The 30-share BSE Sensex gained 299.17 points, or 0.40 per cent, to settle at 74,828.25. The 50-share NSE Nifty jumped 117.80 points, or 0.50 per cent, to end at 23,446.80

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.58 then touched 95.57 against the American currency, registering a gain of 5 paise from its previous close