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Newspapers are seen as an indispensable tool to prepare for the examinations. It is highly unimaginable to think about clearing the examinations without cultivating a mature newspaper reading habit. However, most of the candidates fail to develop the style of selective reading that a newspaper requires. A newspaper generally contains information about different issues and topics. Many of these issues might not be as relevant for the preparation. Therefore, it is important to cultivate a habit of making a selective reading of a newspaper. This habit requires an understanding of the syllabus of the examination, as well as the relevance of any topic from an examination point of view. To begin with, it is important to remember that an examination, of the level of the exam, does not bother about the political tussles and non-decisive debates that are brimming in the newspaper of these days. Though these developments might be important in understanding the contemporary scenario of politics of the country, but from an exam point of view, it is unimportant to spend enormous amount of time in making an in-depth study of these issues. Thus, an aspirant shall glide through the articles and news relating to the political developments of the working of different parties and groups. What is of importance, from the exam point of view is the decisions that are being taken, and the agreements that are concluded by the public authorities. Also important is, to look at the syllabus and highlight the developments that particularly relate to the traditional knowledge given in the books. Also, it is important to keep a log of the developments that an aspirant reads in the newspapers, because it is practically impossible to remember each and every news item till the exam time. Therefore, a more rational practice is to prepare a log of the important items from the newspaper. This shall not take much time of the candidate, as the candidate need to write down every bit of article from the paper. Also, while preparing notes from the papers, do not try to copy down the entire matter as it is. Instead, read the news items carefully and write down the brief summary. This would also help you to keep track of different developments that are covered by the newspapers. By the time of the examinations, you would be able to prepare all the current affairs easily and in an adequate space. This approach has been utilized by many of the IAS toppers, and has been proved for its effectiveness. As a supplement to your newspapers, a candidate may also use any current affairs magazine, as an additional resource. However, the value of the self-made notes cannot be exaggerated.
For Instance:
Example 1- There has been a rapid rise and fall in the Delhi Assembly politics. Many of us might feel that a question might be asked relating to the developments that have been taking place. However, looking at the recent trends of the UPSC question papers, it is unlikely that the UPSC would ask direct questions pertaining to the developments in this area. However, what the UPSC might ask could still be related to the recent developments in the political struggle in Delhi. Like- a question may refer to the provisions about a situation of 'hung assembly'; Example 2- In the case of the recent Syrian Crisis, it is likely to be asked that- How is India's interest involved in the Syrian crisis; Or what is the main factor that has given wind to the developments in Syria. UPSC might not directly ask about the settlement of the Syrian issue or the agreements signed.
Example 3- Though the General Elections are on our heads, but UPSC is unlikely to ask questions pertaining to the elections agendas or activities related to different parties. However, it might still be asked that- How does the Election Commission recognize a political party; or what are the possible disqualifications of a election candidate or a voter. Thus, what is implied here is that it is important to read a newspaper, by linking it to what we read in the books. The recent trend of the UPSC has seen questions more based on the applicability of the issues, rather the direct factual questions. Thus, what is implied here is that it is important to read a newspaper, by linking it to what we read in the books. The recent trend of the UPSC has seen questions more based on the applicability of the issues, rather the direct factual questions.
Express Points1. Newspapers are a very handy tool in preparation of the examination. 2. Learn how to do the selective reading from the newspapers. 3. It is always useful to prepare notes from the selected news items of the newspaper. This would also Help in the long-run. 4. Maintaining notes from the newspapers also help you in better remembering the current events. Because, you will be reading the important news items multiple items, while preparing the notes for them.
Reading the HINDU The Hindu is considered a very good newspaper for the preparation of the IAS, IPS exam. However, it should be noted that the language of the Hindu is generally of a higher level. Thus, a beginner should prepare his/her notes carefully, and without any haste. I suggest a stage-wise approach to read the Hindu. At First, just go through the paper, and mark the news items that are relevant from the exam perspective. Remember; avoid getting indulged in the political and non-significant controversies. Once you mark the relevant portions, you can just read the other material superficially. As the next stage, study each selected news item carefully, paragraph by paragraph, and write down the summary of the news item, IN YOUR OWN WORDS. It is important that you write the summary in your own words, as it would be beneficial in the long term. You would notice that from the paper of each day, there are hardly 8-10 pieces of news items that would require your serious reading.