Benchmark domestic equity indices were trading around 2 per cent higher in the afternoon session today. The Sensex surged 1,644 points to 78,945, while the Nifty advanced 467 points to 24,428, when reports last came in.

On the sectoral front, Auto, Financial Services and Cement emerged as the top gainers. Conversely, Capital Goods, Telecommunication and Media bucked the trend.