Is it that time of the month? No issues. Pop a pill and get to work with a hot water bag! It sounds casual, almost harmless. But behind this everyday remark lies a deeper reality, one that millions of women silently go through every month.Modern work life is designed around a predictable, almost mechanical rhythm, but a woman’s body doesn’t follow the clock.A typical day for a man begins with waking up, moving through structured hours of productivity, peaking somewhere in the middle, and gradually winding down before sleep. The cycle repeats, day after day, with little room for deviation.But for women, the body does not always comply with this uniform pattern.Instead, it operates on a hormonal cycle that fluctuates across the month with energy levels rising and falling. Physical strength and emotional resilience ebb and flow. And yet, the expectation remains unchanged.Show up, perform, deliver. There is no pause button!Fatigue, mood shifts, and slight discomfort during menstruation are often considered natural. But intense, debilitating pain? That is not supposed to be “so normal.”And yet, it has become so common that it is often dismissed. Still, the response society expects is remarkably simple. Pretend nothing is happening!

What is menstruation?

Menstruation is a biological process in which the inner lining of the uterus sheds when an egg released during ovulation is not fertilised. This leads to the discharge of blood and tissue through the cervix and vagina, typically at monthly intervals.The first menstrual cycle, known as menarche, usually occurs between the ages of 8 and 15. On average, cycles repeat every 28 days, though variations are common.For some women, menstruation is not just a few days of discomfort, but also conditions like PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can lead to severe cramps, irregular cycles, prolonged bleeding, and hormonal imbalances.As Sneha Srivastava noted, “Every woman’s body is different. While some may experience minimal discomfort, others go through intense pain, nausea, and fatigue.” On a personal note, she added, “I have experienced significant discomfort due to PCOS. My periods can last for more than three weeks… managing this while working can be extremely challenging.”Tithi Pramanik from Odisha echoes the reality saying, “I have PCOD and experience severe cramps during my periods.” Yet workplaces rarely accommodate this spectrum of experience.

The menstrual leave debate in India

Most working women already know the unspoken rules.You go to work despite cramps that make it difficult to sit upright. You continue meetings through waves of nausea. You push through fatigue that clouds your concentration.Because acknowledging the pain feels risky.Ask for leave, and you may be seen as unreliable. Take time off, and you might miss opportunities. Speak openly about menstrual symptoms, and you risk being labelled “difficult.” So the safer option becomes silence.The idea of menstrual leave, time off granted to women during their periods has increasingly entered discussions around workplace rights, gender equality, and employee welfare.But India still does not have a nationwide law mandating menstrual leave.On March 13, the Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a public interest litigation seeking a uniform policy for menstrual leave across workplaces and educational institutions.The court did not dismiss the issue outright but raised concerns about potential unintended consequences.The bench observed that making menstrual leave compulsory could discourage employers from hiring women. As Chief Justice Surya Kant noted during the hearing, “Voluntarily given is excellent. The moment you make it compulsory in law, nobody will give them jobs.”The court also warned that such a policy might reinforce stereotypes, portraying women as less productive or less reliable.Another point raised was that such decisions fall within the domain of policymakers, not the judiciary. The court suggested that the government should examine the issue after consulting stakeholders.

Will such a policy make employers hesitant?

