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  • India’s Money Makeover: RBI Moves Closer to Introducing High-Security Plastic Banknotes

    India’s Money Makeover: RBI Moves Closer to Introducing High-Security Plastic Banknotes

    India’s currency system could soon witness one of its biggest transformations in decades as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) takes significant steps towards introducing polymer-based banknotes, popularly known as plastic notes.

    The move aims to replace traditional paper-based currency with a more durable, secure, and technology-driven alternative. The initiative gained momentum after the Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL), a subsidiary involved in currency printing, invited global technology partners to help establish a polymer substrate manufacturing facility in India.

    The development marks a major step towards building a domestic ecosystem for producing the specialised material required for polymer banknotes.

    A New Era for Indian Currency

    Most Indian banknotes currently use cotton-based paper embedded with multiple security features. Polymer notes, made from a specialised plastic film, offer greater durability and can withstand daily wear and tear more effectively.

    Reports suggest that the initial phase may focus on lower denomination notes, including ₹10 and ₹20, with field trials planned to evaluate their performance under Indian conditions. However, the RBI has not yet announced an official launch date or final rollout plan.

    Why Polymer Notes Could Change the Way India Uses Cash

    The proposed polymer currency comes with several advantages:

    Longer Life: Unlike paper notes, polymer notes are more resistant to tearing and damage, allowing them to remain in circulation for a longer period.

    Water and Dirt Resistant: Their plastic-based material prevents damage caused by moisture, stains, and frequent handling.

    Advanced Security Features: Polymer notes can include sophisticated anti-counterfeiting technologies such as transparent windows, optical elements, and advanced security markings.

    Cost Savings Over Time: Although manufacturing costs may initially be higher, the extended lifespan of polymer notes can reduce the need for frequent replacement.

    RBI Focuses on Domestic Production

    Through the Expression of Interest (EOI), BRBNMPL is looking for companies with expertise in manufacturing security-grade polymer substrates. The objective is not only to source technology but also to develop India’s own manufacturing capability for currency materials.

    The process includes strict security guidelines to ensure that the production of currency-grade materials meets national security requirements.

    Learning From Global Examples

    Countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have already adopted polymer banknotes due to their durability and enhanced security features.

    More than 60 countries worldwide currently use polymer currency, making it an established technology in the global financial system.

    No Demonetisation-Like Move

    The possible introduction of polymer notes should not be confused with demonetisation. Existing paper currency will continue to remain legal tender, and old notes will circulate alongside the new polymer notes if the RBI proceeds with the rollout.

    The transition, if approved, will be gradual and based on the outcome of trials and assessments.

    India’s Next Step Towards Smarter Currency

    The RBI’s move reflects a broader effort to modernise India’s currency infrastructure by combining durability, security, and technology. If successfully implemented, polymer banknotes could redefine everyday cash usage in India and mark a new chapter in the country’s financial journey.

  • Indian Women’s Hockey Team Gears Up for FIH World Cup 2026 Challenge

    New Delhi, July 20: The Indian women’s hockey team is preparing for its journey towards the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, with the squad focused on delivering a strong performance on the global stage.

    Indian Women’s Hockey Team Gears Up for FIH World Cup 2026 Challenge

    Pic Credit: https://x.com/narendramodi 

    The team’s qualification campaign has reflected its determination, consistency, and growing strength in international hockey. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, India aims to compete against the world’s best teams in the prestigious tournament.

    The players and coaching staff have been working on improving tactical execution, fitness levels, and match strategies ahead of the World Cup challenge.

    The FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 will provide India with an opportunity to showcase its progress and build on recent achievements in international competitions.

    With strong preparation and renewed confidence, the Indian women’s hockey team is looking to make a memorable impact at the global event.

  • ‘Lahari’ Wins Best Odia Film Award at 72nd National Film Awards

    New Delhi, July 20 (UDN): Amartya Bhattacharyya’s Odia-language film Lahari has been adjudged the Best Odia Film at the 72nd National Film Awards, bringing national recognition to Odisha’s film industry.

    ‘Lahari’ Wins Best Odia Film Award at 72nd National Film Awards

    The awards, announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, honoured films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during 2024. The recognition marks a significant achievement for Odia cinema and highlights the state’s evolving storytelling tradition.

    Directed by Amartya Bhattacharyya, Lahari is known for its unique narrative style and visual presentation. The film explores the life of a fisherman named Dinu and portrays the conflict between tradition and progress while focusing on family relationships and changing social values.

