The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently provided reassurance to the public regarding the validity and acceptance of Rs 2000 notes.

In a statement issued by the central bank on Monday, it said there is no reason for individuals to rush to banks to exchange or deposit these notes. This announcement aims to address the rumours and concerns circulating among the public about the future of the high-value denomination.

The RBI Governor, ShaktiKanta Das, said there is no reason to rush to banks now and people have four months, till September 30.

Das further said the deadline has been given so that people would take it seriously and make an effort to return Rs 2000 denominations. He said banks have been advised to make arrangements for the exchange and the RBI has more than the required notes already printed.

RBI Governor, in a recent press conference, highlighted the need for people to rely on official communications from the central bank rather than base their actions on hearsay or rumours. He urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from indulging in speculative activities related to the currency notes.

The central bank further explained that any decision regarding the withdrawal or discontinuation of a particular currency denomination rests solely with the government. As of now, no such decision has been taken with regard to the Rs 2,000 note. Therefore, the public can continue to use and hold these banknotes without any apprehension.

The Rs 2,000 banknote was introduced by the RBI in November 2016 as part of the government’s demonetisation exercise. It was designed to facilitate high-value transactions and reduce the volume of currency in circulation.

The window to exchange these notes is from May 23 to September 30. They can be exchanged at the 19 RBI regional offices or banks.

As the summer season tightens its grip on the Indian subcontinent, the capital Delhi and its surrounding regions are bracing themselves for scorching temperatures.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) and adjoining areas for today, urging residents to take necessary precautions to safeguard against the extreme heat.

With temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels, the IMD has classified the prevailing weather conditions as a heatwave, indicating that the maximum temperature is expected to surpass the 40-degree Celsius mark.

The warning highlights the potential health hazards and discomfort associated with such intense heat.

The IMD advised residents to stay indoors between 11 am and 4 pm when the sun is at its peak. The weather department also asked people to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, preferably water, and wearing lightweight, breathable clothing. Applying sunscreen and using umbrellas or hats to shield from direct sunlight are also recommended.

On May 21, the IMD issued a heatwave warning in six states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand. It reported that Delhi experienced its warmest day of the year with weather surging to 46.3 degrees Celsius.

Heatwaves pose significant risks to human health, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The soaring temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru and several other states may get relief from the heat as the weather department said strong gusts are expected to fall in the coming days. As per IMD, heavy rainfall is likely to lash out Assam and Meghalaya from May 22 to May 25 and May 24 to May 25 in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.

Bengaluru also experienced hailstorms along with heavy rain which lead to the flood situation in many areas.

The G20 third Tourism Working Group meeting to kick start in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar today. Amid security concerns in the valley, high security alert has been issued with heavy forces deployment.

For more than a month, the preparations to host the conference in the region was underway with beautification works all across, re-development of some lakes, construction of important structures, marshal of security forces etc.

It is the first ever international event in the valley after the scrapping of Article 370(special status of Jammu and Kashmir) in 2019.

The G20 Summit meeting in J&K will be held for three days from May 22-May 24.

As it is a highly sensitive region, high security alerts have been issue, a three-tier security grid is in place, an aerial surveillance drone monitoring is also kept in place to monitor the the area continuously.

National Security Guards(NSG) and Marcos Commandos have been deployed  in and around the venue of the meeting. Special operation group are being deployed at several locations all across to avoid any unwanted situation.

International delegates, officials from various countries will take part in the event and the government ensures all possible action it can to make the guests experience the best hospitality.

Various beautification works have also been taken up like the walls and roads of Srinagar have been painted with beautiful paintings, the famous clock tower in Lal Chowk, Srinagar was also brought down to construct a new one.

Pakistan along with China have strongly objected India’s decision to host the G20 working group meeting in Kashmir and has tried to criticize the decision in international channels.

Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said that the meetings of G20 are being organised all across the country and in almost all cities. He even making a tough statement said, it is very natural to hold these meetings in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as these are inseparable regions of the country.