India, Aug. 18 -- Benchmark Sensex dropped by 281 points, while the broader Nifty fell for the fifth straight session on Monday, due to selling in IT, FMCG, and telecom shares amid rising crude oil prices and persistent geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 281.09 points, or 0.36 per cent, to settle at 77,728.16. During the day, it dropped 555.5 points, or 0.71 per cent, to 77,453.75.

Falling for the fifth consecutive day, the 50-share NSE Nifty declined 78.35 points, or 0.32 per cent, to end at 24,287.65, taking the losses to the fifth day. From the Sensex pack, Infosys, HCL Tech, Sun Pharma, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra and ITC were among the biggest laggards.

Tata Steel, Axis Bank, Reliance...