FOR A COUNTRY WHICH prioritises football, carnival and samba over statecraft and diplomacy, a goof-up over the "family photo"of leaders at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro last month was not surprising.
Protocol in Brazil has been customarily so lax that when Pope Benedict XVI visited Brazil in 2007, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held the pontiff by his arm. Last year, Lula again discomfited believers around the world when he embraced Pope Francis during a visit to the Vatican.
The hug reverberated through the conformist Vatican media. Ever since anyone can remember, the Catholic pontiff is shown respect by the laity by kissing the ring on his right hand.
Touching his holiness is a strict no, no unless the pope initiates physical contact. It has been the same with British monarchs. Lula ignored protocol and defied tradition, risking the ire of Catholics in Brazil, whose number outranks the faithful in any other country.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
STRATEGIC RETREAT
VOLATILE TIMES ARE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INVESTORS TO REVIEW THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS AND RISK TOLERANCE
Suni and Butch will do great
They were trained as test pilots and then as astronauts and that put them in a wonderful position to deal with an extended stay in space 101 open
Confusion reigns
BSP's support on the ground remains intact, but it does not translate to votes because of the uncertainty in the party
READING BETWEEN THE LIT FESTS
Cities and towns across India are hosting literature festivals, bridging the gap between the reader and the writer and giving a platform to regional writers and their work
Something for everyone
From beautiful beaches to majestic mountains, varied architecture and cuisine, Montenegro is a traveller's delight
Born to die
Life was uncomplicated when I was young. If we did not have something, there was no fear of missing out. If we did have something, it was ours to enjoy, cherish and safeguard. For ever.
Subordinate alliance
Prolonged dependence on RJD has rendered Congress electorally fragile and organisationally weak
INDIA CAN'T AFFORD TO LEAVE AI TO THE CHINESE OR THE AMERICANS
Before 2014, when Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind catapulted him to global fame, Yuval Noah Harari was primarily known as a scholar of medieval military history.
A diplomatic sixer
India's victory in the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai this month was reason enough for massive celebrations.
If we are not building up the cadre, the problem lies with us
Q/ Congress has seen a massive decline in grassroots presence in Bihar. What efforts are being made to strengthen the organisation?
