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Punjab trade hubs severely bear the brunt of India-Pakistan conflict
Industries reel, migrants depart, and political voices demand relief. A ground report from Attari, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar by Sarthak Choudhury
Sarthak Choudhury
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Ranveer Uppal (name changed) remembers when Attari railway station thrummed with life. At 67, he has spent a lifetime at this landmark, which sits closer to Lahore than to Amritsar. From this edge of India, he has been witness to handshakes and hostilities, hopes and heartbreaks.
Until 2019, Uppal was among the many workers who made their living at the Attari railway station. That year, trade between India and Pakistan ground to a halt in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack and the abrogation of Article 370. Nearly 5,000 workers, including Uppal, were rendered jobless.
Since then, he
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India Gazette
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Article 370, Ram Temple, Legal Overhaul--Modi's Legacy Captured in new book, Amit Shah praises
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah has praised the release of Modi's Niti Shastra: The World's His Oyster, calling it 'a matter of abundant joy' as the NDA government marks 11 years in power. He emphasised that the book provides a profound analysis of India's legal transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting the sweeping reforms that have reshaped the nation's legislative landscape. He praised the new book's comprehensive approach to documenting the sweeping reforms that have reshaped the nation's legal framework, reinforcing Modi's vision of governance centred on justice, efficiency, and heritage preservation. Authored by Dr Adish C Aggarwala, a distinguished Senior Advocate and President of the International Council of Jurists (London), the book meticulously chronicles the legal milestones of Modi's tenure. The book highlights how newly enacted laws have strengthened judicial accountability, ensuring a more responsive and responsible legal system for society. Among its key highlights are the abrogation of Article 370, which integrated Jammu and Kashmir more fully into the Indian Union, the repeal of archaic colonial-era statutes, the landmark criminal justice overhaul, and the historic construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Through these initiatives, the book states, Modi has redefined the Indian legal system, ensuring it aligns with the country's socio-political realities while fostering national unity and progressive governance. Amit Shah, in his remarks, highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance philosophy effortlessly integrates citizen welfare with the restoration of India's rich cultural and historical legacy. He emphasised that the book would serve as an invaluable resource in fostering a strong sense of nation-building among its readers, shedding light on the transformative role of law as both a safeguard and a catalyst for societal progress. The book explores four key pillars of Modi's legal reforms, each contributing to the reshaping of India's legislative framework. First, India is a Global Legal Torchbearer, where Modi's leadership has positioned the country as a pioneer in progressive legislation on environmental sustainability, digital infrastructure, and financial technology. India's advancements in digital payments, Aadhaar-based identification, and technology-driven governance have gained international recognition, with many nations adopting similar models. Second, Breaking Colonial Shackles, where Modi's government has systematically dismantled outdated British-era laws, replacing them with modern legislation that aligns with India's contemporary realities. The abrogation of Article 370 stands out as a landmark move, severing colonial-era geopolitical dependencies and strengthening India's sovereign legal identity. Third, Minimum Government and Maximum Governance have led to the repeal of thousands of obsolete laws, significantly easing bureaucratic constraints and compliance burdens for citizens and businesses alike. The decriminalisation of minor offences reflects a shift towards a more facilitative and citizen-friendly legal system, enhancing the ease of living and doing business across the country. Finally, Dynamic and Democratic Legal Foundations, where Modi's legal policies reinforce transparency, accountability, and accessibility. Initiatives such as digital tracking of subsidies, biometric-based verification, and proactive social welfare mechanisms have transformed governance into an efficient, data-driven system that curtails corruption while ensuring equitable resource distribution. Union Minister for Law & Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, also in his foreword to the book, commended it for offering a profound perspective on the transformative journey of governance under Modi's leadership. He noted that the book effectively captures the essence of legal evolution in India, detailing how Modi's policies have shaped a more responsive and modern legal environment. Dr. Aggarwala, who serves as Chairman of the All India Bar Association and former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, has awarded Modi an impressive 95% score for his contributions to legal reform. This assessment underscores the depth and significance of the Prime Minister's legal initiatives, portraying him as a strategic leader with a far-reaching vision. The 560-page collector's edition of 'Modi's Niti Shastra' is printed in a high-quality six-colour format on premium Japanese Mat Art paper, making it a global publication tailored for scholars, policymakers, and legal professionals worldwide. Its detailed exploration of India's evolving legal landscape positions it as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the far-reaching impact of Modi's governance on the country's judicial and legislative framework. (ANI)
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First Post
6 hours ago
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A decade of transformation: PM Modi's 11-year impact on India
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With unprecedented success in curbing Maoist insurgency and fostering infrastructure growth, Modi's vision has positioned India as a stronger, more cohesive nation on the global stage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New Income tax law: The Narendra Modi government 3.0 continued the focus since 2014 on providing income tax relief for salaried individuals, moving away from the approach of minimal tax savings for the middle class. In the Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, no income tax is payable on a total income up to Rs 12 lakh (equivalent to an average monthly income of Rs 1 lakh, excluding special rate income like capital gains) under the new tax regime. For salaried taxpayers, this limit rises to Rs 12.75 lakh due to a standard deduction of Rs 75,000. The increase in the income tax exemption limit under the new regime, from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12 lakh annually, marked the largest jump since 2005 during the UPA era. New currency: In a sweeping move, the Indian government announced demonetisation drive in 2016 and discontinued old currency notes of Rs 500 and 1,000. The government said it was aimed at curbing black money circulation in the Indian economy. Additionally, the move spurred growth in India's digital economy. It led to increase in digital transactions through UPI (Unified Payment Interface), which is often cited as a milestone that even developed nations couldn't reach. New penal code: The Modi government last year overhauled the country's criminal justice system with the introduction of new penal code, called Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS). It was a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reforming and modernising India's antiquated criminal justice system. It was thoroughly reviewed by the Standing Committee on Home Affairs to ensure thorough examination and effective implementation. 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'The banks and customers are adopting measures to provide a secure banking environment, in spite of all the precautions taken by various stakeholders as there are instances of unauthorised electronic transactions,' the institution said in a statement. Insolvency law: The Modi government enacted the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in 2016, providing a streamlined framework for resolving insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings in the country. The code developed a unified process for companies, individuals, and partnership firms in the matters related to insolvency, liquidation, and bankruptcy. The law also attempted to balance the interests of various stakeholders, including creditors, debtors, and the government, especially regarding the order of priority for government dues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kashmir integration: From the unrest in Srinagar to a record-breaking influx of tourists in Gulmarg, and from surgical strikes to improved highway connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed Jammu and Kashmir's trajectory in the last 11 years. On August 5, 2019, Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah revoked Article 370 and 35A, ending J&K's special status and reorganising the state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Since then, investment proposals worth over Rs 56,000 crore have poured in, and J&K saw an all-time high of 2 crore tourists in 2023. New counter-terror deterrence: India has adopted a firm stance against cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, ensuring that perpetrators face consequences. India's new anti-terror doctrine, as specified under Operation Sindoor, stresses that that no one in Pakistan can assume they can attack Indian citizens without repercussions. 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