May 28 is a special day. The day is marked as both International Women's Health Day and World Menstrual Hygiene Day every year. It is a special occasion to spread awareness about the importance of giving due focus on women’s health and menstrual hygiene. Whether one lives in a developed or developing country, both of these vital things are often neglected in households. So, it seems to be the apt moment to make the right amends. Let's first get acquainted with these two days.&nbsp; &nbsp;

International Women's Health Day &nbsp;&nbsp;

The day is marked around the world to sensitise people by highlighting the importance of women’s good health. International Women's Health Day is held by the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR). &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In 1987 at the International Women’s Health Meeting in Costa Rica, Latin American and Caribbean Women’s Health Network (LACWHN) had proposed to commemorate May 28 as International Women's Health Day or International Day of Action for Women’s Health. &nbsp;

World Menstrual Hygiene Day &nbsp;

This occasion looks to highlight the importance of menstrual care. It also raises awareness among the public about the social issues faced by women during menstruation. It also shows why sanitary products are crucial for menstrual hygiene. &nbsp;

A German non-profit organisation had first envisaged this day in 2013. It garnered global recognition in 2014 and since then, its popularity has grown manifold. &nbsp;

Take the pledge &nbsp;

It seems to be an opportune time to not just talk about women’s health and menstrual hygiene but also act in this regard. Let’s join hands and take the pledge to give importance to these vital issues in every way we can to create a better world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

May 28 is a special day. The day is marked as both International Women's Health Day and World Menstrual Hygiene Day every year. It is a special occasion to spread awareness about the importance of giving due focus on women’s health and menstrual hygiene.

May 28 is a special day. The day is marked as both International Women's Health Day and World Menstrual Hygiene Day every year. It is a special occasion to spread awareness about the importance of giving due focus on women’s health and menstrual hygiene. Whether one lives in a developed or developing country, both of these vital things are often neglected in households. So, it seems to be the apt moment to make the right amends. Let's first get acquainted with these two days. International Women's Health Day The day is marked around the world to sensitise people by highlighting the importance of women’s good health. International Women's Health Day is held by the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR). WATCH WION LIVE HERE In 1987 at the International Women’s Health Meeting in Costa Rica, Latin American and Caribbean Women’s Health Network (LACWHN) had proposed to commemorate May 28 as International Women's Health Day or International Day of Action for Women’s Health. World Menstrual Hygiene Day This occasion looks to highlight the importance of menstrual care. It also raises awareness among the public about the social issues faced by women during menstruation. It also shows why sanitary products are crucial for menstrual hygiene. A German non-profit organisation had first envisaged this day in 2013. It garnered global recognition in 2014 and since then, its popularity has grown manifold. Take the pledge It seems to be an opportune time to not just talk about women’s health and menstrual hygiene but also act in this regard. Let’s join hands and take the pledge to give importance to these vital issues in every way we can to create a better world. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

May 28: Time to shift focus to women’s health, menstrual hygiene

Sydney's COVID-19 cases fell to the lowest in two months on Tuesday as authorities rolled out support measures for businesses, shifting their focus to rejuvenating the economy after the city exited a nearly four-month lockdown a day earlier.

Pubs, cafes and retail stores reopened in New South Wales (NSW), home to Sydney, on Monday after vaccination levels in the state's adult population crossed 70 per cent.

New daily infections in the state fell to 360 on Tuesday, the majority in Sydney, marking a steady downward trend.

"It is going to be boom time in New South Wales for every single business and worker across our state," Premier Dominic Perrottet said during a media briefing on Tuesday as he unveiled a support package for firms to help them prepare for a "bright summer".

Perrottet said businesses will be compensated for any COVID-19 lockdowns in December and January, encouraging them to stock up ahead of the busy summer holiday period. Under the plan, small firms can access grants of up to A$20,000 ($14,690) if they are forced to close then.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blood-sweat-no-beers-sydney-set-to-ease-key-covid-19-curbs-419558">'Blood, sweat, no beers': Sydney set to ease key COVID-19 curbs</a>

Sydney, along with Melbourne and Australia's capital Canberra, are in the grip of a third wave of infections fuelled by the highly infectious Delta variant, with all cities looking to begin easing curbs in stages when full vaccination rates reach 70 per cent, 80 per cent&nbsp;and 90 per cent.

Canberra is on track to exit its lockdown on Friday, joining Sydney, as inoculations neared 75 per cent&nbsp;there.

The vaccination rate in Victoria, which includes Melbourne, is expected to top 70 per cent&nbsp;in people above 16 around late October, when some curbs will ease. It reported 1,466 cases on Tuesday, the lowest in six days.

