The Indian rupee fell as much as 0.4 % to 88.2450 per U.S. dollar, marking its steepest daily drop since September 23. Traders cited heavy short-covering after the currency breached the 88 mark, and rising import-dollar demand — particularly from oil companies — also weighed. The Reserve Bank of India had earlier intervened to cap the rupee’s slide, but dollar inflows and macro uncertainty remain key risks. Analysts expect the rupee to trade in the 87.50-87.90 range this week, while foreign flows and global rate cues will shape its trajectory.