Mumbai, Aug. 20 -- The headline equity benchmarks ended with substantial gains on Thursday, supported by positive global cues, a stronger rupee and short covering following the recent seven-session losing streak. The expiry of weekly Sensex derivatives contracts on the BSE also kept traders active, with position adjustments contributing to market volatility. The Nifty settled above the 24,200 level. Media, realty and private bank shares advanced, while chemical and PSU bank shares declined.

As per provisional closing data, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex surged 628.04 points or 0.82% to 77,537.72. The Nifty 50 index gained 153.55 points or 0.64% to 24,231.85. Over the past four consecutive trading sessions, the Sensex declined 1....