India Begins World's Largest Population Census After 15-Year Delay
India has launched its first national population census since 2011, the world's largest demographic count, with estimates suggesting the population has grown from 1.21 billion to over 1.4 billion, confirming India as the most populous nation.
Key Points
- First national population census since 2011, marking a 15-year gap
- Population estimated to have grown from 1.21 billion to over 1.4 billion
- Will confirm India as the world's most populous nation
- Results will reshape welfare programs and political representation
Full Details
India has begun the long-delayed national population census, the world's largest demographic count, which could reshape welfare programs and political representation across the country. The previous census in 2011 recorded a population of 1.21 billion, and current estimates suggest the population has exceeded 1.4 billion, confirming India's status as the most populous nation. This is the first such exercise since 2011, marking a 15-year gap between counts. The census will provide crucial data for government planning, resource allocation, and political representation. The exercise is being conducted in the context of ongoing West Asia tensions and domestic political dynamics.
Why It Matters
The census data will be critical for future electoral constituency delimitation, central fund allocation to states, and designing targeted welfare schemes for the world's largest population.
Get stories like this delivered daily
AI-curated news, personalized to your interests. Zero noise.
Start 7-Day Free Trial →More in Global News
India to Participate in UK-Led Initiative to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
India's Ministry of External Affairs announced on April 2, 2026 that the country will join a UK-led initiative to explore ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with India's top diplomat Vikram Misri representing the country in the first round of talks.
Oil surges and stocks fall as Trump Iran war speech fails to calm nerves
Oil prices surged and stocks fell following Trump's Iran war speech, as more than 2,000 people including women and children have been killed in Iran since joint US-Israeli strikes began a month ago, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.
Musicians' Union Defends Bruce Springsteen After Trump Calls for Boycott
The American Federation of Musicians has publicly defended Bruce Springsteen after President Trump called for a boycott of his concerts following the rocker's criticisms of the White House.
Artemis II Launch Marks High-Stakes US-China Space Race for Lunar Dominance
The Artemis II mission is not just a scientific achievement but part of a high-stakes space race between the United States and China, with both nations competing to establish dominance in lunar exploration.