Benchmark indices ended the session with significant losses as a persistent global technology rout continues to dampen investor sentiment. The Nifty 50 declined by 336 points to settle at 25,471, while the BSE Sensex plummeted over 1,048 points to close at 82,626. This downward spiral is primarily driven by escalating fears surrounding AI-led disruption. The technology sector has faced intense selling pressure, with the Nifty IT index marking its steepest weekly decline since early 2020. Market value totaling nearly $50 billion was erased from Indian IT firms this week alone. Market volatility has surged in response to these structural concerns. The India VIX, often referred to as the fear gauge, jumped 13.37% to reach the 13.29 level. This spike reflects growing anxiety among participants as they attempt to price in the long-term impact of artificial intelligence on traditional outsourcing business models. Heavyweight tech stocks led the losers' list, with Tata Consultancy Services dropping 2.11% to ₹2,692 and Infosys sliding 1.22% to ₹1,369. Other sectors also faced collateral pressure; Hindalco Industries fell 5.74% following disappointing earnings, and Hindustan Unilever dropped 4.34% due to cautious management commentary on future growth cycles. Despite the broad-based sell-off, select pockets showed resilience. Finance and banking stocks attracted some buying interest as investors rotated away from tech. Bajaj Finance emerged as a top gainer, rising 2.57% to ₹1,024, supported by strong credit growth guidance. State Bank of India also managed a marginal gain of 0.52%. Analysts are currently advocating for a highly selective and risk-managed approach. The market is expected to remain range-bound in the near term, specifically between the 25,300 and 26,000 levels for the Nifty. Immediate support is identified at 25,400, and any breach below this could trigger further downside toward the 25,000 psychological mark. Investor focus is now shifting toward upcoming macroeconomic signals and the sustainability of corporate margins amid rising AI investment costs. Until clearer policy or industry trends emerge, the prevailing "sell on rise" sentiment is likely to dominate the trading floor.