Sensex, Nifty Muted As Virus Cases Near 5.5 Million; HCL Tech Jumps

IT services company HCL Technologies was the top percentage gainer on the Nifty 50, up 4.35%, after the company announced plans to buy Australian firm DWS Ltd.

India’s coronavirus cases surged past 5.4 million by Sunday, government data showed.

The country also passed three laws last week aimed at allowing farmers sell their produce directly to food processors and retailers, sparking protests from opposition lawmakers who said the law would leave farmers at the mercy of large corporations.

Among other sectors and shares, the Nifty banking index, which tracks both state-owned and private-sector lenders, fell for a third straight session and was down 0.3%.