New Delhi, March 10 -- Driven by short covering and firm global cues, the Indian stock market sustained the selling pressure of Dalal Street Bears as the Nifty 50 index ended above the crucial 22,550 mark. The BSE Sensex sustained above the crucial 74,300 mark and closed at 74,332. The Bank Nifty index ended marginally low at 48,497. The Nifty Small Cap 100 Index outperformed with a 1.32% increase, while the Nifty Midcap Index rose 0.37%. Advancing stocks significantly outnumbered declining ones for the second straight day, with the BSE advance-decline ratio reaching 3:1.

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) was the most significant contributor to the index gain, rising 2.9%. Asian Paints Ltd. recorded the highest percentage increase, at 4.8%. ...