<h1>Rupee strengthens on corporate dollar inflows and easing crude; net direct tax collections rise 8% and forex reserves climb.</h1> The rupee closed at 89.67 against the US dollar, supported by corporate dollar inflows, easing crude oil and equity strength; RBI intervention and a softer US dollar index were also cited. Net direct tax collections rose 8% to over Rs 17.04 lakh crore year to date through December 17, driven by slower refunds and higher corporate advance taxes, and forex reserves increased to USD 688.949 billion for the week ended December 12.