Stock-market recap, Sept. 3 -- Indian equities fell sharply on Wednesday as a fresh escalation in the US-Iran conflict sent crude oil prices surging, reviving inflation and rate-hike worries across global markets. The Nifty 50 dropped 141.35 points, or 0.59%, to close at 23,914.45, while the Sensex lost 373.93 points, or 0.49%, to settle at 76,570.35.

The sell-off was broad-based, with Brent crude nearing $96 per barrel after the US carried out fresh strikes on Iranian targets, and Iran responded with missile and drone attacks, stoking fears over energy-supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Auto stocks bore the brunt of the selling, with the sector falling nearly 1.8% as Eicher Motors and Hero MotoCorp declined sharply on ris...