August 10, 2026
NBEMS Recruitment 2026 exam on September 5 and 6 for 53 Group A, B and C posts

NBEMS Recruitment 2026 exam on September 5 and 6 for 53 Group A, B and C posts

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NBEMS Recruitment 2026 exam dates announced for 53 Group A, B and C vacancies NBEMS Recruitment 2026: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has issued a recruitment notification for 53 vacancies across Group A, Group B and Group C categories. The recruitment drive covers multiple posts, including Deputy Director (Medical), Junior Programmer,…

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‘We all walk the path he paved’: Zakir Khan bows to Johnny Lever as comedy legend makes surprise onstage appearance at Mumbai ‘Papa Yaar’ show

‘We all walk the path he paved’: Zakir Khan bows to Johnny Lever as comedy legend makes surprise onstage appearance at Mumbai ‘Papa Yaar’ show

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

‘We all walk the path he paved’: Zakir Khan bows to Johnny Lever as comedy legend makes surprise onstage appearance at Mumbai ‘Papa Yaar’ show Zakir Khan gave Johnny Lever a warm welcome when the veteran comedian made a surprise appearance at his ‘Papa Yaar’ concert in Mumbai. Lever joined Khan on stage during the…

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Harsh Goenka calls this Maharashtra adventure “one of the most difficult treks”; know why |

Harsh Goenka calls this Maharashtra adventure “one of the most difficult treks”; know why |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

An adventure awaits for trekking enthusiasts! Industrialist Harsh Goenka recently shared a video on social media which has sparked fresh curiosity among adventure lovers. Calling it “one of the most difficult treks in Maharashtra”, the video Goenka shared shows trekkers climbing the stairs which look so straight that it makes your head spin for a…

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‘Won’t leave Jantar Mantar until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns’: CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke | India News

‘Won’t leave Jantar Mantar until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns’: CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Dipke said that he would not leave the demonstration site until Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday held its second protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, with founder Abhijeet Dipke saying that he would not leave the demonstration site until Union…

