that were previously damage and loss in the agriculture
classified in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) shifted to sector in Pakistan due to the 2022
Emergency (IPC Phase 4). floods?
Overall, the share of the analysed population (a) USD 10 billion
in IPC Phase 3 increased from 19 percent to (b) USD 13 billion
30 percent, while the proportion in IPC Phase (c) USD 15 billion
4 increased from 6 percent to 13 percent (IPC, (d) USD 18 billion
December 2022). Answer: (b)
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June 2023
Acute food insecurity since 2017
Pakistan has been defined as a 'major' food
crisis since 2017 when over 50 percent of its
analysed population was in IPC Phase 3 or
above. In recent years, analyses were only
conducted for the most vulnerable areas
which often face natural and man-made
shocks. The analyses of 2017 and 2018 only
covered drought-affected areas of Sindh;
those of 2019 included Balochistan and
drought- affected areas of Sindh, while that
of 2020 only covered
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Since 2021, the
analyses have covered a number of rural
districts in all three provinces.
Drivers of the crisis, 2022–23
Weather extremes Even before Pakistan was
hit by the devastating monsoon floods in
mid-June and the end of August, heatwaves
in March and April, in conjunction with
fertilizer shortages and lack of irrigation
water, had affected 'Rabi' wheat crop yields infrastructure, may result in a contraction in
(FAO-GIEWS, October 2022) and lowered the area planted with a negative impact on
livestock production in most of the analysed
2023 production (FAO-GIEWS, October 2022).
districts (IPC, December 2022).
Economic shocks Strong domestic demand
Subsequently, flooding and landslides
and high global commodity prices – largely
brought widespread destruction, disrupting linked to COVID-19-related disruptions and
the lives and livelihoods of about 33 million the war in Ukraine – led to the largest current
people in five of six provinces. Around 4.4 account deficit in four years by the end of
million acres of agricultural land were June 2022. The currencydepreciated by 23.1
damaged, prompting the downward revision percent against the US dollar and inflation
of 2022 production forecasts for rice, maize, reached an average of 12.2 percent by the
sorghum and millet. Around 0.8 million end of June, an 11-year high (WB, October
livestock were estimated to have perished 2022). By August 2022, prices of wheat flour
(FAO, December 2022). were about 30 percent higher year-on-year
As of October 2022, over 7.9 million people and domestic prices of rice were at record
were still temporarily displaced and 589 000 levels (FAO-GIEWS, October 2022). Prices
people were living in camps (OCHA, October continued to increase until the end of the
2022). year and, by December 2022, the price of a
The total damage and loss in the agriculture basket of basic food items was 36 percent
sector was estimated at almost USD 13 higher year-on-year (WFP, January 2023).
billion, consisting mainly of crops (82 percent) A damage, loss and needs assessment
followed by livestock (17 percent) (FAO, estimated total flood damages to exceed USD
October 2022). 14.9 billion, and total economic losses to
The October–December planting of the 'Rabi' reach about USD 15.2 billion (WB, October
wheat crop was hampered in localized areas 2022). Due to higher domestic energy prices,
that were still under flood water. The loss or flood disruptions, high agricultural input
damage of agricultural inputs, including seed costs and the weaker rupee, inflation is
stocks, fertilizers, machinery and irrigation projected to rise to 23 percent in the year to
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June 2023
Which area is designated as a "Very
High Concern" area in terms of food
insecurity?
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Haiti
(c) Nigeria
(d) Pakistan
Answer: (d)
the end of June 2023 (WB, October 2022). What is the main concern regarding
Conflict/insecurity The analysed districts of Afghanistan's trade with Pakistan?
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were characterized by (a) Decreased food production in
poor security conditions and localized tribal Afghanistan
disputes in some areas that affected food (b) Security situation at the border
access and availability, and limited between the two countries
agricultural activities (IPC, December 2022). (c) Lack of political stability in
The increase in militant activities poses a Afghanistan
major challenge to the country in 2023 – and (d) Economic and political crisis in
to food access and availability (DW, Pakistan
December 2022; IFRC, January 2023). Answer: (d)
How many hunger spots across 22
Displacement
countries are identified in the
Refugees Pakistan has hosted Afghan
report?
refugees for more than 40 years (UNHCR, (a) 58
December (b) 81
(c) 104
(d) 126
Answer: (b)
Which countries remain at the
highest concern level in terms of
acute food insecurity? (a)
Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South
Sudan, and Yemen
(b) Haiti, Sudan, and Syria
(c) Congo, Kenya, and Mali
(d) Burkina Faso, Myanmar, and
Ethiopia
Answer: (a)
2022) – one of the largest displaced What is one of the recommendations
populations in the world – with the number mentioned in the report?
of arrivals increasing since the change of the (a) Strengthening national and
regime in August 2021. In 2022, there were an provincial disaster management
additional 28 500 asylum-seekers and 3 500 authorities
refugees (UNHCR, March 2023). An estimated (b) Reducing trade restrictions between
more than 3 million Afghans are living in countries
Pakistan (Refugee Response Plan, 2022), of (c) Increasing military presence in
whom onlyaround 1.35 million hold a Proof of hunger spots
(d) Implementing stricter immigration
Registration (PoR) card issued by the
policies
Government of Pakistan, giving them access Answer: (a)
to employment, education, health services,
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bank accounts and SIM cards. The 840 000
refugees who hold an Afghan Citizen Card
(ACC) have some protection but can face
deportation at any time, while the estimated
780 000 unregistered Afghan nationals do
not have any protection status and cannot
access services. At least 50 percent of the
more than 1.5 million ACC holders and
unregistered Afghans are categorized as
highly to extremely vulnerable to poverty
(HRP 2021, May 2021).
million from stunting. Post floods, UNICEF

expects this situation to have worsened
exponentially (UNICEF, January 2023). In
January 2023, around 4 million children were
still living near contaminated and stagnant
flood waters, which have caused diarrhoea,
malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, acute
respiratory infections and painful skin
conditions as well as malnutrition (UNICEF,
January 2023). Prior to this flooding, Critical
In addition, ACC holders and unregistered (IPC AMN Phase 4) levels of child wasting
Afghan nationals face multiple challenges in were recorded in eight out of nine analysed
ensuring their freedom of movement and districts of Sindh province where 636 000
accessing markets and services such as children under 5 years were estimated to be
employment, education, housing, suffering from wasting in April 2021–February
telecommunication, banking services and 2022. Of them, 126 000 were severely wasted.
healthcare (IOM, January 2023). Wasting in these provinces ranged from 15.2
IDPs As a result of the catastrophic flooding, percent to 26.4 percent (IPC, October 2021).
over 14 million people lost their homes or Pakistan Designated as a 'Very High Concern'
had their houses damaged, forcing many to Area in Food Insecurity
seek immediate shelter on roads and in Introduction: A new United Nations report,
makeshift camps. According to the Provincial titled "Hunger Hotspots: FAO-WFP Early
Disaster Management Authority of Sindh, Warnings on Acute Food Insecurity," jointly
over 240 000 people remained displaced in published by the Food and Agriculture
the province as of 3 December 2022, down Organization (FAO) and the World Food
from 6.5 million in early September. Nearly 90 Programme (WFP), warns that Pakistan is
percent of flood-displaced people were facing a severe food insecurity crisis. The
reportedly living with host communities, situation is expected to worsen in the coming
while the remaining are in tent cities and months due to economic and political
relief camps. Available data indicate that the challenges, compounded by the aftermath of
relief response to date has fallen well short of the 2022 floods.
need (OCHA, December 2022). Economic and Political Crisis: Amid a global
NUTRITION economic slowdown, Pakistan's mounting
In June–August 2022, about 1.6 million public debt has intensified the ongoing
children in flood-affected areas were financial crisis. The report highlights that
suffering from severe wasting and another 6 between April 2023 and June 2026, the
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June 2023
country needs to repay a significant continues to deteriorate. The security
external debt of $77.5 billion. This poses a situation in the border areas between the
major challenge considering Pakistan's two countries adds to the concern.
GDP of $350 billion in 2021. Political Recommendations and Concerns: The
instability and lagging reforms have also report calls for strengthening the capacity
hindered the release of a crucial new of national and provincial disaster
credit line from the International management authorities by incorporating
Monetary Fund (IMF) and additional forecast-based financing and risk
support from bilateral partners.
insurance into disaster management and
Implications of Political Crisis and Civil
contingency plans. It suggests enhancing
Unrest: The report predicts that the
political crisis and civil unrest will escalate the shock-responsive nature of existing
in anticipation of general elections social protection mechanisms, such as the
scheduled for October 2023. The growing Benazir Income Support Programme, to
insecurity in the northwest of the country facilitate effective anticipatory action and
further exacerbates the situation. A humanitarian response.
shortage of foreign reserves and a Global Hunger Hotspots: The report also
depreciating currency have diminished identifies 81 hunger spots across 22
Pakistan's capacity to import essential countries that are likely to experience
food items and energy supplies. This has acute food insecurity from June to
resulted in increased food prices and November 2023. Countries like
nationwide energy cuts. Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South
Impact of 2022 Floods: The food security Sudan, and Yemen remain at the highest
crisis has been compounded by the concern level. Haiti, the Sahel region
consequences of the 2022 floods, which (Burkina Faso and Mali), and Sudan have
caused substantial damages and been elevated to the highest concern
economic losses of Rs30 billion to the
levels due to movement restrictions,
agriculture sector. Livestock losses,
conflict, and critical food insecurity. These
reduced food production, and limited
availability of food and livelihood countries require urgent attention.
opportunities have further strained the Pakistan, along with the Central African
situation. Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Congo, and
Projection of Acute Food Insecurity: The Syria, falls under the category of "very
report estimates that over 8.5 million high concern." Myanmar is also included
people experienced high levels of acute in the warning.
food insecurity between September and
December 2022. Looking ahead, the
outlook for food security and malnutrition
is grim due to ongoing economic and
political crises. Households' purchasing
power and ability to afford food and
essential goods have significantly
declined.
Impact on Afghanistan and Trade: The
report emphasizes that Afghanistan's coal
and food export revenues could decline if
the economic and political crisis in
Pakistan, its main trading partner,
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June 2023
Recently, the International Energy Agency (Evs) and renewable power. Annual
(IEA) released the 'World Energy Investment investments in green energy have surpassed
2023' report. those in fossil fuels, recording a growth rate
About the Report of 24% compared to 15% in the fossil fuel
The report provides a comprehensive update sector.
on global energy investments, covering the 2) Concentration of Investments:
investment landscape in 2022 and an initial However, investments in clean energy
assessment for 2023. It serves as a global are concentrated in advanced
benchmark for tracking capital flows in the economies and China. This raises
energy sector and examines how investors concerns about the limited investment
evaluate risks and opportunities across in clean energy in emerging and
various areas such as fuel and electricity developing economies.
supply, critical minerals, efficiency, research 3) Impact of Geopolitical Events and
and development, and energy finance. the Pandemic: Economic recovery
from the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled
with global efforts to address energy
scarcity, has propelled investments in
the renewable energy sector. The
report highlights the influence of
recent geopolitical events on the
energy market, particularly Russia's
invasion of Ukraine, which has caused
instability in fossil fuel markets.
Interestingly, this volatility has
unintentionally accelerated the
deployment of renewable energy
technologies, despite triggering a
Notable Findings scramble for oil and gas resources.
1) Rise in Clean Energy Investment: 4) Shift in Investment Trends:
Investment in clean energy has shown Investments in fossil fuels have been
significant growth in recent years, stagnant, while money flows into clean
driven primarily by Electric Vehicles energy have significantly increased in
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recent years. In 2023, nearly 90% of the
total investment in electricity
generation is expected to go to low- What does the 'World Energy
emission power sources. Among these, Investment 2023' report provide?
solar energy stands out, with projected (a) A forecast of global energy
investments exceeding $1 billion per consumption
day in 2023, totaling $380 billion for (b) An analysis of geopolitical events
the year. India continues to exhibit (c) An update on global energy
robust investment in solar energy, and investments
Brazil's deployment of renewable (d) A review of fossil fuel production
energy is on an upward trajectory. trends
Additionally, investor interest is Answer: (c)
growing in parts of West Asia,
Which factors have driven the
specifically Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and growth of clean energy investments?
Oman.
(a) Electric Vehicles (EVs) and renewable
Issues power
Despite the positive developments, several
(b) Nuclear power and natural gas
hurdles remain for many countries:
1) Barriers to Investment: Investment in (c) Coal and oil production
many countries is hindered by factors (d) Hydroelectric power and
such as higher interest rates, unclear geothermal energy
policy frameworks and market designs, Answer: (a)
weak grid infrastructure, financially In recent years, have investments in
strained utilities, and a high cost of green energy surpassed those in
capital. fossil fuels?
(a) Yes, with a growth rate of 24%
against 15%
(b) No, fossil fuel investments have
increased more rapidly
(c) No, both sectors have seen similar
growth rates
(d) The report does not provide this
information
Answer: (a)
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June 2023
Recommendations
The report emphasizes the following
suggestions to address the challenges and In which regions are investments in
drive clean energy investment: clean energy predominantly
concentrated?
1) Focus on Emerging and Developing
Economies: The largest shortfalls in (a) Emerging and developing economies
clean energy investment are observed (b) Advanced economies and China
in emerging and developing (c) Europe and North America
economies. The international (d) Africa and South America
community needs to make concerted Answer: (b)
efforts to drive investment in these
How have geopolitical events
lower-income economies where the influenced the energy market,
private sector has been hesitant to according to the report?
venture. (a) They have led to increased investment
in fossil fuels
(b) They have caused instability in fossil
fuel markets
(c) They have reduced investments in
renewable energy
(d) They have not had any impact on the
energy market
Answer: (b)
What effect did Russia's invasion of
Ukraine have on renewable energy
deployment?
(a) It halted the deployment of
The International Energy Agency (IEA) renewable energy technologies
The IEA is an autonomous organization (b) It increased the deployment of
established in response to the 1973-74 oil renewable energy technologies
crisis. It was a result of the embargo imposed (c) It led to a shift towards nuclear power
on the US and other developed countries by (d) It had no impact on renewable energy
OPEC in retaliation for the US decision to deployment
support Israel during the Arab-Israel war. Answer: (b)
Comprising 30 member countries (OECD What percentage of the total
countries), the IEA plays a crucial role in the investment in electricity generation is
global energy dialogue. It provides research, expected to go to low-emission power
sources in 2023?
data/statistics, analysis, and
(a) 50%
recommendations on the global energy
sector. The IEA's mission is to ensure reliable, (b) 70%
affordable, and clean energy for its member (c) 90%
countries and beyond. (d) 100%
Answer: (c)
Which renewable energy source is
projected to receive significant
investments in 2023? (a) Wind energy
(b) Geothermal energy
(c) Biomass energy
(d) Solar energy
Answer: (d)
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June 2023
2023
Pakistan's ranking in the 2023 World Press

