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CURRENT AFFAIRS PAPER   It will be no exaggeration to term Current Affairs as the backbone of CSS Exam because if this subject is st...

CURRENT AFFAIRS PAPER 

It will be no exaggeration to term Current Affairs as the backbone of CSS Exam because if this subject is strong, then half of the work is done. Current Affairs plays a pivotal and overlapping role in most of the compulsory and optional subjects. Here, through this write–up I will try to guide you through the art of tackling the Current Affairs paper.

CSS CURRENT AFFAIR PAPER 

SUBJECT ANALYSIS:

Current Affairs as a subject is quite an easy one. We all know what is happening all around us. You simply need to be tactical in your approach and justification of your stance is highly crucial. Most aspirants consider these subjects as the most difficult obstacles to defeat i.e. Essay and Current Affairs Papers. It is so because candidates have to build the edifice of their preparation. In short, it is the backbone of CSS Exam, the 'key'. Apparently, Current Affairs is only a single compulsory paper yet its use in Essay, Pakistan Affairs and Islamic Studies as well as in the optional ones like Geography, International Relations, International Law,


Political Science, etc., is all too visible. That's the reason why a huge chunk of candidates opts for these subjects.

SYLLABUS ANALYSIS:

The syllabus has been divided into 3 Major Areas; Domestic Affairs, External Affairs, and Global Issues. All of the domestic affairs of Pakistan such as political, economic along with social issues comprise the first part. Relations with neighbors, Muslim world, USA, and regional as well as International organizations are the features of External Affairs of Pakistan. Global Issues constitute all the current (ISIS, Muslims in Burma, etc.) as well as decades old global issues (Kashmir issue and Palestine issue). At least 2 questions appear from all of the 3 areas but External Affairs and Global Issues are majorly focused. (Check 2016 paper) 

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

Analytical mind plays decisive role in one's success. FPSC has too changed her course from encouraging rote learning to appreciate analytical mind. If you do not have analytic skill it would be very difficult to attempt paper with reason and logic. If your paper has no show of mind you can‘t expect any bright success. 

Anyhow to develop analytical skill is not too difficult you just need to read what one says and put argument accordingly. First you would face difficulty to pen argument but you can learn from editorials or opinions of newspaper where writer always support her option only on bases of logic. You can easily judge that different writers support their points on different ground and they often vary from each other if endorse one policy other endorse any other policy you can judge that on what points one endorse a specific policy and on what points one oppose that policy. Another way is to develop these skill is to discuss contemporary affairs with your friends, try to get opinions of different people who belong to different regions argue with them on specific points through this way you can easily gather different viewpoints view on specific issues. Remember learn how to acknowledge true reason; do not dare stick to your point if one provides enough logic to support her point instead of your insistence on your viewpoint, which is averse of logic. So, one must stay relevant, precise, and logical with one‘s answers. Try to theorize your answer, hence, an understanding of the history and politics is pertinent. Examiner requires analysis so ensure that you are able to justify your stance. 

While attempting the paper, most candidates do not understand the questions before answering them. There is a wide gulf between what they write and what has been actually asked. For example, the question is: ―Resolution of Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan can bring peace and prosperity in the region. Discuss.‖ 

Most candidates would go on writing all they knew about Kashmir while remaining completely oblivious to what has been actually asked. Here, what is required is to discuss only one aspect of the many branches of the Kashmir dispute. So, do read the question again and again to grasp what examiner wants to see in your answer, and then write your points accordingly. 

Q. Discuss the causes of extremism and militancy in Pakistani society. Suggest ways and means for the state organs to overcome these issues.

1.    Introduction

2.    Causes of Extremism and Militancy in Pakistan

a)    Motivation by religious ideologies and grievances.

b)    Injustice to Minorities.

c)    Terrorists will use poverty, social strife, inequality and oppression to their advantage.

d)    Involvement of Foreign Hand

e)    Several interpretations of Islam.

f)     Illiteracy

g)    Low employment rate

3.    Ways to Overcome These Issues

a)    Invigorate law–enforcement agencies.

b)    More vigilance along borders.

c)    Depriving criminals of their profits

d)    Providing necessary technology, harmonizing laws and sharing information.

e)    Seek negotiated political settlement.

f)     Reorganize national priorities with education as main concern.

g)    Prevent others from following the same path and thus succeed in eliminating the terrorism menace.

4.    Conclusion

External Affair Questions:

How to critically analyze external affairs from different perspectives?

1.   Study Relations Through Maps:

Practice making the following three maps so as to memorize them;

a. World Map

b. South Asian Map

c. Pakistan Map

When you have a clear picture of the above maps in your head, it would be easier to deal with current affairs related questions.

2.     Influence of other Countries/ Organizations:

We all know that all the countries have some influence and interest in every neighbor country due to inter–dependency. In relation based questions such as Pak–Afghan Relations, Afghanistan has an Indian, Chinese, Iranian, and Russian influence which directly affect the dynamics of Pak– Afghan Relations. Critical analyses of these relations can be discussed in the question.
You write an outline of Study Relations with Organizations through this technique. For instance: European Union (EU)
1. Introduction
2. Formation: Answering ‗wh‘ questions
3. Objectives and Organizational Structure
4. Recent Developments: When was the last conference held and when will the next be held?
5. Effectiveness of EU
6. Challenges Faced by EU
7. Role of Pakistan; Critical analysis required (GSP plus status)
8. Conclusion

3. Analyses from Different Perspectives:

Bilateral Relations include Strategic, Political, Economic, Cultural, and Social level interactions. All the more reason studying relations has become quite difficult as two countries interact with each other on different fronts. For instance, Pakistan–China Relations are usually studied on a strategic and an economic front. Whereas, Pak–US relations has been studied from political and economic perspectives.

