When most people decide to appear in CSS exam, they lack some very basic general knowledge skills: Knowledge about different oceans, location of countries and their Economic and Political Blocs, world organizations and their basic functioning, Division of Asian and Arab Countries as per their proximity with the poles, and other basic concepts. Instead of guiding the students and nourishing them with general concepts, the mentors advise them to read newspapers and to watch news. At this level - with no clear understanding of basic knowledge of world map, global politics and global economics - the process of learning, merely through newspapers and digest, becomes tedious and complicated.

Securing good marks in current affairs can prove one's knowledge of contemporary affairs but he/she might not be the best person to guide regarding the subject. Many people have comprehensive reading, good schooling where they have had already developed several concepts - later -aiding them to understand global issues, and might have good analytical skills. They can pass the CA paper with good score, but cannot be helpful in guiding someone;at-least, not when they keep on char charing constantly to read the newspaper.

I will post a few topics which should be covered before starting your newspaper reading activity. It shall take not more than 5 hours to cover those topics.