The federal government has been pressing states to begin living with the virus when vaccination rates reach 70 per cent-80 per cent but some virus-free states said they may delay their reopening amid concerns that a surge in cases will overwhelm their health systems.

Higher vaccination levels among the most vulnerable population has helped Australia to keep the death rate from the Delta strain lower than last year's outbreaks. It has recorded some 131,400 cases and 1,461 deaths since the pandemic began.

Sydney's COVID-19 cases fell to the lowest in two months on Tuesday as authorities rolled out support measures for businesses, shifting their focus to rejuvenating the economy after the city exited a nearly four-month lockdown a day earlier.

Sydney's COVID-19 cases fell to the lowest in two months on Tuesday as authorities rolled out support measures for businesses, shifting their focus to rejuvenating the economy after the city exited a nearly four-month lockdown a day earlier. Pubs, cafes and retail stores reopened in New South Wales (NSW), home to Sydney, on Monday after vaccination levels in the state's adult population crossed 70 per cent. New daily infections in the state fell to 360 on Tuesday, the majority in Sydney, marking a steady downward trend. "It is going to be boom time in New South Wales for every single business and worker across our state," Premier Dominic Perrottet said during a media briefing on Tuesday as he unveiled a support package for firms to help them prepare for a "bright summer". Perrottet said businesses will be compensated for any COVID-19 lockdowns in December and January, encouraging them to stock up ahead of the busy summer holiday period. Under the plan, small firms can access grants of up to A$20,000 ($14,690) if they are forced to close then. Also Read | 'Blood, sweat, no beers': Sydney set to ease key COVID-19 curbs Sydney, along with Melbourne and Australia's capital Canberra, are in the grip of a third wave of infections fuelled by the highly infectious Delta variant, with all cities looking to begin easing curbs in stages when full vaccination rates reach 70 per cent, 80 per cent and 90 per cent. Canberra is on track to exit its lockdown on Friday, joining Sydney, as inoculations neared 75 per cent there. The vaccination rate in Victoria, which includes Melbourne, is expected to top 70 per cent in people above 16 around late October, when some curbs will ease. It reported 1,466 cases on Tuesday, the lowest in six days. The federal government has been pressing states to begin living with the virus when vaccination rates reach 70 per cent-80 per cent but some virus-free states said they may delay their reopening amid concerns that a surge in cases will overwhelm their health systems. Higher vaccination levels among the most vulnerable population has helped Australia to keep the death rate from the Delta strain lower than last year's outbreaks. It has recorded some 131,400 cases and 1,461 deaths since the pandemic began.

Sydney COVID-19 cases ease further as focus shifts to reviving economy

With an update of the wildlife Red List, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned that several species in the world are in acute danger due to numerous reasons. &nbsp;

The list says nearly two in five sharks have been threatened with extinction due to overfishing and Indonesia’s Komodo dragons, which are the world’s largest living lizards, have also become “endangered” due to the rise in sea levels. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US-Mexico border faces its worst migrant crisis

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/us-mexico-border-faces-its-worst-migrant-crisis-410831/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The destructive effect of human activity on the natural world seems to be deepening as about 28 per cent of the 138,000 species, which are assessed by the global conservation body for its survival watchlist, are now at risk of getting extinct. &nbsp;

According to the IUCN, climate change has become a direct threat to global wildlife populations along with decades-old factors, such as overexploitation, habitat loss and illegal trade. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/7000-steps-a-day-cuts-risk-of-heart-disease-study-410855" hreflang="en">7,000 steps a day cuts risk of heart disease: Study</a>

Komodo dragons, which are found only in the World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park and neighbouring Flores, are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change as the sea levels are expected to shrink its tiny habitat by at least 30 per cent in the next 45 years. &nbsp;

The latest update of the Red List for Threatened Species also highlights the potential for restoration. It says after a decade of efforts to curb overexploitation, four commercially fished tuna species are pulling back from a slide towards extinction.&nbsp;

With an update of the wildlife Red List, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned that several species in the world are in acute danger due to numerous reasons.

With an update of the wildlife Red List, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned that several species in the world are in acute danger due to numerous reasons. The list says nearly two in five sharks have been threatened with extinction due to overfishing and Indonesia’s Komodo dragons, which are the world’s largest living lizards, have also become “endangered” due to the rise in sea levels. Watch: US-Mexico border faces its worst migrant crisis × The destructive effect of human activity on the natural world seems to be deepening as about 28 per cent of the 138,000 species, which are assessed by the global conservation body for its survival watchlist, are now at risk of getting extinct. According to the IUCN, climate change has become a direct threat to global wildlife populations along with decades-old factors, such as overexploitation, habitat loss and illegal trade. Also Read | 7,000 steps a day cuts risk of heart disease: Study Komodo dragons, which are found only in the World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park and neighbouring Flores, are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change as the sea levels are expected to shrink its tiny habitat by at least 30 per cent in the next 45 years. The latest update of the Red List for Threatened Species also highlights the potential for restoration. It says after a decade of efforts to curb overexploitation, four commercially fished tuna species are pulling back from a slide towards extinction.

