Newspaper Woes

Reading a newspaper (national daily) is the most relevant part of one's preparations. Missing even on a day's news could prove to be costly in the long run. I have seen people pouring over a plethora of newspapers. It appears to me as a waste of time. Reading any one good newspaper is suffice for updating yourself with what all is happening around and what is more to it. I personally follow Hindu. I don't bother reading other newspapers as time is of essence in this exam and each extra newspaper accounts for an added one hour-two hours, depending on one's speed and grasping abilities.

Also reading the papers on a regular note is important. Right now am facing the challenge of completing last 6 days issues as I took a different tangent in my preparation. And the small pile of newspapers on my desk is giving me nightmares. So never ever procrastinate on reading the issue on the very day itself and be warned against the mistake of piling on the issues to read on some convenient later date. Daily reading makes the task enjoyable and learning at the same time. On the contrary, reading collected at one go is tedious, exhausting and an ordeal. The only benefit one gets by such delay is that you get collective opinions in different issues and can cover only what is important. But it is not worth the agony and frustration that entails such an exercise.

Reading newspapers is one thing and retaining what all one has read is entirely a different concern. Many people keep cuttings, properly file them and revise them on a regular note or when exams are around the corner, depending on one's strategy and approach. I personally find maintaining folders confusing and unfruitful. Instead I make folders on my computer and cover the topics under varied heads like business, sports, culture, policy measures, bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements, defence, editorials, science and technology, Information technology and the like. Right now am also pending with updating the files since November 6. The papers read and duly marked are kept in my cupboard. Please do not do this. I intend to finish all my pending updations by Feb. 15 and thereafter I plan to update my notes on the very date of the issue. While making notes I also rely heavily on the internet and check up on points which are not very well covered in the newspapers.

So as of now regarding the newspapers I plan to:-

(1) Finish my pending issues by tomorrow.
(2) Update my notes by Feb.15

I hope I do not err again.