RBI circulates Rs 50 banknotes signed by new Governor; INS Kolkata & Shakti reach Qingdao to participate in IFR - Current Affairs

Story 1: RBI puts into circulation Rs 50 banknotes signed by Governor Shaktikanta Das

The Reserve Bank of India on April 22, 2019 has put into circulation Rs 50 denomination banknotes signed by Governor Shaktikanta Das.
The design of these notes is similar in all respects to Rs 50 banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi new series.

All banknotes in the denomination of Rs 50 issued by the Reserve Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender.

Details of Rs 50 banknote in Mahatma Gandhi new series

• The note bears the motif of ‘Hampi with Chariot’ on the reverse that depicts India’s cultural heritage.

• It has the Ashoka pillar emblem on the right side of the obverse and bears the year of printing on the reverse side.

• It features a Swachh Bharat logo with slogan and language panel.

• The note is fluorescent blue in colour.

Features of Obverse Side of Rs 50 note

• Denominational numeral 50
• Denominational numeral ५० in Devnagari
• Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre
• Micro letters ‘RBI’, ‘भारत', ‘INDIA’ and ‘50’
• Guarantee Clause, Governor’s signature with Promise Clause and RBI emblem
• Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right
• Mahatma Gandhi portrait
• Number panel with numerals growing from small to big on the top left side and bottom right side

Features of Reverse Side of Rs 50 note

• Year of printing of the note on the left
• Swachh Bharat logo with slogan
• Language panel
• Motif of Hampi with Chariot
• Denominational numeral ५० in Devnagari

Story 2: INS Kolkata, INS Shakti reach Qingdao to participate in IFR

The Indian Navy Ships (INS) Kolkata and Shakti reached Qingdao, China on April 21, 2019 to participate in the International Fleet Review (IFR) as part of 70th Anniversary celebrations of People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy).

The participation of Indian Navy in IFR for third consecutive time after 2009 and 2014 demonstrates India’s commitment to enhance maritime cooperation with Chinese navy and bolster bonds of friendship.

The Indian Navy has deployed its finest assets - indigenously built stealth guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata and fleet support ship INS Shakti - for the IFR to strengthen existing cooperation, enhance mutual trust and build greater synergy.

The visit of Indian Navy’s most potent destroyer and versatile fleet support ship showcases India’s proficiency, reach and sustainability in addition to indigenous ship building capability.

The harbour stay of these Ships will be marked by interaction between personnel of participating navies, various dignitaries of PLA and Government officials. The Ships will take part in the parade of naval ships which will be reviewed by the Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Indian Ambassador to China, Vikram Misri will host a reception onboard INS Kolkata for dignitaries, officers of PLA (Navy) and delegations participating in the IFR.

The PLA personnel and local population will be allowed to visit these ships to witness Indian Navy’s prowess and India’s ship building capability.

What is International Fleet Review (IFR)?

The International Fleet Review is a parade of naval ships, aircraft and submarines. The IFR is organised by nations to promote goodwill, strengthen cooperation and showcase their organisational capabilities.

The IFR serves as an ideal platform for world’s navies to showcase their expertise and indigenous ship designing and ship building capabilities in the international arena.

India conducted the IFR in February 2016 that saw overwhelming participation of 50 navies with nearly 100 warships.

INS Kolkata & INS Shakti

INS Kolkata is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors to address threats in all dimensions of naval warfare, while INS Shakti is one of the largest tankers that can transport over 27000 tonnes and is capable of carrying 15,000 tonnes of liquid cargo and over 500 tonnes of solid cargo.