IUCN’s Red List puts focus back on world's endangered species

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season.

Kerala accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the 47,092 new infections and a third of deaths.

This comes a week after it celebrated its biggest festival during which family and social gatherings were common.

"With cases rising in Kerala, adequate steps should be taken to contain the inter-state spread of COVID-19," Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a statement after speaking with his state counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which border Kerala.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-attend-sco-summit-virtually-410116">Also read |&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually</a>

Also, he asked them to increase vaccination in the districts close to Kerala.&nbsp;

India has so far administered 662 million doses, with at least one dose in 54 per cent of its 944 million adults and the required two doses in 16 per cent.

"A decently managed vaccination programme, along with the hybrid immunity we're seeing now, makes a massive third wave unlikely," said clinical immunologist and rheumatologist Padmanabha Shenoy, who led the study and was referring to the immunity from natural infection and one vaccine dose.

The federal government has warned that like in Kerala, the rest of India could also see a rise in infections around the festival season.

India has so far reported about 32.9 million infections, the most in the world after the United States. Deaths went up by 509 on Thursday to a total of 439,529.

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season.

India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season. Kerala accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the 47,092 new infections and a third of deaths. This comes a week after it celebrated its biggest festival during which family and social gatherings were common. "With cases rising in Kerala, adequate steps should be taken to contain the inter-state spread of COVID-19," Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a statement after speaking with his state counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which border Kerala. Also read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO summit virtually Also, he asked them to increase vaccination in the districts close to Kerala. India has so far administered 662 million doses, with at least one dose in 54 per cent of its 944 million adults and the required two doses in 16 per cent. "A decently managed vaccination programme, along with the hybrid immunity we're seeing now, makes a massive third wave unlikely," said clinical immunologist and rheumatologist Padmanabha Shenoy, who led the study and was referring to the immunity from natural infection and one vaccine dose. The federal government has warned that like in Kerala, the rest of India could also see a rise in infections around the festival season. India has so far reported about 32.9 million infections, the most in the world after the United States. Deaths went up by 509 on Thursday to a total of 439,529.

India records highest COVID-19 cases in two months, worst-hit Kerala in focus

Major Focus on Education in J&K, 5 new medical colleges to be opened.

50,000 Jobs Announced for J&K

Harlequins and England back-row forward Nick Easter announced his retirement from rugby union on Friday. The 37-year-old will now take on a full-time coaching position with English Premiership side Harlequins, having become a player-coach with the London club in April. 
 
&quot;After accepting the opportunity of being a coach-player by (Quins director of rugby) John Kingston, I took some time to think about my career,&quot; Easter said in a Harlequins statement. &quot;I realised that whether I&#39;m playing or coaching, there was no possible way that I would be able to give 100 per cent to both of my roles at the same time. 
 
&quot;I thought, why not grab the opportunity of becoming a coach with both hands, give it my best shot and feel privileged to be in a position to go out on my own terms after 12 great years as a player for Harlequins?&nbsp;I&#39;m a few weeks into my role now and I&#39;m thoroughly enjoying it. Having had five weeks in the off-season to finalise it and four weeks now as a coach, I don&#39;t regret my decision and I can&#39;t wait for the new season to begin.&quot; 
 
Easter won 54 England caps for England, making his debut against Italy in the 2007 Six Nations. In the same year the back-row forward played in the World Cup final defeat by South Africa and became the first England Number 8 to score four tries in one match, during a 62-5 win over Wales. 
 
After a prolonged absence from Test rugby, Easter was recalled by England for last year&#39;s Six Nations and then brought into the World Cup squad as an injury replacement for Billy Vunipola. 
 
In England&#39;s final pool game at the World Cup, Easter became the oldest hat-trick scorer in Test history after crossing three times in victory over Uruguay -- his final international appearance. 
 
Easter also made 281 appearances for Harlequins since joining the club from Orrell in 2004 and in the process became Quins&#39; most-capped professional player. During his time at the Stoop, Easter helped Quins win the European Challenge Cup in 2011 and their maiden Premiership title the following year as well as the 2013 Anglo-Welsh Cup. 
 
