A firm grasp of current affairs is essential for success in UPSC and other provincial administrative exams. Different courses, news analysis and UPSC current affairs quizzes and similar online and offline programs are available for learning about current events and incidents. But despite that many people face difficulties answering questions from similar topics in Prelims and Mains.
This article discusses 10 things that you must not do while studying current affairs for UPSC. Stay with us.
What UPSC expects in candidates through current affairs questions?
For better preparation, it is important to understand what the UPSC examiners expect from candidates while answering current affairs questions:
- First, candidates must have clarity of understanding regarding events and issues occurring in the country. They have to be well-informed. Otherwise, once appointed as civil service officers, they cannot deliver responsibilities given to them as.
- Second, candidates must show critical thinking with thorough analytical skills. Every news story can have multiple perspectives. Casual readers can adopt any of those perspectives as per their convenience. But civil servants cannot have that liberty. They need to consider as many perspectives as possible while handling a situation. It requires the ability to analyse an issue and think through the news story in its totality.
- Third, they should have the ability to apply knowledge to real-world problems: Knowing facts and figures about an incident is not sufficient for UPSC candidates. They need to understand the implication of a news story in a real-world context. For example, you come across news about a suicidal death of a farmer. Individually, this news cannot signify anything beyond a death. But if you have read about a drought or similar incidents in the region, you can deduce the reasons behind the farmer’s penury.
- Finally, candidates must practise problem-solving skills: After you have deduced the reasons behind any real-world issues, it is necessary to solve the situation or provide a solution to the stakeholders. This requires an officer to develop problem-solving skills.
What Not To Do For Preparation In Current Affairs For UPSC?
- Don’t pick up just any newspaper.
The rule of thumb is to read at least two national English dailies and one regional newspaper. You can also consider reading one business newspaper if time permits. Many UPSC candidates choose The Hindu and The Indian Express for their authenticity and impartial news reporting standards.
2. Don’t start reading newspapers from the first to the last page.
As an UPSC candidate, you cannot afford to behave like a casual newspaper reader. You need to follow a structure over which news stories are relevant to UPSC and which are not. Before you read a paper, take time to mark articles and reports as per the UPSC current affairs syllabus.
3. Don’t memorise news stories published in newspapers.
Remembering facts and figures is important but do not try to memorise them while reading an article. Instead, try to understand them in a context. This will help to build up a better recall value.
4. Don’t skip editorials and opinionated articles.
Editorials and opinionated articles in any standard newspaper offer multiple perspectives to a news story. They also show how to analyse the news. It develops critical thinking skills among readers.
5. Don’t skip or emphasise any news segment based on your preference.
Some people love reading about crime. A few like reading only the sports page. Many others are excited about stock markets and business stories. But as an UPSC candidate, you need to care about all the segments relevant for civil services preparation. You cannot be a chooser.
6. Don’t ignore taking notes.
Reading newspapers and magazines must also include taking notes about stories and articles you just went through. It improves your understanding of the news and helps build a mental connection with other news updates you read earlier on similar topics.
7. Don’t ignore other sources of news.
Along with newspapers and UPSC magazines, watch Sansad TV and other news media channels. They telecast high quality panel discussions, news analysis and documentaries. These programs can be rich sources of current affairs.
Conclusion
UPSC current affairs quizzes are excellent tools for revising the latest news stories. So, always try to attempt such daily quizzes and tests. In case you are looking for mock tests for current affairs for UPSC, check https://www.iasgyan.in/. They are one of the oldest and best UPSC coaching institutes.
