Bombay high court awards Rs 22 lakh payout to kin of mental health patient killed in state hospital
As tankers strike begins, Mumbai housing societies forced to pay up to 2x for water
Mumbais Dharavi Redevelopment to Meet International Standards: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Mumbai, June 8: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed officials on Monday to redevelop Dharavi in line with modern housing projects from Singapore and Hong Kong. He emphasized that the transformation must prioritize the residents of Dharavi, their livelihoods, and local identity, while ensuring the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe. Speaking at a ... Read more Mumbais Dharavi Redevelopment to Meet International Standards: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
BEST bus crashes into multiple vehicles in Dadar, 1 killed and 6 hurt
Global roundup: IsraelIran halt hostilities; Philippines quake leaves 32 dead
Tensions between Iran and Israel showed signs of easing after recent exchanges of fire. In the Philippines, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed at least 32 people and left more than 130 injured. Indian workers were killed in Dubai, when a minibus collided with a stationary truck on Emirates Road
Thane civic HQ fire sparks political row, politicians call for independent probe
Mirchis bro-in-law named by Lalit Modi is part of ED chargesheet
BEST orders stricter safety checks for wet lease buses, driver training after Dadar crash
CSMT facing water tanker crisis, CR shifts supply operations to 3 other stations
Ward Officer Accused Of Allegedly Luring Actor Jaaved Jaaferis Wife Into Investing In A Redevelopment Project Using Forged Government Documents
West Bengal: After poll defeat, TMC faces rebellion, resignations
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a deepening internal crisis after its West Bengal Assembly election defeat, with rebel MLAs and MPs seeking separate recognition and senior leader Sukhendu Sekhar Roy resigning from the party and Rajya Sabha
Mumbai hits all-time high peak power demand of 4,608 MW
Island city faces fresh power cuts amid rising electricity load
Mumbai police arrest jewellery manufacturer from West Bengal in Rs 3.8 crore cheating case
Eight workers die after molten steel spill at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
Eight workers died and six were injured in a molten steel accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. PM Narendra Modi announced ex gratia assistance, while Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered relief measures and a probe was launched
Maharashtra: Pune doctor arrested for illegal abortions, another on the run
Pune Police arrested a gynaecologist and launched a search for a woman doctor over alleged illegal abortions at a Daund hospital. Authorities seized MTP kits during the probe
Several Vidarbha cities cross 42 degrees Celsius, Nagpur hottest in Maharashtra
Vidarbha remained the hottest region in Maharashtra. Apart from Nagpur, other cities in the region also witnessed high temperatures, with Wardha recording 42.5 degrees Celsius, Akola 42.3 degrees Celsius, and Amravati, and Gondia 42.2 degrees Celsius
Im kabbadi player not a chess player: Bhujbal after rejecting RS offer
Maharashtra SSC, HSC Supplementary Admit Card 2026 out today; exams from June 16
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) is expected to release the SSC and HSC Supplementary Examination 2026 admit cards today on its official website. Hall tickets will be distributed through schools and colleges for students appearing in the June-July supplementary examinations. The HSC supplementary exams are scheduled from June 16 to July 8, while SSC exams will be held from June 16 to June 30. Students should verify all details carefully.