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Representational image Back in 2023, India made headlines for becoming the world’s most populous country. For decades, the challenge was a booming population, prompting family-planning campaigns, the slogan “Hum Do, Hamare Do”, and concerns over feeding, educating and employing millions more people.Today, however, the conversation is changing, quite dramatically.For decades, the country was worried about having too many people. Now, it is facing a very different demographic reality: having fewer children than needed to replace the previous generation.According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024, India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9 children per woman, slipping below the replacement level of 2.1. In simple terms, Indian women are now having fewer children than are needed to maintain the population size over the long run, assuming migration remains unchanged.The decline has been swift. India’s fertility rate stood at 5.2 children per woman in 1971. It fell to 4.3 in 1985, dropped further to 2.9 in 2005, touched 2.0 in 2020 and has now reached 1.9 in 2024. Projections suggest the number could slide even further, to around 1.6 by 2031.On paper, these may seem like dry demographic statistics. In reality, they tell the story of a society in transition.Behind every decimal point are millions of women staying in school longer, enrolling in colleges, building careers, opening bank accounts, marrying later and taking greater control of decisions that were once largely dictated by tradition. The familiar script of “marriage first, baby next” is being rewritten.The fertility saga is no longer just about population but becoming a story about choice.Sejal Chaturvedi, a 34-year-old banking professional married for two years, said she and her husband are fond of children but are not ready for parenthood right now. “We like kids, but having our own is a big responsibility, it’s a lot of work, time and emotional investment, and we don’t feel we can give that right now,” she said. “It’s not about judging anyone who has children, it’s just a choice we’re making for this phase of our lives.”The great demographic U-turnIndia is home to more than 1.46 billion people and continues to be the world’s most populous country. Yet beneath that headline lies a very different reality.Unlike countries such as China, where fertility decline was accelerated through the controversial One-Child Policy, India’s fertility transition has largely occurred through voluntary choices made by families.Having children is a deeply personal choice, and I’m not here to judge anyone who chooses differently. I’ve never been happier, but I only became a mother when I was truly ready—emotionally, personally, and professionally. Now, I understand the weight and meaning of raising another human being. And I genuinely believe there should be no pressure on anyone to have children. People should only become parents if and when they truly want to.Shaili Kaushik, a 37 year old mother and accountantThe decline is being driven by a combination of urbanisation, rising aspirations, better healthcare, access to contraception, improved education and changing social norms.For generations, children were often a “necessity”. They were seen as contributors to household income, support systems for ageing parents and an extension of family lineage. In many parts of the country, parenthood was considered the natural and inevitable next step after marriage.That mindset is evolving.Today, a growing number of young Indians are asking questions that would have seemed unusual only a few decades ago. How many children can we afford? Should we prioritise careers first? Is parenthood necessary at all? What kind of lifestyle do we want?Children are increasingly becoming a choice rather than an expectation. This shift is visible across urban India and is gradually spreading into smaller towns and rural areas as well.Reema Dahiya, a 50-year-old mother, highlighted this contrast between generations.”The younger generation has far more awareness and freedom than we did in our time. Back then, having children was simply the next step after marriage. Today, couples have more choices when it comes to education, careers and the kind of life they want to build, and that is obviously changing how they think about having children,” she told TOI.Women at the centre of India’s fertility transitionAt the heart of India’s demographic story is one obvious but major factor: women.Women’s lives are changing faster than ever before. For decades, discussions about population focused on how many children women were having. Today, it is more about the choices they make.The traditional life path followed by many Indian women often looked like this:School → Marriage → ChildbirthToday, the sequence is more like:Education → Career → Financial independence → Marriage → Maybe parenthoodThis change may appear subtle, but its impact on fertility is enormous.Degrees before babiesA 27 year old MBA student, told TOI, “My parents always prioritised my education first, and that changed everything for me,” she said. “I don’t feel any pressure to rush into motherhood — I want to have children at my own pace, when I’m truly ready.” “I can only give them a better life if I have one of my own first.”According to the latest available data, nearly 46.4% of Indian women have completed at least 10 years of schooling, up from 41% in the previous survey. Meanwhile, 89% of women now operate their own bank or savings accounts, compared to 78.6% earlier. The data shows a pretty clear pattern: the more educated women are, the fewer children they tend to have.These numbers indicate much more than educational achievement. They represent millions of women spending longer periods in classrooms, enrolling in colleges and universities, entering professional careers, earning their own incomes and participating in financial decision-making. How education affects fertility ratesThe total fertility rate is 3.2 for illiterate women, but drops to 1.8 for literate women. And within that, it keeps sliding step by step: 2.1 for those with no formal schooling or below primary, 2.0 at primary level, 1.9 at middle school, 1.8 at Class X, 1.7 at Class XII, and just 1.6 for graduates and above.Across states, the story changes in numbers but not in direction.While Bihar has one of the worst female literacy rates of a little over 50%, their fertility rate stands at 4.2 for illiterate and 2.8 for literate women.At the other end of the spectrum, Kerala with the best female literacy rate of over 90%, holds fertility rate at 0.8.Put simply: the more years in school, the fewer “how many kids?” conversations at home.As women gain access to more opportunities, they are also gaining greater control over reproductive decisions. Parenthood is increasingly becoming something that women actively choose rather than something they automatically enter into.The latest fertility trends suggest that women’s expanding opportunities are fundamentally reshaping India’s demographic future.Smaller families: New normalThe fertility decline is accompanied by a significant reduction in birth rates across the country. India’s Crude Birth Rate has fallen dramatically from 36.9 births per 1,000 population in 1971 to 18.3 births per 1,000 population in 2024. The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) is a key demographic metric defined as the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given geographical region during a specified year.In just over five decades, the country’s birth rate has effectively been cut in half.How Indian demographics lookThe data indicate that India is no longer a high-fertility society.One of the clearest signs of this shift is birth order.Nearly 66.4% of all births recorded in 2024 were first births. Meanwhile, only 3.5% were fourth-order births or higher. This implies that India is increasingly becoming a 1-child or 2-child country, and large families with over 3 children are now rare exceptions.Large families that were once common are becoming increasingly rare.