Mumbai: Eminent scholar, lawyer, and political commentator A G Noorani passed away on Thursday in Mumbai at the age of 93. Noorani, widely respected for his deep expertise in constitutional matters and incisive political analysis, left a significant mark on Indian scholarship and journalism.

Over his long and distinguished career, Noorani authored several influential books, including the well-known "The Kashmir Question," and contributed columns to major dailies across the country, including Greater Kashmir. His writings, particularly on issues related to Indian Muslims and constitutional law, were highly regarded for their depth and insight. He also presented numerous papers at seminars nationwide, educating audiences on a wide range of critical issues.

The news of Noorani’s passing has been met with widespread condolence messages from across the political and academic spectrum.

Asaduddin Owaisi, President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), paid tribute to Noorani on X, writing, "AG Noorani, a giant among scholars, has passed away. I learnt a great deal from him, from the constitution, to Kashmir, to China, & even the art of appreciating good food. May Allah grant him maghfirah."

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed his sorrow on X, stating, "Sorry to hear about the demise of A G Noorani Sb earlier today. Noorani Sb was a man of letters, an accomplished lawyer, a scholar & a political commentator. He wrote extensively on matters of law and on subjects like Kashmir, RSS, and the constitution. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat."

Journalist Iftikhar Gilani took to Facebook to share his thoughts, noting, "Just received news that distinguished scholar, lawyer, and political commentator A. G. Noorani is no more. He breathed his last a few minutes ago in Mumbai. His loss is a significant one for all who value rigorous, insightful analysis and thoughtful discourse. May his legacy endure and continue to inspire future generations. Rest in peace, A.G. Noorani."

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Mumbai (PTI): The rupee depreciated 20 paise to 95.43 against US dollar in early trade on Tuesday as market sentiments remained fragile after renewed military exchanges between US and Iranian forces in the Gulf region.

Forex traders said investor anxiety due to instability in the Gulf is causing massive capital flight into safe-haven assets, with the US dollar acting as the primary beneficiary.

Moreover, Brent oil prices is hovering near USD 113 per barrel, maintaining pressure on oil-importing economies like India.

At the interbank foreign exchange market the rupee opened at 95.30 then lost ground to touch 95.43 against the US dollar, in initial trade, registering a fall of 20 paise over its previous close.

Rupee fell 39 paise to close at an all-time low of 95.23 against the US dollar on Monday.

"With oil boiling rupee on Monday fell to a closing low of 95.0875 and this morning the opening was still lower as it becomes more and more vulnerable when dollar index rises due to safe-haven buying and oil prices rise due to the continuous fighting in the Gulf Region," Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director, Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP, said.

The higher oil prices will keep rupee sold off against the dollar as oil companies and FPIs intensify dollar buying, Bhansali added.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading at 98.51, up 0.15 per cent.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading lower by 1.07 per cent at USD 113.22 per barrel in futures trade.

"Market sentiments remained fragile after renewed military exchanges between US and Iranian forces when Iranian forces launched fresh attacks in the Gulf as both sides sought to assert control over the strategic waterway," Bhansali said.

On the domestic equity market front, Sensex declined 361.62 points to 76,907.78 in early trade, while the Nifty dropped 134.90 points to 23,980.60.

Foreign Institutional Investors purchased equities worth Rs 2,835.62 crore on Monday, according to exchange data.