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Showing posts from April, 2018

Mumbai Mint Opens Rebooking of Gandhi's Return and Komagata Maru Coins

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The India Government Mint, Mumbai, has reopened bookings for the  commemorative coins  issued to mark two significant milestones in India’s history: the  Centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s Return from South Africa  and the  Centenary of the Komagata Maru Incident . These sets, which were previously released and gained considerable interest among collectors, are now available again for a limited period and in limited quantities, making this an excellent opportunity for those who missed out earlier. Both commemorative themes are being offered in Proof and UNC (Uncirculated) versions, each presented in an attractive Folder or Blister packaging that ensures durability and enhances their collectible appeal.  The Proof Set is priced at ₹3,740, while the UNC Set is priced at ₹3,160. Although these prices reflect an approximate 15% increase from their original release, they are still considered reasonably accessible, especially given the significance of the themes and t...

Mr. Tripti Patra Ghosh Appointed as CMD of SPMCIL

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The Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) has appointed Mr. Tripti Patra Ghosh as its new CMD, bringing extensive experience and a proven track record in the industry. Before assuming this position, he has had a distinguished career as a 1994-batch officer of the Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICAS). His extensive background in financial management and administrative expertise positions him well to lead SPMCIL through its crucial responsibilities, including the production of banknotes and coins. The appointment of Mr. Tripti Patra Ghosh is part of a broader mid-level bureaucratic reshuffle initiated by the central government. This strategic move aims to leverage the skills and experience of seasoned bureaucrats in key positions to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of various government institutions. As per the official order issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Mr. Tripti Patra Ghosh will serve as CMD for a tenure of five years. This period allows fo...

Explained: How Do I Start Collecting Coins?

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Coin collecting has long captivated people of all ages, with teenagers showing a particular interest in the hobby. Few realize that this pursuit of collecting and studying coins is formally known as Numismatics, a discipline that combines history, art, and culture in every piece. Start Simple and Small Unless you are very wealthy and can spend thousands of rupees, it's advisable to ease into the hobby and familiarize yourself with the basics before making any significant purchases. Begin with smaller coins and consider  acquiring coin sets from Indian mints  in small denominations, such as ₹5 and ₹10, which are easier to assemble. Take the time to delve into the details of the coins, including their history, grading, and pricing. Many accomplished coin collectors began their journey by collecting  commemorative coins , which are still readily available in circulation. Most of these coins can be acquired at a reasonable price through local coin exhibitions, coin shops, or ...

New Commemorative Coin: Prasanta Chandra Mahalonobis

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The Government of India is expected to issue commemorative coins in denominations of ₹125 and ₹5 to honor the 125th Birth Anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis , one of India’s most eminent statisticians and visionary thinkers. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (29 June 1893 – 28 June 1972) made remarkable contributions to the fields of statistics, planning, and scientific research. He is widely remembered for the Mahalanobis distance, a statistical measure still extensively used in multivariate analysis. As a member of the first Planning Commission of independent India, Mahalanobis played a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic and development policies. His pioneering studies in anthropometry provided deep insights into human physical variation in India. Mahalanobis was also the founder of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata, which has become a world-renowned center for statistical research and education. He was instrumental in designing large-scale sample sur...

Reserve Bank of India Bans Crypto Currencies like Bitcoin

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India has effectively banned cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) prohibiting regulated entities from providing services to individuals or businesses dealing in digital currencies. Regulated entities, such as banks, have been given three months to unwind their positions with entities related to cryptocurrencies.  Despite this move, the RBI has expressed its intention to promote the use of blockchain – a public ledger underlying bitcoin – in financial services to enhance transparency and inclusion. This decision by the central bank follows at least three prior warnings to the public to exercise caution when dealing with cryptocurrencies. The global trend of governments intensifying scrutiny of virtual currencies, mainly due to their unregulated nature, has played a role in this move. The significant surge in bitcoin's value in 2017 raised concerns that such currencies could facilitate activities ranging from money laundering to tax evasion and fraud. S...