The RBI has taken its clearest step yet towards introducing polymer banknotes. But why replace paper notes that have been in use for decades? WION Decodes

Will India switch to plastic currency? Why RBI wants to replace paper currency, and what it means for your wallet | WION Decodes

The Reserve Bank of India has issued a fresh reminder on Thursday: if a 2,000 rupee note is still sitting in your drawer, it hasn't turned into paper. It remains legal tender, but it's now a relic of a currency experiment that's almost over.


RBI's quiet currency cleanup nears the end 

The RBI confirmed 98.5% of ₹2,000 notes have been returned, leaving just ₹5,451 crore in circulation. They remain legal tender and can still be exchanged indefinitely via 19 RBI offices or India Post.

₹2,000: The last of the pink notes face quiet exit as RBI confirms 98.5% of currency returned

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the Indian economy has remained resilient despite major external shocks, supported by strong growth, low inflation and healthy financial sector balance sheets.

Indian economy vulnerable to energy price shocks amid West Asia conflict: RBI report

The Reserve Bank has opened a forex swap portal for fresh FCNR(B) deposits with tenures ranging from three to five years. SBI noted that a similar measure by RBI in 2013 helped India attract $24.5 billion during a period of high rupee pressure.

Big boost for Rupee? RBI's forex push could bring $55–65 billion inflows in FY27, says SBI

According to RBI data, nearly two lakh damaged currency notes are withdrawn and destroyed annually, with higher-denomination notes such as Rs 100 and Rs 500 accounting for a significant share, while currency printing expenditure rose to ₹6,372.8 crore in FY25.

WION Decodes | Why is India switching to plastic notes? RBI plans to introduce polymer currency

RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, cut India's GDP growth forecast to 6.6%, raised inflation projections, and announced measures to attract foreign capital.

RBI holds repo rate at 5.25%, cuts GDP growth forecast to 6.6% and raises inflation outlook- Key takeaways from MPC meeting

After claims that the RBI secretly sold billions of dollars worth of India's gold reserves sparked a political storm, with Arvind Kejriwal asking whether the country was facing a financial crisis, the central bank has now issued a fact-check. What was the issue? WION Decodes

'Is the country's gold being sold?' RBI issues fact-check as Kejriwal questions centre over reserves | WION Decodes

Despite external headwinds, the RBI said India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy, expanding by 7.6 per cent in 2025-26 compared with 7.1 per cent a year earlier.

RBI says West Asia conflict poses short-term risks to India’s growth and inflation, FY27 GDP growth projected at 6.9%

The Reserve Bank of India has approved a record dividend payout of about 30 billion dollars to the government for the financial year 2025–26, which is also its largest ever transfer.



What RBI Dividends to the Government Means for You

The RBI has announced a $5 billion USD/INR buy-sell swap auction for May 26, 2026, to inject liquidity into the banking system after heavy intervention to defend the rupee amid rising oil prices and foreign fund outflows. 

RBI announces $5 billion USD/INR swap auction to ease banking liquidity crunch amid rupee slide

India runs a trade deficit of $333 billion. It imports 88 percent of its crude oil. Every month, the country spends $19 billion just buying oil.

The result: the rupee is hitting repeated record lows, testing 97 per dollar for the first time ever.

RBI Burns $30 BN, Rupee Still Under Pressure

The RBI has raised concerns over stablecoins, saying they fail the core tests of money and pose risks to financial stability, while backing CBDCs as a safer digital alternative.

Why RBI believes stablecoins fail the ‘singleness, elasticity and integrity’ test of money

India is reportedly considering tax cuts for foreign investors buying Indian bonds as policymakers look to attract more overseas capital into the country’s debt markets. The move, backed by the Reserve Bank of India, could make Indian government securities more attractive to global funds and improve bond inflows. Analysts say easier tax rules may help strengthen India’s financial markets at a time of shifting global investment trends and rising competition for foreign capital.


Tax Relief for Foreigners Plan to Boost India Bond Inflows 

RBI said the affairs of the Paytm Payments Bank were conducted in a manner detrimental to the interest of the bank and its depositors. It also said the general character of the management was prejudicial to the interest of depositors and public interest.

RBI cancels licence of Paytm Payments Bank, to seek its winding up in court

The Reserve Bank of India is planning to introduce a delay for high-value UPI transactions, giving users a one-hour window to review or cancel payments. The move aims to curb rising digital fraud cases by adding an extra layer of security. With stricter checks and more user control, the proposal could significantly change how large digital payments are processed across India.


RBI Plans Delay & Extra Checks on High-Value UPI Payments to Curb Rising Digital Fraud

The Enforcement Directorate has sent notices to Indians who used credit cards to buy property in Dubai. These transactions may violate Reserve Bank of India rules. Buyers now face penalties, legal scrutiny and possible losses as the market weakens due to West Asia War.


ED Sends Notice To Indians Buying Properties In Dubai With Credit Cards

The Indian rupee remains under pressure despite a recovery in domestic equity markets, highlighting persistent currency volatility amid global uncertainty. The Reserve Bank of India has stepped in with measures aimed at stabilising the currency, including liquidity management and possible intervention in the forex market. Analysts point to rising oil prices, strong dollar demand, and foreign fund outflows as key factors weighing on the rupee. 


Rupee Under Stress Despite Recovery in Stocks | RBI Moves to Calm Currency Slide 

The Reserve Bank of India has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent in its February policy review, pausing its rate cutting cycle after cumulative cuts of 1.25 per cent in 2025.

RBI holds repo rate at 5.25%, raises FY26 growth forecast to 7.4%

The Reserve Bank of India has raised its inflation and growth forecasts while keeping the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%. The central bank said growth risks are evenly balanced following a US deal, marking a pause after cumulative rate cuts of 1.25% since February 2025.


RBI Raises Inflation and Growth Forecasts, Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%

The three-day reserve bank of India's meeting ends on Friday, and policymakers are expected to keep rates on hold. This comes after a fairly deep easing cycle, and sustained liquidity infusion. In this next report,
We look at how the RBI is expected to remain vigilant even as the global backdrop improves.

Reserve Bank of India to Keep Rates on Hold

RBI plans to hold interest rates steady while staying vigilant on inflation risks, buoyed by a recent US trade deal easing economic survey concerns.



RBI Holds Rates: U.S. Deal Eases Growth Fears

RBI has proposed linking BRICS digital currencies to cut cross-border payment costs and boost efficiency. Here’s how it could impact developing economies.

How linking BRICS digital currencies could change global payments?

The PIL raises serious concerns regarding alleged violations of borrowers' fundamental right to privacy and to data protection by several NBFC-backed Digital Lending Applications (DLAs) operating in India.

Delhi High Court issues notice on PIL over data privacy violations by digital lending apps

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Will India switch to plastic currency? Why RBI wants to replace paper currency, and what it means for your wallet | WION Decodes

RBI's quiet currency cleanup nears the end

RBI confirms 98.5% of ₹2,000 notes returned as pink currency faces quiet exit

Indian economy vulnerable to energy price shocks amid West Asia conflict: RBI

RBI's forex push could bring $55–65 billion inflows in FY27, says SBI

Why is India switching to plastic notes? RBI plans to introduce polymer currency

RBI holds repo rate, cuts GDP forecast and raises inflation outlook

Did India sell its gold to support rupee? RBI issues fact-check | WION Decodes

RBI says West Asia conflict poses short-term risks to India’s growth & inflation