Once a while, early in their career, Indian Foreign Service officers (Indian diplomats) have to do the job of Head of Chancery in the Embassy. This is not a mainline diplomatic job but helps the diplomat hone her/his administrative skills and understand the nuts and bolts of the system, which comes handy as one rises in career. I had my opportunity when I was posted in the High Commission of India in London. Managing 300 people in the High Commission or handling over 500 dele

Those shifting from warm countries to cold countries do not usually follow the local practices of dealing with the cold. This may make life difficult. But, if you learn to do what the locals do, adapting oneself to a colder climate is easier. Here are some tips from my time spent in some cold and very cold countries: Cross-ventilate your house for at least 10–15 minutes even if it gets very cold. No matter how cold it gets, dress well and go for a walk outside. Even children

Bhagat Singh was a polyglot. He knew French, Swedish and Arabic besides English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. He was an avid reader, too. (Photo of Bhagat Singh) The Indian national flag was first designed by Pingali Venkayya at Bezwada in 1921. He used two colours - red and green. Mahatma Gandhi suggested the addition of a white band and the spinning wheel. Later, saffron colour replaced red. (Flag designed by Pingali Venkayya) 15 August was chosen as the day for India’s indepen