Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Foreign Fund Outflows
Rupee Declines Against the Dollar
The Indian rupee has reached an unprecedented low, surpassing the 94 mark against the US dollar. The currency dropped by 29 paise, closing at 94.05, as foreign fund outflows persisted due to ongoing conflicts in West Asia.
Market Reactions
Despite a decrease in global crude oil prices and positive trends in domestic equity markets, the rupee's situation remained unchanged. The benchmark Sensex rose by 1.63%, while Nifty increased by 1.72%. Brent crude, a global oil standard, was trading 4.33% lower at $99.97 per barrel.
New Foreign Contribution Regulation Bill Introduced
The Union government has presented the 2026 Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. This legislation aims to empower the government to take action against organizations utilizing foreign funds for activities deemed contrary to the Constitution or national interests, as stated by Union minister Nityanand Rai.
Opposition's Concerns
The bill has faced opposition from various MPs, who labeled it as 'dangerous' and 'draconian.' Congress MP Manish Tewari criticized the amendment for granting excessive powers to the executive.
Coroner's Findings on Zubeen Garg's Death
A coroner's inquiry in Singapore has concluded that singer Zubeen Garg's death was due to accidental drowning. The inquiry supported the Police Coast Guard's assessment that Garg was heavily intoxicated and had declined to wear a life jacket. Despite this, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has claimed that Garg's death was not accidental.
Supreme Court's Criticism of Haryana Police
The Supreme Court has expressed disapproval of the Haryana Police for allegedly obstructing the investigation into the rape of a four-year-old girl in Gurugram. The court noted that there was sufficient evidence indicating a serious offence, yet the police only filed a report for a lesser charge.
NDA Announces Seat-Sharing for Tamil Nadu Elections
The National Democratic Alliance has officially revealed its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. The Bharatiya Janata Party will contest 27 of the 234 Assembly seats, an increase from the previous elections.