Markets dive over 1% as IT stocks crumble; Sensex plunges 1,068.74 points

Markets fell over 1% as IT stocks plummeted amid global tensions and concerns over AI disruption, with Sensex down 1,068.74 points.

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled more than 1% on Tuesday (February 24, 2026), dragged down by heavy losses in IT stocks amid concerns over artificial intelligence-led disruption and renewed trade-related uncertainties.

Rising global crude prices amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and sluggish global cues also hit investor sentiment, traders said. The 30-share BSE Sensex plummeted 1,068.74 points, or 1.28%, to settle at 82,225.92. During the day, the benchmark plunged 1,359.93 points, or 1.63%, to hit an intraday low of 81,934.73.

The 50-share NSE Nifty fell 288.35 points, or 1.12%, to close at 25,424.65. In the intraday session, it depreciated by 385.4 points, or 1.49%, to hit a low of 25,327.60.

"Domestic markets registered a sharp decline, led by significant weakness in IT stocks amid renewed global concerns over AI-driven disruption and margin pressures for traditional service providers," Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Ltd, said.

Global trade and tariff worries resurfaced as well, with additional pressure arising from Mr. Trump's warnings on trade deals and reports of possible national-security tariffs, he added.

Tech Mahindra emerged as the biggest laggard, declining by 6.6%, followed by HCL Technologies, Eternal, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Larsen & Toubro, Trent, Bharti Airtel, HDFC Bank, Bharat Electronics Ltd and ICICI Bank. On the other hand, NTPC, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Steel, PowerGrid, Titan, Reliance Industries, Axis Bank, and Sun Pharmaceuticals were among the gainers.