Freedom Index, released by Reporters
Without Borders (RSF), has improved by
seven places. The country now stands at the
150th position among 180 countries.
India has experienced a decline in press
freedom, as indicated by its ranking of 161
out of 180 countries in the World Press
Freedom Index 2023.
About the Press Freedom Index
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated Theme for This Year
annually on May 3rd to raise awareness about
the state of press freedom worldwide. The theme for this year's World Press
Freedom Day is "Shaping a Future of Rights:
Origin
freedom of expression as a driver for all other
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by human rights."
the UN General Assembly in 1993, marking its
30th anniversary in 2023. It is closely World Press Freedom Index
associated with the 1991 Windhoek The World Press Freedom Index is published
Declaration adopted by UNESCO. annually since 2002 by Reporters Without
Windhoek Declaration Borders, an independent NGO based in Paris.
The Windhoek Declaration, adopted on May Scoring Criteria
3, 1991, in Windhoek, Namibia, is a statement
of principles emphasizing independent, The index evaluates each country or
pluralistic, and free press. territory's press freedom using five contextual
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indicators: political context, legal framework,
economic context, sociocultural context, and
safety. The highest possible score is 100, What is the current ranking of
indicating the highest level of press freedom, Pakistan in the World Press Freedom
while 0 represents the worst. Index 2023?
Freedom of Press in Pakistan (a) 139th
(b) 145th
RSF noted that Pakistan's improved ranking (c) 150th
from 157 in 2022 to 150 in 2023 is attributed (d) 157th
to the loosening of media constraints Answer: (c)
following a change in government in 2022. Which country experienced a decline
The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees in press freedom in the World Press
freedom of the press and allows citizens to Freedom Index 2023?
access accurate information. (a) Norway
(b) Ireland
This achievement is significant compared to
(c) Denmark
the previous year when Pakistan's ranking
(d) Japan
dropped from 145 in 2021 to 157 in 2022. At
Answer: (d)
that time, the then prime minister, Imran
When is World Press Freedom Day
Ahmed Niazi Khan, was declared a press
celebrated?
freedom predator alongside Indian Prime st
(a) May 1
Minister Narendra Modi. Media takeovers by
(b) May 2nd
"oligarchs" close to Prime Minister Narendra rd
(c) May 3
Modi had compromised pluralism. Journalists
(d) May 4th
in Pakistan had faced "mysterious censorship"
Answer: (c)
during the four years of PTI rule. In 2017,
When was World Press Freedom Day
Pakistan was ranked 139th in the World Press
proclaimed by the UN General
Freedom Index largely due to the PTI's anti-
Assembly?
media policies.
(a) 1991
(b) 1993
(c) 2002
(d) 2023
Answer: (b)
What is the theme for this year's
World Press Freedom Day?
(a) Freedom of Expression: A Global
Perspective
(b) Shaping a Future of Rights: freedom
of expression as a driver for all other
The RSF report also highlights that Prime human rights
Minister Modi has a group of supporters who (c) Press Freedom in the Digital Age
target online reporting critical of the (d) Global Media Ethics and
government, leading to harassment Accountability
campaigns against sources. Journalists often Answer: (b)
find themselves caught between extreme Who publishes the World Press
pressure, ultimately forced to self-censor. Freedom Index?
Topper (a) United Nations
Norway maintains its position as the top- (b) World Trade Organization
ranked country on the Index for the seventh (c) Reporters Without Borders
consecutive year, with Ireland ranking second (d) International Federation of Journalists
and Denmark third. Answer: (c)
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CSS Times Environment & Climate Change 20
Aviation Sector & Climate Change