India urges de-escalation as fresh West Asia tensions heighten global concern
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the renewed attacks in the region were a matter of serious concern for the international community
Changthang Expedition Featuring BMW Motorrad Riders Flagged Off from Shanti Stupa, Leh
Leh, June 8, 2026: The Changthang Expedition, featuring BMW Motorrad riders, was officially flagged off from the iconic Shanti Stupa, Leh, by Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, Administrative Secretary, Tourism, UT Ladakh. The expedition includes 19 accomplished riders from Maharashtra, recognized for their expertise in long-distance and high-altitude motorcycling, who have embarked on an extraordinary high-altitude journey [] The post Changthang Expedition Featuring BMW Motorrad Riders Flagged Off from Shanti Stupa, Leh appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
BMW India to hike car prices by up to 2 per cent from July
BMW Group India will increase prices of BMW and MINI vehicles by up to 2 per cent from July 1, 2026. The hike will affect locally manufactured and imported models, with the company citing rupee depreciation and rising lBMW India to hike car prices by up to 2 per cent from Julyogistics costs as key reasons
NCP Leader Chhagan Bhujbal Seeks Equal Justice Amid Political Maneuvering
Mumbai, June 8: Senior NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal dismissed reports of injustice against him on Monday. However, he asserted that he deserves the same justice that others have received. Speaking to reporters after the nomination of party candidate Rajendra Jain for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections on June 18, Bhujbal expressed his ... Read more NCP Leader Chhagan Bhujbal Seeks Equal Justice Amid Political Maneuvering
Iran says it has ended military operation against Israel
Iran on Monday announced the end of its latest military operation against Israel after the first exchange of fire between the two countries since an April ceasefire. While Tehran said it had delivered a painful response, it warned that any further aggression would trigger harsher retaliation
Sensex crashes over 700 points, Nifty slips below 23,150 amid West Asia tensions
Indian stock markets ended sharply lower on Monday, with the Sensex falling 719 points and the Nifty losing 244 points as rising crude oil prices, Iran-Israel tensions and global uncertainty triggered broad-based selling across sectors
Former Bombay HC judge Gautam Patel gets threats over 2024 Dawoodi Bohra succession verdict
Former Bombay High Court judge Gautam Patel and his family are facing relentless threats in India and the UK following his 2024 verdict on Dawoodi Bohra succession. His daughter in London received a recent letter warning of violence and claiming a 'contract' against them. The Bombay Bar Association condemned the threats and urged swift action.
Fadnavis approves 65 MahaRail projects, vows to make Maharashtra a railway level crossing-free state
The 65 projects are the first phase of 131 planned by MahaRail for Public Works and Urban Development roads
BJP leader alleges hotel refused stay due to Kashmiri identity; owner denies
Sajid Yousuf Shah, BJP`s co-media in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, shared his experience on social media, claiming the incident left him deeply disappointed and raised broader questions about equal treatment for all Indian citizens
Sloth bear rescued from illegal `dancing bear` trade in Jharkhand`s Dumka
A sloth bear was rescued from illegal captivity in Jharkhand`s Dumka district during a crackdown on the banned `dancing bear` practice. The intelligence-led operation by the Forest Department and WTI highlights ongoing efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Business Wire India
Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik conducts surprise visit at Amravati bus station
Maharashtra hotel denied stay over 'Kashmiri identity': Jammu and Kashmir BJP functionary
Sajid Yousuf Shah, BJP's co-media in-charge for Jammu & Kashmir, took to X to narrate his experience. The hotel owner, however, denied the charge
Israel to install Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, announces Mumbai Consulate
In a significant cultural move, Israel plans to erect a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolizing burgeoning India-Israel friendship. Announced on Shivrajyabhishek Din, the project, supported by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, aims to honor Shivaji's legacy and historical Maharashtra-Jewish community ties. This initiative seeks to deepen people-to-people connections and foster mutual respect.
MHT CET Result Date 2026 PCM, PCB: When and how to download the scorecard
MHT CET 2026 results for PCM and PCB streams are expected soon, following the release of the final answer key. Over 16 lakh students appeared for the exam, and the declaration of results will initiate the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) for professional courses across Maharashtra.
India issues fresh travel advisory, urges citizens to leave Iran
The Indian Embassy in Iran issued a fresh advisory on Monday following recent attacks and counter-attacks between Iran and Israel, which have heightened security concerns across the region
Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal clarifies he is not upset about missing a Rajya Sabha nomination. He likens himself to a kabaddi player, not a chess player, suggesting his opportunity will arrive later. Bhujbal expressed his desire for a parliamentary seat, noting his son's potential ministerial role. He mentioned discussions with BJP leadership regarding this.
