#FactCheck- Viral Image Falsely Claims RBI Has Issued New ₹500 Plastic Note Replacing Gandhi With Ashoka Pillar
Executive Summary
An image of a purported new ₹500 plastic banknote is being widely shared on social media. Users claim that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the new note and replaced Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait with the Ashoka Pillar.The CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The probe revealed that RBI has not issued any new ₹500 plastic banknote. Furthermore, no official announcement or decision has been made regarding the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait from Indian currency and its replacement with the Ashoka Pillar.
Claim
An Instagram user shared the viral image with the claim: “RBI has issued a ₹500 plastic note in which Mahatma Gandhi’s image has been removed and replaced with the Ashoka Pillar.” The claim has been widely circulated on social media, with many users sharing the image as genuine. The post link, archived version, and screenshot can be seen below.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we conducted a keyword search on Google. However, we found no credible media reports suggesting that RBI had issued a new ₹500 plastic note featuring the Ashoka Pillar in place of Mahatma Gandhi. We then searched the official RBI website for any notification or announcement related to the claim. Our search yielded no official communication supporting the viral claim.
During the research, we also came across a report published by Business Standard. According to the report, the Reserve Bank of India is exploring the possibility of introducing polymer (plastic) currency notes in the future. The report states that RBI is studying and discussing the proposal in view of the growing global adoption of polymer notes and their greater durability. However, the report does not state that RBI has already issued a new ₹500 plastic note. Nor does it mention any decision to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait from existing currency notes and replace it with the Ashoka Pillar.
- https://www.business-standard.com/finance/news/rbi-set-to-unveil-polymer-rupee-notes-amid-rising-currency-demand-126052801725_1.html
Conclusion
The research found that the viral claim is misleading. RBI has not issued any new ₹500 plastic banknote, and there has been no official announcement or decision to replace Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait on Indian currency with the Ashoka Pillar.
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Introduction
Quantum technology involves the study of matter and energy at the sub-atomic level. This technology uses superposition and entanglement to provide new capabilities in computing, cryptography and communication and solves problems at speeds not possible with classical computers. Unlike classical bits, qubits can exist in a superposition of states, representing 0, 1, or any combination of these states simultaneously. The Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission on 19 April 2023, with a budget allocation of Rs 6000 Crore. The mission will seed, nourish, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D in the domain of quantum technology so that India emerges as one of the leaders in developing quantum technologies and their applications.
The Union Minister for Science and Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the selection of 8 start-ups for support under India’s National Quantum Mission and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). The selected start-ups represent diverse quantum tech domains and were chosen via a rigorous evaluation process. These startups are poised to be critical enablers in translating quantum research into practical applications. This start-up selection aligns with India’s broader vision for technological self-reliance and innovation by 2047.
Policy Landscape and Vision
The National Quantum Mission’s main goal is to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years, across diverse platforms such as superconducting and photonic technology. The mission deliverables include the development of satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 km within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km, and multi-node quantum networks with quantum memories.
The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems aims to promote translational research in Cyber-Physical Systems and associated technologies and prototypes and demonstrates applications for national priorities. The other expectations are enhancing the top-of-the-line research base, human resource development and skill sets in these emerging areas. These missions align with India’s broader ideals such as the Digital India and Make in India campaigns to strengthen India’s technological ecosystem.
Selected Startups and Their Innovations
The startups selected reflect alignment with India’s National Quantum Mission, oriented towards fostering cutting-edge research and innovation and have industrial applications aiming at placing India as the global leader in quantum technology. The selections are:
- QNu Labs (Bengaluru): is advancing quantum communication by developing end-to-end quantum-safe heterogeneous networks.
- QPiAI India Pvt. Ltd. (Bengaluru): is building a superconducting quantum computer.
- Dimira Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (IIT Mumbai): is creating indigenous cryogenic cables, essential for quantum computing.
- Prenishq Pvt. Ltd. (IIT Delhi): developing precision diode-laser systems.
- QuPrayog Pvt. Ltd. (Pune): is working on creating optical atomic clocks and related technologies.
- Quanastra Pvt. Ltd. (Delhi): is developing advanced cryogenics and superconducting detectors.
- Pristine Diamonds Pvt. Ltd. (Ahmedabad): is creating diamond materials for quantum sensing.
- Quan2D Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Bengaluru): is making advancements in superconducting Nanowire Single-photon Detectors.
References
Introduction
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 20th August 2024 issued directives requiring Access Service Providers to adhere to the specific guidelines to protect consumer interests and prevent fraudulent activities. TRAI has mandated all Access Service Providers to abide by the directives. These steps advance TRAI's efforts to promote a secure messaging ecosystem, protecting consumer interests and eliminating fraudulent conduct.
Key Highlights of the TRAI’s Directives
- For improved monitoring and control, TRAI has directed that Access Service Providers move telemarketing calls, beginning with the 140 series, to an online DLT (Digital Ledger Technology) platform by September 30, 2024, at the latest.
- All Access Service Providers will be forbidden from sending messages that contain URLs, APKs, OTT links, or callback numbers that the sender has not whitelisted, the rule is to be effective from September 1st, 2024.
- In an effort to improve message traceability, TRAI has made it mandatory for all messages, starting on November 1, 2024, to include a traceable trail from sender to receiver. Any message with an undefined or mismatched telemarketer chain will be rejected.