new law on May 23, which prohibits air travel
to destinations that can be reached within
two-and-a-half hours by train. Studies have
shown that airplanes emit 77 times more CO2
per passenger than trains on these routes,
despite trains being cheaper and only
resulting in a 40-minute time difference.
Pollution Comparison
According to a report by Transport and
Environment, a clean transport campaign
group in Europe, private jets are estimated to
be 5 to 14 times more polluting per
passenger than commercial planes and a
The aviation sector plays a significant role in staggering 50 times more polluting than
contributing to carbon emissions and climate trains.
change. In an effort to address this issue,
France recently made headlines by
announcing a ban on domestic flights for
short routes that can easily be covered by
train within two-and-a-half hours. This
decision aims to reduce carbon emissions
generated by the aviation sector.
France Sets an Example
France has become the first country in the
world to implement a ban on short-haul
domestic flights. The country introduced a
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Carbon Emissions by the Aviation Sector
Globally, air transport accounts for
approximately 2 percent of annual carbon Which country recently
dioxide emissions and less than 2 percent of implemented a ban on short-haul
greenhouse gas emissions. However, it's domestic flights that can be easily
important to consider that airplanes also covered by train?
produce non-CO2 emissions, which have an (a) Germany
equally significant impact on global warming. (b) France
When accounting for non-CO2 emissions like (c) United Kingdom
water vapor, the airline industry is responsible (d) United States
for almost 5 percent of historical global
Answer: (b)
warming, according to the UN Climate
Change. Without significant measures to According to studies, airplanes emit
reduce emissions, the European Commission how many times more CO2 per
predicts that aviation's greenhouse gas passenger than trains on short
emissions could increase by over 300% routes?
compared to 2005 levels by the mid-21st (a) 10 times
century. (b) 40 times
Impacts of Aviation Sector Emissions on (c) 50 times
Climate Change (d) 77 times
The climate effects of aircraft extend beyond Answer: (d)
CO2 emissions and include the impact of Private jets are estimated to be how
NOX emissions, contrail formation, and the many times more polluting per
potential influence of contrails on cirrus passenger than commercial planes?
clouds. The burning of fossil fuels in aircraft (a) 2 to 5 times
engines produces carbon dioxide, water (b) 5 to 14 times
vapor, nitrogen oxides, and other greenhouse (c) 20 to 30 times
gases that contribute to climate change. (d) 50 to 60 times
Recent research suggests that aviation CO2 Answer: (b)
emissions should be multiplied by 1.9 times
Approximately what percentage of
to account for the additional impact of these
gases at high altitudes. annual carbon dioxide emissions are
accounted for by air transport
globally?
(a) Less than 0.5%
(b) Around 1%
(c) About 2%
(d) More than 5%
Answer: (c)
Apart from CO2 emissions, what
other factors contribute to the
climate effects of aircraft?
(a) Contrail formation
(b) Nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions
(c) Water vapor emissions
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d)
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Climate Change Impact on Aviation
Climate change has several expected impacts
on aviation, including changes in What global initiative focuses on
temperature, precipitation, storms, sea level, offsetting additional emissions
wind patterns, and the occurrence of beyond 2020 levels in the aviation
hazardous weather phenomena. Alterations in sector?
the jet stream can affect air transport and (a) Paris Agreement
airport operations. These impacts may result
in reduced aircraft performance, changes in (b) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction
travel demand, potential damage to airport Scheme for International Aviation
infrastructure, capacity loss at airports, (CORSI(A)
disruptions to flight schedules, and impacts (c) Kyoto Protocol
on air traffic safety. (d) Clean Development Mechanism
Efforts to Restrict Emissions from the (CDM)
Aviation Sector Answer: (b)
Global Initiatives: What is the long-term global
Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme aspirational goal adopted by the
for International Aviation (CORSIA): In International Civil Aviation
2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for
Organization (ICAO) established CORSIA as international aviation?
an offset mechanism. It requires the airline (a) Net-zero carbon emissions by 2025
industry to invest in carbon-saving projects to (b) Net-zero carbon emissions by 2030
compensate for any emissions increase
beyond 2020 levels. CORSIA focuses on (c) Net-zero carbon emissions by 2040
offsetting additional emissions rather than (d) Net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
addressing total emissions. The offset plan is Answer: (d)
scheduled to run from 2021 to 2035. Which organization in Pakistan aims
to be an environmentally responsible
organization in the aviation sector?
(a) Pakistan International Airlines (PI(A)
(b) Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
(PCA(A)
(c) Air Blue
(d) International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO)
Answer: (b)
Which certification is obtained by
major airports in Pakistan for
effective environmental
management systems?
(a) ISO-9001
(b) ISO-22000
(c) ISO-14001
Long-Term Aspirational Goals (LTAG): (d) ISO-27001
During the 41st ICAO Assembly, a long-term
Answer: (c)
global aspirational goal was adopted for
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international aviation. This goal aims for net- The aviation sector must continue to take
zero carbon emissions by 2050 in alignment significant steps to reduce its carbon
with the temperature goal of the UNFCCC emissions and mitigate its impact on climate
Paris Agreement. The LTAG doesn't impose change. Initiatives like the ban on domestic
specific obligations or commitments on flights for short routes in France and global
efforts such as CORSIA and LTAG are
individual states in terms of emissions
important in creating a more sustainable and
reduction goals. Instead, it recognizes that environmentally conscious aviation industry.
each state's unique circumstances and
capabilities will determine its contribution to Challenges for Pakistan's Aviation Industry
While developing countries contribute a
the LTAG within its national timeframe.
smaller proportion of aviation emissions
Factors such as the level of development,
compared to developed countries, reducing
maturity of aviation markets, sustainable these emissions remains a significant
growth, just transition, and national air challenge due to resource constraints.
transport priorities inform each state's ability Pakistan is no exception. Despite the
to contribute. challenges, there is a pressing need for
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Pakistan, like other developing nations, to
expedite efforts in reducing aviation
emissions to improve efficiency and long- What is one of the recommended
term competitiveness while fulfilling measures in the National Climate
environmental commitments. Change Policy (NCCP) of Pakistan to
Efforts by the Pakistan Civil Aviation reduce aviation emissions?
Authority (PCAA) and Airlines (a) Fleet upgrades
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) (b) Increased air traffic
aims to be an environmentally responsible (c) Reduced use of weather services
organization. Major airports in the country (d) Less reliance on Air Traffic
have obtained ISO-14001 certification, an Management (ATM)
international standard for effective Answer: (a)
environmental management systems. The Which airline in Pakistan has
National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) introduced fuel-efficient ATR-72 and
identifies reducing aviation emissions as a key A320 aircraft to its fleet?
measure to achieve national climate (a) Pakistan International Airlines (PI(A)
mitigation targets. The policy recommends (b) Air Blue
fleet upgrades, fuel-efficient aircraft (c) Shaheen Air International
considerations, and support for ICAO's (d) SereneAir
initiatives to reduce aviation emissions Answer: (a)
through improved Air Traffic Management What percentage of fuel
(ATM), including free-flight air routes and consumption is reduced by Air Blue's
fuel-efficient A321neo aircraft?
improved weather services. Pakistan
(a) 10%
International Airlines (PIA) has introduced
(b) 15%
fuel-efficient ATR-72 and A320 aircraft to its
(c) 20%
fleet, known for their optimized speed, lighter
(d) 25%
structure, and suitability for short routes. In Answer: (c)
2021, Air Blue also incorporated fuel-efficient What is the recommended approach
A321neo aircraft, consuming 20 percent less for accelerating progress in reducing
fuel. aviation emissions in Pakistan?
The Need for a National Action Plan (a) Increasing taxes on aviation fuel
To accelerate progress, Pakistan must develop (b) Developing a comprehensive
a comprehensive national action plan that national action plan
sets short- and medium-term targets for (c) Imposing stricter emissions
long-term decarbonization of the aviation regulations on airlines
industry. The plan should outline key (d) Encouraging the use of biofuels in
measures and address constraints such as aircraft
policy and regulatory barriers, limited Answer: (b)
Research and Development (R&D) capacity, Which of the following is NOT
and the necessary steps to overcome them mentioned as a constraint in
over time. Consultations with relevant reducing aviation emissions in
stakeholders in the public and private sectors Pakistan?
are crucial to formulating a cohesive and (a) Policy and regulatory barriers
practical pathway towards achieving the (b) Limited Research and Development
challenging yet achievable goal of reducing (R&(D) capacity
Pakistan's aviation industry's environmental (c) Inadequate weather services
footprint, ultimately aiming for net-zero (d) High costs of fuel-efficient aircraft
emissions. Answer: (d)
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National
Clean Air
Policy (NCAP)
is significantly higher than the WHO's Air

Quality Guideline. Other cities, including
Faisalabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, and
Rawalpindi, also experienced poor air quality.
Key Sources of Air Pollution
Several factors contribute to air pollution in
Pakistan. These include inadequate regulation
of industrial and vehicular emissions, open
burning of waste, and land use planning
issues. The country's reliance on fossil fuels
Introduction instead of renewable energy sources like wind
Air pollution has become a pressing issue and solar power further exacerbates the
affecting the well-being of the citizens of problem. The increase in the number of road
Pakistan. The National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) vehicles, from 5.2 million in 2007 to 26.5
aims to address this problem and improve air million in 2018, has also contributed to air
quality throughout the country. This article pollution.
discusses the current state of air pollution in
Pakistan, its impacts, and the policy measures
outlined in the NCAP.
State of Air Pollution in Pakistan
According to the World Health Organization
(WHO) Air Quality Database, fine particulate
matter (PM2.5) concentrations in Pakistan
exceeded the WHO guidelines for the
protection of human health in 2022. The city
of Lahore, for instance, recorded PM2.5
concentrations as high as 123 μg m-3, which
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Which pollutant is most damaging
to human health according to the
World Health Organization?
(a) Carbon monoxide
(b) Nitrogen dioxide
(c) Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
(d) Sulphur dioxide
Impacts of Air Pollution in Pakistan Answer: (c)
Air pollution in Pakistan has significant Which city in Pakistan had ambient
environmental, economic, and health impacts. PM2.5 concentrations as high as 123
It is estimated that air pollution has reduced μg m-3 in 2019?
the average life expectancy by up to 2.7
years, with 235,000 premature deaths (a) Lahore
attributed to air pollution exposure in 2019. (b) Faisalabad
Crop yields have also been affected, posing (c) Islamabad
challenges to food security and ecosystem (d) Karachi
production. The World Bank has reported that
air pollution could lead to a loss of 6.5 Answer: (a)
percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) What is the main factor contributing
per year. to the rise in air pollution in
Winter Smog Episodes Pakistan?
Pakistan experiences regular smog episodes (a) Poor regulation of industrial
during the winter months, particularly in emissions
Punjab. These episodes result in low visibility (b) Open burning of waste
due to fog, mist, and smog, affecting the (c) Increase in energy demand and use
environment and public health. Mitigation
measures to improve air quality can also of fossil fuels
contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (d) All of the above
emissions, aligning with Pakistan's Answer: (d)
commitment to mitigating climate change. How many premature deaths in
Pakistan were attributable to air
pollution exposure in 2019?
(a) 100,000
(b) 200,000
(c) 235,000
(d) 300,000
Answer: (c)
Which sector in Pakistan is the
highest contributor to air pollution?
(a) Transport
Health Impacts (b) Industry
Air pollution in Pakistan is associated with (c) Agricultural waste/Biomass
various health issues, including acute
respiratory infections, heart ailments, lung (d) Solid Waste
cancer, chronic bronchitis, and more. High Answer: (a)
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concentrations of PM2.5 are linked to The National Clean Air Policy (NCAP)
respiratory and heart diseases, leading to The NCAP is a national framework for
increased mortality rates. Indoor air pollution improving air quality in Pakistan. It was
also contributes to respiratory infections, with developed through stakeholder consultations
an estimated 55,000 annual deaths attributed conducted in all provinces, including Azad
to Acute Lower Respiratory Infections (ALRIs). Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan
Economic and Developmental Impacts (G-B). The policy focuses on actions at the
national scale but acknowledges the role of
The economic impact of air pollution in provinces in implementing air quality
Pakistan is significant, with costs stemming improvement measures. The NCAP outlines
from illnesses and reduced labor output. In four policy objectives: data collection and
2013, the World Bank estimated losses of baseline establishment, setting air quality
USD 47,713 million (5.88% of GDP) due to targets, identifying key mitigation actions,
illnesses caused by air pollution. Ozone and outlining an implementation framework.
pollution poses a risk to food security, Prioritization of Air Quality Targets
reducing wheat production by 34 to 46%. The To prioritize air quality targets, actions that
agriculture sector alone suffered an economic contribute to multiple targets and reduce
loss of USD 557 million (0.76% of GDP) in the PM2.5 concentrations are emphasized. Long-
year 2000. term exposure targets are also prioritized
Climate Change and Environmental over short-term targets, as chronic exposure
Impacts has a greater impact on human health.
Air pollution and climate change are closely Mitigation actions that reduce emissions
linked, as many greenhouse gases and air throughout the year are likely to address both
pollutants originate from the same sources. long-term and short-term targets.
Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs), such Five Priority Interventions
as methane, black carbon, and ground-level The NCAP has identified five priority
ozone, contribute to both climate change and interventions to reduce air pollutant
the adverse effects of air pollution. emissions in key sectors:
Addressing air pollution can support Transport
Pakistan's efforts to mitigate climate change. Industry
Agricultural waste/Biomass
Alignment with Policies and Legislation Solid Waste
Pakistan has existing policies and legislation Residential/Building sectors
to address air quality and environmental
issues. The National Environmental Policy of Which policy aims to introduce electric
2005 provides guidelines for improving air and alternate fuel-based transportation
quality and noise control. The Pakistan in Pakistan?
Environment Protection Act (PEPA) of 1997 (a) National Clean Air Policy (NCAP)
regulates emissions and establishes (b) National Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy,
2019
acceptable levels of air pollutants. The
(c) Alternative & Renewable Energy Policy,
Pakistan Climate Change Act of 2017 and the 2019
National Climate Change Policy recognize air (d) Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017
pollution as a climate change threat and Answer: (b)
recommend measures to reduce emissions. Which sector has the largest disease
The updated Nationally Determined burden and impact on human health in
Contributions (NDC) of 2021 emphasize air terms of air pollution? (a) Transport
pollution and SLCP mitigation. Additionally, (b) Industry
provincial environmental protection acts (c) Residential/Building sectors
address air quality management. (d) PM2.5 concentrations
Answer: (d)
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CSS Times Pakistan Affairs 31
The 2023 Census of Pakistan:

