Questioned Document: Currency Examination, Mahatma Gandhi New Series, FICN

This mock covers the forensic examination of Indian banknotes with a focus on the Mahatma Gandhi New Series (MGNS) launched in November 2016, security printing technology including intaglio printing and its tactile signature, Optically Variable Ink (OVI) colour-shift verification, latent image detection, windowed demetalised security thread examination, and the identification of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) produced by offset printing, colour photocopying, and bleached-note methods. Questions draw on the legal framework under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 Section 178 (formerly IPC 1860 Section 489A-E) for counterfeiting offences and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023 Section 39 (formerly IEA 1872 Section 45) for expert opinion admissibility.

This mock is designed for MSc and BSc Forensic Science students, UGC-NET Paper II candidates preparing for Unit IX (Questioned Documents), and investigators and forensic document examiners working on FICN cases. It is also relevant for NFSU entrance examination preparation and for candidates appearing in FACT (Forensic Aptitude and Calibre Test) assessments covering currency examination and forensic law.

Topics covered:

• MGNS denominations, launch context, Rs 2000 withdrawal under Clean Note Policy
• Mahatma Gandhi Series 1996 (old series) security thread and watermark features
• Intaglio printing mechanism and forensic significance for FICN detection
• Micro-lettering examination under magnification and latent image tilt-angle test
• OVI denomination numeral colour shift (gold to green on Rs 500 MGNS)
• Windowed demetalised security thread in reflected and transmitted light
• Banknote paper: cotton-rag blend, SPM Hoshangabad (SPMCIL), BRBNMPL Mysore and Salboni
• FICN production methods: offset, photocopy, bleached-note; NCRB FICN database utility
• BNS 2023 Sections 178-182 (formerly IPC 489A-E); BSA 2023 Section 39 expert opinion

Allow 30 minutes.