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The 500 Rs note in India - it's a topic that's been making headlines for years. In 2016, the Indian government suddenly withdrew the 500 Rs note from circulation as part of a massive crackdown on black money.
The decision was made to combat tax evasion and money laundering. The government wanted to root out corruption and bring in a more transparent economy.
The withdrawal of the 500 Rs note had a significant impact on the country, causing widespread disruption to daily life. People were left scrambling to exchange their notes for new ones or deposit them in the bank.
History of 500 Rs Note
The Indian 500-rupee banknote has a long history. Introduced in 1987, the ₹500 note was followed by the ₹1,000 note in 2000.
The ₹1 and ₹2 notes were discontinued in 1995, marking a significant change in India's currency landscape.
In 1997, a new series of banknotes, the Mahatma Gandhi Series, was introduced and remained in circulation until November 2016.
On November 8, 2016, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetization of the ₹500 banknotes of the Mahatma Gandhi Series to combat corruption and counterfeit notes.
The previous banknote was replaced by a new ₹500 banknote of the Mahatma Gandhi New Series on November 10, 2016.
Mahatma Gandhi Series
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The Mahatma Gandhi Series of banknotes is a notable one in India. It features a ₹500 banknote that's 167 × 73 mm in size and has an orange-yellow color.
One of the unique features of this series is the Braille feature on the obverse side, which helps the visually challenged identify the currency. This thoughtful inclusion makes a big difference in the lives of those who rely on it.
The obverse side of the ₹500 banknote also features a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, along with the signature of the governor of the Reserve Bank of India. This is a distinctive element that sets this series apart.
The reverse side of the ₹500 banknote features the Gyarah Murti, a notable landmark in India.
Security Features
The ₹500 banknote in India has some impressive security features.
A windowed security thread that reads 'भारत' (Bharat in the Devanagari script) and 'RBI' alternately is embedded in the note. This thread is a key indicator of the note's authenticity.
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Latent images and watermarks are also present. A latent image of the value of the banknote on the vertical band next to the right-hand side of Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait is visible under UV light. A watermark of Mahatma Gandhi that is a mirror image of the main portrait is also embedded in the note.
The number panel of the banknote is printed in embedded fluorescent fibers and optically variable ink. This makes it easier to detect forgeries.
Security Features
The ₹500 banknote has some amazing security features that make it hard to counterfeit.
One of the most noticeable features is a windowed security thread that reads 'भारत' (Bharat in the Devanagari script) and 'RBI' alternately.
This thread is a clever way to verify the authenticity of the banknote.
A latent image of the value of the banknote appears on the vertical band next to the right-hand side of Mahatma Gandhi's portrait.
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This image is only visible under ultraviolet light, making it a great way to detect forgeries.
The ₹500 banknote also features a watermark of Mahatma Gandhi, which is a mirror image of the main portrait.
This adds an extra layer of security to prevent counterfeiting.
Here are some of the key security features of the ₹500 banknote:
- A windowed security thread that reads 'भारत' and 'RBI' alternately.
- Latent image of the value of the banknote.
- Watermark of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Number panel printed in embedded fluorescent fibers and optically variable ink.
- Machine-readable security thread, electrotype watermark, and year of print since 2005.
Watermark
Watermark is a security feature that allows you to identify the source of a document, image, or video. It's a digital fingerprint that can't be removed or altered.
A watermark can be a pattern or text that's overlaid on top of the content, making it visible even when the content is printed or saved in a different format. This makes it easy to detect if a document has been copied or shared without permission.
Watermarks can be used to protect copyrighted materials, such as images, videos, or music. In fact, many online platforms use watermarks to deter piracy and copyright infringement.
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Some watermarks are more visible than others, depending on the software or tool used to create them. For example, a transparent watermark might be more subtle than a bold, black one.
Digital watermarks can be embedded in a variety of file formats, including PDFs, JPEGs, and MP3s. This makes it easy to protect a wide range of digital content.
In some cases, watermarks can be used to authenticate the source of a document or image. For instance, a government agency might use watermarks to verify the authenticity of official documents.
Reasons for Discontinuation
The 500 rs note in India was discontinued due to a televised address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8, 2016.
After midnight on November 8, 2016, the ₹500 and ₹1000 banknotes of the Mahatma Gandhi Series lost their status as legal tender.
This decision marked a significant change in the Indian currency system, affecting millions of people.
Features of 500 Rs Note
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The 500 Rs note in India has undergone several changes over the years. One of the most notable changes is the security features.
The security features of the ₹500 banknote include a windowed security thread that reads 'भारत' (Bharat in the Devanagari script) and 'RBI' alternately.
The ₹500 banknote also features a latent image of the value of the banknote on the vertical band next to the right-hand side of Mahatma Gandhi's portrait.
A watermark of Mahatma Gandhi that is a mirror image of the main portrait is another security feature.
The number panel of the banknote is printed in embedded fluorescent fibers and optically variable ink.
Additional security features like machine-readable security thread, electrotype watermark, and year of print appear on the bank note since 2005.
The ₹500 banknote is issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is a standard circulation banknote.