A Landmark Digital Enumeration
Introduction: The 2023 Census of Pakistan
marked the seventh national census in the
country's history. It was conducted by the
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and
distinguished itself as the first-ever digital
census in Pakistan and the entire South Asian
region.
Duration and Challenges: Originally
scheduled from 1st March 2023 to 1st April
2023, the census faced extensions until 30th
May 2023. These extensions were necessary experienced difficulties in the enumeration
due to incomplete enumeration in major process. The extension period allowed the
cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics officials and
where the mobile population posed census takers to review the quality of the
challenges in accurate counting. Moreover, data, ensuring the proper inclusion of all
remote and rural areas of Balochistan also households and individuals in each area.
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Population Statistics: As of May 12, the
population of Pakistan, excluding Azad
Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan When was the 2023 Census of
(GB), was recorded at 240,602,348 individuals. Pakistan conducted?
In comparison, the 2017 census reported the (a) 1st March 2023 to 1st April 2023
country's population at 207 million. The (b) 1st May 2023 to 30th May 2023
distribution of the population among
(c) 1st April 2023 to 30th April 2023
provinces stood as follows: Punjab -
121,215,805 individuals, Sindh - 56,566,804 (d) 1st March 2023 to 30th May 2023
individuals, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - 39,651,697 Answer: (d)
individuals, Balochistan - 20,865,742 Which organization conducted the
individuals, and Islamabad Capital Territory 2023 Census of Pakistan?
(ICT) - 2,302,307 individuals. Additionally, AJK (a) Ministry of Home Affairs
and GB together accounted for over 5.9 (b) Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
million people. (c) Census Organization
(d) Registration Organization
Answer: (b)
How many people were counted in
Punjab during the 2023 Census?
(a) 121,215,805
(b) 56,566,804
(c) 39,651,697
(d) 20,865,742
Answer: (a)
Which province had the highest
Evolution of the Census Organization: The population count during the 2023
Census Organization was established in 1950 Census?
under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The first (a) Punjab
three censuses were conducted by this (b) Sindh
organization as a part of the ministry. (c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
However, after the 1972 Census, the Census (d) Balochistan
Organization attained permanent status and Answer: (a)
became an attached department of the What was the population of Pakistan
Ministry of Interior. This change aimed to in 2017?
maintain expertise, experience, and (a) 207 million
continuity, which were previously disrupted (b) 213.2 million
after every census. In 1976, the Census
(c) 240.6 million
Organization and the Registration
(d) 249.6 million
Organization, which was also under the
Ministry of Interior, merged to form the Answer: (a)
"Census & Registration Organization." Which approach of census
Subsequently, in 1978, the "Census & enumeration was used in 1998?
Registration Organization" separated into two (a) De-jure
distinct departments, with the Population (b) De-facto
Census Organization falling under the (c) Both approaches were applied
Statistics Division. This structure persisted simultaneously
after the General Statistics (Re-organization) (d) No approach was used
Act, 2011, was promulgated. The Answer: (c)
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responsibility for conducting the census rests
with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
Importance and Uses of the Census: The Which organization conducted the
Constitution of Pakistan mandates a first three censuses in Pakistan?
population census every ten years. The results (a) Ministry of Home Affairs
of the census play a crucial role in resource (b) Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
allocation, sampling frames, constituency (c) Census Organization
delimitation, apportionment, and future (d) Registration Organization
policy planning. Answer: (c)
What was the population of Pakistan
Historical Census Timeline: Following
in 2023, excluding Gilgit-Baltistan
Pakistan's independence in 1947, censuses
and Azad Jammu and Kashmir?
were conducted in 1951, 1961, 1972 (delayed
(a) 207 million
by one year due to the 1971 war), and 1981.
(b) 213.2 million
However, subsequent censuses were delayed
until 1998 and 2017 due to political (c) 240.6 million
influences and instability. The 2017 census, (d) 249.6 million
with a recorded population of 213.2 million, Answer: ©
was the most recent census completed in the Which article of the Constitution of
country. Pakistan requires a population
census every ten years?
Latest Population Figures: On 23 May 2023, (a) Article-51(3)
it was announced that the total population of (b) Article-160(2)
Pakistan, including the Islamabad Capital (c) Article-38
Territory but excluding Gilgit-Baltistan and (d) Article-160(3)
Azad Jammu and Kashmir, reached Answer: (a)
249,566,743 individuals. The breakdown of
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the population by province was as follows: (b) General Statistics (Re-organization)
Punjab - 127,474,802 individuals, Sindh - Act, 2011
57,931,907 individuals, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - (c) Constitution of Pakistan
39,823,138 individuals, Balochistan - (d) National Finance Commission Act
21,977,474 individuals, and Islamabad Capital Answer: (c)
Territory - 2,359,422 individuals. Which province had the second-
highest population count during the
Census Methodology: Census enumeration
2023 Census?
adopts two approaches: de-jure and de-facto. (a) Punjab
The de-jure approach counts individuals at (b) Sindh
their usual place of residence, while the de- (c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
facto approach counts individuals where they (d) Balochistan
are found during the census. The 1998 census Answer: (b)
employed both approaches simultaneously Which city had incomplete
during enumeration. However, the data was enumeration during the 2023
tabulated and published on a de-jure basis to Census?
ensure comparability over time. (a) Karachi
Legality and Impact: The Census (Population (b) Lahore
& Housing) falls under the purview of federal (c) Faisalabad
legislation in Pakistan, as stated in the (d) All of the above
Constitution. The National Assembly's seat Answer: (d)
allocation, distribution of funds between the How many people were counted in
federation and provinces, and recruitment the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)
quotas for federal posts all rely on the during the 2023 Census?
population figures from the officially (a) 20,865,742
published census. The census has been (b) 2,359,422
conducted under legal provisions, such as the (c) 56,566,804
Census Ordinance, 1959, and subsequently (d) 39,823,138
the General Statistics (Re-organization) Act, Answer: (b)
2011. Which census was the last one
completed before the 2023 Census?
Article Related MCQs (a) 1951
(b) 1972
How many censuses were held in (c) 1981
Pakistan before the 2023 Census? (d) 2017
(a) 3 Answer: (d)
(b) 4 What was the total population of
(c) 5 Pakistan announced on 23 May
(d) 6 2023?
Answer: (d) (a) 207 million
What was the population of (b) 213.2 million
Balochistan during the 2023 Census? (c) 240.6 million
(d) 249.6 million
(a) 20,865,742
Answer: (d)
(b) 21,977,474
How many people were counted in
(c) 39,651,697
Sindh during the 2023 Census?
(d) 2,359,422 (a) 121,215,805
Answer: (b) (b) 56,566,804
Which legislation lists the Census as (c) 39,651,697
a Federal subject in Pakistan? (d) 2,359,422
(a) Census Ordinance, 1959 Answer: (b)
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Constitution of Pakistan
Article 63-A (1) (b) of the Constitution
The Power and Authority of Parliamentary Parties
party votes or abstains from voting in a
manner contrary to the direction issued by
the party, especially in matters such as the
election of the Prime Minister or Chief
Minister, a vote of confidence or no-
confidence, a Money Bill, or a Constitution
(Amendment) Bill, they may be considered as
Article 63-A (1)(b) of the Constitution is a having defected from the party.
provision that outlines the power and
The Significance of Parliamentary Party
authority of parliamentary parties in the
Direction
decision-making process. This provision
states that if a member of a parliamentary The primary purpose of Article 63-A(1)(b) is
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to ensure that parliamentary parties express
their joint stance through directions given to
their elected members. These directions serve According to Article 63-A (1)(b), when
as binding instructions, compelling all can a member of a parliamentary party
members of the party to vote in accordance be considered a defector?
with them. Failure to adhere to these a) If they vote in accordance with the
directions may result in the member being direction issued by the party
considered a defector, which can lead to their b) If they abstain from voting on a Money
removal from the legislative body. Bill
c) If they vote contrary to the direction
issued by the party
d) If they support a Constitution
(Amendment) Bill
Answer: c)
What is the purpose of parliamentary
party directions mentioned in Article
63-A (1)(b)?
a) To give power to the party head in
decision-making
b) To ensure collective decision-making
within the party
The Primacy of Collective Wisdom c) To encourage party members to vote
independently
Article 63-A (1)(b) places importance on the d) To limit the authority of the presiding
parliamentary party as a whole, rather than officer
individual party heads. This emphasis arises Answer: b)
from the recognition that matters covered Which of the following matters is not
under this article are of great significance and mentioned as a subject of direction
should be decided based on the concept of under Article 63-A (1) (b)?
"collective wisdom." Therefore, the power to a) Election of the Prime Minister
determine how a matter is to be voted upon b) Election of the Chief Minister
is vested in the parliamentary party. The c) Vote of confidence
collective decision can be reached either d) Approval of an international treaty
unanimously or by majority agreement Answer: d)
among the elected members of the party. In case of a clash between the party
head and the parliamentary party, who
Clashes between Parliamentary Party and has the final authority according to
Party Head Article 63-A(1)(b)?
While rare, situations may arise where the a) The party head
collective decision of a parliamentary party b) The presiding officer
clashes with the stance of its party head. In c) The chief election commissioner
such cases, the presiding officer must refer to d) The parliamentary party
Article 63-A(1)(b) to determine the course of Answer: d)
What action can the party head take if a
action. This article states that when a member
member votes against the direction of
votes or abstains from voting against the
the parliamentary party?
direction issued by their parliamentary party, a) Expel the member from the party
it is considered an act of defection, leading to b) Call for a re-vote on the matter
their removal from the legislative body. The c) Issue a public statement of
direction on how a member should vote is disagreement
solely derived from the parliamentary party, d) Notify the presiding officer and the chief
in accordance with the constitutional election commissioner
mandate. Answer: d)
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Role of the Party Head
Under Article 63-A(1)(b), the party head can
invoke the right to declare defection to the According to Article 63-A(1)(b),
which entity has the power to set the
presiding officer and the chief election course of voting on important
commissioner only if a member of their party matters?
has voted contrary to the direction issued by a) The party head
the parliamentary party. Thus, the party head b) The parliamentary party
can notify the relevant authorities that their c) The presiding officer
party member has defected and should be d) The chief election commissioner
Answer: b)
de-seated. How does Article 63-A(1)(b) address
Importance of Parliamentary Party Directions the issue of party head's arbitrary
power?
Article 63-A(1) (b) establishes a condition a) It grants more authority to the party
precedent for the party head to declare head in decision-making.
defection, requiring a member of their party b) It limits the role of the party head in
to vote against the direction issued by the declaring defection.
c) It allows the party head to override
parliamentary party. Any direction, even if the collective decision.
issued by the party head, that contradicts the d) It gives party members the power to
direction of the parliamentary party is remove the party head.
considered extraneous to the constitutional Answer: b)
command. What concept does Article 63-
A(1)(b) prioritize in decision-
Rejecting Arbitrary Power of Party Heads making?
The Constitution does not grant the party a) Individual preferences of party
members
head the authority akin to that of a b) Collective wisdom of the
shareholder in a limited company. Elected parliamentary party
parliamentarians are not mere c) Presiding officer's discretion
"shareholdings" subject to the arbitrary d) Party head's instructions
power of a party head. The party head cannot Answer: b)
What is the consequence of a
exercise arbitrary control over the actions of member being declared a defector
their elected members. The concept of intra- under Article 63-A(1)(b)?
party political plurality is essential, and the a) Removal from the parliamentary
collective decision of the parliamentary party party
takes precedence over the party head's b) Automatic disqualification from
individual preferences. elections
c) Loss of party membership
The Primacy of Collective Decision-Making d) De-seating from the legislative body
Answer: d)
Article 63-A (1) (b) was incorporated into the Why was Article 63-A(1)(b)
Constitution to uphold democratic principles incorporated into the Constitution?
and prioritize the collective decision of the a) To give more power to the party
parliamentary party over the party head. This head
article ensures that even the party head b) To ensure transparency in decision-
evaluates defection solely based on the making
c) To promote intra-party political
directions issued by the parliamentary party. plurality
It emphasizes the importance of democratic d) To establish the authority of the
norms and limits the influence of party heads presiding officer
in the decision-making process. Answer: c)
Monthly
HSM
June 2023
The federal coalition government has asked questions, including the independence of the
the highest court in the country to form a full judiciary and the parliament's power to
court bench to hear the petitions that regulate the Supreme Court's practice and
challenge the Supreme Court Practice and procedures.
Procedure Bill 2023. This bill aims to reduce
the powers of the chief justice of Pakistan.
The bill has already become a law.
Proposed Changes in the Bill
The bill suggests taking away the chief
justice's individual authority to start legal
proceedings on their own and form benches
without consulting others. Instead, a panel
consisting of the chief justice and two senior
judges would have these powers. The bill also
introduces the right to appeal decisions made
through suo motu proceedings. Importance of a Full Court Hearing
Court Freezes the Bill's Implementation The government's application emphasizes
that a full court hearing is necessary because
Even before the bill became a law last month, the matter concerns all the judges of the
the court had put a hold on its Supreme Court and the people of the
implementation. The federal government has country. They also cite previous cases
now filed an application requesting a full involving the judiciary's independence that
court to hear the petitions. They argue that were heard by full courts. They believe that
the case involves important constitutional
Monthly
HSM
June 2023
deviating from this precedent would create
unnecessary controversy and harm the image
of the court and the state.
Government's Commitment to Judicial
Independence
The application highlights the government's
commitment to upholding the independence
of the judiciary and the rule of law. They state
that they fully understand the separation of
powers and the independent role of the three
branches of the government. also requires that all cases be heard and
decided by a bench formed by a committee
consisting of the chief justice and the two
senior-most judges. Additionally, the bill
allows individuals like former prime minister
Nawaz Sharif and other disqualified
parliamentarians to appeal their
disqualification within 30 days of the law's
enactment.

