India's federal cabinet has approved funds for a census and population survey to be conducted next year.
More than AED 6.5 billion will be set aside for carrying out the census and updating the National Population Register (NPR).
The census will collect data on population, economic activity, as well as social and cultural aspects, while the NPR is intended to create a comprehensive identity database of every resident of India.
The move comes amid concerns that the data could be used to build a controversial citizens register, but the government has denied such claims.
The country has seen widespread protests in recent days against a new law which aims to fast-track citizenship for non-Muslim minorities from neighbouring Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
FBI foils "terror plot" targeting Los Angeles
Hong Kong court finds tycoon Jimmy Lai guilty in landmark security trial
Ukraine peace talks stretch into second day at start of pivotal week for Europe
Flash floods kill at least 37 people in Morocco's Safi province
'Hero' who disarmed Bondi gunman recovering after surgery, family says
