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A recent report has shed light on a concerning issue in India: the widespread lack of menstrual health literacy among women and girls. This deficit underscores the urgent need for education, awareness, and breaking entrenched stigmas around menstruation.

The statistics are alarming. Nearly 50% of Indian girls are unaware of menstruation before their first period. Moreover, 70% of women in the country rely on makeshift menstrual protection, such as cloth or ash, due to limited access to proper hygiene products. The consequences are far-reaching; approximately one in five girls drops out of school because of inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities.

Experts emphasize that improving menstrual health literacy is crucial for empowering women and girls to manage their health confidently and safely. It involves not only providing accurate information about menstruation but also ensuring access to safe menstrual hygiene products and fostering an environment where menstrual health is openly discussed and normalized.

The report highlights the importance of creating menstrual-friendly environments, particularly in schools and workplaces, alongside community engagement to challenge taboos and promote positive attitudes. Families, too, play a critical role in encouraging open dialogue about menstruation, which can dismantle stigma and foster support.

The Indian government has made notable strides with initiatives like the National Menstrual Health Programme, which aims to address menstrual health challenges comprehensively. However, the gap between policy and practice remains significant. Many rural and underserved areas still face acute shortages of resources and facilities, underscoring the need for enhanced efforts and targeted interventions.

As discussions on menstrual health continue to gain traction, it is vital to prioritize inclusivity and education. By doing so, we can build a society where every woman and girl can manage her menstrual health with dignity and without fear of discrimination.

Addressing menstrual health is not just about improving hygiene but also about empowering half of the population with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier, more confident lives. India must embrace a multi-faceted approach that combines education, infrastructure development, and societal change to ensure no girl or woman is left behind.

Aimed at providing relief to students from the harsh winter conditions, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared winter vacations for schools across the region. According to the announcement, all schools in the union territory will remain closed from December 10 to December 16.

The decision comes in response to the extreme cold weather that typically affects the region during this time of year. With temperatures dropping significantly, the administration has decided to give students a break from their academic schedules, allowing them to stay warm and avoid exposure to the chilly weather.

The winter break applies to both government and private schools in Jammu and Kashmir. Schools will reopen on December 17, and regular classes will resume as per the usual schedule.

This announcement has been met with enthusiasm by students, many of whom were eagerly awaiting the chance to relax during the cold winter days. Parents have also expressed their support for the decision, noting that the break will allow their children to rest and recharge in preparation for the remainder of the academic year.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has also issued guidelines to ensure that students complete any pending assignments or projects before the start of the vacation. Schools have been advised to work with students to ensure that they stay on track with their academic responsibilities, despite the holiday break.

As the winter season sets in, this respite will provide much-needed comfort to students and families in the region, offering a chance to enjoy the festive season without the pressure of schoolwork.

A wave of bomb threats disrupted normalcy across the national capital on Monday, as over 40 schools reported receiving alarming emails demanding a $30,000 ransom. The threats, issued via an unidentified Gmail account, claimed bombs had been planted in the institutions, sparking widespread panic among students, parents, and staff.  

Authorities took immediate action, evacuating the affected schools and deploying bomb disposal squads, police teams, and fire officials to investigate. Schools such as DPS RK Puram, GD Goenka in Paschim Vihar, The British School in Chanakyapuri, and Modern School in Mandi House were among those targeted. Following thorough searches, no explosive devices or suspicious items were discovered at any location.  

Parents, overwhelmed with anxiety, rushed to the schools to ensure their children’s safety. "The safety of students is paramount. We take every threat seriously and are leaving no stone unturned to investigate this incident," a Delhi Police spokesperson assured. Law enforcement agencies have urged parents, students, and school authorities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.  

The threats have sparked renewed concerns about school security in Delhi, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures. Many institutions are now reviewing their security protocols, with plans to strengthen surveillance systems and emergency response strategies.  

While no harm was reported, the psychological impact of the threats has been significant. Students were visibly shaken as they exited their schools under the supervision of teachers and security personnel. Efforts are underway to provide counseling support where necessary, ensuring the mental well-being of students and staff affected by the ordeal.  

The incident has highlighted the growing risks associated with digital threats in an increasingly connected world. Experts point out the importance of cybersecurity measures in preventing such incidents. Authorities are working to trace the origin of the emails and identify the individuals responsible for the threats.  

This episode serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by educational institutions. It underscores the importance of collaboration between schools, law enforcement, and the community to ensure the safety and security of students and staff. As the investigation progresses, Delhi’s schools are determined to enhance their defenses against similar incidents in the future.  

The situation remains under close monitoring as authorities continue their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Indian wedding season is a spectacle of grandeur, rich with vibrant traditions, elaborate celebrations, and joyful gatherings. It’s a time when families and friends come together to celebrate love and unity, with music playing a central role in creating the festive atmosphere. However, amid the glitz and glamour, the rights of musicians, the very artists who provide the soundtrack to these joyous occasions, are often sidelined.

