<h1>Rupee slides to record low 88.73 amid portfolio outflows, H-1B levy fears and dollar strength; RBI may intervene</h1> Rupee depreciated to a record low of 88.73 against the US dollar amid sustained foreign portfolio outflows and market concern over a new USD 100,000 H-1B visa levy that could reduce remittances and Indian services exports. Market participants flagged potential Reserve Bank of India intervention under FEMA/regulatory powers to stabilise the currency, while FX traders will monitor US macro data and speeches by US officials for direction. Equity selloffs and an elevated dollar index compounded pressure. A government trade delegation is engaging US counterparts to negotiate trade issues that may affect bilateral services and tariff exposure.