Philippines 7.8-magnitude earthquake leaves casualties, sparks tsunami alert
The offshore quake hit near General Santos in Mindanao, prompting evacuations in coastal areas and advisories from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center for multiple countries
Rajendra Jain files nomination as NCP Candidate for Rajya Sabha bye-elections
Backed by the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Jain is widely expected to be elected unopposed. Senior NCP leaders said his extensive legislative and organisational experience made him the unanimous choice for the seat
West Asia war: Iran launches missile attack on Israel, shattering ceasefire
Iran`s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the missile barrage targeted Israel`s Ramat David Airbase, which Tehran claims was used by Israeli fighter jets involved in airstrikes on Beirut`s Dahieh district on Sunday. Lebanese health authorities said the Israeli strikes killed two people and injured at least 11 others
Iran launches missile strikes on Israel for first time since April ceasefire
Iran said the strikes targeted the Ramat David Airbase in response to Israeli actions in Lebanon and warned of stronger retaliation if Israel responded
Three Air India aircraft damaged at Delhi airport amid sudden storm, probe on
According to Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the incident took place on Sunday at Terminal 2 after strong winds accompanied by heavy rainfall. Ground handling equipment positioned near parked aircraft reportedly shifted from its location and collided with three Air India narrow-body aircraft
Houthis back Iranian strikes on Israel, cites axis of resistance coordination
Yemens Houthi movement has expressed support for Irans missile operation against Israel, saying it demonstrates the unity of the axis of resistance and reflects ongoing coordination among allied groups in the region
J&K BJP Functionary Says Maharashtra Hotel Stay Denied Over Kashmiri Identity; Owner Refutes Claim
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jun 8: A BJP media unit in-charge from Jammu and Kashmir has alleged that he was refused accommodation at a hotel in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city due to concerns linked to his Kashmiri identity. The hotel owner, however, denied the charge, claiming the room had already been booked. Sajid Yousuf Shah, BJPs co-media in-charge for J&K, took to X on Sunday to narrate his experience and tagged his post to the Prime Ministers Office, Union Home Minister Amit [] The post J&K BJP Functionary Says Maharashtra Hotel Stay Denied Over Kashmiri Identity; Owner Refutes Claim appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Maharashtra Government Urges Farmers to Delay Sowing Until June 15
Mumbai, June 8: The Maharashtra government has urged farmers to refrain from rushing into sowing. This appeal comes as the monsoon has arrived in the southern Konkan region, but its progression across the state is expected to remain slow until June 15. The meteorological department has clarified that there is a possibility of thunderstorms and ... Read more Maharashtra Government Urges Farmers to Delay Sowing Until June 15
Ebola cases in DRC rise to 515, health authorities warn of further spread
Officials warned of continued transmission and possible further increases if containment measures are not strengthened. Only 12 recoveries have been reported so far, with 117 suspected cases and 283 patients still under isolation or hospital care
A BEST bus veered out of control near Dadar's Veer Kotwal Garden on Monday morning, colliding with multiple vehicles and injuring four pedestrians. The incident, which occurred around 10:45 am, led to traffic disruptions as authorities responded to clear the scene and investigate the cause.
Survey of the market kind that taught life skills
The internet has transformed surveys into a technology-driven exercise, as it is now for the Census and SIR. Half a century ago, every survey was a lesson in persistence. It involved miles of walking, countless door knocks, the humility to accept rejection, and, every now and then, a memorable encounter
And sometimes break: Why Indias suicide crisis cannot be understood through the narrow lens of family problems alone
Pune Crime Branch raids illegal Project X rave party, over 100 detained
More than 100 people present at the venue were detained and questioned
About time Bandra East looked like Bandra West
Officials have been quoted as saying the area will be similar to the space outside the West entrance to Bandra station
INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi to see participation from 23 political parties
The gathering, branded as the INDIA janbandhan meeting, is expected to deliberate on the alliances future course, including preparations for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and coordination on key political issues
mid-day Opinion: The poor, misunderstood Indian tourist
Its sad when an entire country is blacklisted just because so many of its citizens are considered to be boorish travellers
Delhi Assembly Speaker to attend CPA India Region Zone-II meeting in Chandigarh
The conference, themed Role of Aware Society and Legislators in Realising Future Challenges and the Goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, is scheduled to take place from June 89 at the Haryana Legislative Assembly, said the official
President Trump claims Irans military heavily weakened amid ongoing tensions
Pressed on whether the United States risks becoming trapped in another prolonged Middle East conflict, Trump rejected the comparison and said the campaign against Iran bears little resemblance to previous US wars in the region
West Asia crisis escalates as blasts reported in multiple Iranian cities
The cross-border strikes coincide with intense diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump to sustain a fragile truce in Washington`s 100-day war with Iran
Russia strikes nuclear waste facility near Ukraines Chornobyl plant: Zelenskyy
No spent fuel had been stored in the building at the time of the attack.