The Indian wedding industry is a multi-crore market, estimated to be worth over ₹1 lakh crore, and music forms a significant portion of wedding expenses. It’s not uncommon for couples to spend anywhere between ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh—or more—on live music performances, making it a highly lucrative market for musicians. Yet, despite the increasing demand for live performances, musicians often face challenges related to copyright infringement, underpayment, and lack of fair compensation.

The Indian Copyright Act, 1957, offers legal protections for musical artists, including provisions for royalties and performance rights. However, enforcement of these laws remains inconsistent, leaving many musicians vulnerable to exploitation. One of the major issues is that a large number of musicians are not registered with the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS), which limits their ability to claim rightful royalties for their work.

Additionally, the absence of standardized contracts in the wedding music industry leaves musicians without a clear framework to ensure fair payment and protection of their intellectual property. Without formal agreements, many artists find themselves underpaid or deprived of their due earnings, despite their crucial role in the wedding celebrations.

Experts in the music industry argue that the time has come for change. "The Indian wedding season, while a celebration of culture and joy, often overlooks the rights of the musicians who make it special," said an industry expert. "It’s time to ensure that the people behind the music receive fair recognition and compensation for their work."

To address these issues, musicians and industry experts are calling for greater awareness of musicians' rights, the establishment of standardized contracts, and stricter enforcement of copyright laws. This would not only safeguard the interests of musicians but also promote a more ethical and sustainable wedding industry.

As the wedding season continues to grow and evolve, it’s crucial that we acknowledge and respect the rights of those who bring the magic of music to these momentous occasions. Protecting musicians' rights will ensure that they can continue to contribute to the cultural richness of Indian weddings with dignity and fairness.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced that digital platforms operating in the securities market are no longer required to obtain Stock Depository Participant (SDP) status. This exemption is expected to streamline operations, reduce compliance burdens, and foster innovation in the digital securities ecosystem.

SEBI clarified that digital platforms do not perform the core functions of a depository participant, eliminating the need for them to hold SDP status. The move provides much-needed regulatory clarity, addressing long-standing ambiguity surrounding the role of digital platforms in the securities market.

The exemption comes at a time when digital platforms are becoming increasingly popular among investors for their user-friendly interfaces and accessible investment options. By removing the SDP requirement, SEBI aims to encourage the growth of digitalization and fintech innovation in the securities sector.

This regulatory relief will allow digital platforms to concentrate on expanding their service offerings, enhancing customer experiences, and investing in technological advancements without the constraints of additional compliance.

The decision has been widely welcomed by industry stakeholders, who view it as a progressive step toward modernizing India’s securities market. Experts believe this move will stimulate competition, attract new players, and improve accessibility for retail investors.

For investors, this decision translates to enhanced access to intuitive and efficient digital platforms, making it easier to invest in securities. The reduced compliance costs for platforms could lead to competitive pricing and better service delivery, ultimately benefiting end users.

SEBI’s decision to exempt digital platforms from obtaining SDP status marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward a more inclusive and technologically advanced securities market. By fostering a favorable regulatory environment, this move not only promotes ease of doing business but also strengthens India’s position as a hub for fintech innovation. Digital platforms, now unburdened by the SDP requirement, are poised to drive the next wave of growth in the securities sector.

Kolkata has been crowned India’s Science Capital, according to the Nature Index 2024 rankings, a global recognition for its remarkable contributions to scientific research and innovation. The city's position in the rankings highlights its strong presence in producing high-quality scientific work, particularly in the field of chemistry.

The Nature Index ranks cities worldwide based on the number of high-impact scientific papers they produce, with Kolkata leading the pack in India. The rankings for Indian cities are as follows:

Kolkata: 84th globally

Bengaluru: 85th

Mumbai: 98th

NCR: 124th

Hyderabad: 184th

These rankings emphasize Kolkata’s position as a global scientific hub, outperforming other major Indian cities in terms of research output and innovation.

Chemistry Dominance in Kolkata

Kolkata has earned a significant distinction in Chemistry, ranking 47th globally, making it the only Indian city to break into the Top 50 worldwide. This recognition underscores the pioneering work done by the city’s research institutions, universities, and scientists. Institutions like the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) and Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics have been central to Kolkata's rise as a science powerhouse.

A Hub of Academic Excellence

Kolkata’s success can be attributed to a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, fostered by institutions that have consistently contributed to global scientific research. The city has been home to notable figures such as Satyendra Nath Bose and C.V. Raman, whose work continues to inspire generations of scientists.

The city’s rise in the Nature Index rankings serves as a source of inspiration for students, particularly those pursuing careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Kolkata’s achievement showcases the importance of a robust research ecosystem, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge scientific work.

The recognition of Kolkata as India’s Science Capital in the Nature Index highlights the global impact of Indian research. As the city continues to shine on the world stage, its success offers a model for other cities and institutions to foster innovation and academic excellence. This achievement reinforces Kolkata’s status as a leading center of scientific research, paving the way for India’s growing influence in global science.