What is the purpose of the Supreme
Supreme Court Rules and the Bill Court Practice and Procedure Bill 2023?
(a) To increase the powers of the chief
The application points out that the Supreme justice
Court Rules 1980, which were framed by a full (b) To reduce the powers of the chief
court, gave the chief justice the authority to justice
form benches. Since the Supreme Court (c) To establish new rules for court
Practice and Procedure Bill 2023 has proceedings
amended these rules and transferred the (d) To streamline the judicial system
power of bench formation to senior judges, Answer: (b)
the government argues that it is appropriate How many petitions have been filed
for a full court to decide on the petitions against the Supreme Court Practice and
challenging the bill. Procedure Bill 2023?
(a) One
Bill Becomes Law Despite Court's Order (b) Two
The Supreme Court had issued an interim (c) Three
order preventing the government from (d) Four
Answer: ©
implementing the bill, but it still technically
What does the bill propose regarding
became an act of parliament on April 21. The the chief justice's authority?
National Assembly Secretariat requested the (a) It gives the chief justice more power to
official publication of the law, despite the start legal proceedings
court's order halting its implementation. (b) It takes away the chief justice's
Changes Introduced by the Bill authority to start legal proceedings
(c) It allows the chief justice to unilaterally
According to the new law, a three-member form benches
bench consisting of the chief justice and the (d) It requires the chief justice to consult
two senior-most judges will decide whether with other judges before starting legal
to take up a matter suo motu. Previously, only proceedings
the chief justice had this authority. The law Answer: (b)
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June 2023
Article Related MCQs Article Related MCQs
Why does the government argue for How many judges will decide
a full court hearing? whether to take up a matter suo
(a) To create unnecessary controversy motu under the new law?
(b) To harm the image of the court and (a) One
the state (b) Two
(c) To ensure all judges and the people (c) Three
(d) Five
are involved Answer: (c)
(d) To speed up the decision-making Who can appeal their
process disqualification under the new law?
Answer: (c) (a) Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
What is the government's (b) All disqualified parliamentarians
commitment in upholding the (c) Former president of Pakistan
independence of the judiciary? (d) Only the chief justice
(a) To undermine the rule of law Answer: (b)
(b) To understand the separation of Which article of the Constitution
powers empowers the Supreme Court to
(c) To reduce the role of the three review any judgement?
(a) Article 184(3)
branches of government
(b) Article 188
(d) To interfere with the judiciary's (c) Article 185
decisions (d) Article 2
Answer: (b) Answer: (b)
How did the bill become a law What is the scope of the review
despite the court's order? under the new act?
(a) The government ignored the court's (a) Review is limited to factual errors
order only
(b) The president refused to sign the (b) Review is limited to legal errors only
bill (c) Review includes both facts and law
(c) The National Assembly published (d) Review is not allowed under the act
the law in the official gazette Answer: ©
How is a review petition heard?
(d) The court reversed its order after (a) By the same bench that passed the
the bill became a law original judgement
Answer: (c) (b) By a smaller bench than the one
What changes does the Supreme that passed the original judgement
Court Practice and Procedure Bill (c) By a larger bench than the one that
2023 introduce? passed the original judgement
(a) It allows the chief justice to form (d) By a different court
benches unilaterally Answer: (c)
(b) It requires all cases to be heard by a Who can the petitioner appoint as
committee of three judges their advocate for the review
(c) It restricts the right to appeal petition?
(a) Any advocate of the Supreme Court
decisions made through suo motu
(b) Any advocate of their choice
proceedings (c) Only the advocate appointed by the
(d) It allows disqualified court
parliamentarians to appeal their (d) No advocate is allowed for the
disqualification review petition
Answer: (b) Answer: (b)
Monthly
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June 2023

When can a review petition be filed for orders made under Article 184(3) before the act came
into effect?
(a) Within 30 days of the commencement of the act
(b) Within 60 days of the passing of the original order
(c) Within 60 days of the commencement of the act
(d) Within 90 days of the passing of the original order
Answer: (c)
How long does a petitioner have to file a review petition after the passing of the original order?
(a) 30 days
(b) 60 days
(c) 90 days
(d) 120 days
Answer: (b)
What is the effect of the act on other laws and court judgements?
(a) The act has no effect on other laws and court judgements
(b) The act repeals all other laws and court judgements
(c) The act has overriding effect over other laws and court judgements
(d) The act is subordinate to other laws and court judgements
Answer: (c)
Can a review petition be filed by an aggrieved person against whom an order has been made
under Article 184(3) before the act came into effect?
(a) Yes, within 30 days of the commencement of the act
(b) Yes, within 60 days of the passing of the original order
(c) No, review petitions are not allowed in such cases
(d) No, only new cases can be reviewed under the act
Answer: (a)
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June 2023
Punishing Ination & Low Growth

Ination on the Rise
In April 2023, inflation in Pakistan continued decreased by 28.4 percent. This decline in
its punishing trend, with a record 36 percent commercial activity indicates a severe
year-on-year increase. The month saw a 2.4 contraction, especially in an economy where
percent increase, making it the 11th export sales drive growth. As a result,
consecutive month with inflation above 20 households are not only losing their sources
percent. However, the economy has not yet of income but also struggling to afford basic
reached hyperinflation levels, defined as over necessities, including food.
50 percent per month. In hyperinflation,
prices change rapidly on an hourly or daily
basis, rather than on a weekly or monthly
basis.
Inflation and Low Growth
The combination of high inflation and low
growth has made the situation unbearable for
Pakistan. Trade figures for the first nine
months of 2022-2023 revealed a 39.62
percent reduction in the trade deficit,
providing some relief to economic managers.
However, this reduction was not due to a Export Expansion Challenges
significant surge in exports, which actually To overcome the economic challenges,
declined by 11.2 percent. Imports also Pakistan needs a massive expansion of
Monthly
HSM
June 2023
exports. However, the current decline in
exports presents a major obstacle. While the
import bill may decrease to some extent due What was the year-on-year inflation
to the global decline in oil prices, consecutive increase in Pakistan in April 2023?
interest rate hikes aimed at curbing inflation
have not been effective. These hikes have (a) 20 percent
likely contributed to a contraction and (b) 28.4 percent
resulted in stagflation. History has shown that (c) 36 percent
interest rate hikes to control inflation can lead (d) 50 percent
to the stagnation of economic growth. The
International Monetary Fund (IMF) may Answer: (c)
suggest such measures, but the government How many consecutive months has
should be cautious and seek alternative Pakistan experienced inflation above
solutions. 20 percent?
(a) 9 months
(b) 10 months
(c) 11 months
(d) 12 months
Answer: (c)
What is the threshold for
hyperinflation in Pakistan?
(a) Over 10 percent per month
(b) Over 20 percent per month
Reflecting on Pakistan's Economic Issues (c) Over 30 percent per month
The government must reflect on the deep- (d) Over 50 percent per month
rooted problems plaguing Pakistan's
Answer: (d)
economy. While it may not be feasible to
pinpoint the exact causes over the past 75 What is the major obstacle to
years, it is crucial to assess where the nation overcome economic challenges in
stands and why it has reached this point. Pakistan?
According to the UN Human Development
(a) Decline in exports
Report, Pakistan's Human Development Index
(HDI) ranking dropped by seven slots in (b) Increase in imports
2021-2022. Inadequate education, healthcare, (c) Rise in oil prices
and income indicators contributed to Pakistan (d) Decrease in interest rates
falling into the low human development Answer: (a)
category. Presently, Pakistan ranks 161st out
of 192 countries, with a life expectancy of just Which indicator contributed to
over 66 years, an average of eight years of Pakistan's low human development
schooling, and a gross per capita national category?
income of around $4,600. (a) High healthcare expenditure
Comparing with Regional Countries (b) Adequate education system
In comparison to regional countries, (c) High income indicators
Pakistan's human development progress has (d) Inadequate education, healthcare,
been modest. India ranks 132nd on the HDI
index, while Bangladesh is at 129th place. Sri and income indicators
Lanka, known for its impressive human Answer: (d)
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June 2023
development, ranked 73rd in the HDI index,
but its position may be adversely affected by
ongoing economic turmoil. Pakistan lags far In comparison to regional countries,
behind other regional countries in terms of how does Pakistan rank on the
human development indicators. Human Development Index?
Issues in Healthcare and Education (a) Higher than India and Bangladesh
Pakistan faces significant challenges in (b) Lower than India and Bangladesh
healthcare and education. It has the highest (c) Higher than Sri Lanka
infant mortality rate in South Asia and one of (d) Lower than Sri Lanka
the lowest life expectancies in the region, Answer: (b)
except for Afghanistan. The healthcare system
What are the major challenges faced
lacks sufficient resources, with only six
hospital beds per 10,000 people and a low by Pakistan in healthcare and
doctor-to-patient ratio. Education education?
expenditure is inadequate and poorly utilized, (a) Insufficient healthcare resources
resulting in teacher absenteeism and (b) Inadequate school infrastructure
inadequate school infrastructure. Both public (c) Both (a) and (b)
and low-income private schools struggle to (d) Neither (a) nor b)
provide quality education, as evident from Answer: (c)
poor student performance in math and
science exams. What is a significant issue in
providing adequate education in
Pakistan?
(a) Teacher absenteeism
(b) Lack of technical and vocational
education
(c) Insufficient education expenditure
(d) Poor student performance in math
and science exams
Answer: (a)
Which sector in Pakistan has a high
Lack of Technical and Vocational Education number of under-skilled and poorly
compensated workers?
Pakistan has not been successful in providing
adequate technical and vocational education (a) Formal workforce
to its large labor force. A significant portion (b) Informal sector
of the formal workforce is under-skilled and (c) Healthcare sector
poorly compensated. The country also has a (d) Education sector
sizeable unregulated informal sector, leading Answer: (b)
to exploitation of workers, particularly women What is one major impact of climate
and children. change on Pakistan?
Climate Change Crisis (a) Decrease in rainfall
Climate change poses a major crisis for (b) Increase in temperature
Pakistan. Developed countries are responsible (c) Unpredictable weather patterns
for the majority of historical carbon (d) Reduction in agricultural
emissions, yet it is the least developed productivity
countries that are disproportionately affected Answer: (c)
Monthly
HSM
June 2023
by climate disasters. The resilience of lower Multiple Challenges Ahead

