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UPA government kept security lapses secret: Finance Ministry Enquiry Report
MUMBAI: TV18’s news English news channel CNN IBN acquired possession of an internal enquiry report by the finance ministry, which reveals that during the printing of Indian currency, security features were compromised. The lapses were also kept under wraps by senior officials working under Ministry of Finance. The incident happened during the previous UPA (United Progressive Alliance) regime in 2012.
The use of a security thread is the most distinguishing feature of bank notes. The enquiry report, which says the security thread inserted in currency paper at the Hoshangabad Security Paper Mill were from an Islamic nation. The defect in the paper intended for 10 rupee notes was reported on 8 November, 2012, but was kept a secret.
The report says:
Examination of the 10 rupee notes showed indecipherable text on the security thread.
The notes either had Arabic text inscribed on the security thread or did not have any security thread at all.
The security thread was also found to be non-magnetic when examined on a quality control device.
The currency paper with the defective security thread initially escaped at least four to five quality checks.
It was later found that four boxes of sheets had defective currency paper.
At 5,000 sheets to a box, and 50 notes printed on each sheet, it works out to a whopping 10 lakh defective notes printed.
The company, which supplied the defective security thread, New Delhi-based Aristocraft International, faced no action. The MD of Aristocraft refused to comment.
The serious lapse was also kept under wraps by senior officers at Security Paper Mill and Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India for over three months. No report was sent to Home Ministry or Finance Ministry. In fact, officers allowed the supplier to change the security thread stock without punitive action. Even now no action has been taken against the officers or the supplier.
It is yet to be verified if there was any corruption involved. But clearly the lapses were so serious that it could have impacted national security exposing the country to allegations of counterfeiting its own currency.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