‘Not thinking about marriage now’Another big reason behind India’s falling fertility is simple: marriage is happening later than before.The latest SRS 2024 report shows that the mean age at effective marriage for women has now risen to 23.1 years. But that number hides a clear split. Urban women are marrying at 24.5 years on average, two years later than rural women (22.5 years). As a result, childbirth is no longer concentrated in the early twenties. Instead, the action has shifted to the late twenties. The highest fertility is now in the 25–29 age group, with an age-specific fertility rate of 134.7 births per 1,000 women, compared to 105.5 in the 20–24 group. Put together, the pattern is pretty clear: Indians are not just having fewer children — they’re having them later. Marriage is getting pushed back, motherhood is getting rescheduled, and the whole timeline of family life is quietly shifting forward.And when the clock starts later, it naturally stops earlier too. A shorter reproductive window usually means fewer children overall.Behind all of this are bigger social shifts, more years in education, better job opportunities for women, and growing confidence in deciding when (and whether) to start a family. It marks a clear break from the older rhythm of early marriage and early motherhood that once defined much of India’s demographic story.Now, that timeline is being rewritten, one late twenties milestone at a time.The urban-rural divideFertility is falling everywhere, but the pace differs significantly between urban and rural India.According to the latest data:Rural India TFR: 2.1Urban India TFR: 1.5National TFR: 1.9Urban India has moved well below replacement fertility.Several factors contribute to this trend.City life is more expensive. Housing costs are higher. Education expenses continue to rise. Women have greater access to employment opportunities. Dual-income households are becoming common. Space constraints and lifestyle preferences often encourage smaller families.As Tamanna, a PR professional puts it, “Everything is getting costlier, so it’s not that people don’t want kids, it’s just that in cities, every expense feels multiplied. Even basic living takes careful budgeting. So it ultimately requires a lot of planning.”Family sizes are becoming smallerFor many urban couples, raising multiple children can appear financially overwhelming.In rural areas, fertility remains somewhat higher, but the decline is still evident. The gap between rural and urban fertility continues to narrow as education, healthcare and media access spread deeper into rural communities.Families are waiting longer between childrenThe data also reveal another important behavioural change.Indian families are spacing births farther apart than before.More than half of all births occur after a gap of at least three years from the previous birth.This trend is significant because longer birth intervals are associated with improved maternal and child health outcomes.It also reflects better access to contraception and family planning services.Parents are increasingly choosing not only to have fewer children but also to invest more time and resources in each child. Good news or bad news?Despite falling fertility, India’s population is unlikely to shrink anytime soon.The reason is population momentum. India still has a large young population entering reproductive age. Even if each woman has fewer children, the sheer number of people in childbearing years will continue generating population growth for some time.However, the country’s age structure is gradually changing.Children aged 0 to 14 years currently account for 24% of the population.Meanwhile, people aged 60 years and above account for 9.7%.As fertility remains low, the share of elderly citizens is expected to rise steadily.This will create new challenges.India will need stronger healthcare systems, pension frameworks, elder-care infrastructure and social security mechanisms to support an ageing population.The country’s policy priorities may gradually shift from managing population growth to managing population ageing.The bottom lineThe country is steadily moving into an era where smaller families are becoming the norm rather than the exception. But this is not a simple story of decline or alarm. It is a story of choices, later marriages, longer education journeys, rising aspirations, better healthcare and, above all, women increasingly deciding when and how they want to build a family. The old rhythm of early marriage and early motherhood is giving way to a more flexible life course, where parenthood is planned, postponed, and sometimes even reconsidered altogether.So, is this good or bad? The honest answer is: both, depending on the lens. In the short to medium term, this shift is largely positive, it reflects better education, improved women’s empowerment, lower child mortality, and more financial stability within households. Smaller families often mean better investment in each child’s health, education and opportunities. But over the long term, sustained low fertility can also bring challenges, including an ageing population, pressure on the working-age workforce, and rising demand for healthcare, pensions and elder care systems. India is not facing these pressures immediately, but the direction is already visible. In the end, this is less about a “population crisis” and more about a societal balancing act, between progress and ageing, freedom and responsibility, and how India chooses to adapt to a future where families are smaller, but expectations from them are bigger.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJahangir Khan’s Wife Arrested For Allegedly Plotting Falta Police Station AttackSanjay Raut Hits Back At Shinde Over ‘Trailer’ Remark, Calls Him A Dishonest LeaderNEET-UG Re-Exam Blunder: Nagpur Student Assigned Abu Dhabi Centre, NTA Corrects Error After OutcryDhaka Erupts In Protest As Hindus Hit Streets With ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Chants | WatchNEET Retest Tragedy: 12 Students Die By Suicide In 37 Days After Exam Cancellation’Just A Trailer’: Eknath Shinde Signals More Shiv Sena (UBT) Defections Amid Operation Tiger BuzzShashi Tharoor Welcomes Modi-Trump Warmth, Says US Relations With Pakistan Need Not Affect IndiaWest Bengal Police Launch Probe Into TMC Bank Accounts Holding ₹535 Crore After MLA’s ComplaintTMC, BJP Workers Clash Outside Kolkata Airport During Abhishek Banerjee’s Return From Delhi”Ready To Step Down”: Uddhav Thackeray’s Emotional Message As MP Revolt Rocks Shiv Sena (UBT)123PhotostoriesWhat happens when you soak dal for 30 minutes before cookingVitamin D supplements not working? 3 common mistakes people make, heart surgeon revealsTeenagers who feel close to their parents make safer choices: 7 activities parents can do with their teens to build deeper connection5 things Vastu says you should remove from your office desk immediatelyThe parenting lessons that Priyanka Chopra learned from her father: From making eye contact to being courageousHow to grow pudina at home fromstore-bought leaves and stem:A step-by-step beginner’s guide for a healthy harvestInside Barun Sobti’s lavish Mumbai house: A massive living room, stunning balconies, elegant decor and moreFrom witchcraft to beauty icon: The surprising history of red lipstick10 signs a couple is losing emotional intimacyBridal colour trends 2026: The wedding hues replacing traditional red123Hot PicksNeeraj ChopraScotland Vs MoroccoBrazil Vs HaltiJIO IPOUddhav ThackerayAbhishek BanerjeeEknath ShindeSamanta BullockLondon Train TragedyTop TrendingBihar gang-rapeUS-Iran Peace DealStock Market LiveFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeBEST bus strikeAIIMS BSc Nursing Admit CardMHT CET PCM 2nd attempt resultsGold rate todayIndia-UK FTA

Representational image Back in 2023, India made headlines for becoming the world’s most populous country. For decades, the challenge was a booming population, prompting family-planning campaigns, the slogan “Hum Do, Hamare Do”, and concerns over feeding, educating and employing millions more people.Today, however, the conversation is changing, quite dramatically.For decades, the country was worried about having too many people. Now, it is facing a very different demographic reality: having fewer children than needed to replace the previous generation.According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024, India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9 children per woman, slipping below the replacement level of 2.1. In simple terms, Indian women are now having fewer children than are needed to maintain the population size over the long run, assuming migration remains unchanged.The decline has been swift. India’s fertility rate stood at 5.2 children per woman in 1971. It fell to 4.3 in 1985, dropped further to 2.9 in 2005, touched 2.0 in 2020 and has now reached 1.9 in 2024. Projections suggest the number could slide even further, to around 1.6 by 2031.On paper, these may seem like dry demographic statistics. In reality, they tell the story of a society in transition.Behind every decimal point are millions of women staying in school longer, enrolling in colleges, building careers, opening bank accounts, marrying later and taking greater control of decisions that were once largely dictated by tradition. The familiar script of “marriage first, baby next” is being rewritten.The fertility saga is no longer just about population but becoming a story about choice.Sejal Chaturvedi, a 34-year-old banking professional married for two years, said she and her husband are fond of children but are not ready for parenthood right now. “We like kids, but having our own is a big responsibility, it’s a lot of work, time and emotional investment, and we don’t feel we can give that right now,” she said. “It’s not about judging anyone who has children, it’s just a choice we’re making for this phase of our lives.”The great demographic U-turnIndia is home to more than 1.46 billion people and continues to be the world’s most populous country. Yet beneath that headline lies a very different reality.Unlike countries such as China, where fertility decline was accelerated through the controversial One-Child Policy, India’s fertility transition has largely occurred through voluntary choices made by families.Having children is a deeply personal choice, and I’m not here to judge anyone who chooses differently. I’ve never been happier, but I only became a mother when I was truly ready—emotionally, personally, and professionally. Now, I understand the weight and meaning of raising another human being. And I genuinely believe there should be no pressure on anyone to have children. People should only become parents if and when they truly want to.Shaili Kaushik, a 37 year old mother and accountantThe decline is being driven by a combination of urbanisation, rising aspirations, better healthcare, access to contraception, improved education and changing social norms.For generations, children were often a “necessity”. They were seen as contributors to household income, support systems for ageing parents and an extension of family lineage. In many parts of the country, parenthood was considered the natural and inevitable next step after marriage.That mindset is evolving.Today, a growing number of young Indians are asking questions that would have seemed unusual only a few decades ago. How many children can we afford? Should we prioritise careers first? Is parenthood necessary at all? What kind of lifestyle do we want?Children are increasingly becoming a choice rather than an expectation. This shift is visible across urban India and is gradually spreading into smaller towns and rural areas as well.Reema Dahiya, a 50-year-old mother, highlighted this contrast between generations.”The younger generation has far more awareness and freedom than we did in our time. Back then, having children was simply the next step after marriage. Today, couples have more choices when it comes to education, careers and the kind of life they want to build, and that is obviously changing how they think about having children,” she told TOI.Women at the centre of India’s fertility transitionAt the heart of India’s demographic story is one obvious but major factor: women.Women’s lives are changing faster than ever before. For decades, discussions about population focused on how many children women were having. Today, it is more about the choices they make.The traditional life path followed by many Indian women often looked like this:School → Marriage → ChildbirthToday, the sequence is more like:Education → Career → Financial independence → Marriage → Maybe parenthoodThis change may appear subtle, but its impact on fertility is enormous.Degrees before babiesA 27 year old MBA student, told TOI, “My parents always prioritised my education first, and that changed everything for me,” she said. “I don’t feel any pressure to rush into motherhood — I want to have children at my own pace, when I’m truly ready.” “I can only give them a better life if I have one of my own first.”According to the latest available data, nearly 46.4% of Indian women have completed at least 10 years of schooling, up from 41% in the previous survey. Meanwhile, 89% of women now operate their own bank or savings accounts, compared to 78.6% earlier. The data shows a pretty clear pattern: the more educated women are, the fewer children they tend to have.These numbers indicate much more than educational achievement. They represent millions of women spending longer periods in classrooms, enrolling in colleges and universities, entering professional careers, earning their own incomes and participating in financial decision-making. How education affects fertility ratesThe total fertility rate is 3.2 for illiterate women, but drops to 1.8 for literate women. And within that, it keeps sliding step by step: 2.1 for those with no formal schooling or below primary, 2.0 at primary level, 1.9 at middle school, 1.8 at Class X, 1.7 at Class XII, and just 1.6 for graduates and above.Across states, the story changes in numbers but not in direction.While Bihar has one of the worst female literacy rates of a little over 50%, their fertility rate stands at 4.2 for illiterate and 2.8 for literate women.At the other end of the spectrum, Kerala with the best female literacy rate of over 90%, holds fertility rate at 0.8.Put simply: the more years in school, the fewer “how many kids?” conversations at home.As women gain access to more opportunities, they are also gaining greater control over reproductive decisions. Parenthood is increasingly becoming something that women actively choose rather than something they automatically enter into.The latest fertility trends suggest that women’s expanding opportunities are fundamentally reshaping India’s demographic future.Smaller families: New normalThe fertility decline is accompanied by a significant reduction in birth rates across the country. India’s Crude Birth Rate has fallen dramatically from 36.9 births per 1,000 population in 1971 to 18.3 births per 1,000 population in 2024. The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) is a key demographic metric defined as the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given geographical region during a specified year.In just over five decades, the country’s birth rate has effectively been cut in half.How Indian demographics lookThe data indicate that India is no longer a high-fertility society.One of the clearest signs of this shift is birth order.Nearly 66.4% of all births recorded in 2024 were first births. Meanwhile, only 3.5% were fourth-order births or higher. This implies that India is increasingly becoming a 1-child or 2-child country, and large families with over 3 children are now rare exceptions.Large families that were once common are becoming increasingly rare.‘Not thinking about marriage now’Another big reason behind India’s falling fertility is simple: marriage is happening later than before.The latest SRS 2024 report shows that the mean age at effective marriage for women has now risen to 23.1 years. But that number hides a clear split. Urban women are marrying at 24.5 years on average, two years later than rural women (22.5 years). As a result, childbirth is no longer concentrated in the early twenties. Instead, the action has shifted to the late twenties. The highest fertility is now in the 25–29 age group, with an age-specific fertility rate of 134.7 births per 1,000 women, compared to 105.5 in the 20–24 group. Put together, the pattern is pretty clear: Indians are not just having fewer children — they’re having them later. Marriage is getting pushed back, motherhood is getting rescheduled, and the whole timeline of family life is quietly shifting forward.And when the clock starts later, it naturally stops earlier too. A shorter reproductive window usually means fewer children overall.Behind all of this are bigger social shifts, more years in education, better job opportunities for women, and growing confidence in deciding when (and whether) to start a family. It marks a clear break from the older rhythm of early marriage and early motherhood that once defined much of India’s demographic story.Now, that timeline is being rewritten, one late twenties milestone at a time.The urban-rural divideFertility is falling everywhere, but the pace differs significantly between urban and rural India.According to the latest data:Rural India TFR: 2.1Urban India TFR: 1.5National TFR: 1.9Urban India has moved well below replacement fertility.Several factors contribute to this trend.City life is more expensive. Housing costs are higher. Education expenses continue to rise. Women have greater access to employment opportunities. Dual-income households are becoming common. Space constraints and lifestyle preferences often encourage smaller families.As Tamanna, a PR professional puts it, “Everything is getting costlier, so it’s not that people don’t want kids, it’s just that in cities, every expense feels multiplied. Even basic living takes careful budgeting. So it ultimately requires a lot of planning.”Family sizes are becoming smallerFor many urban couples, raising multiple children can appear financially overwhelming.In rural areas, fertility remains somewhat higher, but the decline is still evident. The gap between rural and urban fertility continues to narrow as education, healthcare and media access spread deeper into rural communities.Families are waiting longer between childrenThe data also reveal another important behavioural change.Indian families are spacing births farther apart than before.More than half of all births occur after a gap of at least three years from the previous birth.This trend is significant because longer birth intervals are associated with improved maternal and child health outcomes.It also reflects better access to contraception and family planning services.Parents are increasingly choosing not only to have fewer children but also to invest more time and resources in each child. Good news or bad news?Despite falling fertility, India’s population is unlikely to shrink anytime soon.The reason is population momentum. India still has a large young population entering reproductive age. Even if each woman has fewer children, the sheer number of people in childbearing years will continue generating population growth for some time.However, the country’s age structure is gradually changing.Children aged 0 to 14 years currently account for 24% of the population.Meanwhile, people aged 60 years and above account for 9.7%.As fertility remains low, the share of elderly citizens is expected to rise steadily.This will create new challenges.India will need stronger healthcare systems, pension frameworks, elder-care infrastructure and social security mechanisms to support an ageing population.The country’s policy priorities may gradually shift from managing population growth to managing population ageing.The bottom lineThe country is steadily moving into an era where smaller families are becoming the norm rather than the exception. But this is not a simple story of decline or alarm. It is a story of choices, later marriages, longer education journeys, rising aspirations, better healthcare and, above all, women increasingly deciding when and how they want to build a family. The old rhythm of early marriage and early motherhood is giving way to a more flexible life course, where parenthood is planned, postponed, and sometimes even reconsidered altogether.So, is this good or bad? The honest answer is: both, depending on the lens. In the short to medium term, this shift is largely positive, it reflects better education, improved women’s empowerment, lower child mortality, and more financial stability within households. Smaller families often mean better investment in each child’s health, education and opportunities. But over the long term, sustained low fertility can also bring challenges, including an ageing population, pressure on the working-age workforce, and rising demand for healthcare, pensions and elder care systems. India is not facing these pressures immediately, but the direction is already visible. In the end, this is less about a “population crisis” and more about a societal balancing act, between progress and ageing, freedom and responsibility, and how India chooses to adapt to a future where families are smaller, but expectations from them are bigger.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJahangir Khan’s Wife Arrested For Allegedly Plotting Falta Police Station AttackSanjay Raut Hits Back At Shinde Over ‘Trailer’ Remark, Calls Him A Dishonest LeaderNEET-UG Re-Exam Blunder: Nagpur Student Assigned Abu Dhabi Centre, NTA Corrects Error After OutcryDhaka Erupts In Protest As Hindus Hit Streets With ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Chants | WatchNEET Retest Tragedy: 12 Students Die By Suicide In 37 Days After Exam Cancellation’Just A Trailer’: Eknath Shinde Signals More Shiv Sena (UBT) Defections Amid Operation Tiger BuzzShashi Tharoor Welcomes Modi-Trump Warmth, Says US Relations With Pakistan Need Not Affect IndiaWest Bengal Police Launch Probe Into TMC Bank Accounts Holding ₹535 Crore After MLA’s ComplaintTMC, BJP Workers Clash Outside Kolkata Airport During Abhishek Banerjee’s Return From Delhi”Ready To Step Down”: Uddhav Thackeray’s Emotional Message As MP Revolt Rocks Shiv Sena (UBT)123PhotostoriesWhat happens when you soak dal for 30 minutes before cookingVitamin D supplements not working? 3 common mistakes people make, heart surgeon revealsTeenagers who feel close to their parents make safer choices: 7 activities parents can do with their teens to build deeper connection5 things Vastu says you should remove from your office desk immediatelyThe parenting lessons that Priyanka Chopra learned from her father: From making eye contact to being courageousHow to grow pudina at home fromstore-bought leaves and stem:A step-by-step beginner’s guide for a healthy harvestInside Barun Sobti’s lavish Mumbai house: A massive living room, stunning balconies, elegant decor and moreFrom witchcraft to beauty icon: The surprising history of red lipstick10 signs a couple is losing emotional intimacyBridal colour trends 2026: The wedding hues replacing traditional red123Hot PicksNeeraj ChopraScotland Vs MoroccoBrazil Vs HaltiJIO IPOUddhav ThackerayAbhishek BanerjeeEknath ShindeSamanta BullockLondon Train TragedyTop TrendingBihar gang-rapeUS-Iran Peace DealStock Market LiveFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeBEST bus strikeAIIMS BSc Nursing Admit CardMHT CET PCM 2nd attempt resultsGold rate todayIndia-UK FTA

Vamsikrishna011 mins mins

Representational image Back in 2023, India made headlines for becoming the world’s most populous country. For decades, the challenge was a booming population, prompting family-planning campaigns, the slogan “Hum Do, Hamare Do”, and concerns over feeding, educating and employing millions more people.Today, however, the conversation is changing, quite dramatically.For decades, the country was worried about…

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Jun 20, 2026, 16:58 IST

Jun 20, 2026, 16:58 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Brazil’s Matheus Cunha (9) (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) NEW DELHI: Brazil bounced back strongly from their opening draw with Morocco by defeating Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia to climb to the top of Group C and boost their chances of reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage. The result also ended Haiti’s hopes of progressing.Carlo…

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‘Viewed twice, changed once’: NTA says Nagpur student selected Abu Dhabi NEET centre, rejects ‘glitch’ claim

‘Viewed twice, changed once’: NTA says Nagpur student selected Abu Dhabi NEET centre, rejects ‘glitch’ claim

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

National Testing Agency (NTA) on Saturday issued a clarification after reports that a Nagpur candidate appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination was allotted a test centre in Abu Dhabi because of a technical error.In the statement, the agency said the claim of a system-generated error was not supported by its records. According to NTA, the…

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Anne Hathaway: When Anne Hathaway embraced her post-birth curves: ‘Bodies change. Bodies grow. Bodies shrink’ | English Movie News

Anne Hathaway: When Anne Hathaway embraced her post-birth curves: ‘Bodies change. Bodies grow. Bodies shrink’ | English Movie News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

When Anne Hathaway talked about embracing all body types and how important it is to embrace changes Anne Hathaway’s announcement about baby no. 3 on the way has taken the world by storm. While the star is already a mom to two sons with her longtime partner, Adam Shulman, this news was celebrated by fans…

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Amazon, Google and Microsoft agree Anthropic is ahead but why they are not bothered

Amazon, Google and Microsoft agree Anthropic is ahead but why they are not bothered

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

AI image for representational purpose The world’s largest technology giants – Amazon, Google, and Microsoft – have acknowledged that artificial intelligence (AI) startup Anthropic has captured the lead in developing “frontier” AI models, particularly in advanced coding and enterprise software. However, top executives from these companies have said that they are not concerned because they…

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Updated: Jun 20, 2026, 16:27 IST