income countries is expected to take over a Pakistan currently faces skyrocketing inflation,
century to match that of developed countries.
rising unemployment, and deteriorating
Unfortunately, the Global South faces
security, which further dampens economic
numerous socio-economic and environmental
growth. However, policymakers and decision-
factors that hinder their ability to combat the
makers seem preoccupied with a power
climate crisis.
struggle that will persist until a new
Impact of Climate Change on Pakistan government takes charge. The country's
Pakistan recently experienced a bumper crop political instability has negatively impacted its
of wheat due to favorable weather conditions governance and potential for economic
caused by climate change. However, the progress. Additionally, Pakistan has missed
excess rainfall and cooler temperatures also opportunities to promote itself as a tourist
indicate the unpredictability of weather destination, unlike successful examples from
patterns. The country is still recovering from other South Asian countries.
the 2022 floods, and the effects of climate
The accumulated challenges and the urgent
change will likely continue to affect its Human
Development Index ranking. In 2023, Sindh need to address them necessitate a
and Balochistan witnessed an unprecedented comprehensive reevaluation of Pakistan's
increase in monsoon rainfall, leading to economic policies and development
massive flooding. The Post-Disaster Needs strategies. Only through effective and
Assessment estimated that Pakistan would sustainable measures can Pakistan hope to
require at least $16.3 billion for post-flood overcome these obstacles and improve the
rehabilitation and reconstruction. well-being of its citizens.
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CSS Times Pak China Relations 52
Beijing to "Further Deepen and Expand"

Ties, Support Pak "Financial Stability"
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of
China's support for Pakistan's "financial
stability." Furthermore, a Chinese government
commission has recommended the
construction of a 3,000-kilometer-long
railway link between China and Pakistan,
estimated to cost $57.7 billion. This ambitious
project, part of China's Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI), aims to connect Pakistan's
Gwadar Port with the Chinese city of Kashgar,
signaling China's response to the perceived
threat of the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy in
China-Pakistan relations continue to the region. The implications of these
strengthen as high-level meetings between developments raise questions about India's
military and civilian leaders from both role and whether the US-China rivalry will
countries have resulted in a commitment to influence the choices made by India and
"further deepen and expand" their ties. Pakistan in South Asia, potentially pushing
Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang assured Pakistan further into the Chinese camp.
Monthly
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June 2023
US-India Ties: A Counterbalance Against
China
US President Joseph R. Biden is actively What is the purpose of the proposed
pursuing closer strategic ties with Indian railway link between China and
Prime Minister Modi, employing the rhetoric Pakistan?
of "democracy" and "shared values" to mask (a) Enhancing military cooperation
the true intent of countering China's rise as a (b) Strengthening economic ties
global superpower. China, with its extensive (c) Facilitating cultural exchanges
land border with India, has cautioned New (d) Promoting tourism
Delhi that it may become the biggest victim Answer: (b)
of the US proxy war against China. In an Op- Which initiative does the China-
Ed published in the Global Times, Professor Pakistan railway link project belong
Guo Bingyun highlights the US strategy of to?
using other countries as proxies to maintain (a) Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
its world hegemony. The ongoing Russia- (b) Indo-Pacific strategy
Ukraine conflict is cited as an example of such (c) US-China rivalry
a proxy war, serving multiple US interests. (d) China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
Professor Guo suggests that if an armed (CPEC)
conflict were to arise between China and Answer: (a)
India over border issues, the US and its allies What is the estimated cost of the
would be the primary beneficiaries, while China-Pakistan railway link project?
India would suffer as the biggest victim. (a) $57.7 billion
Historically, proxy conflicts have resulted in (b) $3 billion
significant losses for the proxies involved. (c) $100 billion
(d) $10 billion
Answer: (a)
How does China view the US-led
Indo-Pacific strategy?
(a) As an opportunity for cooperation
(b) As a threat to its interests
(c) As a model to emulate
(d) As a diplomatic breakthrough
Answer: (b)
What is the main reason behind the
strained relationship between the US
and Pakistan?
(a) Lack of communication between
leaders
(b) Economic conflicts
US-Pakistan Ties: A Strained Relationship (c) Nuclear proliferation concerns
(d) Proxy wars with China
Since assuming office, President Biden has
Answer: (a)
not contacted either former Pakistani Prime
Who has suggested that the US
Minister or current Prime Minister Shehbaz
Sharif. This lack of engagement sends a clear should engage with Pakistan's Prime
signal to Islamabad that Washington does Minister Shehbaz Sharif?
not prioritize its relationship with Pakistan. (a) Bruce Reidel
(b) Richard G. Olson
The absence of communication has led to (c) Madiha Afzal
suggestions, such as those made by Bruce (d) Joseph R. Biden
Reidel and Madiha Afzal from the Brookings Answer: (a)
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June 2023
Institution, that the White House should
reach out to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to
rectify the situation. Madiha Afzal emphasizes According to Richard G. Olson, how
that Pakistan, as the world's fifth-largest has the China Pakistan Economic
country and a nuclear-armed nation, should Corridor (CPE(C) impacted Pakistan?
be regarded on its own merits, independent (a) It has led to a decrease in economic
of its neighbors. Neglecting Pakistan risks
growth.
pushing the country further toward China,
which may not be a desirable outcome for (b) It has transformed underdeveloped
the United States. regions.
© It has strained relations with
CPEC Transforming Pakistan: A
neighboring countries.
Monumental Project
(d) It has caused an increase in
The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) terrorism.
has significantly transformed parts of Answer: (b)
Pakistan, as highlighted by former US
What is the main reason for
Ambassador Richard G. Olson in a New York
Times Op-Ed titled "How Not to Engage With Pakistan's current balance of
Pakistan." Olson acknowledges the payments crisis?
magnitude of CPEC's impact and its ability to (a) Debt acquired from China for CPEC
transform underdeveloped regions such as projects
Gwadar and the Thar Desert in Balochistan (b) Lack of foreign aid from the US
and Sindh, respectively. This transformative (c) Failure to boost exports and rising
project surpasses anything the United States imports
has undertaken in Pakistan. Olson further (d) Geopolitical factors in the region
warns that without Pakistani cooperation, the Answer: (c)
US military presence in Afghanistan risks What conditions were imposed by
becoming ineffective. the IMF for Pakistan's bailout?
(a) Reduction of military spending
(b) Implementation of economic
reforms
(c) Termination of CPEC projects
(d) Increased taxation on the middle
class
Answer: (b)
How does the Biden administration's
response to Pakistan's IMF bailout
compare to China's support?
(a) The Biden administration has shown
strong support.
(b) Both China and the Biden
Pakistan's Economic Crisis: Debunking
administration have provided equal
Misconceptions
support.
Some attribute Pakistan's current balance of (c) The Biden administration has shown
payments crisis to the debt acquired from minimal support.
China for funding CPEC projects. However,
(d) The Biden administration has
the evidence does not support this claim. The
real issue lies in Pakistan's failure to boost opposed the IMF bailout.
Answer: (c)
Monthly
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June 2023
exports while witnessing a surge in imports

during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's tenure
from 2013 to 2018. This imbalance forced What impact could China's support
Pakistan to seek an IMF bailout, which came for Pakistan's financial stability have
with stringent conditions for economic on Pakistan's alignment?
reforms and fiscal discipline. Geopolitical (a) Pushing Pakistan closer to India
factors, such as the Ukraine War, contributed (b) Strengthening ties with the United
to rising energy and commodity prices, States
further exacerbating Pakistan's trade deficits. (c) Encouraging Pakistan to align with
Unfortunately, the Biden administration has China
shown minimal support for Pakistan's IMF (d) Driving Pakistan away from the
bailout. In this context, China's commitment Chinese camp
to supporting Pakistan's financial stability Answer: (c)
becomes crucial, potentially pushing Pakistan Which country does the US seek
further into the Chinese camp. closer ties with as a counterbalance
In conclusion, China's dedication to to China's influence?
deepening ties with Pakistan, along with its (a) Russia
support for Pakistan's financial stability, (b) India
showcases the strengthening relationship (c) Pakistan
between the two nations. The proposed (d) Afghanistan
China-Pakistan railway link, as part of the BRI, Answer: (b)
represents a strategic response to the US-led What is the potential implication of
Indo-Pacific strategy. Meanwhile, the US the US-China rivalry on India and
seeks closer ties with India as a Pakistan's choices in South Asia?
counterbalance to China's growing influence. (a) It may push Pakistan further into the
The strained US-Pakistan relationship and Chinese camp.
Pakistan's economic crisis add further (b) It may drive India away from China.
complexity to the regional dynamics. As (c) It may lead to a stronger US-
Pakistan relationship.
Pakistan faces challenges, China's assistance
(d) It may result in military conflicts
and support may influence its alignment with
between India and China.
China, potentially reshaping the geopolitical
Answer: a).
landscape in South Asia.
What is the significance of Pakistan
as highlighted by Madiha Afzal?
(a) It is a nuclear-armed nation.
(b) It is a major exporter of goods.
(c) It is the world's largest country.
(d) It is a major tourist destination.
Answer: (a)
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CSS Times Pak Iran Relations 58
Mand-Pishin Border Sustenance Marketplace

