Supreme Court has held that in-house counsels employed by corporate entities will not be entitled to client-attorney privilege under Section 132 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
SC held this because they are not considered advocates under the Advocates Act, 1961.
Section 132 of BSA protects communications between an advocate and their client subject to exceptions.
Advocates are those rolled under the provisions of Advocates Act, 1961 and Bar Council of India Rules, subject to qualifying Bar Council Exam post LL.B. degree.
Advocates to be the only recognised class of persons entitled to practise law in India, according to section 29 of this Act.
Lawyer: Any person who has completed a law degree can be called a lawyer. He may be a legal adviser, etc.
Coal India Limited (CIL) has completed 50 years of its establishment.
About CIL (HQ: Kolkata)
Establishment: November 1975 as a holding company after nationalisation of coal mines.
It is a Maharatna CPSU under the Ministry of Coal.
Workforce: Over 2.20 lakh employees across 8 states.
Market Role: Supplies ~80% of India’s total domestic coal production.
‘Project Y’ Wins Best Film at London East Asia Film Festival 2025
“Project Y” won Best Film at the 10th London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) 2025.
The film is directed by Lee Hwan and stars Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo.
It is a female-led noir exploring themes of ambition, betrayal, and survival.
LEAFF 2025 also honoured “Run to The” with the Future of Asia Cinema Award.
COP30 Brazil: India Advocates Fair Climate Deal for Developing Nations
COP30 will be held in Belém, Brazil, marking ten years since the Paris Agreement.
Brazil recorded a 17% drop in emissions in 2024 due to reduced deforestation.
India will prioritise adaptation, finance, and technology transfer at the summit.
The Tropical Forest Forever Fund seeks permanent global finance for forest protection.
Maldives Enforces World’s First Generational Tobacco Ban
Law effective from 1 November 2025 bans tobacco use for those born after 1 January 2007.
Maldives is the first country to implement a generational tobacco ban worldwide.
Vaping and e-cigarettes are banned across all age groups, including tourists.
Fines: 50,000 MVR for illegal tobacco sales and 5,000 MVR for individual use violations.
UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
About: Established by UNESCO in 2004, the Creative Cities Network (UCCN) promotes cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
UCCN Network: The UCCN comprises 408 cities from over 100 countries.
For the first time, the UCCN welcomes Creative Cities of Architecture — a new creative field in addition to the seven existing ones: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
Indian Cities in UCCN: India now has 9 cities, including Lucknow, recognized under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada
The Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada (1st–15th November 2025) marks a nationwide celebration honouring India’s tribal heroes, culture, and contributions, culminating in Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on 15th November, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh(JJGV): JJGV (15th November 2024 – 15th November 2025) led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, it marks 150 years of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and turns the annual Janjatiya Gaurav Divas into a year-long movement for tribal pride, inclusion, and development.
It emphasises Jan Bhagidari and a whole-of-government approach, building on initiatives like Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Utkarsh Gram Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN).