India's Hindu population declined by nearly 8% between 1950 and 2015 while Muslim's share grew a record 43% in the same period, according to a study by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).

India's Hindu population fell 8%, Muslim population rose 43% in 1950-2015: PM's economic council

Taliban have banned the use of contraceptives in Afghanistan, claiming that it is part of a western conspiracy to control the Muslim population. According to the Guardian newspaper, in two main cities—the capital Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif—the members of the militant organisation have issued a gag ordering pharmacies to dispose of all birth control medicines and devices.

‘Conspiracy to control Muslim population’: Taliban ban use of contraceptives, call it 'western agenda'

Bangladesh faced widespread international criticism over the conduct of recent elections, but the United States looks set for business as usual as it sees strong common interests with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

After criticising vote, US charts careful course on Bangladesh

Voters in St Gallen on Sunday approved by a two-thirds majority a ban on facial coverings such as the burqa, becoming the second Swiss canton to do so. Full-face coverings such as niqabs and burqas are a polarising issue across Europe, with some arguing that they symbolise discrimination against women and should be outlawed.

Swiss canton becomes second to ban burqas in public