Rupee stayed under pressure on Wednesday, opening at a record low of 91.07 against the US dollar, down 0.05% from its previous close, before clawing back part of its losses, likely supported by intervention from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Reuters reported.The central bank stepped in aggressively after the currency hit record lows for four straight sessions, triggering its strongest intraday recovery in about seven months. The rupee had been weighed down by sustained portfolio outflows and an ongoing stalemate in US–India trade talks.After opening near 91.07, the rupee rebounded sharply, rising to an intraday high of 89.75 on the interbank order matching system from levels close to 91 seen before the intervention.

Market participants noted that Wednesday’s intervention mirrored RBI actions in October and November, when it stepped in on multiple occasions to curb one-way moves in the currency.Earlier on Tuesday, the domestic currency breached the 91-per-dollar mark for the first time during intraday trade, touching an all-time low of 91.14 before recovering partially to close 15 paise weaker at 90.93. Traders said the decline came despite weakness in the US dollar and a sharp fall in global crude oil prices.Rupee has been under sustained stress in recent sessions. It slipped past the 90-per-dollar level on Monday and has hit fresh record lows for the third straight session, driven by concerns over a prolonged deadlock in India–US trade talks and persistent portfolio outflows. Over the past 10 trading sessions, the currency has fallen from around 90 to 91 against the dollar, losing nearly 1% in just the last five sessions. Traders said the period was marked by strong dollar demand and a disconnect between the rupee and other Asian currencies, alongside growing interest in speculative short positions.So far this year, the rupee is among the worst-performing global currencies, down about 6% against the greenback. A widening trade deficit, punitive 50% US tariffs and steady investment outflows have pushed the currency to record lows near the 91 level.

Last Updated:December 17, 2025, 08:07 IST

From a modest garage to a IT powerhouse, his journey reshaped India’s tech dreams. But what truly sets him apart is how quietly his wealth flows back into society every single day

Success Story: One name stands out whenever India’s IT success stories are told: Shiv Nadar. What began in a modest garage in 1976 went on to become Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL), one of India’s leading global IT companies.

Today, Shiv Nadar is not only a celebrated entrepreneur but also one of the country’s most generous philanthropists, donating nearly Rs 7.4 crore every day.

From A Small Garage: The Birth Of HCL

Shiv Nadar was born on July 14, 1945, in the Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu. After completing his engineering education, he joined the DCM Group. During his time there, discussions with colleagues about the future of computers and electronics in India sparked a bold idea, that is, to start something of their own.

In 1976, Shiv Nadar and a small group of engineers founded HCL from a garage in Delhi. Initially, the company focused on computer hardware and electronic products, with a clear aim: to bring computer technology to India and create employment opportunities for young professionals.

Challenges On The Road To Success

The early years were far from easy. HCL faced financial constraints, technical hurdles, and intense market competition. However, Shiv Nadar’s long-term vision and commitment to innovation kept the company moving forward. He firmly believed that technology should simplify lives and drive progress for everyone.

During the 1980s and 1990s, HCL diversified from hardware manufacturing into software development and IT services. The company steadily expanded beyond India, establishing operations across the US, Europe, and Asia.

Today, HCL Technologies operates in nearly 60 countries and employs more than 2,22,000 people. It is a major player in areas such as cloud computing, cyber security, digital transformation, and enterprise software solutions.

Passing The Baton To Roshni Nadar Malhotra

After leading HCL for over four decades, Shiv Nadar stepped down as chairman in 2020. He appointed his daughter, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, as the new chairman, making her the first woman to hold the position in the company’s history.

Shiv Nadar now serves as Chairman Emeritus and Strategic Advisor.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Shiv Nadar’s net worth stands at $38.2 billion (approx. Rs 3.17 lakh crore), placing him among the world’s richest individuals at 54th position globally. As of now, HCL’s market capitalisation is Rs 4,49,369 crore.

Commitment To Social Service and Philanthropy

Shiv Nadar’s legacy extends far beyond business. Through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, he has made significant contributions to education by establishing schools and universities across India.

As per the ‘EdelGive-Hurun Philanthropy List 2025’, Shiv Nadar and his family topped the list of India’s biggest philanthropists for the fourth time in five years. In the past year alone, the family donated Rs 2,708 crore, averaging Rs 7.4 crore every day. In recognition of his contribution to the IT sector and his vision for empowering India’s youth, Shiv Nadar was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2008. Today, HCL symbolises India’s technological strength on the global stage.

Shiv Nadar’s journey proves that extraordinary success can begin with the smallest of steps. From a single garage to a global IT empire, his story remains one of vision, perseverance, and purpose.

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New Delhi: IndiGo has issued a travel advisory for Wednesday (December 17) morning as thick winter mist and dense fog are expected to blanket parts of North and East India, leading to reduced visibility and slower flight movements.

In a post shared on X, the airline said, “As the morning approaches under misty winter skies, fog is predicted across parts of North and East India, which may lead to reduced visibility and a slower pace of flight movements during the early hours. In the interest of safety, some flights may experience delays or adjustments.”

The airline emphasised that it is taking proactive steps to ensure passenger safety. “Our teams across airports are fully prepared and working in close coordination to manage schedules smoothly, assist customers and maintain a steady flow of operations,” the post added.

Passengers are being urged to plan ahead, allowing extra travel time to reach the airport and to check the latest flight status through IndiGo’s website or mobile app.

“Foggy conditions may also impact road traffic, with slower movement and longer travel times expected while commuting to the airport. Customers travelling early are advised to plan with additional buffer time and check the latest flight status on our website or app before leaving home,” the advisory stated.

IndiGo also expressed gratitude to passengers for their patience. “Thank you for your patience and continued trust as we work steadily through the early hours, with visibility expected to improve as the day progresses,” the airline added.

The advisory coincides with similar warnings from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi. On Tuesday (December 17) morning, the IGI Airport issued a fog advisory, cautioning that departures and arrivals might face disruptions due to low visibility. Around 6:06 am, Delhi Airport reported that flight operations were “steadily recovering” but warned that some delays could persist.

The airport urged passengers to remain in touch with their respective airlines for the most accurate schedule updates. “We appreciate your cooperation and understanding,” the airport said, adding that ground staff and personnel have been deployed across terminals to assist travellers.

The situation is further complicated by Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 378 around 8 am on Tuesday, placing it in the “very poor” category.

The combination of dense fog and heavy pollution has reduced visibility in the early morning hours, disrupting air traffic and prompting repeated advisories from both airlines and airport authorities. Passengers are being urged to remain vigilant and plan their journeys with extra time, as conditions are expected to improve gradually as the day progresses.