Rupee hits new record low; slumps 24 paise to 90.56/USD
Mumbai (PTI): The rupee depreciated 24 paise to a new record low of 90.56 against US dollar in early trade on Friday, as uncertainty over the India-US trade deal and persistent foreign fund outflows dented investors' sentiments.
Forex traders said rupee is under pressure largely due to aggressive dollar purchases from importers amid surging global prices for precious metals.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 90.43 against the US dollar, then fell further to 90.56 against the greenback, registering a fall of 24 paise from its previous close.
On Thursday, the rupee had plunged 38 paise to close at an all-time low of 90.32 against the US dollar.
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"For the day the range of 90 to 90.60 should be honored with a close watch on RBI. Today is also the last day of the talks between the Indian and visiting American delegation and we hope a deal is announced after that," said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.02 per cent higher at 98.37.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading higher by 0.67 per cent at USD 61.69 per barrel in futures trade.
On the domestic equity market front, the 30-share benchmark index Sensex was trading higher by 170.40 points at 84,988.53, while the Nifty was up 98.40 points at 25,996.95.
Foreign Institutional Investors sold equities worth Rs 2,020.94 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.
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Beauty of democracy: Tharoor congratulates BJP on civic body poll win in his constituency
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday, while lauding the win of the UDF in Kerala local bodies elections, also congratulated the BJP for its historic performance in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency, calling it the "beauty of democracy".
In a post on X, he said the people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in his constituency.
"What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through.
"A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative elections. Hard work, a strong message and anti-incumbency have all clearly paid off to achieve a much better result than in 2020," Tharoor said.
He said he also acknowledges the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and "offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city corporation - a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape."
Tharoor said he campaigned for a change from 45 years of the LDF "misrule", but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance.
"That is the beauty of democracy. The people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in my constituency.
"We will continue to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocating for the people's needs and upholding the principles of good governance. Onwards and upwards!" Tharoor, who is the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, said.
The lotus bloomed in the state capital as the BJP-led NDA achieved a resounding win in the polls for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, snatching it from the CPI(M)-led LDF and marking an end to 45 years of continuous Left rule in the local body.
The win in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation will act as a boost for the BJP in the 2026 Assembly polls, especially in the state capital.
Of the 101 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP won 50, LDF 29, UDF 19 and two wards were won by independent candidates.
The BJP is one seat short of a decisive majority in the corporation.
Besides this, the NDA retained the Palakkad municipality after a close battle with the Congress-led UDF and wrested the Thrippunithura Municipality from the grand old party.
In Thrissur, from where Suresh Gopi won in the Lok Sabha polls last year, the BJP won 18 out of the 46 wards in Kodungallur Municipality, eight in Thrissur Corporation, two each in Guruvayoor and Vadakkancherry municipalities, seven in Kunnamkulam Municipality, six in Irinjalakuda Municipality and one in Chalakudy Municipality.
