Adding current affairs, contemporary issues, and relevant news articles to your history optional study plan can greatly enhance your understanding and analysis of historical events. Here are some strategies to integrate these elements effectively:

1. Stay Updated:
- Regularly follow trusted news sources that cover a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, social issues, and international affairs.
- Subscribe to reliable magazines or newspapers that provide in-depth analysis and opinion pieces on current affairs.
- Utilize online platforms such as EduRev, which offer curated content and study materials related to current affairs and contemporary issues.

2. Identify Relevance:
- Develop the skill of critically analyzing news articles to identify their relevance to historical events or themes.
- Look for connections between the current affairs and the historical period you are studying.
- Focus on events or issues that have a direct impact on society, politics, or economics, as these often have historical roots.

3. Make Connections:
- Draw parallels between current events and historical events, drawing on your knowledge of historical processes, causes, and consequences.
- Analyze the long-term impact of past events on contemporary issues, and vice versa.
- Identify recurring patterns and themes in history, and explore their relevance to present-day scenarios.

4. Create a Study Schedule:
- Allocate specific time slots in your study plan to engage with current affairs and news articles.
- Integrate these elements into your study routine, such as by dedicating a portion of each day to reading news articles or watching relevant documentaries.
- Make notes on the connections you find between current affairs and historical events, and revise them periodically.

5. Discuss and Debate:
- Engage in discussions with peers, study groups, or online forums to share your perspectives on current affairs and their historical context.
- Participate in debates or mock interview sessions to enhance your analytical skills and ability to link current events with historical knowledge.

By following these strategies, you can effectively integrate current affairs, contemporary issues, and relevant news articles into your history optional study plan. This will not only enhance your understanding of historical events but also provide you with a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of past and present.