The Reserve Bank of India was established in 1934 following the Reserve Bank of India Act. It was initially privately owned but was nationalized in 1949 and is now fully owned by the Government of India. As the central bank and monetary authority, the RBI regulates banking operations and financial systems in India in order to maintain public confidence, protect depositor interests, and provide cost-effective banking services. It issues currency (except the 1 rupee note), implements monetary policy tools like cash reserve ratios to control money supply and credit in the economy, and oversees banks and financial institutions.