- To discourage the exploitation or misuse of templates for promotional content, TRAI has introduced punitive actions in case of non-compliance. Content Templates registered in the wrong category will be banned, and subsequent offences will result in a one-month suspension of the Sender's services.
- To assure compliance with rules, all Headers and Content Templates registered on DLT must follow the requirements. Furthermore, a single Content Template cannot be connected to numerous headers.
- If any misuse of headers or content templates by a sender is discovered, TRAI has instructed an immediate ‘suspension of traffic’ from all of that sender's headers and content templates for their verification. Such suspension can only be revoked only after the Sender has taken legal action against such usage. Furthermore, Delivery-Telemarketers must identify and disclose companies guilty of such misuse within two business days, or else risk comparable repercussions.
CyberPeace Policy Outlook
TRAI’s measures are aimed at curbing the misuse of messaging services including spam. TRAI has mandated that headers and content templates follow defined requirements. Punitive actions are introduced in case of non-compliance with the directives, such as blacklisting and service suspension. TRAI’s measures will surely curb the increasing rate of scams such as phishing, spamming, and other fraudulent activities and ultimately protect consumer's interests and establish a true cyber-safe environment in messaging services ecosystem.
The official text of TRAI directives is available on the official website of TRAI or you can access the link here.
References
- https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Direction_20082024.pdf
- https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.53of2024.pdf
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2046872
- https://legal.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/regulators/trai-issues-directives-to-access-providers-to-curb-misuse-fraud-through-messaging/112669368
Introduction:
The Indian Ministry of Communications has come up with a feature known as "Quick SMS Header Information" to provide citizens with more control over their messaging services. This feature would help users access crucial information about the sender through text message, therefore making the details readily available at their fingertips.
The Quick SMS Header service is the key to providing users with the feature to ensure that they are receiving messages from the correct source. Users can instantly learn all the necessary data about the sender of a certain SMS. This data is invaluable for making the distinction between real messages and suspicious spam or phishing, so the user can have a higher level of defense against online threats and scam activities.
Importance of Checking the Header:
1. Authenticity Verification: SMS header data represents another way to confirm the sender. This feature keeps the end user from wrongly assuming that the SMS is from a trusted source or an unknown sender. Hence, the end user is able to make a choice about the authenticity of the message.
2. Mitigating Spam and Phishing: The rise of SMS and phishing scams has created some significant hurdles for users in the process of differentiating between real and fake messages. Through the Quick SMS Header Information service, people will be able to look up any suspicious messages in order to be able to take appropriate steps to prevent links that lead to malicious websites or requests for personal information.
3. Enhancing User Security: The SMS header information plays an important role in ensuring that the user is secure and has no privacy issues. The checking of the message headers will help us limit the possibilities of bad activities and reduce the chances of being a victim of cybercriminals.
4. Empowering Consumer Awareness: This feature is designed to encourage the people involved to take responsibility for the security of their devices and establish a safer and more dependable digital platform.
Benefits:
- Enhanced Transparency: By giving access to the header information to the users, it is transparency that is promoted within the telecommunications ecosystem.
- Empowered Decision-Making: Now that users have information about the SMS header, they can make informed decisions regarding their communications and privacy.
- Efficient Resolution of Concerns: The Quick SMS Header Information serves the purpose of providing the needed resolution by telling us the message’s origin in cases where users come across any suspicious messages.
- User-Friendly Interface: With its easy and clear process, this feature caters to users of all technical proficiency levels, ensuring accessibility for all.
Working:
1. Compose Your SMS: Write a message with the header you wish to find the information about. For example, if you want to know details about a header labeled "SBIINB," your SMS should be in the format "DETAILS OF SBIINB." Note, all letters are in capital only.
2. Send it to 1909: Once your message is ready, send it to: 1909. Please note, this may charge you depending upon your current plan.
3. Receive Response: The response to your SMS will be sent to you by the concerned telecommunication service provider or directly by 1909, a few seconds after you have sent your message. This response will have the data associated with the header above.
Another method to find SMS header information:
TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has made a tool on the webpage (https://smsheader.trai.gov.in/) to check for the SMS header associated with the message.
TRAI has also mandated header registration for messages pertaining to transactional or promotional purposes. This has helped people identify the SMS header by simply looking into the database as made by TRAI.
Steps:
1. Go to https://smsheader.trai.gov.in/. The page looks like as shown below:
2. Enter your Email, Name and complete the captcha under the Download/View Header Details and click on continue
3. Enter the OTP received on your email with the captcha and click on continue
4. Now enter your SMS header in the format of AA-AAAA, where “AA” is your prefix and “AAAA” is your header name. For example, we have taken “AX-HDFCBK” as our sample header, so “AX” is our prefix and “HDFCBK” is our header name.
5. As soon as we press enter, the site returns the query with the information of the header, as shown below
Conclusion:
The importance of checking SMS headers is something that simply cannot be overemphasized. This is the principal procedure for identifying incoming messages as authentic, and on that basis, the users are able to make informed choices about the messages they receive. It also contributes to the rise of user safety and privacy.
The development of more transparent controls and a stronger decision-making process will make it easier for users to handle their digital lives. The Quick SMS Header Information service is easy and convenient to use, as its interface is simple and understandable for users of all technical levels.
In addition to this, TRAI's attempt to make available an online tool for the maintenance of a comprehensive database of SMS headers strengthens its position towards ensuring security for its users in the telecommunications sector.
