The key equity indices in India experienced slight gains on Monday, with the Nifty 50 closing at 24,364.85, up 11.30 points or 0.05%. This marks the second consecutive day of gains, although volatility remains due to uncertainties surrounding the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the Iran-US ceasefire. The S&P BSE Sensex also saw a modest increase, closing at 78,520.30, up 26.76 points or 0.03%. PSU banks and auto stocks were the primary drivers of this upward movement, with JSW Steel rising 2.80%, State Bank of India increasing by 2.20%, and ICICI Bank gaining 0.56%. However, the broader market struggled, with the BSE 150 MidCap Index falling 0.09% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index down 0.15%. The market breadth was negative, with 1,840 shares rising against 2,548 shares that fell. The NSE's India VIX, a measure of expected market volatility, surged 9.21% to 18.79. Investors are closely monitoring the ongoing Q4 earnings season and fluctuations in crude oil prices, gold, and the rupee for further market cues.