India begins counting over a billion people in massive census

India has officially commenced its national census, a massive exercise aimed at counting over a billion people across the country. This process, described as the world's most ambitious, will be conducted in two phases, involving approximately three million officials who will traverse every corner of the nation to register each Indian citizen. The census is vital for government planning, as it will provide updated data on population, demographics, and social needs, which will be used to design public policies and allocate resources more effectively. This colossal effort is expected to enhance the accuracy of statistical information and help address challenges such as the distribution of basic services and economic development in the coming decades.