RBI Initiates Plastic Currency Trial: 3.4 Crore Polymer Sheets for Field Tests

RBI to Launch Polymer Banknotes of Rs 10 and Rs 20 from FY28: 100 Crore Pieces Each

The RBI plans to introduce polymer banknotes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations from FY28 to enhance durability and expand capacity. This move has significant environmental benefits and security advantages, but raises concerns about import dependency. Students should note the global adoption, cost-benefit analysis, and legal tender definitions.

RBI to Launch Polymer Banknotes of ₹10 and ₹20 from FY28, Trial of 100 Crore Pieces Each

The RBI will introduce polymer (plastic) banknotes of ₹10 and ₹20 denominations from the start of FY28 to enhance durability and expand currency capacity. A trial of 100 crore pieces of each denomination (total ₹3,000 crore) will be conducted, with field tests for Indian climate conditions before full-scale circulation.

RBI Subsidiary BRBNMPL Issues EOI for Polymer Substrate: 68,000 Reams for Rs 10 & Rs 20 Notes

India moves closer to introducing polymer banknotes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations. Bidders for the polymer substrate must certify no animal tallow and firewall operations from China/Pakistan. The RBI subsidiary BRBNMPL requires 68,000 reams of substrate, with samples tested across climatic zones.

RBI to Launch Polymer Currency Notes in FY28: Higher Durability, 3-4x Life of Paper Notes

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that polymer currency notes will be in circulation from the beginning of the next financial year (FY28). The move aims to enhance durability (3-4 times longer life than paper) and expand the RBI's capacity to meet growing economic needs. A pilot phase is underway to test performance under Indian conditions.

Centre's ₹62,500 Cr Mobile Scheme, RBI's $72.85 Bn Swap, and E20 Nationwide

The UPSC Key covers multiple critical topics: a new ₹62,500 crore mobile manufacturing scheme with two tracks, India-Mauritius fuel supply agreement, RBI's special forex swap attracting $72.85 billion, India-Bangladesh tensions over extradition, E20 ethanol fuel rollout, and unemployment data. This is a goldmine for Prelims and Mains questions across Economy, IR, Polity, and Environment.

RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25%; SC Judges Bill Passed as Money Bill; FCRA Amendment Sparks Controversy

This compilation covers critical current affairs for UPSC: the FCRA Amendment Bill facing opposition over asset vesting provisions, the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill passed as a Money Bill despite controversy, RBI maintaining repo rate at 5.25% with a neutral stance and planning polymer banknotes launch, a new Supreme Court gender sensitivity report replacing the 2023 handbook, and Kerala's worsening floods linked to sedimentation and urbanization. All topics have high Prelims and Mains potential.

ICAI Issues SSA 5000 for Sustainability Assurance, Effective April 1, 2027

ICAI has issued SSA 5000, a new standard for sustainability assurance effective April 1, 2027, aimed at bringing audit-like discipline to ESG disclosures and combating greenwashing. This is a critical regulatory shift for listed companies and the growing sustainability consulting market.

RBI Proactively Assists UCBs: On-tap Licensing, Gold Loan Limits Raised, Deposits ₹6 Lakh Crore

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah endorsed RBI's proactive support for urban cooperative banks, including on-tap licensing and raised gold loan limits. This signals a new era of cooperation between UCBs and the central bank, crucial for the sector's growth and financial inclusion.