gnus-read-newsrc-file

gnus-read-newsrc-file is a variable defined in `gnus-start.el'.
Its value is

t

Documentation:
*Non-nil means that Gnus will read the `.newsrc' file.
Gnus always reads its own startup file, which is called
".newsrc.eld". The file called ".newsrc" is in a format that can
be readily understood by other newsreaders. If you don't plan on
using other newsreaders, set this variable to nil to save some time on
entry.

You can customize this variable.

This variable was introduced, or its default value was changed, in version 21.1 of Emacs.