Sensex, Nifty decline 2 per cent each as West Asia tensions escalate; investors lose Rs 8 lakh crore within minutes

India’s equity market fell sharply again on Monday as tensions in West Asia showed no signs of de-escalation. In early morning deals, the BSE Sensex nosedived more than 1,550 points, or over 2%, to 72,977, while the NSE Nifty50 plunged nearly 500 points, or over 2%, to 22,634. Investors lost a staggering Rs 8 lakh crore within minutes, as the overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms dropped to Rs 421 lakh crore from Rs 429 lakh crore on Friday. The fresh fall is attributed to geopolitical tensions worsening over the weekend, as US President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum…