Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant decline in early trade, falling approximately 0.5 percent. Volatility surged, with India VIX rising over 8 percent, indicating heightened investor nervousness. Broad-based selling pressure was evident across market segments, with midcap and smallcap stocks also slipping. The Nifty is nearing a critical support zone, and a sustained break below could lead to further losses, while a rebound above 25,800-25,850 is needed to ease pressure. Realty, media, pharma, and energy sectors led the decline.