    The film features Ahmad Al-Ghaili, Prasanta Kumar Behera, and Jhilik Bhattacharjee in prominent roles and was released in 2025.

    At the 72nd National Film Awards, Article 370 was honoured as the Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam received the Best Actress award for the film. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor honour, while Rajkummar Rao-starrer Srikanth was recognised as the Best Hindi Film.

    The honour for Lahari is expected to further strengthen the presence of Odia cinema on the national platform and encourage regional filmmakers to create impactful stories.

  • PV Sindhu Creates History with Japan Open Triumph

    Tokyo, July 20: Indian badminton star PV Sindhu scripted history by winning the Japan Open title after defeating local favourite and three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi in straight games.

    PV Sindhu Creates History with Japan Open Triumph

    Sindhu secured a convincing 21-17, 21-17 victory over Yamaguchi to claim the championship, ending a two-year wait for an international title. The win also marked her first victory over Yamaguchi in four years.

    With this achievement, Sindhu became the first Indian player to defeat the three-time world champion Yamaguchi at the tournament, adding another milestone to her illustrious career.

    The victory highlights Sindhu’s continued dominance and determination on the international badminton stage, further strengthening India’s presence in global badminton.

    The Japan Open title marks a significant comeback for the Olympic medallist and reflects her strong form and competitive spirit.

  • Markets End Lower as Financial Stocks Drag Sensex and Nifty

    Mumbai, July 20: Indian stock markets closed in negative territory as continued selling in financial sector stocks weighed on benchmark indices, with the Sensex and Nifty ending the session lower.

    Investor sentiment remained cautious amid pressure on banking and financial shares, while broader market movements were influenced by global trends and sector-specific factors.

    Market participants closely monitored developments across key sectors as investors adjusted their positions in response to changing market conditions.

    Analysts said near-term market direction will depend on corporate updates, economic indicators, and global cues.

    The decline reflected cautious trading activity, with financial stocks emerging as the key factor behind the market’s subdued performance.

  • IHCL Signs Tree Of Life Kanadukathan In Chettinad

    IHCL  Signs Tree Of Life Kanadukathan In Chettinad

    Mumbai, July 20: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of Tree of Life Kanadukathan in Chettinad, Tamil Nadu. The brownfield project involves the conversion of an existing heritage-style Chettiar property. 

    Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCLsaid, “Chettinad’s rich architecture and cultural legacy continues to attract travellers seeking immersive experiences. Anchored in authenticity and a deep sense of place, Tree of Life brings its distinctive, experience-led approach to this setting. This signing presents an opportunity to pioneer a new destination and establish presence in an emerging heritage market. We are delighted to continue our partnership with AMPA Group for this project.”

    Located in KanadukathanChettinad, the 20-key Tree of Life Kanadukathan reflects the architectural character of the region. The hotel houses an all-day dining restaurant and lounge. To unwind, guests can explore the swimming pool, spa and fully-equipped gym. 

    Mr. Ampa Palaniappan, Managing Director, AMPA Group, said, “We are pleased to partner with IHCL to restore and reimagine a historic Chettiar property. This project aims to contribute to the region’s growing tourism ecosystem.”

    Kanadukathan in Chettinad serves as a cultural centre, attracting visitors for its festivals like Chettinad Heritage Festival, Aadi Perukku and Navaratri.

    With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 33 hotels in Tamil Nadu including 14 under development.

  • India and Moldova Expand Partnership in Trade, Investment and Supply Chains

    New Delhi, July 20: India and Moldova have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investments and resilient supply chains, reaffirming their commitment to expanding economic engagement and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.

    India and Moldova Expand Partnership in Trade, Investment and Supply Chains

     Pic Credit: https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn

    The discussions focused on enhancing commercial ties, promoting investment opportunities, and improving supply chain connectivity to support sustainable economic growth. Both sides also explored avenues for increasing collaboration across sectors of shared interest.

    The renewed commitment reflects the growing partnership between the two countries and their shared objective of creating a more robust and diversified economic relationship.

    Officials emphasized that closer cooperation in trade and investment is expected to encourage business-to-business engagement, facilitate market access, and unlock new opportunities for enterprises in both countries.

    The agreement marks another step towards deepening India–Moldova economic relations and strengthening collaboration in key areas that support long-term growth and resilience.

  • India Names Strong Squad for ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou

    New Delhi, July 20: India has announced a formidable shooting contingent for the upcoming ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, reflecting the country’s continued focus on excellence in international shooting competitions.

