APTI PLUS Academy For Civil Services

Just as India grows 41% of the world’s millets, your discipline can grow 100% of your dreams.

Events under Governors-General & Viceroys of India (1773–1947) marked an era of major reforms, wars, and revolts that shaped India’s colonial history.

Apti Plus Academy proudly celebrated Teacher’s Day at both our Salt Lake and Elgin branches in Kolkata. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the mentors who guide and inspire civil service aspirants every day. We extend our deepest gratitude to our teachers for their dedication, wisdom, and unwavering support. Their contribution continues to shape the future administrators of the nation.

ESA’s Solar Orbiter Mission revealed that Solar Energetic Particles originate from: ⚡ Solar Flares – sudden explosions on the Sun’s surface 🔥 Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) – huge bursts of solar plasma These powerful solar storms can disrupt satellites, power systems & global communication.

Teaching is the art of transforming mirrors into windows – helping students look beyond themselves and discover new horizons. We sincerely thank all our teachers for their invaluable contributions and their steadfast commitment to nurturing the growth and success of our students. 🙏 Heartfelt gratitude to Our Honorable Teachers.

🌟 Happy Teacher’s Day! 🌟 Today, we honour the guiding lights who inspire, nurture, and shape countless lives. 🙌 We salute every teacher for their unwavering dedication, patience, and commitment to building a brighter tomorrow. 👩‍🏫✨ 💡 Let’s take a moment to express gratitude to the mentors who turn learning into a lifelong journey of growth.

Supreme Court on Social Media Regulation & Free Speech What happened? SC asked Union Govt. to frame guidelines (with NDABA consultation) for regulating social media & influencers. Trigger: Complaint by SMA advocacy group against comedians (Samay Raina, Vipul Goyal, Balraj Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, Nishant Tanwar) for derogatory jokes on persons with disabilities. Court: Free speech cannot be abused for purely commercial purposes; ordered comedians to issue public apologies. Constitutional context (Art. 19) Free speech under Art. 19(1)(a) is subject only to 8 grounds in Art. 19(2): Sovereignty & integrity, Security of State, Friendly relations, Public order, Decency/morality, Contempt of Court, Defamation, Incitement to offences. SC has repeatedly held: These grounds are exhaustive and cannot be expanded. Shreya Singhal (2015): Struck down Sec. 66A IT Act; vague grounds (“annoyance/hatred”) unconstitutional. Kaushal Kishore (2023): No expansion of 19(2), even for dignity/offence. Imran Pratapgadhi case (2024): Offending/“disturbing” speech still protected. Commercial speech jurisprudence Hamdard Dawakhana (1959): Commercial ads = not protected free speech. Tata Press (1995): Commercial speech protected if in public interest (info flow in democracy). A. Suresh (1997): Business-linked speech must balance societal interest. SC now distinguishing between: Public-interest commercial speech (info to consumers) protected. Pure profit-driven speech (mocking vulnerable groups, false claims) not fully protected. Digital media already regulated IT Act 2000 + IT (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 govern platforms, influencers, and harmful content. Influencers are not beyond ordinary criminal law. Experts caution: New regulations must stay within Art. 19(2) and avoid vague grounds like “offence” or “dignity”. Implications Positive: Push for accountability of influencers, safeguards for dignity of vulnerable groups. Concerns: Risk of over-regulation → chilling effect on satire, art, political speech. Jurisprudential issue: SC’s “polyvocality” (inconsistent approaches) creates patchwork free speech law, dependent on individual judges.

The GST rate on Biodiesel (excluding OMC blending) has been revised.It has increased from 12% to 18% under the latest regulations.This move impacts the energy sector, pricing, and overall consumption trends.

EPFO exam on 30th November

In the journey of UPSC preparation, studying once is not enough — revision is the ultimate game-changer. IAS Abhijit Ray explains why consistent and smart revision is the foundation of success in UPSC CSE exams.

Big Relief Ahead! The 56th GST Council Meeting has announced a major change in the tax structure with a two-tier rate system — 5% (Merit Rate) and 18% (Standard Rate), along with 40% for select luxury/sin items. These revised GST rates will be implemented from 22nd September 2025.