The Untold Story of Team India Spin Coach Sairaj Bahutule
With the Test against Afghanistan at New Chandigarh, former India player Sairaj Bahutule began his new innings with Team India, this time not as a player but as India's new spin-bowling coach. India has never lacked for big-name spinners, and compared to them, former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule was neither as prominent nor as well-known. The truth is that his name may not be popular with Gen Z as he was not in the news in recent years for some controversy or some juicy stories. He has consistently been involved in cricket and not only coached the IPL sides (this season Punjab Kings), but also previously served in the India Under-19, India A and domestic sides. Bahutule himself played two Tests and eight ODIs, taking five international wickets. Clearly, he wasn't very successful in international cricket and accordingly didnt get many opportunities. However, in a first-class career spanning nearly two decades, he took 630 wickets, scored over 6,000 runs, and took 197 wickets in List A cricket. He played in six Ranji Trophy finals (all for Mumbai), winning all of them. The most talked-about of these was the 2003-04 final, in which he scored 92 runs, lower down the order. Currently around 53, Bahutule's resume as a coach is comparatively much better. He retired from cricket and served as head coach of Vidarbha, Kerala, Gujarat, and Bengal. In the IPL, he was spin-bowling coach for Rajasthan Royals and then Punjab Kings. He was also associated with the BCCI and coached at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru from 2021 to 2024. He was the bowling coach for the Indian team that won the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2022 and was part of the support staff for the 2024 edition of the event also. He has also worked as a specialist bowling coach on several other assignments. In India, there aren't many coaches with such an active resume. Well, now he's got his biggest promotion, and what could be a bigger responsibility than joining Team India's support staff? This role with Team India will open the doors of international assignments for him. With the opportunity to play international cricket drying, Bahutule intended to remain involved with the game as a coach. Thats why while still playing cricket, when an opportunity came to coach the Vidarbha side, he grabbed it with both hands and announced his retirement. He became only the 9th bowler to take 400 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. Despite all this, Bahutule is disappointed that he never played in the IPL. He played List A cricket until 2010, T20 cricket until 2011, and first-class cricket until 2013, but franchises focused more on his age than his skill. Especially in the first two seasons of the IPL, he was one of the most successful spinners in India. Bhuutule holds a unique record that often goes unnoticed when his name is mentioned. He holds the India record for missing the most matches during his One Day International career. He played seven ODI between December 1997 and January 1998 but returned to Team India in November 2003 to play another one. During that period, Team India had played 196 consecutive ODI in which he was not part of the team. He failed to make a significant impact upon his return and was sidelined thereafter. In Indian cricket, the most discussed story of a cricketers recovery from a traumatic car accident gets connected with Rishabh Pant. The story of Sairaj Bahutules accident was no less tragic. In July 1990, the car accident of Vivek Singh, son of famous singers Jagjit and Chitra Singh, in which he died was in the headlines. Sairaj Bahutule, his close friend, was also with him in the car and was lucky to survive. He broke my femur, and had a major fracture on his right leg, and needed to have a steel rod inserted in the leg. He also slipped into a coma, and it was very, very tough. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The medical aid and familys support helped him, particularly his fathers support, who himself was a Ranji cricketer. His father Vasant, who played for Maharashtra, kept on motivating him to get back to playing cricket. The steel rod was removed a year after the accident and very soon he started playing for the senior Mumbai team as well as got picked for the India Under-19 squad against New Zealand.