    The squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young shooters who will compete across rifle, pistol, and shotgun events. The team selection underscores India’s commitment to building on its recent successes on the global shooting stage.

    The ISSF World Cup will provide Indian shooters with an important platform to test their skills against top international competitors while gaining valuable experience ahead of future major championships.

    Officials expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and highlighted the athletes’ consistent performances as a key factor in their selection.

    India’s participation in the tournament is expected to further strengthen its standing in world shooting and reinforce the country’s growing reputation as a global force in the sport.

  • Foreign Capital Flows to India Expected to Pick Up in FY27: Report

    New Delhi, July 20: Foreign investment inflows into India are expected to recover in FY27, supported by improving economic fundamentals, policy stability, and continued investor confidence, according to a recent report.

    The report noted that India’s strong economic growth prospects, expanding domestic market, and ongoing structural reforms are likely to enhance its attractiveness as an investment destination. Continued infrastructure development and a favourable business environment are also expected to support higher foreign capital inflows.

    Industry experts said sustained policy initiatives, macroeconomic stability, and rising investor interest across sectors could contribute to a stronger investment outlook in the coming fiscal year.

    The anticipated rebound in foreign investment is expected to support economic growth, create employment opportunities, and strengthen India’s position as a preferred destination for global investors.

    The report highlights India’s long-term growth potential and the continued confidence of international investors in the country’s economic prospects.

  • RAKEZ advances India business collaboration through multi-city outreach and OPPI MoU

    Ras Al Khaimah, July 20: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) concluded a series of high-level business engagements in Mumbai, India, led by Group CEO Ramy Jallad. The visit formed part of a broader two-week RAKEZ roadshow across India, also covering Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Pune, aimed at strengthening UAE-India trade and investment ties and creating new pathways for Indian companies exploring regional and global expansion from the UAE.

    In Mumbai, the delegation held a series of B2B meetings with prominent Indian companies across diverse sectors, including automotive manufacturing, banking and financial services, IT and BPO, petrochemical trading, chemical and fertiliser manufacturing, alternative energy solutions, engineering, fabrication, infrastructure development, logistics, and strategic minerals processing.

    RAKEZ advances India business collaboration through multi-city outreach and OPPI MoU

     

    As part of the visit, RAKEZ also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Organization of Plastics Processors of India (OPPI), representing India’s plastics processing sector. The MoU was signed by RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad and OPPI Secretary General Deepak Lawale. The partnership aims to stimulate trade and business opportunities, create synergies for cooperation and development, and support Indian business owners through commercial missions, fairs, exhibitions and other export and investment promotion activities.

    Commenting on the visit Jallad said, “India has always been one of RAKEZ’s most important investor markets, and our latest visit reflects the depth of this relationship. The discussions we held with business leaders across multiple sectors reaffirm the strong appetite among Indian companies to choose Ras Al Khaimah as a base for regional and global growth. Through focused engagements and strategic partnerships such as our MoU with OPPI, we are creating more opportunities for Indian enterprises to access the UAE’s dynamic business environment, benefit from RAKEZ’s cost-effective ecosystem, and scale with confidence.”

    The MoU with OPPI further supports RAKEZ’s efforts to engage sector-focused industry bodies in India and promote Ras Al Khaimah as a competitive destination for manufacturers, processors and exporters. OPPI works closely with plastics processors, manufacturers and related industry stakeholders to promote technology adoption, quality enhancement, good manufacturing practices, sustainability, circularity, skill development and policy engagement.

    RAKEZ’s Indian business community continues to grow in line with the strengthening UAE–India economic relationship under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Today, RAKEZ is home to more than 13,500 Indian companies, ranging from SMEs to multinational brands such as Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, MSSL, JK Cement, Ace Cranes, G.K. Wire Industries, Bosco Aluminium & Glass, Shyam Middle East, Nash Industries, Xpro India (part of Birla conglomerate), and Dabur Naturelle.

    Through continued on-ground engagement and sector-focused outreach, RAKEZ continues to position Ras Al Khaimah as a preferred destination for Indian businesses seeking sustainable growth, regional access and long-term expansion from the UAE.

    Through its multi-city outreach, RAKEZ is engaging directly with Indian businesses and industry partners, providing practical insights into establishing and expanding operations in Ras Al Khaimah. The initiative reflects RAKEZ’s continued focus on supporting Indian enterprises across key commercial and industrial centres.