Abstract.
We review here some of the major open issues and challenges in
black
hole physics today, and the current progress on the same. It is pointed
out that to
secure a concrete foundation for the basic theory as well as
astrophysical applications
for black hole physics, it is essential to gain a suitable insight into
these questions. In
particular, we discuss the recent results investigating the final fate
of a massive star
within the framework of the Einstein gravity, and the stability and
genericity aspects
of the gravitational collapse outcomes in terms of black holes and naked
singularities.
Recent developments such as spinning up a black hole by throwing matter
into it, and
physical ects near naked singularities are considered. It is pointed out
that some of
the new results obtained in recent years in the theory of gravitational
collapse imply
interesting possibilities and understanding for the theoretical advanin gravity as
well as towards new astrophysical applications.
Keywords : black hole physics - gravitation