West Asia war: Israeli military orders evacuation of southern Lebanese city
Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for the launches
AI system designs healthier and more affordable meals, study finds
Compared with actual meals, the AI-generated meals came 47 per cent closer to meeting USDA nutrition targets while remaining similar in style and flavor to foods people already consume.
Eight arrested, minor detained in alleged gang rape of tribal woman in Ranchi
The incident occurred on Friday night in a village under the Mandar Police Station area
Nigeria frees 360 hostages from mountain hideout in anti-kidnapping operation
JAS is the official Arabic name of the main faction of Boko Haram
Daily fruit juice may boost mental well-being, study suggests
Participants who added fruit juice reported lower depression scores than those who did not
Aroop Biswas summoned again in Lionel Messi event chaos case
The TMC leader, who had earlier cited health issues and stated that he was not in a position to attend the summons, has been asked to appear before the investigators on June 8
Man steals parked KSRTC bus, crashes into wall and shop in Kerala
According to police, the incident occurred at around 2.50 am when the man drove away a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus that had been parked outside the depot
Han Seong-sook set to become South Korea`s first female PM in 20 years
If approved by parliament, Han would become South Koreas first female prime minister in 20 years
Indian Athletics Series: Pune Leg Showcases Sprinting Talent
Pune, June 8: The Indian Athletics Series saw an impressive display of sprinting talent during its eighth leg held in Pune, Maharashtra, on Sunday. In the mens 100 meters, Harjeet Singh and Lokik Anant Melge shone brightly in their respective categories. Air Force sprinter Harjeet Singh clinched first place in the mens 100 meters with ... Read more Indian Athletics Series: Pune Leg Showcases Sprinting Talent
Himanshu, Diksha, and Suraj Shine in Rifle and Pistol Trials
New Delhi, June 8: In a thrilling display of marksmanship, Himanshu Dhillon from Haryana triumphed in the mens 10-meter air rifle final at the T4 National Selection Trials held at the Trishul Shooting Range in Dehradun. He narrowly defeated Parth Rakesh Mane from Maharashtra with a final shot that secured his victory. Meanwhile, Diksha Vaish ... Read more Himanshu, Diksha, and Suraj Shine in Rifle and Pistol Trials
One woman killed while other injured in bike mishap on Mumbai-Goa highway
Mumbai mayor orders park cleanup after viral clip
Three minor girls drown in Uran pond, mother rescued
Rs 2.3 crore under-construction public toilet razed in Kharghar
Central Railway earns over Rs 1 lakh per day from various types of ticket checks conducted
Cyber fraudster hacks CISF constables phone, siphons off Rs 96,000
Man posing as hotel owner texts accountant to transfer Rs 38.3 lakh
One year on, Mumbra railway tragedy victims continue to battle trauma and loss
Survivors and families of those killed in the June 9 railway tragedy say physical, emotional and financial hardships continue to haunt them a year later.
Motorists say Mrinaltai Gore flyover extension in Goregaon uneven, BMC says not a defect
Launch of On-The-Go common mobility card for Metro, Mono & buses today
I was denied hotel accommodation in Maharashtra over Kashmiri identity, alleges BJPs J&K neta
ACB revives probe against former Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik
Uddhav to attend INDIA bloc meet online, says Sanjay Raut
Exotic wild animals smuggled from Bangkok to Mumbai, 1 Indian arrested
Committee on Demographic Changes: Salient features & the effective agenda
The national committee on demographic changes has an onerous task in hand to take people on board at a national level and listen to the grievances, complaints and suggestions of the people FRAGRANCE OF IDEAS ASHWANI KUMAR CHRUNGOO Finally, the government of India recently decided to appoint a high-level national committee on demographic changes in the country. It is a well-timed decision that has historic dimensions and value and will determine the civilizational path, in future, for India to take. The decision is aimed at scientifically assessing and addressing unnatural demographic shifts caused by illegal immigration and other abnormal factors. The Committee will be headed by Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar (Retired Supreme Court Judge) as its chairman. The full composition of the national committee membership is as follows:The Census Commissioner of India, Durga Shanker Mishra (IAS Retd.), Balaji Srivastava (IPS Retd.), & Dr. Shamika Ravi (Member of the PMs Economic Advisory Council). The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) of the Ministry of Home Affairs will be the Member Secretary of the national committee.The five-member national committee will be tasked with submitting its comprehensive report within one year, with an optional six-month extension if required by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The high-level committee plans to analyse abnormal population changes across religious and social communities, particularly