On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, renowned Ayurveda practitioner and Ayushakti Co-Founder Vaidya Smita Naram sheds light on the essential practices every woman should follow during menstruation to ensure better health and hygiene.

“Menstrual hygiene is simply normal hygiene that every female must maintain during her monthly cycle,” says Vaidya Smita Naram. Since menstrual bleeding occurs from the vaginal area, it’s crucial to keep the area clean—not just during periods but throughout the month—to prevent infections and maintain overall health.

She shares practical and easy-to-follow tips to promote safe menstrual hygiene:

 Choose Clean Period Products: Whether using pads, tampons, or cloth, ensure the material is clean. Change it every 3–4 hours to prevent bacterial infections. Opt for organic cotton pads, wash cloth pads in warm water, and dry them in the sun for natural sterilization.

 Wash the Area Regularly: Before every pad change, rinse and wash the area. Dry it with tissue to prevent moisture buildup. Use antibacterial water or Ayurvedic herbs like Neem leaves to further protect from infections.

 Avoid Scented Products: Fragranced period products may irritate sensitive skin and disrupt hormones. Stick to unscented, skin-friendly alternatives.

 Refrain from Sexual Activity: Avoiding intimacy during periods reduces the risk of STDs and UTIs, which can be more likely during this phase due to increased sensitivity.

 Practice Cleanliness: Always wash hands before and after using the restroom, especially in public places. Carry wet wipes or sanitizers for convenience.

 Track Your Cycle: Monitor emotions, symptoms, and medication through apps or calendars. Early tracking can help detect any unusual patterns.

 Stay Hydrated & Rest: Drink plenty of fluids and give your body the rest it needs. Periods are a window into physical health, and it's essential to listen to what your body is telling you.

Vaidya Smita encourages everyone to be mindful and respectful of their body’s needs during menstruation. “Not everyone has easy periods, and that’s okay. What matters most is understanding and supporting your body during this natural phase.”

The increasing number of hotel fires across regions has triggered growing concern over how well our hospitality spaces are prepared to handle such emergencies. Fires in hotels can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life, serious damage to property, and lasting reputational harm. Strengthening fire safety measures is no longer optional—it's a vital necessity.

Effective fire safety begins at the foundation - literally. It starts with proper building design, continues with the careful selection and application of materials, and is enforced through adherence to required permits like building licenses, occupancy certificates, and operational approvals.

Recent cases have pointed to multiple causes behind hotel fires—user negligence, kitchen-related mishaps, outdated or faulty electrical systems, and delays in maintenance work. Many of these risks are made worse by the absence of comprehensive fire safety designs, allowing small incidents to turn into large-scale disasters.

Key Elements for Strengthening Fire Safety in Hotels:

Design Integration:

Incorporating both passive and active fire safety elements into architectural, electrical, and mechanical designs is essential. One of the most important aspects is ensuring well-thought-out evacuation routes to allow for the safe and timely exit of guests and staff.

Material Matters:

One major hazard is the use of combustible or non-certified materials on hotel facades. These can catch fire quickly, enabling flames and smoke to spread vertically through the building and putting occupants at serious risk. Every material used must have test certifications from accredited laboratories to ensure fire compliance. Without such validation, they must not be used, especially on high-rise structures.

Correct Application:

Even certified materials, if poorly installed or used incorrectly, can compromise an entire building’s fire resistance. Following proper application procedures is crucial to preserving the effectiveness of all safety measures.

Routine Inspections:

Improper usage of building spaces, unauthorized storage of flammable items, or renovations that bypass safety norms can reduce a structure’s fire resistance. Regular expert inspections help identify these vulnerabilities and ensure continued compliance with fire safety regulations.

One organization leading the way in this area is Efectis, a global expert in fire science and safety. With more than 70 years of experience and a highly qualified team, Efectis offers customized fire safety strategies for various types of buildings in Türkiye and beyond, ensuring structures meet the highest fire resistance standards.

As the hospitality industry continues to grow, fire safety must evolve as a priority. Through better planning, strict material compliance, and continuous inspections, the industry can ensure safer environments for everyone.

In a landmark moment of cultural diplomacy, Rambagh Palace, Jaipur’s crown jewel, Rambagh Palace will host US Vice President James David Vance, his family, and a 20-member White House delegation on April 23. The high-profile visit is being celebrated with a grand dinner in collaboration with IRIS Jaipur, renowned for its handcrafted, gold-plated metalware. Following its acclaimed showcase at the G20 Summit, IRIS Jaipur once again has the honour of serving foreign dignitaries.

The dinner will be held in the palace’s opulent 18th-century ballroom, Suvarna Mahal. A custom-designed collection of gold-plated dinner sets, tableware, cutlery, serve ware and trolley crafted by IRIS Jaipur, will headline the banquet, reflecting a seamless blend of traditional Rajasthani artistry and modern luxury.

Each guest will receive a golden napkin ring as a keepsake, engraved with their names on one side and Rambagh Palace Jaipur on the other side. The culinary showcase, presented on bespoke dinner sets, snack stands, hollowware, and barware, will highlight India’s gastronomic heritage with dishes prepared by Rambagh’s top chefs.

A red-carpet walkway flanked by mirror-polished golden pipes crafted by IRIS’s metal artisans, creates a shimmering prelude, setting the tone for the regal evening. Antique brass welcome trolleys, lotus design trays with bowls, and garland stands will enhance the arrival experience with rich visual storytelling rooted in Jaipur’s artisanal traditions.

Jaipur's IRIS artisans bring diplomatic hospitality to life at Rambagh Palace, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage while adding a personal touch to the grandeur of the U.S. Vice President’s visit.

IRIS’s relationship with Rambagh spans decades, with its creations gracing the palace’s grandest suites and dining halls. This latest showcase, co-led by Ashok Rathore, General Manager of Rambagh Palace, and Rajeev Pabuwal, continues a legacy of reviving traditional craftsmanship for discerning global audiences.

As diplomacy unfolds over dinner, Jaipur stands tall not just as a cultural capital but as a beacon of craft-led global engagement.