PUBERTY

Growing medicalisation of female circumcision in Asia sparks risk warnings from human rights advocates
In Asia, health professionals are increasingly performing female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice with no medical benefits. While parents seek safer procedures, rights advocates warn this 'medicalisation' legitimises a harmful human rights violation. Experts stress that FGM causes severe physical and psychological harm, and its professionalisation risks entrenching the practice, hindering global eradication efforts.

World Arthritis Day: 5 reasons why women are more prone than men to arthritis
World Arthritis Day highlights a common condition causing joint pain and stiffness. Millions globally are affected, with women facing higher risks. Hormonal changes and biological factors contribute to this disparity. Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes are key for managing arthritis. Understanding these factors empowers women to take control of their joint health throughout their lives.

Sex education should be provided to children from a younger age: SC
The Supreme Court has advocated for earlier sex education, suggesting it should be integrated into the curriculum from a younger age, not just Class IX. Justices Sanjay Kumar and Alok Aradhe emphasized the need for young adolescents to be informed about puberty-related hormonal changes and necessary precautions.

Nepal crowns 2-year-old Aryatara Shakya as 'living Goddess': All about country’s divine child worshipped by Hindus & Buddhists
Two-year-old Aryatara Shakya was crowned Nepal’s new living goddess, the Kumari, continuing a centuries-old tradition blending faith and culture. Her enthronement during the Dashain festival highlights a stringent selection process and profound spiritual significance. This revered role involves a secluded life, with former goddesses facing unique post-tenure challenges.

Maha Navami 2025 Kanya Pujan Today: Navratri auspicious muhurat, perfect dos and don’ts you must follow for divine blessings
Kanya Pujan is a Navratri ritual. It honors young girls as divine Shakti. Families will perform this puja on Navami, October 1, 2025. The ritual involves washing feet, offering food, and giving gifts. It teaches humility and devotion. Observing it with sincerity connects families to spiritual essence. This tradition celebrates divine energy.

