LUCKNOW, Dec. 27 -- In an effort to cut down students' screen time and promote reading habits, the Uttar Pradesh basic and secondary education department has made newspaper reading mandatory in government schools across the state. Elaborate guidelines have been sent to all the district- and state-level officers in the department. As per the order issued by additional chief secretary (secondary/basic education) Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, newspapers should also be made an integral part of the daily reading culture in schools to familiarise students with current affairs and help them prepare better for competitive examinations. "Regular regular helps students improve vocabulary and language style, while various types of articles and editorials help them develop writing skills. Reading diverse perspectives and analyses helps students develop critical thinking skills and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, making them more discerning in the age of fake news. While they may stick to their favourite topics, reading newspapers also exposes them to subjects like science, culture, and sports that they wouldn't otherwise explore. This 'accidental learning' broadens their scope of knowledge. Compared to digital screens, reading physical newspapers improves concentration and patience, according to the guidelines. The additional chief secretary has asked officials, including the director general (school education), director of UP secondary education and others, to ensure strict compliance with the instructions and suggestions given by the department....