New Delhi, Nov. 14 -- Indian benchmark indices ended a volatile session nearly flat on Thursday, with the Nifty 50 rising by 3.35 points (0.01%) to 25,879.15, and the Sensex gaining 12.16 points (0.01%) to close at 84,478.67. Early gains were supported by hopes of a resolution to the US government shutdown and lower domestic inflation in October. However, these were largely negated by end-of-day profit booking and caution ahead of the Bihar election results.

Nifty Metal, Pharma, and Realty were the top performers, while PSU Banks and FMCG lagged. Stock-specific action was prominent, with Asian Paints and Tata Steel rising sharply on positive quarterly results, while certain Auto and IT majors saw selling pressure.

The Indian equity mark...