Updated: Jun 20, 2026, 16:27 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

In a startling incident during Australia’s World Cup clash with the USA, referee Felix Zwayer collapsed due to heat exhaustion, prompting a six-minute stoppage. Demonstrating a spirit of sportsmanship, Australian defender Aiden O’Neill rushed to aid Zwayer, providing leg stretches. Remarkably, Zwayer managed to recover and continue officiating, etching a memorable moment into the tournament’s…

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Rohit Sharma joins Sourav Ganguly, Suresh Raina in elite ODI list, becomes fourth Indian to … | Cricket News

Rohit Sharma joins Sourav Ganguly, Suresh Raina in elite ODI list, becomes fourth Indian to … | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Rohit Sharma (BCCI Photo) NEW DELHI: India captain Rohit Sharma etched his name into the record books during the third ODI against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.Stationed at first slip, Rohit grabbed the first three catches of the Afghanistan innings to become only the fourth Indian fielder to be involved…

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Hollywood’s most profitable movies of 2026: Tiny budget films win big at the box office

Hollywood’s most profitable movies of 2026: Tiny budget films win big at the box office

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

At a time when studios in both Hollywood and India are betting heavily on marquee stars, ballooning production budgets and multi-million-dollar marketing campaigns, it’s easy to assume that bigger spectacle automatically translates into bigger box office returns. But the first six months of 2026 have challenged that notion in dramatic fashion.The industry is already gearing…

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Court warns unchecked police brutality could turn force “like Nazi Germany” — orders FIR against cop who broke man’s legs

Court warns unchecked police brutality could turn force “like Nazi Germany” — orders FIR against cop who broke man’s legs

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Patna high court has ordered the police to register an FIR against Kamal Nayan Pandey, the then Station House Officer (SHO) of Murar Police Station in Buxar, accused of brutally beating a man and breaking both his legs, allegedly because of his caste. The order came after the police repeatedly refused to…

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Asaduddin Owaisi; Vivek Aggarwal NEW DELHI: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday called on the Centre to push for Pakistan to be restored to the “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a day after senior bureaucrat Vivek Aggarwal was elected vice president of the global anti-money laundering body.“Vivek Agarwal is the first Indian to have been elected Vice President of FATF, what @narendramodi government must do is to bring back Pakistan in Grey List,” Owaisi posted on X.On its grey list, the FATF places countries considered at higher risk of financial crimes, including money laundering and terror financing.Pakistan was added to the list in June 2018 and removed in October 2022.Meanwhile, Owaisi further said the United Nations should designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organisation, arguing that the group’s listing by the United States has “no real use.””UN listing is needed of TRF. Modi government should have & must have tried to list ISI also, we must remember the Red Fort suicide blast of November 2025,” the Hyderabad MP added, referring to Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence.Earlier, the United States designated TRF—described as a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy linked to the April 2025 Pahalgam attack—as a global terrorist organisation.Union culture secretary Vivek Aggarwal was appointed the vice president of FATF at the conclusion of the plenary meeting held at the agency’s headquarters in Paris. He is also a former head of India’s delegation at the international body.India has been an FATF member since 2010.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNEET-UG Re-Exam Blunder: Nagpur Student Assigned Abu Dhabi Centre, NTA Corrects Error After OutcryDhaka Erupts In Protest As Hindus Hit Streets With ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Chants | WatchNEET Retest Tragedy: 12 Students Die By Suicide In 37 Days After Exam Cancellation’Just A Trailer’: Eknath Shinde Signals More Shiv Sena (UBT) Defections Amid Operation Tiger BuzzShashi Tharoor Welcomes Modi-Trump Warmth, Says US Relations With Pakistan Need Not Affect IndiaWest Bengal Police Launch Probe Into TMC Bank Accounts Holding ₹535 Crore After MLA’s ComplaintTMC, BJP Workers Clash Outside Kolkata Airport During Abhishek Banerjee’s Return From Delhi”Ready To Step Down”: Uddhav Thackeray’s Emotional Message As MP Revolt Rocks Shiv Sena (UBT)Trump Calls PM Modi A ‘Tough Cookie’, Names Him Among World Leaders He Admires MostContradicting Supreme Court and Tribunal Orders?: TN Assembly’s Firm Stand Against Project123PhotostoriesVitamin D supplements not working? 3 common mistakes people make, heart surgeon revealsTeenagers who feel close to their parents make safer choices: 7 activities parents can do with their teens to build deeper connection5 things Vastu says you should remove from your office desk immediatelyThe parenting lessons that Priyanka Chopra learned from her father: From making eye contact to being courageousHow to grow pudina at home fromstore-bought leaves and stem:A step-by-step beginner’s guide for a healthy harvestInside Barun Sobti’s lavish Mumbai house: A massive living room, stunning balconies, elegant decor and moreFrom witchcraft to beauty icon: The surprising history of red lipstick10 signs a couple is losing emotional intimacyBridal colour trends 2026: The wedding hues replacing traditional redTimes ‘Moana’ star Dwayne Johnson proved he loves being a girl dad123Hot PicksNeeraj ChopraScotland Vs MoroccoBrazil Vs HaltiJIO IPOUddhav ThackerayAbhishek BanerjeeEknath ShindeSamanta BullockLondon Train TragedyTop TrendingBihar gang-rapeUS-Iran Peace DealStock Market LiveFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeBEST bus strikeAIIMS BSc Nursing Admit CardMHT CET PCM 2nd attempt resultsGold rate todayIndia-UK FTA