For some, the solution may not lie in a strict leave policy.Ranjit, a Delhi-based entrepreneur, suggests flexibility saying, “I do not fully agree with the Supreme Court’s decision. Companies should at least be made to offer options like work from home and flexible working hours.”Ajit, a college professor from Gujarat, questions the logic of making such support optional. “How can a legal right be optional? Does that make sense? Women should have a choice whether to take the leave or work.”“Discrimination comes in all forms and sizes in society. Some employers might hesitate to hire women, at least initially, but I believe it’d quickly become clearer to them that better employee care translates into better output,” he added.Raveena Newatia, a communications manager from Gurugram, said, “There might be a widespread belief that this would affect work so employers might,” acknowledging the hesitation that often surrounds such policies.“Although on the basis of right judgements and awareness, this could be changed in the longer run,” she added, suggesting that mindset shifts, not just policies, will shape the future of workplace inclusion.Recalling her own experience and discomfort, Raveena said, “I have faced discomfort working and sitting on a chair in the office, and not being able to lay my back on a hot water bag even when desperately needed.” “I still believe that Work from Home norms or mobility flexibilities could be considered by the Supreme court in issuing some mid-solution law so that even the work doesn’t compromise and the females also don’t have to suffer at least physically,” she added.Further addressing concerns that such policies might discourage employers from hiring women, Biswarupa Das, a PhD scholar in HR studies pushed back firmly, saying “honestly, in a time when organisations are implementing measures towards sustainable workplaces and acknowledging diverse needs, this shouldn’t even be a question.”“The focus should shift from seeing this as a ‘cost’ to responding with empathy and understanding. Women already take leave when the pain becomes physically and mentally overwhelming, it was just not always acknowledged openly.”“I don’t believe employers will hesitate, because an employee’s calibre cannot be judged on the days she is struggling with something she hasn’t chosen, it’s simply a part of biology,” she added.But. Not everyone is convinced that menstrual leave as a labelled policy is the right approach.Pankaj Jha, senior manager at an insurance firm said, “I think the idea of menstrual leave sounds progressive on the surface, but it’s worth asking why it hasn’t been widely adopted in developed countries like the US, UK, or Germany.”He points to a deeper issue: privacy. He said, “There is still significant stigma around menstruation, especially in smaller towns and cities. In such an environment, formally labeling a leave as “menstrual leave” could unintentionally expose women to judgment or ridicule.”“I’ve personally observed situations where women taking such leave became the subject of insensitive remarks by male colleagues behind their backs,” he added.Jha also noted that there are practical challenges in the implementation of such laws. “How do you define eligibility? What about women who have reached menopause, or those who experience only mild discomfort?” he said.He suggested a more nuanced approach by integrating menstrual leave within existing sick leave policies rather than creating a separate category.“Instead of introducing a separate, labeled category, I believe a more inclusive and respectful approach would be to incorporate it within existing sick leave policies, give women a couple of extra sick leaves per month,” he added.But on the ground, the reality is different. For many women, the debate is not theoretical, It is physical!As Tithi Pramanik said, “In my previous company, my manager said he would not hire women because of these issues.”“That’s why I feel making menstrual leave mandatory could increase bias and discourage employers from hiring women,” she added.While, Sneha Srivastava argued that leaving menstrual leave optional often defeats its purpose. “When something is optional, many women hesitate to avail it, often fearing judgment or being perceived as less committed at work,” she said.

A medical perspective: Do women really need leave?

Adding another layer to the debate, obstetrician and gynaecologist Nimmi Rastogi offers a clinical viewpoint.“Menstruation is a normal biological process. It is not a disease. It is not even a period of incapacitation. It is simply a reflection of how a woman’s physiology works,” Dr Nimmi said.While acknowledging that some women experience severe symptoms, she cautions against generalising, saying “It is true that some women experience PMS, pain, dysmenorrhea, clotting or heavy bleeding, but this is not the case for everyone. So, I don’t think it is a good idea to mandate menstrual leave.”Her advice is counterintuitive to many: stay active!“Medically, staying active actually helps ease most symptoms. We usually encourage patients to remain active and not refrain from work, school or studies. Even simple movements like walking can reduce pain,” she said. “If you lie down or remain sedentary during periods, it can be counterproductive for your health,” she added.For her, work itself can help. “Working is a good distraction. Symptoms like mood swings, PMS and irritability can be relieved through physical activity and engagement,” she said.

What most men think?

Iqbal Singh said, “Leave must be there because I have seen my wife bearing lots of pain and cramps. The story is different for every girl, but also seen some people are not cooperating towards it, when women really need a policy decision like this.”Hadi Khan echoes the same sentiment and said, “I’ll be honest, I do think menstrual leave is necessary. For women, periods aren’t just a minor inconvenience. They can be physically draining, sometimes even debilitating.”Yet, he also acknowledges the dilemma saying, “Yes, I do think that’s a real possibility that employers might hesitate to hire women if such a policy is enforced.”“Even if it’s not openly admitted, some employers might quietly factor it into their hiring decisions. In competitive or cost-sensitive industries, there’s often a tendency to view anything that could affect productivity or increase compliance requirements as a drawback,” he added.Shubhanshu Dwivedi frames it more sharply saying, “Menstrual leave is a basic workplace support measure and not a privilege.”“The argument that such a policy may discourage hiring rests on accepting discrimination as a given. That is a slippery position,” he added.

