Essential newspapers for UPSC aspirants include The Hindu, which provides comprehensive coverage of current affairs and in-depth analysis. The Indian Express is another excellent source for national and international events. Economic Times is invaluable for understanding economic trends, while magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra offer insights into development policies and government schemes. Regular reading of these publications keeps aspirants informed and allows them to relate current affairs to their syllabus, enhancing their knowledge base for the exam.