India to allow wider flag use

A few years ago, citizens of India were not permitted to fly the flag of India. That changed, but the Indian Flag Code still did not allow wearing the flag, which caused some controversy when Indian athletes were told to remove the flag from their helmet or caps.

Yesterday, the Indian cabinet approved proposals to amend the Flag Code, withdrawing the ban on use of the Tricolour on "costumes and dress material" ? that is on clothes or accessories (such as caps, helmets) worn above the waist.

But it laid down that ? unlike many countries in the West, such as the US ? the national flag cannot be used either on undergarments or on clothing worn below the waist, such as shorts, jeans or swimming trunks.