Mumbai, March 17 -- The Indian rupee appreciated 24 paise to close at 86.81(provisional) against the US dollar on Monday on positive domestic equities and weakness of the American currency in the overseas market. Local shares closed higher on Monday after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he is "not worried" about the recent market downturn and China announced plans featuring measures to boost wages and stabilize stock and real estate markets. The benchmark 30-share BSE Sensex ended the session up 341.04 points, or 0.4 percent, at 74,169.95. The broader NSE Nifty index closed up 111.55 points, or half a percent, at 22,508.75. Weakness in the US dollar and positive global markets also supported the counter. However, surge in crude o...