Mumbai (PTI): The rupee depreciated 10 paise to 90.15 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, as dollar demand from corporates, importers and foreign portfolio investors dented investors' sentiments.

Forex traders said investors are in a wait and watch mode and market participants are waiting for clarity from the US FED before taking decisive positions.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 90.15 against the US dollar, down 10 paise from its previous close.

On Monday, the rupee settled at 90.05 against the US dollar. Market is focussed on the stance the US Federal Reserve Chief chairman Jerome Powell will deliver in the US FED meeting this week.

"Any shift in tone could quickly change the direction for global currencies," CR Forex Advisors MD Amit Pabari said.

"With the dollar turning softer—driven by rising expectations of a Fed rate cut—and the RBI actively managing liquidity and hope of a trade deal, the rupee now looks set to settle into a period of consolidation within a broad 89.20–90.30 range," Pabari added.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.04 per cent lower at 99.04 Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading lower by 0.19 per cent at USD 62.37 per barrel in futures trade.

"A combination of softer local equities, tepid Asia FX and pre-FED caution, higher US yields are weighing over rupee even as the dollar index holds itself near 99 levels.

"FPI equity outflows continue while uncertainty around US-India trade talks beginning on Wednesday are keeping the US dollar well bid while RBIs presence keep rupee well entrenched into a small range," said Anil Kumar Bhansali Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.

India and the United States will commence three-day talks on the first phase of their proposed bilateral trade agreement here from December 10.

On the domestic equity market front, the benchmark sensitive index Sensex was trading lower by 381.91 points at 84,720.78, while the Nifty was down 139.55 points at 25,821.00.

Foreign Institutional Investors sold equities worth Rs 655.59 crore on Monday, according to exchange data.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



New Delhi (PTI): Star batter Smriti Mandhana, who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a glittering function here on Monday.

Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award, for her historic FIDE Women's World Cup triumph at just 20.

Preethi Pal was named the Para-Sportswoman of the Year, for winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field, while Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering career as India's first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success on the world stage.

Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral assignments, said in a video message: "Thank you BBC for giving me the awardfor Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women's cricket, especiallytowards the end we had a World Cup and I'm happy I could contribute and help India win matches.".

At 29, the left-handed batter is already among the game's greats, with the second-highest number of centuries in women's One Day Internationals and ranking third in total runsscored among current players worldwide.

Hailing from Sangli city in Maharashtra, the affable Mandhana was inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level.

In September last year, she made a 50-ball hundred against Australia – the fastest 50 over international ton (men and women) by an Indian in the format, breaking Virat Kohli's record.

The award winners were decided by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.

Praising the athletes' achievements CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro said: "Congratulations to this year's winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world.".

Additionally, the ceremony also celebrated a wide spectrum of talent and impact, recognizing star performers and changemakers for redefining the landscape of Indian sport.

BBC Star Performers of the Year 202.

• Indian Women's Cricket Team: for their historic World Cup victory.

• Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal: for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship.

• Indian Women's Cricket Team for the Blind: for their inspiring World Cup victory.

• Indian Women's Kabaddi Team: for their smashing victory in World Cup.

.

BBC Changemakers of the Year 202.

• Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team: for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.

• Rajbir Kaur: Indian field hockey player and former captain of the women’s national team.

• Savita Punia: Indian field hockey player and current member of the national team.

• Paani Devi: recognised for her impactful contribution to grassroots sport.