Rupee rises 9 paise to 87.79 against US dollar in early trade
Mumbai (PTI): The rupee rose 9 paise to 87.79 against the dollar in early trade on Friday, bolstered by a drop in global crude oil prices and optimism around an India-US trade deal.
However, FII outflows prevented sharper gains, forex traders said.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 87.78 against the US dollar before dropping marginally to 87.79, down 9 paise from its previous close.
The rupee appreciated 5 paise to close at 87.88 against the US dollar on Thursday.
"The Reserve Bank of India was again present at 87.95 yesterday (Thursday), ensuring that the rupee does not cross 88.00 level and the rupee closed with optimism of a US-India trade deal at its peak. Global sentiment remains mixed as oil prices move higher," Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP, said.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.08 per cent higher at 99.01.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading lower by 0.55 per cent at USD 65.63 per barrel in futures trade.
"After gaining more than 5 per cent on Thursday due to US sanctions on two Russian oil companies exports (which account for over 5 per cent of the total world oil output), Brent oil prices were stable at USD 65.63 per barrel and set for its biggest weekly gain since June 2025. Prices are higher by 7 per cent on a weekly basis, reflecting one of the most significant weekly rebounds in about 4 months," Bhansali added.
On the domestic equity market front, Sensex declined 153.18 points to 84,403.22 in early trade while the Nifty was down 51.1 points to 25,840.30.
Foreign Institutional Investors sold equities worth Rs 1,165.94 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