The cultural silence and stigma

The challenge is not just policy, it is also cultural. But how can one go and seek menstrual leave when we don’t even speak about menstruation in the open!In many parts of India, menstruation remains a taboo subject. Women are often discouraged from speaking about it openly. In some households, restrictions still exist.Pari (name changed) from Assam describes her reality, “On the three days of my period, I sit and sleep on the floor. I eat on a separate plate as I am not allowed to enter the kitchen or touch any utensil or other furniture. I do not touch any male member be it my father, brother or husband. These customs have been followed for a very long time in my household and me, my mother and sister have applied the same in our lives.”Yash Sonkar further points to a lack of awareness, saying, “Menstruation isn’t even properly explained in our school curriculum… teachers skip the chapters at times.”Even basic products like sanitary napkins are often wrapped discreetly, reinforcing the idea that menstruation is something to hide.Interestingly, menstruation was not always viewed this way.In ancient India, it was often associated with fertility, renewal, and the cycles of nature. Some traditions even treated it as a time for rest and reflection.Over time, however, colonial influences, patriarchal interpretations, and cultural shifts transformed this perception into one of impurity and shame.What was once a period of care became a period of silence.

Global and Indian policy landscape

Globally, countries like Japan, Spain, South Korea, and Indonesia have menstrual leave policies.But even there, challenges remain.As Pankaj Jha points out, “Even in places like Japan, menstrual leave is often unpaid, which raises questions about how effective or empowering it truly is.” In India, efforts are scattered. Some states and companies have introduced policies, but there is no unified national framework.

The productivity paradox

There is a growing body of research suggesting that workplaces with better gender inclusion perform better overall. Companies with more diverse leadership often show stronger financial and governance outcomes.In simple terms, when women are supported, they deliver. So the real question is not whether menstrual leave reduces productivity.It is whether ignoring biological realities is sustainable in the long run.

Rethinking the workplace?

Imagine a different system. A workplace that acknowledges biological differences instead of ignoring them. One where women can align tasks with their natural energy cycles, high-focus work during peak phases, lighter tasks during physically demanding days.A system where taking care of health is not seen as a weakness, but as part of being human. Biswarupa captures this sentiment saying, “Menstrual leave is absolutely necessary. Such leaves would be a meaningful step towards acknowledging what all the women go through silently.” The debate on menstrual leave is not just about policy. It is about recognition. Recognition that biology is not uniform.Recognition that equality does not always mean sameness. Recognition that support systems need to reflect real human experiences.For now, the Supreme Court of India has left the matter to policymakers. But the conversation is far from over.Because every month, across offices, classrooms, factories, and homes, millions of women continue to work through pain, quietly, invisibly, and without acknowledgment. And perhaps the real question is not whether menstrual leave should exist.It is why, even today, it still needs to be debated!

Representative Image (AI Generated)

New Delhi: Iran’s missile arsenal has emerged as a cornerstone of its military doctrine, giving Tehran the ability to project power across the Middle East and shape the trajectory of any conflict. Built steadily over the past three decades, the program spans short-range tactical systems to long-range ballistic and cruise missiles, creating a layered strike capability that complements the country’s aging air force.The range of these missiles is not just a technical detail. It defines the geography of the conflict, sets out potential targets and outlines Iran’s strategy of deterrence. From nearby Gulf bases to Israel and beyond, the range of Iranian missile reach continues to influence military calculations throughout the region.

Short-range missiles: immediate battlefield dominance

At the lower end of the spectrum are short-range ballistic missiles, which typically have ranges between 300 km and 800 km. These systems form the first layer of Iran’s strike capability and are designed for rapid deployment against nearby targets.Missiles like Fateh-110, Zolfagher, Qiyam-1 and Shahab-1 and Shahab-2 fall in this category. Their relatively short range provides a tactical advantage. They can be launched quickly, often in large numbers, reducing warning time for adversaries and increasing the possibility of overwhelming air defense systems.This class of missiles is particularly suitable for targeting US military bases, naval assets, and regional infrastructure in the Gulf. Their role is to deliver the “first punch” in any stress situation, giving a signal while causing immediate damage.Iran demonstrated this approach in January 2020, when it launched ballistic missiles at Iraq’s Ain al-Asad airbase following the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani. The attack caused significant damage and injuries, demonstrating Iran’s ability to deliver precise strikes without relying on conventional air power.

Medium-range missiles: expansion of the strategic map

The second layer of Iran’s missile arsenal consists of medium-range ballistic missiles, which typically have a range between 1,000 km and 2,000 km. This category marks the shift from tactical warfare to strategic deterrence.Major systems include Shahab-3, Imad, Ghadar, Sejjil and Khorramshahr. These missiles significantly expand Iran’s strike range, bringing a wide network of military facilities linked to Israel and the US within reach. All bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates come under this scope.Among these, the Sejjil missile stands out due to its solid-fuel propulsion. Unlike liquid-fuel missiles, which require more time to prepare, solid-fuel systems can be launched more quickly, increasing survivability in a conflict where pre-emptive attacks are a constant threat.This layer effectively turns any conflict with Iran into a regional issue. This ensures that escalation cannot be limited to a single battlefield, as multiple countries fall within the range of retaliation.

