Indian equity markets plunged sharply on Monday amid global weakness and geopolitical tensions. Sensex crashed 1,836 points to close at 72,696, while Nifty 50 fell 602 points or 2.60% to 22,512. Broad-based selling pressure dominated, with Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices tumbling nearly 4% each. FII outflows, rupee weakness, and surging crude oil prices compounded selling pressure. Sectoral weakness hit consumer durables, metals, banking, and realty, while IT stocks showed relative resilience. Market breadth remained heavily negative with 2,995 NSE stocks declining versus 228 advancing. Bank Nifty slipped over 3%, dragged down by AU Small Finance, Union Bank, Yes Bank, and PNB. India VIX spiked to 26, reflecting heightened fear. Technically, Nifty faces key support near 22,200-22,000 levels with rallies toward 22,750-22,800 likely to encounter selling pressure.
