Rupee crashes below 56 level to new low against US dollar

May 23, 2012

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Mumbai, May 23: Continuing free-fall for the sixth day in a row, rupee today crashed below the psychological level of 56 against US dollar to yet another all time low on heavy demand for the American currency from importers, especially oil refiners, amid foreign fund outflows and weak equities.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the domestic unit recorded its steepest fall ever by dipping below the crucial levels of Rs 55 and Rs 56 per dollar within a span of two days, forex dealers said.

After a lower start at 55.82, the rupee continued its downward journey by losing 74 paise at 56.13 at 1350 hrs.

The dollar has also gained against the Euro and other leading currencies following ratings agency Fitch's downgrading Japan's sovereign rating by one notch to A+ with a negative outlook.

Strong dollar demand from importers pulled rupee down to a record low of 56.13, placing the domestic currency, which has lost over 12 per cent since March this year.

Forex dealers said the American currency remained in demand even as the Reserve Bank imposed restrictions of forward contracts by banks and arbitrage trading.

They said capital outflow of foreign funds from falling markets remained a major driver behind the rupee's fall as dollar surges because investors are finding the American currency a safer bet amid concerns that Greece might exit euro-zone.

Data from market regulator Sebi showed that FIIs sold stocks worth Rs 283 crore yesterday.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex dropped below the 16,000 level by losing over 179 points.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had said yesterday: "The government is taking a series of steps. However, managing rupee is market-related...There is a lot of volatility.

"As and when RBI will consider necessary they will intervene. It depends on the market forces and market forces are uncertain," he said.

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News Network
October 21,2024

khalistan.jpg

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on Monday warned passengers not to fly on Air India flights from November 1 to 19. He asserted that an attack could take place on an Air India flight during the specified dates, which coincide with the "40th anniversary of the Sikh genocide".

The founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), who holds dual citizenship in Canada and the US, had issued a similar threat around the same time last year.

Pannun's fresh threat comes amid several airlines in India receiving multiple threat calls about potential bombings, all of which turned out to be hoaxes. It also occurred at a time when India and Canada are engaged in a murky diplomatic row following Canada's allegations of India targeting Khalistani elements in the country, including the murder of another terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In November 2023, Pannun released a video claiming that Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport would be renamed and would remain closed on November 19, warning people against flying on Air India that day. The National Investigation Agency charged him with criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion, and various offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

In December last year, Pannun threatened to attack the Parliament on or before December 13, following reports of an alleged foiled plot to kill him. December 13 marks the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Parliament in 2001.

He also threatened to kill Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of State Police Gaurav Yadav on Republic Day this year. He also urged gangsters to unite and launch an attack on Mann on January 26.

Pannun has been designated a terrorist by the Ministry of Home Affairs since July 2020 on charges of sedition and secessionism, as he leads SFJ, a group advocating for a separate sovereign Sikh state. A year prior to this, India banned SFJ as an "unlawful association" for engaging in "anti-national and subversive" activities.

In another development, on October 17, the United States charged a former officer of India's spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) for allegedly directing a foiled plot to murder Pannun, a charge New Delhi has rejected as baseless allegations.

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News Network
October 27,2024

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav stated on Sunday, October 27, that his party is prepared to contest the Maharashtra Assembly elections independently if the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) does not include them in the alliance. 

Yadav assured that the SP would only contest in constituencies where it has a strong organizational presence and would ensure its participation does not affect the MVA’s overall prospects.

Several I.N.D.I.A. alliance members have expressed dissatisfaction with the Congress over seat-sharing arrangements in upcoming state polls. 

Both the CPI(ML)L and the RJD voiced frustration after being offered only 3-4 seats each for the Jharkhand elections by the Congress.

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