FINANCE MINISTER LAUNCHES FIRST COLOUR SOUVENIR COIN ON ‘PANCHTANTRA’.

Why in news?

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday launched the first colour souvenir coin on ‘Panchtantra’ on the occasion of 17th foundation day of Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL).
• The Panchtantra was authored by Vishnu Sharma during 200 BC. It is an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables in Sanskrit verse and prose.
• About SPMCIL–
  • It is a wholly owned Schedule ’A’ Miniratna Category-I company of Government of India.
  • It is involved in the manufacture/ production of currency and bank notes, security paper, Non Judicial Stamp Papers, Postal Stamps and stationery, Travel Documents, Cheques, Bonds, Warrant, Special certificates with security features etc.