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New Delhi is the capital city of India. It is located in the northern region of India and is among the oldest and most influential cities in the world. It is the country's economic, transportation, and cultural hub. Since ancient times, New Delhi has had a significant impact on other cities worldwide. It is famous for its impressive ancient structures and modern buildings that coexist harmoniously. Some of the places that make it famous include the astounding ancient buildings, India Gate, Connaught Place, Art Galleries, Parliament House, and Qutub Minar.
Census in India is conducted every 10 years, with the latest one conducted in 2011. According to the 2011 census, New Delhi had a population of 18 million. Compared to other cities in India, New Delhi is considered to be more diverse. A significant proportion of the population in New Delhi is Hindu, with a substantial number of people identifying as Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist. According to the 2011 census, 81.68% of people in Delhi identified themselves as Hindu, 12.86% as Muslim, 3.40% Sikh, 0.87% Jain, 0.94% Christian, and 0.02% Buddhist. On the other hand, 0.41% of respondents declared that they followed no religion. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, New Delhi houses over 18 million residents, who collectively speak hundreds of languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Bengali, and of course English. The city is home to the majestic peacock, the national bird of India, and it is not uncommon to see these colorful birds strutting around some parts of the city.
The administration of New Delhi is a combination of federal and local government structures. At the federal level, it is governed by the Central Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs. At the local level, the city is managed by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), responsible for public health, sanitation, waste management, education, public work, and taxes. The NDMC consists of an elected body, including a chairperson, members, and councilors. The councilors are elected by the residents of New Delhi every five years.
New Delhi has always been a commercial city and today it boasts one of the largest city economies in India. The city thrives in trade and commerce and has a vibrant culture steeped in commerce. It contributes a significant portion to India's GDP. The size of its economy is larger than that of many Asian nations. New Delhi is also a major trading center, with several large markets including Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, and Connaught Place.
New Delhi’s infrastructure development has been a mix of historical necessities and modern requirements. The city is well known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and numerous national institutions and landmarks. The Government of India, along with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), is responsible for the city’s physical development. The city's infrastructure includes extensive public transportation, with the Delhi Metro being a major contributor. The city is also focusing on improving its digital infrastructure, with the aim of becoming a smart city under the Smart Cities Mission.