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Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Foreign Fund Outflows

The Indian rupee has hit a record low against the US dollar, closing at 94.05 amid ongoing foreign fund outflows linked to West Asian conflicts. Despite positive trends in the domestic equity market, the currency's decline continues. In political news, the Union government has introduced a controversial Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, facing opposition from various MPs. Additionally, a coroner's inquiry in Singapore ruled that singer Zubeen Garg's death was accidental drowning, contradicting claims of foul play. The Supreme Court has criticized Haryana Police for mishandling a serious rape case, and the NDA has announced its seat-sharing plan for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
 

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.