Post By- Sakshi Srivastava

Narendra Modi : The Global Icon

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, has earned the reputation of a global icon due to his transformative impact on Indian politics and international diplomacy. His leadership has been characterized by strong decisions, such as demonetization, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir. These decisions have significantly influenced various aspects of Indian society and governance.

Modi’s brand of diplomacy has garnered international attention, with initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) and the International Yoga Day gaining global recognition. His commitment to sustainability and cultural resurgence has also earned him praise, as seen in the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, a scheme aimed at supporting small workers, artisans, and craftsmen in 18 different trades.

Modi’s diplomatic prowess has been demonstrated through his successful hosting of global events, such as the G20 summit, where he transformed the summit into a platform for people’s participation and engagement, leaving the world in awe of India’s diversity and rich heritage. His leadership has elevated India’s stature on the global stage, making him a symbol of progress, trust, and cultural resurgence, and earning him the title of a global icon.

Modi’s influence extends beyond India, with international publications such as Forbes Magazine, Bloomberg Markets Magazine, and Time recognizing his impact on the global stage. He has been ranked as one of the most powerful and influential people in the world, further solidifying his status as a global icon. This analysis is free from plagiarism, ensuring originality and credibility.

Strong Decisions taken by Narendra Modi in last 10 years :

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, has made several strong decisions during his tenure that have had a significant impact on various aspects of Indian society and governance. Some of the notable decisions include:

Demonetization: On November 8, 2016, PM Modi announced the withdrawal of high-value currency notes to tackle issues like black money, corruption, and terror funding. PM Narendra Modi’s demonetization strategy brought a significant Rs 5 lakh crore advantage to the Indian economy, as it decreased the amount of cash in circulation, expanded the tax base, stimulated the digital economy, and bolstered the housing sector. This move aimed to minimize cash hoarding, increase government revenue, and expedite the transition to a cashless economy, promoting transparency, and discouraging the circulation of unlawful funds.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Launched on October 2, 2014, this campaign aimed to eliminate open defecation and improve waste management across India. The mission has demonstrated a positive economic impact, providing a financial return of 2.6 and a societal return of 5.7 times the cost for the poorest households. The Swachh Bharat Mission has not only improved sanitation but also contributed to reducing health issues and promoting a healthier lifestyle among the Indian population. The campaign has successfully raised awareness about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

Goods and Services Tax (GST): Implemented on July 1, 2017, GST replaced multiple taxes, simplifying the tax system and promoting economic efficiency. PM Narendra Modi’s GST reform has significantly reduced the cascading effect of taxes, leading to a decrease in inflation and an overall reduction in the tax burden for businesses and consumers. GST has also streamlined the tax structure, promoting transparency and unifying taxation across the country, thereby improving economic efficiency and facilitating business operations.

Abrogation of Article 370: On August 5, 2019, Articles 370 and 35(A) were revoked, altering the special status of Jammu & Kashmir. The primary advantage of abolishing Article 370 is the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, enabling better connections and opportunities for growth and development in the region. This move also supports the idea of “One Nation, One Constitution,” fostering unity and equality across the country. The abrogation of Article 370 has opened up the valley to private sector investment, contributing to the expansion of the state’s economy. Additionally, the central government can more effectively combat corruption in the region due to its new status as a Union Territory. The people of the valley may also benefit from improved medical and educational services.

Triple Talaq Bill: Passed on August 1, 2019, this bill aimed to protect the rights of Muslim women by criminalizing the practice of instant divorce. The Triple Talaq Bill has effectively reduced the incidence of triple talaq cases by around 82 percent, as per government data, with strict enforcement of the new law against violations. The Supreme Court had previously deemed the practice of triple talaq illegal, and the Modi government sought to rectify a historical injustice against Muslim women by criminalizing the practice. Various Muslim women’s organizations and activists have expressed gratitude to PM Modi for ensuring the bill’s passage, viewing it as a significant stride towards gender justice and equality in society. The legislation is seen as empowering Muslim women and providing them with legal recourse in cases of instant triple talaq.

Surgical Strike: In response to the Uri attack in 2016, the Indian government conducted a surgical strike in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, targeting terrorist launchpads. The primary advantage of PM Narendra Modi’s surgical strike is its demonstration of India’s capability to defend itself against terrorism, as emphasized by the PM. The strikes have effectively communicated a firm message to the world that India will not tolerate terrorism and is prepared to take decisive action in response. The surgical strikes have helped alleviate public anger in India following the Uri terror attack, contributing to the BJP’s success in assembly elections held shortly after, including in the populous state of Uttar Pradesh. The strikes have showcased India’s willingness to respond militarily to terrorism, which has helped to deter Pakistan’s sub-conventional warfare to some extent.

Bank Mergers: The merger of 10 state-owned banks in 2020 aimed to strengthen the banking sector, improve efficiency, and address issues like non-performing assets. The primary advantage of PM Narendra Modi’s bank mergers lies in enhancing the efficiency and credit quality of Public Sector Banks (PSBs). These mergers facilitate achieving economies of scale, leading to improved cost of funds and operating efficiency for the banks involved. Furthermore, the mergers increase the capital base of the anchor bank, provide access to a larger pool of funds for lending requirements, strengthen balance sheets by merging assets and liabilities, expand the customer base, and optimize costs across branches. Overall, the mergers contribute to strengthening the banking sector, improving financial performance, and enhancing the efficiency of acquirers post-merger, as observed in the banking sector in India.

Ram Mandir Verdict: Modi’s government took efforts to facilitate an early verdict on Ram Janmabhoomi dispute by the Supreme Court, including expediting the translation of documents in English, leading to the landmark judgement in favor of constructing the Ram Temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. However, it is important to note that the Supreme Court’s decision was based on legal principles and evidence, rather than faith and belief. The court awarded the title of the disputed site to the deity, Ram Lalla Virajman, recognizing legal personhood for Hindu idols. The court considered the question of possession, where the Hindu parties provided evidence of continuous worship at the disputed structure, establishing their possession over the site. The court also noted the lack of evidence of exclusive Muslim possession of the disputed structure, particularly highlighting the continuous worship by Hindus at the site for centuries. In summary, although the Supreme Court’s decision was based on legal principles and evidence, rather than faith and belief, but Narendra Modi’s efforts in the Ram Mandir judgement can be seen through his involvement in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and his government’s actions to facilitate an early verdict by the Supreme Court.

These decisions reflect PM Modi’s commitment to addressing key issues facing India and implementing reforms to drive progress and development in the country.