Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty staged a strong recovery and posted significant gains on Friday, following renewed buying interest in blue-chip information technology stocks and consumer goods giant ITC. The rally came after a cautious and flat start to the trading session, reflecting improved investor sentiment amid easing global concerns and selective sectoral strength.

After a flat start to the trade, the 30-share BSE benchmark gauge Sensex, bounced back and jumped 953.18 points to 81,905.17 in late morning deals. The NSE Nifty surged 299.35 points to 24,909.05.