Скачать или смотреть CSS PODCAST #1: CSS Current Affairs Topics

Our podcast today on CSS Current Affairs discusses the following topics relevant to CSS CE 2025 exam:

**Climate Change**: This section defines climate change, discusses its causes, outlines its effects on the environment, notes the scientific consensus on human influence, and suggests solutions through both mitigation and adaptation strategies. The section specifically highlights the impact of climate change on Pakistan and proposes action plans for the country.

**The Afghan Issue & Peace Process**: This section provides a background of the situation in Afghanistan since 9/11, including the US invasion and the Taliban's resurgence. It details the Doha Agreement between the US and the Taliban, highlighting provisions like troop withdrawal and lifting of sanctions. Pakistan's role as a facilitator in the peace process is emphasized, along with the challenges and objectives for Pakistan in achieving a stable Afghanistan.

**Pak-Afghan River Issue**: This section underscores the potential for conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan over transboundary rivers, particularly concerning the construction of the Shahtoot Dam in Afghanistan. Concerns over water diversion and its impact on Pakistan's water security are presented, while emphasizing the need for hydro-diplomacy and joint solutions for data sharing and collaborative water management.

**India's Clash with China**: The source discusses the border clash between India and China, offering perspectives from both sides. It explores the implications of this clash, including regional polarization, strengthened US-India ties, and the challenges and opportunities presented to Pakistan in this dynamic.

**Indo-Pacific Policy of US**: This section explains the US's Indo-Pacific policy, a strategy aimed at countering China's influence in the region.

**Pak-US Relations**: This section provides a brief overview of Pakistan-US relations, highlighting the positive shift following PM Imran Khan's visit to the US in 2019.

**US South Asia Policy**: A short mention of the US' approach towards South Asia, considering the roles of Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.

**Iran-US Relations**: This section details the complex history of Iran-US relations from 1953 to the present, encompassing events such as the 1953 coup, the Iranian Revolution, the Iran-Iraq war, the Iran Nuclear Deal, and the subsequent US withdrawal from the deal under the Trump administration.


**US-Russia Relations**: This section explores the strained relationship between the US and Russia, attributing it to issues like Russian interference in the 2016 US elections, the conflict in Ukraine, and support for different sides in the Syrian war. It suggests solutions like arms control, cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation, and managing competition in cyberspace and space.

**A Changing International Landscape**: This section presents a perspective on the shifting global landscape, characterized by US-China bipolarity, technological advancements, and a heightened risk of conflict.

**Pakistan-China Relations**: The source details the historical development of Pakistan-China relations from 1951 onwards. It highlights key milestones such as the establishment of diplomatic ties, the border agreement, China's support during the 1971 war, and the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2015.

**CPEC**: This section offers a detailed explanation of CPEC, outlining its objectives, various components, and potential benefits for Pakistan's economy. It addresses concerns regarding the project being a "debt trap," highlighting the actual debt figures and the transparency of the projects.

**SCO**: The source provides a brief overview of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), noting its objectives, member states, and Pakistan's participation in the organization.

**BRI**: This section explains China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global development strategy. It outlines BRI's scale, potential opportunities, and associated risks.

**Pakistan's Trade**: This section examines Pakistan's trade potential, particularly in light of CPEC and BRI. It analyzes Pakistan's trade relationship with China and suggests strategies to enhance trade volume by leveraging its geographic location, improving infrastructure, reducing tariffs, and streamlining regulations.

**Saudi-Iran Conflict**: The source discusses the ongoing rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, characterizing it as a proxy war fueled by religious differences and a pursuit of regional hegemony.

**Pak-Iran Relations**: This section describes the historical background of positive relations between Pakistan and Iran, based on cultural and religious ties. It highlights recent developments, including high-level visits, economic cooperation, and joint efforts to combat terrorism.