Pakistan and Iran Inaugurate First Border Market
and Electricity Transmission Lines
prosperity of the people of Gwadar and
Balochistan.
Mand-Pishin Border Sustenance
Marketplace
The Mand-Pishin border sustenance
marketplace, situated in a remote village in
Balochistan, is the first of six border markets
to be constructed along the Pakistan-Iran
border under a 2012 agreement signed by
both sides. This marketplace aims to increase
Pakistan and Iran have recently inaugurated trade with Iran, providing local businesses
the first border market and electricity
transmission lines, marking a significant
milestone in their bilateral relations. The
Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations
Front (PIAF) has stated that the Mand-Pishin
border marketplace and the Gabd-Polan
electricity project will serve as a stepping
stone for greater economic cooperation
between the two countries. This development
is expected to unleash opportunities for
development, trade, business, and
employment, ultimately contributing to the
Monthly
HSM
June 2023
with new opportunities. With its historical
significance as a hub for small-scale border
business owners, particularly those connected What is the purpose of the Mand-
with the food and beverage sector in Kech Pishin border sustenance
and Gwadar districts, Mand has several large marketplace?
storage houses for imported goods that are (a) To increase trade with Afghanistan
distributed across Balochistan and other (b) To promote legal trade between
provinces of Pakistan. Pakistan and Iran
(c) To facilitate smuggling activities
(d) To enhance regional security
Answer: (b)
How many border markets are
planned to be constructed along the
Pakistan-Iran border?
(a) Four
(b) Six
(c) Nine
(d) Twelve
Answer: (b)
Which sector of business owners is
The Need for Enhancing Regional Trade particularly connected with the
PIAF Chairman Faheemur Rehman Saigol Mand-Pishin border marketplace?
emphasizes the necessity of enhancing (a) Textile industry
regional trade to alleviate the current (b) Automotive industry
economic crisis. He highlights that the (c) Food and beverage sector
project, which had been pending since 2009, (d) Information technology sector
was completed in a record time of four Answer: (c)
months. Saigol calls for the early What is the aim of the barter trade
implementation of the barter trade mechanism between Pakistan and
mechanism signed between Pakistan and Iran Iran?
during the Joint Trade Committee meeting (a) To boost bilateral trade to $5 billion
held in Tehran. The aim is to boost bilateral annually
trade to $5 billion annually. Saigol urges all (b) To import rice from Iran in exchange
concerned departments, especially the central for petroleum products
bank, to work on implementing barter trade (c) To establish banking channels
through approved crossing points, removing between the two countries
obstacles and bottlenecks for smooth trade. (d) To promote trade ties with global
He appreciates the initiatives taken by both and regional countries
Islamabad and Tehran to remove hurdles to Answer: (a)
bilateral trade and suggests that Iran should What are the identified items for
also take advantage of China-Pakistan barter trade between Pakistan and
Economic Corridor projects. Barter trade, he Iran?
believes, is a wise decision that can contribute (a) Textiles and electronics
to boosting Pakistan's foreign exchange (b) Rice and petroleum products
reserves through increased exports. (c) Automobiles and machinery
Barter Trade Mechanism and Resolution of (d) Pharmaceuticals and medical
Issues equipment
Saigol acknowledges that due to the lack of Answer: (b)
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banking channels with Iran, trading with Pishin is a border region located towards the
Tehran has presented some challenges. Northwestern part of the 904 km long Pak-
However, he welcomes the resolution of the Iran border. Last year, 9 border markets were
barter trade issue, considering it a positive approved to be opened in the Pishin Border
step for both Muslim neighboring nations. region on the Pakistan side. It may be
Pakistan and Iran have agreed to establish a mentioned here that The Mand-Pishin
barter trade mechanism, with over 50 items crossing is located in the Balochistan province
identified for bilateral trade, prioritizing rice of Pakistan and the Sistan and Baluchestan
and petroleum products. The barter trade can province of Iran.
be conducted through land routes using legal This border crossing is mainly used for trade
customs-notified border crossing points, in fresh fruits and vegetables. There are
without involving monetary transactions. For several informal crossings along the porous
instance, Pakistan can import liquefied Pakistan-Iran border. These informal crossings
petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran in exchange are primarily used by smugglers to transport
for rice. This arrangement is particularly goods such as oil, food items etc. The
significant as Iran faces sanctions imposed by opening of the Pishin border for legal trade is
the United States, limiting its trade ties with expected to reduce the flow of illicit goods
global and regional countries. Saigol also and promote legal trade between the two
emphasizes the importance of diversifying countries.
products and geographical areas to further
increase exports and achieve economic
growth.
What is the significance of the
Pishin border region?
(a) It is a major hub for illegal
smuggling activities
(b) It is primarily used for trade in
fresh fruits and vegetables
(c) It is located towards the
Northeastern part of the Pakistan-
Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Afghanistan border
Economic Relations (d) It is the main crossing point for
Saigol suggests that efforts should be made trade between Pakistan and China
to sign a free trade agreement between Iran Answer: (b)
and Pakistan, as both countries share the goal What is the expected impact of
of boosting bilateral trade and economic
relations, ultimately strengthening the opening the Pishin border for
regional economy. He commends the role of legal trade?
the Prime Minister in increasing trade volume (a) Increase in illicit goods trafficking
between the two countries and urges (b) Reduction in bilateral trade
businessmen to strengthen trade relations, volume
benefiting from each other's experiences and
enhancing trade activities. Saigol expresses
(c) Promotion of legal trade
concern over the worsening economic between Pakistan and Iran
situation in Pakistan, citing factors such as (d) Strengthening of regional
imbalances in payments caused by floods, security measures
increasing inflation, and loan repayments that Answer: (c)
need urgent attention.
Monthly
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June 2023
CSS Times Biodiversity 62
A New Method to Detect All Known

Strains of Amphibian Chytridiomycosis
Introduction is an infectious fungal disease that can be
Chytridiomycosis is an infectious fungal fatal to amphibians. It specifically affects their
disease that poses a significant threat to
amphibians worldwide. Recently, a
groundbreaking study has developed a
method to detect all known strains of this
disease, caused by the amphibian chytrid
fungus. This breakthrough holds great
promise in advancing our ability to detect
and research the disease, ultimately working
towards a widely available cure.
About Chytridiomycosis
Fungal Disease: Amphibian chytridiomycosis
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skin and is caused by two species of
amphibian chytrid fungus, namely
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Which fungal disease is fatal to
Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans. amphibians?
Origin: Chytrid originated in Asia, but due to (a) Amphibian chytridiomycosis
global travel and trade in amphibians, it has (b) Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
been unwittingly spread to other continents. (c) Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
This unintended transmission has played a (d) Fungal skin infection
significant role in the global spread of the Answer: (a)
disease. Where did the chytrid fungus
originate?
First Pandemic: Since the 1970s, the disease
(a) Europe
has spread globally, resulting in severe
(b) North America
population declines and the extinction of
(c) Asia
numerous amphibian species. This pandemic
(d) Africa
served as an alarming precedent, highlighting
the direct threat of infectious diseases to Answer: c)
biodiversity. What is the primary mode of
transmission for chytrid fungus in
frogs?
(a) Respiratory system
(b) Digestive system
(c) Reproductive system
(d) Skin
Answer: (d)
What makes chytrid the deadliest
animal disease known to date?
(a) It affects a large number of species
(b) It has a high mortality rate
(c) It primarily affects frog populations
(d) It spreads rapidly through water
Answer: (a)
Affecting Frog Species: Chytrid has wreaked What recent development has been
havoc on frog populations worldwide, leading made in the study of chytrid disease?
to the decimation of approximately 90 (a) A vaccine has been discovered
species. The fungus infects frogs by (b) A cure has been developed
reproducing in their skin cells. It enters a cell, (c) A method to detect all known
multiplies, and then breaks out onto the strains has been developed
surface of the amphibian. This damage (d) The disease has been eradicated
impairs the frog's ability to regulate water Answer: ©
and salt levels, eventually leading to death in What is the ecological status of
cases of high infection levels. Duttaphrynusmelanostictus in
Pakistan?
Why is it the Deadliest? (a) It is considered a nuisance predator
Chytrid is considered the deadliest animal and disease vector
disease known to date due to its (b) It is a protected species in Pakistan
exceptionally high mortality rate and the (c) It is not found in Pakistan
large number of species it affects. Frog (d) Its impact on ecosystems is
populations in regions like Australia and the unknown
Americas lacked an evolutionary history with Answer: (a)
Monthly
HSM
June 2023
chytrid, leaving them vulnerable to
devastating consequences when exposed to
this new pathogen. In the 1980s, amphibian Why is studying the prevalence of
biologists began observing sharp population chytrid fungus important in
declines, and in 1998, the chytrid fungal Pakistan?
pathogen was finally identified as the culprit (a) It helps assess the impact of climate
behind the alarming decline in frog
change on amphibians
populations.
(b) It provides data for accurate
Recent Study: modeling of the fungus
A recent multinational study, published in the (c) It helps identify new species of
journal Transboundary and Emerging chytrid fungus
Diseases, has successfully developed a (d) It is required by international
method to detect all known strains of conservation organizations
chytridiomycosis. This groundbreaking Answer: (b)
achievement represents a significant step What is one way to change social
forward in our ability to detect and study the
attitudes towards amphibians in
disease. By accurately identifying the different
strains, researchers can gain valuable insights Pakistan?
into the fungus and work towards the (a) Establishing wildlife conservation
development of effective treatments or cures. projects
(b) Conducting research on carnivores
and birds
(c) Integrating amphibians into school
programs
(d) Focusing on habitat restoration
Answer: (c)
Which term refers to short-term
actions for conserving amphibians in
Pakistan?
(a) Population monitoring
(b) Legislative reform
(c) Systematic surveys
(d) Establishing a research network
Answer: (d)
What is the significance of
Pakistan's Role in Managing
incorporating amphibians into
Duttaphrynusmelanostictus
wildlife conservation programs in
Pakistan serves as the westernmost boundary
for Duttaphrynusmelanostictus, a species that Pakistan?
has been introduced beyond its natural (a) It helps control the spread of chytrid
range, causing ecological problems and being fungus
considered a nuisance predator and disease (b) It enhances the survival of all
vector. Understanding its ecology and biology wildlife species
in its native range can aid in managing this (c) It supports the 10 Billion Tree
species in Pakistan and elsewhere. Tsunami initiative
Importance of Studying Chytrid Fungus in (d) It addresses the threats of habitat
Pakistan destruction and pollution
The worldwide impact of Answer: (b)
Batrachochytriumdendrobatidis, a chytrid
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fungus affecting amphibians, suggests a low likelihood of its occurrence in Pakistan. However, the
lack of direct observational data from Pakistan can lead to inaccurate modeling results. Therefore,
studying the prevalence of this fungus in Pakistan is crucial to fill data gaps. Additionally, the
diverse amphibian assemblages in northern Pakistan's dynamic ecosystems increase the risk of
chytrid fungus introduction and spread, emphasizing the need for risk assessments.
Changing Social Attitudes towards Amphibians
Efforts should be made to shift societal attitudes towards amphibians in Pakistan. Community
awareness through outreach, school programs, and citizen science initiatives can help achieve this
goal. Research projects should include outreach components, and collaboration with farmers and
local communities in agroecosystems can foster engagement. Integration of herpetofauna species
into ongoing environmental projects, like the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami initiative, can further raise
public awareness and enhance species documentation.
Conservation Strategies for Amphibians in Pakistan
To conserve amphibians in Pakistan, research priorities should be set and a conservation strategy
devised. Anthropogenic threats such as habitat destruction, urbanization, pollution, and
unsustainable utilization should be addressed through short-, medium-, and long-term actions.
Establishing a network of researchers engaged in amphibian-related research is a short-term goal.
Medium-term actions involve systematic surveys, creating a species database, and researching
taxonomy and biogeography. Long-term actions include population monitoring, threat mitigation,
and legislative support.
Legislation and Policy Reform
Amphibians are currently excluded from legislative and policy decisions in Pakistan. The National
Climate Change Policy, Pakistan National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, Biodiversity Action
Plan of Pakistan, and Pakistan National Conservation Strategy should incorporate research and
conservation efforts for amphibians. Legislation protecting threatened and endemic species,
particularly Schedule III of provincial and federal wildlife laws and CITES appendices, requires
revision and updating.
Amphibians in Wildlife Conservation
Wildlife conservation projects in Pakistan predominantly focus on carnivores, ungulates, and birds.
However, the presence of amphibians in the food chain, as observed in Ayobia National Park,
indicates their ecological importance. Incorporating amphibians into research and conservation
programs is necessary to promote an inclusive wildlife conservation approach in Pakistan and
ensure the survival of all wildlife species.
Conclusion
The development of a method to detect all known strains of amphibian chytridiomycosis marks a
crucial advancement in our fight against this devastating disease. With improved detection
capabilities, researchers can deepen their understanding of the fungus and work towards the
development of widely available treatments. This breakthrough brings hope for the future of
amphibian populations affected by chytrid and underscores the importance of continued research
and conservation efforts in combating infectious diseases that threaten biodiversity.
Monthly
HSM
June 2023
CSS Times CURRENT AFFAIRS MCQs 68
National & International

