In the demographic cycle, India is in the:

Correct option is C

The demographic cycle (also called the demographic transition model) describes population growth through five stages based on birth and death rates. According to verified sources like National Family Health Surveys (NFHS), Census of India, and Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, India is currently in the "Late Expanding Stage".

In this stage:

• Birth rate declines slowly

• Death rate declines rapidly

• Population continues to grow but at a slower rate

India shows characteristics like increased use of contraceptives, improved health services, better literacy, and urbanization—all indicators of this stage. 
Explanation of Each Option:

• (a) High stationary stage
  Incorrect. This is the first stage with both high birth and death rates, leading to a stable but low population. Seen in pre-industrial societies.

• (b) Early expanding stage
  Incorrect. In this stage, death rates begin to fall, but birth rates remain high, leading to a population explosion. India passed this stage during the mid-20th century.

• (c) Late expanding stage
  Correct. India is currently in this phase, with declining birth and death rates, leading to a gradual slowing in population growth.

• (d) Low stationary stage
  Incorrect. In this stage, both birth and death rates are low, resulting in population stabilization. Seen in developed countries.