The spotless white khadi shirt and dhoti is the trademark of Tamil Nadu politicians. However, a few of them are changing the traditional dress code as they feel comfortable in modern attire and think it takes them closer to the younger generation.
China’s official media has released a series of guidelines for would-be civil servants, warning them to dress modestly. Candidates were told they should wear “light and elegant” suits, and men were advised to get a haircut. Women were told to have clean nails, avoid jewellery, complicated make-up and make sure their hair did not cover their ears or eyes. Competition for civil service jobs – traditionally seen as an “iron rice bowl” because of the security they offer – has intensified in recent...