You don’t even need to be well-versed. If you just read the headlines you can ask people to fill you in. Some people just love to tell you what they know ;)
Re:Ask HN: Why do you read news?
by jaredwiener on Wednesday November 21, 2018 @12:55PM
(#18504567)
does this influence the type of news you consume?
If you interface with clients or coworkers on a daily basis, "small-talk" improves relationships among your peers. Not to mention, you seem more personable and likeable - traits that are revered in the modern workplace.
This isn't a blanket endorsement to start talking politics in the workplace, I'm simply saying that being well-versed in current events has value.