RBI introduces new security feature to make Indian currency less prone to counterfeiting

MUMBAI: To make Indian currency less prone to counterfeiting, the Reserve Bank Of India ( RBI) has started printing Rs 100 notes on which the last six numerals of the nine-digit currency note number will be in ascending print size from left to right.

For example, if a Rs 100 note has the serial number 9AA 123456, the '9AA' part will have uniform print size. However, in the six-digit number portion, the print size for '2' will be larger than '1', print size for '3' will be larger than '2' and so on with '6' being in the largest font size. All other security features for this new series of Rs 100 notes will remain the same.

The central bank will issue all currency notes, from Rs 10 to Rs 1,000 denomination, on which the numbering will be in this new ascending print size pattern, also called 'exploding font'.



"Printing the numerals in ascending size is a visible security feature in the banknotes so that the general public can easily distinguish a counterfeit note from a genuine one," a release from the central bank said.

This new security feature is part of RBI's continuing endeavour to improve security features of currency notes to make them more robust. Going forward, the currency notes will have moving images or variation in colour, micro-perforations etc. on security threads on each currency note.

RBI to mint 1.2 crore coins for Kumbh devotees

Pilgrims visiting Nashik for the Kumbh Mela this month can rest assured that they will not run out of coins to offer in devotion. The RBI is set to mint 1.2 crore coins of various denominations especially for the occasion. Bank officials estimate the total valuation of the coins at Rs 3 to Rs 3.5 crore.

Anticipating a coin shortage, the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) have jointly ordered 1.2 crore coins of Rs 1, Rs 2 and Rs 5 denominations so that pilgrims can perform rituals as well as make offerings at Ramkund.

"It is an age-old practice among Hindus to offer coins to sacred rivers such as the Godavari," said assistant general manager of SBI Sanjay Shrivastava. "Apart from offerings, pilgrims also give coins to beggars, which is considered auspicious," Shrivastava added.