New Delhi, Aug. 19 -- Indian equity markets closed well in the green on Monday, with the Nifty50 rising around 1% to close at 24,876.95 and the BSE Sensex gaining around 676points or 0.84% to end at 81,273.75.

The rally was driven by significant GST reform proposals, which introduced a simplified two-rate structure of 5% and 18%. These changes are expected to reduce prices of essentials and electronics while providing an estimated stimulus worth 0.7-0.8% of GDP.

Sentiment received a further boost from an S&P rating upgrade and easing geopolitical concerns following high‑level US‑Russia discussions. The auto and consumer sectors led the gains, with Maruti Suzuki surging around 8.2% and Hero MotoCorp jumping around 6.5%.

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