I just checked the google news main page and I get this….

Welcome to Google News Badges
Collect private badges for your favorite topics. The more you read, the more your badges level up: you can reach Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and finally Ultimate. Keep your badges to yourself — or show them off to your friends!

For example, if you keep reading articles about Politics, it will earn you a Bronze badge.

C’mon, Really?