The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has stepped in after reports surfaced of menstruation women and new mothers being confined to secluded huts in rural Karnataka. This move was sparked by a media story about the circumstances of a 19-year-old new mother in Tumakuru. The woman was sent to a hut with no basic amenities, in accordance with local tradition, which requires menstruation women and new moms to dwell in separate huts. The NHRC has issued a notice to Karnataka's Chief Secretary, asking for a detailed report within four weeks. The report should include information on the prevalence of such behaviors, as well as the government's efforts to address the issue. The NHRC further ordered the government to perform rigorous inspections and eliminate this barbaric practice, known locally as 'Gaokor' or 'Kurma.' This move followed a similar instance in 2013 involving Scheduled Tribe women in Maharashtra, in which the state government pledged to end the practice. The recent notification from the NHRC emphasizes the importance of taking immediate and effective action to protect the human rights of women who have been subjected to such humiliating behaviors.

Menstrual hygiene products, notably disposable sanitary pads, have significantly improved the lives of millions of women in India, providing protection against infections and eliminating the discomfort of older techniques such as cloth or leaves. However, these gains come at a high environmental cost. Every year, India discards about 12 billion sanitary napkins, the most of which are not biodegradable. These items, which are primarily produced from polypropylene and superabsorbent polymer powder, accumulate in landfills, clog sewer systems, and pollute water bodies and fields. Once discarded, a sanitary pad has a long-term impact on the environment. In landfills, these pads do not degrade, resulting in long-term contamination and resource depletion. The synthetic components used in these items can be harmful to wildlife and disturb natural ecosystems.On World Menstrual Hygiene Day, celebrated annually on May 28, it is crucial to recognize the ecological footprint of sanitary pads and explore sustainable alternatives. To address this pressing issue, there is a need for increased awareness about eco-friendly menstrual products such as biodegradable pads, menstrual cups, and reusable cloth pads. Encouraging the use of these alternatives can significantly reduce the environmental burden. Additionally, implementing proper disposal and waste management systems for menstrual products can mitigate their ecological impact.

A recent study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates that the average age of menarche—the first menstrual period—has reduced among younger generations in the United States, particularly among racial minorities and low-income persons. This study was published on May 29 in JAMA Network Open as part of the Apple Women's Health Study.The study, led by Shruthi Mahalingaiah, found that younger generations are experiencing menarche earlier, with participants born from 2000-2005 having an average menarche age of 11.9 years, compared to 12.5 years for those born from 1950-1969. Additionally, the time it takes for menstrual cycles to become regular has increased, with only 56% of the younger group achieving regularity within two years, down from 76%.The data, collected from 71,341 participants, reveals significant changes among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and low-income persons. According to the researchers, childhood obesity, dietary patterns, psychological stress, and environmental influences may all play a role in these developments. Corresponding author Zifan Wang stressed the need of ongoing study into early menarche and its causes, adding that it is associated with an increased risk of negative health consequences such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study emphasizes the importance of increased funding in menstrual health research to address emerging public health concerns, particularly among disadvantaged communities.

In a pioneering move, the Sikkim High Court has introduced a menstrual leave policy for its women employees, marking a first for any High Court in India. Announced on May 27, the policy allows women employees in the registry to avail themselves of "2-3 days of menstrual leave" each month. Notably, this leave will not be deducted from the employee's overall leave balance and requires prior recommendation from the High Court's Medical Officer.The Sikkim High Court, the smallest in India, has only three judges and nine registry officers, including one woman. Despite its size, this policy sets a significant precedent, highlighting the importance of addressing menstrual health in the workplace.Currently, India lacks a national policy on menstrual leave. In February 2023, the Supreme Court refused to hear a petition advocating for menstrual leave for students and working women, deeming it a policy matter best addressed by the government. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud suggested the petitioner take the matter to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development. In December 2023, Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani opposed the idea of menstrual leave. She emphasized that menstruation should not be viewed as a handicap and expressed concerns about potential discrimination, noting that equal opportunities should not be influenced by differing views on menstruation.In the same month, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare drafted a Menstrual Hygiene policy suggesting work-from-home options or support leave to prevent discrimination against women. The Sikkim High Court's policy is a significant step towards recognizing and accommodating women's health needs in the workplace, potentially paving the way for broader national discussions and policies on menstrual health.

Whisper India has launched a bold new campaign featuring billboards nationwide that display an image of a girl hiding her period stain. The campaign aims to highlight the common practice among women of concealing period stains, addressing the stigma and discomfort associated with menstruation. By bringing this issue into the public eye, Whisper India seeks to foster a more open conversation about menstrual health and challenge societal taboos surrounding periods.

The Union Education Ministry has issued an advisory to ensure the availability of free sanitary pads at all Class 10 and 12 board examination centers across India. The directive aims to provide girls with essential hygiene products during exams and allows necessary restroom breaks to manage menstrual needs. This initiative, covering all schools under states and Union Territories, CBSE, KVS, and NVS, seeks to support girls' wellbeing and academic performance by addressing menstrual hygiene. The ministry also emphasized the implementation of awareness programs to reduce stigma and create a supportive school environment, thereby empowering female students to participate confidently in examinations.