Current affairs are an important part of the Civil Services Exam (CSE) conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The number of direct current affairs questions asked in CSE continues to change, but a closer look at the questionnaire would reveal that most of the questions asked in UPSC CSE are derived or inspired by events and news.
To make the questions unpredictable and to check the genuine interest of candidates in various social, political and economic issues of national and international significance, the UPSC digs in depth and weaves questions from interrelated topics. Thus, it is important that candidates appearing before UPSC CSE look at issues in the news through a different prism, and dig deep to form their own opinions and understand various aspects, including historical aspects, of the issues.
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Newspapers are indispensable
Reading newspapers is a must for any civil servant as they need to keep abreast of the happenings around the world especially in their field. It is recommended that candidates incorporate this practice early in their preparation. It would help them gain the vision needed to understand various issues of national and international importance. In doing so, they should pay special attention to reading everyday newspaper headlines.
Reading daily editorials helps aspirants to gain diverse opinions on various issues and develop an unbiased approach to the various social and political issues. This will ultimately help them write better and more balanced answers on the net, and present their unique solutions to problems when asked in a UPSC interview.
How to prepare current affairs?
One of the mammoth tasks faced by aspirants while preparing current cases is recalling facts and data points or quotes from a specific thinker or reports when needed. The roundabout way is simple: Candidates must jot down their observations, inferences, data points, schedule highlights, and report summaries (in their own words) on a daily basis.
The notes should be well organized and separated so that they can be easily referenced when needed. As the notes continue to grow, a weekly and monthly review should be performed to remember key data points, ideas, arguments, and highlights from the report. If performed correctly and consistently, this simple exercise will give the candidate an edge over others.
Harnessing the power of the internet
It was previously emphasized that while weaving the questions, UPSC connects different topics and thus candidates encounter an element of surprise during the exam even after reading newspapers. Much of this can be controlled and mitigated through proper use of the Internet.
While reading newspapers, candidates should think about the topics and consider the historical, political, social, geographic, economic aspects of the issue. The internet can be the best tool for doing basic research and recording the newly acquired information.
In addition, candidates can refer to the monthly and daily current affairs of coaching institutes to fill any gaps in their research and understanding. Candidates must also find and try current questions on a daily basis.
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Rely on the official sources
UPSC CSE is a government exam, so it is recommended to keep an eye on official news and information sources. Candidates can refer to PIB, All India Radio and Sansad TV for official documentaries, debates and in-depth analysis of various issues. These channels help them keep the clutter out and focus on things that really matter. By following these aspirants, they will become familiar with the official terminologies, key schedules, government policies and be able to gauge what the government is up to. This will be of utmost importance to the UPSC CSE.
In addition, candidates must refer to government-published journals and reports. The popular magazines include – Yojana, Kurushetra, The Perspective, and the reports include Economic Survey, Niti Ayog, etc.
UPSC CSE is focused on selecting the right candidates who are excellent drivers and planners and have a clear vision of the country’s development. Candidates must understand these exam-specific requirements and work accordingly. A clear goal will guide aspirants in choosing the right path during their vision.
Thus, the study of current affairs for the exam should focus on understanding our country, history, citizen, society, governance, international relations. Furthermore, one should not forget that there are different facets of an issue or different stories of an event. The candidate must then be propelled by the desire to know and understand problems in their true nature and essence.
— Written by Shabbir A Bashir, co-founder Edukemy, an edtech platform that helps students prepare for government exams.
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