Newspapers are an integral part of UPSC Civil Services preparation as it keeps the aspirants updated on the recent developments and happenings across the country and globe. However, there’s a specific way in which newspapers should be read in order to not waste time. The goal is to read the newspaper in such a way that it aids your preparation without taking a lot of your time.
The two best and most recommended newspapers for UPSC preparation are - “The Hindu” and “The Indian Express”. Now, let us discuss what and how to read the newspaper for IAS preparation in order to leverage it to its fullest potential.
First and foremost, it is important to note that you should not dedicate more than 60 minutes for newspaper reading. Now, let us go on and discuss what to read for each subject:
What to read :
Nationwide schemes/initiatives launched by the government.
The implications of the event of national importance. For eg, any natural/man-made calamity, accidents, etc that could have been prevented by a comprehensive disaster management action plan.
News related to ISRO or any scientific development
What to read:
International conferences and events attended by Prime Minister and President.
Treaties and agreements signed therein
Reports published by international organizations such as the UN, WHO, UNICEF, ASEAN, etc. Eg: WHO’s reports on COVID-19, various indexes issued by these organizations.
Major political events in other countries like uprisings, political coup etc. Eg Israel issue, Rohingya crisis.
What to read:
Press releases by SEBI, RBI, NITI Aayog, NASSCOM, ASSOCHAM, etc
Reforms and measures introduced by the finance ministry and their implications.
Eg: GST reforms, Relief package introduced by the government, etc.
Indicators like GDP, CPI, IIP, etc
What to read:
Parliamentary bills and acts. Eg: Citizenship Amendment Act
Schemes/reforms etc announced by the government.
Ministry-wise schemes and reports
Verdicts of the supreme court and high courts on important matters.
Parliamentary debates
What to read:
Issues related to environment and biodiversity.
Culture and heritage-related news such as the conduct of national programs and events.
GI tags, the addition of UNESCO heritage site, etc
News about endangered and extinct species
Other science & technology related news
Here are some tips by the CL experts that will surely help you in efficiently reading the newspaper:
Get a thorough understanding of the syllabus: A thorough reading of the syllabus will allow you to pick relevant news pieces enabling you to save a lot of time. Read only that portion which is relevant for the UPSC exam.
Glance through PYQs: Previous Year questions, especially that have been asked from the current affairs section will give you an idea of what kind of questions are asked, thus you will be able to read more systematically. You do not need to absorb all the information that is given in the newspaper. Just go for reading that’s relevant.
Make digital notes for daily newspaper reading: Further, making handwritten notes from the newspaper can be a little time consuming, hence, you can leverage digital tools like Evernote, etc to save the newspaper clippings. You can find relevant newspaper clippings in our telegram channel as well. Save them on your device for quick reference.
Read monthly compilations for quick revision: Revision is more important than just reading piles after piles. Hence, go for weekly and monthly revision of what you’ve written or saved from the news pieces.
Give extra time for reading editorials: Editorials are an extremely important source for taking inspiration for answer writing for UPSC Mains. Hence, give it the time it deserves, for editorials, you should make handwritten notes. And keep revising them regularly to retain the relevant information.
Also read | Importance of current affairs for UPSC Civil Services Examination
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