&quot;Nick has been an unbelievable servant to the Harlequins team for over a decade,&quot; said Kingston. &quot;He has been at the very heartbeat of all the successes the side has achieved over this period. Nick has a fantastic rugby brain and it is for this reason I offered him the opportunity to join the new look coaching team at the club. Both Nick and I have agreed it is in the best interests of Quins that he focuses on his coaching exclusively from now.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The oldest hat-trick scorer had become a player-coach with the London club in April

Harlequins and England back-row forward Nick Easter announced his retirement from rugby union on Friday. The 37-year-old will now take on a full-time coaching position with English Premiership side Harlequins, having become a player-coach with the London club in April. "After accepting the opportunity of being a coach-player by (Quins director of rugby) John Kingston, I took some time to think about my career," Easter said in a Harlequins statement. "I realised that whether I'm playing or coaching, there was no possible way that I would be able to give 100 per cent to both of my roles at the same time. "I thought, why not grab the opportunity of becoming a coach with both hands, give it my best shot and feel privileged to be in a position to go out on my own terms after 12 great years as a player for Harlequins? I'm a few weeks into my role now and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. Having had five weeks in the off-season to finalise it and four weeks now as a coach, I don't regret my decision and I can't wait for the new season to begin." Easter won 54 England caps for England, making his debut against Italy in the 2007 Six Nations. In the same year the back-row forward played in the World Cup final defeat by South Africa and became the first England Number 8 to score four tries in one match, during a 62-5 win over Wales. After a prolonged absence from Test rugby, Easter was recalled by England for last year's Six Nations and then brought into the World Cup squad as an injury replacement for Billy Vunipola. In England's final pool game at the World Cup, Easter became the oldest hat-trick scorer in Test history after crossing three times in victory over Uruguay -- his final international appearance. Easter also made 281 appearances for Harlequins since joining the club from Orrell in 2004 and in the process became Quins' most-capped professional player. During his time at the Stoop, Easter helped Quins win the European Challenge Cup in 2011 and their maiden Premiership title the following year as well as the 2013 Anglo-Welsh Cup. "Nick has been an unbelievable servant to the Harlequins team for over a decade," said Kingston. "He has been at the very heartbeat of all the successes the side has achieved over this period. Nick has a fantastic rugby brain and it is for this reason I offered him the opportunity to join the new look coaching team at the club. Both Nick and I have agreed it is in the best interests of Quins that he focuses on his coaching exclusively from now." (AFP)

RugbyU: Easter retires to focus on coaching

One of America&#39;s top beauty pageants has axed its swimsuit competition, ditching bikinis for sportswear to fend off years of complaints that parading in a bikini is sexist and demeaning. 
 
Miss Teen USA, open to women aged 14 to 19, said on its website that &quot;in a society that increasingly prioritises feminism and equality, watching women parade across a stage in bikinis can feel outdated.&quot; 
 
The Miss Universe Organization, which operates the pageant, said from now on contestants would be judged on athletic wear, in addition to the evening wear and personality competitions. 
 
&quot;Miss Teen USA&#39;s transition to athletic wear reads as less exploitative and more focused on the importance of physical fitness for its younger participants,&quot; it said. 
 
The reform was welcomed by reigning Miss Teen USA, Katherine Haik, who called it &quot;a great way to celebrate the active lives that so many young women lead and set a strong example for our peers.&quot; 
 
The 2016 Miss Teen USA pageant, which is broadcast online, will be held in Las Vegas on July 30. Each year, a woman from each of the 50 states and one from Washington DC compete for the crown. 
 
Miss Universe was for years owned by billionaire Republican White House candidate Donald Trump. He sold it last year to a talent management group. 
 
(AFP)

Dubbed sexist, the 'outdated' bikini is to be replaced with sportswear as the focus will now be on physical fitness

One of America's top beauty pageants has axed its swimsuit competition, ditching bikinis for sportswear to fend off years of complaints that parading in a bikini is sexist and demeaning. Miss Teen USA, open to women aged 14 to 19, said on its website that "in a society that increasingly prioritises feminism and equality, watching women parade across a stage in bikinis can feel outdated." The Miss Universe Organization, which operates the pageant, said from now on contestants would be judged on athletic wear, in addition to the evening wear and personality competitions. "Miss Teen USA's transition to athletic wear reads as less exploitative and more focused on the importance of physical fitness for its younger participants," it said. The reform was welcomed by reigning Miss Teen USA, Katherine Haik, who called it "a great way to celebrate the active lives that so many young women lead and set a strong example for our peers." The 2016 Miss Teen USA pageant, which is broadcast online, will be held in Las Vegas on July 30. Each year, a woman from each of the 50 states and one from Washington DC compete for the crown. Miss Universe was for years owned by billionaire Republican White House candidate Donald Trump. He sold it last year to a talent management group. (AFP)

No more bikini competition at Miss Teen USA

focus

Focus, News on Focus, stories on Focus, articles on Focus, Focus stories at Wion, Focus news, Focus latest news