Conflict between personal laws, national legislation warrants legislative clarity: Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court, while granting bail to a 24-year-old man accused of marrying an alleged minor, raised the need for a Uniform Civil Code to resolve conflicts between personal laws and national legislation. Justice Arun Monga noted Muslim law permits marriages after puberty, but Indian criminal law deems them offences, urging legislative clarity for legal certainty and social harmony.
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'Over 200 raped me in 3 months': 12-year-old girl who left home after failing in school recounts trafficking horror
A 12-year-old Bangladeshi girl, rescued from a trafficking ring in Naigaon, Vasai, reported being sexually abused by over 200 men over three months after running away from home due to fear of her parents. Police have arrested ten individuals and are working to dismantle the entire network.
Sugar and sweeteners might not be safe for your children due to this reason, here’s what a new study revealed
A recent study presented at the Endocrine Society's meeting suggests a potential link between sugar and artificial sweeteners and an increased risk of early puberty in children, particularly those genetically predisposed. Researchers found that higher consumption of sweeteners like sucralose and glycyrrhizin was associated with early puberty, with gender-specific effects observed.
Alberta court halts ban on gender affirming care for youth as Premier vows to fight decision
An Alberta court has temporarily stopped a new law. This law restricts gender-affirming care for those under 16. Justice Allison Kuntz cited potential “irreparable harm”. Premier Danielle Smith voiced concerns about irreversible procedures. Health professionals say puberty blockers are reversible and beneficial. Advocacy groups welcome the court's decision. The legal fight will continue in a higher court.
Supreme Court sides with Tennessee ban on transgender medical care for minors, paving way for similar laws in 24 states
The US Supreme Court has supported Tennessee's law restricting gender transition treatments for minors. This decision impacts similar bans in 24 other states. The court's conservatives were in favor, while liberals dissented. Chief Justice John Roberts stated the law doesn't violate the Constitution. Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued it discriminates against transgender individuals.
RKF Jr's bizarre rant on sperm counts and girls hitting puberty after autism claim
Robert F Kennedy Jr has once again made a bizarre remarks on fertility of children. ‘A teenager today, an American teenager, has less testosterone than a 68-year-old man,’ the nation’s top health official told the Fox News. He also said that girls are hitting puberty six years early, adding that food our kids are eating today is not really food.
Was Elon Musk's trans child Vivian Musk killed by 'woke mind virus'? Details here
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said that his experience with his child Xavier opened his eyes to what he called "the woke mind virus." He also vowed to "destroy" it. He said that it happened to one of his sons, and he was tricked into signing documents for Xavier.
Study links high maternal stress during pregnancy to early puberty signs in first-born daughters
New research from the University of California - Los Angeles suggests that high levels of stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy may be linked to early signs of puberty in their first-born daughters. The study, which examined adrenal puberty markers like body hair growth and cognitive maturation, found no similar correlations in other children or boys.
SC issues notice on whether Muslim girl can marry person of her choice after attaining puberty
The direction was passed by a division bench of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha on an appeal filed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) against the June 13 verdict of the high court.
POCSO & IPC prevail over personal laws: Karnataka HC
In the first case, the HC rejected the contention that "under Mohammedan Law, the puberty is the consideration for marriage and normal puberty age is treated as 15 years and hence, no commission of offence under Section 9 and 10 of the Child Marriage Restrain Act," was committed. In two separate cases, the Karnataka High Court (HC) has held that the POCSO Act and IPC override Muslim personal law regarding age of marriage.
Supreme Court to examine verdict quoting personal law to okay marriage of Muslim girl over 15
"Marriage of a Muslim girl is governed by Muslim Personal Law," the HC verdict said while granting police protection to a newly-wed Muslim couple. "Every Muslim of sound mind who has attained puberty may enter into a contract of marriage," HC had ruled and relied on Article 195 from 'Principles of Mohammedan Law' a book written by Dinshah Fardunji Mulla.
Mankind Pharma promoter's family office invests in D'chica
Mankind Pharma Promoter's Family Office has invested an undisclosed amount in tweens & teens puberty & fashion essentials brand, D'chica as part of Pre-series A funding. The women-led start-up plans to use the funds on marketing and R&D.
Trans athlete Veronica Ivy slams FINA policy as 'unscientific'
Ivy also criticised FINA's plans to explore an "open" category as part of its policy that was passed following a vote at its extraordinary general congress on Sunday, saying such a move does not show respect to trans athletes. FINA's decision, the strictest by any Olympic sports body, came after members heard a report from a transgender task force comprising medical, legal and sports figures.
Muslim girls over 15 years can marry: Punjab and Haryana High Court
Ruling that a Muslim girl is legally competent to marry on the completion of the age of 15 years, the HC relied on a 2014 judgment delivered by another judge of the same court. The court clarified that "in any event, the issue in hand is not with regard to validity of the marriage but to address the apprehension raised by the petitioners of danger to their life and liberty".
RSS affiliate to launch nationwide campaign for raising Muslim women's marriageable age
Pitching for reforms in the Sharia law for giving equal rights to women of the minority community, the outfit's campaign will also seek to generate public opinion in support of demand for creation of separate space in mosques to enable Muslim women offer 'namaz' there, sources in the outfit said.
Basic biology of menopause: The hormonal transition & what happens next
Women often experience the hormonal transition of midlife in a shroud of misinformation and shame.
On attaining puberty, Muslim girl can marry anyone by law: Punjab and Haryana High Court
A bench of Justice Alka Sarin gave the verdict relying on various court rulings and the article 195 in 'Principles of Mohammedan Law', an authoritative textbook by prominent Muslim personal law jurist Sir Dinshah Fardunji Mulla.
Need to make efforts in galvanising community for standing by girls during menstruation: Govt
Referring to subtle socio-cultural aspects concerning menstruation, the secretary said that a robust mechanism of inter-state convergence needs to be put in place for educating people, creating awareness and bursting the myths associated with it.
Boys who hit puberty early likely to develop type 2 diabetes in adulthood
Early puberty could be a novel independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes in men.
Children as young as 8 face body image issues; girls more dissatisfied than boys
Children may be vulnerable to poor body image as hormone levels rise with the onset of puberty.
Teenage trauma may up depression risk during menopause
New York, March 30 (IANS) Women who experience multiple traumatic events during childhood or adolescence may be at an increased risk of depression in the years leading into menopause -- known as perimenopause, a study has showed.
Using smartphones at night may disrupt sleep in teens
The sleep biology of boys & girls aged 9 to 15 who were in the earlier stages of puberty were sensitive to light at night compared to older teens.
High salt intake may delay puberty, says study
High salt diets may delay puberty, which in turn can lead to behavioural problems, stress and reduced fertility, a new study has found.
Muslim girl can marry once she completes 15 yrs of age: Gujarat High Court
According to the Personal Law of Muslims, the girl no sooner than she attains the puberty or completes 15 years, whichever is earlier, is competent to get married without the consent of her parents.
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