Long distance systems: outer limits of reach

Iran’s longest-range missiles are estimated to reach between 2,000 km and 2,500 km, forming the outer limits of its publicly known capabilities. Advanced versions of the Shahab series, systems such as the Sejjil and Khorramshahr operate in this range band.Apart from ballistic missiles, Iran has developed cruise missiles like Soumar, which can cover a range of up to 2,500 km while flying at low altitude. These missiles are difficult to detect and intercept, especially when used in conjunction with drones or ballistic systems.The geographical implications of this category are very deep. The 2,000 km radius from Iran covers not only Israel and the Gulf but also parts of Southeastern Europe, Central Asia and North Africa. This allows Tehran to put at risk a broad spectrum of military and economic targets, including ports, energy infrastructure and airbases.However, despite reach, Iran’s missile capability does not extend to the continental United States. This limitation underlines that Tehran’s strategy focuses on regional dominance rather than global strike capability.

Attempt to attack Diego Garcia: testing the limits

However, a recent development has raised questions about the upper limit of Iran’s missile reach. Reports of an attempted attack on Diego Garcia – a remote island in the Indian Ocean that is home to a major US-UK military base – suggest that Tehran may be experimenting with long-range capabilities.Located approximately 4,000 km from Iran, Diego Garcia is well beyond the established range of Iran’s missile systems. According to available information, two missiles were reportedly fired towards the island, although neither successfully hit the target.Although this effort was not successful, its implications are important. This points to either an experimental expansion of Iran’s missile technology or a strategic signaling effort aimed at deterring Western forces by demonstrating intent rather than proven capability.If Iran develops reliable systems capable of reaching such distances, it would fundamentally alter the strategic balance, giving it access to the Indian Ocean and potentially parts of Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Geography of Threat: A Layered Coverage

Image of Iran’s missile range shows a layered pattern of concentrated reach. Short-range systems dominate the near-neighborhood, covering the Persian Gulf and adjacent states. Medium-range missiles extend this reach to Israel and deep into West Asia, while long-range systems push the range outward to cover an even wider arc.This layered structure ensures that Iran can respond simultaneously at multiple ranges. It also complicates defense planning for adversaries, who must account for threats coming at different ranges, trajectories, and speeds.In practical terms, this means that no major US military installation in the Gulf region is beyond Iran’s reach. Energy infrastructure, shipping lanes and urban centers are also at great distances throughout the region.

Volume and Survival: Beyond Limits

While range defines reach, Iran’s missile strategy is equally dependent on quantity and survivability. The country has invested heavily in underground facilities, often referred to as “missile cities”, where weapons are stored and prepared for launch away from surveillance.Mobile launch platforms further increase flexibility, allowing missiles to be fired from multiple locations. This dispersion makes it difficult for adversaries to neutralize Iran’s arsenal in a single preemptive strike.Joint tactics—the use of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones—adds another layer of complexity. Drones can be used to satiate air defenses, while cruise missiles fly low to avoid detection, and ballistic missiles strike at high speed.This integrated approach increases the likelihood that at least some weapons will penetrate defensive systems, thereby ensuring that Iran will retain a credible retaliatory capability.

Strategic Implications: Resistance and Escalation

Iran’s missile range is central to its deterrence strategy. By demonstrating the ability to strike across a wide geographic area, Tehran wants to discourage adversaries from launching attacks or escalating conflicts.Additionally, this capability increases the risk of any collision. The broader the scope, the wider the pool of potential targets, increasing the risk of a regional conflict escalating into a major war.The attempted attack on Diego Garcia, although unsuccessful, underscores this dynamic. This indicates that Iran may be willing to expand the geographic scope of its operations, challenging perceptions about the limits of its reach.Iran’s missile program is not just about weapons – it is about shaping the battlefield. From short-range systems designed for immediate impact to long-range missiles that define regional power projection, the extent of Iran’s arsenal determines how conflicts unfold.As tensions persist, this limit ensures that any military involvement involving Iran will not remain limited. Instead, it would apply across a vast and interconnected region, where distance offers little protection and escalation has far-reaching consequences.

Raipur: In a quiet classroom in Bijapur, far away from the dense forests that once defined their lives, 85 surrendered Maoists sat down to take exams this week, most of them appearing for the first time in their lives. For years, these men and women lived under the shadow of insurgency, cut off from formal education and the rhythm of normal life. However, on Friday, he took up the pen after laying down his arms and attempted the basic literacy test after completing training under ‘ULLAAS Nav Bharat Literacy Programme’.