Note Ban? Guess Which States Googled How to Make Black Money White

Many Indians, with just a four hour warning about the step, turned to Google to find loopholes in the measure.
The Quint
Business
Updated:
Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes were discontinued from Tuesday midnight as a step to curb black money. (Photo: PTI)
Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes were discontinued from Tuesday midnight as a step to curb black money. (Photo: PTI)
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As the clock struck the midnight hour on 8 November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonetised the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to help curb the black money of the country.

Many Indians, with just a four hour warning about the step, turned to Google to find loopholes in the measure.

"How to convert black money into white money" was trending soon after the Prime Minister’s step rendered 86 percent of the currency worthless.

This one decision will change social culture, in the way people keep money and spend.
Arun Jaitley, Finance Minster

The highest volume of searches came from Modi’s home state of Gujarat, a region of small traders and jewellers. Maharashtra came in second, with the financial capital Mumbai and Dalal street being located there, followed by Haryana which has been in the news for controversial real estate deals with some that have links to the main opposition Congress Party.

If the search is tweaked to “how to convert black money” then Haryana tops the list with Gujarat following close behind. Punjab which is due for elections next year and Delhi also figure on the list.

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Published: 10 Nov 2016,06:39 PM IST

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