A recent YouTube video caused confusion by falsely claiming that ₹500 notes would be banned in March 2026. In response, the Indian government stepped in and issued an official clarification through its fact-checking platform.
What Triggered the ₹500 Note Ban Rumour?
On June 3, 2025, PIBFactCheck posted on platform X to refute a viral video by the YouTube channel Capital TV. The video alleged that the RBI would stop circulating ₹500 banknotes starting in March 2026.
“A #YouTube video on the YT Channel ‘CAPITAL TV’ (capitaltvind) falsely claims that the RBI will discontinue the circulation of ₹500 notes by March 2026,” the post read.
What Did the Government Say?
The Indian government firmly denied the rumour. They clarified that no such decision has been made by the Reserve Bank of India. The ₹500 notes are still valid and are being used normally.
Moreover, officials warned people not to fall for false narratives. They advised everyone to rely only on official sources for such important news.
“Don’t fall for such misinformation. Always verify news from official sources before believing or sharing it,” said the government.
₹500 Banknotes Remain Legal Tender
Contrary to the viral claim, ₹500 notes have not been discontinued. They continue to be accepted as a valid form of Indian currency. The government urged the public to avoid spreading misleading content, especially on platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Facebook.
RBI Announces New ₹20 Notes with Updated Signature
While the ₹500 note rumour turned out to be false, the RBI did make a real announcement in May 2025. The central bank will issue new ₹20 notes featuring the signature of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
These notes will be part of the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series. Except for the updated signature, they will look and function just like the existing ₹20 banknotes. The RBI also confirmed that older ₹20 notes remain valid.
Stay Alert and Verify Information
In today’s digital age, fake news spreads fast. To avoid confusion:
- Always check facts using verified government sources
- Avoid sharing videos or messages without confirmation
- Encourage others to stay informed through official channels like PIBFactCheck and rbi.org.in
The rumour about banning ₹500 notes in 2026 is completely false. The Indian government has denied these claims and confirmed that ₹500 notes remain legal and valid. Stay alert and informed—don’t believe everything you see online.
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