in border states, and recommend actionable policy, legislative, and administrative measures.It is a decision that will take care of many demographic challenges towards which the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, NSA Ajit Dobal and the General Secretary (Org.) of the BJP, B.L. Santosh, referred to various times during the last year, particularly during the election time. India has been severely affected by demographic changes post the 1971 war and the liberation of Bangladesh. The illegal infiltration from Bangladesh and of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar both have created havoc throughout the country. This illegal population has social, cultural, economic and security dimensions for the nation, and an early resolution of the issue is on the agenda of the present government, which is quite reassuring. The main challenge for the governmentwas initially to convert this to a functional & working agenda, which it has done. There are a number of Pakistani infiltrators also living in various parts of the country who are always a standing security threat to the nation. These infiltrators have different denominations, and these go on changingthem perpetually. In Jammu and Kashmir, wives and children of the so-called surrendered terrorists, besides some others who were born in Pakistan, are also living illegally in various parts of the state. Moreover, these illegal infiltrators were/are being provided shelter, safety and other facilities by the political leaders, and even the state governments ruled by opposition parties, considering them their vote-bank. The Supreme Courts recent judgement upholding the SIR done by the ECI, paving the way for deletion of these infiltrators from the electoral rolls, has opened gates for their detection, deletion and deportation. The Home Minister of India has repeatedlysaid that the infiltrators will ultimately be deported to their respective nations. Generally speaking, the common citizens throughout the country and also the nationalist populace in Jammu and Kashmir feel very happy and satisfied with the formation of the national committee. It is expected that the representatives of the people will make their presentations before the committee when it starts working in the near future. It will be incumbent uponthe politicalparties, social organisations and the other NGOs to present their point of view in this regard before the committee. The challenges are seen as thecivilizational challenges by the nationalist populace of the country. Recent elections in WestBengal have given a soulful push to the debate of infiltration in the country. The challenges in this regard can be seen and observed besides West Bengal in Assam, UP, Kerala, Maharashtra and even in the states like Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana and HP. The alarming bells in relation to the illegal infiltration by Bangladeshis and Rohingyas of Myanmar have added dangerous dimensions to the already existing grave scenario. In case the issue remains unaddressed, there are all possibilities of a civil-strife in an eventual unseen future. The past history of six decades from 1947 onwards saw most of the political parties and players, so-called human rights activists and intellectuals, and also writers cum activists openly supporting the demographic imbalance for their political and vested interests. In particular, their support for the illegal infiltrations were motivated by their appeasement policies and vote-bank politics, and they even didnt miss to involve the courts also in this imbroglio. A battery of senior lawyers keep on fighting the cases of these illegal infiltrators as they are paid heavily by certain agencies to fight these cases. There is another dimension to the issue of demographic imbalance. Besides the uneven growth of population in various religious and caste denominations over the last seven decades, the Hindu population in the country has seen a worrisome negative downward trend. While the current birth-rate among Hindus per couple is 1.90, the Muslims have the birth rate of 2.50. The Sikh community, along with the communities like Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and non-religious denominations, have assumed a highly negative growth in their numbers, ranging from 1.10 to 1.80. While the national growth rate in this context at present is approximately 2.00, the Muslim community growth rate stands at 0.50 more than the national growth rate. Several southern states have raised this issue a number of times. Their strict adherence and follow-up of the national family planning policy has brought their numbers down as compared to the northern states. This demographic challenge has its different dimensions in different ways in different states. The common thing is that these challenges are poised to create social, cultural and economic disparity and tensions leading to an unhealthy political situation in the country. Consequent upon the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Hindus in Kashmir, four decades ago and afterwards, the forced mass exodus of the community opened the gates for demographic invasion at the local