MCQs
Publishers
CURRENT
May
2023
What was the reason behind the Boeing According to Pakistan International
777 aircraft of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), who owns the Boeing 777
Airlines (PI(A) being stopped at Kuala aircraft involved in the dispute?
Lumpur International Airport? (a) The leasing company
(a) Mechanical failure (b) The local court
(b) Safety inspection (c) PIA
(c) Legal dispute (d) Another airline
(d) Pilot strike Answer: ©
Answer: © Explanation: PIA claimed ownership of the
Boeing 777 aircraft involved in the dispute.
They stated that the leasing company only
owned one of the mounted engines,
disputing the claim made by the leasing
company that PIA owed it $4.5 million.
Which provision of the Supreme Court
(Review of Judgements and Orders) Act
2023 allows for the review of judgments
on both facts and law?
(a) Section 2
(b) Section 3
Explanation: The aircraft was stopped at
(c) Section 4
Kuala Lumpur International Airport due to a
legal dispute. The leasing company claimed (d) Section 5
that PIA owed it $4.5 million, while PIA Answer: (a)
disputed the claim, stating that it owned the
aircraft and the leasing company only owned Explanation: Section 2 of the act states that
one of the mounted engines. the scope of the review, on both facts and
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. (a) $77.5 million
(b) $77.5 billion
(c) $350 billion
(d) The report does not mention the amount
of debt.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: According to the report,
Pakistan has to repay $77.5 billion in external
debt between April 2023 and June 2026. This
amount is highlighted in the report as a
substantial burden, considering the country's
law, will be the same as an appeal under GDP of $350 billion in 2021.
Article 185 of the constitution. This provision
Which organization jointly published the
enables the Supreme Court to review its report titled "Hunger Hotspots: FAO-WFP
judgments comprehensively, considering early warnings on acute food insecurity"?
both factual and legal aspects.
(a) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
According to the Supreme Court (Review
of Judgements and Orders) Act 2023, who (b) World Food Programme (WFP)
can appoint an advocate of their choice for (c) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
a review petition? (d) United Nations Development Programme
(a) The respondent (UNDP)
(b) The petitioner Answer: (a)
(c) The original bench
(d) The Chief Justice
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Section 4 of the act empowers
the petitioner filing a review petition to
appoint any advocate of the Supreme Court
of their choice for the review petition. This
provision allows the petitioner to select an
advocate who they believe can effectively
represent their interests during the review
process.
How much external debt does Pakistan Explanation: The report titled "Hunger
have to repay between April 2023 and Hotspots: FAO-WFP early warnings on acute
June 2026, as mentioned in the report? food insecurity" was jointly published by the
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and
the World Food Programme (WFP). These
organizations are working together to
address and provide early warnings on acute
food insecurity.
When did the avalanche near Shunter Pass
take place?
(a) May 27, 2022
(b) May 27, 2023
(c) May 27, 2024
(d) May 27, 2025
Answer: (b)
Monthly
HSM
June 2023
Explanation: Avalanches can be triggered by
a combination of factors, including steep
slopes, heavy snowfall, and snowpack
instability. Steep slopes increase the
likelihood of a snowslide, while heavy
snowfall adds weight to the snowpack.
Snowpack instability refers to weak layers
within the snowpack that can collapse and
initiate an avalanche.
What is the most common cause of
Explanation: Eleven people, including four human-triggered avalanches?
women and a child, were killed in an (a) Skiing or snowboarding
avalanche near Shunter Pass in Astore district (b) Snowmobiling
of Gilgit-Baltistan on May 27, 2023. The areas (c) Hiking or mountaineering
of GB and Azad Kashmir are prone to natural (d) Construction activities
disasters including avalanches in which Answer: (a)
masses of snow, ice and rocks come rapidly Explanation: Skiing or snowboarding is the
down from mountains. In October 2020, an most common recreational activity associated
Austrian climber was killed while another with triggering avalanches. The movement
climber and their local guide were seriously and weight of skiers or snowboarders can
injured when they were hit by an avalanche stress weak layers in the snowpack, leading to
while attempting to climb an unexplored and an avalanche.
unclimbed peak in the Shimshal Valley of Which US Company purchased resources
Hunza.In January of that year, 15 people, of First Republic Bank resulting in 3rd
including five soldiers, were martyred in
financial collapse?
several avalanches in the two regions.
(a) Axis Bank
What is an avalanche?
(b) First Citizens
(a) A sudden release of water from a dam
(c) JP Morgan Chase & Co
(b) A sudden and rapid flow of lava
(d) American Express
(c) A rapid and massive snow or ice slide
Answer: ©
down a mountain slope
Explanation: The assets of First Republic
(d) A powerful earthquake caused by tectonic
plate movements Bank have been bought by American
Answer: (c) multinational company JP Morgan Chase &
Explanation: An avalanche refers to a fast- Co. The US financial regulators seized First
moving flow of snow, ice, and debris down a Republic Bank, a California-based financial
mountain slope. It is typically triggered by institution. It resulted in the third major bank
various factors such as snowfall, weather failure in the past 2 months. The deal has
conditions, or human activity. been made to save the economic turbulences.
Which of the following factors can The outflows of 100$ were reported recently.
contribute to the occurrence of an Who left Google to spread awareness
avalanche? towards the rising threats of AI to society?
(a) Steep slopes (a) Sergey Brin
(b) Heavy snowfall (b) Geoffrey Hinton
(c) Snowpack instability (c) Jeff Dean
(d) All of the above (d) Larry Page
Answer: (d) Answer: (b)
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Explanation: Geoffrey Hinton, the Godfather (d) BBC Urdu
of Artificial Intelligence left his job at Google Answer: (a)
and indicates the alarming dangers of Explanation: The Pulitzer has been
technological robotic devices or chatbots. 75- announced for the year 2023. The
year-olf Hinton tweets that he did not resign Associated Press has been awarded the
to criticize the company in fact he wants to Pulitzer Prize for wartime coverage. This
spread awareness about the possible American News Agency did wartime
outcomes of advancement in machinery coverage of the city of Mariupol in the
systems. Mr Hinton has worked extensively Russia-Ukraine War. On the other hand,
on neural networks and is widely known as a
New York Times has won this prestigious
computer scientist and a renowned name in
cognitive psychology.
award for international reporting of the
What was the theme of 2023 World invasion. The Pulitzer Prize recognizes the
Asthma Day? best of journalism and literary arts. This
(a) 'Asthma Care for All' award was first bestowed in 1917.
(b) 'Closing Gaps in Asthma Care' Which player has won the ICC Men's
(c) 'Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions' Player of the Month award for the
(d) 'Enough Asthma Deaths' month of April?
Answer: (d) (a) Shubman Gill
Explanation: The maritime exercise of the (b) Fakhar Zaman
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (c) Virat Kohli
(ASEAN) started on May 02, 2023, at Changi (d) Babar Azam
Naval Base of Singapore. There are a total of Answer: (b)
10 member states included in the ASEAN Explanation: Pakistan batsman Fakhar
group while Australia was the first one to Zaman won the ICC Men's Player of the
have been included in the membership. This Month award for April 2023. The same
nautical event aims at enhancing Women's Player of the Month award has
intergovernmental collaborations and been given to Thailand captain Narumol
teamwork among various military groups. Chaiwai. Fakhar has become the first
When is World Athletics Day celebrated? Pakistani player to win this award after
(a) 07 May Sidra Amin in November 2022. The ICC
(b) 08 May Player of the Month award is provided to
(c) 09 May
players every month by the ICC
(d) 10 May
considering their best performances.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: World Athletics Day 2023 is
celebrated every year on May 07. The main
objective of this day is to raise awareness
about fitness among children and to
encourage youth and school children to
participate in athletics. The theme of World
Athletics Day 2023 was 'Athletics for All - A
New Beginning'.
Which press organization has been
awarded Pulitzer Prize for wartime
coverage?
(a) The Associated Press
(b) New York Times
© Washington Post
Monthly
HSM
June 2023
NASA partners with which Technology According to the statement by Public
Company for a new Geospatial Foundation Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Noor
Model? Alam Khan, how much penalty would
(a) Oracle Pakistan have to pay if the country did not
(b) Google proceed with the Iran-Pakistan Gas
(c) Hewlett Packard Pipeline project?
(d) IBM
Answer: (d) (a) $10 billion
Explanation: The National Aeronautics and (b) $12 billion
Space Administration (NASA) has (c) $15 billion
collaborated with the International Business
Machines Corporation (IBM) to launch a new (d) $18 billion
geospatial foundation model. This AI-based Answer: (d)
structure will transform satellite data into Explanation: The Public Accounts Committee
detailed maps of fires, floods and landscape expressed concern that Pakistan would have
transformations. This futuristic step holds the to pay a staggering amount of $18 billion in
capacity to analyse climatic risks. penalty if the country did not go ahead with
What is the average price per tonne at the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project.
which Saudi Arabia bought the wheat in
the international purchasing tender?
a) $280.25
b) $261.76
c) $240.50
d) $212.90
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Saudi Arabia bought 624,000
tonnes of wheat in an international
purchasing tender for September-October
shipment. It was bought at an average price
of $261.76 a tonne c&f. The wheat with
12.5% protein content was sought for arrival
between September and October in a series
of Saudi ports.The purchase was more than
the 480,000 tonnes sought in the tender.
Who was the first Pakistani to summit
When is International Nurses Day
Mount Everest without supplemental
oxygen and other support? observed annually?
a) Sajid Sadpara (a) 10 May
b) Samina Baig (b) 11 May
c) Karar Haidri (c) 12 May
d) Naila Kiani (d) 13 May
Answer: (a) Answer: ©
Explanation: Sajid Sadpara, the son of the Explanation: International Nurses Day is
legendary mountaineer Mohammad Ali celebrated every year on May 12, 2023. The
Sadpara, became the first Pakistani to summit day marks the birth anniversary of Florence
Mount Everest without the use of Nightingale, who is considered the founder of
supplemental oxygen and other support. This modern nursing. The theme of this year's
remarkable achievement was described as International Nurses Day is "Our Nurses, Our
'the dream of my father' in a tweet. Samina Future". In 1974, the International Council of
Baig was the first Pakistani woman to summit Nurses declared Florence Nightingale's birth
Everest in 2013. anniversary as International Nurses Day.
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Pakistan’s First Monthly E-Magazine for Civil Services Aspirants

PAKISTAN'S FOOD CRISIS OVERVIEW

World Press Freedom Index 2023

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Prisoner Exchange: Hope Amidst Disillusionment

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is signiﬁcantly higher than the WHO's Air

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The 2023 Census of Pakistan:

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Punishing Ination & Low Growth

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by climate disasters. The resilience of lower Multiple Challenges Ahead

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Beijing to "Further Deepen and Expand"

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exports while witnessing a surge in imports

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Mand-Pishin Border Sustenance Marketplace

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A New Method to Detect All Known

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National & International

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Solved Papers (2005-2022)

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