POINT TO NOTE:

Examiner always asks about a particular aspect of bilateral relations according to the recent developments. As in 2015, there was a huge uproar about restarting the dialogue process between Pakistan and India. Hence, in 2016 he asked questions regarding comprehensive dialogue between Pakistan and India. Note that the question has been asked in context of Dialogue so keeping that in mind we will be formulating an outline.

 COMPARISON OF ANSWERS: GENERAL V/S QUESTION SPECIFIC

1)  General Technique: Pak–India Relations

I. Introduction

II. Historical Background; Wars, dialogues.

III. Irritants: Kashmir Issue, Water Disputes, Indian Presence in Afghanistan, Indian Involvement in Pakistan (Presence of Raw), events such as Mumbai carnage and the blame game

IV. Current Developments

V. Way Forward/ Recommendations: Role of both Indian and Pakistani government, Role of media, citizens, Multi track Diplomacy, how can the tussle be solved especially Kashmir issue, Role of Afghanistan as a Buffer state, and power sharing percentage.

VI. Conclusion

2)  Question Specific (2016): Discuss the possibilities of progress under the recently agreed rubric of Comprehensive Dialogue between Pakistan and India. In your opinion what are the major constraints at present?

1. Introduction

2. Historical Context: Linking every event with the prospect of dialogue

3. Brief Analysis of Dialogues: How many dialogues occurred and how many were effective if any?

4. Recent Dimensions in terms of hurdles to Peace

a. Systematic violation of LOC since 2013 (you may make a South Asia Map here)

b. India blotting the image of Pak (blame game)

c. Conservative Regime in India

d. Growing ties of US and India in context of Nuclear Supplier Group membership

5. Conflicting Foreign Policy Objectives

a. Indian Approach toward Pakistan( Regional Policy, and Neighborhood policy)

b. Pakistan‘s understanding of such policies

6. Hurdles in Peace?

a. Psychological clash of historical narratives

b. Pakistan‘s India fear

c. Legacy of Partition

d. South Asia being a breeding ground for extremism

e. Accusations

7. Can Peace be possible?



a. Curriculum Reformation: Removing opposing elements

b. Reconstruction of national narratives

c. Trade as an effective tool

d. Multi–track Diplomacy

e. Effective utilization of SAARC‘s platform

8. Conclusion

5) Domestic and Global Issues Section: 

Keep a check on the events of later half of the previous year and the start of the year in which exams are to be commenced. You have to be conceptual and analytical in your answers and not factual.

START PREPARING FOR CURRENT AFFAIRS PAPER

Now, you have got the basic structure ready. Make a separate register for Current Affairs. Daily pick up a national and international newspaper/magazine and look out for any update on your relevant topic and you just need to add that under

‗Recent Developments‘ section. Preferably start preparation of Current Affairs from October till the exam date. Reading newspapers helps you to improve English vocabulary, since most of the vocabulary words for written expressions are high frequency words except the Précis Paper.

STARTEGY FOR READING DAWN NEWSPAPER

For newspaper reading, if it's DAWN, go through the front page, back page, editorial and what nobody will emphasize enough is the 2 international pages, specially the left one which contains opinions and views by Intl' newspapers' writers, plus the business page for just staying in touch with the state of global economy. Monday‘s supplement on economy is a MUST. Two to three questions in each of Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs and Geography, or even a topic in essay, can be prepared by thorough reading of this supplement, noting down imp stats etc. On average, 3 to 4 articles in each supplement are worth cutting away and preserving from examination point of view.

Aspirants, don't waste your whole day on news paper. Maximum 1-2 hour is sufficient if you are good reader. If you want to improve your composition, rewrite one editorial daily and get it checked. Select 5 new words daily and use those words into sentences. Make short notes from news paper and add facts and figures to–up–date.

 RESOURCES FOR CURRENT AFFAIRS PAPER

a.    Dawn, and Express Tribune

b.    The Economist Magazine (Online)

c.    Current Affairs Digest (Safdar Mehmood)

d.    Foreign Policy Magazine

e.    You should also check online websites including for Current Affairs: 

www.newsweekpakistan.com

www.economist.com

ww .foreignpolicy.com www.spiegel.de/international

ANALYTICAL ABILITY:

As I mentioned earlier, the analytical ability should be developed. Aspirant should not be a rote learner. You should be able to analyse the statement and describe it in your own words. Only the availability of knowledge is useless. You should be able to arrange the knowledge in the required format. Keenly observe the method used by the

writers in newspaper articles. They provide logic for every statement they make. You should have clear points against and in favour of different issues. The discussion with the friends can be helpful too. This will make you aware of their points of view. Every point should have logic behind it.

I CAN HELP YOU IN CURRENT AFFAIRS PAPER

1)    Choose the questions carefully. Go for the topics about which you have extensive knowledge.

2)    Make coherent outlines and follow that pattern strictly while answering the question. An outline serves as a snapshot of what lies ahead for the examiner. It facilitates students as well for properly organizing their scheme of answer.

3)    Proper introduction, analysis, pointers to support the premises and conclusion are some essential constituents of a good answer. Employ a good number of headings and present your paper well.

4)    Be extremely relevant, targeted and focused. Answer the gist of the question only.

5)    Avoid passing sweeping statements rather back your arguments with relevant statistics, figures, maps, diagrams, flow charts, examples, case studies, quotations and views of significant authors and experts of the concerned subject. Statistics need to be current and correct. Do not think examiner will not find out if you're misquoting figures.

6)    Give a proper conclusion.

7)    Skim through your answer after completion in order to avoid any mistakes.

8)    Time yourself throughout and complete all your answer well in time. Do not assign more than 35–37 minutes per question.