Asaduddin Owaisi; Vivek Aggarwal NEW DELHI: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday called on the Centre to push for Pakistan to be restored to the “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a day after senior bureaucrat Vivek Aggarwal was elected vice president of the global anti-money laundering body.“Vivek Agarwal is the first Indian to have been elected Vice President of FATF, what @narendramodi government must do is to bring back Pakistan in Grey List,” Owaisi posted on X.On its grey list, the FATF places countries considered at higher risk of financial crimes, including money laundering and terror financing.Pakistan was added to the list in June 2018 and removed in October 2022.Meanwhile, Owaisi further said the United Nations should designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organisation, arguing that the group’s listing by the United States has “no real use.””UN listing is needed of TRF. Modi government should have & must have tried to list ISI also, we must remember the Red Fort suicide blast of November 2025,” the Hyderabad MP added, referring to Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence.Earlier, the United States designated TRF—described as a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy linked to the April 2025 Pahalgam attack—as a global terrorist organisation.Union culture secretary Vivek Aggarwal was appointed the vice president of FATF at the conclusion of the plenary meeting held at the agency’s headquarters in Paris. He is also a former head of India’s delegation at the international body.India has been an FATF member since 2010.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNEET-UG Re-Exam Blunder: Nagpur Student Assigned Abu Dhabi Centre, NTA Corrects Error After OutcryDhaka Erupts In Protest As Hindus Hit Streets With ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Chants | WatchNEET Retest Tragedy: 12 Students Die By Suicide In 37 Days After Exam Cancellation’Just A Trailer’: Eknath Shinde Signals More Shiv Sena (UBT) Defections Amid Operation Tiger BuzzShashi Tharoor Welcomes Modi-Trump Warmth, Says US Relations With Pakistan Need Not Affect IndiaWest Bengal Police Launch Probe Into TMC Bank Accounts Holding ₹535 Crore After MLA’s ComplaintTMC, BJP Workers Clash Outside Kolkata Airport During Abhishek Banerjee’s Return From Delhi”Ready To Step Down”: Uddhav Thackeray’s Emotional Message As MP Revolt Rocks Shiv Sena (UBT)Trump Calls PM Modi A ‘Tough Cookie’, Names Him Among World Leaders He Admires MostContradicting Supreme Court and Tribunal Orders?: TN Assembly’s Firm Stand Against Project123PhotostoriesVitamin D supplements not working? 3 common mistakes people make, heart surgeon revealsTeenagers who feel close to their parents make safer choices: 7 activities parents can do with their teens to build deeper connection5 things Vastu says you should remove from your office desk immediatelyThe parenting lessons that Priyanka Chopra learned from her father: From making eye contact to being courageousHow to grow pudina at home fromstore-bought leaves and stem:A step-by-step beginner’s guide for a healthy harvestInside Barun Sobti’s lavish Mumbai house: A massive living room, stunning balconies, elegant decor and moreFrom witchcraft to beauty icon: The surprising history of red lipstick10 signs a couple is losing emotional intimacyBridal colour trends 2026: The wedding hues replacing traditional redTimes ‘Moana’ star Dwayne Johnson proved he loves being a girl dad123Hot PicksNeeraj ChopraScotland Vs MoroccoBrazil Vs HaltiJIO IPOUddhav ThackerayAbhishek BanerjeeEknath ShindeSamanta BullockLondon Train TragedyTop TrendingBihar gang-rapeUS-Iran Peace DealStock Market LiveFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeBEST bus strikeAIIMS BSc Nursing Admit CardMHT CET PCM 2nd attempt resultsGold rate todayIndia-UK FTA

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Asaduddin Owaisi; Vivek Aggarwal NEW DELHI: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday called on the Centre to push for Pakistan to be restored to the “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a day after senior bureaucrat Vivek Aggarwal was elected vice president of the global anti-money laundering body.“Vivek…

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‘Ranabaali’ director Rahul Sankrityan on casting Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda: ‘Their real-life relationship will help my film’

‘Ranabaali’ director Rahul Sankrityan on casting Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda: ‘Their real-life relationship will help my film’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Ranabaali director Rahul Sankrityan on casting Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda (Image Credits IMDb) After exploring the supernatural in ‘Taxiwaala,’ director Rahul Sankrityan is heading in an entirely different direction with his new film ‘Ranabaali’ which is a 19th-century period drama rooted in the folklore and forgotten history of his native Rayalaseema region. Reuniting with…

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