The RBI is the issuer of the ₹500 banknote, and it is a rectangular-shaped paper currency with a size of 149 × 65 mm.
Here are some key features of the ₹500 banknote:
The ₹500 banknote was demonetized on 8 November 2016.
Obverse and Reverse
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The obverse of the 500 rs note in India features a striking design. The note has a multicolour grey and tan underprint, with a black and dull brown print on top.
At the centre of the note is a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, an iconic figure in Indian history. The Reserve Bank seal is located to the right of the bottom of Gandhi's portrait.
A windowed security thread runs through the note, which changes colour from green to blue when the note is tilted. This is a clever feature that helps prevent counterfeiting.
The lettering on the note includes the name of the Reserve Bank of India in both English and Hindi, as well as a promise to pay the bearer a sum of 500 rupees. The note is guaranteed by the Central Government of India.
Circulation and RBI Reports
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases an annual report that provides insights into the circulation of currency in India. Rs 500 notes are the most voluminous, with a total of 5,163 crore notes in circulation as of FY23.
Among the denominations, Rs 500 notes account for the largest chunk of the total value of currency in circulation, with a share of 77% out of the overall Rs 33.48 lakh crore. The RBI's report noted that in value terms, the share of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 banknotes together accounted for 87.9% of the total value of banknotes in circulation as of March 31.
The RBI has also clarified reports claiming a large chunk of Rs 500 notes are missing, stating that such reports are not correct.
Impact on Economy
The RBI reports have a significant impact on the economy, as they provide valuable insights into the country's financial health.
The RBI's policy decisions, such as setting interest rates, have a direct impact on the economy, influencing borrowing costs and economic growth.
The RBI's monetary policy, as mentioned in the article, aims to keep inflation at 4%, which is crucial for maintaining economic stability.
The RBI's actions can also affect the exchange rate, making imports cheaper or more expensive, which can have a ripple effect on the economy.
The RBI's reports also highlight the importance of maintaining a stable financial system, which is essential for economic growth and development.
The RBI's efforts to increase financial inclusion, as mentioned in the article, have helped to bring more people into the banking system, which can have a positive impact on the economy.
Rs Notes Most Circulated, RBI Report
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its annual report, which reveals some interesting facts about the circulation of currency in the country. Rs 500 notes are the most voluminous in circulation, with a total of 5,163 crore notes as of FY23.
The RBI's report also notes that Rs 500 notes account for the largest chunk of the total value of currency in circulation, with a share of 77% out of the overall Rs 33.48 lakh crore.
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In terms of growth, the volume of Rs 20 banknotes in circulation grew from 1,101 crore in FY22 to 1,258 crore in FY23, denoting a year-on-year growth of 9.2%. This is a significant uptick in circulation.
Rs 200 notes also saw a growth of 4.6% year-on-year to 626 crore. On the other hand, Rs 2000 notes have been steadily falling out of circulation, with their overall share in volume falling to 1.3% in FY23, down from 1.6% in 2022.
RBI Clarifies Missing Notes
The RBI has dismissed reports claiming a large chunk of Rs 500 notes are missing. According to the RBI, reports claiming that 8810.65 million pieces of newly designed Rs 500 notes were issued by mints, but only 7260 million were received, are not correct.
These reports were based on an erroneous interpretation of RBI responses received from printing presses. The RBI emphasizes that all banknotes supplied from printing presses to RBI are properly accounted for.
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There are robust systems in place for reconciliation of banknotes printed at the presses and supplied to RBI, which include protocols to monitor production, storage, and distribution of banknotes. Members of the public are requested to rely on the information published by RBI on such matters.
The RBI recently decided to withdraw Rs 2000 notes from circulation, but they continue to remain legal tender. A daily limit of Rs 20,000 has been set for the exchange of Rs 2000 notes, but there is no limit on the number of Rs 2000 notes that can be deposited in a bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 500 notes are in circulation in India?
As of FY23, there are approximately 5,163 crore Rs 500 notes in circulation in India. This is the largest volume of currency notes in circulation in the country.
What is the cost of 500 note making in India?
The cost of making a 500 rupee note in India is approximately Rs. 2.93. This cost is incurred by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which has the sole right to print new notes in the country.
How to exchange old 500 and 1000 notes today?
Exchange old 500 and 1000 notes at any public sector bank branch, private sector bank currency chest branch, or Reserve Bank of India Issue Office. No form is required for this exchange.
What is the new Indian 500 rupee note?
The new Indian 500 rupee note is a ₹500 banknote featuring a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi and the Ashoka Pillar Emblem, measuring 66mm x 150mm in Stone Grey colour. It includes the signature of the RBI Governor on the obverse side.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_500-rupee_note
- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/note202296.html
- https://testbook.com/question-answer/the-dimensions-of-the-newly-launched-rs-500-curre--5bdfe3bf9235ce5c95630724
- https://www.ndtvprofit.com/economy-finance/currency-circulation-volume-rises-4-in-fy23-rs-500-most-circulatedrbi-annual-report
- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/note202275.html
- https://www.financialexpress.com/money/are-rs-500-notes-really-missing-rbi-clarifies-3130800/
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