Mumbai, March 24 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets surged 252.96 points or 1.16 percent during the pre-noon session Monday.

Good buying was observed in the banking, oil and gas and auto sectors, while marginal selling pressure was seen in the healthcare sector.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 21,827.50 points, was trading at 22,008.28 points in the pre-noon session, up 252.96 points or 1.16 percent from the previous day's close at 21,755.32 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 22,046.58 points and a low of 21,827.50 points during the trade so far.The S&P BSE bankex gained 356.56 points, oil and gas index surged by 146.44 points and auto index went up by 80.38 points.

However, healthcare index dropped by 20.78 points. The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also surged by 72.75 points or 1.12 percent and was trading at 6,567.65 points.

Watch Video