AI-Generated Images of New Rs 500 Note Go Viral After Nepal Rastra Bank Issues 2025 Series Currency

Kathmandu. Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has introduced a new Rs 500 banknote of the 2025 series bearing the signature of Governor Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel. Following the Rastra bank’s announcement, several AI-generated images falsely claiming to show the new note began circulating widely on social media.

The viral images portrayed the new currency note with altered designs and layouts. However, verification using various AI-detection tools confirmed that the images were artificially generated and did not represent the actual note issued by the Rastra bank.

According to NRB, the newly issued Rs 500 note remains largely similar in design to the existing note already in circulation. The main changes include the governor’s signature, the issuance year (2025 AD), and updates to certain security features, while the note’s size and overall color scheme remain unchanged.

In contrast, the viral images showed significant design alterations, including the removal of the Royal Bengal Tiger image on the reverse side. Some posts also falsely claimed that the note’s size and color had been completely changed.

To help the public distinguish genuine notes from misleading images, Nepal Rastra Bank has outlined the security features incorporated into the new currency note.

The Rastra bank stated that the note’s authenticity can be verified through visual inspection, touch, and tilt-based security checks. When held against light, users can see a watermark of Nepal’s national flower, the rhododendron, along with edge-stone and corner-stone patterns embedded in the note.

Similarly, when viewed in transmitted light, watermark elements on the front and back align to form the letters “NRB.” The security thread also displays “NRB,” the denomination “500,” and an image of a Royal Bengal Tiger as a continuous pattern.

NRB said the note also includes tactile security features. Raised intaglio printing can be felt on key elements such as “Nepal Rastra Bank,” the denomination, and major design features. Special raised Braille dots have also been included to assist visually impaired users.

In addition, the security thread changes color from red to green when the note is tilted, while areas printed with optically variable ink (OVI) shift from golden to green, providing another layer of authentication.

The Rastra Bank has urged the public to rely on official information and security features rather than viral social media images when identifying the new Rs 500 note.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: असार ३, २०८३ १६:२५